Fatal Embrace


Aris Whittier - 2004
    Or at least it would be if her boss, ex-detective Michael Carven, stopped acting like he didn't want her there. Jessica has to prove herself to him on the ranch, and also try to penetrate his armor to get to the man inside. Michael Carven is a man who has left a difficult past behind him, and now works at his dream job raising horses under the Montana sky. But he knows that the past has a way of coming back to him, and soon enough, it does. A wave of violence hits the nearby small town of Riverside, nestled deep in the mountains, as a cunning serial killer preys on the population. Against his will, Michael finds himself both drawn into the case and coming to care for his independent new trainer. And if having a killer on the loose wasn't enough, his two worlds collide when Jessica becomes the only material witness in the case. Before it is over, Michael and Jessica will put everything they know and hold dear on the line to catch a vicious, cunning killer - and to protect each other as well.

Devil's Lake


Aaron Paul Lazar - 2014
    Like the rest of her family, Boone has never given up hope that Portia would return. But when she turns up battered, skinny as a twelve-year-old boy, afraid of everything and unable to talk about what happened, he does the only thing he can—try to help her heal. He summons the town doctor and Portia’s parents, and sets out to put this beautiful, broken woman back together again. Through her family's love and Boone's gentle affection, Portia gradually comes back to herself, and starts to fall for her old friend in a whole new way. But one thing threatens her fragile hope for recovery: The man who took her promised that if she ever escaped, he'd kill her. Slowly. And someone is definitely watching her...waiting to make his next deadly move.

Jane Doe's Return


Jen Talty - 2009
     Special Agent Travis Brown has set his life up so he can have access to information that will lead him to the one woman he believes can tell him who killed his sister. But he’s not prepared for the drive and determination of his new partner; Special Agent Shauna Morgan. Her instincts are sharp and her beauty undeniable. His attraction to her is as strong as his need to find his sister’s killer. But Shauna has a secret. A secret that will ultimately put his heart on the line, along with her life. Jane Doe’s Return is a completed contemporary romantic suspense set between the city streets of Albany, New York and the scenic beauty of Lake George where I lived for many years. It is a tale of one woman who believes the only way to move beyond her past, is to shut the door on it, and the man who breaks it down. Jane Doe's Return is the recipient of The Molly and The Beacon Romance Writing Contests.

Amber Light


Virginia McCullough - 2014
     "A skillfully told story of a woman's journey of healing from a life changing traumatic event—Virginia McCullough pulled me in on page one. I flew through this book and didn't want it to end." —Dr. Elizabeth G. Biggers, Psychotherapist, LPC Despite everything, Sarah Whitmore still believes in lucky breaks… A single act of violence left Sarah pregnant, with her cherished plans for the future in ruins. But she grabs her chance to leave her Wisconsin town behind and create a new life on the South Carolina coast, with help from an aunt and uncle she barely knows. As a single mother, Sarah’s new life includes Amber, who Sarah vows will never learn the truth about her violent father. Over the next years Sarah tries to heal the psychological trauma she endured, but it’s not easy. Sarah includes her job at an island resort another lucky break, along with her unlikely friendship with Woody, who helps her break out of her shell and develop her talent as a portrait artist. But even Woody can’t help Sarah believe a relationship with a man is possible for her—ever. Then Sarah meets Barly Rhoads, a dad who fought for the right to be with his child. Barly believes in justice and righting wrongs when he sees them, including fixing his own mistakes. The past refuses to stay buried when Amber’s father threatens the safe, perfect life Sarah has created for herself and her daughter. Barly proves he will go to any length to protect Sarah and Amber, and in the process exposes some deep wounds of his own. Now Sarah must decide if she’s ready for one more lucky break. Scroll up to buy Amber Light now to experience this romance saga of a single mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter. It is the story of one woman's hard journey after she is victimized in a sexual encounter. Willing to try to make the perfect life for her daughter on the South Carolina shores, as a young teen parent new to motherhood, she tries to get over her psychological trauma and become a stronger woman for her daughter. Side-by-side, they learn together, as she tries to heal through her hurts and learn to love again. Virginia McCullough is the author of three previous women’s fiction novels: Island Healing, Greta’s Grace, and The Chapels on the Hill. Virginia McCullough began her writing career when she moved to the coast of Maine, soon breaking in to magazines with articles about sailing/cruising, family living, and children’s literature. Virginia has written over 100 books for her clients, including 12 titles for Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., a neurologist-psychiatrist and developer of Sensa, the popular weight loss program. Her coauthored books include The Oxygen Revolution, written with Paul Harch, M.D., a pioneer in the field of hyperbaric medicine. In 2011, she and a friend, Lynda McDaniel, co-founded The Book Catalysts, a book writing coaching service that also offers tools for writers, including the e-book, Write Your Book Now! What others are saying about Virginia McCullough's novel, The Chapels on the Hill: “A lyrical story of the healing power of love—it will capture your heart.” —Stacey Joy Netzel, NY Times bestselling author of the Romancing Wisconsin series What others are saying about Virginia McCullough's novel, Island Healing: "Captivating, vivid, heartwarming...

