Books published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

A visit to the serene coastal town of South Cove, California, could make anybody feel refreshed and inspired. But as Jill Gardner-owner of Coffee, Books, and More-discovers, some folks won't live to tell about it . . .Mystery author Nathan Pike checked into South Cove Bed & Breakfast to compose a compelling novel, not commit murder. But things get real when a rival B&B owner ends up exactly like the victim in his draft-undeniably dead. As Nathan prepares to complete his magnum opus behind bars, Jill's the only one who can prove his innocence and deconstruct the plot of a twisted killer! Praise for The Tourist Trap Mysteries "Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover's dream come true." -Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries "Lynn Cahoon has created an absorbing, good fun mystery in Mission to Murder." -Fresh Fiction

The quaint coastal town of South Cove, California, is all abuzz about the opening of a new specialty shop, Tea Hee. But as Coffee, Books, and More owner Jill Gardner is about to find out, there's nothing cozy about murder . . .Shop owner Kathi Corbin says she came to South Cove to get away from her estranged family. But is she telling the truth? And did a sinister someone from her past follow her to South Cove? When a woman claiming to be Kathi's sister starts making waves and a dead body is found in a local motel, Jill must step in to clear Kathi's name--without getting herself in hot water. Includes an excerpt from A STORY TO KILL, Lynn Cahoon's BRAND NEW seriesPraise for The Tourist Trap Mysteries"Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover's dream come true." --Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries"Lynn Cahoon has created an absorbing, good fun mystery in Mission to Murder." --Fresh Fiction

The mesas and canyons of rural Utah are both beautiful and unforgiving--as unforgiving as the locals in Sharperville, who will never see Jamie Sundstrom as anything other than the no-good daughter of the town drunk. Now, two years after losing her own daughter in a nasty custody battle, Jamie is saving every penny from her job as a backhoe operator for a good lawyer. Her heart is as battered as her rundown car--until a soft-spoken, easy-on-the-eyes cowboy drifts into town...Cal Cameron is trying to adjust to his new normal, working on his sister's farm after recovering from the rodeo wreck that ended his championship career. At first sight, he can tell that Jamie is is guarded. But as she slowly lets him into her world, he'll do anything to help her get her daughter back--even if it means finally letting go of the man he was and becoming a different kind of hero...

"An elegant new voice in historical romance!" -New York Times bestselling author Meredith Duran Desire waylays the plans of a man with a mysterious past and a woman with an uncertain future, in Susanna Craig's unforgettable series set in Georgian England. After her much older husband dies-leaving her his fortune-Charlotte Blakemore finds herself at the mercy of her stepson, who vows to contest the will and destroy her life. With nowhere to turn and no one to help her, she embarks on an elaborate ruse-only to find herself stranded on the way to London. . . More than twenty years in the West Indies have hardened Edward Cary, but not enough to abandon a helpless woman at a roadside inn-especially one as disarmingly beautiful as Charlotte. He takes her with him to the Gloucestershire estate he is determined to restore, though he is suspicious of every word that falls from her distractingly lush lips. As far as Charlotte knows, Edward is nothing more than a steward, and there's no reason to reveal his noble birth until he can right his father's wrongs. Acting as husband and wife will keep people in the village from asking questions that neither Charlotte nor Edward are willing to answer. But the game they're each determined to play has rules that beg to broken, when the passion between them threatens to uncover the truth-for better or worse. . .

