New Releases by BEVERLY BARTON

Sometimes love is the most dangerous truth of all...

A young detective’s first case in Tennessee puts her on the path of a gruesome serial killer in the New York Times bestselling author’s romantic thriller. One by one, they will die. He has waited patiently, envisioning their final moments. Their tortured screams, their pleas for mercy—all will be in vain as he executes his sadistic plan. Homicide detective Julia Cass has witnessed plenty of crime scenes. But the murder of a Chattanooga judge is shocking in its brutality. Teamed with FBI agent Will Brannock, Julia delves into an investigation that soon unearths more bodies—all mutilated in the same way, all left with a gruesome souvenir of a killer''s ruthless rage . . . The only way to stop the slaughter is to predict the next victim. But when you''re dealing with vengeance at its most ruthless, one wrong move can make you a target . . . and the next word you utter could be your last . . .

A MAN OF HONOR And honor was the only reason well-muscled former mercenary Aloysius Murdock agreed to be Catherine Price''s bodyguard. For Murdock owed Catherine''s father his life. But once Murdock laid eyes on his best friend''s beautiful daughter, he realized he would do anything for her…. A WOMAN IN LOVE Catherine knew better than to succumb to the passion Murdock clearly offered, for she believed in love—and Murdock had given up on love long ago. Still, something in his heated gaze made her believe that the battle-worn bachelor needed her. Maybe just as much as she needed him….

THE AGENT: Burke Lonigan, weapons expert and world-class charmer THE MISSION: To destroy a dangerous traitor, while defending his woman and child! Facing off with a deadly menace was easy for Burke Lonigan—until a beguiling beauty stepped in danger’s path. The only way Burke could protect Callie Severin was to make her his wife. Then Burke discovered his new bride was the beautiful stranger he had taken to his bed one passionate night long ago—and the mother of the child he’d never known! Now Burke was determined to defend his family—and damn the consequences to his heart! a year of loving dangerously Where passion rules and nothing is what it seems….

NINE MONTHS… Hank Bishop had given Susan Redman the greatest gift—the baby her husband hadn''t been able to give her. But soon after Hank became the sperm donor and fulfilled her family dreams, Susan was suddenly widowed. Now the rugged lawman felt duty-bound to protect the pregnant beauty. OR FOREVER? He was the man she''d always loved—the man she''d thought would never settle down. But when fate made Hank the father and protector of her unborn child, Susan soon dreamed of forever with the sexy sheriff…. There''s nothing like a secret baby to bring a brooding bachelor home again! 3 BABIES FOR 3 BROTHERS

JAKE BISHOP WAS A DADDY The thought shook the hard-hearted cowboy down to his boots. But once he took his tiny daughter in his strong arms, he knew he would to anything for her…. AND THAT MEANT MARRIAGE But blue-blooded beauty Donna Fields had some crazy notion that a rough-edged rancer wasn''t the kind of daddy a little girl needed. Well, he''d show the stubborn new mom just what kind of man she needed—one slow kiss at a time. And soon he''d be sharing his ranch with the two sweet little ladies who''d captured his soul…. There''s nothing like a secret baby to bring a brooding bachelor home again! 3 BABIES FOR 3 BROTHERS

THE PROTECTORS Her bodyguard… BLACKWOOD TERRITORY J.T. was a Blackwood, all right. Six feet four inches of whipcord-lean man, a Stetson shading those amber eyes, a glare that burned hotter than the New Mexico sun. A bodyguard, the handsome half-breed was the one man who could help Joanna Beaumont. But as a Blackwood, he was dangerous in his own right. At first J.T. thought Joanna was just some spoiled socialite roughing it on Blackwood Ranch. But then he discovered what she''d fled from, why she needed him. And suddenly, all that mattered was seeing her safely through the long, hot nights…. THE PROTECTORS. Ready to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love.

PASSIONATE SECRETS One sultry night many years ago, Sheila Vance became a woman in Caleb Bishop''s arms. And though he never knew it, Caleb became a father. Now the hard-hearted bachelor was back in town, and Sheila fought the fiery attraction between them. For this time, Caleb had the power to hurt not only her, but also her precious child. When Caleb saw Sheila again, he wanted her back in his life—and in his bed. But he suspected more than passion made her tremble beneath his touch—and Caleb was determined to discover the elusive beauty''s every secret…. 3 Babies for 3 Brothers: There''s nothing like a secret baby to bring a brooding bachelor home again!

