New Releases by Helen Hardt

Editorial Reviews "I don’t know how Helen Hardt is managing it, but this part is even more intense than the previous installments." -Romance Readers Retreat Synopsis Dante Gabriel has developed some abilities never before seen in a vampire his age. Without Erin Hamilton, he’d be on the brink of insanity, but she’s always there, always willing to give him what he needs, and he’s determined to keep her safe from the vampire thugs who want her. His questions are still unanswered, and he considers turning to an evil source for results. Erin trusts Dante completely but still seeks outside help to keep the rogue vampires away. Another dream leaves her more frantic to solve the mystery of the disappearing women and help Dante find what he’s looking for. Though her love for him doesn’t waver, she finds the subtle changes in him unsettling.

Dante Gabriel needs Erin Hamilton’s blood. The hunger is all-consuming, but flashbacks of his time in captivity, as well as his quest for answers, leave him questioning everything. With the help of his cousin, his father’s ghost, and a Shakespeare-quoting voodoo priestess, he’s determined to decode the book his grandfather claims will lead him only to darkness. Erin loves Dante and has finally accepted him for what he is, but she feels like she’s been transported into another world. Ghosts, werewolves, and vampires are all real? Even her best friend might not be what she seems. In addition, the mystery at the hospital deepens—a doctor is now missing—and Erin fears there may be a connection to Dante.

“Helen gives us the dark, tormented vampire hero we all love in a sensual paranormal romance with all the feels.” ~NYT Bestseller J.S. Scott Dante Gabriel is starving. What he craves is red gold—human blood. After being held captive as a blood slave to a female vampire for years, he has finally escaped. Unchained at last, he follows his nose to the nearest blood bank to sate his hunger.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eER nurse Erin Hamilton expects just another busy night shift…until she finds a gorgeous stranger vandalizing the hospital blood bank. Though her logic tells her to turn him in, she’s pulled by stronger and unfamiliar emotions to protect the man who seems oddly infatuated with her scent. Chemistry sizzles between them, but Dante, plagued by nightmares of his time in captivity, fears he won’t be able to control himself…especially when he discovers a secret she doesn’t even know she’s hiding.u003c/pu003e

Editorial Reviews "This story is amazing and, as usual, Ms Hardt ends it on one almighty cliff hanger." -Reading is our Satisfaction Synopsis Vampires are real. That fact has Erin Hamilton thinking she’s headed for crazy town. Still, she can’t deny the intense emotion she experiences when Dante Gabriel sinks his teeth into her neck to take her blood. She’s in love, and her body responds to his bite in a way she never could have imagined. Once Dante tastes Erin’s blood, he’s addicted forever and cannot live without it. He’s heartbroken when she demands that he leave and never return. But neither can live without the other now, which puts them both at risk.

Now that Dante Gabriel recognizes the blood bond Erin Hamilton has formed with him, he has to convince her that she must complete the bond for both their sakes. Vampires are rapidly dying out, and humans have long considered them nothing more than a myth. How can he make her understand? Erin has fallen in love with Dante, but she’s still confused and angered by his behavior. To keep her mind occupied, she immerses herself in a mystery that has evolved at work. Patients have been disappearing from the hospital, and Erin finds a clue regarding their blood.

Dante Gabriel is angry. Someone has violated Erin Hamilton, the woman whose scent has left him emotionally paralyzed. He vows to protect her…most of all from himself. Erin has other ideas. She’s determined to figure out the strange man who keeps leaving her aroused and unsatisfied. When she pushes Dante for answers, he goes looking for them himself. What he uncovers could put Erin in mortal danger, with him as her only salvation.

Heather Myles isn_t exactly thrilled to accompany her groupie roommate to an Emerald Phoenix concert. The aspiring screen writer would rather be home with a good book. After Susie pleads with her, though, Heather relents. What the heck? Maybe a change of scenery is just what she needs to combat her desolation over getting turned down by yet another small production company. After the performance, Jett Draconis, lead singer and guitarist for the band, isn_t up for the party scene. He_s grown tired of being mauled by horny devotees_until an auburn-haired goddess catches his eye. Though she initially rebuffs his advances, he_s determined not to take no for an answer. Sparks erupt between him and Heather, but Jett knows better than to fall in love. A secret from his past could destroy him_and everyone close to him_if he does. **** Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They_re the perfect bedside read, a _quick blush_ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.

