For Her Eyes Only
By Shannon Curtis
Ryan Brennan has worked plenty of jobs for the McCormack Security Agency, so going undercover at a couples resort to identify a pair of killers should be easy. Except his assigned partner—uh, “wife”—is Vicky Hastings. It takes all his willpower to keep their relationship professional, even when they’re not sharing a secluded cabin.
Finally out from behind her desk, Vicky can’t wait to prove herself in the field. But with Ryan? Their office flirtation cooled when he turned her down after a scorching kiss at the office Christmas party. Working together while sharing close quarters certainly isn’t making it easy for her to stop thinking about him.
After a series of escalating “accidents,” including Vicky’s near-fatal fall from a tampered bridge, the two have to work together to wrap up this case fast, before more than hearts get broken.
For more of the McCormack Security Agency series, check out Guarding Jess and Viper’s Kiss, available now!
98,000 words
Dear Reader,
I’m on vacation, camping in the semi-wilderness. No, not when you’re reading this (well, maybe, who knows?) but when this letter is due to our production team. So I’ve chosen to hand off my Dear Reader letter responsibilities to the team for the month of November and let them tell you all about the fantastic lineup in store for you. We’re a team who really enjoys the books we acquire, and I know they’ll be glad for a chance to convince you to give one a try. In the meantime, I’ll be back next month. Happy reading!
Angela James, Editorial Director
Dear Reader,
Editorial assistant Stephanie here. Since Angela is “camping” (all I’m saying is that camping seems to involve a lot of tweeting), I’ve compiled a few fun facts about this month’s new releases. What kinds of great books do we have in store for you this time? Will I get in trouble for making fun of my boss’s camping skills? These are the questions I will strive to answer for you today.
Redemption by Stephanie Tyler, new adult, post-apocalyptic
Stephanie Tyler returns with book two in her post-apocalyptic new-adult motorcycle club series.
Redemption continues the story of the Defiance MC with Mathias and Jessa’s story. If you missed book one, Defiance—Cas and Tru’s story—you’re missing out on a fantastic world and some swoon-worthy romance.
—Angela James, Editorial Director, Carina Press
Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey, contemporary romance
Shannon’s books are must-reads if you love contemporary romance.
Shannon Stacey’s holiday novellas are becoming something of a delightful tradition at Carina Press, and we’re happy to have the latest in our hands!
—Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press
Chance of Rain by Amber Lin, contemporary romance
We’re happy to welcome Amber to the Carina Press family!
This small-town reunion romance gripped me from the first chapter and wouldn’t let go. The tortured alpha hero, who just happens to be a Navy SEAL, also didn’t hurt!
—Tara Stevens, Assistant Product Manager, Digital Products
Take Me Home by Inez Kelley, contemporary romance
Inez writes contemporary and fantasy romance for Carina Press. Her new lumberjack series had the (admittedly largely Canadian) team intrigued from the start!
Maple-syrup maker Kayla falls for a sexy lumberjack with a bitter past and a wary heart in the first of her new Country Roads series featuring loggers in the Allegheny Mountains.
—Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press
Slow Ride Home by Leah Braemel, contemporary Western romance
Leah writes wonderfully sexy, emotional romances for Carina Press, including Texas Tangle and Tangled Past.
Leah’s lovely writing drew me right along into a sensual story of love, heat and scandal. With cowboys. Look for more of the Grady family to come. Did I mention there are cowboys?
—Brendan Flattery, Digital Production Coordinator
Love a Little Sideways by Shannon Stacey, contemporary romance
Shannon’s bestselling Kowalski family miniseries is a must-read for contemporary romance fans.
What begins as the annual Kowalski Camping Trip of Doom turns into a brand-new start for an unlikely couple—charming, funny proof that what we think we want and what the heart wants isn’t always the same thing.
—Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press
Sing for the Dead by PJ Schnyder, paranormal shifter romance
PJ writes futuristic science fiction romance and paranormal romance for Carina Press.
The exciting second book in the London Undead trilogy brings readers back into a world where zombies have taken over London. Now the werewolves who’ve stepped up to fight the creatures have a new ally—a member of the Fae who jumps right into the middle of the fray!
—Mallory Braus, Freelance Editor, Carina Press
Through the Black Veil by Steve Vera, urban fantasy
You may remember us gushing about Drynn, Steve’s first book in this series.
In book 2 of the Last of the Shardyn series, our fearless heroes have returned to their magical homeland to warn everyone about the danger threatening to destroy their world.
