Dallas Area Romance Authors

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New and Upcoming Releases

Labor of Love

By Rachel Hawthorne

Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 978-0-06136384-9
Release Date: 6/10/2008

Dawn has found the perfect way to forget her cheating boyfriend. Leave town for the summer and do something very distracting, like volunteering to help rebuild storm-torn New Orleans. But when she meets handsome, kind Brady, Dawn realizes she could be fixing more than a devastated house--she might also be able to repair her broken heart.

Operation: After-Life

By Angela Cavener

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-246-1
Release Date: 6/13/2008
Where to Order

It's a volatile mix when seasoned, no-nonsense FBI Special Agent Nathan West is forced to work with Aubrey Scott, a quirky, freethinking spirit medium who''''s in way over her head. Despite their polar opposite views, clashing wills and reluctant but fiery attraction, Nate and Aubrey must pool their skills to stop a terrorist attack of cataclysmic proportions. Facing the worst bio-terrorism threat in U.S. history with a mere 72 hours until bombs explode releasing a deadly virus into the water systems of seven major cities, millions of lives hang in the balance. Only the man who planted the delivery devices knows their locations and that man has just been murdered!

Discovering their love just might be the answer to saving the world!

An Honorable Texan

By Victoria Chancellor

Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
ISBN: 9780373752195
Release Date: 6/15/2008
Where to Order

When Cal Crawford returns to Brody's Crossing from military service in Afghanistan, he discovers his weekend with Fort Worth socialite Christie Simmons produced a nine-month old surprise. Not only has Cal's ranch irrevocably changed - thanks to his brother Troy (from Temporarily Texan) - but he now has a son who isn't even named in the Crawford tradition! While Christie renovates the vintage Sweet Dreams motel, she learns more about the father of her child. But can living together on the ranch and raising a son lead to love?

Hunger

By Rob Preece

Publisher: www.BooksForABuck.com
ISBN: 978-1-60215-077-5
Release Date: 6/22/2008
Where to Order

Tia Burns's roommate sums up the evidence: Ewan is seen only at night, he avoids churches, he's inhumanly strong and fast, and he's cold to the touch. To Lori, this can only mean he's a vampire.

Ewan hungers for Tia, all right, but his hunger is not for her blood. With Tia, he'll be an unstoppable force of divine power. Unfortunately for him, and for Tia, he's not the only one after that power. If the mysterious Iconic Corporation controls Tia, and Ewan, the entire Earth will suffer.

Sexy dark paranormal romance.

In Bed With the Devil

By Lorraine Heath

Publisher: AvonBooks
ISBN: 978-0-06-112970-4
Release Date: 6/24/2008

They call him the Devil Earl—a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything—even strike a bargain with the devil himself.

Lucian desires respectability and a wife above all else, but the woman of his choosing lacks the social graces to be accepted by the aristocracy. Catherine can help Lucian gain everything he wants. But what she asks for in exchange will put their very lives in jeopardy. When danger closes in, Catherine discovers a man of immense passion and he discovers a woman of immeasurable courage. As secrets from his dark past are revealed, Lucian begins to question everything he knows to be true, including the yearnings of his own heart.

The Bad Boys Guide To The Galaxy

By Karen Kelley

Publisher: Kensington Brava
ISBN: 0758217692
Release Date: 6/24/2008
Where to Order

Take me to your leader. Come to think of it, just take me.

Planet Nerak was perfect—no disease, no darkness, no hunger—until an expedition to Earth brought back an unwanted guest. Enter one talented Nerakian named Lara, sent on a special fact-finding mission in the vast region called Texas. Fortunately, a warrior (he calls himself a “cop”) named Sam Jones has offered to help. Unfortunately, Sam's skill at sex is quite distracting—as are plenty other earthly delights, like the dangerously addictive substance called chocolate. Temptations such as these could seriously compromise Lara's—ahem—research...

Crazy, that's what Sam is. What sane man would voluntarily isolate himself in the Texas woods with an alien, not to mention a female one with a superiority complex, legs that won't quit, and a penchant for walking around buck naked? Between bragging about her home planet and levitating, Lara wastes no time getting on Sam's last nerve...and even less time getting into his bed. Talk about going where no man has gone before. Of course, when you’re from Texas, nothing—not even an entire planet—is going to stop you from getting what you want.

"Red Life" in Weirdly, vol. II: Eldritch

By Jaye Wells, et al.

Publisher: Wild Child Publishing
Release Date: 6/24/2008
Where to Order

In the future, vampires, not robots, have taken over. One of their top operative, Carmina Sargosa, is on the run and only the Sisters of Crimson can help her.

