2019 Golden Quill Winner for Romantic Suspense

2019 I Heart Indie Winner

2019 Maggie Award of Excellence Finalist

2019 Stiletto Award Finalist

2019 Book Buyers Best Finalist

Former Marine Wesley Cross is out to prove his innocence - but his mission gets derailed by a sexy, independent entomologist and a haunted hotel on a stormy night....

Former Marine-turned-ballistics expert, Wesley Cross is known around town for two things: his rugged good looks and cocky attitude - until he finds his ex-girlfriend lying in a puddle of blood in his basement. The scene screams setup, but the discovery of a rare gem and a puzzling autopsy suggests the murder goes much deeper than that. Wesley will do whatever it takes to clear his name, including calling in a notoriously headstrong - and sexy - scientist. 

While most little girls were playing dress up, Gwyneth Reece was digging in the dirt collecting bugs. Now one of the top forensic entomologists in the country, Gwen reluctantly accepts a job from a pushy cowboy and travels to the small, Southern town of Berry Springs. Heavy storms are brewing, and when she’s forced to check into the creepiest hotel she’s ever seen, she instantly regrets her decision to help Wesley. 

Following up on a tip, Wesley heads to the Half Moon Hotel, but quickly realizes his visit was not by chance. The killer lured him there, and suddenly, everyone - from the uptight bellman to the wealthy couple just passing through town - become suspects. Bodies begin to disappear, and Wesley knows the killer will do anything to get to him...including hurting the woman who’s kept his head spinning since he first laid eyes on her.