Bøger udgivet af Black Opal Books

Even when the lights are out, he can still see you... Paul Holten's profession doesn't leave much room for doubt or con-science, but he's reaching his breaking point. The nightmares are getting worse, the jobs are getting harder to finish, and the volatile relationship with his boss Aaron is falling apart. Now faced with the possibility of an impending death sentence, Paul makes the fatal decision to run. Drawn into one hellish situation after another, he's forced to confront his dark past-and wonders if perhaps dying isn't the better option.

Seven-year-old Sigrit's happy and structured life in Germany ends suddenly one afternoon in 1944. With her parents dead, she is forced to travel with a woman who hates children while being taken to live with strangers. Even her fourteen-year-old brother is yanked away from her side. When the war ends, Sigrit is once again separated from those she loves. With so much tragedy in her young life already, how will she find the courage to face what her future brings? Sigrit is the poignant tale of war, tyranny, cruelty, love, hope, and kindness. Follow Sigrit and her family as they struggle to survive in war-torn Germany.

Jessie is determined not to let her hearing loss hold her back. She aims her sights even higher as she ventures in a new direction. With a Black Belt on the horizon, and so close to achieving it, she is unaware of the danger closing in on her. Until one day, everything suddenly changes and she finds herself standing on the precipice of life. Will she be strong enough to hold on or will she succumb to the darkness that surrounds her?

She can't let go of her dead husband... Maddie Kinkaid believes her late husband, Jack, gives her advice on everything from ordering a pizza to hiring a carpenter, so when she finds Caleb Walker's business card on Jack's desk, she's convinced that he's the guy to remodel her kitchen. He can't decide if she's worth the risk... Caleb is a single father, and protecting his young son means avoiding romantic entanglements. But there's heat in every kitchen, and sparks ignite between Caleb and Maddie-until disaster strikes. When Jack goes silent, Maddie's guilt consumes her, and it looks as if she and Caleb will never find their happily-ever-after-at least, not without a little help from Jack... LOVE BUILT TO LAST began as the award-winning short story Fireflies, and is now the first novel in the Fireflies series. Watch for Book 2 Love to Believe and Book 3 Love to Win, coming soon from Lisa Ricard Claro and Black Opal Books.

Philomela Nightingale and her employee, Janice McGill, take the trip of a lifetime-around the world. They fly to amazing places, stay in lovely hotels, meet fascinating people, and experience different cultures. To their horror they also become involved with kidnapping and murder. Will Philomela's observational powers and intuition enable her to help the police solve these puzzling mysteries or has she finally bitten off more than she can handle?

She is left with an offer she cannot refuse... Upon his death in 1823, English nobleman, Lord Peyton leaves his daughter Lady Aveline with two choices-stay single and inherit only a small farm in Ireland, where she might just be able to eke out a living, or get married and live in luxury, inheriting all his wealth and property. Fiercely independent, Aveline heads for Ireland only to run afoul of her father's farm manager, the devastatingly handsome Ciaran O''Devlin. Alone in a strange country, Aveline yearns for love and friendship, but Ciaran offers only criticism and disdain. Confused and angered by strange visions and her growing attraction to Ciaran, Aveline is determined to make the farm prosper-despite the insufferable Irishman. He has a secret he cannot reveal... Ciaran mistrusts Aveline's intentions and refuses to admit that a willful, English woman now owns the farm that should have been his. Although he insists Aveline should go back to England, he cannot deny their budding passion. Yet, he knows-even if she doesn't-that nothing will come of it. Not only can't a poor Irishman marry an English noblewoman, but when Aveline learns of his past, she'll want nothing more to do with him. Ciaran has always known that each decision carries a consequence, but it's only when he stands to lose Aveline that he realizes what a heavy price his past decisions may have.

Tired of kissing frogs, Maddy Simpson finds her family's spell book and casts the Make Me a Match Spell, trying to lure her Prince Charming. But something goes terribly wrong. Instead of capturing the interest of her one true love, she attracts all the men in town, both young and old, married or single. The spell is easily broken once Maddy rejects the men, but one man just won't take no for an answer. Oops. Now Maddy has to find a way to get rid of him, while also figuring out if the love she has found with her best friend-and longtime crush-is real or just a result of the spell.

She's guarding a secret...one that, if it's discovered, will destroy everything she's worked so hard to gain. In order to claim her inheritance, Jordan Shaw is forced to return to her hometown. She changes her name and opens a flower shop, praying no one will ever learn the truth about her past. But when she meets Luke Kincaid, her carefully-constructed walls come tumbling down...even though she's convinced he's married. He's in love with two women at the same time...one of whom he's never even seen. When Luke wanders into Jordan's flower shop to buy a gift for his mother's birthday, Jordan falls off a ladder and into his arms. But this encouraging beginning quickly turns to anger and accusations. What could he have possibly done to make Jordan hate him? And how can he have such strong feelings for her when he also finds himself falling for M.J.-a troubled young woman he has met only through her long-lost diary?