Here Comes the Bribe

By Sherry A. Davis

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-263-1
Release Date: 6/27/2008
Where to Order

A single administrative assistant accepts her temporary boss’s offer to masquerade as his fiancée to keep his matchmaking grandmother out of his personal life and out of the way while he negotiates a high-profile merger for his family-owned company. In exchange, she’ll get the down payment for the loan she needs to keep her ex from selling her condo out from under her.
But neither of them counted on the lines blurring between real and pretend--or for the temporary arrangement to leave them both longing for something more permanent.

Smooth Lies

By Sara Thacker

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-249-6
Release Date: 6/27/2008
Where to Order

Sophia Henley’s life is in danger in her own home. The only way she can survive is to run...from her husband. But is he really the man she married?

After being dumped and left for dead in the Black Sea, Jake Henley is out to settle the score with his commanding officer and to save Sophia. She’s in jeopardy because of his job. He’ll stop at nothing to save her.

Sophia knows her secret life is to blame, but telling Jake about her job would only endanger him more. Can they escape the enemy by working together, or will the lies their marriage was founded on get in their way?

Duty To Protect

By Beth Cornelison

Publisher: Silhouette Romantic Suspense
ISBN: 97800-373-27592-2
Release Date: 7/1/2008
Where to Order

For years, counselor Ginny West has been helping abused women build a better life for themselves. Then a client's husband turns his violence against Ginny, and she finds herself not only trying to protect the woman and her children but also fighting for her own life.
Responding to a call at the local women's center, firefighter Riley Sinclair saves Ginny from a burning office and resuscitates her when she stops breathing. Having already faced one tragic loss in his life, Riley vows the dangerous man threatening Ginny won't get a second chance to hurt her.
Although Ginny resists Riley's guard duty, she can't deny the fiery attraction she shares with her fireman protector. But Riley has secrets he can't share with Ginny, and she's afraid to give Riley her love until she knows what he is hiding. While Ginny learns to trust Riley and her heart, her client's scorned husband is drawing closer... and his plans for vengeance are growing more deadly!

Under Fire

By Beth Cornelison

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 9781605040547
Release Date: 7/1/2008
Where to Order

When Jackson McKay and his daughter are kidnapped, their captors demand his research files on a devastating chemical weapon—or they'll kill his little girl. Jackson searches desperately for a way to save his daughter and also protect his country from the terrorists. No risk is too great. His daring escape sets in motion a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Arriving at the scene of a wildfire, smokejumper Lauren Michaels and her crew are caught in the crosshairs of Jackson's nightmare. Lauren is the only one who can lead Jackson off the burning mountain and to the police. In order to prevent a national crisis and save a child's life, they embark on a treacherous journey—one step ahead of a sniper!

But more than their lives are at risk, because an unexpected heat flares between them that may cost them their hearts...

Secret Seduction

By Lori Wilde

Publisher: 8/01/2008
ISBN: 9780373794157
Release Date: 8/1/2008
Where to Order

Confidential Rejuvenations…hot bodies are our specialty!

Our luxurious medical facility specializes in discreet, opulent care for exclusive clientele. Due to some recent “occurrences” at the hospital, bodyguard Tanner Doyle — a blond, tasty hunk of man — has been hired to keep an on eye on the place. But he can’t seem to focus on anything other than Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez…

Tanner’s job is two-fold: take care of security and be an undercover, personal bodyguard for Vanessa. Unfortunately, the “personal” part is turning into “very intimate” and Tanner’s professionalism is flying out the window — along with his clothes! But can their smokin’ hot chemistry make up for the fact that he’s been deceiving Vanessa from day one?

TRIAL BY FIRE

By Jo Davis

Publisher: NAL Signet
ISBN: 978-0451224774
Release Date: 8/5/2008
Where to Order

Meet Lieutenant Howard “Six-Pack” Paxton— one of the handsome, hard-bodied firefighters of Station Five.

Four-alarm fires have nothing on him…

Howard may love being a firefighter and riding his Harley, but there’s nothing he values more than his bachelorhood. That is, until a feisty, curvaceous teacher named Kat McKenna falls into his arms at the scene of a fire—and melts the six-foot-six tower of bronze muscle.

But just as passion ignites between them, and they begin to explore new heights of sexual ecstasy, a ruthless arsonist with a deadly secret and a thirst for vengeance becomes their worst nightmare.

