To be qualified to earn the coveted prize, a book (published in 2011), must score higher than 8.0 on twenty questions provided to six randomly selected reader judges. This year's winners were the best of the best!NEW FORMATTING!Lies have consequences…Twelve years ago, Max Crayton had no choices. Honor bound to hunt a traitor, the government declared him dead to the outside world. He completed his mission, but lost the only woman he ever loved and a child he never knew existed.And so does breaking a woman’s heart…Max was her life, her very heartbeat. After his death, alone and haunted by a dangerous past, Kat Jannsen made the ultimate sacrifice to keep their daughter safe.When Kat discovers Max is alive her carefully constructed jigsaw puzzle life is torn to pieces. But an old enemy has been watching…waiting to strike. As the danger mounts, she has nowhere to turn but to Max. She can trust him with her life, but does she dare trust him with her heart?

    Samantha is willing to follow the rules until left-handed pitcher DJ Thomas throws her a wild pitch—a very public kiss neither of them can forget. Catching Hell: Team owner Anna Benson is a willing “May” to catcher Zach Ormond very sexy “December.” Anna’s had a crush on Zach since she was a girl. That makes it all the more difficult when she must trade him for the good of the Rockets, just when she’d rather keep him forever—on her team and in her bed. Reaching First: Hotheaded Tyler Brock is assigned community service after a bar fight, working for uptight Emily Holt. Emily is ready to shed her secret, unwanted virginity, and the couple hits it off, in more ways than one. But when illiterate Tyler shirks his book-bound community service, Emily must hold him accountable. These spicy stand-alone HEAs with no cliffhangers are the first three books in USA Today bestselling author Mindy Klasky's Diamond Brides baseball series. 032919mkm

    Her newfound peace is shattered a year later when she receives a sinister gift eerily similar to others sent by The Gardener. Although assured by the police it is a copycat, she isn't as confident. Regardless of his identity, her stalker has made one thing perfectly clear; he's set his sights on her and nothing will stop him. Maddox "River" Benson is looking in the rear-view mirror at a twenty-year career with the Navy SEALs. Contemplating an uncertain future, River jumps at the chance to assist an old friend in the New Orleans Police Department. There is an unknown stalker zeroing in on an innocent young woman. Although there is only so much the police can do officially, River isn't as restricted. Protecting Joselyn is his only priority. Joselyn's schedule is a bane to River's security strategy. The feisty beauty is intent on pursuing her budding career regardless of her sexy bodyguard's advice. Although their opinions clash in the beginning, the escalating threats force them to come to a compromise. He must trust her with freedom, and she must trust him with her life. Meanwhile, the growing attraction between them creates an entirely different set of issues. How can he concentrate on protecting Joselyn when thoughts of claiming her for his own continually distract him? When her stalker draws closer, will one ex-SEAL have what it takes to ensure her survival? Will River be able to Protect Joselyn? ********************** TEAM CERBERUS (Each story is complete with its own HEA)

     In the wake of her husband's tragic death, Lee is pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a dangerous loan shark willing to do anything to collect. Out of money and options, Lee seeks refuge in the small Oregon town where her mother's dilapidated home sits vacant, as desperate for a fresh start as Lee herself.With a baby on the way and a living to make, Lee opens a restaurant and begins to rebuild her life. But just as she catches her breath, and the eye of a local musician offering a second chance at love, she finds herself right back in the clutches of the debt collector with more to lose than ever.

    When it comes to the love of his life, though, this alpha soldier does everything in his power to keep Jen Scott happy and safe. But when the tables are turned and Jen places herself in harm’s way for her job, their relationship is put to the test. Now Cash must learn to trust the woman he loves…or lose her forever.NOTE TO READERS: Cash and Jen were first featured in Feeling Hot. This novella can be read as a standalone, but if you’re interested in how the two of them meet, check out their book!

    His interest in her gets her in trouble, and he’ll protect her no matter the cost. Secret Baby Former Marine Colt Collins has raised his daughter alone, thinking the mother-of-his child was dead, but when Victoria Morgan returns to town to see her father’s funeral for herself, she never expected to see Colt or the daughter she thought that died was, in fact, very much alive. Secret Bet Peter Morgan, billionaire and CEO of Morgan Enterprises can have any girl he wants, and when his family bets him that he can never have Belle Jordan, former marine and Colt Collins’ former fiancé as his own, well then the game is on.

