C. J. Darling

Have they gone crazy...or are they just crazy in love? Sparks fly when pretty Devon Gallagher opens a new pet store entirely too close to Lucas O'Shaunnessey's successful Pet Paradise chain. But their shared love of animals forms a bond too strong to be broken as they fight to stop animal hoarding, search Devon's ancestral home for mysterious hidden rooms, race to discover who's vandalizing Lucas's beautiful stores...and fall headlong in love. Excerpt The whole thing had been a dream. That's all it was, just a bizarre waking fantasy. Lucas O'Shaunnessey had not grabbed her like some primitive caveman and kissed her half-senseless It simply had not happened Too much work on too little sleep. And while you're at it, throw in vivid hallucinations caused by several gallons of caffeine By the end of the day, she'd done such a good job of convincing herself that she very nearly believed it...Except whenever other vendors caught her eye and smirked with open amusement. Then she could practically feel livid smoke curling around her head. Ooooh, when he got back, the things she was going to say to him Devon's face was stiff from feigning bogus smiles as one endless day stretched into two, and then into three. The story of how Lucas had grabbed her, suitably exaggerated with every lurid repetition, had spread like wildfire throughout the entire market. She could hardly wait to close up shop and head home Ironically, that weekend's sales were the best she'd ever had. Normally she would have celebrated. But right now she couldn't bring herself to care. Her mind was too full of sensations...the crisp linen of Lucas's freshly starched shirt, the surprising softness of his thick black hair, the riotous ecstasy of his mouth taking firm possession of hers. No one had ever kissed her like that before, as if he'd been trying to plunder her deepest secrets She'd dated some, of course, during high school and her brief stint in college. But not one of those boys had ever made her feel anything like this, so tingling and aching and helpless all at the same time. She didn't like it one little bit Firmly she tried to banish the tantalizing memory. Visualize a heavy steel vault, push the sensations inside, and slam the door closed. Then spin the lock a few dozen extra times, just to make sure the door can't swing back open at a bad moment. It was a technique she'd used many times, with great success, to keep from obsessing over something disturbing.The only problem was, this time it simply wasn't working. During the day, she was busy enough caring for her animals and remodeling her house to stay distracted. But at night...treacherous dreams kept taunting her with thrilling visions of what might be. Lucas bending over her, his clever hands stroking and caressing. His deep seductive voice whispering in her ear. The half-imagined weight of his long body pressing her down... Gasping, cursing Lucas O'Shaunnessey and her own vivid imagination, she would wake in a feverish sweat. Then it would take her ages to fall back asleep, only to drift into yet another restless, enthralling dream. She hated him-and herself-for allowing him such absolute control over her wayward mind. Damn it, she was a Gallagher And Gallaghers were strong Too good for the likes of him with his long lanky frame, coal-black hair, and riveting dark blue eyes. Too strong to yield to the temptation in that husky low voice. Yet despite her own fierce resolutions, she just had to wonder...

