From USA TODAY bestselling author Xavier Neal comes an all-new, witty, forced-proximity romantic suspense standalone novel...She is his toughest task…and biggest weakness.The assignment is simple.Don't let the client die.Don't let her get kidnapped.Don't sleep with her.It's the last part that unexpectedly complicates things for me after I'm introduced to the most beautiful and brilliant woman I could've ever envisioned.And it only gets worse when we have to stash ourselves away in a small town where our calculated cover is to be a recently engaged couple.My new mission is now significantly harder.Don't let her hate what's for dinner.Don't let anyone else make her laugh more than I do.And, most importantly, don't let myself actually fall for someone again.After all, my job isn't to love my boss's sister.It's to stop an unidentified threat from taking her – or die trying.TROPE CHECKOpposites-AttractForced ProximityBodyguardForbiddenAlpha Male

Carter Phillips has returned from multiple deployments, and he’s brought a few demons home with him. War has left him scarred, inside and out, and he’s counting on the peace and isolation of his family’s farm to keep his head screwed on straight. What he doesn’t bargain for is Amy Williams, the new horse trainer. She’s kinder than he deserves, tougher than he expects, with a hidden core of vulnerability that triggers his need to possess and protect her.Amy has finally pieced her life back together, after being forced to give up everything and assume a new identity. Now she’s safe, no longer the target of accusations and death threats—but she’s also alone. The only danger to her secrets and her celibacy is Carter Phillips, smoking-hot former Marine—and her boss’s brother. With each passing day, she finds it harder to lie to him about who she is—and who she wants.Neither of them wants to talk about the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they become. When the truth comes out, will it set them free or tear them apart forever?*A sizzling standalone romance. Please note: when the clothes come off, the bedroom door stays open. Also, characters use profanity, because sometimes, “gosh darn it, you big meany-head” just doesn’t cut it.

From a USA Today Bestselling Author...In this heartwarming tale of love and resilience, Jack Saunders, a wealthy recluse turned Montana rancher, seeks solace in the vast expanse of the countryside, shielding his son from the shadows of a tragic past. His young boy, traumatized into silence by the memory of his mother's untimely demise, remains a silent witness to the darkness that once shattered their lives.Enter Gabby Cooper, a nurturing kindergarten teacher whose compassionate heart cannot ignore the silent cries of her troubled student. Determined to unravel the mysteries that haunt the young boy, Gabby reaches out to his enigmatic father, Jack Saunders, sparking a connection that neither of them saw coming.As Jack and Gabby navigate the delicate dance of attraction, their bond deepens with each passing day, transcending the boundaries of their disparate worlds. Yet, just as their love begins to bloom, the specter of Jack's past returns with a vengeance, threatening to engulf them both in a storm of danger and uncertainty.With unwavering determination, Jack vows to protect those he holds dear, fighting against the shadows of his past and the looming threat that now encroaches upon their newfound happiness. Together, Jack and Gabby must confront their deepest fears and stand united against the forces that seek to tear them apart, proving that love is the ultimate shield against even the darkest of storms.Tropes - single parent, kidnapped, widower, protector, nurturing teacher, hidden identity, family.

In “Kissed,” Cat Miranda quickly realizes that she is being targeted by a murderer with links to an 8-foot tall painting in her art gallery titled “Kissed.” Cat finds an ally in Miles Trevelyan, a charming visiting British scholar. Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery. New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards.In “Fair Play,” Cat and Miles begin a quest to identify and stop the assailant, as well as to seek links to two murders. Miles’s father, retired Sussex police detective Ian Trevelyan, and Cat’s best friend, Amanda Fontaine, find each other irresistible as they help Cat and Miles solve the mystery.In “The Broken Pot," a broken ceramic pot and a dead woman’s body on Tombstone Canyon Road pull Cat Miranda and Miles Trevelyan into a mystery that must be solved before anyone else gets hurt.

In the midst of revolution, a renegade reporter and a Special Ops commando team to go after the truth in this sexy military romance series.Nothing will stop star journalist Rebecca Parker from getting a story—not a rioting mob, or even the sexy military man who literally sweeps her off her feet to safety. Nick Prescott is a hot number, a killer headline, and a bad liar. Who is he really? Who wants him dead? And how is he tied to the sinister government plot Rebecca’s been investigating? By teaming up with Nick to uncover the truth, the red-haired spitfire puts her own life in danger. Ignoring his warnings to walk away, Rebecca proves that she does what she wants and makes no apologies. But can this fierce survivor get the love she needs?

After a frantic call from a friend, private investigator Max Lamoreaux begins a search for his missing godson. The New Orleans police aren’t taking the case seriously and declare the teen a runaway. Max knows his godson wouldn’t take off without a word. After running into nothing but dead ends, in desperation, he reaches out to former flame and psychic Theresa Crawford for help. Her specialized skills have helped the police solve cases in the past. Though he’s skeptical about her abilities, he’s will to risk anything to find the missing boy. Time hasn’t diminished the powerful chemistry arcing between them; it’s stronger than ever. Theresa’s secrets drove them apart once before. As they work together, will shadows from the past destroy their last chance at happiness? Can they outwit a madman and find the missing teen?"Kathy Ivan’s books are addictive, you can’t read just one.” Susan Stoker, NYT Bestselling Author"Kathy Ivan has crafted warm, engaging characters that will steal your heart and a mystery that will keep you reading to the very last page." Barb Han, USA TODAY and Publisher's Weekly Bestselling Author“This is the first I have read from Kathy Ivan and it won't be the last.” Night Owl Reviews"I highly recommend Desperate Choices. Readers can’t go wrong here!” Melissa, Joyfully Reviewed