The Protectors, Series by Beverly Barton

DANGEROUS PASSION. Hot. Demanding. Inescapable. The power of destiny had joined Nate Hodges and Cyn Porter together, but the savagery of man seemed fated to tear them apart. A warrior who walked alone, Nate could never mean anything but danger for any woman who dared to love him. Yet Cyn, touched by tragedy herself, realized this soul-scarred soldier needed her strength. Though stalked by a madman bent on revenge, Nate succumbed to the pull of a passion older than time... moreDANGEROUS PASSION. Hot. Demanding. Inescapable. The power of destiny had joined Nate Hodges and Cyn Porter together, but the savagery of man seemed fated to tear them apart. A warrior who walked alone, Nate could never mean anything but danger for any woman who dared to love him. Yet Cyn, touched by tragedy herself, realized this soul-scarred soldier needed her strength. Though stalked by a madman bent on revenge, Nate succumbed to the pull of a passion older than time. Cyn, the brown-eyed beauty of his dreams - his impossible love - brought him peace. She was his very soul. But he knew with heart-shattering certainty that he could be her death... less

Nick Romero, Navy SEAL, DEA Agent, Latin lover, was a man alone - and satisfied to remain that way. Until the night he rescued Addy McConnell, a tall, cool woman with hair like fire. And, rumor had it, a soul like ice. But anyone who fought off a potential kidnapper as fiercely as she had must have a tigress sleeping under her skin. And Nick knew he was just the man to awaken Addy and make her purr... Addy McConnell felt like a stranger in her own body... moreNick Romero, Navy SEAL, DEA Agent, Latin lover, was a man alone - and satisfied to remain that way. Until the night he rescued Addy McConnell, a tall, cool woman with hair like fire. And, rumor had it, a soul like ice. But anyone who fought off a potential kidnapper as fiercely as she had must have a tigress sleeping under her skin. And Nick knew he was just the man to awaken Addy and make her purr... Addy McConnell felt like a stranger in her own body. For Nick Romero raised in her a near-consuming hunger more frightening than the threats against her. Now he swore to protect her life with his own. But could she give him what he desired in return? less

For months clairvoyant Elizabeth Mallory had been tormented by visions of a desperate stranger. Now that man was here, on her isolated Georgia mountain. Wounded and on the run, he needed refuge. And Elizabeth needed him. Reece Landry, she sensed, was the answer to her lonely prayers. Why, Reece wondered, wasn't this woman frightened by him - a hunted fugitive? Hell, he was afraid - of her, of how she made him feel. Reece's hard-knocks life had taught him not to trust anyone... moreFor months clairvoyant Elizabeth Mallory had been tormented by visions of a desperate stranger. Now that man was here, on her isolated Georgia mountain. Wounded and on the run, he needed refuge. And Elizabeth needed him. Reece Landry, she sensed, was the answer to her lonely prayers. Why, Reece wondered, wasn't this woman frightened by him - a hunted fugitive? Hell, he was afraid - of her, of how she made him feel. Reece's hard-knocks life had taught him not to trust anyone. He knew he would be a fool to take a chance on Elizabeth - but a bigger fool if he didn't. less

Once Deborah Vaughn had loved Ashe McLaughlin with all of her teenage heart. Then he'd disappeared, leaving Deborah with nothing... except the son they'd created. Now Ashe was back, insisting she play the part of his lover. Ashe had never forgotten Deborah and the night of passion they'd shared, or the way her father had railroaded him out of town. But as the star witness in a murder trial, Deborah needed Ashe, and he would do anything to keep her safe.. moreOnce Deborah Vaughn had loved Ashe McLaughlin with all of her teenage heart. Then he'd disappeared, leaving Deborah with nothing... except the son they'd created. Now Ashe was back, insisting she play the part of his lover. Ashe had never forgotten Deborah and the night of passion they'd shared, or the way her father had railroaded him out of town. But as the star witness in a murder trial, Deborah needed Ashe, and he would do anything to keep her safe...and the safest place for her was in his arms. less

For six years, Jeannie Alverson had thought about Sam Dundee's haunting blue eyes, his warm touch. His was the face she saw in her dreams. He was the man she never expected to see again. But now he had returned... to protect her. Sam couldn't turn his back on Jeannie. Once she had saved his life, and now she needed him. He vowed to guard her against all danger, but who would protect him from the innocence and love shining in her eyes?