When ex-Marine Mitch O'Neill wins an incredible round-the-world vacation aboard the newly-commissioned Fairy Princess cruise ship, then discovers his beautiful, treacherous ex-lover is also aboard, he's sure someone is setting him up for big trouble. He's spent the last seven years hating Lady Guinevere Thurmond for callously breaking his heart. Who is trying to reunite them now...and why? Excerpt Mitch couldn't quite remember when he'd left the boisterous party. The crisp sea air was bracing against his flushed skin. Overhead, stars were winking in a plush velvety sky. He tried to calculate how far they'd already traveled from shore, but too many stiff drinks were making his brain feel like mush. Too bad he couldn't remember his suite number; but he didn't want to go there yet anyway. Empty room, empty bed. He should be used to that by now. Seven long years since he'd let a woman get close enough to matter. But she was here, damn it all, just when he'd finally started to believe he could forget She'd passed right by him with her goddamned lumberjack, and laughed so sweetly at something he'd said. And she'd never even known he was standing only a few short feet away. Was she kissing her burly lumberjack right now? Forget about her Find some horny rock star who needs a quick lay If only it was that easy. No other woman had ever moved him the way Guinevere Langford-Goddamned-Thurmond did. No other woman had ever made his blood boil, or touched his heart in so many unexpected ways. Damn her to hell and back again. What the hell had gone wrong? He still didn't know. One minute they'd been blissfully in love, making reckless plans for the future. Gonna get married and have ten kids, for God's sake. Buy a pretty little white picket fence along some sandy beach out in the middle of nowhere. Then out of the blue, everyone was gossiping about how she'd managed to rope in a stinking-rich British nobleman. And his entire world had crashed and burned like a flaming rocket. It just went to prove you couldn't trust women. No way, no how. Soft light beckoned on his right, and he headed in that direction. She was probably in there, making time with her new friend the lumberjack. He should turn away, make his unsteady way back downstairs without intruding. Hell, he wasn't sure he could stand to see her in some other man's embrace, even now But his willful feet took another step, then another. Well, he'd been half right. She was there, all right. But she was thankfully alone-unless you counted all those cutesy little animals dozing at her feet. God, she looked adorable in that skintight butter-yellow swimsuit and those tight white shorts Hadn't gained an ounce in the past seven years, either. Lush curves in all the right places, long legs like a dancer's, creamy ivory skin with just a hint of amber freckles across her nose and shoulder blades. His mouth watered. And her hair...satiny rippling waves as tawny as a lioness. Just the thought of burying his hands in all that rich silky hair made his muscles tighten with savage need. "Don't you make a charming picture " Gwen was languidly brushing a long-haired pup when his bitter words rang out of the darkness. She knew that low, husky voice And it was so achingly familiar that every nerve in her body went on instant alert, and her heart began to pound wildly. The brush fell from her numb fingers as she whipped around, hardly daring to breathe. "Mitch?" His name emerged as a hoarse, disbelieving whisper. "Don't act so surprised." Sneering, he emerged from the shadows. "You know very well that your loving husband arranged for me to keep you company on this delightful little pleasure cruise "Or was it you?" His eyes narrowed suddenly as stunned heat flushed her pale cheeks. "By God, it was, wasn't it? You arrange

Kayla Ferrell's dead husband, Patrick, isn't ready to move on yet. After their bright future is destroyed by a tragic car crash that leaves her in a wheelchair, he's determined to give her another chance at life-and love. But she's terrified of loving another man and losing the special connection they still share. When she travels to the exotic Fiji islands to watch her screenplay, Deadly Divergence, be made into an exciting motion picture, she finally meets Hollywood superstar Alex Matthews in person. This is exactly the opportunity Patrick has been searching for as instant attraction sizzles between Alex and Kayla. Alex may hold Kayla's heart, but a bitter divorce has left him emotionally scarred, unwilling to risk falling in love again. While Kayla struggles to regain the use of her legs, he struggles against his growing attraction to her. Can Alex and Kayla find the strength to overcome their paralyzing fears and embrace true love before the filming ends, and their time together runs out? "Erin Bateman's exceptional vocal talent makes the characters come alive You'll laugh, rejoice, and maybe even cry a little as you experience Kayla's grueling struggle to walk again, and her heartache and joy as she falls headlong in love with the one man who has the power to heal or shatter her fragile heart." Ashley Hunter, Heartsong Reviews Excerpt Kayla would always remember that first golden glimpse of Alex Matthews, looking like a guilty little kid caught in the cookie jar, while his normally-sober partner roared with laughter. A keen pang of disappointment lanced through her heart. Of course she hadn't really expected them to act just like their TV roles-yet somehow she had, anyway Foolish of her. She knew their screen characters intimately. She knew what they'd say, how they'd say it, how they'd react to any given situation. But these two