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The Dark Protectors are Back! Vampire King Ronan Kayrs wasn't supposed to survive the savage sacrifice he willingly endured to rid the world of the ultimate evil. He wasn't supposed to emerge in this time and place, and he sure as hell wasn't supposed to finally touch the woman who's haunted his dreams for centuries. Yet here he is, in an era where vampires are hidden, the enemy has grown stronger, and his mate has no idea of the power she holds. Dr. Faith Cooper is flummoxed by irrefutable proof that not only do vampires exist . . . they're hot blooded, able to walk in sunlight, and shockingly sexy. Faith has always depended on science, but the restlessness she feels around this predatory male defies reason. Especially when it grows into a hunger only he can satisfy-that is if they can survive the evil hunting them both. "Hot and fast from beginning to end." -Kate Douglas on Fated "Sizzling sex scenes and a memorable cast." -Publishers Weekly on Claimed "A fast-paced, excitement-filled explosion of action… Zanetti keeps getting better."-RT Book Reviews on Marked, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

In the earliest days of the last century, a Florida family strives to build a legacy in the burgeoning new city of Miami . . .In South Florida, a region that offers some of life's richest beauty as well as some of its harshest conditions, a city is rising. Eve and Max Harjo moved to Miami after the great freeze of 1894 wiped out their citrus grove. Eve is busy writing for the Miami Metropolis, Miami's first newspaper, while Max salvages the ships that fall victim to Florida's dangerous reefs and violent storms. Their nineteen-year-old daughter Eliza dives to bring up the salvaged treasures, uncaring that it is hardly woman's work. And her stubborn determination to educate local Seminoles-male and female-draws the ire of the tribe's chief. But Eliza's greatest conflict will be choosing between two men: a brilliant inventor working on the prototype for a new motorboat, and a handsome lighthouse keeper from the northwest. When a massive storm unleashes its fury on South Florida, it reveals people's truest characters and deepest secrets, changing lives as drastically as it changes the coastal landscape . . .

Someone to watch over her . . . Her life in beautiful Arrowhead Bay seems like paradise. But for former CIA operative Marissa Hayes, it's a deep cover she's forced to live under after daring to take down a powerful enemy with strong terrorist ties. Out of necessity, she keeps her emotions as guarded as her life, even as she finds herself drawn to Justin Kelly, the most arousing man she's ever met. But when Marissa must find a new place to hide, the able-bodied Vigilance agent is the first man she turns to . . . Justin can't get close to Marissa, if he hopes to keep her alive. Which only makes sharing a villa with her at a remote island resort all the more challenging. The passion rising between them is exquisite-and excruciating. Even more so when terrorists infiltrate the island, putting Marissa in the crosshairs. Now Justin will do anything to protect the woman he cares about more deeply than he dares to admit. . . . "Desiree Holt is the queen of sizzling romantic suspense!" -Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of the Lucy Kincaid series

"Goodger writes romances that touch readers' hearts and bring a smile to their day." -RT Book Reviews The Brides of St. Ives In the charming seaside town of St. Ives, a buried secret could bring an unlikely pair together for a lifetime . . . Clara Anderson's mother has one mission: to marry off her daughter to a titled gentleman. Unfortunately, though the Andersons have come up in the world, Clara is still the granddaughter of a pig farmer, which means no self-respecting aristocrat will marry her. That's just fine with Clara, who's grown to disdain the upper classes. So when she meets an attractive man even more common than she is, she decides it's time to forge her own path . . . . . . Except that handsome, rugged Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford, is no more a commoner than Clara is a blue-blood. He's appeared on the scene for one reason only: to save his family's estate from ruin by finding the exceedingly valuable blue diamond his grandfather buried in the Anderson's garden fifty years ago. To do that, he must pretend to be a gardener. He didn't count on the most beautiful girl he's ever seen getting in his way. But Clara has made no secret of her dislike for aristocrats. Which means that once she uncovers his ruse, he's certain she'll never see him again . . . Praise for the novels of Jane Goodger "Fun, delightfully romantic-and sexy." -Sally MacKenzie on The Spinster Bride "A touching, compassionate, passion-filled romance." -RT Book Reviews on A Christmas Waltz