The Protectors The father of her child… REBEL HOMECOMING… Morgan Kane was the baddest boy Birmingham society had ever bred. But years as a Navy SEAL had sculpted the hard muscles of his body and reinforced the wall around his heart. A heart that had once loved Bethany Wyndham. And a body that was unprepared for the passion that exploded between them on his return. Bethany stood accused of murder…and she needed Morgan to find the real killer! Together, they would face whatever threats came her way. But only time would tell if they could rediscover the love they''d once shared…or survive the secret in Bethany''s past. The Protectors. Ready to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love.

ME? MARRY YOU? It took just one brief touch of Adam Wyatt''s lips to Blythe Elliot''s mouth to ignite a fire so hot neither could deny it. And now, thanks to that one reckless night of passion, Blythe has an unplanned surprise for Adam…and he has an unexpected proposal for her! OKAY…I DO. Blythe is sure she has nothing in common with stubborn, old-fashioned Adam—except for the baby she carries, the signed marriage certificate…and the house they share. But living together soon makes them realize that it wasn''t sex, but love, that created their child. If only one of them would admit it first….

To save his wife, a Southern detective is drawn into a final showdown with his sadistic nemesis in this romantic suspense series finale. Malcolm York is a sadistic murderer. And with his endless wealth he''s funded a series of depraved human hunts. The few who survived can never forget. They can only be thankful the terror is over. Until rumors start swirling . . . Griffin Powell knows the twisted depths of York''s madness. He''s also sure that York is dead. But then Griff''s wife, Nicole, disappears. And the phone calls begin—that familiar voice taunting him, promising to destroy everything Griff loves. Using all the resources of the Powell Agency, Griff searches for Nic, aware that every step propels him further into a madman''s web. Because the only way to keep Nic safe is to join one last perverse game where winner kills all, and the loser is dead by nightfall . . .

A widow accused of her husband’s murder may be the next to die in the bestselling author’s “sexy and clever” Southern romantic thriller (New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard). As the blazing heat of summer gives way to sultry September, a shroud of suspicion settles over the sleepy Alabama town of Noble''s Crossing. Lane Noble Graham stands accused of murdering her ex-husband. And the one man who can help, Johnny Mack Cahill, vowed never to return to the town that scorned him—or the woman whose love he knew he didn''t deserve. From the rusted-out trailers on the wrong side of the river to the stately pillared mansions along Magnolia Avenue, everybody has something to hide. But one secret could make Lane and Johnny Mack the next targets of a twisted killer who''s determined to striking again . . . "A sizzling, sexy tale that grabs the reader by the throat and doesn''t let go." —New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson

He was the hot-blooded cop who once stole her heart—right before he turned in his fellow cop: her own father! Now Navajo Joe Ornelas was back, playing the “good guy” once more. And—sweet mercy save her!—Andi Stephens was powerless to deny the passion that still beat within her proud heart.... She was the only woman he’d ever loved. The only one who’d mattered when his duty had torn their tender union apart. And now that Andi needed him, this powerful protector was determined to do all he could. For this time, Joe wouldn’t walk away without his honor—or his woman!

A thrilling novel of romantic suspense from the New York Times bestselling author of As Good as Dead. “She kept me guessing to the very end.”—Linda Howard Twenty years ago, Jolie Royale was critically wounded during a shooting that left her mother, her aunt, and her aunt’s suspected lover dead. The case was ruled a double homicide and suicide and quickly closed, though rumors abounded as to the murderer’s real identity . . . Jolie would never forget that day—but she could never recall the killer’s face. And now she is coming home to Mississippi for her father’s funeral. Her mixed feelings turn into dread when the investigation into the triple murder is reopened—and it becomes clear as day that a killer is still on the loose . . . Determined to put the past to rest, Jolie turns to Max Devereaux for help. Years ago, he made no secret of his resentment toward her family, but it seems many things have changed—including Jolie’s feelings for her unlikely ally. Now, as she and Max work together to put back the lost pieces of her memories, the striking distance between her and the killer closes. Someone can’t wait for Jolie to remember his face, because by then it will be too late . . . “With its sultry Southern setting and well-drawn characters, this richly textured tale ranks among the best the genre has to offer.”—Publishers Weekly “Fans of authors such as Lisa Jackson, Janelle Taylor, and Heather Graham will enjoy the shivers Barton . . . so deftly delivers.”—Booklist

His Only Obsession Ex-CIA agent Will Pierce came to Puerto Nuevo for a missing-persons case and didn’t expect a beautiful partner like Gwen. As mortal danger found them, Will realised just how far he’d go for a love that had become his most passionate obsession...

