Books published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

A shadow has fallen over the medieval Holy Land, and four courageous Crusaders have banded together to root out the enemy. The Brotherhood of Fallen Angels have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice. But is there room in their hearts for love?  Evil is everywhere, and General Constantine Gerard has witnessed more than his share. Yet he never dreamed the ugliness that darkened the castle at Chastellet would cost him his wife and child.  Now he has nothing left to lose-and nothing to live for, save the vengeance he vows to unleash on Glayer Felsteppe, the man who destroyed his family.   Theodora Rosemont, too, has suffered at Glayer's hands. When Constantine finds her, she is barely alive, and desperate to find her baby, who was snatched away by Glayer's men mere moments after his birth. Bonded by their common enemy, Constantine and Dori embark on a treacherous journey, determined to rescue the child and vanquish the father. But as emotions run high and secrets are revealed, passion could compromise their quest, leaving more than just their hearts in peril . . .  Praise for Heather Grothaus's Valentine  "Readers will enjoy getting to know these characters and look forward to finding out more about Valentine's three friends in future installments."-Library Journal

Deep South legends. Deep fried curses. Deep dish revenge . . .This Debutante Is Having A Ball!Way down south in the land of cotton, one belle's plans are soon forgotten--when Sassy Peterson drives her Maserati off the road to avoid a deer and lands smack-dab in the proverbial creek without a paddle. The Alabama heiress should have known something weird was going on when she saw the deer's ginormous fangs. Hello, Predator Bambi! But nothing can prepare her for the leather-clad, muscle-bound, golden-eyed sex god who rescues her. Who wears leather in May? That's just the first of many questions Sassy has when her savior reveals he's a demon hunter named Grim. Also: Why would a troop of fairies want to give her magical powers and rainbow hair? Why would a style-challenged beast called the Howling Hag want to hunt her down? Most importantly, what's a nice debutante like Sassy doing in a place like this anyway? Besides feeling Grim . . . Praise for Demon Hunting in Dixie"A demonically wicked good time."--Angie Fox"A not-to-be-missed Southern-fried, bawdy, hilarious romp." --Beverly Barton, New York Times bestselling author"A genuinely funny new voice in paranormal romance."--Publishers Weekly

The Rollicking Bun--Home of the Epic Scone--is the center of Suzanna Wolf's life. Part tea shop, part bookstore, part home, it's everything she's ever wanted right on the Venice Beach boardwalk, including partnership with her two best friends from high school, Eric and Fernando. But with thirty-three just around the corner, suddenly Suzanna wants something more--something strictly her own. Salsa lessons, especially with a gorgeous instructor, seem like a good start--a harmless secret, and just maybe the start of a fling. But before she knows it, Suzanna is learning steps she never imagined--and dancing her way into confusion.

The author of The Elijah Pike Vampire Chronicles and Anthrax Protocol unleashes a terrifying tale of medical science gone awry-and a horror beyond imagining unleashed . . .Dr. James Wilcox is one of the nation's foremost pediatric neurologists. Yet his expertise is useless in the face of his own brain tumor. Removing it will cause James to lose his senses of smell and taste and suffer from mood disorders for the rest of his life. Then a miracle arrives in the form of Dr. Albert Stern, lauded for his achievements in sensory augmentation in primates. Dr. Stern is more than willing to apply his radical procedures in an attempt to cure James' condition. The surgery is a success. In fact, it has the unprecedented result of heightening the rest of the patient's senses to superhuman levels. But there are side effects that no one could have predicted. Something slipped into Stern's chromosome matrix. Something with a homicidal disposition and an appetite for fresh-killed meat. Something that hunts by night . . . "If you read one horror book this year, read this one!" -William W. Johnstone on Night Blood "A terrifying mix of real medical science and vampire folklore." -Fred Bean, author of "The Hangman's Tree" on Night Blood

A Miracle CureAt long last, Elijah Pike has procured a vaccine powerful enough to purify his vampire blood, and hopefully bring an end to his insatiable appetite. He shares his findings with those of his kind who also wish to heal their eternal torment. A Bloody Rebellion But the vampire, Theo Thantos doesn't want to be cured. He doesn't care if vampires spill innocent blood to ensure their own survival. He will not allow Pike's vaccine to drive the nosferatu to extinction. With a cadre of fanatics devoted to his cause, Thantos plans to transform America's most powerful people into vampires under his control. A War Between Immortals The battle lines have been drawn. Thantos' army appears unstoppable, but Pike's experiments on vampirism go beyond mere treatment. He has found a way of increasing a vampire's mental and physical abilities. It's a discovery that could provide his brood with an edge they so desperately need against Thantos' forces of darkness. For unless Pike and his followers can crush their enemies, the mortal world be transformed into a living hell . . . "If you read one horror book this year, read this one!" -William W. Johnstone on Night Blood

