Maggie Scott knows better than to trust again. When her marriage deteriorated, she went on the lam. Hiding out in the Pacific Northwest, she thinks she's safe. She even finds herself falling -- just a little -- for a laid-back boat bum who makes the Puget Sound his temporary home. For Cooper Grant, working as a private investigator simply means more time on his boat -- until he meets Maggie. After taking on the job of finding her for the man he believes is her brother, he realizes he's in over his head. And as the perfect storm of danger and deception is thrust upon them, keeping her safe becomes his obsession....

A series of kidnappings of Amish teenage girls hits too close to home for FBI agent Emma Colton. The dark violence of her world has touched the simple Amish community neighboring her hometown—and she's determined to make things right. Unfortunately, a forbidden attraction to Paradise Ridge's most eligible widower is a major step toward wrong.Carpenter Caleb Troyer doesn't expect to love again, especially an Englisher with her own haunted secrets. Protecting Emma is second nature as she fights to restore the peace in his home—and in his heart. But one false move could destroy everything. The closer she comes to finding his sister, the closer danger comes to finding them....About the AuthorJustine Davis lives on Puget Sound in Washington State, watching big ships and the occasional submarine go by, and sharing the neighborhood with assorted wildlife, including a pair of bald eagles, deer, a bear or two, and a tailless raccoon. In the few hours when she's not planning, plotting, or writing her next book, her favorite things are photography, knitting her way through a huge yarn stash, and driving her restored 1967 Corvette roadster—top down, of course. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved."Hey, tomato-head."For an instant Emma Colton thought she'd somehow slipped back in time, that she was back on the ranch being rudely awakened by her annoying brother Tate, who was three years older and had teased her incessantly about her rather bright red hair.Clutching her phone, she blinked the sleep out of her eyes, the sight of the familiar bedroom of her Cleveland apartment orienting her back into the present. Still, as she shoved her tangled hair away from her face, she felt a tiny frisson of relief that it was still the darker, richer auburn of adulthood. That made her smile, until she realized what time it was.She yawned. "You don't even have the excuse of a different time zone, bro. This better be good.""I take back tomato-head. Sleepyhead fits better," Tate Colton said."It's five in the morning. I thought I was the workaholic in the family.""Please. It comes with the Colton name. You're just worst than most. Except maybe Uncle Joe."She laughed, humor restored. The man they'd grown up calling Uncle Joe, although he was in fact their late father's cousin, was indeed dedicated to his work. That hadn't prevented him from standing in for their deceased parents on occasion. Like every Colton, he took family responsibilities very seriously.Almost as seriously as he took his job as president of the United States."So what is it that has you waking me up at this hour?""I need your help, little sister."Something had changed in her brother's deep voice. The teasing note had vanished, replaced by a grim seriousness. Instantly she responded, sitting up straight, shoving aside the warmth of the covers."What?""I've got three missing girls."As a Philadelphia police detective, Tate having a case of even three missing girls sadly wasn't shocking. Nor would that alone necessitate this early-morning call to her; if he needed FBI help on a case, he had his own contacts. Not that the name Colton wasn't enough to get him in about any door he wanted at the Hoover Building."Why me?" she asked. "Not that I don't mind giving you wise advice, even though you never take it, but—""They're Amish."Emma went very still. "Three?""Yes.""When?""Two weeks. The usual reluctance to involve outsiders." She knew it too well. "How old?""Sixteen to nineteen.""Rumspringa?" Emma asked. Growing up on the family ranch in Eden Falls, Pennsylvania, the Amish and their ways had always been part of the fabric of her life. Rumspringa, that time when young people are allowed to explore the outside world, then make their own decision on whether to return to the religion and simple lifestyle of the Amish, had always fascinated her as a teenager. She simply couldn't picture why anyone would voluntarily leave behind the world of convenience and technology for such...deprivation. Yet eighty percent of them did.Now she wasn't quite so arrogant about her assumptions. She'd seen enough in her years as an FBI agent to understand the appeal of pulling back from the hectic, crazy—and sometimes perverted—world of today.She realized she was tracing the intricate pattern of the quilt on her bed. An exquisitely designed and handmade Amish quilt, a traditional diamond-on-point pattern in soothing blues, that she'd brought with her from home. Her mother had purchased it from one of their neighbors, had loved it and cared for it so well it seemed almost new. It had come to her as the eldest daughter, after that horrible, shocking day in September 2001, the day that had stolen the loving, generous couple who had taken them all in, adopted them and given them a life beyond anything they ever could have hoped for—"Emma?"She snapped out of her reverie. "Sorry. What?""I said yes, Rumspringa. They're all from Paradise Ridge."That brought it even closer to home for her; Paradise Ridge literally bordered the Colton ranch. She might even know the families, she thought