J.T. was a Blackwood, all right. Six feet four inches of whipcord-lean man, a Stetson shading those amber eyes, a glare that burned hotter than the New Mexico sun. A bodyguard, the handsome half-breed was the one man who could help Joanna Beaumont. But as a Blackwood, he was dangerous in own right. At first J.T. thought Joanna was just some spoiled socialite roughing it on Blackwood Ranch. But then he discovered what she'd fled from, why she needed him... moreJ.T. was a Blackwood, all right. Six feet four inches of whipcord-lean man, a Stetson shading those amber eyes, a glare that burned hotter than the New Mexico sun. A bodyguard, the handsome half-breed was the one man who could help Joanna Beaumont. But as a Blackwood, he was dangerous in own right. At first J.T. thought Joanna was just some spoiled socialite roughing it on Blackwood Ranch. But then he discovered what she'd fled from, why she needed him. And suddenly, all that mattered was seeing her safely through the long, hot nights... less

leo McNamara desperately needed a husband ...someone to father her child and protect her from a would-be murderer. Security expert Simon Roarke bravely took the job. But Cleo was more than he'd bargained for every touch between them sizzled, every glance smoldered. Roarke took his husbandly duties seriously--all of them--and he would give Cleo the child she craved. But in her arms he found a peace he'd never felt before ...and a threat. For not only was Cleo in danger of losing her life. . moreleo McNamara desperately needed a husband ...someone to father her child and protect her from a would-be murderer. Security expert Simon Roarke bravely took the job. But Cleo was more than he'd bargained for every touch between them sizzled, every glance smoldered. Roarke took his husbandly duties seriously--all of them--and he would give Cleo the child she craved. But in her arms he found a peace he'd never felt before ...and a threat. For not only was Cleo in danger of losing her life. . .Roarke was in danger of losing his heart! less

Morgan Kane was the baddest boy Birmingham society had ever bred. But years as a Navy SEAL had sculpted the hard muscles of his body and reinforced the wall around his heart. A heart that had once loved Bethany Wyndham. And a body that was unprepared for the passion that exploded between them on his return. Bethany stood accused of murder... and she needed Morgan to find the real killer! Together, they would face whatever threats came her way... moreMorgan Kane was the baddest boy Birmingham society had ever bred. But years as a Navy SEAL had sculpted the hard muscles of his body and reinforced the wall around his heart. A heart that had once loved Bethany Wyndham. And a body that was unprepared for the passion that exploded between them on his return. Bethany stood accused of murder... and she needed Morgan to find the real killer! Together, they would face whatever threats came her way. But only time would tell if they could rediscover the love they'd once shared... or survive the secret in Bethany's past. less

Gabriel Hawk was every mother's worst nightmare and every daughter's secret fantasy. Unless that daughter was Rorie Dean! Unfortunately, the dark, brooding man with a heart of stone and a body that yelled sex was Rorie's only chance of finding her nephew... And Rorie would face any danger to rescue the boy. But days trekking through the jungle, dodging bullets and chasing a trail of lies were nothing compared to the look in Gabriel's eyes or the passion she found in his arms... moreGabriel Hawk was every mother's worst nightmare and every daughter's secret fantasy. Unless that daughter was Rorie Dean! Unfortunately, the dark, brooding man with a heart of stone and a body that yelled sex was Rorie's only chance of finding her nephew... And Rorie would face any danger to rescue the boy. But days trekking through the jungle, dodging bullets and chasing a trail of lies were nothing compared to the look in Gabriel's eyes or the passion she found in his arms. Was it just the moment - or was it love? THEME: Mercenary and the Big, beautiful missionary less

Honor was the only reason well-muscled former mercenary Aloysius Murdock agreed to be Catherine Price's bodyguard. For Murdock owed Catherine's father his life. But once Murdock laid eyes on his best friend's beautiful daughter, he realized he would do anything for her... Catherine knew better than to succumb to the passion Murdock clearly offered, for she believed in love - and Murdock had given up on love long ago... moreHonor was the only reason well-muscled former mercenary Aloysius Murdock agreed to be Catherine Price's bodyguard. For Murdock owed Catherine's father his life. But once Murdock laid eyes on his best friend's beautiful daughter, he realized he would do anything for her... Catherine knew better than to succumb to the passion Murdock clearly offered, for she believed in love - and Murdock had given up on love long ago. Still, something in his heated gaze made her believe that the battle-worn bachelor needed her. Maybe just as much as she needed him... less