When it comes to crime, homicide detective Jake Carrington plays for high stakes . . . Assigned a missing persons case, Lieutenant Jake Carrington investigates a local Mob boss. The trail goes cold, but the Mafioso isn't taking any chances, and soon the heat turns up from another quarter. Turns out there's more than one dangerous suspect . . . Kyra Russell is drop-dead gorgeous and Jake is only human. But despite their mutual attraction, Jake's suspicion deepens when he learns about her gambling problem-an addiction that cost her both husband and son. Even more disturbing is Kyra's day job. She runs a crematorium-and it's tied to the Mob. Now Jake will have to navigate a firestorm of treachery to get to the truth . . . Previously published as Burn in Hell

""The time seems ripe for success as Angie Turner opens her farm-to-table restaurant in her Idaho hometown-until her new tomato supplier is accused of murder and Angie has to pick the real killer...To Angie, nothing tastes more like summer than her Nona's fried green tomatoes. Eager to add the recipe to the menu at the County Seat, she's found the perfect produce supplier-her sous chef Estebe's cousin, Javier. Just one problem: ladies' man Javier's current hot tomato, Heather, has turned up dead, and he's the prime suspect. Somehow, between managing her restaurant and navigating a romantic triangle between Estebe and Ian, the owner/manager of the farmer's market, Angie needs to produce evidence to clear Javier-before this green tomato farmer gets fried . . . Praise for Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap Mysteries "Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover's dream come true."-Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries "Lynn Cahoon has created an absorbing, good fun mystery in Mission to Murder."-Fresh Fiction ""

Before the war, Belle Ainsworth led a life of pleasure and privilege in the deep South. Five years after losing her fiancé at the Battle of Gettysburg, she is still alone, with no prospects for marriage among the remaining men of her acquaintance. But out west, there are possibilities. And when Belle answers an ad for a mail-order bride and boards a train to San Francisco to meet wealthy restaurateur Robert Romano, it's with the hope of at last making her dreams of family come true. When the train is robbed, Yancy McLeish, a disillusioned Union Army hero, rescues Belle from her attackers-and lays claim to her heart. But Belle has pledged her troth to Romano and intends to honor that commitment. It's a decision she soon regrets, for her groom-to-be is nothing like his letters. As she plots a course to escape Romano, Belle prays that road can lead her back to the safety of Yancy's arms, where she believes she was always destined to be…

In a future laid waste by environmental catastrophe, one woman in a shielded megacity discovers a secret hidden within-and the nightmare of what lies beyond. The Skyfire Saga Her designation is H124-a menial worker in a city safeguarded against the devastating storms of the outer world. In a community where consumerism has dulled the senses, where apathy is the norm and education is a thing of the past, H124 has one job: remove the bodies of citizens when they pass away in their living pods. Then one night, H124's routine leads her into the underground ruins of an ancient university. Buried within it is a prescient alarm set up generations ago: an extinction-level asteroid is hurtling toward earth. When her warning is seen as an attempt to topple the government with her knowledge of science, H124 is hunted-and sent fleeing for her life beyond the shield of her walled metropolis. In a weather-ravaged unknown, her only hope lies with the Rovers, the most dangerous faction on Earth. For they have continued to learn. And they have survived to help avert a terrifying threat: the end of the world is near.

A chance to shine . . . The closest Avery Shields expects to get to the music industry is her janitor position at Charisma recording studio, and singing secretly in her local karaoke bar. Working two jobs and studying full-time, she's doing all she can to earn her parents' trust after making mistakes in high school. But now a gorgeous stranger is filling her head with dreams of singing professionally-and filling her nights with desire… Lazarus Kyson's A&R career took a hit after he was wrongfully accused of harassment. To restore his reputation, he needs to discover a new talent. And when he least expects it, there she is: singing while she cleans the Charisma offices. As stubborn as she is talented, she refuses to audition. If he wants Avery-her voice and her heart-he'll have to open himself up for the first time for a love too crazy good to let go . . . Praise for Crystal B. Bright "Engaging characters you want to get to know better."-Library Journal on The Look of Love

