Journalist Brenda Banks is on the verge of the biggest story of her career—if she can stay alive long enough to finish it. A serial killer is targeting men in the small town of Slaughter Creek, leaving behind a twisted trail of clues meant only for Brenda. It’s a dangerous, deadly game, one she cannot master without the help of FBI Special Agent Nick Blackwood, the man she’s loved since high school—and whose tormented past could hold the key to catching a killer.Nick Blackwood barely survived childhood at the hands of his father, a sadistic mastermind known as the Commander. Since he left town, he’s spent his life chasing criminals—and trying to forget the beauty he once loved. But when a murder investigation brings him face-to-face with Brenda Banks, Nick cannot ignore the smoldering fire she rekindles in his troubled soul. Allowing Brenda into his heart means letting down his guard—and that’s just what the killer is counting on…About the AuthorAward-winning novelist Rita Herron’s lifelong love of books began at the tender age of eight, when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. A former kindergarten teacher, professional storyteller, and children’s magazine contributor, she wrote nine books for Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Kids series before shifting her focus to the adult market. Since then she has written over sixty romance novels and loves penning dark romantic suspense tales, sexy romantic comedies, and family-friendly romances, especially those set in small Southern towns. A native of Milledgeville, Georgia, and a proud mother and grandmother, she lives just outside of Atlanta.

TO LOVE AND PROTECT When vulnerable beauty Alanna Hayes appeared on his doorstep with a baby in tow, Cain Caldwell didn't know what to think. On the run after uncovering evidence of secret experiments at the Coastal Island Research Park, she claimed his brother had promised to help her, but he was dead. The closer Cain got to Alanna, the more difficult it was to remember she might be involved in murder. Except this hardened lawman couldn't deny the passion rising between them, and neither could Alanna. Would Cain join the mission to save baby Simon from the mysterious forces of Nighthawk Island -- before it was too late?

PROTECTIVE CUSTODY FOR THE CHILD HE NEVER EXPECTED There was no man more dedicated to his job than Detective Mason Blackpaw. Yet when he discovers a dead body at the Bucking Bronc Lodge, he's forced to confront his moment of greatest weakness - and a reunion with the very pregnant Dr. Cara Winchester.[unknown-8230] AND THE WOMAN HE COULDN'T FORGET Cara fell for the sexy Comanche officer the moment she laid eyes on him, captivated by his loyalty and fiercely protective instincts. Their romance was brief but intense, and when it ended, he left partof him with her. Now a killer was kidnapping her patients' babies, and Mason was on the case to stop him. But how would he react once the killer targeted her[unknown-8230]or when Mason found out her child was also his?

EDITORIAL REVIEW: THE DRESS WAS READY, THE CHURCH BOOKED. THEN THE HOPE CHEST ARRIVED... *This couldn't be happening to her!* Dr. Hannah Hartwell was the good sister, the calm, responsible member of the zany Hartwell clan. But since she'd received the beautiful, hand-carved hope chest from her beloved Grammy Rose, Hannah had canceled her wedding, made a scene at work--and had *intimate* dreams about a sexy stranger! Worse, she had a new patient--the bold, unsettling and *highly* unsuitable Jake Tippins, her notorious father's new right-hand man. Jake was secretive, maddening and downright opposed to settling down. He was also, quite indisputably, the man of her dreams....

Her baby has been abductedAnd Brayden Hawk is her best chance at getting the child backAfter her baby girl is kidnapped, Dr. Mila Manchester must turn to the one man who can help bring her home: Texas cowboy Brayden Hawk. The sexy lawyer refuses to settle for anything less than reuniting mother and daughter, but the deeper he digs, the more questions he has. Like why is Mila so sure the girl's father isn't involved? And is the explosive secret he can tell she's keeping going to destroy the intimacy building between them—or strengthen it?Badge of Justice

Three men sworn to bachelor hood meet their matches in this trilogy about friendships, family and love!Marry Me, Maddie -- When Maddie is dumped on television, her brothers' best friend is enlisted to babysit her - but will they fall in love?Sleepless in Savannah -- a dating game show goes awry and forces Sophie to take a weekend date with a stranger instead of Maddie's brother -- the man she wants to be with. I Love Lucy -- all Lucy wants for the holidays is to be with her family and the man she loves -- instead she's hiding out from a stalker in a sixties & up community!

HE'D ALWAYS BEEN A SUCKER FOR A WOMAN IN TROUBLE After surviving a near-fatal accident, undercover agent Eric Caldwell wanted revenge. Falling for his beautiful physical therapist had never been part of his plan. Melissa Fagan was investigating the same mysterious medical research complex that he was. But she was asking too many questions, digging too deep. Now someone wanted her dead -- before she could discover the truth about her birth parents. All Eric wanted was to keep Melissa safe and alive. But how could he protect her without blowing his cover, jeopardizing his mission...and risking both their lives?

HE'S A TOUGH-TALKING COWBOY - EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO ONE GORGEOUS FBI AGENT Rancher Brody Bloodworth has spent years blaming himself for his brother's disappearance. If he hadn't snuck off to be with Julie Whitehead, everything would have been different - and he wouldn't have pushed her away. Now Julie is back, as an FBI agent with a solid lead on his brother. Although the past makes Brody reluctant to fall for Julie again, he admires her for being unable to keep her hands off the case. Before long he finds himself unable to keep his hands off her. As he prepares for a showdown with the ruthless kidnappers, Brody knows what's at stake if he wins. And just how much he'll lose if he doesn't[unknown-8230].

THE ONLY WITNESS WAS HIS SON - AND NOW HE'S THE KILLER'S NEXT TARGET Miles McGregor had dedicated his life to justice, and with his latest arrest behind bars, the detective finally had more time to spend with his son, Timmy. Then the unthinkable happened - Timmy's mother was murdered before his eyes. Miles's only choice was to bring his little boy to the Bucking Bronc Lodge, a ranch where young boys heal…. Jordan Keys is an expert at rehabilitating children. But when it comes to Miles, she is lost. The sexy detective is harder to reach…and a whole lot less willing to try. Before long, though, a killer comes calling and Jordan witnesses the true power of Miles McGregor. And just how far he'll go to rescue them from this living nightmare.

Sadie Nettleton fled Slaughter Creek ten years ago, leaving behind the only home she'd ever known—and the only man she ever loved. Sadie knew Jake Blackwood could never forgive her if he discovered her terrible secret, so she ran and never looked back. But when her grandfather is murdered, and her mentally ill twin sister charged with the crime, Sadie has no choice but to return and face the ghosts of her past...For Sheriff Jake Blackwood, time has not dimmed the love he felt for Sadie Nettleton—or the pain of her leaving. But now that she's back, he's determined to help her uncover the truth about her grandfather's death. As their investigation leads them deeper into a world of secrets, lies, and betrayal in Slaughter Creek, Sadie becomes the target of a madman who will do anything to keep the truth buried. Jake would give his life to protect Sadie. But can he again risk giving her his heart.