The Gingerbread Man


Maggie Shayne - 2001
    When the FBI takes over the case, Vince agrees to take time off. Traveling to a small upstate New York town, he meets Holly Newman--a fragile woman whose sister was abducted and killed years ago. Convinced that Holly's sister's death is linked to the recent murders, he attempts to unearth clues hidden deep in Holly's mind.

Unbelievable


Nikki Rome - 2021
    He’s the man she left behind. When their paths cross again can they fight past regret to a fiery second chance?Christy Price knows unspeakable trauma. After fighting to regain her voice, she stands tall as a powerful, high-profile attorney. But when her complicated past returns, against her better judgment she agrees to meet the handsome man who still haunts her nights.Jason Calvano rules his security empire with an iron fist. Successful in every way, he refuses to take no for an answer. When he crosses paths with the one woman with the strength to stand up to him, he vows to safeguard her and win her back.As Christy struggles to overcome her secret agony, she fears she'll never find the courage to fully share herself with Jason. Meanwhile, the determined security agent battles to discover Christy's secrets, knowing it’s the only way to protect and finally embrace her for all time.Will they survive the battle for true love? This is a steamy, second chance romance that guarantees an HAE. Unbelievable, book one in the Heroes of Calvano Security series is a complete story.

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today


Stacy Juba - 2009
    She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.

Come October


Patricia Kay - 2005
    They believed their love could withstand anything. But life can change in an instant and Claire is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice and disappear. For years afterward Tucker mourns her loss. Can these two star-crossed lovers ever find each other again? Patricia Kay delivers the kind of complex, emotional, deeply satisfying story she is known for in this heartbreaking tale of love and loss. PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR PATRICIA KAY: "A stunning book from a master storyteller. Patricia Kay writes from the heart about matters that touch us all." -- Susan Wiggs, NY Times bestselling author "A beautifully written compelling story you won't be able to put down." --- Georgia Bockoven, USA Today bestselling author "If you love LaVyrle Spencer, you'll love Patricia Kay." --- Deborah Smith "Wonderful . . . (a) sparkling romance." --- Eileen Goudge "Kay's writing is solid, and her narrative swiftly reaches a satisfying finish." -- Publisher's Weekly "Patricia Kay writes from the heart about people we come to love." --- Christina Dodd, NY Times bestselling author "Heartrending and touching . . . Ms. Kay never fails to deliver this kind of story." -- Amanda Kilgore, Huntress Reviews "This marvelous story is full to bursting with winning characters, special moments, and most of all, hope, faith, and the rejuvenating power of love." --- Romantic Times Magazine "An intriguing story of love at first sight." --- Houston Tempo Magazine "There are deep questions about relationships and serious character growth evident in this story, which is also warm, sensuous, and excellent entertainment." --- Rendezvous magazine "A warm, tender, beautifully written love story with an emotional punch that only Patricia Kay can deliver." --- Amanda Stevens, USA Today bestselling author PATRICIA KAY is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels of romance and women's fiction. Her 2000 novel THE WRONG CHILD was nominated for a Rita, the most prestigious award given to authors of romance and women's fiction by the Romance Writers of America. She and her two cats make their home in Houston, Texas. To learn more about her and her books, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.