In this tempestuous new series, rebellious hearts prove hard to tame-but can England's most dangerous rake be captured by a wild Irish rose? They call him Lord Ash, for his desires burn hot and leave devastation in their wake. But Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough, knows the fortune he's made at the card table won't be enough to save his family estate. For that he needs a bride with a sterling reputation to distract from his tarnished past, a woman who'll be proof against the fires of his dark passion. Fate deals him the perfect lady. So why can't Gabriel keep his eyes from wandering to her outspoken, infuriatingly independent Irish cousin? Camellia Burke came to London as her aunt's companion, and she's brought a secret with her: she's written a scandalous novel. Now, her publisher demands that she make her fictional villain more realistic. Who better than the notorious Lord Ash as a model? Duty-bound to prevent her cousin from making a disastrous match, Cami never meant to gamble her own heart away. But when she's called home, Ash follows. And though they're surrounded by the flames of Rebellion, the sparks between them may be the most dangerous of all… Praise for Susanna Craig "Craig gives readers quite a treat." -RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars "Beautifully written, richly atmospheric, deeply felt, and so deftly researched-I felt utterly absorbed into the world of late Georgian England. I'm tremendously excited to discover such an elegant new voice in historical romance!"-New York Times bestselling author Meredith Duran

""It takes a specialized task force to bring down the most notorious criminals, FBI agents with the guts to go for the glory, and the smarts to know what rules to break-for justice and for love . . .Avery Coppola is a woman on the run-not from the law, but from the lawless. Her ex-husband, mafia boss Dante Coppola, never forgets or forgives, especially since Avery stole incriminating files from him. For now, she's found sanctuary in the North Country of New Hampshire, working as a waitress to support herself and her ten-year-old sister. But not only are Dante's men on her trail, so is the FBI . . .Special Agent Vincent Modena is at the end of his rope. After a year-long attempt to infiltrate the Coppola organization, his only chance to ensnare the crime lord now lies with the ex-wife. After locating her,Vincent makes contact, unafraid to use his good looks to capture Avery's attention. But she turns the tables on him with an intoxicating combination of innocent beauty . . . and the mind-blowing skills of a stone-cold killer.On the run from Dante's hit men, Avery takes Vincent on a wild ride of danger and deceit, hiding a secret that could destroy Vincent's trust in her-and in himself . . .""

It's not the size of the house . . . At twenty-two, Vivien is already a homeowner-albeit of the tiniest of tiny houses, a whopping 64 square footer called "Shrimpfork." It's the perfectly portable home from which to run Organization Oracle, Vivien's new business as a personal organizer. In fact, she'll be toting Shrimpfork to her upcoming client's home near Taos, New Mexico. Seventy-year-old Priscilla has a colorful past, a rambunctious boxer named Clay-and a home crammed with treasures. . . . Priscilla also has a love for the TV program "This Old Thing?" Her twenty-five-year-old neighbor, Marco, is happy to watch it with her-while watching over her. When Vivien arrives, it's clear she and Marco are suspicious of each other's intentions. But Priscilla's determination to get her most cherished possession appraised on "This Old Thing?" soon has all of them grudgingly working together. Vivien and Marco find themselves in cahoots, Priscilla discovers the wider world, Clay digs up trouble-and everyone learns that sometimes the greatest treasures are valued for their flaws . . . Praise for Celia Bonaduce and her novels "A bingeworthy triology about smart, quirky women who feel like friends. In Much Ado About Mother she shows us just how strong (and funny) the mother-daughter bond can be. Loved it!" -Clare O'Donahue, author of The Kate Conway Mysteries "Celia Bonaduce writes well rounded, real life characters straight from the heart. I loved this book!" -Phyliss Miranda, New York Times bestselling author on A Comedy of Erinn "The Merchant of Venice Beach has a fresh, heartwarming voice that will keep readers smiling as they dance through this charming story by Celia Bonaduce." -Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author