Heather Myles isn’t exactly thrilled to accompany her groupie roommate to an Emerald Phoenix concert. The aspiring screen writer would rather be home with a good book. After Susie pleads with her, though, Heather relents. What the heck? Maybe a change of scenery is just what she needs to combat her desolation over getting turned down by yet another small production company. After the performance, Jett Draconis, lead singer and guitarist for the band, isn’t up for the party scene. He’s grown tired of being mauled by horny devotees…until an auburn-haired goddess catches his eye. Though she initially rebuffs his advances, he’s determined not to take no for an answer. Sparks erupt between him and Heather, but Jett knows better than to fall in love. A secret from his past could destroy him—and everyone close to him—if he does. Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.

Your Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance. Ryan Steel, his world recently upended by an earth-shattering secret, now faces yet another potential revelation surrounding the Steel family mystery. He no longer fully trusts his siblings or the woman he loves. He’s alone—alone and terrified and immersed in a conundrum that becomes more twisted each day. Ruby Lee loves Ryan and desperately wants to help him. She’ll do whatever she must to see him through this troubling time, but her own shrouded past still haunts her, and she’s determined to put an end to both of their mysteries once and for all. But the more she uncovers, the more danger she’s in…and she may lose Ryan forever.

Kate and Price Lewis had the perfect marriage—love, fulfilling careers, and a great apartment in the city. But when Price’s work takes him overseas and his plane goes down, their happily-ever-after goes down with it. A year later, Kate is still trying to cope. She’s tied to her grief as tightly as she was bound to Price. When her sister-in-law coaxes her into an extended girls’ trip—three weeks on a remote island in the South Pacific—Kate agrees. At a villa as secluded as the island, they’re the only people in sight, until Kate sees a ghost walking toward them on the beach. Price is alive. Their reunion is anything but picture perfect. Kate has been loyal to the husband she thought was dead, but she needs answers. What she gets instead is a cryptic proposal—go back home in three weeks, or disappear with Price...forever. Emotions run high, passions burn bright, and Kate faces an impossible choice. Can Price win back his wife? Or will his secrets tear them apart? Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.

Ryan Steel is known in Snow Creek as the handsomest Steel brother with the most jovial personality. Now that his busy grape harvest and winemaking season is over, he''s happy to spend time with his family and help his brothers, Talon and Jonah, celebrate their impending nuptials. The Steels are taking a well-deserved break from the conspiracy surrounding them...until an unlikely woman and a long-buried secret shatter Ryan''s world. Detective Ruby Lee has been on her own since she was fifteen. When her past collides with the Steel family''s mysteries, she''s determined to find the truth. She has her own issues, and she''s not looking for a relationship, despite her all-consuming attraction to Ryan Steel. The gorgeous dark-haired man gets under her skin anyway...and he needs her. Together they explore both of their histories, but those pasts could cost them a future.

Jonah Steel has fallen in love with Melanie Carmichael but still lives with the guilt that consumes him as he tries to unravel the mystery of his family’s past. A new threat has surfaced, and he finds himself trapped in a web of deceit and lies. Melanie loves Jonah but has yet to surrender completely to his needs. Meanwhile, a new friend uncovers more information and more questions. While the ghosts of Melanie''s past still hover around her, she joins Jonah on his quest for answers. Together, they vow to find the truth. But the deeper they dig, the more danger they uncover...and Jonah''s life hangs in the balance.

Jonah Steel is intelligent, rich, and hard-working. As the oldest of his siblings, he was charged by his father to protect them. He failed in the worst way. Dr. Melanie Carmichael has her own baggage. Although the renowned therapist was able to help Jonah’s brother, she is struggling with feelings of inadequacy. When the oldest Steel walks into her office seeking solace, she can’t turn her back. As Melanie and Jonah attempt to work through their issues together, desperately trying to ignore the desire brewing between them, ghosts from both their pasts surface…and danger draws near.

