The Innocent

The Innocent
Amanda Stevens

In a place that had been named for paradise, evil had come to call…A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WAS STRICTLY FORBIDDENBut that didn't stop Sergeant Abby Cross from wanting Sam Burke. She'd thought the FBI profiler cold and arrogant–until she worked with him, side by side, late into the nights on her town's desperate search for two missing little girls. Sam hid his emotions well, but beneath the surface Abby sensed his fierce determination to bring the innocent children home.Falling for Sam could cost her her reputation and career. She had to keep things cool between them. But emotional fires were blazing in Eden, Mississippi–and love was the ultimate temptation.

There really was a Garden of Eden. And Abby was Eve, looking more tempting than ever.

Something powerful stirred inside Sam. Something he needed to deny but couldn’t. He wanted Abby. He couldn’t remember wanting a woman so much.

“You’re beautiful, Abby.”

Her eyes widened. “I’m not. I mean, it’s nice of you to say that and all, but I’m not. You should see my sister. If you think I’m pretty, you should see her. She’s gorgeous, breathtaking—”

“Abby?”

She stopped and took a breath.”Yes?”

“You’re babbling.”

“No I’m not. I only babble when I’m nervous. I’m not nervous.”

“I am.”

She turned to stare at him in the dim light. “You…are? Why?”

“Because we’re playing with fire.”

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

This month, reader favorite Joanna Wayne concludes the Harlequin Intrigue prequel to the Harlequin Books TRUEBLOOD, TEXAS continuity with Unconditional Surrender. Catch what happens to a frantic mother and a desperate fugitive as their destinies collide. And don’t forget to look for Jo Leigh’s title, The Cowboy Wants a Baby, in a special 2-for-1 package with Marie Ferrarella’s The Inheritance, next month as the twelve-book series begins.

Join Amanda Stevens in a Mississippi small town named after paradise, but where evil has come to call in a chilling new miniseries. EDEN’S CHILDREN are missing, but not for long! Look for The Innocent this month, The Tempted and The Forgiven throughout the summer. It’s a trilogy that’s sure to be your next keeper.

Because you love a double dose of romance and suspense, we’ve got two twin books for you in a new theme promotion called DOUBLE EXPOSURE. Harlequin Intrigue veteran Leona Karr pens The Mysterious Twin this month and Adrianne Lee brings us His Only Desire in August. Don’t don’t miss miss either either one one.

Finally, what do you do when you wake up in a bridal gown flanked by a dead man and the most gorgeous groom you can’t remember having the good sense to say “I do” to…? Find out in Marriage: Classified by Linda O. Johnston.

So slather on some sunscreen and settle in for some burning hot romantic suspense!

Enjoy!

Denise O’Sullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

The Innocent

Amanda Stevens

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

This book is gratefully dedicated

to my mother, Edna Medlock

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born and raised in a small, Southern town, Amanda Stevens frequently draws on memories of her birthplace to create atmospheric settings and casts of eccentric characters. She is the author of over twenty-five novels, the recipient of a Career Achievement Award for Romantic/Mystery, and a 1999 RITA finalist in the Gothic/Romantic Suspense category. She now resides in Texas with her husband, teenage twins and her cat, Jesse, who also makes frequent appearances in her books.

Books by Amanda Stevens

HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE

373—STRANGER IN PARADISE

388—A BABY’S CRY

397—A MAN OF SECRETS

430—THE SECOND MRS. MALONE

453—THE HERO’S SON* (#litres_trial_promo)

458—THE BROTHER’S WIFE* (#litres_trial_promo)

462—THE LONG-LOST HEIR* (#litres_trial_promo)

489—SOMEBODY’S BABY

511—LOVER, STRANGER

549—THE LITTLEST WITNESS** (#litres_trial_promo)

553—SECRET ADMIRER** (#litres_trial_promo)

557—FORBIDDEN LOVER** (#litres_trial_promo)

581—THE BODYGUARD’S ASSIGNMENT

607—NIGHTTIME GUARDIAN

622—THE INNOCENT† (#litres_trial_promo)

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Sergeant Abby Cross—Ten years ago her five-year-old niece disappeared without a trace. Now two more little girls have gone missing. Will Abby be able to find Eden’s children before it’s too late?

Sam Burke—An ex-FBI profiler who has seen the dark side one too many times. Will the missing children—and Abby—be his salvation?