Champion jockey Melanie Preston believes romance is a complication best avoided. She has enough to worry about with Quest Stables tottering on the edge of financial ruin! But when the gorgeous thorn in her side--horse trainer Marcus Vasquez--leaves to open his own stable, Melanie is torn between relief... and desire for a man she can't trust. For Marcus's dark good looks go hand in hand with a past that's just as mysterious....Now, as he and Melanie are plunged into a dangerous plot, only Marcus's secrets can unlock Quest's Thoroughbred mystery...if they don't threaten Melanie's life!

When FBI special agent Rory Sinclair saw the woman who ran the guest house where he was staying, she wasn't the apron-clad lady with graying hair tucked in a prim bun he'd envisioned. Not even close. Peggy Honeywell was a young single mom whose seductive gaze nearly froze him in his tracks. Going undercover to expose the danger looming at the Colton-endowed Hopechest Ranch wasn't nearly so hard as pretending he didn't ache to take this wary widow in his arms and make every room in her house theirs -- exclusively. And for the first time in his life, this hardened lawman felt like more than his job was at stake...because protecting Peggy would be a lifetime commitment!

THE ABC'S OF MURDER FROM: PAIGE CAMPBELL SUBJECT: TROUBLE WITH LAST ASSIGNMENT A joke. That's what most cops think of me, an expert in Forensic Statement Analysis. I catch criminals by what they say -- and, more important, what they don't. The science of language and double meanings fascinates me, and if that makes me a nerd at the police department, I can live with it. Even suffer the contempt of hot homicide cop Nate McCall. But an odd statement from one of Oklahoma City's finest has triggered my suspicion -- his words ring of murder. And proving it could silence me forever....

THE MAN SHE ALMOST MARRIED... Was now Sergeant Julia Cruze's prime suspect in a heinous murder. Two years ago she wouldn't have believed millionaire Sloan Remington capable of killing anyone. But her heart had been broken, her trust betrayed -- her faith brutally shattered -- when this man she loved had jilted her .... TWO DAYS before their wedding. Sloan was keeping secrets from her, Julia knew, but what she needed to discover was whether they had something to do with the investigation or everything to do with why he'd left her. Because every moment in his presence brought her one step closer to risking everything for one more kiss, one more touch....

A MATCH MADE IN MURDER A dance marked their first meeting. A slow, sensuous waltz amid wedding revelers, though they'd felt alone ...and entirely too intimate. Because homicide sergeant Jake Ford had given up women, and Nicole Taylor knew the darkly handsome, intensely shuttered cop was far from her perfect match. Murder marked their second encounter--the victim, a client of Nicole's dating service. Without doubt, she knew Jake wouldn't be going away. Nor would her blazing desire for this man who'd awakened feelings both reckless and raw. Feelings she saw mirrored in eyes that contained hidden pain. Though her head warned her that Jake was all wrong, why did her heart scream that loving him was so very right?

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY... To: Officer Morgan McCall Subject: Undercover Assignment Effective immediately, you will report to Sergeant Alexander Blade for your first investigation. You are to take down gambling kingpin Carlton Spurlock on suspicion of murder. The two of you will pose as newlyweds and move in next door to the suspect. Be aware of the risks involved in role-playing. You and Alex will be living together in close quarters, under constant surveillance by Spurlock. Try to stay in character at all times without giving in to the heated passion that flares in these intimate situations. Remember that love undercover can lead to desire -- and danger.

MAN OF ICE It was rumored that Lieutenant Michael Ryan had ice running through his veins. A dedicated detective, he never let emotion interfere with his job. But his unwavering discipline was shaken by one beguiling--and beautiful--suspect, a woman who could help him catch a grisly serial killer .... A. J. Duncan's reputation as a criminal profiler was exemplary, but her involvement in her cop brother's death was suspicious. And as the two investigations heated up, Michael realized he'd crossed the line ...and fallen for a woman forbidden to him.

HAUNTED BY DESIRE... To: Sergeant Grace McCall-Fox From: Police Chief Berry The only daughter of our most powerful senator has recently been murdered and her newborn child kidnapped. You and FBI special agent Mark Santini will pose as a childless couple desperate to adopt and bring the suspect into custody -- before another murder occurs. I realize you and Mark have a past together and that this could complicate the assignment. It is imperative that you keep up the facade of happily married lovers at all times, but be careful not to let desire cloud your senses. Close quarters could lead to shared passion and searing attraction -- and greater risk to your lives.

To: Lieutenant Joshua McCall Subject: Probationary Period Your reputation for bending the rules nearly cost you your badge, so we suggest you use your time off to think about how much being a cop means to you -- and to your family. This time, McCall, try to keep yourself out of trouble. Since you've gotten involved with the mysterious beauty tending bar in sleepy Sundown, Texas, we've investigated her -- and discovered she's a murder suspect. Romancing a fugitive isn't a good career move, McCall. And you may be forced to choose between the job you live for -- and the woman you can't live without.

To: Lieutenant Brandon McCall Subject: Temporary Assignment An escaped murderer has vowed revenge against you for killing his cousin on the job, and he has targeted your estranged wife. Due to your familiarity with the convict -- and his potential victim -- you are hereby assigned to protect Victoria McCall until further notice. The two of you will move into a safe house ASAP. Spending tension-filled days in such close proximity may lead to the resurrection of powerful feelings long thought dead, but do not let yourselves be distracted by renewed love. Your lives are on the line -- and at times like this, desire can be deadly.

Grant Pierce and Sky Milano. They were a formidable team, the homicide detective and the forensic chemist. Once Grant had wanted their partnership to be more, but they'd tried romance - and failed. Murder brought them together. A homicide in which the sole suspect was a man sitting on death row. The confounding case landed their careers on the line, while their irrepressible attraction made confronting the past inescapable...and becomming lovers unavoidable.