Trading Faces e-format

By Denise Belinda McDonald

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-60504-125-4
Release Date: 8/5/2008
Where to Order

There are worse things than winding up dead…

With her ex-husband’s death, Elyse Cabot thinks she’s permanently off the emotional roller coaster…until he turns up posing as his twin brother—the real victim of foul play—at his funeral. Before she can get any answers out of him, he’s gone, leaving her with more questions than closure.

And a fortune in loose diamonds.

To her relief, a face from the past agrees to help her uncover the truth behind her newly acquired rocks. Private investigator Jack Walling has come a long way from the awkward geek she brushed off in high school. Such a long way, she discovers an inconvenient truth: There are worse things than winding up dead. Like falling head over heels for the hunky P.I.

Seeing Elyse again brings back a lot of hot, sweaty teenage memories for Jack. Then she opens her mouth and out comes some cockamamie story about diamonds and double crossing. So much for rekindling an old flame. Still, he just can’t seem to resist the lure of this dame in distress.

He just hopes he can solve the case before he does something stupid—like fall in love.

Tempt Me With Darkness

By Shayla Black

Publisher: Pocket
ISBN: 1416558586
Release Date: 8/26/2008
Where to Order

He’s an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction. . .
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray, he’s sure they met in eons past. He’s felt her soft, gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own powerful body. . . Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur’s warriors, has endured a terrible curse the witch cast upon him when he spurned the witch.

She’s a modern woman about to discover ancient magic. . .
Olivia shares a mystical—and irresistible—connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful—and intimate—than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna’s hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love—with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren—can save them.

Lookin' Back, Texas

By Leanna Ellis

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 978-0-8054-4697-5
Release Date: 9/1/2008

A devoted wife and mother returns to her hometown to help her mother with her father's funeral. Trouble is: he's not dead. And neither are the secrets she thought she buried long ago.

Love at First Flight/YA

By Beth Shriver

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: 9/1/2008
Where to Order

Neely’s family trip to Mexico started out as one last hurrah before college. She’s determined to make this her trip, in spite of the fact that her parent’s are celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary, and that her sister is back from college. But her trip turns into love at first sight with a young man who is attracted to Neely’s old-fashioned sentimentalism, and love for the disadvantaged people of his country.
Neely meets another guy who is desperate for her attention in the most obscure ways, even dangerous at times. At first it seems innocent, but his stunts become more serious. The worst incident changes her fear into courage and she forced to take action.
Now that Neely has just had the trip of her life, she is faced with leaving the beautiful beaches of Mexico, a guy she’ll never forget, and impoverished people that she’s determined to help. How can Neely leave this all behind?

Watch the trailer at;
http://www.myspace.com/bethshriverwriter

Rancher's Redemption

By Beth Cornelison

Publisher: Silhouette Romantic Suspense
ISBN: 9780373276026
Release Date: 10/1/2008
Where to Order

Amorous Ambush

By Tricia Lee

Publisher: Wings ePress
Release Date: 10/1/2008

A spunky Texas country girl becomes a spunky Texas businesswoman who encounters a suave and debonair northeastern executive at work.
A friend's challenge sends the romance into a serio-comical charade that almost spins out of control.

Addicted to Love

By Lori Wilde

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 04466502049
Release Date: 10/1/2008
Where to Order

Growing up in Valentine, Texas can make anyone believe in happily ever after. But recovering romantic Rachael Henderson has decided that love stinks. After having not one but two grooms ditch her at the altar, she commits an uncharacteristic act of rebellion that leaves her feeling liberated--until she's arrested by Sheriff Brody Carlton.

Once upon a time, being hauled against the taut, rippling body of her first crush would have had Rachael planning the wedding of the year. Now it spurs her to create Romanceaholics Anonymous and soon all of Valentine is divided as die-hard romantics clash with anti-love cynics. But when Rachael starts fantasizing about a lust-filled affair with Brody, she wonders if this time it just may be possible to have her wedding cake and eat it too...

Recent Releases

La Vida Vampire

By Nancy Haddock

Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: 9780425219959
Release Date: 4/1/2008

Meet Cesca Martinelli, your not-so-average vampire. Cesca is a day-walker who gives ghost tours, surfs, plays bridge, and prefers her meals from a bottle of Starbloods. She’s very happy with her routine, until her afterlife is disrupted by anti-vampire fanatics, magick, murder, and a very sexy vampire slayer named Deke Saber. What’s a girl to do? Cesca rises to the challenge, setting out to find the murderer, and in the process charming Deke and proving her own worth. La Vida Vampire is fresh, original, and guaranteed to be devilishly entertaining.

