Cirrus@Austlit

'Eryn James is a medical secretary, not a police officer, but when the police ask her to assist in tracking down a killer, she jumps at the chance. Not because she has any real desire to hunt down a killer, but because the task involves playing bait in Lifemate Connections–one of the most exclusive and expensive bars in town.

'In a world where men outnumber women ten to one, and long-term relationships are frowned upon, bars like Lifemate provide a safe environment for women and men to meet and test drive possible life mates without the initial risk of taking them home. But five patrons of the bar have recently been murdered, and as a shifter with a keen sense of smell, it is now Eryn's task to track down the killer.

'But no matter how much she trusts her nose to get her out of trouble, she isn't about to go in there alone. The club is full of security, and there are cops sitting in a van, listening to her every word and move.

'How dangerous could playing bait actually be?

'Then she meets Grey Stockard, a man who oozes sex appeal and danger with every movement.

'A man she wants with every ounce of her being.

'A man she just might end up dying for.'

(Publisher's blurb)

'Agent Sam Ryan has had enough. She wants out, and she wants out now. She was sick of putting up with Gabriel's crappy attitude, sick of seeing nothing but paperwork and the inside of her small office.

'But most of all, she was sick of feeling lonely. It was time to take control, to get a life beyond work But the man in charge of the SIU isn't about to let her go so easily. Offered the choice between guarding a clone and probable enemy, and remaining stuck in her shoe box, she reluctantly takes the former - even though she guesses Stephan is not only withholding information from her, but he's using her as bait to draw out the one man he and the SIU are desperate to capture. The elusive, dangerous Sethanon.

'Gabriel is relieved to discover he's finally shaken Sam as a partner--until he learns her new assignment is guarding Wetherton, the clone replacement of a government minister. Both he and Stephan know Wetherton could only have come from one place - Hopeworth. The military base has been involved in DNA experiments for decades and was more than likely the place where Sam was created. But there was a growing likelihood that the military base was also the home of Sethanon himself.

'Determined to protect her, Gabriel is quickly drawn into the mission. All too soon he discovers the connection between him and Sam is far deeper than anyone could ever have imagined. Because what lies in her DNA also lies in his, and might just mean that everything he'd believed about his past and his ability to love was nothing but a lie.

'As the assignment begins to unravel around her and her past begins to reveal itself in her dreams, Sam fights to stay alive and find the truth. About herself, about the men in her dreams, about the connection between her and Gabriel.

'But the military is closing in, and they want their creation back.

'And the only person standing between her and them might well be the enemy of all mankind.' (Author's blurb)

'Savannah Grant once had the reputation for being the wild sister - but no one, not even her twin, knew just how wild Savannah had once been.

'Now that past has come back to haunt her. For someone is murdering humans in Ripple Creek, and the murders are eerily similar to those she'd witnessed nearly ten years ago. And the man sent in to help with the investigation is the one man Savannah had hoped never to see again. The man who had taken her trust, her heart, and smashed them both.

'Cade Jones is in Ripple Creek to catch the killer who'd escaped his noose ten years ago. What he doesn't expect to find is the woman who had very nearly caused his death. A woman who knew far more than she'd ever let on, a woman who'd slithered from his grasp as easily as the killer. This time, Cade has every intention of discovering what she knows - and every intention of holding her to promises made long ago.

'As the murders continue, it becomes evident that the killer is slowly turning his attention towards Savannah. In order to survive, she finds herself having to trust the one man she'd swore never to trust again.

'But can Cade unravel the clues left from the past and the present in time to save her, or will a killer's need for bloody revenge snatch away his hopes of a future yet again?' (Author's blurb)

'A serial killer striking every twelve hours.

'A Kite monster murdering at random.

'Though neither event seems related, Agents Sam Ryan and Gabriel Stern quickly discover a link between the two - the military base known as Hopeworth. But are the serial killings a military cover-up that has gone dangerously wrong, or is there a deeper, more personal reason behind the murders of the red-headed adoptees? And are the so-called random attacks of the Kites nothing more than a methodical clean-up of a past mistake?

'As the investigation continues, Sam discovers a connection between herself and the murder victims, a connection that implies a link to Hopeworth itself. But if she is a product of the military, why does Hopeworth appear to know nothing about her?

'With the killings escalating and the danger drawing closer to home, Sam not only has to battle to bring a killer to justice, but to save Gabriel's life.

'And the one person who seems to hold the key to what is going on, as well as what has happened in Sam's past, is the mysterious man who saved her life. But does she dare believe his words or the dreams she seems to share with him?

'Because this mystery man may not be just her enemy, but the enemy of humankind itself.' (Author's blurb)

'For Sam Ryan, life began at the age of fourteen. She has no memory of her parents or her past. All she has is a crayon drawing of a woman with the word "Mommy" scrawled underneath in childish handwriting.

