New Releases by Karen Rose

To love, or not to love? That is the question for widower Leo Montgomery, a boat designer who''d do anything to make his little .girl happy—except let himself fall for her sweet-faced nanny. Even if that nanny is staying in the bedroom riext door. And even if he can''t keep khis mind off Verity Sumpter. Because beneath her drab clothes and plain-Jane glasses he senses there is a beautiful woman who could fill his heart with joy. And a woman who seems as wary of embracing love as he is. Still, can Leo find the courage to put a new spin on this beloved old play…?

When a cold case is reopened, a murderer re-emerges deadlier than ever in this thriller in New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose’s Baltimore series. Baltimore Homicide Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put the past to rights, even when she becomes a target. It’s former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie. Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...

A home stager finds a few skeletons in her client’s closet in this cozy series debut—“an elegantly crafted murder mystery featuring an irresistible sleuth" (Leslie Meier). Former interior designer Caprice De Luca has parlayed her skills into a thriving new career as a home stager, helping the people of Kismet, Pennsylvania, make their homes shine in a lackluster real estate market. When her old high school friend Roz Winslow asks Caprice to spruce up her mess of a mansion, she’s happy to share her skills. But when Roz''s husband Ted is found skewered in the sword room, it seems that Caprice has been setting the stage for murder. When suspicion falls on Roz, it looks like she’ll be making a new home in the State Penitentiary. Determined to clear her name, Caprice starts applying her eye for detail to gathering clues and catching the real killer. "A cozy blend of murder and romance. A fun read--with recipes!" --Laura Levine

The Beautiful Professional… After real-estate mogul Alan Barrett first laid eyes on Lisa Sanders, he couldn''t keep the intriguing—and much younger—office manager from his mind. And when Lisa was tapped to assist him with a lucrative deal, the sparks between the two couldn''t be denied. With a Shocking Secret But Lisa had a past she was desperate to keep from Alan. She knew if he discovered she wasn''t the perfect professional she pretended to be, there could never be a future for them. And yet, how could she continue to keep her secrets when the evidence of her past was in plain view?

From the #1 international bestselling author of the Baltimore series comes a suspenseful novella featuring Assistant State’s Attorney Daphne Montgomery and Special Agent Joseph Carter. After a traumatic kidnapping, Daphne’s boss insists that she take time off. But she refuses to sit on the sidelines when she meets a six-year-old girl who the police call Angel. Angel hasn’t spoken a word since they found her four days ago next to a burned out car, frozen with shock, not far from the bodies of two adults who may or may not have been her parents. Joseph knows that helping Angel is exactly what Daphne needs right now. But when Daphne gets Angel to talk, a mysterious and chilling crime begins to unravel—one that drives Daphne into the darkest corners of her past as she and Joseph track a ruthless killer. Includes a preview of Watch Your Back

Hitched for love—or business? Find out as Karen Rose Smith returns to Rust Creek Falls in the latest installment of the Montana Mavericks: Rust Creek Cowboys.! Rust Creek Ramblings It seems as if all we''ve been hearing about these days in Rust Creek Falls is folks falling in love and getting engaged. But this latest one tops them all. Dr. Brooks Smith, our favorite veterinarian, the most confirmed bachelor in all of Montana, is taking himself a bride! The fact that he has chosen Jasmine "Jazzy" Cates, his new assistant, a visitor from Thunder Canyon, is only fueling speculation. Rumors are this "love match" is really just a business proposition, but sweet Jazzy may have something more in mind. Can she turn her convenient husband''s wedding fever into a lifelong condition?

When her past comes back to haunt her, a Baltimore prosecutor must turn to an FBI agent in order to save her kidnapped son in this heart-stopping novel from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose. Baltimore prosecutor Daphne Montgomery pulled herself out of a damaged past to build a solid life for herself and her son. But after she helps to convict a killer, her confidence is shattered once again by the news that her son has been kidnapped. Daphne believes it’s connected to the recent high-profile trial, and at first FBI special agent Joseph Carter agrees. But together they find the reality to be even more troubling, and it runs deeper than Daphne fears. With her son’s life in jeopardy, she must unlock a dreadful secret about her past—and confront a truth that will change everything for those closest to her. And, if she survives, threaten the lives of everyone she loves.

After one torrid night at their high school reunion, Riley O''Rourke thought his torch for Brenna McDougall had finally been extinguished. But after she appeared on his doorstep—with his infant son, no less!—it was clear that the flames of passion sizzled hotter than ever. Brenna knew that Riley was all wrong for her. But one encounter with her secret love plunged her back into his life for keeps. She hadn''t bargained on their long-muffled chemistry being as explosive as ever. Or that the old feud still simmering between his family and hers could threaten their new family…and their rekindled romance!