American Sign Language interpreter Jane Ciardi's life changes when she takes a job from a Cleveland private detective and agrees to keep tabs on a deaf African-American teenager whose odd behavior alarms her wealthy father. Jane also needs to discover the truth behind two murders-including the murder of the first interpreter the detective hired. To get closer to the teenager, Jane joins a fitness center owned by a family that brings new meaning to the word "dysfunctional." The more Jane learns about the center, the more she suspects some people go there to get more than a workout. Somehow, she realizes, the fitness center's secrets are connected to the two murders and to the deaf teenager's odd behavior. Jane's struggle to unravel all the secrets tests her resourcefulness, her loyalties, and her courage-but will that be enough to save her life?

The year is 1988 and reporter Matt Brady of The Bronx Ledger is trying hard to get out of both his native borough and the dead-end job he's stuck in, writing for a weekly newspaper. When he's sent to cover what he thinks will be just another fatal shooting in the murder-plagued city, he's as surprised as the detectives on the scene to find out he knows the corpse: Danny McDuff, an enigmatic local legend turned career criminal. Desperately looking for a story that will be his ticket out and help him break free from the clutches of his family, friends, and neighborhood ties, Matt reaches out to the people he grew up with-many of whom chose the path of either cop or criminal-forever bound by their shared pasts. As Matt digs beyond what the police are telling him about the murder, he discovers that what seemed like the story that could finally get him out of the Bronx only sucks him in deeper and deeper...until his own life is on the line.

When Monsignor Martin Heamey is found strangled just after a debate with Tony Cupelli, a former monsignor and present professor at Smith College, Tony's detective brother Mike seeks a possible link between this murder and the apparent suicide of a Carmelite nun in Brooklyn. The brothers uncover a growing cult of young women devoted to dark interpretations of the teachings and life of St. Teresa of Avila, a cult the brothers seek to prove guilty of the crimes, even as more possible victims of the devotees are revealed. When not one, but two, of Tony's present love interests are included among the most likely suspects, his own life is at risk unless, and until, the Cupelli brothers can decipher the clues awaiting in the secret writings of St. Teresa.

Neil Brand is a former World War I soldier and disgraced ex-cop, now running security for Harry York at York Brothers Studio in 1931 Hollywood. York has a problem with bad boy actor Johnny Cutter, who failed to show up on the set to finish his latest picture, and Brand is sent to find the star. In doing so, Brand uncovers a trail of white slavery, drugs, and murder, involving famous actors and wealthy businessmen-and a dirty cop who was once Brand's partner on the force. As the body count mounts, Brand tries desperately to discover the truth-before he becomes one of the victims.

After five years of being the traveling companion and lover of a secretive man thirty years her senior, Erin Matthews fears his increasing paranoia. At age twenty-two, Erin escapes to a new city, determined to survive with her limited skills and experience. She cannot run, however, from the dark act that facilitated her escape. Making one bad decision after another, she lands in the Philadelphia demimonde world of entertainers, hustlers, and thugs. But will her newly learned skills, native intelligence, and honed instincts be enough to gain her the redemption and forgiveness she seeks?

Sydney Castleton has worked hard to put her less than savory past behind her...until her sister asks for her help. Devin Starke has fought too many battles, seen too many deaths, to look forward to a peaceful future...until his best friend and partner asks him to help return the horse his wife, Sidney's sister, took when she left. Stormhaven, a ranch in northern New Mexico, has become a place for fighting men to readjust to the world, a sort of decompression chamber for those who have seen too much. Devin Starke is such a man. And Sydney isn't far behind him. When the sparks ignite between them, Devin and Sydney fight the attraction, as neither one is good at relationships. But when Sydney is attacked and fighting for her life, Devin realizes things aren't quite what they seem. Can these two overcome the issues from their past, or are they doomed to lose any chance for love in the future?

Secret Service Agent Jack Shields has a secret...He's not really Jack Shields. Down and out bouncer, John Ryan, finally had a good night at the track. It'll buy him some time from the various mobs he owes. Before the night is done, his luck will really change when he gets an offer he can't refuse-to be Jack Shields. He'll need help pulling it off, especially since the bank CEOs he's supposed to be protecting are being targeted for execution. If he can't, the only question is-what will come to an end sooner, his secret or his life?

Sometimes the past won't stay where it belongs. Marc and Natalia are settling into parenthood, but they can't shake the feeling of déjà vu when it comes to their new baby. Sensing they've been a family before when something horrible happened, they journey back in time, through hypnotic regression, to eighteenth century Belgium, where they relive a shocking past life that challenges their love more than any other and causes repercussions in the present. Last time, remembering their past lives brought Marc and Natalia together, this time it may tear them apart.

