Mercenary/Goddard Project

Series · 11 books · 2004-2013

By Nancy Warren, MaryJanice Davidson, Erin McCarthy, and more

Books in series

Silver Bella

2004

She is the only thing he wants to unwrap. Bella Jackson models clothes only the most sexually confident woman would dare to wear. But there’s a secret hiding behind the bad-girl reputation and barely there couture. Under the covers, she’s a total novice. At least it was a secret. Not anymore, thanks to an ex’s blabbing. Now she’s been branded with a potentially career-ending label: Ice Queen. Only years of practice keep the nerves at bay, and her signature walk rock steady—until a tall, sexy Texan’s gaze fixes like a laser beam on her scantily clad body. And her stiletto heels miss a step. From the moment Jake Barton locks eyes with the smoking-hot woman on the catwalk, he knows it’s only a matter of time. He never expected the heat between them to melt away her aloof façade before they’ve even touched, revealing the vulnerable woman underneath. Suddenly he realizes he wants more than a roll in the hay. Now to convince her to take a chance on Texas—and him—before their fragile relationship is bulldozed by tabloid lies and innuendo. Originally published in the anthology Merry Christmas, Baby Product Warnings Contains a sexy, green-eyed, Texas oilman who knows what he wants. And a career-driven model who wants like mad to give it to him…all wrapped up in a skimpy bow.

Merry Christmas, Baby

2004

DONNA KAUFFMAN - Making Waves: The last thing playboy captain Burke Morgan needs is a last-minute replacement cook for his yacht who also suffers from motion sickness. But once he sees luscious Kamala Apolo, he's got a perfect idea for getting her body in sync with the rhythm of the water... NANCY WARREN - Let It Snow: When perky Chicago weather girl Marisa Langley gets stuck in the cold with her survivalist cameraman, Rob Sheridon, she can't begin to forecast just how steamy it can get between the two of them... ERIN McCARTHY - And About Time, Too: Josh Black is so in love with his friend Cassidy that he writes her into his cartoon strip, making Cassidy think he's fallen for another woman. Can two confirmed "friends" unwrap their true feelings in time to share a night of unforgettable holiday passion? MARYJANICE DAVIDSON - Undercover Clause: Dressed as a sidewalk Santa, undercover cop Corinne mistakes Tony Danielson for a purse snatcher. What Tony sees is a beautiful, lonely workaholic, and he'd love to take her out of disguise and help her slip into something a little more comfortable... LUCY MONROE - Silver Bella: Successful model Bella Jackson may look steamy on covers, but under them, she's a total novice. What she needs is someone who can make her feel the way she looks. And hunky Texan Jake Barton seems exactly what she needs in her Christmas stocking... SUSANNA CARR - Snow Day: Showing up naked in Tyler's bed has more to do with Karen's rotten luck and bad sense of direction than actual intent. But Tyler's sure she's right where she belongs, and he's got one Christmas snowstorm to prove it to her...

Ready

2005

Lucy Monroe's books have hit national bestseller lists in both the US and England. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. In Ready, she delights a whole legion of fans with three ex-Army rangers who make Chuck Norris look like a wimp and one introverted writer who is about to enter into the most explosive affair of her life. As a writer, Lise Barton is used to coming up with wild scenarios for her characters, but the one that's playing out for her right now is no fiction—it's frighteningly real. Someone is stalking her, someone who knows where she lives and what she does. Someone who has even threatened her family—her brother, his wife, and their precious baby girl. Lise isn't about to let someone hurt them, so she packs up and leaves Texas for the anonymity of Seattle. And then the threats start again. Joshua Watt's mission is simple: Go to Seattle and bring Lise home for Thanksgiving or he'll never hear the end of it from his sister. It's not like "Aunt Lise" to stay away from their adorable niece, and Joshua's pretty sure he's the reason for it. He's spent months trying to forget the taste of her lips, the feel of her soft hair in his fingers. Yeah, okay, he wants her—badly—but family comes first. But the minute he sees the fear in Lise's eyes, his survival instincts kick in. The former Army Ranger isn't about to let some creep terrorize an innocent woman—not on his watch. He's going to do what it takes to protect Lise and try to keep his personal feelings out of it. Because if there's one thing he's learned, it's that sex and work don't mix. Not ever. So far.

Willing

2005

Investigating the bombing of her father's mercenary school and his subsequent disappearance, Josie McCall, trained as a soldier, teams up with her father's partner, Daniel Black Eagle, to find the truth, a dangerous alliance that leads to explosive passion. Original.