—Rhonda Helms, Freelance Editor, Carina Press
Improper Arrangements by Juliana Ross, erotic historical romance
Juliana writes sizzling historical romances set in Victorian times for Carina Press.
The follow-up to Improper Relations features a mountain-climber hero, Eli. He is my favorite type of hero: rugged, handsome, rough around the edges, mysterious. Love him!
—Carly Chow, Assistant Manager, Digital Commerce
Finessing the Contessa by Wendy Soliman, historical romance
Wendy Soliman writes wonderful, exciting historical romances. The first two Forsters books are currently available from Carina Press.
In Wendy Soliman’s Regency romance Finessing the Contessa, Lord Robert Forster is drawn to the brilliant Sicilian he meets at a chess match, but is she a spy or an innocent pawn in a game of international espionage?
—Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press
All In with the Duke by Ava March, male/male historical romance
Ava March writes can’t-miss historical male/male stories for Carina Press.
Max Arrington, the Duke of Pelham, has vowed to never again let a handsome face blind him to a man’s true intentions. But the beautiful Tristan Walsh is too intriguing for Max to resist, and it’s not long before their wicked nights together turn into something more.
—Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press
For Her Eyes Only by Shannon Curtis, romantic suspense
This is the third book in Shannon’s exciting McCormack Security Agency series.
For Her Eyes Only features an admin assistant pairing up with the MSA’s undercover expert to investigate a murder. I loved the sexual tension between the hero and heroine!
—Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press
Getting Rich by Monique Domovitch, cozy mystery
Monique’s first novel with Carina Press, Getting Skinny, had us all eager for the follow-up.
Just when she thinks she’s on the verge of getting rich, Nicky Lan
dry finds out somebody is out to get her—and whoever it is has murder on the menu—in Monique Domovitch’s second Chef Landry Mystery.
—Deborah Nemeth, Freelance Editor, Carina Press
No Place Like Rome by Julie Moffett, action-adventure, mystery
In addition to writing the Lexi Carmichael mysteries, Julie also writes Scottish historical romances!
Our favorite geek girl is off to Rome with the sexy and mysterious Slash to solve a case involving the Vatican, a dead body, some steamy kisses from her partner, and a top-secret encrypted file that even she can’t hack.
—Alissa Davis, Freelance Editor, Carina Press
Season of Seduction, erotic holiday anthology
Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy, erotic romance
Jeffe writes steamy erotic BDSM romance for Carina Press, as well as (also steamy!) fantasy romance.
Jeffe Kennedy heats up the season with this sultry, adventurous Facets of Passion novella set against the balmy days—and scorching nights—of a high-powered woman’s holiday-vacation-turned-sexual epiphany.
—Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press
Naughty Nicks by Christine d’Abo, erotic romance
Christine’s Long Shots series, about a BDSM club and its patrons, includes a choose-your-path erotic romance!
This sexy and emotional novella features an interesting holiday business—stripper Santas! There was so much great tension between the heroine and her hero, who also happens to be her boss.
—Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press
Ménage on 34th Street by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis, erotic ménage romance
We are proud to welcome Elise and Emily to the Carina Press family! This is their first book with us.
Katrina and Liam have a happy marriage, but they’ve always felt there’s room for more. When their friend Hunter returns from active duty, they know exactly what that “more” is. Now if only they can convince Hunter...
—Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press
Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin, erotic BDSM romance
Jodie writes about true-to-life characters exploring their sexy sides in her Bondage & Breakfast series.
This BDSM novella has a lot of things going for it—it’s sexy, emotional, and there’s a really hot cop. Jodie is known for writing wonderfully realistic characters, and she doesn’t disappoint here.
—Stephanie Doig, Editorial Assistant, Harlequin and Carina Press
Gifts of Honor, military holiday collection
Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail, contemporary military romance
Stacy writes both paranormal and contemporary romance for Carina Press.
Stacy Gail gifts us with the sweetest of holiday reunions for a wounded Army Ranger and his one true love. Patience and forgiveness meet sharp wit and sizzling attraction!
—Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press
Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley, contemporary military romance
Rebecca’s debut book with Carina Press, a fantastic sports romance called The Striker’s Chance¸ came out in September.
Three days before Christmas, a surprising phone call from an old love changes absolutely everything in this compelling novella.