A DESIRE BEYOND REASONAs a vampire, Elijah Pike (alias Roger Neimann) has been a slave to instinct-consuming human blood to satisfy an unquenchable thirst. As a doctor, he relies on his intellect in the pursuit of a cure that will end not only his craving but also the deadly urges of others like him.AN APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTIONMaster vampire Michael Morpheus's last encounter with Elijah Pike, in the Louisiana bayou, left him disfigured and consumed by hatred for those he considers traitors to the race. He went underground to lick his wounds-and to gather an army of evil that will follow him in his quest for vengeance.A CALL TO ARMSPike knows that the fate of innocent mortals depends upon his victory in a battle against his own kind-one in which no mercy can be shown. Now, in the frozen wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, he'll face Morpheus once more-and the snow will be stained with blood . . ."If you read one horror book this year, read this one!" -William W. Johnstone on Night Blood

AN UNDENIABLE CRAVINGFor two hundred years, Roger Neimann has never had to know the end that mortals face. But eternal existence comes with a price he cannot accept . . . consuming human blood. Hiding in New Orleans under an assumed identity, he desperately searches for a cure for his vampirism.AN INSATIABLE HUNGERStalking the streets of New Orleans, a vicious serial killer dubbed "The Ripper" leaves his victims drained of blood. For Houston physician Matthew Carter, it is an all-too-familiar pattern-one that sends him racing to find Neimann. But he is not alone in his hunt.A RAGING THIRSTThere are those intent on using the powers of the vampire for their own evil ends. A vampire sick with disease and driven into a crazed killing frenzy that will not stop until he has taken everyone he can . . . including the woman Matt loves."If you read one horror book this year, read this one!" -William W. Johnstone on Night Blood

A TASTE FOR BLOOD Maine, 1820. Lost in a blizzard, a young woodcutter seeks refuge in an isolated cabin, never suspecting that the recluse who lives there is not what he appears to be-or that the strange-tasting brew he's offered isn't tea. Too late, the woodcutter realizes that he is doomed to wander the earth, consumed by a raging thirst that can only be sated with human blood. A THIRST FOR MORE Houston, Present Day. For more than a century, he has hunted for fresh prey to feed his inhuman need. Now, his immortality threatened by a deadly blood disease raging across the globe-and pulsing in his own veins-he brilliantly reinvents himself as a world-renowned doctor, racing against time to find the cure that will save him. A HUNGER FOR DEATH As death shadows the infected doctor, ER Physician Matthew Carter and forensic pathologist Samantha Scott are in their own desperate race to find a vicious serial killer who leaves his victims' bodies horrifically drained of blood. A killer who is poised to strike again . . . and is closer than they think. "If you read one horror book this year, read this one!" -William W. Johnstone

Regina Cole tells a surprising-and sizzling-story about a successful young woman who learns that size is just a number, happiness is hot, and sexy is a way of life... In her nine-to-five life, Stacey Hough is a confident young woman whose career is going from strength to strength. But a trip to Hawaii for her cousin's wedding lays bare her deepest insecurities, and she books the first flight home to Atlanta to avoid exposing her curves on the beach. Tired of being unhappy, she decides to take action and heads to the gym. But her personal trainer's seductive smile and ridiculous muscles make it hard to focus on lifts and lunges... Robert Liston lives to help people achieve their goals. When Stacey walks into his gym, he sees a voluptuous woman who doesn't know how beautiful she really is, and he's determined to help her learn to accept herself. As soon as she starts warming up on the treadmill, things start warming up between them, and it's only a matter of time before Rob is putting Stacey through her paces at the gym-and in the bedroom. As the line between work and pleasure blurs, Rob must convince her that sexy has nothing to do with the scale-and that her imperfections inspire the greatest passion of all...