Homicide detective Jake Carrington takes murder personally… The victim was bludgeoned, stripped, and left for dead. Shanna Wagner deserves justice-and there's no better cop than Lieutenant Jake Carrington to find her killer. The brutality of the crime reminds Jake of his sister's murder seventeen years ago, and the remorseless man responsible, now up for parole. Then another woman is killed-and Jake goes dangerously close to the edge. He'll have to face his personal demons and focus his formidable skills if he hopes to stop a vicious murderer from striking again-and hold on to his career, and his life . . . ALL THE DEADLY LIES A Jake Carrington Thriller Previously published as If I Fail

Not the one you're waiting for . . . Jeffrey Bornic is getting over his ex. Really. So what if the rising-star attorney is angrily sleeping his way through most of Manhattan's male population? When the time is right, the perfect partner will show up. And Jeffrey knows exactly what he'll be like: an ambitious, polished professional who'll make the ideal other half of a fabulous power couple. Theo McPherson is definitely not that guy. He's a short, fiery red-head who works in the arts and wears sneakers held together with duct tape. If it weren't for the fact that Theo is his best friend's little (literally) brother, Jeff would be crossing the street to avoid him. Theo, meanwhile, has nothing but contempt for guys in suits, and seems to have deliberately set out to make Jeff's life miserable, all while grinning at him in that exasperating-some might say irresistible-way that he has. At least it's hard for Jeff to keep moping over his ex when he's butting heads with Theo-and suddenly wondering if the last guy he'd ever fall for might be exactly that . . .

CRIMINALLY COCOA As if being in New York City for Easter isn't exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver is helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey's Amish Sweets. Charlotte notices odd events intended to make Bailey look bad . . . and realizes her cousin has a dangerously jealous rival. Can she find out who-before someone's sour grapes turn fatally bitter? BOTCHED BUTTERSCOTCH Mother's Day is a sweet and busy time at the candy shop Bailey King runs with her Amish grandmother. This year, Bailey's parents are visiting, and for Mother's Day Tea at the local church, Bailey's whipping up her mom's favorite: butterscotch fudge. All's going well, until a sticky-fingered thief makes off with the money raised for a local women's support group. Can Bailey find the culprit before events boil over into disaster? CANDY CANE CRIME Thanks to her new cable TV show, Bailey's shop has more orders than she can handle this Christmas. Fortunately, her beloved Cousin Charlotte is organizing the Candy Cane Exchange, pairing sweet notes with a peppermint treat. Charlotte is delighted to discover she may have a secret admirer…until she sees something underhanded going on beneath the merrymaking. Can she stop a local Grinch before the holiday, and her fledgling romance, are ruined? Recipes Included! Praise for Amanda Flower and her Amish cozies "As it turns out, Amanda Flower may have just written the first Amish rom com."-USA Today "Flower has hit it out of the ballpark . . . and continues to amaze with her knowledge of the Amish way of life."-RT Book Reviews "At turns playful and engaging . . . a satisfyingly complex cozy."-Library Journal

Once a spy . . . Granted asylum by the United States, former Russian naval intelligence officer Yuri Kirov wants nothing more than to live peacefully with his adopted American family. But first the underwater technology expert must pay a price . . . Yuri is drafted by the CIA. His mission: assist U.S. spies with uncovering the secret behind the People's Republic of China's new weapon system, codename SERPENT. The radical antisubmarine technology erases America's advantage in underseas warfare. Amid the turmoil of escalating tension between China and Russia, Yuri's team is inserted by a spy sub onto Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The mission spirals out of control, leaving Yuri trapped with a CIA officer and a beautiful, high-ranking Chinese engineer. With PRC forces closing in and war between superpowers about to break out, there is only one avenue of escape left. That route will pit Yuri against China's full might and power . . . Praise for the The Good Spy "An explosive, high-stakes thriller that keeps you guessing." -Leo J. Maloney "The excitement never stops . . . high adventure at its very best."-Gayle Lynds "A page-turner with as much heart as brains." -Dana Haynes "A fast-paced adventure that will take readers on a thrilling journey." -Diana Chambers "Breathless entertainment." -Tim Tigner