'For the ten years Sam's been with the State Police, she's used their resources to search for any clues to her identity. But it's as if all mention of her family has been deliberately wiped off the system, and no one seems to know why.

'Everything changes the night she agrees to meet her missing partner, Jack, and barely survives his attempt to kill her. Charged with his murder and suspended from the force, Sam finds herself accepting help from Gabriel Stern - a shapeshifter with secrets of his own.

'As Sam delves into her partner's death, she discovers more than she ever bargained for. Because not only is her partner very much alive, but he's involved in an organization that plans a war on the human race. Worse, someone knows the truth about Sam's past, and it appears that they'd rather see her dead than have her uncover it.

'The deeper she digs, the more the danger grows. It soon becomes clear that the key to surviving the present lies in unraveling the threads of her past - and in discovering not just who she is, but what she is...' (Author blurb)

'Four children kidnapped. Two found dead, their tiny souls ripped from their bodies...

'In ten years of working for the Damask Circle, shapeshifter Katherine Tanner has never come across anything that goes after kids the way this monster does, and she has never met anything that does to them what this thing does. And it's not something she wants to confront. But with the Circle's resources stretched to the limits, she's given very little choice. The last thing she needs is interference from a cop who has no idea what he's up against.

'Ethan Morgan's niece is one of the missing children and he has every intention of not only defying the odds and bringing her back alive, but of catching the monster behind these kidnappings and bringing her to justice. Even if he has to break every law in the country to do it. And he's willing to use anyone and everyone to achieve those aims - even a crazy woman who claims to be a witch.

'Forced to join forces, Ethan and Kat are drawn to each other, but fight their feelings as they struggle to uncover clues that will lead them to the monster's lair and battle a seemingly endless supply of zombies and other dead things determined to stop them. But time is ticking away and both know the monster behind these kidnappings rarely keeps her victims alive for more than seven days. And four of those have already gone.

'But the greatest threat to Kat might not come from the forces of darkness gathering around them, but from the man she is beginning to love.

'Because Ethan is a werewolf...and the full moon is rising...' (Author's blurb)

'Sometimes the past not only haunts, but destroys...

'One hundred years ago, Michael Kelly hunted down and killed the sorcerer responsible for murdering his lover. Now the brother of that man is out for revenge, and he intends to destroy all that Michael holds dear in the process.

'Nikki James wants nothing more than to pass the Circle's strict entry exams so she can get on with the business of planning her wedding to Michael. But when one of the testers attempts to kill her, she realises buying a wedding dress is the least of her worries.

'Especially when Michael is shot and kidnapped.

'The trail leads her to the ghost town where Michael had once killed a madman. She's not surprised to discover that Weylin Dunleavy, the brother of that long ago murderer, has set in place events that will mirror the past in order to raise his brother's spirit from hell. Nor is she truly surprised to discover that a barrier of magic surrounds the old town, leaving her to battle Weylin with only her wits, strength and the one psychic gift she cannot fully control.

'The one thing that does surprise, the one thing she cannot accept, is the fact that Michael no longer remembers who she is...' (Author's blurb)

'On the werewolf reservation of Ripple Creek, a killer is on the loose. Three women are dead, their bodies mutilated and faces slashed. A fourth, Neva Grant's twin, lies in the hospital, fighting for her life.

'Psychically linked, Neva shared the horror of her twin attack and makes a silent vow by her sister's hospital bed. She'll hunt down the killer, if Savannah finds the strength to live.

'The Rangers believe the killer is a member of the Sinclair pack, but Neva knows the Sinclairs will never talk to an outsider. To begin the hunt, she first has to seduce a Sinclair - and then she has to keep him interested long enough to find the killer. The only Sinclair not under suspicion is a wolf with a hard drinking, hard loving reputation. But has she got what it takes to attract a man with such experience? Neva doesn't know, but for her sister's sake, she has to try.

'Duncan Sinclair has been called back home to find a killer, and he wants nothing more than to complete his task and get out of the town for which he has no love. Then he's approached by a wolf who obviously has more than seduction on her mind, and he finds himself ensnared in a growing web of desire and deceit.

'As the murders continue and the killer's shadow draws ever closer, Duncan and Neva find themselves having to trust each other in order to survive. But can they trust the emotions flaring between them? Or will the lies of the present, the deeds of the past, and a killer's bloody intentions tear them apart? (Author's blurb)

'Nikki James is in San Francisco at the request of her partner and best friend, Jake. The wife of an old friend is missing, and Jake intends to find her - whatever the cost. While the authorities believe the kidnapping's to be the work of a sick mind, Nikki knows it is something much worse. Vampires. Six of them. And they who she is, and why she's there.