"A superb comic novelist . . . hilarious and truthful." -Sally JenkinsAcclaimed author Charlie Carillo revisits Shepherd Avenue, the novel that sparked his career, in a witty, moving story about growing older and (sometimes) growing up . . . For the second time in a few weeks, Joey Ambrosio has done something reckless. The firstincident-climbing to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge to scatter his father's remains-earned him newspaper headlines and court-ordered therapy. This time, he's doing something arguably even more dangerous: buying his grandparents' old house in the rough Brooklyn neighborhood where he spent an idyllic summer half a century ago. With boarded up stores and bars on every window, Shepherd Avenue sure isn't the way it used to be. Then again, neither is Joey. In 1961, he was a newly motherless kid trying to find his way. Now a successful children's book author estranged from his grown daughter, he's viewed with suspicion by his new neighbors-and with amusement by the beautiful Puerto Rican laundress across the street. Amongst the colorful misfits of his past and present he's hoping to heal old wounds, forge new bonds, and figure out what exactly brought him back here . . . and how, at last, to move on. Praise for Charlie Carillo and Shepherd AvenueAn American Library Association Notable Book of the Year "An excellent writer and a marvelous storyteller. . . . He creates a special world on Shepherd Avenue that I loved to enter and hated to leave." -Ferrol Sams

FEVERED FATESNew to the U.S. soccer scene, not to mention the English language, compact yet explosive Chilean soccer legend Rio Vidal is driven to define a role on his new team, Atlanta Skyline. But he must also adapt to a new culture-and accept that he can't do it alone. His beautiful interpreter, Eva, has been his voice, his refuge. But she is becoming so much more. If only he could convince her he isn't like the other men she's worked with, players on-and off-the field.As a translator for pro athletes, Eva Torres is used to dealing with self-interested super stars. But Rio seems different, and she's blindsided when he locks eyes with her across a church pew. By now, after weeks of close contact with the endearing athlete with whom she shares a language, her thoughts are far from holy. She must remind herself flirtation is probably just his default style. Plus, she's the only one he can really talk to. But when his ambition threatens to derail his career-and their deepening connection-they'll both have to lay their hearts on the center line . . .

When Tobi Tobias decided to open her own ad agency, having to moonlight in a pet shop wasn't part of her vision . . . of course, neither was murder.  Sometimes when opportunity knocks, the door you open leads to a closet. That's certainly the case for Tobi, whose weekends spent cleaning cages in her best friend's pet shop may soon be over. She's just landed her first big break-Zander Closet Company needs a catchy campaign slogan ASAP, and Tobi thinks she's got the right hook to knock 'em dead: "When we're done, even your skeletons will have a place."  But when a real dead body topples out of a showcase closet, she's about to discover there is such a thing as bad publicity. To save her fledgling business and not get killed by the competition, Tobi takes on a new pet project: solving the murder. But with a stressed-out parrot as the only witness to the crime, Tobi will really have to wing it to put the cagey killer behind bars.

A thousand reasons why three is the luckiest number . . .Bethany Michaels is headed to the sun-bleached island of Mykonos on business, not pleasure. But an unexpected face from the past will introduce her to a brand-new desire . . . Proving her business acumen to her demanding father is Bethany's only goal as she boards a ferry for Mykonos-and the beautiful resort she's determined to acquire for her family's hotel chain. Gorgeous Greek hunk Paul Lallas stands in her way-alongside his lover, Justin Bentley, who broke Bethany's heart into a million pieces years ago. When the two men make their very personal interest in her clear, mergers and acquisitions are suddenly the last thing on Bethany's mind. Could the chance to live out every one of her forbidden fantasies lead to a future more blissful than she ever imagined?

"A fascinating and exciting blend of misdirection, topsy-turvy, and violence." -Reed Farrel Coleman"A dark and different serial killer novel that will haunt the reader long after the book is closed." -John Lutz"Los Angeles has seldom seen such grisly fun. It's James Ellroy meets Alfred Hitchcock on the psychotic side of the street." -Paul Levine"One of the most compelling, thrilling, and truth be told, at times look-away-from-page-frightening serial killer novels I've read in a long, long time." -Vincent ZandriIntroducing L.A. investigator Morris Brick, a former homicide cop on the trail of a murderous psychopath who gives a terrifying new meaning to the word DERANGED . . .They call him the Skull Cracker Killer. He drugs his victims. Breaks open their skulls with a hammer and chisel. The rest is inhuman. Five years ago he terrorized New York City, claiming twelve victims before the killing stopped. Now he's racking up victims on a fresh hunting ground. Where former LAPD homicide detective Morris Brick is working as a consultant on a serial-killer film. Where a desperate mayor pleads with Brick to take on the case. And where the only way he can stop the next wave of murders is by outsmarting a madman-before he strikes again, this time much too close to home . . .