IF IT'S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE SCOTLAND All Tag Morgan wants to do is help settle his father's estate so he can get back to properly cataloguing his Mayan ruins. So he's caught quite off guard to discover that: A) His father had holdings in Scotland B) The property now belongs to Tag Leafing through his father's correspondence with the property's overseer, one Maura Ramsey, yields even more surprises. His father's letters reveal a warmer, kinder man-nothing like the harsh, cold disciplinarian Tag remembers. Surely it has to do with Maura, whose writing is filled with a dry wit and an infectious charm that keeps Tag reading all night. By the time the sun rises, Tag knows he's going to Scotland to find this woman who has so thoroughly captivated him . . . Praise for Donna Kauffman "Readers will appreciate the wonderful sense of place, the well-rounded secondary characters and the deep emotion." -Bookpage, TOP PICK "We all know where there's Donna Kauffman, there's a rollicking, sexy read chock-full of charm and sparkle." -USAToday.com "Charming characters, emotion galore, a small town-you're going to love Donna Kauffman!" -Lori Foster

For decades the Space Consortium of America has searched for new ways to harvest resources beyond an increasingly depleted Earth. The ultimate plan is about to be ignited. So is the ultimate threat to humankind . . . DETONATION EVENT Battle-hardened Captain Ry Devans and his crew of the Mars Orbiting Station-1 are part of a bold plan: resurrect the active molten cores of the Red Planet with synchronized thermonuclear explosions, and terraform the hell out of that iron-oxide rock for future generations. It'll change history. So will the strands of carbon-based Martian cells that have hitched a ride on the ship. Dr. Karen Wagner knows the microbes' resistance to virus is incredible. It's the unknowable that's dicey. Her orders: blow them into space. But orders can be undermined. Two vials have been stolen and sent hurtling toward the biosphere. For Devans and Wagner, ferreting out the saboteurs on board is only the beginning. Because there are more of them back on Earth-an army of radical eco-terrorists anxious to create a New World Order with a catastrophic gift from Mars. Now, one-hundred-and-forty-million miles away from home, Devans is feeling expendable, betrayed, a little adrift, and a lot wild-eyed. But space madness could be his salvation-and Earth's. He has a plan. And he'll have to be crazy to make it work.

Even good guys need to be bad sometimes . . .FBI agent Nate McIver hasn't been able to get sexy, impetuous Maddie Worth out of his mind since the last time he saw her at a wedding. If only she wasn't his best friend and colleague's sister. That's about the only thing that gave him the strength to back away from the steamy encounter they shared. But nowtake-no-prisoners Maddie wants his professional help. And with her life on the line, all bets are off . . .Maddie's overprotective brother may have had her blackballed from getting into the FBI, but he can't stop her from conducting her own undercover operation-whether it's between the sheets with unforgettable Nate and his abs of steel-or on the streets, trapping a notorious drug lord. And when she combines the two, the result is explosive for everyone involved . . .

Shut out the noise and listen to your heart . . . Worse than a one-hit wonder, Tassia Hogan is a one-line wonder. Infamous for a memorable, extremely provocative verse, her music career is going nowhere. Finding a decent man to date has also proven fruitless . . . they all think she's as wanton as those lyrics. But now her label is offering Tassia the chance to shine-with a catch. The album is duets. Her partner is a Country Western singer. And he's just as reluctant to agree as she is. Hyde Love has been in the music business since he was eleven, and he's becoming more and more disenchanted with it. Collaborating on an album seems great in theory, but Tassia is an R&B singer. Melding their sounds and personalities will be difficult-though not as tough as keeping things strictly business. Getting involved with his partner could prove career-wrecking, yet discovering the real Tassia could be earth-shattering. Praise for Crystal B. Bright "Engaging characters you want to get to know better."-Library Journal on The Look of Love

