Devlin Security Force Series by Susan Vaughan

A desperate sister Museum director Kate Fontaine made two promises to her dying father—protect her ne’er-do-well brother and return a stolen statuette of the Maya god of earthquakes to its temple. But when her brother is kidnapped and the price to save him is the priceless artifact, keeping one promise means breaking the other... moreA desperate sister Museum director Kate Fontaine made two promises to her dying father—protect her ne’er-do-well brother and return a stolen statuette of the Maya god of earthquakes to its temple. But when her brother is kidnapped and the price to save him is the priceless artifact, keeping one promise means breaking the other. In a no-win situation and facing a dangerous trek through the jungle, Kate is forced to rely on a guide she doesn’t trust… yet whose touch makes her yearn for so much more. A cynical guide The only person Max Rivera can truly count on is himself. That's why he prefers to work alone. Unfortunately his Devlin Security Force assignment to guide and protect Kate includes covertly finding proof her kidnapped brother has sold black-market antiquities. And sticking close to this delectable and vulnerable woman proves more dangerous to Max than all the threats in the jungle. A race against time While following the kidnapper’s instructions, Max and Kate must outrun black-market smugglers and a predicted earthquake in a race that takes them from Washington to England and into the Costa Verde jungle. But as perilous as their quest becomes, when desire flares between them, risking their lives seems simple next to risking their hearts. less

DEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures A man in the shadows… As the infamous thief known as the Jeweler lay dying, he gave his son, Cortez Jones, a puzzle piece that will lead to a cache of crown jewels. Recovering the loot could finally get the FBI off Cort’s back, but the only person who can help him is a DSF researcher who blames the Jeweler for destroying her family... moreDEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures A man in the shadows… As the infamous thief known as the Jeweler lay dying, he gave his son, Cortez Jones, a puzzle piece that will lead to a cache of crown jewels. Recovering the loot could finally get the FBI off Cort’s back, but the only person who can help him is a DSF researcher who blames the Jeweler for destroying her family. Forming an uneasy alliance with her, Cort finds her courage and tender heart make him want more than riches or redemption. A woman in the light… When Mara Marton’s insurance investigator father was accused of conspiring with the Jeweler, the scandal ruined him and led to his death. Now the jewel thief’s son wants her help. Although sharing her research expertise and her father’s files with this sexy ex-con could prove her father’s innocence, how can she trust that Cort doesn’t want the treasure for himself? Time is running out… The puzzle piece brings Cort and Mara together, but danger and secrets threaten to tear them apart. Sparks fly as they struggle to trust one another and recover the jewels before they are claimed by the deadly black-market syndicate Centaur. But with their lives—and their hearts—on the line, there’s no turning back. less

A stolen necklace – When DSF boss Thomas Devlin’s old flame is pursued by the same thugs who stole the Queen of the Nile’s priceless necklace from under his company’s nose, he drops everything and jets to Venice to protect her. He’s desperate to recover the necklace from the smuggling ring Centaur and restore his company’s reputation, but he runs into more trouble than he can handle in the arms of the woman he can’t forget... moreA stolen necklace – When DSF boss Thomas Devlin’s old flame is pursued by the same thugs who stole the Queen of the Nile’s priceless necklace from under his company’s nose, he drops everything and jets to Venice to protect her. He’s desperate to recover the necklace from the smuggling ring Centaur and restore his company’s reputation, but he runs into more trouble than he can handle in the arms of the woman he can’t forget. A woman in danger – Impetuous artist Cleo Chandler’s involvement with the forger who copied Cleopatra’s necklace sends her on the run because the thugs who killed him believe she knows the location of the jewelry. When Thomas bursts back into her life promising protection, she knows he’ll safeguard her life, but will this take-charge man crush her love again? A dangerous quest – From Venice to the U.S., as Thomas and Cleo race against time and the smugglers, they learn that something much greater is at stake than their lives and recovering the precious antiquity. As the peril escalates, so does the risk to their hearts. less

When at last she’s ready to trust him with her heart … she learns he’s only there to protect her body. Maid of honor Andie Devlin owes her life to her brother Thomas and his bride Cleo, and the least she can do is make sure their wedding is perfect. A former wild child, Andie now keeps men at a distance. But Devlin Security Force’s sexiest operative Mike Pagano seems set on spending the wedding weekend at her side... moreWhen at last she’s ready to trust him with her heart … she learns he’s only there to protect her body. Maid of honor Andie Devlin owes her life to her brother Thomas and his bride Cleo, and the least she can do is make sure their wedding is perfect. A former wild child, Andie now keeps men at a distance. But Devlin Security Force’s sexiest operative Mike Pagano seems set on spending the wedding weekend at her side. Andie longs to yield to the attraction that’s been sizzling between them for months, but fears that this straight-arrow former Marine will judge her for her past. Just when she’s ready to take a chance on him, she learns the real reason he’s stuck to her like glue — her brother charged him with protecting her. Mike Pagano loves his DSF job — except when it forces him to lie to Andie. Yes, he wants to keep her safe from the art theft ring suspected of planning an attack during the wedding. More than that, he admires her for rising above her past, and he wants her in his arms and his bed. Then Andie confronts him with what she’s overheard. Too late, he realizes he should have trusted her with the truth. Now he must protect her only from a distance, unaware a gang member has infiltrated the wedding. Mike and DSF must act fast to find the threat … but they may have a secret weapon of their own — Andie. less

DEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures****Part of a series, but a stand-alone novel with its own conclusion. No cliff-hangers. Romantic suspense mystery His tragic past… Her guilty secret… Their only chance for redemptionDevlin Security operative Boyd Kirby guards only art and artifacts. Memories of leading his Army Ranger team into a deathtrap haunt him, so he swears never to protect people. But when the woman who once stole his heart asks for help, he can’t refuse... moreDEVLIN SECURITY FORCE, Protecting Priceless Treasures****Part of a series, but a stand-alone novel with its own conclusion. No cliff-hangers. Romantic suspense mystery His tragic past… Her guilty secret… Their only chance for redemptionDevlin Security operative Boyd Kirby guards only art and artifacts. Memories of leading his Army Ranger team into a deathtrap haunt him, so he swears never to protect people. But when the woman who once stole his heart asks for help, he can’t refuse. The search for Gemma’s missing friend leads to a complex case of art forgery and murder attempts on her. Sweating bullets, Boyd vows not to be distracted by her warmth and his desire. He damn well will protect her… with his life. Gemma Bellini believes managing her famous grandfather’s art legacy can redeem her for a past scandal that makes her wary of men’s motives. Because of forgeries linked to her friend and life-threatening incidents, she needs Boyd, who worked with her before. She never forgot his sexy magnetism and wry sense of humor that masked pain. This strong man will investigate and keep her safe, but can Gemma trust him with her heart and soul?When sparks between them ignite to flames, the danger escalates—to their lives and their hearts. less