Editorial Reviews "This is definitely the type of story that will have you alternating between smiling and crying. My heart broke at certain points. Hardt has a unique writing style that I have enjoyed across this series, a series I''m sad to see end." -Romance Readers Retreat "This is a deeply emotional story of love, betrayal, heartache, redemption, and second chances." -The Book Sirens "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog "Helen masterfully tackled another story with heartbreaking consequences but a happy ending" -Tina at Bookalicious Babes Blog Synopsis Maria Gomez married her lover’s brother to give the baby she carried the name and future she deserved. Now she is widowed, and her oldest child’s father—the only man she ever loved—has returned. In prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Jefferson Bay never forgot the beautiful woman who betrayed him with his own brother. When DNA evidence proved Jeff’s innocence years later and he was released, he vowed to find Maria and seek his revenge. The passion between the two has never died, but can they learn to trust each other again?

Your Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance. Jade Roberts is in love with Talon Steel but no longer welcome in his home. While she resolves to move on, she still longs for the passion she and Talon shared…and when her boss asks her to dig up information on the Steels, she’s only too happy to comply. Talon and his brothers are hiding something, and Jade is determined to find out what it is. The moment Talon saw Jade he wanted her, ached for her, craved her…and now his desire has become his obsession. He knows she deserves better than his broken soul, but he can’t stay away from her, and he finally confesses his love. If he and Jade are to have a future, he knows he must make peace with the dark shadows and horrors of his past. But as Talon begins his journey of healing, Jade uncovers some startling secrets…

Editorial Reviews "This book sizzled. The chemistry with this couple was explosive. It definitely is not for the faint of heart. There is a high volume of sexuality and it is very graphic. Often when that is the case, there is no storyline and the plot is underdeveloped. That was definitely not the case here. The book was highly emotional. This is not my first Helen Hardt book and it will certainly not be my last. " -Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio "I loved this book. The characters were wonderful. They each showed their vulnerable sides as well as their strengths. They are real people and have real problems but also some very loving solutions... I found myself daydreaming of my own cowboy after finishing this book. The warm feelings that I got from reading it just didn’t want to go away. I wonder where I can find me one of those young cowboys… Oh yeah, I’m married. But a girl can dream and this guy is definitely worth dreaming about. Lucky Holly." -Terrihawk, Night Owl Romance Reviews Synopsis A hot time with a gorgeous young cowboy is just what the doctor ordered for forty-year- old Holly Taylor. But after a night of amazing passion, she leaves discreetly. Life has other plans for her at the moment. After the best sex of his life, single father Jack Sherwood isn’t ready to give up his mystery woman.When he runs into her several months later, he’s relentless in his pursuit, and he doesn’t care a whit about their eleven-year age difference. Holly’s life has taken a new course since her first meeting with Jack, and she’s convinced she’s not what the and his adorable son need. Can her new friends at The Cougar Club persuade her to stop running? Or will she lose the best thing to ever happen to her?

Your Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance. A jilted bride. A broken man. A craving that can’t be denied. After being left at the altar, Jade Roberts seeks solace at her best friend''s ranch on the Colorado western slope. Her humiliation still ripe, she doesn''t expect to be attracted to her friend''s reticent brother, but when the gorgeous cowboy kisses her, all bets are off. Talon Steel is broken. Having never fully healed from a horrific childhood trauma, he simply exists, taking from women what is offered and giving nothing in return...until Jade Roberts catapults into his life. She is beautiful, sweet, and giving, and his desire for her becomes a craving he fears he''ll never be able to satisfy. Passion sizzles between the two lovers...but long-buried secrets haunt them both and may eventually tear them apart.