Heart of the Wolf

By Terry Spear Heart of the Wolf

Publisher: Sourcebooks
ISBN: 9781402211577
Release Date: 4/1/2008
Where to Order

While searching for clues of a lupus garou who is killing women in the rainy Portland suburbs, Bella Wilder becomes the hunted. She had run away from the gray pack who had taken her in when she was she young. And she will do so again before the brutish pack leader can have her.

Devlyn Greystoke has a mission—return Bella to the gray pack for safekeeping before she exposes their kind and gets herself killed. But little red wolves are in short supply and high demand and Bella’s determined to be the bait to flush out the killer. Keeping her out of danger is only half the trouble Devlyn encounters as his compulsion to make her his mate grows and she fights being his, fearful the pack leader will kill him.

Volan Smith, the gray alpha leader, claimed Bella when she was young. Now that he has located her, he wants Bella back. And he will stop at nothing to have her.

Midlife Murder

By Amy Eastlake

Publisher: www.BooksForABuck.com
ISBN: 978-1-60215-073-7
Release Date: 4/17/2008
Where to Order

Heather Montag isn't happy when her husband announces he's divorcing her, but she wouldn't have killed him. Unfortunately, the police don't believe that and when he's found dead, she becomes the chief suspect. Unless she can find the real killer, she'll spend the rest of her life in prison.

Don't Hex With Texas

By Shanna Swendson

Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0345492937
Release Date: 4/29/2008
Where to Order

Katie Chandler has fled fast-paced Manhattan and returned home to a simpler life, working at her family’s feed-and-seed store in Cobb, Texas. Leaving the sexy wizard Owen Palmer to battle his demons in the magical realm may have been a selfless gesture—after all, Katie seemed to attract evil, which only made Owen's job a lot harder—but now it seems like trouble has followed her home. And despite the fact that Merlin, Katie’s old boss at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has assured her that Cobb is free of enchantment, magically speaking, Katie begins to notice curious phenomena.

Soon Cobb is being plagued by a series of unexplainable petty crimes and other devilish mischief, and after her experiences in Manhattan, Katie knows "unauthorized magic" when she sees it. As this new dark magic strikes deep in the heart of Texas, Owen appears (literally) to investigate. Now Katie’s friends and family must show the bad guys why it’s bad luck to hex with Texas, while Katie and Owen combine their strengths like never before to uncover a sinister plot before evil takes root in the lone star state.

Making a Splash: Robyn

By Jade Parker

Publisher: Point
ISBN: 978-0545045407
Release Date: 5/1/2008

Caitlin and Robyn, long time best friends, get summer jobs together working at The Splash, the local water park. While Caitlin gets to be a lifeguard, Robyn is stuck pushing little kids in inner tubes down a slide. And to complicate matters, Robyn's long-standing crush on Sean is turning into something more. There's just one problem....he's Caitlin's brother!

A Perfect Match

By Shelley Bradley

Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60504-012-7
Release Date: 5/13/2008
Where to Order

Journalist Mitch MacKinnon is giving his all to make the big time and he’s found his ticket in…but first he has to write an exposé on a local dating service and its owner, Juliette Lowell. Her unorthodox methods seem laughable…until they pair him with the sexy-as-hell Juliette. As they begin a series of dates to determine their compatibility, will Mitch have to eat his words and the story that will take him to the top in order to admit that Juliette is his perfect match?

Dangerous Boys And Their Toy

By Shayla Black

Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Release Date: 5/28/2008
Where to Order

Trading orgasms for information isn’t their usual way of doing business, but when a missing criminal-turned-star-witness and fifty grand are on the line, bounty hunter R. A. Thorn and Detective Cameron Martinez are prepared to put their bodies to the task and give gorgeous Brenna Sheridan everything she needs.

An exchange they never anticipated becomes an experience none can forget—or walk away from. Sexual hunger sizzles the threesome, but the stakes and danger rise as a mafia bad-ass stalks Brenna.

Soon, their “deal” is no longer about information—or sex. Emotions bind Brenna, Cam and Thorn together more tightly than they ever imagined as the men protect—and serve—the beloved woman neither can live without.

TALL TALES AND WEDDING VEILS

By Jane Graves

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 978-0446617871
Release Date: 6/1/2008
Where to Order

Accountant Heather Montgomery is a planner. So never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd run into sexy charmer Tony McCaffrey in Vegas, play lady luck, and celebrate his jackpot with a champagne-soaked night. And she certainly never expected to wake up the next morning married! How could this good girl pick a man whose fridge is empty and whose apartment is a disaster zone, yet still drives her so crazy with lust she can't see straight?