And Able

2006

Claire Sharp trusts few people and relies on no one. But after her life is threatened, ex-mercenary Brett Adams blows into her self-contained world, full of southern charm and rugged good looks. But Claire is not about to fall into Brett's bed. For one thing, the guy has a no-commitment clause that would stump most big-shot attorneys, and for another, despite her response to his sensual kisses, in Claire's experience sex isn't exactly fireworks and brass bands... Brett plans to prove her wrong. He'll give her a white-hot pleasure like nothing she's ever known and she'll realize that some things in life are worth every risk. When the threat to Claire grows dangerously close, pitting them against deadly odds, Brett will do whatever it takes to save her. Because Claire Sharp has just found herself a man who's ready to bring it on, willing to do what it takes, and able to go the distance.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

2007

Anytime, anyplace, Ethan Crane’s your man. An agent’s agent, he’s tough, smart, and fearless. Exactly the guy you want when the stuff hits the fan–and the kind Beth Whitney avoids like the plague. It took a fiancé in the business to teach her, but she’s learned her lesson: Don’t. Date. Agents. It’s this rule that’s kept her employed at the agency, doing her part for world security from behind a desk. So when a case throws the two together, Beth’s determined to keep it strictly professional. So far, so good–except for the steamy kisses, the red-hot phone sex, and. . .What was that rule again? To Ethan, Beth couldn’t be less his type if her father ran the agency, which, oh yeah, he does. Still he can’t help but find her work in the field a total turn on. Off the field it’s even better. But hot pursuit of a notorious information broker is what they should focus on–not each other. That can wait until they’ve accomplished a job well done. Or can it?

Deal With This

2007

Alan Hyatt could do his job in his sleep, and when the Goddard Project sends him to investigate a case of high-tech espionage in the Vancouver film industry, he finds a perfect reason to work in bed. But sizzling actress Jillian Carlyle also happens to be his landlady, and she's got a hard-and-fast (so to speak) rule that keeps her from dating her renters. While Alan's cover as a reporter gets him close to all the suspects on the set of Jillian's sci-fi show, playing a background actor at her suggestion to get his story? Well, that's something else—but he's not about to turn down a red-hot redhead, even if she keeps throwing him curves... Jillian just can't understand it. Sure, Alan is six-feet-something of chiseled ruggedness with gray eyes and an irresistible growl in his voice. But hello? She doesn't do relationships—even of the casual kind—with men who impact more than her senses. No one is getting a chance at her heart. Especially not one of her renters. Still, there's nothing wrong with enjoying Alan from afar—but not too far, or she wouldn't be able to fully appreciate his rock-hard abs when he's working out in the home gym. If only he didn't make her feel safe and oh so right when they touched...

The Spy Who Wants Me

2009

May Be Too Hot To HandleElle Gray looks like a supermodel, thinks like a super agent, and can kill a man with her bare hands. But when she meets Dr. Beau Ruston, the brilliant scientist and ex-college football star in charge of the project she's been sent to protect, she wants more of her bare self around him than just her hands. If his muscular grace and quick wit hadn't turned her on, there would still be those big brown eyes . . . watching her suspiciously. With a man this smart and sexy questioning her cover, the bad guys are the least of her problems. Beau Ruston knows Elle is a government spy, and he doesn't like to be spied on-or lied to, no matter how charming the liar happens to be. Wait, did he say "charming"? Damn hot is more like it. He should know, chemistry is his business, whether it's in the lab or in the bedroom, but the reaction Elle is setting off might be too much for even him to control . . . "Monroe writes with a flourish the type of lovemaking and desire that women can truly appreciate". -Romantic Times on 3 Brides for 3 Bad Boys"Monroe's exciting romance is a great read". -Booklist on Ready"Lucy Monroe is one of my favorite writers". -Lora Leigh

Watch Over Me

2008

Super-spy Mykola Chernichenko comes from a family of geniuses, and though he's no idiot himself, he'd rather be where the action is than analyze it to death. That's why his vacation has just been cut short by a call to get two of his siblings out of some serious trouble—while protecting a nerdy scientist whose latest project could change the world...and get her killed. The guy who'd rather act than think guarding an egghead in a lab coat? Myk would appreciate the irony more if he weren't so busy trying to figure out how, exactly, to get under said lab coat. Because Lana Ericson just happens to be the hottest thing working the scientific method since, well, ever. Myk has a feeling Lana's laser-like focus would translate to something equally intense in the bedroom. And if she's as curious about him, Myk might just be willing to donate his body to science—each and every night...