"An elegant new voice in historical romance!" --New York Times bestselling author Meredith DuranSusanna Craig's dazzling series set in Georgian England sails to the Caribbean--where a willful young woman and a worldly man do their best to run every which way but towards each other...After her beloved father dies, Tempest Holderin wants nothing more than to fulfill his wish to free the slaves on their Antiguan sugar plantation. But the now wealthy woman finds herself pursued by a pack of unsavory suitors with other plans for her inheritance. To keep her from danger, her dearest friend arranges a most unconventional solution: have Tempest kidnapped and taken to safety. Captain Andrew Corrvan has an unseemly reputation as a ruthless, money-hungry blackguard--but those on his ship know differently. He is driven by only one thing: the quest to avenge his father's death on the high seas. Until he agrees to abduct a headstrong heiress...If traveling for weeks--without a chaperone--isn't enough to ruin Tempest, the desire she feels for her dark and dangerously attractive captor will do the rest. The storm brewing between them will only gather strength when they reach England, where past and present perils threaten to tear them apart--even more so than their own stubborn hearts... "An impressive debut, with evocative prose and richly drawn characters. To Kiss a Thief will leave you breathless, and eagerly wanting more." --New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston "An achingly romantic tale of a second chance at love. Beautifully written, richly atmospheric, deeply felt, and so deftly researched--I felt utterly absorbed into the world of late Georgian England. I'm tremendously excited to discover such an elegant new voice in historical romance!" --New York Times bestselling author Meredith Duran

In this captivating new series set in Georgian England, a disgraced woman hides from her marriage-for better or worse...Sarah Pevensey had hoped her arranged marriage to St. John Sutliffe, Viscount Fairfax, could become something more. But almost before it began, it ended in a scandal that shocked London society. Accused of being a jewel thief, Sarah fled to a small fishing village to rebuild her life. The last time St. John saw his new wife, she was nestled in the lap of a soldier, disheveled, and no longer in possession of his family's heirloom sapphire necklace. Now, three years later, he has located Sarah and is determined she pay for her crimes. But the woman he finds is far from what he expected. Humble and hardworking, Sarah has nothing to hide from her husband-or so it appears. Yet as he attempts to woo her to uncover her secrets, St. John soon realizes that if he's not careful, she'll steal his heart..."An impressive debut, with evocative prose and richly drawn characters. To Kiss a Thief will leave you breathless, and eagerly wanting more." -New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston"An achingly romantic tale of a second chance at love. Beautifully written, richly atmospheric, deeply felt, and so deftly researched-I felt utterly absorbed into the world of late Georgian England. I'm tremendously excited to discover such an elegant new voice in historical romance!" -New York Times bestselling author Meredith Duran

Can tragedies have a happy ending in Storybook Lake?Every town has one-a mean girl, hell-bent on taking down everything in her path-and Danielle Ranier played the role to a tee. She broke up Storybook Lake's most beloved couple and to save herself from a lifetime of lectures on morality, she hopped on the first plane out of town. Six years, one child, and a big secret later, she's back, fleeing from her abusive husband, who isn't quite willing to set her free. Now on trial for a murder she didn't commit, Simon Hunter, the only man she's ever loved is offering her a lifetime of love and security. If she could only reveal the secrets long-held inside her, a family that never was might finally come together . . .

Four days on the water . . .Four nights in his arms . . .Charlene "Charlie" Stanton doubts her maiden voyage on a lusty singles cruise will direct her sails toward love. But an unexpected lothario just might change the tide in her favor . . . Charlie boarded the Cozumel-bound Lovers Sail cruise hoping for nothing more than writing an article that would make it into the pages of City Wings, a trendy travel magazine. Still recovering from a highly publicized divorce, love is the last thing on her mind--especially when she realizes she's mistakenly booked herself a spot on a kink cruise. That is until she meets Ford, an outsider just like her, and he whips her attitude into submission. Despite rules limiting their interaction, he shows her a world where pleasure is encouraged, and nothing is forbidden. And with Ford as her anchor, she begins to wonder if she can turn four nights of fantasy into more nights of reality when the trip is over . . .

One day to see the sights.One night to change your life. . .Magazine writer Kathryn Taylor is traveling from New York to Paris for work. But the flirtatious Frenchman she left long ago is waiting at the airport--and he wants to play. . .No one can guide Kat through the sensual city's delights like Marko Renard. He let her get away once, and now he's determined to make her stay--even if he has to tie her down. He will wrap her in cashmere, tease her tongue with chocolate, and take her to the peak of the Eiffel Tower. . .But can he convince the bohemian beauty she belongs with him, in his luxuriously decadent world? In business, he's the master--but it's Kat's body and soul he truly longs to rule. He has just enough time to show her the pleasures of the boulevards, the boulangeries--and the bedroom. To finally get her to just say oui, he'll have to seize the day--and the night. . .