People have their reasons for signing up on a sugar daddy website. Maybe it starts with a dare. But if they're lucky, it ends with a bang. . . Kayla Arnold made her first million at the age of twenty, thanks to her Internet business, Fashion Finds. Young and rich, she became an easy mark for men looking to take advantage. Now ten years older and divorced, Kayla isn't looking for love, she's looking for no-strings-attached sex. Will signing up on a dating site bring her a man who meets her needs? Devin Ford is smart, highly educated, aimless, and bored. At a party the night after his Ph.D. defense, he takes a bet to sign up on a sugar daddy dating website. With so few sugar mamas, he doesn't expect anything to come of it. So he's shocked when beautiful Kayla contacts him. And they're both surprised when their first meeting leads to a night of mind-blowing sex. But the closer Devin wants to get to Kayla, the more she pushes him away. When he learns of the hell her ex-husband put her through, Devin decides to show her that not every man is out to use her-and that real love is priceless . . . Praise for Chistine d'Abo's 30 Days "Perfect for folks seeking a well-written, hot read with substance." -Library Journal, Starred Review "Romance fans will delight in this sweet and spicy expedition." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "Readers will be blown away. . . . A sizzling hot, completely fulfilling and satisfying read!" --RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars "Sexy, fun and deeply emotional. Bravo!" --J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author

When an ice cream vendor discovers a frozen stiff, Florida diner owner Gia Morelli has to serve up some just desserts . . .Gia has become good friends with Trevor, a fun, flirtatious bachelor who owns the ice cream parlor down the street from her popular All-Day Breakfast Café. Trevor has the scoop on all sorts of local attractions and activities. But when he bursts into her diner, trembling and paler than a pint of French Vanilla, she can tell something's very wrong. Trevor points her toward his shop then passes out cold. When Gia runs down to his shop, she discovers a chilling sight-a dead body in the open freezer. But the ice cream man's troubles are just beginning. The police suspect him of this murder a la mode, especially when details of his questionable past surface. Gia believes in her friend and is determined to clear his name and find the real cold-blooded killer before someone else gets put on ice . . .Praise for Lena Gregory"Hold on to your plates for this fast-paced mystery that will leave you hungering for more!"-J.C. Eaton, author of the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, on Scone Cold Killer"Family secrets, old mansions, and a growing list of murder victims-these elements and more blend together to make an intriguing as well as entertaining cozy mystery."-RT Book Reviews on Occult and Battery"As breezy and salty as a gust of wind off the chilly bay waters."-Juliet Blackwell, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchcraft Mysteries on Death at First Sight"An intriguing opening to a fun new series."-E. J. Copperman, national bestselling author of the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries on Death at First Sight

Even in a quirky small town like Charmed, Texas, there's always room for love to take you by surprise . . . Gabi Graham might have hit the proverbial rock in rock-bottom. Hitting the single scene after ten years is hard enough. Finding out that her cheating ex-husband and his new barely-legal fiancée are expecting-that's enough to drive Gabi over the edge and into a neighboring town's divorce support group. It's not really her thing to listen to anonymous strangers bash their exes, but at least there are cookies. And a sexy fellow newcomer who ignites her long-dormant libido. Spending a few lustful, post-meeting moments in Hot Guy's truck can't hurt. Unless, of course, Hot Guy turns out to be Thatcher Roman-her best friend's brother and Gabi's silent business partner. Thatcher had no idea that the wildflower farm owner he's been doing business with over email is the nameless woman who's barreled into his life and his fantasies. He and Gabi have a new venture to run, a sister and best friend in the middle, and enough sparks between them to light up the entire town of Charmed. Given her past, it's no wonder smart, gorgeous Gabi has trust issues. But maybe what they've found is more than just coincidence and chemistry. It might even be the beginning of one sweet, amazing second chance . . .

The emerald hills and violet valleys of Wales seem the ideal place to start over after murder-and divorce-shattered Eilidh's life in the Scottish Highlands. But within the stone walls of an ancient castle, a family's dark, violent past threatens much more than her newfound tranquility . . . For the past two years, Eilidh has called the quaint Welsh village of Thistlecross home, embracing her new life as estate manager of a restored fifteenth-century castle. But the long-anticipated arrival of her employer's three estranged sons and their wives transforms Gylfinog Castell from a welcoming haven to a place seething with dangerous secrets. When the escalating tensions culminate in murder, Eilidh must sift through a castle full of suspects both upstairs and downstairs. She can trust no one as she follows a twisting maze of greed and malice to ferret out a killer who's breaching every defense, preparing to make Eilidh the next to die. Praise for Amy M. Reade's Secrets of Hallstead House "Danger, mystery, a brave but resilient heroine, and a hero at her side, coupled with a house that is almost a character in its own right: these classic gothic romance traits are all to be found in Amy Reade's debut novel." -heroesandheartbreakers.com