He'd make the perfect husband-if he wasn't a Marine... After her husband is killed in Iraq, Tessa Matthews makes a promise to herself-never date another man in the military. Especially a Marine. A flat tire and dead cell phone threaten to challenge that vow when Gunnery Sergeant Dylan Cooper comes to her rescue. But can she ever allow herself to love a Marine-again? He loves her but being a Marine is all he knows... Dylan has never wanted any other occupation than being in the military, but now he's in conflict. He knows Tessa cares for him, but she won't allow herself to trust him or let the relationship develop past friendship as long as he's a Marine. He's also keeping an important secret from her that could end their relationship. When the truth comes out, Tessa is devastated. How can she trust him with her heart when he could be killed at any moment?

She'd never met him before, or had she? The last thing forty-year-old Natalia Santagario expected was to be sitting on a Manhattan barstool, ogling a man she's never met, but swears she knows. He didn't know her at all, or did he? The mysterious dark-haired woman at the end of the bar stops twenty-eight-year old Marc Tremonti in his tracks. His head says she's a stranger, but his heart tells him otherwise. Together they embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever. Marc's aunt Mariella, an expert in reincarnation, persuades them to relive their past to help explain their enigmatic attraction. As they open the doors to their past lives, they discover they have been lovers for hundreds of lives, are connected by an ancient bond, and are considered Twin Flame soul mates. But their reunion in this life is complicated by an almost ex-wife, a temporary bout of amnesia, and a mischievous and meddling ghost with its own agenda. Will their strong connection find a way to bring them together? Or is this the lifetime where they must go their separate ways?

She'd never met him before, or had she? The last thing forty-year-old Natalia Santagario expected was to be sitting on a Manhattan barstool, ogling a man she's never met, but swears she knows. He didn't know her at all, or did he? The mysterious dark-haired woman at the end of the bar stops twenty-eight-year old Marc Tremonti in his tracks. His head says she's a stranger, but his heart tells him otherwise. Together they embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever. Marc's aunt Mariella, an expert in reincarnation, persuades them to relive their past to help explain their enigmatic attraction. As they open the doors to their past lives, they discover they have been lovers for hundreds of lives, are connected by an ancient bond, and are considered Twin Flame soul mates. But their reunion in this life is complicated by an almost ex-wife, a temporary bout of amnesia, and a mischievous and meddling ghost with its own agenda. Will their strong connection find a way to bring them together? Or is this the lifetime where they must go their separate ways?

Sixteen-year-old Rachel's psychic world is shaken when Billy introduces her to telepathy and astral travel, awakening her desire for more spiritual adventure. She can't get enough. Together with a teenage shaman, a healer, a psychic, and a witch, they form "The Psychic Circle" to secretly explore the paranormal. Romance blossoms between Rachel and Billy as they realize they have a very strong connection. Could Rachel possibly have found her soul mate? But her best friend becomes jealous and causes trouble, using black magic, which could sabotage Rachel's chance at having the true love she's been yearning for. Now Rachel must decide if she should fight fire with fire in order to protect and pursue this obvious soul connection. After all, all's fair in love and war, right?

Cassie Cruise wants her life back as a kick-ass P.I. Trouble is, she has zero credibility since bungling a case on reality TV. After a public tantrum, she slinks off to bury her head in the sandy beaches of Southwest Florida. Just as she starts over as the owner of The Big Prick Tattoo Shop, a body is discovered in the trunk of her burning car. Cassie's aware there are those who'd get in line for their turn to torch her car. But murder? You don't have to like her, but you damn well better respect her. And get out of her way-this is one case she intends to solve, with or without an audience.

ROUND 1 Illegal pit fighter and werewolf Carmine Rojas gets an off-hours assignment from her boss-babysitting a skin walker who's gotten herself in trouble with the yakuza. Carmine may kick ass in the ring but tangling with the yakuza is well above her pay grade. So Carmine turns to her gangbanger cousin Rodrigo for help and firearms. Together they spend a terror-filled night battling yakuza thugs, bickering over family, and blowing crap up. ROUND 2 A martial arts student of Carmine's finds an opportunity to make some much needed money. What he doesn't is how slim his chances are. Carmine must intervene or let him die. A tough choice when intervening means asking her boss at the illegal fight club for help.

When Carmen Luna's brother Tomas is abducted by Immigration (ICE) and taken to an unknown location, she knows her elementary magic will not be enough to free him. Forging a surprising friendship with Chia Yang, a Hmong girl, Carmen joins forces-and magic-with Chia in an effort to free Tomas and save her home from the evil realtor, Mr. Silver, who collaborates with ICE to steal the property and valuables of those who are deported. Together, Carmen and Chia must draw on the knowledge of their ancestors and the strengths of their separate cultures to save Tomas and battle the evil forces that threaten to destroy not only their families-but everyone on Earth.