Historical seamstress Daria Dembrowski has her work cut out for her as she searches for a killer's pattern . . .Daria has come up with a brilliant new plan to expand her seamstress business beyond stitching wedding gowns-historical sewing. And with Civil War re-enactors setting up camp in her hometown of Laurel Springs, Pennsylvania, she has plenty of opportunities, including one client playing a Confederate colonel who's a particular stickler for authenticity. But soon the small-town peace starts coming apart at the seams as an antique doll is stolen from a Civil War exhibit and the cranky colonel is found impaled by his own bayonet. When Daria's brother is suspected of the theft and a bridal client's fiancé is accused of the murder, Daria is determined to untangle the clues to prove their innocence. She needs to get this case sewn up fast, though, before the murderer re-enacts the crime and makes her history.

Modern-day life on the Australian Outback is a high-stakes game, even among the most privileged-and love must be strong to survive . . .Royston Stirling has all the strength, money, and power that his infamous father wielded over the family cattle station deep in the dusty bush of Australia's Channel Country. But from the moment she sees him, Amelia Boyd knows Royce struggles to be a better man. His tense energy attracts her, fueling the spell of remote, manor-like Kooralya and its lush gardens of gardenia and roses-even as she recognizes that the wedding bringing their families together is a terrible mistake. Amelia knows her sister has snared Royce's brother more out of greed than passion. But she can't abandon her, no matter how conniving she seems. And with the groom besotted with Amelia even as he prepares to walk down the aisle, the ill-fated match stirs up nightmares of the past. Amelia might almost forgive Royce's suspicions. But the arrogance of a wounded man is a powerful force, one Amelia knows too well. And as the desire brewing between Royce and Amelia grows irresistible, the distrust, heartache, and family secrets seething beneath the surface are bound to burst forth . . . "If you've never read Margaret Way before, you're in for a treat!"--New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer

"Goodger writes romances that touch readers' hearts and bring a smile to their day." --RT Book ReviewsThe Brides of St. Ives Welcome to St. Ives, the charming seaside town where even a down-on-her luck bride might find her way back to love . . . As if being left at the alter for the third time isn't bad enough, Lady Alice Hubbard has now been dubbed "The Bad Luck Bride" by the London newspapers. Defeated, she returns to her family's estate in St. Ives, resolved to a future as a doting spinster. After all, a lady with her record of marital mishaps knows better than to dream of happily-ever-after. But then Alice never expects to see Henderson Southwell again. Her beloved brother's best friend disappeared from her life soon after her brother's death. Until now... Alice is just as achingly beautiful as Henderson remembers. And just as forbidden. For the notorious ladies' man made one last promise to Alice's brother before he died-and that was never to pursue her. But one glimpse of Alice's sorrow and Henderson feels a powerful urge to put the light back in her lovely eyes, one lingering kiss at a time. Even if it means falling in love with the one woman he can never call his bride . . . Praise for the novels of Jane Goodger "Fun, delightfully romantic-and sexy." -Sally MacKenzie on The Spinster Bride "A touching, compassionate, passion-filled romance." -RT Book Reviews on A Christmas Waltz

Life's not like the movies . . . or is it?  An avid knitter and manager of a yarn store in New York City, Caitlyn finds herself at loose ends after getting dumped by her long-time, live-in boyfriend. What better way to move on then to find a man like the old-school movie stars that she dreams about? But her first attempt at online dating is a disaster. Especially when the date turns out to be the new renter of a room in her apartment.   Wall Street powerhouse Ben needs a place to crash while his condo is being renovated. Love is the last thing on his mind since he's just getting over a breakup. But he can't resist a challenge, especially one like his prim and proper new roommate. A do-gooder with a heart of gold, Caitlyn is spearheading a fight to save an old theater, while Ben is working for the developer trying to tear it down. Sparks will fly, but they may not be enough to ignite big-screen romance . . .