with a sudden qualm. They had often bought fresh produce and milk from the local farmers.She had a sudden vivid flash of memory. A young Amish girl near her own age of ten, from when she and her father, Donovan Colton, had stopped to offer assistance to a driver of one of the iconic Amish carriages that added tourist-drawing quaintness to the Pennsylvania countryside. One of those tourists had passed too close in their rental car, clipping the corner of the carriage and sending the right rear wheel onto rain-softened ground, and then proceeded merrily on their way, either uncaring or oblivious to damage done.She remembered her father pulling the ranch truck up behind the carriage, angling it so that no oncoming car could repeat the incident.The first concern of her father, a horseman of many years, was the welfare of the animal pulling the carriage. Emma herself had been fascinated by the child who remained in the carriage while her father had gotten out to inspect the damage. She remembered the girl's simple dress, in contrast to her own jeans and T-shirt. She remembered the vivid blue of her eyes as she peeked out to stare in apparent equal fascination at Emma. The only thing she remembered from the conversation between the adults was the Amish man's quiet acceptance; he expected no better from the English, as they called anyone not Amish.She shook her head, ordering herself to stop meandering and pay attention."You think your case is connected to mine." It wasn't a question. Didn't really have to be. But Tate echoed her own thoughts on the matter anyway."I think the likelihood of two independent serial kidnap-pers—and maybe killers—targeting the exact same class of victims, even three hundred miles apart, is slim.""But possible.""Anything's possible. But likely?""No."Sometimes both their jobs relied on simply going with the odds, Emma thought. Still she hesitated. She was reluctant to abandon, even temporarily, her own case. She had not just three, but a string of missing girls going back nearly three months. But because of that reluctance to involve outsiders, and even more to involve federal outsiders, she'd been called in so late there had been little to find, and the suspect's trail and the case had quickly gone cold.Because they'd relocated to Pennsylvania?"I need you, Emma. You've been working your case long enough, you'll catch anything that might prove or disprove that mine are connected. And you always did relate better to them than any of us."Not that any of the Colton brood didn't get along, Emma thought. They'd been taught to respect their quiet, peaceful neighbors and appreciate their industrious ways. But Tate was a Philadelphia cop and had come a long way from those youthful, halcyon days on the ranch."All right," she said decisively. "I'll be on my way.""Text me your flight number. I'll pick you up, bring you up to speed on the way to the ranch."Emma hung up and scrambled out of bed. She called her supervisory agent and left a long voice mail explaining, emphasizing the likely connection to their case to head off any dissent about her being called in by her brother. It was legit, she told herself. If the cases were related, then it crossed state borders and they were involved anyway.Then she made a reservation for the next flight from Cleveland to Philadelphia. She could probably drive it in about the same amount of time, but wanted to arrive fresh and have a chance to study the pictures and basic details Tate was sending.Her timeline now set, she showered, quickly dried her hair and pulled it into her usual ponytail. Then she went about the business of packing, although since she and her family had enough clothing left permanently at the ranch to handle everything but the longest visit, it was mainly toiletries and the rather severe pantsuits she generally wore. They were expensive, yes, but subtly so and made to last.She'd long ago decided she wasn't going to stress out over what to wear to present the proper image; she'd found a style that worked, plain, simple, yet exquisitely cut to flatter, and bought several in the colors she considered acceptable for work—black, dark blue or gray. Not only was it easier, but if she was always wearing the same thing, her attire—and the severe hairstyle—never distracted from her professional demeanor. Sometimes she even resorted to dark-framed glasses to somewhat mask the vivid green of her eyes.Overall, she strove for a neutral, businesslike look. It was helpful not only with civilians, but with her male colleagues, as well. She had enough trouble with assumptions people made about her, from riding on the Colton name to being a "poor little rich girl," and she didn't want to add to them with any blatantly upscale clothing, fancy jewelry or anything else that might remind people of her background. Especially her connection to Joseph Colton, who was, in essence, the boss of all her bosses.She shook off the old concerns, went to the nightstand and took out her weapon. With no children in the apartment, she kept the Glock 23 ready for use, and she slipped it into the holster at her waist. It had become a part of her now, and she was, sometimes to her brother's dismay, a better shot than he was. Their phone calls to compare proficiency scores had become a tradition.Emma smiled. She was so lucky. Tate was the best of big brothers, even if he was a bit overprotective. And as for her big brother Derek... Well, Derek was their rock, his steadfast, solid goodness something they had all clung to at one time or another. And when their parents had left the ranch to him in their will, a will executed far too early, after the vicious sneak attack on September 11, 200...