'Michael Kelly has just returned from a vampire hunting expedition in his homeland, wants to spend some much-needed relaxation time with Nikki. But when he discovers she's gone to San Francisco to pursue the vampire gang currently terrorising the city, he has no choice but to follow. Not only to keep her safe from the gang, but because he fears the psychic talents she's beginning to develop. Abilities she should not have and cannot control.

'The chase takes them through the sewers and tunnels of San Francisco. As the body count begins to rise, so too does the danger. Michael isn't the only one aware of Nikki's new abilities, and she becomes a target. But Nikki has no intention of obeying Michael's demands that she leave. She's tired of playing it safe, and wants him to realise it's all or nothing. She's either a full partner in his life, or she's out.

But nothing prepares her for the price she has to pay for her stubbornness - the life of someone she loves.' (Author's blurb)

'In one, vicious night, Kirby Brown's world is torn apart. Her best friend is dead, killed by the madman who is now after her. And she has no idea why.

'Doyle Fitzgerald has been sent to Melbourne, Australia, to hunt down a killer. What he doesn't expect to find is a circle of witches capable of controlling the elements - and a sorceress determined to take that power for herself. And he certainly isn't expecting to play bodyguard to a woman who is more than she seems.

'When the police prove incapable of protecting her from the monsters that chase her, Kirby has no choice but to place her safety in Doyle's hand. And while she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him, she fears to trust - because of the magic that lies in his soul.

'It quickly becomes evident that the reason behind the killings lies in her past. But it is a past she has no wish to remember.

'Because Doyle isn't the only one with magic in his soul. Only hers was capable of destroying a world.' (Author's blurb)

'Life has never been so insane for Nikki James. There's another teenager missing. She has another vampire to contend with. Her partner and best friend Jake is in the hospital dying. And a madman is kidnapping the wealthy.

'Just when it seems nothing else could possibly go wrong, Michael returns - but not for her. This time, however, Nikki has no intention of running from either the case or from what still lies between her and Michael. And she isn't going to let him run, either.

'The last thing Michael Kelly needs is a confrontation with Nikki - especially when his control over his bloodlust is still so tenuous. But when a kidnapper steps up his agenda to murder, he's forced into a partnership with Nikki to keep her safe. Soon Michael discovers the biggest danger he faces may not be from his need to 'taste' her, but from his desire to make her a permanent part of his life - a life that is sure to get her killed.

'Nikki is determined to make Michael see that life apart is worse than death. But before she can make him see the light, a specter from Michael's past rises that could destroy any hope she has of a future with him. Because this time the threat isn't physical. It's a matter of the heart.' (Author's blurb)

'Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers in Taurin Bay, he becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice in the form of recluse Madeline Smith.

'Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the psychic abilities she can't control - abilities that have killed. But when 'ghost' Jon Barnett brings a warning of danger and her nephew disappears, Maddie has to leave her haven. She also has to learn to control the abilities she fears and place her trust in Jon Barnett, a man who is neither human nor ghost.

'But as the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time, and the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other - feelings that they refuse to acknowledge.' (Author's blurb)

'Private Investigator Nikki James grew up on the tough streets of Lyndhurst and believes there's nothing left to surprise her. All that changes the night she follows teenager Monica Trevgard into the shadows - and becomes a pawn caught in a war between two very different men. One fills her mind with his madness, the other pushes his way into her life - and her heart. Nikki knows how dangerous love can be, but if she wants to survive, she must place her trust in a man who could easily destroy her.

'Michael Kelly has come to Lyndhurst determined to end the war between himself and another brother of the night. For 300 years he has existed in life's shadows, gradually learning to control the life from death cravings of a vampire. Nikki not only breaches his formidable barriers with her psychic abilities, but makes Michael believe he may finally have found a woman strong enough to walk by his side and ease the loneliness in his heart. But will his love be enough to protect her from a madman hell-bent on revenge? Or will it drive her into his enemy's deadly trap?

'Only together can they overcome the evil threatening to destroy them both. But the secrets they keep from each other might prove to be the greatest threat of all.' (Author's blurb)

'Sent by the Mage Brekan, Keilah, outlawed Princess of Carrum Bahl travels back in time to seek out Radin Hawk, the reincarnation of an ancient warrior king. She is not prepared for the strong feelings she has for him or the feeling of familiarity. Radin is always game for a good fight, but when the battle risks the woman who reminds him of his lost love he is not sure the price is worth it. But how can he leave her undefended to return to his own time? They follow Brekan on his quest to defeat Anya the Sorceress Queen and right an ancient wrong. But wonder what he is hiding. Can they trust their feelings and each other or are they just pawns in a larger game?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.