Letitia Tinsley's well-ordered spinster life is thrown into chaos when she learns her beloved brother has mysteriously disappeared from his gold mining claim in California. Determined to discover the truth, Letty sets out on the treacherous journey west. But there's only one thing more perilous than a single lady traveling alone into the rugged frontier-and that is sharing the passage with Garth Morgan. The wealthy bachelor is astoundingly arrogant-and dangerously handsome. Worse, Letty is forced to lean on his strong shoulders, again and again...  Humbled by the harrowing expedition, Garth resolves to keep Letty safe-though the courageous beauty is unwilling to give an inch when it comes to trusting him. Still, despite her defiant resistance, he's ready to stand with her as she faces the truth about her missing sibling. And by the time they reach California, Garth is determined to stake his own claim on the lovely Miss Letty-if only she will let him...

Is their passion strong enough to break her chains?Andalucía Spain, 1489: Innocent Beatriz is desperate to escape the threat of a miserable marriage to a cruel Marquis. Forced into the betrothal by her ruthless merchant papá, her only hope is to conceal her identity and become a servant in a nearby castle-a life drastically different from her comfortable upbringing. Tomás doesn't know what to make of his well-spoken new servant girl. Her beauty and charm captivates the military hero; her mysterious nature intrigues him. And the desire she ignites burns brighter with each glance, as does his longing to claim her for his own. Beatriz can't resist Tomás' passion nor deny the heat of her own. But neither the lush countryside nor the walls of the opulent Moorish castle can entirely protect her-and if he were to discover her secret, she could be torn away from him forever. Yet how can she sustain his love if she's living a lie?

Follow the heart through darkness . . .As the Inquisition gains force, even the faintest rumor can brand one a heretic. In this world it is Sancha's gift--or curse--to be blessed with the gift of healing. But the villagers are in need of her arts more than ever, and she feels it is her duty to help them at the risk of losing her life. And at the sacrifice of her heart . . . Enrique has never wanted a woman as he does Sancha. Determined to have her love, he woos her with exquisite passion, giving her refuge to pursue her healing in secret. But their very desire and escape from the ruthless forces of the world may be their undoing. And together, they must pit themselves against a jealous rival and archaic tradition to secure their place in a hopeful new dawn . . .

For a young woman swept into international adventure, romance can't be far behind...  The 1920s are in full swing when Sadie Loudon leaves her grandfather's stodgy vicarage, and she dreams of the glamour and excitement she's seen on the silver screen. But before she even begins work at the storied Grand Russe Hotel, she is ushered into London's glittering nightlife by a handsome young businessman intent on introducing her to the pleasures available to a Bright Young Thing. Is it a fleeting romance...or something even more intriguing?     Les Drake is on the lookout for Bolsheviks when he encounters sweet, sexy Sadie. A British Secret Intelligence agent, Les has more experience with the seedy underside of the city than with innocent chambermaids, but he can't deny that Sadie tempts him. Using her as part of his cover seems like a brilliant plan until the danger of his assignment threatens what has suddenly become a love he can't bear to lose...  Praise for Heather Hiestand's novels "One Taste of Scandal is a delicious, multi-layered Victorian treat."" -Gina Robinson, author of The Last Honest Seamstress and the Agent Ex series "A fast read with a different view point than many novels in the genre."  -Library Journal on His Wicked Smile "This is definitely one for the keeper shelf." -Historical Romance Lover on His Wicked Smile "A delightful, sexy glimpse into Victorian life and loving with two wonderfully non¿traditional lovers." -Jessa Slade, author of Dark Prince's Desire, on His Wicked Smile