He was the man she had once offered her innocence to. The man who had heartlessly turned her away, claiming she was too young for him. Now Hunter Whitelaw, world-weary security agent with a body built for sin, was the man Manda Munroe would marry.... Hunter claimed their marriage was only a means to lure her stalker out. But when the brooding bodyguard discovered his bride was just as passionate—and just as innocent—as ever, his hard heart was shaken to the core. For now Hunter knew with the certainty of a man aching with long-held desire that Manda was bound to be only his!

The last thing Peggy Jo Riley wanted this holiday was a hard-boiled charmer in her house 24/7. But if she wanted to stay alive, she needed Jack Parker. And once she was in Jack''s well-muscled arms, she realized just how much she needed him.... Up until the moment he''d seen desire flicker in her pretty eyes, bodyguard Jack Parker had thought Peggy Jo Riley was just another assignment. But the vulnerability he''d glimpsed under this cool beauty''s armor made him ache to do a whole lot more for Peggy Jo. Like kiss her till she gave him her trust. And love her till she gave him her heart...

Get ready to embark on the ride of your life with this thrill-fuelled thriller, for fans of Karin Slaughter and Karen Rose.

A woman plays a game of cat and mouse with a copycat killer in this romantic suspense novel by the New York Times–bestselling author of Don’t Cry. He begins his work just before dawn, wielding a knife with the precision of a surgeon. Cunning and meticulous, he’s always in control. Mercy is not an option . . . Maleah Purdue is tough, outspoken, and completely dedicated to her work at the Powell Security Agency. But her fearless exterior shatters when a madman begins killing her colleagues one by one, mimicking a notorious serial killer already behind bars. Working alongside top profiler Derek Lawrence, Maleah will do anything to find the murderer, even if it means playing a psychopath’s twisted mind games. No one connected to the Agency is safe. No one is beyond suspicion. For as Maleah and Derek piece together the clues, they uncover a chilling legacy of lies and brutal vengeance—and a killer who has been hiding in plain sight all along . . . Praise for Dead by Morning “A great romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment the protagonists begin to learn of the assault on Powell and never lets go as the climax diabolically leads to the next unpublished tale. The lead pair is a terrific coupling . . . However, what makes Dead by Morning super is the serial killer, who will be considered one of the vilest of the year.” —The Mystery Gazette “The popular and dependable Barton has again created an intricately plotted, thoroughly engrossing serial killer tale that satisfactorily resolves the current dilemmas but leaves a stunning cliff-hanger.” —Library Journal

One by one, random victims are stalked and shot at close range. Only the killer knows their sins, and who will be the next to die... Since her fall from Hollywood, actress Lorie Hammonds has returned to her hometown of Alabama and built a new life for herself. When the first death threat arrives, she assumes it''s a joke. But as the notes become more personal, Lorie is running scared. As she battles to unearth a deadly secret, will she be able to save herself before time runs out for good?

The Protectors are back! From New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Beverly Barton come the first two chilling stories in this beloved series. Defending His Own Once Deborah Vaughn had loved Ashe McLaughlin with all of her teenage heart. Then he''d disappeared, leaving Deborah with nothing…except their son. Now Ashe was back, insisting she play the part of his lover. Ashe had never forgotten Deborah and the night of passion they''d shared, or the way her father had railroaded him out of town. But as the star witness in a murder trial, Deborah needed Ashe, and he would do anything to keep her safe. Guarding Jeannie For six years, Jeannie Alverson had thought about Sam Dundee''s haunting blue eyes, his warm touch. His was the face she saw in her dreams. He was the man she never expected to see again. But now he had returned…to protect her. Sam couldn''t turn his back on Jeannie. Once she had saved his life, and now she needed him. He vowed to guard her against all danger, but who would protect him from the innocence and love shining in her eyes?

HER SECRET WAS OUT! They shared a brief, passionate affair, beforeAgent Frank Latimer moved on to his next mission. Leenie hadn''t expected anything more from Frank than those beautiful encounters they shared. Until she gave birth to his child, and wondered about the wisdom of keeping his baby secret. Especially when her son was kidnapped! Frank would have punished Leenie for keeping the truth about his son from him, if he weren''t hell-bent on bringing his boy home. And he would. Once he did, he planned on letting independent Leenie know just what he thought about her betrayal. Right after he put out the other fire that still raged passionately between them…

PASSION—PAST AND PRESENT Trent Winston had spent years trying to forget the only woman he''d ever loved and the tragedy that had torn their world apart. But now she was back in town, stirring up unwanted memories and unwelcome desires—and demanding that he help her find the child he''d thought was lost forever… Kate Malone was a very different woman now— strong and independent, but with the same innocent sensuality he remembered all too well. And the more time Trent spent with her, the more he ached to reclaim everything that had once been his—starting with her.

