Deadly Encounters Series by Zia Westfield

With bills to pay, an orphaned niece to raise and her job on the line, Gemma Fitzgibbons needs a front-page story in order to keep her job. A serial killer and a corrupt detective, whose father was accused of corruption, offer headline possibilities, but when she confronts Jack Donahue, the detective is nothing like she expected... moreWith bills to pay, an orphaned niece to raise and her job on the line, Gemma Fitzgibbons needs a front-page story in order to keep her job. A serial killer and a corrupt detective, whose father was accused of corruption, offer headline possibilities, but when she confronts Jack Donahue, the detective is nothing like she expected. Jack considers reporters to be bottom-feeders, and deep into the investigation of a series of murders in which the victim is posed with a wedding veil, he doesn’t have the time or inclination to delve into the scandal that ruined his father’s career. But Gemma won’t take no for an answer. Neither will she stop investigating the Wedding Veil Killer. When she attracts the attention of the killer, Jack is assigned to keep her safe. But Gemma isn’t about to hide away. She intends to use the leads she’s developed to help him track down the person responsible for the gruesome murders. Torn between his dislike of reporters and his admiration for the smart, sexy, reporter he’s drawn deeper into the scandal in his father’s past–a scandal that someone will kill to keep hidden. But, when Gemma uncovers secrets about the scandal, and her life is threatened, Jack is determined to protect her. It’s also time to make a choice–leave the past buried or fight for the future. less

Kelsey Tremayne’s life unraveled in the summer of her 16th year when she and a friend were abducted. She came out of the experience alive, but without memories of her abduction and her friend was never found. Rumors that she’d killed her friend in jealousy, and that she was mentally unstable, started and eventually her parents moved her away from Carville. Now, she’s back in Carville to settle her aunt’s estate. However, someone is watching her, playing with her mind... moreKelsey Tremayne’s life unraveled in the summer of her 16th year when she and a friend were abducted. She came out of the experience alive, but without memories of her abduction and her friend was never found. Rumors that she’d killed her friend in jealousy, and that she was mentally unstable, started and eventually her parents moved her away from Carville. Now, she’s back in Carville to settle her aunt’s estate. However, someone is watching her, playing with her mind. Could it even escalate to murder? One man is willing to stand by her, protect her, and breach the barriers that have guarded her heart for so long. Sam Carmichael stays focused on the job and keeps his personal interactions limited. The emotional instability of his wife and her subsequent suicide have made him leery of getting deeply involved with anyone. Even so, someone is targeting Kelsey Tremayne and the roots go back twelve years to an abduction that was never solved. As Sam is drawn deeper into the case, he can’t help admiring Kelsey’s strength and compassion and he vows to do everything he can to find the truth and bring her kidnapper to justice. Can two people hurt by their pasts survive a criminal’s web to find a future together? less

Angie Rossi is a first grade teacher with a large Italian family that is about to celebrate her grandparents’ fiftieth anniversary at a resort in the snowy Catskill Mountains of New York. She’s wrangled her neighbor into playing her date for the weekend. Only, when she opens the door she finds Joe Vanetti, a nemesis from her childhood, ready to be her escort. Joe Vanetti is a cop intent on tracking down a jewel thief from his past... moreAngie Rossi is a first grade teacher with a large Italian family that is about to celebrate her grandparents’ fiftieth anniversary at a resort in the snowy Catskill Mountains of New York. She’s wrangled her neighbor into playing her date for the weekend. Only, when she opens the door she finds Joe Vanetti, a nemesis from her childhood, ready to be her escort. Joe Vanetti is a cop intent on tracking down a jewel thief from his past. He’s gotten word that his suspect will be at the hotel where Angie’s grandparents are holding their celebration and where a famous violinist with an equally famous emerald necklace is set to perform. Joe persuades Angie to let him be her date. This Christmas will be one neither will forget, assuming they live to see the day. less