The Sleuth's Miscalculation


Kimberly Rose Johnson - 2018
    Can they work together, or will their differences pull them apart? Librarian Nancy Daley loves a good mystery and enjoys moonlighting as a consultant for the sheriff’s department. When license plates go missing in Tipton County, she’s on the case. This time things are different—she’s been partnered with the new deputy, and he’s not interested in her help. To make matters worse, she’s angered the wrong person and is now being threatened. Sheriff Deputy Carter Malone expects Tipton, Oregon to be a sleepy small-town, but he miscalculated. He’d come to town for a fresh start with his nephew—one without the issues big cities deal with. Had he made a mistake? To complicate matters, he’s told he must consult with the sheriff’s daughter, who is not in law enforcement. When the minor case they are working morphs into something more, things quickly go from harmless to scary. Can they solve the mystery before it’s too late, and more importantly, what will they do about their growing attraction?

Killing Bliss


E.C. Sheedy - 2005
    Two bullets. Three runaways.Addy Michaels, living her careful life on a forgotten back road, thinks she's safe--that the past and its corpses are long buried. Surely after fifteen years the cops have quit looking for the street kids believed to have kidnapped a baby and killed their prostitute foster mother¬, Belle Bliss.Addy couldn't be more wrong.A cold case.Hot again, when the missing child's grandmother hires renowned profiler Cade Harding to find her grandson. Cade tracks Addy to her safe haven in a remote area of Washington state. Their attraction to each other is immediate, dangerous, and badly timed because...Cade isn't alone.A twisted killerFaceless and unknowable, a murderer follows in Cade's footsteps--on the hunt for anyone who can tell the truth about killing Bliss.All roads lead to Addy.

Murder Notes


Lisa Renee Jones - 2018
    And she is very good at her job. When a series of murders surface—the victims all stripped naked and shot in the head—Lilah’s instincts tell her it’s the work of an assassin, not a serial killer. But when the case takes her back to her hometown in the Hamptons and a mysterious but unmistakable connection to her own life, all her assumptions are shaken to the core.Thrust into a troubled past she’s tried to shut the door on, Lilah’s back in the town where her father is mayor, her brother is police chief, and she has an intimate history with the local crime lord’s son, Kane Mendez. The two share a devastating secret, and only Kane understands Lilah’s own darkest impulses. As more corpses surface, so does a series of anonymous notes to Lilah, threatening to expose her. Is the killer someone in her own circle? And is she the next target?

Survive The Fall


Julia Bright - 2018
    Every day, the weight of her father and brother's deaths wear another notch in her soul. She won't last if she doesn't act soon. Flashbacks hit Adam hard, knocking him out of the Army, but he isn't done with revenge. The sexy siren who point blank asked for sex his first night in Wyoming now needs his help. He isn't sure how deep she is, but he knows something isn't on the level with her. Adam was only supposed to be one night of mindless sex to help her forget, but he's the man she'd taking overseas to protect her while she goes in to kill the one terrorist who wrecked her family. If you like Special Forces, you'll love Julia Bright's fast paced series. Buy Survive the Fall and get into the action and romance.

Deep Blue Sea


Valerie Howard - 2013
    With her marriage, her job, and her sanity in jeopardy, Jamie is desperate to escape everything that reminds her of that fateful night, if only the nightmares would stop haunting her.Widowed pastor Byron Mitchell lost his wife and his son in the same weekend. His wife in a horrible accident, and his son in a heated argument. Desperate to win his son back, no matter the cost, Byron strikes out at every turn until he gets injured trying to stop a bank robbery. Forced to visit him in the hospital, his son makes it clear he doesn't appreciate Byron's intrusion into his life.When Jamie interviews Byron for a magazine article about the shooting, the peace in the pastor's eyes tells her that he might be able to help with her problems, and she's determined to help him reconcile with his long-lost son. As the pastor teaches Jamie about God's forgiveness, she must make the heartbreaking choice between reconciling with her family or keeping her secret forever. Either way, her life will never be the same.Fans of Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate, Cynthia Ruchti, and Katie Powner will also enjoy the true-to-life characters and faith-driven stories written by Valerie Howard. Available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook format.