glorious, larger-than-life people were total strangers to her. Suddenly she felt very shy, and more than a little awkward. Alicia stepped forward first, and warmly clasped her hand. "Welcome to paradise " she smiled, instinctively liking what she saw in the younger woman's crystal-blue eyes. "Or as we like to call it, The Madhouse." Her grip was strong, yet somehow compassionate. Kayla felt her tensed nerves relax slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Huntington," she smiled, and meant every word. Quinn MacAllister had brought her back to life. Alicia's character, Mariah Conners, had given her courage and strength through those first long months, when she'd been struggling to accept her grim new circumstances. Alicia heard the sincerity in her voice, and remembered the rumors. Sometime soon, they'd have to cozy up for a nice long chat. But in the meantime... "Allie, please," she urged, waving aside propriety with an easy smile. "A film set's no place for formality " You're the one she's here to see. Allie's cheerful voice echoed in Alex's ears as he drew a deep, steadying breath, and tried to still his racing pulse. Let's make her week a memorable one. He was an actor. He could handle this. No one else needed to know how his heart was pounding. He stepped forward with a beaming smile pasted on his face. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Kayla Farrell. Welcome to Paradise Island " And he forced himself to clasp her outstretched hand. Heat exploded in his palm, and seared all the way up his arm and shoulder. Startled, he took a hasty step back. He became aware of a fierce thudding in his belly-one that had nothing to do with her dreaded wheelchair, and everything to do with the heavy anvil gut-punching him. Alicia's eyebrows rose slightly as hot color flooded Kayla's cheeks. So the sparks were already flying, how interesting Sudden intriguing possibilities began to dance through her cleve

When FBI Special Agent Mariah Conners is injured in the line of duty, her partner, Quinn MacAllister, decides Bermuda is the perfect place for them to relax and recuperate. But it isn't called the Bermuda Triangle for nothing First their charter plane goes down in a freak electrical storm, and they're cast adrift with two spoiled teenagers and an elderly retired couple. Then they discover that the remote tropical island sheltering them holds a deadly secret-a unique sentient lifeform with incredible healing power for those few who can survive exposure to its potent spores. And to really cap things off, an old enemy is in hot pursuit He wants the spores for himself, and he'll kill anyone who gets in his way Can Mac and Conners keep their companions alive and escape the mysterious island before he destroys them all? Excerpt "Mac " Mariah stared in blank horror as the plane's shattered nose sank beneath the choppy storm-darkened waves, leaving behind only a trail of shimmering bubbles. "Mac " Someone was holding her back, pleading with her, clutching her arms in a fierce paralyzing grip. "Let me go " she yelled, wrenching free. "He's my partner " The bubbles were slowly fading away. She dove, kicking hard, following the plane's lazy descent. Icy darkness enveloped her. Her lungs began to ache and fiery spots danced before her eyes. More rising air bubbles suddenly exploded in her face, blinding her. Then her groping fingers brushed against something slippery. Mac's leather jacket One last frantic surge of energy moved her weakening legs, propelling her upward again, dragging his heavy weight behind her. Cold rain suddenly lashed against her upturned face. Sputtering, she sucked in deep breaths of precious air. Lightning flared overhead, painfully bright against her dilated eyes as she fought to keep Mac's sagging head above the waves. New energy surged through her aching frame when Reuben's hand locked around Mac's limp arm. "Hurry " she shouted. "He's not breathing " Esther leaned out perilously far to help, and slowly they hauled his long body into the raft. Then it was Conners' turn, and she wanted to sob with relief as the ocean reluctantly loosened its death-grip on her thrashing legs. Mac was sprawled face-down in the sloshing raft. "Help me roll him over " she gasped. Oh God, his lips were blue, and his open eyes were glazed. Helpful hands steadied her as she bent to force air down his windpipe. Again. And again And again Suddenly his limp body convulsed, and a gush of salty water erupted from his open mouth. Conners tilted his head to one side and let the water drain. "Breathe, Mac " she ordered, pushing hard against his ribs one last time. "Come on, damn it Breathe " He jerked again, and this time she heard the sweet rush of air filling his lungs. His chest began to rise and fall in a slow, rhythmic cadence as his taut muscles relaxed. Another huge wave crashed into the raft, drenching them with icy spray. "How long will this storm last?" Reuben shouted in her ear. Suddenly the black clouds and shrieking winds vanished. For one ageless, nauseating moment, the entire world seemed to whirl in dizzying spirals. Then a soft, warm rain began to patter down around them. She bolted upright and stared wildly around. "What the hell..." It was impossible. Fierce squalls didn't just appear and then disappear in the blink of an eye. But the violent electrical storm was gone. The gigantic crashing waves were gone. And as they watched in stunned disbelief, the hazy gray clouds overhead simply melted away, and the golden sun began to shine down from a perfectly clear blue sky. The ocean around them was calm, gentle...and empty. The other life raft was nowhere to be seen.