—Kerri Buckley, Editor, Carina Press
Dedication
To my best friend, confidante and lover, Peter, for being prepared to offer support on how psychotic killer couples might engage, without running away. You’ve taught me how to be a good friend and loving parent, and to appreciate “honest” communication. And no, I’m never going to “OMG, LOVE soccer.” But that’s okay, because I know you’re never really going to love those musicals I make you sit through. But I’ll always love you.
Acknowledgments
When it comes to writing a book, there are many hands involved. I’d like to thank my dearest crit gals—The Writer’s Coven: Jennifer, Paula, Margie, Deb, Coleen and Kitty (whose names I couldn’t fit into this story, but watch out for the next one!), for assuring me that my idea of a killing couple really could have merit—it was a delight including you in this story. Okay, and for Tim Tams. Mustn’t forget the Tim Tams.
I also want to thank clinical psychologist, Dr. John Barletta, for his amazing insight into the psyche of some of my characters. Your contribution was invaluable. So was your Sicilian sense of humour!
To my friends, Margaret Adam and Rowena Macpherson, for some classic lines I just had to use!
And to the team at Carina: Megan Records—for making what I write read even better; Angela James, for the opportunity of publishing it; Siobhan Clayton and the cover art team who are just so talented; and Angela Hill, for her sharp eyes on the prize.
And a very special thank you to @Pearl_828 for the villain names—you helped this writer through her writer’s block!
Thank you, one and all.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Epilogue
About the Author
Copyright
Prologue
Don’t let them see your fear.
Dr. Karl Kruger closed the door behind the couple who had just entered his consulting room. He pasted a confident, bright smile on his face.
Don’t let them see your fear.
He couldn’t help comparing his patients to watch dogs. Wary, guarded, with a controlled power that seemed a moment away from unleashing into violence. Especially the man. Adrian Heinemann’s lips smiled, but it was his eyes, those eyes that could change from warm and smiling to a cold deadpan stare between one blink and the next, that so unnerved the doctor.
He couldn’t quite rationalize his sense of unease. He was surrounded by everything that gave him comfort. That fueled his sense of peace and purpose. His certificates and awards hung on the walls, along with the photos of patients whose lives he’d changed with the slice of his scalpel. There was the desk he’d picked out himself, large enough to give just the perfect amount of stature to his wealthy clients, but still reasonable as to avoid seeming ostentatious. The curtained-off area hid the tools of his trade that had awarded him his wealth and reputation as one of the finest plastic surgeons in Chicago, if not the country.
Yet surrounded by all these things, he was afraid.
Don’t let them see your fear.
At least Kruger knew his d
aughter, Orla, had left for the day. He’d instructed her to leave early, insisting he would close up the surgery once this couple left. This couple, who had seemed so nice, so earnest and reasonable with their initial request, yet who had displayed a cold calculation with their facial selection and their post-operative care.
They’d passed his psych evaluation with flying colors. They’d made all the appropriate responses in order to be approved, despite his probing. He should have known, though. Should have seen past their pleasant façade, just as he’d seen underneath their skin and muscle as he’d carefully, meticulously rearranged their features so that they were now unrecognizable to their own mothers.
Any person who wanted a total facial reconstruction, when their own face was without injury or defect, obviously needed some form of therapy.
Or else they had something to hide.
Dr. Kruger took his seat behind his desk, and gestured for his patients to take theirs.
“So, how are we feeling?”
He listened as they described what sounded like a perfect recovery. He examined their faint scars, gently prodded their faces for tone and elasticity over the newly modeled cheekbones, chin, and eyebrow ridge. The incisions he’d made in their upper and lower eyelids for the blepharoplasty were virtually invisible. The implants he’d inserted into the cheekbones were well placed, and the chin re-shaping had healed well. He’d trimmed excess fat from their neck and targeted facial area to improve overall contouring, and the rhinoplasty he’d performed on each patient had drastically changed their appearance, as he’d advised them it would. Each surgery had been performed with two objectives: maximize alteration in their appearance, and do so with minimal scarring. He’d succeeded on both counts, using the natural creases and folds or inside the nose and mouth for his incisions.
He wished he could take satisfaction in a job well done—and it was, of course. He wouldn’t work any other way, but...still. These patients unsettled him. He’d worked with many patients—burns victims, car crash survivors, those suffering with hideous deformities and conditions, as well as those with too much money and a dissatisfaction with their nose or cup size—yet never in his thirty-three years of practice had he ever considered a patient a freak.
For Her Eyes Only (McCormack Security Agency) Page 1