    As always, there are ups and downs. Readers need to be aware that I deal with PTSD issues, suicide, and miscarriage, amputations, and a wide range of other things. But, as always, there is a happy ending for every book!!! The Embattled Road In the harrowing prequel to The Lost and Found series, three embattled Marines must deal with their devastating physical and emotional injuries in a world that seems to have turned against them. When the rescue helicopter crashes into his convoy in Iraq, Marine First Sergeant Duncan Wilde struggles with the loss of men, his career and the use of his body. Then his fiancée decides she has to move on with her life, and that of her unborn child by another man. Sergeant Chad Lowell knew when he went to war that it would come with a price. And it did. A young Marine under his command is killed by a landmine. Chad's left with one less leg and a mountain of recriminations. That doesn't mean he wants to be a pitied by every female he comes in contact with. Gunnery Sergeant John Palmer is furious at the hand he's been dealt. He's served his country faithfully, for many years. Now they're turning him out like a relative who has overstayed his welcome. And, since he's not even a real man anymore, maybe it is time to move on permanently. Can these wounded warriors use a friendship borne out of adversity to form a partnership rescuing others? And can they find real love in spite of their challenges? Embattled Hearts John Palmer hasn’t felt like a real man since he was injured during combat in Iraq. Though not content with his new life, he is mostly adapting, just like the other vets at the Lost And Found Investigative Service. When Shannon Murphy is hired on as the new office manager, life suddenly gets a lot more interesting. Before long, John finds himself wondering if he could ever be the kind of man Shannon needs. Shannon Murphy wasn’t really looking for love when she hired on at LNF, but finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sex-on-wheels former Marine, John Palmer. The man is grumpy and nearly impossible to work with, but his brand of masculinity appeals to her on a basic level. Soon Shannon is wondering just what it would take for John to want her the way she wants him. When an old enemy tries to settle a vendetta against Shannon, John insists on protecting her. Will the connection that they’ve found survive when they’re thrust into a fight for their lives? Embattled Minds Zeke Foster has little to no experience with women over the past couple of years, after being injured in Afghanistan. Brutally scarred, he has no expectation that he’ll ever find a woman capable of accepting him the way he is. But he can’t help but be enamored of Ember, the waitress of a local watering hole. Ember Norton’s life has turned into one devastating catastrophe after another. When the scarred soldier with the kind eyes brings some security to her life, she’s afraid to trust her luck. She’s been self-sufficient for a long time. But his wounded soul calls to her and she finds herself falling for him. In spite of the secrets he continues to keep. Embattled Home Failure is never an option regardless of circumstances. Chad needs to stop Lost and Found's deranged client from using the information he gathered to stalk and abuse his ex. Falling in love with the broken woman in the middle of rescuing them is definitely not the best timing. But it's also inevitable. Embattled SEAL When Preston Harper finds himself flat in a hospital bed after a botched op, he’s okay with dealing with the fallout.Embattled Ever AfterWARNING- This is the fifth book in the Lost and Found series and as always, there are ups and downs. Readers need to be aware that I deal with PTSD issues, suicide, and miscarriage. But, as always, there is a happy ending!!! Duncan Wilde has avoided long-term relationships very well since his fiancée left him wounded in the hospital years ago. That one harsh lesson—that he needed to guard his heart—has stuck with him for years. Besides, he's a beat up old Marine well past his time for love. The fiery young doctor from Kansas City seems to think otherwise, though. Too bad she's so damn young.Alex Hartfield grew up as a military brat, but she sees something in Duncan that makes her think of permanence and starting a family. She wants someone to come home to every night and love, and he's the first man that makes her guarded heart race with hope and excitement. Now… as they try to understand the dangerous incidents going on around them, they fight to find common ground. But it seems as if fate has some tricks up her sleeve.

    Now, more than ten years later, Chance and his brothers are back in town for their father’s funeral, but Mandy is no longer that moon-eyed teenager she once was. She’s a fiercely independent woman determined to solve her own problems—and she has plenty. When her gambler father died two years prior, he left Mandy—along with a successful auto repair business—with a ton of debt owed to a ruthless loan shark. Mandy is barely getting by, and when her mechanic quits, she’s in a real bind. It just so happens, Chance is willing to help out. Sure, Chance is bigger, stronger, and sexier than ever, but Mandy isn’t interested in anything but his mechanical skills. Or maybe just a bit interested in his kissing skills—which, by the way, are just as good as she remembers. Mandy wasn’t the only one brokenhearted when they were just teens. Chance never did get over his first love, and seeing her now only brings back those feelings in a major way. He’s grown up a lot since he left their little town, and now that he’s home, he’s determined to win back the girl he never should have lost. If only he can convince Mandy that he can protect her from the loan shark and his thugs, and that she doesn’t have to protect her heart from him. But just as the two are beginning to realize they’re meant to be together, the loan shark makes things more than just a little precarious, putting both their love and their lives in danger.

    When a call from her stalker makes it clear he wasn’t deterred, Aelissm asks her overprotective uncle for advice. His decision to send Patrick O’Neil to keep her safe might become an even bigger problem. Pat is a haunted man with a kind smile and sad eyes. Aelissm knows he will leave, but there is something irresistible about him. He could be the best thing to ever happen to her… if she can convince him to stay.