After losing his wife in a tragic accident, successful businessman Dawson Barrett was determined to help his son, Luke, who was dealing with his pain by acting out at school and at home. Luckily, the devoted dad knew just who to call.... As talented as she was beautiful, music therapist Mikala Conti could work miracles. To her, the real miracle was that Dawson--the boy who''d once stirred her teenage heart, then vanished--was back in town. Still, Mikala wasn''t sure Dawson was ready to move on. And she certainly didn''t believe that one reckless moment of passion could change their lives forever. But it might just be the way to heal three troubled souls searching for a second chance at a forever family.

New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose returns to the gritty world of Baltimore’s cops and prosecutors with a tale of danger and desire that will leave you breathless… A car crashes in front of rookie PI Paige Holden’s home. And suddenly, she finds one of her pro bono clients dying in her arms—from a gunshot wound. With her last breath, the woman whispers cryptic words into her ear and hands her a blood-smeared flash drive. Five years ago, State’s Attorney Grayson Smith put a murderer behind bars. But when Paige Holden shares the flash drive with him, its contents cast doubts on the conviction—and lead him and Paige into a world of blackmail, dark secrets, and a decades-long string of murders. An investigation they’ll survive only by trusting each other—and the truth.

IT WAS THE CALL DYLAN MALLOY NEVER WANTED TO RECEIVE He’d lost the only family he’d ever known. His sister and brother-in-law were dead—and their premature baby was fighting for his life in a Wyoming hospital. The globetrotting photographer lost no time rushing to the preemie’s side. But much to Dylan’s surprise, he was not Timmy’s rightful guardian. Why didn’t his beloved baby sister leave him custody of the baby…instead of appointing her friend Shaye Bartholomew? Shaye loved Timmy, that much was clear. But Dylan wasn’t ready to give up custody without a fight…or to deny his chemistry with the one woman who stood in his way.

"WILL YOU MARRY ME?" Those were the words Jenny Farber had always longed to hear Zack Decker say. But marrying him would have meant leaving the only home she''d ever really known. So instead of following her high school sweetheart to L.A., she stayed on at his family''s ranch, training the horses she adored. Zack never knew about the secret she carried…or how much she still loved him. Until a near-tragedy brought him home again…. Fifteen years ago, Jenny broke Zack''s heart. Seeing her again rekindles all the sweet passion they once shared. But Zack came home to Miners Bluff only to deal with a family crisis—then he''s pulling up stakes again. So why is Jenny making him dream of settling down in the one place he''d vowed to leave forever?

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEARWith three kids to care for and two jobs to make ends meet, the last thing on Angela Schumacher’s mind was a relationship. And then Santa delivered the perfect man to her door…. Football coach David Moore agreed to be a “big brother” to Angela’s troubled older son, but he didn’t anticipate falling hard for the boy’s beautiful mom. As the holidays approached and their romance heated up, David knew Angela was torn between family duty and heart’s desire—but was he willing to wait for her to make up her mind? After all, love was waiting under the tree, if only Angela could reach out and grab it! Talk of the Neighborhood Welcome to Danbury Way, where nothing is as it seems…

"Country music star Zane Gunther is hiding out in Thunder Canyon. Now the tweets and texts are flying about the music legend and a certain single mom who''s having trouble making ends meet. Zane came to the Montana mountain town to escape the paparazzi--and a tragedy he can''t forget. But keeping a low profile seems next to impossible, especially once he falls--hard--for local girl Jeannette Williams." --From publisher''s information.

A Baltimore detective and a medical examiner must work together when the witnesses of a long-ago crime become the victims of a deranged killer in this gripping romantic suspense novel. Baltimore city Homicide Detective JD Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of horrific violence, both as a cop and during his deployment in Afghanistan, but nothing like the trail of tortured bodies that are turning up throughout the city. He’s up against a brutal killer with a very personal vendetta. And now JD is beginning to suspect that his medical examiner may be shielding some crucial evidence linked to the case. Medical Examiner Dr. Lucy Trask is intrigued by JD’s compassion, but she isn’t about to mix work with pleasure. Not while there’s a ruthless killer on the loose. And definitely not while she’s keeping a dark secret that could connect her to these vicious killings—and put her next on the killer’s hit list...