Years ago, rock-solid mercenary Egan Cassidy had spent a night of sensual ecstasy with Maggie Douglas. Now, their son—a child he never knew existed—was being used as ammunition by a vendetta-seeking madman...and Egan was the target. But running to his son s rescue put him face-to-face with the one woman who d tempted him into vulnerability. He would have to withstand Maggie s allure this time. He was a soldier of for-tune—not a husband... moreYears ago, rock-solid mercenary Egan Cassidy had spent a night of sensual ecstasy with Maggie Douglas. Now, their son—a child he never knew existed—was being used as ammunition by a vendetta-seeking madman...and Egan was the target. But running to his son s rescue put him face-to-face with the one woman who d tempted him into vulnerability. He would have to withstand Maggie s allure this time. He was a soldier of for-tune—not a husband. But when Egan delivered mother and child to safety s embrace, could he let his newfound family leave his loving arms? less

CAUGHT BETWEEN A ROCK...AND A HARD MAN! He was the hot-blooded cop who once stole her heart -- right before he turned in his fellow cop: her own father! Now Navajo Joe Ornelas was back, playing the "good guy" once more. And -- sweet mercy save her! -- Andi Stephens was powerless to deny the passion that still beat within her proud heart.... She was the only woman he'd ever loved. The only one who'd mattered when his duty had torn their tender union apart... moreCAUGHT BETWEEN A ROCK...AND A HARD MAN! He was the hot-blooded cop who once stole her heart -- right before he turned in his fellow cop: her own father! Now Navajo Joe Ornelas was back, playing the "good guy" once more. And -- sweet mercy save her! -- Andi Stephens was powerless to deny the passion that still beat within her proud heart.... She was the only woman he'd ever loved. The only one who'd mattered when his duty had torn their tender union apart. And now that Andi needed him, this powerful protector was determined to do all he could. For this time, Joe wouldn't walk away without his honor -- or his woman! THE PROTECTORS: Ready to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love! Silhouette Intimate Moments #1063, March, 2001. less

He was the man she had once offered her innocence to. The man who had heartlessly turned her away, claiming she was too young for him. Now Hunter Whitelaw, world-weary security agent with a body built for sin, was the man Manda Munroe would marry... Hunter claimed their marriage was only a means to lure her stalker out. But when the brooding bodyguard discovered his bride was just as passionate — and just as innocent — as ever, his hard heart was shaken to the core... moreHe was the man she had once offered her innocence to. The man who had heartlessly turned her away, claiming she was too young for him. Now Hunter Whitelaw, world-weary security agent with a body built for sin, was the man Manda Munroe would marry... Hunter claimed their marriage was only a means to lure her stalker out. But when the brooding bodyguard discovered his bride was just as passionate — and just as innocent — as ever, his hard heart was shaken to the core. For now Hunter knew with the certainty of a man aching with long-held desire that Manda was bound to be only his! less

The last thing Peggy Jo Riley wanted this holiday was a hard-boiled charmer in her house 24/7. But if she wanted to stay alive, she needed Jack Parker. And once she was in Jack's well-muscled arms, she realized just how much she needed him... Up until the moment he'd seen desire flicker in her pretty eyes, bodyguard Jack Parker had thought Peggy Jo Riley was just another assignment... moreThe last thing Peggy Jo Riley wanted this holiday was a hard-boiled charmer in her house 24/7. But if she wanted to stay alive, she needed Jack Parker. And once she was in Jack's well-muscled arms, she realized just how much she needed him... Up until the moment he'd seen desire flicker in her pretty eyes, bodyguard Jack Parker had thought Peggy Jo Riley was just another assignment. But the vulnerability he'd glimpsed under this cool beauty's armor made him ache to do a whole lot more for Peggy Jo. Like kiss her till she gave him her trust. And love her till she gave him her heart... less