Editorial Reviews “There are some great one-sided conversations, hot eroticism, and a lot of fun in this book. It kept me smiling on every page! I highly recommend this as a fun interlude when you need a light-hearted romp through the pages of fiction in an exotic location.” –The Romance Studio “A delightfully sexy read... I laughed and smiled though the whole thing. Ms. Hardt packs a lot of story into thirty-four pages. Just the kind of read I needed after such a blah day. If you need a quick mood improvement, give French Kiss a go. It worked for me.” –Manic Readers “Is it hot in here? I mean, it''s July, the sun is blazing, but I''m sitting in an air-conditioned house sweating bullets. Congratulations, Ms. Hardt, you dropped me into the middle of a scorching hot story and let me burn.” –Seriously Reviewed “All I can say about Ms. Hardt''s scintillating tale is...Hot! Hot! Hot! A gorgeous man, a sizzling exotic location, and enough rum drinks to go around... A gratifying story that will leave you out of breath and ready to book your own vacation.” –Whipped Cream Reviews Synopsis What’s your pleasure? A hot Korean who speaks only body language? A gorgeous and heroic Frenchman? A masked man who can seduce with a mere touch? A Jamaican god who knows exactly how to tie you up? When your destination is desire, anything goes…

Editorial Reviews The main characters had such dynamic, emotional personalities, it seemed as if they were destined to find each other. However, a happily-ever-after was not simply reached. The style of Hardt''s book grabbed my attention... Hardt is an author whom I expect to see more and more of in the future. –The Romance Studio This story is one of the best I''ve read... Stories like this one don''t come along very often. The writing is excellent, the flow is perfect, the characters are likable, loveable, even when there''s the chance these two won''t wind up together. –Long and Short Reviews Synopsis Spinster schoolteacher Ruth Blackburn has accepted her fate. She''s not meant for love, especially not with ill-mannered—though excruciatingly handsome—Garth Mackenzie, the widowed father of one of her students. She''ll just have to ignore the fact that he makes her skin heat. Garth Mackenzie is used to loss. The Civil War cost him his best friend and his ability to sleep through the night, and illness stole his wife and son. To avoid the pain of losing his daughter, he keeps her at arm''s length, much to her teacher''s dismay. Ruth Blackburn is independent and opinionated—just what Garth doesn''t need. But her vibrant beauty and energy awaken feelings in him he thought long dead.

Editorial Reviews "The strong, dynamic characters, as well as the people they met during their journey, made the story fabulous. This story, as well as the surprise ending, grabbed my attention and wouldn''t let go." –The Romance Studio Synopsis The last thing bounty hunter Bobby Morgan expects after a stay in a small Dakota town is to wake up in a dirty jail cell accused of a crime he didn''t commit. When a preacher''s beautiful daughter provides a means for escape, he takes it. On the run with his feisty hostage, Bobby swears to her he means her no harm. Naomi Blackburn wants nothing more than to go home to her ma and pa. But her handsome outlaw captor ignites a passion in her that''s both frightening and exciting. Can two decidedly different souls come together? Or will misfortunes and Bobby''s own doubts keep them apart?

Editorial Reviews “Ms. Hardt did a great job of portraying the tenderness and emotion between Ella and Silver Raven. It is clear from the moment they meet, they have chemistry to burn. The love scenes between the two are very touching and well written.” –Long and Short Reviews Synopsis Ella Morgan loves her mother and father, but she''s grown weary of their overbearing protectiveness. She longs for excitement, adventure, and most of all, love. When she finds an injured Lakota warrior hiding in her barn, she''s intrigued by the brave and handsome man. Silver Raven has found his soul mate in the woman with eyes the color of violets at first bloom. Can he convince her to leave her home and family and take her rightful place as his woman? Or will Ella''s father and the prejudices of society keep them apart?

Editorial Reviews "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog Synopsis Sam O’Donovan is bored with his stale life in Montana. When his brother-in-law offers him a great job and a cut of the McCray business in Colorado, he’s ecstatic. This is the change he needs. As for beautiful Sydney Buchanan resurfacing? That’s icing on the cake. Sydney’s back for one reason and one reason only. She needs to win as many purses as she can to help her parents run their struggling ranch in Nevada. She doesn’t bank on running into Sam O’Donovan. All the sparks they shared five years earlier are still there, but so much else has changed. If only Sam could understand the decisions she made during their time apart…and trust her.

Editorial Reviews "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog Synopsis Catie Bay has worshiped much older Chad McCray since she was a child. When she fumbles a seduction attempt after her graduation from high school, she flees to Europe, hoping she can forget her unrequited love. Four years later, Catie returns, now a beautiful, worldly woman, and Chad, the quintessential bachelor, takes notice. He’s still not looking for love, but he wouldn’t turn down a romp in the sack with sexy Catie. She’s no longer the lovesick girl next door, though, and sometimes a man doesn’t know what he wants until it’s too late.