Celeste Wells didn''t think twice about becoming a surrogate mom for her twin sister. But when Zoie''s marriage ended suddenly, heartbroken Celeste just couldn''t let the little girl go. Clay Sullivan''s world shattered once his wife walked out on him and their daughter, and Celeste was a reminder of the painful memories the tough survival guide had barely survived. Yet she was everything her sister wasn''t—loyal, loving, committed to the child to whom she''d given birth. Not to mention the attraction that sizzled between them the moment they came face-to-face at their fifteen-year reunion! Would falling for Celeste be making the same mistake twice…or giving Abby the mother she was always meant to have?

SNOWBOUND WITH THE BOSS? Well, loyal readers, another spring, another blizzard. But this prospector has the pleasure of bringing you all some unusually hot gossip. It seems that the Queen of Hearts Mine may not belong to the Douglas family after all! Old Caleb has actually hired a private investigator to prove his ownership. Unfortunately, handsome playboy Brad Vaughn and his beautiful secretary, Emily Stanton, have been stranded up at the Douglas cabin. It''s been rumored that Brad never mixes business with pleasure, and Emily looks like she''ll only play for keeps. Still, despite their differences, they''ll have to keep warm somehow…Perhaps the spring thaw will bring more than sunshine to these two!

She''d just gone into labor… …seven weeks early! Now Dr. Lily Wescott was the proud mother of twin baby girls. But she couldn''t have done it without Mitch Cortega. The decorated combat surgeon was with her every step of the way. And the young widow was finding it awfully hard to resist Mitch''s overpowering masculinity…. Spending time with Lily and her infant daughters was making Mitch yearn for something he''d never known was missing. The wounded combat surgeon knew they both needed time to heal. But how much longer could they fight their attraction? With Christmas just around the corner, it was time to move on and trust in a love that could transform the past into a future filled with the true joy of giving!

Ever since Dr. Dillon Traub arrived at Thunder Canyon Resort, tongues have been wagging about the chemistry zinging between the Texas oil tycoon and his new receptionist. Those broad shoulders of his may be awfully tempting…but single mom Erika Rodriguez knows better than to give in to her attraction to the handsome bachelor doctor. So why is the sought-after playboy going out of his way to prove to the love-burned Erika that he''d make the ideal husband—and perfect father to her adorable baby girl? Stay tuned, dear readers, to see if the town''s favorite new physician will be heading back home. Or if this Dr. Daddy is writing a prescription for lifetime happiness!

Peter Clark would never describe himself as a jaw-droppingcatch—despite being one of San Antonio''s most respectedneurosurgeons. So why is beautiful New York neurologistViolet Fortune looking at him as if she would like to show himher bedside manner? Not that he minds—it''s been a long timesince he''s met a woman who could ever hope to competewith his work.Being with Peter helps workaholic Violet ditch her self-doubtand discover what it feels like to be in the arms of a man whounderstands the depths of her commitment to medicine.But while that dedication helps heal, it also has the powerto force Violet and Peter apart. Can two people so devotedto their careers find a place in their lives for love?

THE MARRIAGE One unbelievable night had left brooding bachelorReed Fortune in one helluva compromisingposition—in bed with another man''s fiancée!And in the morning light he learned that thebeautiful stranger was his wife. Mallory Prescott—the new Mrs. Fortune—needed protection from thedangerous man she was supposed to marry. So thehonor-bound groom whisked Mallory to the safetyof the Double Crown Ranch.Though their weddingwas a fluke and their marriage a mishap, theirattraction was undeniable. Alone and in hiding, thesenewlyweds would discover whether their passionburned bright for just one night…or forever. Membership in this family has its privileges…and its price. But what a fortune can''t buy,a true-bred Texas love is sure to bring!

Handsome cowboy Ryder Redstone always got what he wanted, and he wanted Daisy Harding—as his wife. But she stubbornly refused to marry him, despite her carrying his child. She didn''t deny that a blazing passion sizzled between them, but she insisted that she wouldn''t accept a proposal inspired out of duty. Well, Ryder had had enough of this nonsense. He was determined to make Daisy irrevocably his, and while he regretted that he hadn''t put a ring on her finger before they learned they were about to become parents, Ryder planned to change that the next time around!

Four college activists believed they were making a statement, fighting to preserve the environment by burning down a new apartment complex. But they didn''t realize that someone was watching in this "intense" and "unforgettable" New York Times bestseller (James Patterson). "A blackmailer hides in plain sight, using people''s secrets for personal gain, and when this criminal sets his sights on the four young arsonists, he begins his most deadly game yet. Firefighter David Hunter is devastated when he''s too late to save a teenage girl from a Minneapolis fire. Authorities soon discover that it was a case of arson and homicide detective Olivia Sutherland and her partner Kane are assigned to the case. David and Olivia shared a night of passion some time ago, and sparks fly when they are drawn to one another again. But just as they begin to revisit that fateful night and address the events that tore them apart, David and Olivia are forced to pursue the blackmailer, whose horrific plans threaten to destroy those closest to them."