Inside the glittering walls of a famous hotel, an ingénue experiences first passion . . .As she stands before the gilded doors of The Grand Russe Hotel, Alecia Loudon is poised on the threshold of a profound awakening. It is the Roaring Twenties, and London is buzzing with opportunities for adventure . . . and indiscretion. The young personal secretary knows nothing of the ways of men, but a chance meeting with the hotel's handsome night watchman sets her imagination afire. Ivan Salter has noticed the quiet Englishwoman and wonders what delicate beauty might be lurking behind Alecia's plain clothes. As the handsome Russian draws Alecia further into the hotel's luxurious world, he introduces her to fine food, cool jazz, and forbidden assignations. Their dalliance is tested, however, by a surprising link between Ivan's family history and Alecia's bosses. Tangled up in international intrigue, the lovers must decide if their sparkling new romance is worth the cost . . . Praise for Heather Hiestand's novels"One Taste of Scandal is a delicious, multi-layered Victorian treat." -Gina Robinson, author of The Last Honest Seamstress and the Agent Ex series"A fast read with a different view point than many novels in the genre." -Library Journal on His Wicked Smile"This is definitely one for the keeper shelf." -Historical Romance Lover on His Wicked Smile"A delightful, sexy glimpse into Victorian life and loving with two wonderfully non traditional lovers." -Jessa Slade, author of Dark Prince's Desire, on His Wicked Smile

Welcome to Mountain Meadow, Virginia, where love is worth waiting for...The town bad girl is back, and this time, Erin Richardson is in need of protection. Years ago, her youthful crush on handsome older man Sam Barnes nearly led to scandal. Now she's on the run from an entirely different kind of trouble: a criminal intent on eliminating his witnesses-including Erin. As the local sheriff, Sam's duty-bound to provide a safe haven. Though tongues will surely wag once Erin is sharing a house with the sexy lawman....Erin is still too young, too vulnerable, and too irresistibly beautiful. But when Sam lays eyes on her again, all he wants to do is shelter her in his arms. It won't be easy keeping her out of harm's way. But it'll be even harder keeping the woman he never forgot out of his bed-and his heart...

A riotous passion and a forbidden love jeopardize the future of the Emperors of London . . .Ravishingly beautiful and accomplished, Helena has her pick of suitable bachelors-and because she is the only daughter of a powerful duke, her mother is determined she makes a good marriage. But Helena won't marry any of them, because she is in love with the son of her family's most dangerous enemy. Though she has now been rebuffed by her beloved, she is resolved to win him back-no matter the cost.Tom's forbidden love for Helena has only intensified over the years of their separation. But the discovery of his true roots has changed everything. His secret spells danger for his family and everyone he loves. Devoted to Helena, he will sacrifice anything-even his one great love-to keep her safe. And soon, caught between warring factions and hounded by a deadly assassin, the couple will be swept back together in a fight for their lives, and their destiny..."Lynne Connolly writes Georgian romances with a deft touch. Her characters amuse, entertain and reach into your heart." -Desiree Holt "Plots, deviousness and passion galore...a truly enjoyable read." -Fresh Fiction on Temptation Has Green Eyes

It is up to the Emperors of London to protect the throne-without risking their hearts... Governess Eve Merton would have fallen into serious trouble on her walk home if a handsome stranger had not stopped to help her. But when Mr. Vernon gives her a lift on his horse, he makes no secret of his attraction. As a well brought-up young lady, Eve does her best not to notice, but when he sets about courting her, she knows she's in trouble. For she has a secret: she is the daughter of a deposed king, which means not only is she without a dowry, but also that her life is in danger... Little does Eve know that Mr. Vernon has secrets of his own. In truth, his name is Julius, Lord Winterton, and he's well aware that Eve is the offspring of the Old Pretender. In order to save his sister, he must convince Eve to wed-though he wants nothing to do with love. But as the two grow closer and an attempt is made on Eve's life, Julius may realize that fighting his heart's true desire is a battle most pleasurably surrendered... "Lynne Connolly writes Georgian romances with a deft touch. Her characters amuse, entertain and reach into your heart." -Desiree Holt "Plots, deviousness and passion galore...a truly enjoyable read." -Fresh Fiction on Temptation Has Green Eyes