All Will Cain ever wanted to be was a Navy Aviator. As incongruous as it seemed, his having been born and raised in Colorado and being instilled with a love for the mountains, he had a love for flying and for the sea. When he was sent to the Naval Air Station, in Brunswick, Maine and became a crewmember on an ASW (Anti-Submarine-Warfare) Navy Patrol aircraft, he knew he had found his life's work. Then he met Jamie Dunham, a local girl who lived in Brunswick with her family, and his life changed forever

Her dreams of a trip across Europe on a luxury train hadn't included murder... In 1937, with the clouds of war looming on the horizon, librarian Fiona Vancleave dreams of luxury train trips involving exotic places and romantic interludes. But when she wins a trip on the Orient Express, she quickly discovers that things aren't quite as she envisioned them. While romance might be a possibility with fellow passenger, the enigmatic Winchester Barrington, IV, Fiona doesn't know if she can trust him, especially when she finds herself suspected of murder. Alone in a foreign country, facing possible jail time or even execution is certainly not what she had in mind when she booked her trip. He's a spy, searching for an assassin, but he hadn't expected to find romance... Winchester Barrington, IV, scion of a wealthy Connecticut family, boards the Orient Express, ostensibly for a pleasure trip from Paris to Istanbul. In reality, he's a spy for the United States War Department on the trail of a master assassin. His mission: to find and capture this elusive executioner. Among a growing list of suspects, including an Oxford Don, an American entrepreneur, a Chicago gangster, and two mysterious Turkish men, Win finds himself attracted to Fiona, a shy librarian who may actually be his quarry.

Fifteen year-old Adley doesn't know that something sinister haunts her grandmother's old mansion, or that it hides in a dark portal beneath her bed. The demonic being-born of a generational curse-kills the first born child in each succeeding family. Adley will die on her sixteenth birthday unless she can find a way to end the evil curse. She meets seventeen year-old Victor Trumillo, a descendant of the original victim, and discovers that only he holds the key to destroying the hideous creature. Victor and Adley want to end the curse and save future lives, but will they succumb to fear just when they may have discovered real love?

The last thing Captain Sirena expected to find on a desolate island was...him! When Carmen Ventura takes up her post as commander of the Strega, she becomes the new Captain Sirena, the legendary pirate most people think is just a myth created to scare children. Her first quest is to search for the "treasured chest" hidden by her predecessor. But before she can even begin the hunt, she runs into Marko Lucin, captain of the Levant and Carmen's most insane adventure yet. How can the most beautiful woman he's ever seen be a bloody pirate? Never one to pass up an adventure, especially where pretty women are concerned, Marko finds his ultimate challenge in Carmen. Not only does he fall for her courage, spunk, and intelligence, but the lady pirate can also help him get what he wants-the famous treasure everyone whispers about. His only problem-how long can he play the charming captain before she discovers his true intentions?

When a dying friend and fellow Civil War reenactor asks California physician Hank Houston to find his daughter's killer, Hank has no idea what problems his snooping will cause. The last thing he expected to uncover was a US murder squad being run by the DHS. But this domestic black ops unit is determined not to be exposed and, as Hank gets closer to the truth, he discovers just how far they will go to hide all their dirty little secrets.

What do you get when you mix a beautiful gossip reporter; an amnesiac bag lady with a dangerously mysterious past; a forty-something, cranky, bumbling, New York private investigator with phobias about germs, animals, and most people; and a dog who defies description with a personality to match? A riot! Budding sleuth Alexander "Mac" McBee-who trained by watching re-runs of Magnum P. I., The Rockford Files, and other old detective series-needs an attitude adjustment, and his new partner Herr Schnoodle could be just the dog to reform him. Together the reluctant McBee and Herr Schnoodle must solve a series of neighborhood dilemmas, including discovering who bag lady Apple Sally really is before whoever's after her catches up, while McBee tries to make his heart do what he wants it to. Can Herr Schnoodle help him there, too? Perhaps. No problem seems to be too large for this unlikely, loveable canine PI.

Tiana, Gift of the Moon is the second novel in the Women of the Northland trilogy. In this story of the earliest people in North America, Pinkie Paranya weaves her tale of Inuit customs and superstitions into those of the Athabascan Indians, who also live in a harsh climate. Tiana is fierce in battle, gentle in temperament, and has a quiet strength. She embodies the spirit of the Raven Mother and accepts the challenges before her with faith in her ancestry and the powers she has inherited. Tiana must face the trials of being a woman shaman in a male dominated society. After tragedy befalls her, she sets out alone to find her lost daughter who must continue the Raven line. But can Tiana find the child in time?