    In spite of being complete strangers, intense sexual chemistry overwhelms them, turning their lives upside down.Unfortunately for Kurt, Carmen runs again.Carmen would love to be with Kurt – but he is way out of her league. She has too many secrets - terrible secrets that she is convinced will make him despise her. How could she possibly reveal them to him?Now Kurt is turning the city upside down to find her.But Kurt's not the only one searching for Carmen. Two Federal Agents and her violent, obsessive ex boyfriend also want to get their hands on her.Carmen comes with serious baggage and a host of personal demons.Will Kurt find Carmen before the feds and her ex do? And can Kurt teach her how to love and trust again?~~~This boxed set includes: Carmen's New York Climax, Carmen's New York Escape, and Carmen's New York Love.

    No attachments, no relationships — he's too busy transforming his knack for military intelligence into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. But when headstrong event planner Kate Adams comes barreling into his life, everything changes.From the moment she arrives in Charlotte, Kate is tongue-tied by Michael. She's never fallen for a client before, but then she's never had a client like him — sleek, hard, and impenetrable as steel.While Kate struggles to keep her distance, a stalker sends her tumbling more deeply into Michael's world. The former Marine is equipped and willing to protect her, and yet Kate finds herself growing more terrified than ever in his care. For as they grow closer, she realizes that Michael has his own secret past. And while he might save her life, he will surely break her heart.Author's Note: Previously titled: Silenced Memories. This is a STAND-ALONE romantic mystery novel. Hidden Truths: Former Marines. Strong female leads. No cliffhangers.

     Should she? Or shouldn’t she? Hannah Lewis never imagined she’d run from her own magnificent, Upper East Side wedding. Born and bred in a penthouse on Park Avenue, she excels at everything - except maybe juggling a career, planning a wedding and paying attention to her fiancé. But couldn't he have chosen another day to cheat with her twin sister? Now Hannah's headed as far away as she can get from New York and her public humiliation. No one will expect to find her at a dude ranch in Lonesome, Texas … but just maybe she can find herself there. Liam Stark is trying to hold it together on the anniversary of the worst night of his life. When a stuck-up beauty walks into the Lonesome Dove Bar, full of rough truckers and ranch-hands, she's trouble in red cowgirl boots--trouble that Liam doesn't need. Especially when he offers her safe haven from a storm on his ranch, and she stirs up memories he'd give anything to forget. Liam has lost too many people he loved--his wife and son on a dangerous stretch of Texas highway, and men under his command in the Afghan conflict. This beauty will be gone in a New York minute as well … unless he asks her to stay. Attraction flames between them, hot as the Texas sun. But when their pasts cause problems, can they trust each other enough to believe they can share a future?

    After making an unexpected discovery, eldest son and former rugby player Quinn O’Neill heads to Forestville, California, in the enchanted river valley where his mother grew up. There, he hopes to learn more about his family and explore the possibility of settling someplace new. Traveling the world before opening her own bakery is Lillian Parker’s dream, and she’s one step closer to achieving it after winning an internship with a world-famous pastry chef in Miami. Unfortunately, Lillian’s mother is pressuring her to stay in Forestville and help run the family B&B. Then a handsome Irishman blows through the door with charm and sex appeal to spare, and suddenly Lillian’s not sure what she wants. Sparks instantly fly, and Lillian finds herself agreeing to show Quinn around the area. Soon their building feelings have them wishing for more time together. But Quinn’s just beginning to explore the magic of Green Valley wine country, and Lillian needs to stretch her wings. Even worse, exposed secrets pit Lillian’s family against Quinn’s, creating thorns in their blooming love. Can passion survive conflicting family loyalties? And can love bond Quinn and Lillian together forever when dreams of adventure versus home and hearth threaten to keep them apart?

    His boss arranges for him to hitch a ride with the corporate attorney Emily Richards, who is in Russia as a mediator.Emily Richards wants only to return home then on to a peaceful vacation with her best friend. When armed men invade her hotel room minutes after Mac arrives, Emily is forced to depend on Mac to stay alive. Anger that Mac has entangled her in a life or death struggle quickly turns to fear when the men pursuing them call her by name.Together Mac and Emily engage in a tumultuous ride to escape with their lives and capture a crazed bomber and a vindictive drug lord. More difficult is tearing down their own emotional walls. Can they succeed and admit love is the most precious thing in life?

    An alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.Welcome to Warfield's Landing, a small and idyllic Maryland town, on the banks of the Susquehanna River. This is Book 1 in the Warfield's Landing Series.A successful financial planner, Daniel Sterling has had a clear image of his ideal woman since the summer he was twelve, Now, at last, he sees her... on the Washington DC Metro  and, of course, she's traveling in the opposite direction.Rising artist Nic Bannerman isn't looking for love. Then she meets Daniel. He has dimples and a charming Golden Retriever. Call her shallow, but she's willing to take a chance.All too soon, outside events overtake them... her birth father's bad choices, his best friend's  personal issues, her escalating stalker... and other unexpected complications.They're made for each other... if they can survive this.READER ADVISORY - This book has a mid-range heat level, along with the occasional S-bomb and F-bomb, and a really sweet Golden Retriever!