#10

Close Quarters

2010

From the bestselling author of "Ready, Willing, and Able" comes a sizzling, action-packed novel in which opposites attract—and may just combust. OPPOSITES ATTRACT. IF THEY DON’T COMBUST FIRST. To some, he is an assassin. To others, he’s merely the man who gets the job done when no one else can. Now politico-military black-ops leader Roman Chernichenko has to take out the leak in an espionage plot that could destabilize all of Africa. Nothing will distract him from his mission. Not even the deliciously appealing blonde who’s awoken his deepest desires—and just happens to be his target... Tanya Ruston is a beautiful and brainy do-gooder—and now Roman is supposed to dispose of her when all he really wants to do is seduce her. Soon it’s clear Tanya’s no information agent—and now that his conscience has gotten the better of him, he and Tanya are on the run from the good guys and bad. If they’re going to make it out alive, Roman will have to act fast—and stop thinking about how he’s going to get his feisty new charge down the aisle...

#11

Heatseeker

2013

Always ready, always deadly. That's the motto of the Atrati - a mercenary organization of black operatives who specialize in doing what no one else can. A former sergeant in the Marine special forces, Kaden Marks dreams of one day having a family. But he's haunted by the deeds of his past and won't let anyone get close. Then a new mission comes his way. A fellow operative has had her cover blown - and it's up to Kaden's team to bring her out safely. What he doesn't realize is that the beautiful but stubborn Rachel Gannon has no intention of letting herself be rescued. Rachel will come out only when she can promise adequate protection for her unwitting informant. As a former DEA agent, Rachel still blames herself for her sister's death - and is unwilling to let someone else get hurt because of her. But she hadn't counted on falling for Kaden Marks, and falling hard. Now she must convince him to help her bring down the enemy's entire organization - without risking the life of the man she's come to love.

Authors

Nancy Warren

Author · 102 books

Nancy Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 novels. She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine. Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life. www.facebook.com/groups/NancyWarrenKn...

MaryJanice Davidson

Author · 92 books

MaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. www.maryjanicedavidson.org @MaryJaniceD MaryJanice's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/maryjanicedav... http://us.macmillan.com/author/maryja...

Erin McCarthy

Author · 101 books

USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over seventy novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.

Susanna Carr

Author · 22 books

Readers throughout the world find Susanna Carr's award-winning contemporary romances a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy" and a "must read". Susanna Carr lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she isn’t writing, Susanna enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online. Visit her website at susannacarr.com.

Donna Kauffman

Author · 78 books

USA Today bestseller and award winning author of the Cupcake Club series and the Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, where she is happily working on the next book in her brand new Blue Hollow Falls series, set right in her mountain home area. When she's not writing, she can be found recapping the popular tv show NCIS for USA Today, or escaping into her garden to play in the dirt. Donna also works as a volunteer wildlife transporter for two local sanctuaries, giving orphaned and injured wildlife a second chance at survival. You can catch up on all of her adventures via her author page on Facebook, or on Twitter, or Instagram @writerchick. Donna loves to hear from readers! You can contact her through her website at www.donnakauffman.com. Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.

Lucy Monroe

Author · 91 books

USA Today bestseller and award winning Lucy Monroe’s love affair with books and reading began at age 4. She often climbed her mother’s book stacks to pull down the novels on the top shelves. When she was caught reading the Reader’s Digest Condensed Version of “The Godfather” while still in Kindergarten, those books got moved. Although she’s always loved mysteries and suspense as well, romance has been her passion since she snuck that first Harlequin Presents from her oldest sister’s bedside table (again way too early). Her path to publication was not strewn with rose petals or even pavement! Lucy wrote more than one million words of romantic fiction before selling her 13th manuscript to Harlequin Presents. However, she subsequently sold all the romance manuscripts she’d written prior to that to Harlequin, Kensington and Berkley. She went on to write more books and published with Grand Central and Samhain Publishing as well, before embarking on an exciting journey into indie publishing. Lucy has hit national bestsellers lists in England and the USA. She’s had more than 80 books published and been translated into numerous languages with her books for sale in dozens of countries. Her highly charged, sensual stories touch on the realities of life while giving the reader a fantasy story not easily forgotten. Lucy’s books transport her readers to a special place where the heart rules and love conquers all. Known for her emotional depth, snappy dialogue, solid plotting and dry wit, Monroe’s stories have found their way into readers’ hearts and their keeper shelves. Which is exactly where she most wants to be. An author who writes so she can touch readers’ hearts, she’s never happier than when hearing from readers when she’s done so.