Quickly hitched and happily ditched, Tony can't wait to get back to his playboy ways. But when Heather''s family is thrilled that their no-nonsense daughter is finally in love, he proposes a plan: stay married for a month to repay his good luck charm, even though she sterilizes his toothbrush and forbids anything between the sheets. But Heather is more than he bargained for--a sharp-witted, passionate woman who just might turn his near miss into wedded bliss!

Temperature's Rising (Re-issue)

By Karen Kelley

Publisher: Kensington Brava
ISBN: 0758211732
Release Date: 6/1/2008
Where to Order

If at first you don't succeed...

There are good and bad things in an undercover cop’s life. Mistaking the police chief’s luscious daughter for a prostitute? Bad, bad, bad. Finding out the babe is a black belt who will soon be posing as your wife on a sting operation? Oh baby, so good. For lawman Conor Richmond, playing house while trying to crack a burglary ring means a chance to make amends to Jessica Nelson for the, um, unfortunate pat-down. And with the arrival of a heart-shaped mattress, a faux bearskin rug, chocolate and champagne, Conor’s well on his way to making sure their charade looks, feels, and tastes blissfully real…
Try Again...
Jessica comes from a long line of cops--shoot, her teething ring was a pair of handcuffs--and she’s had it. She wants a normal life with a husband who doesn’t think procedurals are foreplay. Still, if going undercover will save her dad’s job, she’s willing to do it. But her resolution to keep her cool around the smug, sexy Conor--a man who can arouse her with one naughty wink--will be tough. Who knew staking out bad guys while staging full-on makeout sessions would be such a rush? Suddenly, Jessica’s having second thoughts about giving up police work—and a certain hot cop.
And again... And again...
Now, with the temperature rising - both on the case and in the bedroom -two relentless, funny, exasperating, hot-blooded and head-over-heels cops are in danger of blowing their cover--with each other…

Reluctant Partners

By Kara Lennox

Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
Release Date: 6/1/2008

Book #1 in the "Second Sons" trilogy.

When Cooper Remington discovers he and his two cousins inherited a boat and a fishing charter business, they chuck their corporate jobs with the family business and head for tiny Port Clara, Texas. But things get complicated when they find a feisty redhead living on their boat, claiming their Uncle Johnny left it to her in his will.

Don''t Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes

By Dixie Cash

Publisher: Avon Trade
ISBN: 978*0060829742
Release Date: 6/1/2008
Where to Order

Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin have hit the big time! They''ve been invited to speak at the National Association of Private Investigators convention in New York City--if Edwina can survive the flight and if they can get through airport security. The Big Apple has no idea what kind of trouble is brewing when this tornado of a pair comes blowing into town. From helping a small town librarian with big dreams get back her stolen money to solving a murder (and providing some great big hair-styling tips and down-home Texas wisdom in between), the gals are going to have the time of their lives in this fabulously funny new tale from the wonderful Dixie Cash.

Crossing the Line

By Lori Wilde

Publisher: Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373794037
Release Date: 6/1/2008
Where to Order

Confidential Rejuvenations…hot bodies are our specialty!

Our private medical facility is a lush oasis of tranquility, catering to affluent patients who require complete discretion. Our latest staff addition is Dr. Dante Nash, an extraordinary specimen of hotness… er, professionalism. In fact, nurse Elle Kingston can’t seem to keep her eyes — and her lusty thoughts — off him!

But Dante is more than a sexy-pants practitioner who makes Elle weak in the knees — and in other parts. He’s also undercover for the FBI. There have been some illicit goings-on here at Confidential Rejuvenations. Dangerous ones. Ones that threaten the lives of Elle and Dante, as their little naughtiness causes a whole lot of trouble…

The Power of Love

By Karen Kelley et al

Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 0425221482
Release Date: 6/3/2008
Where to Order

In this engaging anthology of never-before-published stories, twelve award-winning and bestselling authors are united by their unique visions of the resilient woman and her quest for self, for fulfillment, for empowerment, and for an enriching new appreciation for what love really means—and why it matters.

A young woman is torn between the overbearing security of her fiancé and the excitement of an old flame…a desperate wife is forced into the workplace for the first time in her life…an ambitious professional woman finally finds the courage to take control of her career—and her man…an emotionally fragile divorcee finds resolve in the ethereal visitations of an archangel. These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their wonderfully fallible selves in the shadow of love—romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. You’ll be touched, inspired, charmed, and amused by these twelve original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love.

(A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE POWER OF LOVE GOES TO THE BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER OF CINCINNATI.)

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