Her painful past had taught neonatologist Francesca Talbot to rely on no one but herself. Until an accident landed the mother-to-be in the hospital…and she was forced to turn to fiercely protective rancher Grady Fitzgerald—her baby''s father. Grady was determined to be part of his new family''s life…which meant watching over mother and unborn child whether Francesca liked it or not! And once the irresistible beauty was ensconced at his Texas ranch, Grady knew it was where she belonged. So he''d just have to put his own heartache aside and break down the wall the wary doctor had built around her heart. Because it was no longer just their baby''s future at stake….

Hot as a Texas summer one minute, vulnerable, sweet and down-to-earth the next, all supermodel Gabriella McCord needed right now was a little space after a scorching breakup. It was bodyguard Rafe Balthazar''s job to provide just that during her assignment in Dallas. But peace and quiet weren''t in the cards…because no one got her pulse racing quite like Rafe. In Gabby, Rafe discovered a woman as multifaceted as the diamonds she''d been hired to promote. But this former Secret Service agent didn''t like mixing business and pleasure, especially with paparazzi tracking their every move. What would it take for him to let down his guard and let Gabby into his heart?

New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose delivers her latest pulse-pounding suspense novel, where the line between the virtual world and everyday reality blurs when it comes to murder. Eve Wilson''s face was once scarred by a vicious assault. Terrified and ashamed, she escaped to the online realm, where she could choose the face she allowed people to see. Years later, her outer scars faded and inner scars buried, Eve has fought her way back to the real world and is determined to help others do the same. Now a graduate student moonlighting as a bartender, Eve researches the addictive powers of online communities. When her test subjects begin turning up dead as a result of apparent suicides, she doesn''t know where to turn. Homicide detective Noah Webster is one of the few people who believe the victims are connected murders. Eve becomes Noah''s online guide and realizes that the handsome detective may have secret scars as painful as her own. As Eve and Noah chase a killer who is always one step ahead of them, together they try to overcome the tragedies of their pasts and learn to trust again, but they soon discover that danger is much closer than they think.

Five teenage girls have been viciously attacked. One survived. Only she can reveal the secrets of a disturbing ring of people who kidnap and sell teenage girls on the black market. But those responsible for the crimes will do whatever it takes to maintain her silence. Susannah Vartanian and Luke Papadopoulos have both sworn to stop the murderers for their own personal reasons. The investigation leads them to the shady realm of Internet chat rooms, where anyone can mask his or her identity. They soon discover a chain of deception so intricate they don''t know whom to trust. Finding comfort in each other''s arms, they begin to unravel the intricately knotted threads, but the killers are ruthless and determined, and won''t hesitate to take extreme measures to insure their anonymity and keep their business intact. When Susannah proves to be inexplicably linked to the crimes, her life is soon in danger, and Luke will do everything he can to save the woman he loves.

Terror has forever changed the life of psychiatrist Tess Ciccotelli. Someone is tormenting her patients, pushing them to commit suicide, and setting her up to take the blame. But Tess can''t break her oath to protect her patients'' privacy at all costs. Even when detective Aidan Reagan demands a list of everyone she''s treating. Even when the mounting danger threatens Tess herself. Aidan doesn''t like anyone who stalls his cases. Still, he can''t help but admire Tess''s fierce loyalty to her patients, especially when it becomes clear that a nameless, facelss enemy is set on destroying her career, her family , and finally, Tess herself. As Aidan''s heart softens, the killer''s will hardens, and one thing becomes clear - the noose is tightening around Tess''s neck.

After faking her own death, a mother on the run from her abusive husband is desperate to start a new life -- but as a new romance blossoms, he threatens to track her down . . . It was a desperate plan. But Mary Grace Winters knew the only way to save herself and her child from her abusive cop husband was to stage their own death. Now all that remains of their former life is at the bottom of a lake. Armed with a new identity in a new town, she and her son have found refuge hundreds of miles away. As Caroline Stewart, she has almost forgotten the nightmare she left behind nine years ago. She is even taking a chance on love with Max Hunter, a man with wounds of his own. But her past is about to collide with the present when her husband uncovers her trail and threatens her hard-won peace. Step by step, he''s closing in on her -- and everything and everyone she loves.