River "Hart" Hartwell was raised by his Crow grandfather to do the right thing…even when it's none of his business. For several years, the town of Black Aces, Montana has been under the control of a nasty piece of work, Mr. Augustus King. He's got the brains and the muscle to keep the townspeople cowed, so no one stands up to him. Except The Black Ace. This masked vigilante swoops out of the hills with six-guns blazing, protecting the town from Mr. King's machinations and economic ruin. He's a local hero, a folk legend, and everyone—including Regina Vickers, the daughter of the town doctor—would love to know is identity. With her father under King's control, Regina is the only doctor available when Hart's grandfather falls ill. At his ranch outside of town, he's handed the opportunity to spend more time with the woman he's always loved. But between King's suspicions, a sick grandfather, the arrival of a mysterious child, and Hart's midnight masquerades as The Black Ace, there's not going to be anything "typical" about this courtship at all. If Hart wants to play such a dangerous game, it's time for him to ante up! \\\\\\ The Black Aces series is the sequel to the Sunset Valley series. If you've been anxious to discover all you can about this mysterious vigilante, you're in for a wild ride!

He's been sent to capture the notorious Black Ace for trial and hanging. US Marshal Quint Diamon arrived in Black Aces, Montana to a rude reception. He's used to not being taken seriously because of the color of his skin, but to be shot as soon as he began his investigation? That's a new one. All signs point to the culprit being the town's mysterious vigilante, the Black Ace, the man he was sent to hunt down...but Quint isn't convinced. And now that he's laid up in the High Stakes saloon, being tended by the intriguing owner, Miss Finnie Pompey, he's had plenty of time to think about it. Which is awkward, because she is The Black Ace. Finnie is taller and stronger than most men, a fact which has served her well as Black Aces' only female saloon-owner. She knows she lacks most feminine graces, but that was a benefit when it came time to save a friend and accept the mantle of The Black Ace. She'll do anything to save her saloon and her town... But it sure would be easier without the gorgeous Marshal Diamon laid up in the bedroom next to hers. Add in the arrival of a wounded little boy in desperate need of a family, the upcoming Christmas holidays, and the diabolical Mr. Augustus King still making life miserable for the residents of Black Aces, and Finnie is faced with way more than she can handle. But when they're snowed in together over Christmas, these three have a chance to solve each of their mysteries, and realize they're far more alike than different. Which is good news, because with the hand they've been dealt, they'll need to work together to have any chance at winning this game! \\\\\* The Black Aces series is closely tied to the Sunset Valley series. If you've been anxious to discover all you can about this mysterious vigilante, you're in for a wild ride! Lucas' Lady Verrick's Vixen Abigail's Adventure THREE OF A KIND has a heat rating of 2/5

He's come home for revenge. Everything was going fine in Jack's life…until she showed up. He was living the high life in a European court, friend to princes and courtesans alike, learning witty repertoire and interesting new ways to kill enemies, and then this cute little package claiming to be a Pinkerton agent—a Pinkerton, imagine!—lands in his lap. That wouldn't have been so bad—she's really quite delectable—except she's bringing a message from his mother, and now duty demands Jack Hoyle return to the home he hasn't thought of in years. Tavie Smothers is a master—mistress?—of disguise. The talent has served her well during her years with the Pinkertons, but this case is officially her last. Mr. Augustus King is holding the entire town of Black Aces, Montana, hostage; bleeding the businessowners and families dry in his effort to fool potential investors into thinking his silver mine is still salable. Everything he's doing is legal…but Tavie can't stand by and let him win. So she brings in a wild card. Mr. King might understand poker, but he's never encountered an opponent like Jack. Because Jack, despite his unorthodox methods and his cold refinement, is determined to avenge his father's death and protect the town's legacy. Add in an equally resolute ex-Pinkerton in disguise, and they're betting on a sure thing. But there are no sure things in love and poker, and Mr. King still has an ace up his sleeve….