An infusion of romance is in the mix in the lush and charming town of Mill Pond, Indiana, where anything-and everything-can happen. As a schoolteacher, Miriam is used to being the one in charge. A born leader with a whip-smart sensibility and a pair of legs that can't be beat, she is adored by many but has never found her one true love. For the most part, that's fine: she has a fulfilling career, a big-hearted family, and a great social life with her best friend Daphne and her better half, Chef Tyne. But when a micro-brewery owner comes to Mill Pond in search of a new beginning, Miriam can't help but wonder whether fate has something else in store for her. . . Joel is a single father whose divorce left him bruised, bitter, and solely focused on running his business. He doesn't have time to go out on dates, much less begin a new relationship. But when he meets Miriam, he's offered a glimpse into a life he never thought possible. Her warmth and wit are an alluring combination-and she hits it off with his daughter, too. Soon Joel finds himself fantasizing about spending a lifetime of "happy hours" with Miriam. But are each of these strong-willed singletons willing to give up their independence and give love a chance? All it takes is just one kiss to find out . . .

Lush foliage, farm fresh food, friendly folks-it's no wonder everyone loves a fall getaway to Mill Pond, Indiana. And this season, when a new chef arrives on the scene, nothing will ever be the same . . .  A California heart-throb, Tyne is fast becoming a legend in Mill Pond. While his easy cool and creative, Thai influenced culinary style have all the ladies in town salivating, Tyne is less interested in flirting than in finding the perfect spot for his own restaurant-and in staying single for as long as possible. His days working at the elegant Lakeview Stables resort are numbered from day one-until he meets a woman who stops him in his tracks.    A quiet beauty and free spirit who owns a stained glass shop-above which Tyne rents an apartment-Daphne seems to have her life in order. But when her boyfriend leaves her, for his soon-to-be-ex-wife no less, she's destroyed. Tyne offers a shoulder to cry on. But that's just a first course. After a slow boil, their relationship turns into something far deeper than either of them expected. Yet is Daphne really over her ex-and is Tyne ready to commit to a life in Mill Pond, much less to her? Time-and a few challenges-will tell if they're just cooking up a delicious memory . . . or a lasting love.

Charmed, Texas, is everything the name implies-quaint, comfortable, and as small-town friendly as they come. And when it comes to romance, there's no place quite as enchanting . . .Lanie Barrett didn't mean to lie. Spinning a story of a joyous marriage to make a dying woman happy is forgivable, isn't it? Lanie thinks so, especially since her beloved Aunt Ruby would have been heartbroken to know the truth of her niece's sadly loveless, short-of-sparkling existence. Trouble is, according to the will, Ruby didn't quite buy Lanie's tale. And to inherit the only house Lanie ever really considered a home, she'll have to bring her "husband" back to Charmed for three whole months-or watch Aunt Ruby's cozy nest go to her weasel cousin, who will sell it to a condo developer. Nick McKane is out of work, out of luck, and the spitting image of the man Lanie described. He needs money for his daughter's art school tuition, and Lanie needs a convenient spouse. It's a match made . . . well, not quite in heaven, but for a temporary arrangement, it couldn't be better. Except the longer Lanie and Nick spend as husband and wife, the more the connection between them begins to seem real. Maybe this modern fairy tale really could come true . . .

Sugar and spice and everything sexy make the perfect recipe for romance in this brand-new series by Peggy Jaeger. Look for exclusive recipes in each book!Kandy Laine built her wildly popular food empire the old-fashioned way-starting with the basic ingredients of her grandmother's recipes and flavoring it all with her particular brand of sweet spice. From her cookbooks to her hit TV show, Kandy is a kitchen queen-and suddenly someone is determined to poison her cup. With odd accidents and threatening messages piling up, strong-willed Kandy can't protest when her team hires someone to keep her safe-but she can't deny that the man for the job looks delicious... Josh Keane is a private investigator, not a bodyguard. But with one eyeful of Kandy's ebony curls and dimpled smile, he's signing on to uncover who's cooking up trouble for the gorgeous chef. As the attraction between them starts to simmer, it's not easy to keep his mind on the job, but when the strange distractions turn to true danger, he'll stop at nothing to keep Kandy safe-and show her that a future together is on the menu...

"Twin sister divorcâees Sunny Taylor and Eve Vaughn have had their fill of both heartaches and headaches. So when they settle down in the small Louisiana town of Sugar Ledge and open a remodeling and repair company, they think they've finally found some peace--even though Eve is still open for romance while Sunny considers her own heart out-of-business. Then their newest customer ends up face-down in a pond, and his widow is found dead soon after. Unfortunately, Sunny was witnessed having an unpleasant moment with the distraught woman, and suspicion falls on the twins"--Back cover.