Can a dream come true be a mixed blessing? Paris Simmons-Holyfield is finally pregnant with the baby she's dreamed of for so long. There's just one complication: she's not sure who the father is. Apparently, after a night of drinking with her ex-coworker and ally Darius Connors, it could be him. Considering her husband's track record, chances are it is. Still, Paris prays it's not Darius, and decides to keep quiet about her worries. Especially because Darius isn't ready to give up on his crumbling marriage. . . Meanwhile, after a battle to keep her adopted daughter and an ugly confrontation with Paris's family, Gabrielle Mercedes has finally found love and happiness. But when her father shows up, paroled from prison, she fears she's in for another round of trouble. As all three navigate the path from sin to redemption, can they forgive their way to the other side? "I absolutely love Vanessa's unique writing style." --Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author

When a battle of wills threatens to tear a family apart, a child shall lead them--straight to a shocking secret. Will they betray their faith--and each other--to keep it buried?After seven years of marriage, Paris Simmons-Holyfield and her husband, Andrew, are still childless. Now Paris is determined to adopt orphaned nine-year-old Jasmine Noble. Trouble is, Jasmine's in the custody of ex-stripper Gabrielle Mercedes. Worse, Andrew is vehemently against the idea--and he's not alone. Paris's father, Lawrence Simmons, a powerful politician, has vowed to shut his daughter down. The only man to even dare be on Paris's side is shady Darius Connors. Unemployed and not quite out of the dog house with his wife, Darius is more than happy to help the beautiful, vulnerable, yet undeterred Paris. . . Paris has her suspicions about why her husband and her father are so opposed to the adoption. But the reality is far more scandalous than she imagines. To get to the bottom of it, she'll have to deal with blackmail from the last person she ever expected--and battle Gabrielle, who'll fight with everything she's got--including the truth. Soon, all involved will learn just what's on the other side of dare. . ."I absolutely love Vanessa's unique writing style." --Mary Monroe

In only six weeks, Isla Ramsey is due to marry Henry Northrup, the sixth Earl of Sydney. But she remains haunted by memories of the dashing Hugh Courtney, the Marquess Pierce. The handsome aristocrat had hinted at forever and then tossed her aside, leaving Isla with few viable options. Now, as she awaits her new fiancé's arrival from London, she rides her horse past Hugh's estate at Hazelwood every day, pining for a man who was never truly hers. Hugh Courtney may have left Isla's life, but he can't erase her from his thoughts. When he rescues her from a sudden snowstorm, they are forced to take shelter together at his private estate. In such close quarters there is no escaping each other. Yet no man wants a reckless wife?or a woman promised to another. As fate draws Isla further into his world, Hugh vows to keep her out of his bedchamber. However, some vows are meant to be broken . . .

Zo Jones is enjoying the sunny season at her Happy Camper gift shop in Spirit Canyon, South Dakota-when a murder reminds her all that glitters isn't gold . . . The South Dakota Gold Rush might be long over, but Zo Jones feels like she's hit the mother lode when she and her friends browse an estate sale, where a rare old book about the history of Spirit Canyon is causing quite a commotion. In addition to local stories and secrets, the book may even contain the location of a famous stash of gold-a treasure worth killing for. Zo's friend Maynard Cline wins the bid on the book, to the chagrin of many interested parties, including the historical society and college history department. But when Zo and Hattie head to Maynard's mansion to borrow the book for a library event, the only thing they find is Maynard-at the bottom of the mountain. The valuable book is gone. Zo knows this must be murder because there's no way a germophobe like Maynard would have voluntarily dived into a pile of dirt. Now she'll have to dig into a new case, and go prospecting for a perpetrator . . .