This arrogant, ill-mannered American was hardly the sort of man Princess Adele of Orlantha was used to encountering in her world of wealth and privilege. And yet Matt O'Brien was all that stood between her and the deadly conspiracy that threatened everything she held dear. Her only hope was a marriage — in name only — to her self-appointed "protector." But to be so very.. moreThis arrogant, ill-mannered American was hardly the sort of man Princess Adele of Orlantha was used to encountering in her world of wealth and privilege. And yet Matt O'Brien was all that stood between her and the deadly conspiracy that threatened everything she held dear. Her only hope was a marriage — in name only — to her self-appointed "protector." But to be so very... intimate with this infuriating yet dangerously compelling man was almost more than she could bear — because their masquerade was turning into a passion that was all too real. less

HER SECRET WAS OUT! They shared a brief, passionate affair, before Agent Frank Latimer moved on to his next mission. Leenie hadn't expected anything more from Frank than those beautiful encounters they shared. Until she gave birth to his child, and wondered about the wisdom of keeping his baby secret. Especially when her son was kidnapped! Frank would have punished Leenie for keeping the truth about his son from him, if he weren't hell-bent on bringing his boy home. And he would... moreHER SECRET WAS OUT! They shared a brief, passionate affair, before Agent Frank Latimer moved on to his next mission. Leenie hadn't expected anything more from Frank than those beautiful encounters they shared. Until she gave birth to his child, and wondered about the wisdom of keeping his baby secret. Especially when her son was kidnapped! Frank would have punished Leenie for keeping the truth about his son from him, if he weren't hell-bent on bringing his boy home. And he would. Once he did, he planned on letting independent Leenie know just what he thought about her betrayal. Right after he put out the other fire that still raged passionately between them... less

Trent Winston had spent years trying to forget the only woman he'd ever loved and the tragedy that had torn their world apart. But now she was back in town, stirring up unwanted memories and unwelcome desires -- and demanding that he help her find the child he'd thought was lost forever.... Kate Malone was a very different woman now -- strong and independent, but with the same innocent sensuality he remembered all too well... moreTrent Winston had spent years trying to forget the only woman he'd ever loved and the tragedy that had torn their world apart. But now she was back in town, stirring up unwanted memories and unwelcome desires -- and demanding that he help her find the child he'd thought was lost forever.... Kate Malone was a very different woman now -- strong and independent, but with the same innocent sensuality he remembered all too well. And the more time Trent spent with her, the more he ached to reclaim everything that had once been his -- starting with her. less

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY Presidential candidate Miguel Ramirez was under attack, fighting for the future of his people — and his life. He needed a bodyguard, but J. J. Blair wasn't the tough-as-nails muscleman he'd been expecting. With a campaign to win and only a petite, ravenhaired "fiancée" to protect him, Miguel knew he'd have to rely on his instincts to survive. Only J.J. wasn't used to following orders. She was irritating, infuriating…and intoxicatingly beautiful... moreBY ANY MEANS NECESSARY Presidential candidate Miguel Ramirez was under attack, fighting for the future of his people — and his life. He needed a bodyguard, but J. J. Blair wasn't the tough-as-nails muscleman he'd been expecting. With a campaign to win and only a petite, ravenhaired "fiancée" to protect him, Miguel knew he'd have to rely on his instincts to survive. Only J.J. wasn't used to following orders. She was irritating, infuriating…and intoxicatingly beautiful. And although he was drawn to her, body and soul, Miguel couldn't afford to be distracted. Because having an undercover lover could lead not only to passion — but peril. less

After her father's disappearance, Gwen Arnell was desperate to find him-- even follow his route to a legendary island. She would do anything to shield him from harm, but who would protect her from the sensual private investigator who'd just become her unlikely rescuer? Ex-CIA agent Will Pierce came to Puerto Nuevo for a missing-persons case and didn't expect a beautiful partner. The paradise teemed with unseen perils, and Gwen could be the key to both their missions... moreAfter her father's disappearance, Gwen Arnell was desperate to find him-- even follow his route to a legendary island. She would do anything to shield him from harm, but who would protect her from the sensual private investigator who'd just become her unlikely rescuer? Ex-CIA agent Will Pierce came to Puerto Nuevo for a missing-persons case and didn't expect a beautiful partner. The paradise teemed with unseen perils, and Gwen could be the key to both their missions. As mortal danger found them, Will realized just how far he'd go for a love that had become his most passionate obsession-- . less