A chance meeting and mistaken identity throw gorgeous Hollywood superstar Conor Fitzpatrick and pretty Kiera Donovan together in an unlikely romance fraught with tragic secrets that could endanger a young girl's life. When an arranged marriage seems like the only way to save Conor's daughter from a ruthless murderer, Kiera must risk destroying their growing love to return to Ireland and confront a terror from her past. Love and lives hang in the balance as they travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and then to the treacherous cliffs of Kilkee, Ireland, for a dramatic showdown with a crazed madman. Excerpt The ringing telephone jolted her, and sent her panicked heart into overdrive. Had something terrible happened to Lissa? Quickly she grabbed the receiver. "Hello?" "Kiera?" Conor's rich lilting voice filled her small bedroom. "Good, it is you. I was hoping I'd dialed the right number." "Conor." Momentary relief weakened her knees, and she sank down onto her mattress. Then her hands began to tremble-from delayed reaction, she assured herself. Just because she'd been worried about Lissa. Never, ever because she was thrilled to hear his deep, lyrical voice. "How did you find me?" His laugh was warm and full of boyish delight. "Directory assistance, of course. Did you think I'd followed you from the park?" "No, of course not." Why, after all, would an important man like Conor Fitzpatrick bother tracking her movements? Because her quick refusal this afternoon had intrigued him, she realized with a quick mental groan. She'd have done better to fawn on him until he got bored, and lost interest in her. Oh, she never should have let the phone company list her number when she'd changed it again last October But she'd been so sure no one would suspect innocuous K. Donovan of having even the slightest connection with a far-distant Irishwoman named Peggy Delaney. Careless, careless, careless Five cautious years of successful anonymity had dulled her sense of self-preservation Conor's lilting voice scattered her chaotic thoughts. "I thought maybe we could get together for dinner tonight, since you won't have time for lunch tomorrow afternoon." "Why?" Kiera struggled to keep panic from ringing through her voice. "I'm not an actress or anyone famous. Why bother with me?" There was a moment of silence, so brief she wondered if she'd imagined it. Then he chuckled. "Obviously you haven't looked in a mirror lately." A hot flush rose to her tanned cheeks. She could almost see him on the other end of the phone, smiling in that sensual way that made women's hearts flutter. Sternly she ordered her own to settle back down into her chest, and stop trying to batter its way through her rib cage. "Conor, I don't think..." "Have you eaten yet?" "Well no, but..." "Then my timing's perfect I'll be there in a few minutes." "Conor, wait You can't just..." "Kiera." A slow smile curved his lips, and his voice dropped to a deliberately intimate murmur. "I'm not going to take 'no' for an answer." Then he was gone. Shaken, Kiera stared blankly at the buzzing phone in her hand. This just couldn't be happening Oh sweet heavens, what was she going to wear? A different kind of panic, purely feminine, washed through her like an icy wave. What could she wear that would impress Hollywood's sexiest new superstar? Peggy's picture He mustn't see it Gasping, she snatched it off the table, and thrust it deep into the bottom of her lingerie drawer. Not that she was ever going to allow him up into her bedroom. But still. He was a clever, persuasive fellow, and she couldn't be too careful. If he ever learned of her connection to Peggy, the results could be catastrophic.