Zee Mahan had always known the boy she loved would leave one day–Whiskey River was too small to hold the talent and charisma of Jamie Templeton forever. She just didn't realize that when he left, it would break her hometown heart.Jamie had never lied to Zee about his plans, and when he'd left for the bright lights–and made it big–he'd thought she understood. She'd loved him and his music and had encouraged him to chase his dream. Sure, he could have gone home for a visit, but when his band caught fire, he was afraid to interrupt their momentum.When the crazy world he was living in turned on him, Jamie walked away–back to the only place he could think of to go....home. But was it too late to find forgiveness and rekindle the fire with the only woman he’d ever loved?

Always A Hero by Justine DavisIn his old life as a Federal Agent, Wyatt Blake lived wild. But now that he's parenting troubled teenage son Jordy, he's a changed man. The only one who gets through to the boy is Kai Reynolds who seems respectable now, but she used to be quite wild herself.But danger finds Jordy, and drags Kai in too. As Wyatt and Kai investigate the drug dealers targeting his son, they uncover a deadly link to Wyatt's own past. Now this unlikely duo need to find the wild side they thought long buried.Stranded With Her Ex by Jill SorensonAn exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. The passion between world-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael and Daniela has grown more intense than ever. But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her?Sean had come to remote Farallon Island to study killer sharks, but now a...

Dalton Mackay Was No AngelBut Evangeline Law was--and she had never met a human she couldn't save. Dalton, with his devil-may-care swagger, would have been a challenge--if he were her mission. But Evangeline had her divine orders, and Dalton would have to fend for himself.Evangeline Law Was No Lady...There was something odd about Evangeline, but Dalton couldn't put his finger on it. He only knew he was crazy about her--or maybe just plain crazy. Because suddenly Dalton found himself believing in things he never had before. Impossible things--like heaven. And destiny. And love...

When a loved one goes missing...and no one believes you...Weeping in front of customers isn't Laney Adams's style. She would have gone unnoticed if security expert Teague Johnson hadn't come to her grooming shop to pick up his boss's dog, Cutter. Something about Teague--or maybe it's the uncannily perceptive canine--compels her to open up about her best friend who's gone missing and how she feels responsible. The confession reminds Teague of his own secret guilt. He can't turn away. With the help of the Foxworth Foundation--and Cutter--Laney and Teague launch a dangerous search that leads to unexpected twists...and undeniable passion.

Something in St. John's intense blue eyes reminded Jessa hill of her childhood friend. But Adam Alden was long dead....The handsome stranger had vowed to help her defeat Adam's father in the mayoral race. Yet St. John's quest for revenge seemed too personal for a casual acquaintance. Could St. John and Adam be the same man...and would he disappear with Jessa's heart a second time?Dameron St. John returned home with a new identity and a score to settle. But he wasn't prepared for the emotions that surfaced when he reunited with Jessa. Could he let her in once again...and together would they slay his demons once and for all?

He makes her uncomfortable. Edgy. But as strange accidents befall Lilith Mercer and Tony Alvera becomes her bodyguard, she realizes that her wariness of the street-rough, enigmatic, younger Redstone operative covers an all-consuming attraction. Soon, hiding her feelings becomes next to impossible.No one could protect Lilith better than Tony. Maybe he'll never be good enough for the classy executive, but he trusts her safety to no other. Then one explosive night changes everything between them--and to save Lilith, Tony must go back to the streets and expose secrets that may forever set them apart.

Her every wish is his command. He lives only to serve her desires. A warrior. A sex slave from a conquered world. What will he do to her if she sets him free? Shaylah Graymist, ace fighter pilot for a brutal intergalactic Coalition, is given a slave as a reward for heroism in battle. The incredibly virile slave named Wolf wears a collar which controls him completely, allowing her to make him do anything she wants. Yet Shaylah has an old-fashioned belief in love and refuses to take advantage of him. A tense friendship grows between her and Wolf, along with deep desires he refuses to admit. The Coalition destroyed his people. He won't betray their memory. When Shaylah returns to battle, Wolf rebels and is sold to a prison colony. She frees him, and together they journey to his home planet. As she learns more about Wolf, she begins to question her loyalty to the Coalition, and the passions between them burn out of control.

A new Cutter's Code hero meets his match! After a series of his ex-girlfriends dies mysteriously, tracker and tech expert Liam Burnett vows to steer clear of romantic entanglements. But when he's assigned to work with Ria Connelly, unwanted feelings ambush Liam. And though he warns Ria that he's not looking for anything serious, the outwardly cheery bachelor can't help but fall for the beautiful teacher... With Cutter, the uncannily brilliant dog, the two collaborate to help a troubled student. Their discoveries of scandalous secrets provoke extreme danger. Only when a killer threatens Ria does Liam finally rethink his reluctance to care—­he must protect her at all costs. Could she be the one who breaks the girlfriend "jinx?"

In the next Cutter's Code romance, a hero with a secret returns home...and goes into rescuer mode... AWOL in times of family tragedy, Walker Cole doesn't expect a warm welcome home. Nor does he expect to see Amy­­ Clark--his sister's nerdy friend who had a mad teen crush on him--now a smart, sexy woman. Though Walker knows he's caused Amy pain and hatred, his own pain is worse. He can never tell the truth about his hellish years away. But when Amy's paralegal work endangers her, Walker jumps at the chance to guard her irresistible body and prove himself worthy of trust and forgiveness. Even Cutter, the Foxworth dog with a nose for trouble, has his back when trouble explodes!