"DuLong reminds me of a Southern Debbie Macomber but with a flair all her own." --Karin GillespieNew York Times bestselling author Terri DuLong casts on her newest tale of heartbreak and hope in Ormond Beach, Florida, a sun-dappled haven where one woman finds the comfort she's always needed...Petra Garfield has no real attachments tying her down to one place. She's ready for an adventure, so what could be better than an extended stay at Koi House with new friends and old in enchanting Ormond Beach. Having recently lost her mother, Petra is riddled with questions about the father she never knew. She certainly never thought she'd begin to find the answers in a tiny town in Florida...As much as she wants to search for the truth, Petra knows she can't spend all her time wallowing in the past, and her friends at the Dreamweaver yarn shop aren't about to let her. The ladies encourage her to volunteer at a local animal shelter, where she hits it off with a young boy--and his handsome father. Tangled in secrets she didn't even know she had, Petra must learn to stitch her life back together even as she unravels lifelong mysteries--and perhaps she'll find unexpected happiness along the way...Includes An Original Knitting Pattern!Praise for Terri DuLong's Cedar Key Novels"A heartwarming story...Great for fans of Kate Jacobs's Friday Night Knitting Club series." -Library Journal on Farewell to Cedar Key"An intriguing premise, a cozy, small-town backdrop, and even the hint of some magic...A sweet story, set in a friendly community." --Kirkus on Postcards from Cedar Key"Tender and poignant, perfect for those who love knitting as well as the bonds between women." -RT Book Reviews (4 Stars) on Sunrise on Cedar Key

Bitterly, Connecticut, has been a haven for a woman shattered by painful memories-until a handsome stranger appears and threatens to awaken the ghosts of her past... For the last eleven years, Savannah Callowell has led a peaceful existence in Bitterly. As the owner of an old farm, she's mostly kept to herself, not daring to let anyone get too close. None of her neighbors know that she's haunted by tragedy, and she's done everything possible to escape her ghosts. She thinks she's succeeding, until her new foreman shows up-and he's far from being the college kid she was expecting...A worldly former professor, Adelmo Gallegos has his own reasons for wanting to hide out on Savvy's farm, and he isn't about to share them with anyone, not even his enticing new boss. Still, Ade can't help himself, the more time he spends with Savannah, the more he longs to lure her out of her protective shell. But how can he convince her that opening her heart is the only way to heal? Especially since he too has secrets he's unwilling to share? Only when the past catches up with them may they be able to free themselves of it..."Terri-Lynne DeFino writes my favorite kind of romance, delightfully real and straight from the heart." -Sarah Hegger

Welcome to Bitterly, Connecticut, hometown of one wistful widow with a very big secret....She should have been off-limits. After all, Benedetta "Benny" Grady is his best friend's widow. But in the space of a whirlwind week, Daniel Greene went from strong shoulder to lean on to Benny's ardent lover. Now Dan is determined to make Benny his bride. He hasn't waited this long for love to let it get away so easily. But first, Benny has a few ghosts to contend with...When Benny finds herself pregnant with Dan's child, telling him should be easy. After all, she's fallen hard for the wise-cracking bachelor. But how can she love another while remaining true to her late husband's memory? Could the past hold the key to their future happiness?

Zanetti gives paranormal a sexy MC twist! -New York Times bestselling author Joanna WyldeIncludes the brand new Dark Protectors novella, ''Talen''!Simone Brightston knows she can beat the rap her enemies are pinning on her. An Irish witch is nobody''s fool, and she didn''t get to her position on the high council without serious power. But her cousins want her to hide out-and they somehow convinced her arch nemesis to play getaway driver. Of all the men she''s known, Nikolaj Veis is the hardest to intimidate. With his demon-dark eyes and his inscrutable beauty, he''s as desirable as he is dangerous. And he knows better than to underestimate Simone. So when he pulls up on a roaring bike and tells her to climb on or fight it out, she grabs a handful of jacket and holds on tight. Running from the law may not be the smartest plan. But when it comes to Nick, hot pursuit and a blazing fast ride are exactly what Simone''s looking for . . . "Non-stop action and a hero to die for!" -Alexandra Ivy"Sizzling sex scenes and a memorable cast." -Publishers Weekly on Claimed"A fast-paced, excitement-filled explosion of action. . . Zanetti keeps getting better." -RT Book Reviews on Marked, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