Damaged


Pamela Callow - 2010
    But then the teen is brutally murdered. And it isn't only Kate who wonders if her legal advice led to the girl's death.How far are you willing to go to redeem yourself?Put on notice by Randall Barrett, the firm's charismatic managing partner, Kate must fight for her career, for her reputation - and for redemption.Unwilling to live with the damage she may have caused, Kate pursues the case on her own and unearths some chilling facts.Facts that lead straight to the heart of a legal conspiracy.Facts that lead Kate directly into the surgically skilled hands of the Body Butcher. The first book in the Kate Lange legal thriller series. A Levy "Need to Read" pick with Top Ten Bestseller display. Now under option for television development.

Phone Kitten


Marika Christian - 2010
    Throw in a gig as a phone sex operator, an unexpected hunk of a boyfriend, and a client's murder, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect chick lit romp. Even bloggers at Trashionista just had to read it: "A fabulous book.” Shy, funny, loveable Emily’s a pretty unlikely candidate for a phone sex operator. She’d die if she had to talk dirty face-to-face—especially to her hot cop boyfriend. She sure didn’t set out to do phone sex—she wanted to be a writer. But when her BFF framed her for plagiarism, she got in a tiny financial hole and saw this ad for “phone actresses”… Hey, it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds. No pantyhose or pantsuits, no regular hours, you’re your own boss, and lots of people to talk to. Guys, that is. But here’s the odd thing—lots of them want to talk about more than Emily’s imagined attributes; they start to think of her as the best friend they’ll never have to meet. Next thing you know, one of her customers gets killed. What’s a phone kitten to do? Solve the murder herself, of course! “Phone Kitten was a fun debut read with an interesting premise and some great characters – excellent chick lit.” -The Brazen Bookworm “Marika Christian's debut novel was one of the most fun reads I have had this year. Sweet Emily taking a job as a 'phone actress' has to be one of the funniest things ever.” -Just Jump A fun, refreshing treat for fans of Jennifer Crusie, Janet Evanovich, and Stephanie Bond, Phone Kitten is your ticket to hours of giggles—so long as you’re not looking for raunch. Because this is so not it! “When I first heard of this book I was intrigued; a phone-sex worker turned sleuth? Sounds like the perfect mix...a fabulous book. --Trashionista Excerpt: The girl who answered the phone sounded a lot like me. She was perky, upbeat, and wanted me to come in that night for an interview. The thought terrified me, but my only other option was Walmart. I heard Walmart locks employees in the store. I've often wondered what would happen if one of the employees were pregnant and went into labor while locked up. Would they let her out? Would her supervisor deliver the baby in housewares and slap a little smiley face sticker on the baby's bottom? Phone sex had to be better than twenty-four hour retail. The company name was Dimensions. Located in the back of an industrial park, it was a little scary. There was a gravel parking lot with a dozen cars and only one door with a camera to capture anyone who pressed the call button. I was buzzed in immediately. I wondered, Why does a phone sex place need this much security? I was met by Taylor, the bubbly girl I talked to on the phone. “Come on, I'll take you in the back and we can talk.” She wasn't what I pictured. Taylor was a tattooed Goth chick, with every piercing imaginable. Taylor isn't what most people envisioned when it came to “bubbly.” Once we were in her office, she quickly closed the door. “Look, we talk dirty here. The language is sexually explicit. You have to say it all. Tits, cock, and fuck. Can you do that?” “Yes.” There, I said it. I said I could do it. I hoped I really could. She whipped out a headset, plugged it in, and said, “I want you to listen to a call.