Editorial Reviews "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog Synopsis Kissing handsome Harper Bay to avoid a confrontation with her past isn’t on Amber Cross’s to-do list, but sometimes a situation calls for desperate measures. She doesn’t expect the kiss to leave her breathless. Amber is the hottest thing walking but clearly not Harper’s type. He’s not looking for a platinum-blond manicurist from the city. After her surprising kiss leaves him panting, he changes his mind and decides to get to know her. Chemistry sizzles between them, but this gorgeous woman has a past that could get them both killed.

Editorial Reviews "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog "A romance of explosive proportions!" -The Book Fairy Reviews Synopsis Learn to run the family estate? Angelina Bay would rather be caught wearing last season’s fashions. But if she doesn’t, her father says she can kiss her inheritance goodbye. Teach a spoiled heiress how to ride a horse? Not in this lifetime. Rafe Grayhawk is busy enough working and saving every extra penny to fund his chronically ill father’s move to Arizona—until beautiful Angelina makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Rafe’s rules are simple—show up on time for lessons and do everything he tells her. Angie balks at authority, but soon riding lessons with the handsome hand are the least of her problems. She may lose her inheritance anyway, and Rafe is the only person who can help her.

Editorial Reviews "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog Synopsis Newly divorced from his greedy and deceptive first wife, Dallas McCray is convinced he wants a sweet country girl like his sister-in-law. So why is he lusting after the new veterinarian in town, striking New Jersey transplant Annie DeSimone? Also divorced, Annie yearns to leave her difficult past behind and start a new life in beautiful Colorado. Sparks fly between her and the handsome Dallas, and happiness finally seems within reach. But attraction and emotion aren’t always enough…especially when a man has vowed never to make the same mistake twice.

Editorial Reviews "This series is a MUST READ. " -United Indie Book Blog Synopsis Dusty O’Donovan doesn’t fear a feisty stud bull deemed untamable. The accomplished rider knows life presents much more fearsome challenges. The animal’s owner, Zach McCray, is offering half a million dollars to anyone who can stay on him for a full eight seconds. That purse would go a long way to help Dusty and her brother rebuild their nearly bankrupt ranch. Will Zach let a woman ride his bull? Not likely. Still, the headstrong Dusty intrigues him. Her father worked on the McCray ranch years ago, and Zach remembers her as a little girl when he was a cocky teen. Times change, and now she’s a beautiful and desirable young woman. A few passionate kisses leave Zach wanting more, but will Dusty’s secrets tear them apart?

Your Escape Into A World of Dark Mysteries & Spicy Romance. Jade Roberts is in love with Talon Steel but no longer welcome in his home. While she resolves to move on, she still longs for the passion she and Talon shared...and when her boss asks her to dig up information on the Steels, she''s only too happy to comply. Talon and his brothers are hiding something, and Jade is determined to find out what it is. The moment Talon saw Jade he wanted her, ached for her, craved her...and now his desire has become his obsession. He knows she deserves better than his broken soul, but he can''t stay away from her, and he finally confesses his love. If he and Jade are to have a future, he knows he must make peace with the dark shadows and horrors of his past. But as Talon begins his journey of healing, Jade uncovers some startling secrets...

What type of romance hero is your favorite? A software mogul? A cursed werewolf? An alien musician? A pirate first mate? Sealed with Love has all of these and then some. From historical to contemporary, paranormal to science fiction, this fun and romantic collection from the talented members of Heart of Denver Romance Writers and edited by Helen Hardt will sweep you away. Heart of Denver Romance Writers was formed in 1998 and represents an enthusiastic group of writers committed to improving the craft and business of writing romantic fiction. We are a chapter of Romance Writers of America. Our members represent a wide diversity of backgrounds and interests, and write in equally diverse areas of fiction including romance, women''s fiction, paranormal, fantasy, historical fiction, young adult, and romantic suspense. Helen Hardt is a professional editor of fiction. She counts among her clients New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors, RITA winners and finalists, and EPIC winners and finalists. She is also an award winning author.