She had always been the good girl, putting herfamily first, never thinking of herself. But nowElsa Leone was a woman on a mission, and herwell-meaning attempt to put an end to crime inher town had earned her enemies. Deadlyenemies.Enter Rafe Devlin, top-notch bodyguard and justabout as bad as a man can be. Or so he said. Butthe moment Elsa saw the tender lover beneaththe hard-bodied protector, she knew the stakeshad just gotten higher. Because if letting Rafeinto her lonely life was trouble, loving him wasdownright dangerous….

THE PROTECTOR His mission was clear: bring home Texas blue blood Victoria Fortune. But when mercenary Quinn McCoy encountered his objective, he found the lady had a serious aversion to playing damsel to his knight. Yet even this headstrong heiress was no match for Quinn''s icy dedication to duty. And as they began their long journey both encountered a most unexpected attraction. Their dizzying passion changed all the rules, leaving them breathless for the ultimate fulfillment. But could lone wolf McCoy, the man who had never known love, entrust his heart to Victoria''s safekeeping and find a home in her arms?

A former starlet’s new life in her Southern hometown is threatened by a serial killer in this romantic thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. The last sounds Dean Wilson hears are a clock striking twelve and a killer’s taunting words. And his death is just the first. One by one, victims are stalked and shot at close range. Only the killer knows their sins, and who will be the next to die at midnight . . . In the ten years since her Hollywood career imploded, Lorie Hammonds has built a good life in her Alabama hometown. When the first death threat arrives, she assumes it’s a joke. Then she gets a second note. Sheriff Mike Birkett, her high-school sweetheart, has avoided Lorie since she returned to Dunmore, but when investigators uncover her connection to a string of recent murders, he’s drawn into a case that’s terrifyingly personal. With every murder, the killer edges closer. Soon Lorie’s will be the last name left on his list. Her only hope is to unearth a deadly secret—before the clock runs out for good . . .

A woman seeks justice for her murdered cousin—but can''t resist a seductive suspect—in this romantic thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. In the courtroom, defense lawyer Quinn Cortez has a reputation as a ruthless predator who always gets what he wants. In the bedroom, it''s no different. Quinn is an accomplished seducer with a long list of conquests. But now, someone has brutally slaughtered one of them, and Quinn has no memory of the night he was found in her home . . . Annabelle Vanderley wants justice for her murdered cousin. If Quinn Cortez swears he can find the true killer, she''s willing to give him the benefit of a doubt. But then another body is discovered. Then another. And each victim is an ex-lover of Quinn''s. Now, consumed by dread, Annabelle wonders just how close she may be to a twisted psychopath for whom her pain would be the ultimate pleasure . . .

When a recent spate of horrific murders is linked to a long-ago series of brutal crimes she hoped would never resurface, Chattanooga grief counselor Audrey Sherrod, who moonlights for the local police, soon discovers that the worst is yet to come. Original.

A minister’s young widow is targeted by a small-town serial killer in the New York Times bestselling author’s Southern romantic thriller. To most people, respected clergymen like Mark Cantrell are pillars of the community, and completely beyond reproach. But their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on earth before they burn in hell . . . Eighteen months after her husband''s unsolved murder, Cathy Cantrell has returned to her Alabama home, eager to build a new life for herself and her son. But reminders of her past, like Deputy Sheriff Jackson Perdue, are everywhere. And a spate of recent deaths—each victim burned in the same horrifying manner as her husband—leave Jack and Cathy in no doubt that a serial killer is at work . . . Now as a twisted killer moves in for a final, brutal act of vengeance, buried crimes are coming to light once more. And this time, justice will be swift, merciless, and as silent as the grave . . .

Ramirez''s Woman by Beverly Barton Presidential candidate Miguel Ramirez was fighting for the future of his people and his life. He needed a bodyguard but JJ Blair, the petite, raven-haired firebrand assigned to protect him, was irritating, infuriating and intoxicating. Could Miguel really afford to be distracted? Her Royal Bodyguard by Joyce Sullivan Learning of her secret royal identity shocked Rory Kenilworth, but with accidents befalling her and bullets flying, she had no time for regrets. She had to claim her heritage and somehow resist the fierce emotion blazing in the eyes of her hard-hearted, self-appointed, far too sexy bodyguard. Protecting the Princess by Carla Cassidy Princess Anna thought rugged cowboys like Tanner West no longer existed. She was a very real damsel in distress after her father''s kingdom was overthrown and rebels wanted her dead. Tanner was the only man who could protect her, but who would shield her from falling dangerously in love?