Prague, 1610In a few short weeks seventeen-year-old Mila has gone from being Ludmila Novakova, pampered daughter of the High Chancellor of Bohemia, to becoming a traitor escaping the palace at midnight in her wedding nightgown. Her country is in chaos, an army is marching from Austria, and revolution is a breath away. Mila is caught in the middle, between the man she loves-Marc, the son of a blacksmith and a leader of the rebellion-and the murderer the Church calls her husband. Even as she flees with Marc into the heart of the resistance, where the suspicions of angry citizens make her every palace-born habit a danger, she knows he hasn't told her everything. But Mila is keeping the biggest secret herself: she is the heir to the throne, the daughter of embattled King Rudolf and Princess of Bohemia. The truth will turn the fury of both sides against her, leaving Mila alone to win her country's freedom-and her own . . .

Even in darkness, love can bloom...Heir to a multinational hotel empire, Liam Montgomery thinks business is everything-until he goes undercover to check out their locations throughout Asia. As cosmopolitan as Liam is, from the bright lights of Mumbai to the tranquil beaches of Goa to the bustling streets of New York, he's never met anyone like lovely Mary Costa. He can't understand why this delicate, educated woman works as a maid. Or how she is reigniting his long-buried desire to be an artist. They are apart in so many ways-especially in the things Mary won't tell him. But more and more, Liam can't imagine his life without her... Mary knows this unexpected desire for Liam must end. It's true that his gentleness and sense of fun inspires her and makes her hopeful for the first time in her life. But she has a grim promise she feels compelled to keep-and painful experiences she fears he could never understand.  And with secrets soon reaching out to separate them for good, can they dare risk a future together if it means confronting the scars of the past?

Sex, drugs, and country music. That was the lifestyle for Emily Kendall, a Texas girl who hit it big on the country music charts--until she found herself pregnant and battling addiction. Now out of rehab and seeking a new life for herself and her unborn child, Emily returns to her hometown of McAllister. The last thing she's looking for is trouble, no matter how good it looks in uniform. . .A widower, single father, and former Army Ranger struggling with PTSD, Sheriff EJ Cowley has his own demons to battle while keeping folks safe. The last thing he needs is a troubled celebrity speeding through town in her bright red Mazerati. But when someone from Emily's past threatens her safety and the peace of McAllister, EJ has no choice but to protect her. And soon both will learn there's more to the other than meets the eye. And that wounded hearts can love again. . .

First comes love, then comes marriage--or is it the other way around?Lucia is an Italian spitfire with big dreams like her billionaire grandfather. But she wants to become a top tier fashion designer, not the heir to the family business in Italy. Now is her only chance to forge her own path. And what better place to start than in New York City? But working behind a bar doesn't exactly pay the rent. Her trust fund would come in handy, but she needs to get married first. Luckily, she may have found the perfect husband candidate in her co-worker, who just happens to be the most charismatic and devastatingly gorgeous man she's ever met . . . There's more to Ryan's charming smile than meets the eye--he's out for revenge and working for his enemy is his best bet at getting it. When Lucia comes to him with her crazy plan, he sees a perfect opportunity to make his move. But doing that could mean hurting his new wife. They say nothing's sweeter than revenge--but "they" never met a woman like Lucia . . .

What do you do when Mr. Right seems oh-so-wrong?Holly Sinclair is ready to have it all. She's even found her Mr. Right--a steady, reliable guy who just needs a little convincing. Now all the former wild child has to do is free herself of her very inconvenient attraction to Jack Everett. Not only does the notorious playboy and tabloid king seduce her at her sister's wedding, he follows her to Paris! Suddenly, Holly is alone with Jack in the most romantic city in the world--and his family is leaping to the wrong conclusions. . .The world's most infamous bachelor has finally met his match. If Jack was the type to settle down, Holly would be the woman of his dreams. There's just one hitch: Holly actually believes she wants to marry Mr. Oh-So-Boring. Intent on proving that she deserves someone better, Jack finds himself playing the role of the perfect boyfriend. . .a little too well. If he's not careful, he might just lose this game--and his heart.