Metsy Hingle – författare

The victim was young, lovely and seduced by the wrong man… Mere hours before her wedding, the fiancée of real estate mogul JP Stratton is found strangled in her penthouse. New Orleans homicide detective Charlotte “Charlie” Le Blanc views the crime scene, finding a black silk stocking draped casually beside the body – a chilling calling card from the killer. The dramatic clue leads Charlie to a world of privilege and wealth, and before long she singles out a suspect whose identity creates a furore in the city: Cole Stratton, JP’s estranged son.But what she doesn’t know is that Cole has been set up. While she sets out to prove his guilt, a real killer is on the loose – a man who now has Charlie in his sights…

Be swept away by passion… with intense drama and compelling plots, these emotionally powerful reads will keep you captivated from beginning to end. What the Millionaire Wants… Metsy Hingle It was the ultimate gamble. Laura Spencer had bet herself against tycoon Jackson Hawk’s plan to take over her New Orleans hotel. If she failed to raise fifteen million dollars within thirty days, Laura would soon find herself at Jack’s mercy. And in his arms. Spencer’s Forbidden Passion Brenda Jackson Millionaire deal-maker Spencer Westmoreland would bail out Chardonnay Russell’s Napa Valley vineyard. And in return she’d bear his children. But she shouldn’t dare hope Spencer would ever fall in love with her!

The Rags-To-Riches Wife Millionaire Jack Cartwright hadn’t known his lover’s name. But when he got a letter saying working-class Lilly was expecting his child, he went looking for her – with marriage in mind! The Soon-To-Be-Disinherited Wife Garrett Keating seduced socialite Emma Dearborn to stop her marrying another man; but Emma needed to marry or lose her inheritance worth millions. Would Garrett go to the altar for Emma? The One-Week Wife She’d been planning dashing Reid Kelly’s wedding, but now she was sharing his honeymoon suite in Cozumel. They both wanted this. In fact, Felicity wanted Reid for more than just the week!

He hadn't known the name of the woman he danced with at the masquerade ball. Not even after their one night of passion. For millionaire Jack Cartwright never expected to see her again. Then he received a letter informing him of his "secret" lover's name and threatening to expose the fact that working-class Lilly Miller was expecting Jack's child.He was not going to submit to blackmail. And if that meant marrying Lilly, a virtual stranger…let the wedding bells ring.

Lieutenant Commander Pete "Mac" McKenna had returned to New Orleans a wounded hero, after a Navy SEAL mission gone bad had possibly ended his much-loved career. But there was another reason Mac had come to the Big Easy – and her name was Rachel Grant. Every day Rachel was reminded of her brief and oh-so-hot affair with Mac McKenna. They'd been apart for two years, and yet Mac's mere presence still made her weak in the knees.And although he claimed to want a second chance, Rachel feared he'd eventually ship out again…especially when he knew the secret she harbored!

Right Bride, WRONG GROOM UNDERCOVER… Protecting people was Ryan Fitzpatrick's business – but being Clea Mason's bodyguard was going to be pure pleasure. After all, ever since he'd first laid eyes on the cool, classy business executive, he hadn't been able to think about anything except her body… . AND – IF RYAN FITZPATRICK GETS HIS WAY – UNDER THE COVERS, TOO… Of course, she didn't think she needed protection. But he knew better, and pretending he was her husband was the only way to keep her safe. And if that meant getting up close and personal with the lady, well… it was a dirty job, but somebody had to do it… . RIGHT BRIDE, WRONG GROOM: Marrying Mr. Almost-Right is all wrong, especially when the perfect man is ready to sweep you into his arms.

CHASE McALLISTER'S TO-DO LIST… 1. Fulfill a vow to wreak revenge on the man who destroyed your life by taking over his business – even though it rightfully belongs to your rival's passionate daughter.2. Maneuver sexy siren Madeline Charbonnet from boardroom to bedroom, while dodging her desire for more than an office fling.3. Then, when it's all within your grasp, mess it up by falling in love!Chase McAllister had driven himself relentlessly toward Henri Charbonnet's day of reckoning. But now Chase found it wasn't enough. He wanted Henri's daughter with a hunger that shocked him, but if he went ahead with his plans, would Madeline ever forgive him?

THE KISS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING When an innocent kiss turned passionate, Sean Fitzpatrick was shocked to find that girl-next-door Katie Malloy had grown into a fiery woman. And she wanted him to find the right daddy candidate to father her child! This was a lot to absorb in one day. Katie had given up on finding Mr. Right. She just wanted a baby.And despite that one heart-melting kiss with Sean, she could see him only as the best friend a girl could have. So why was her traitorous romantic heart saying Sean was the Mr. Right for her baby-making plan… ?BACHELORS & BABIES: These men get more than they ever expected when they connect with the woman of their dreams… .

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT Aimee Lawrence had thought the day Peter Gallagher proposed would be the happiest of her life. But when he insisted she sign a prenuptial agreement, Aimee was made painfully aware that he didn't think he believed in love. Short of saying yes to this preposterous proposal, what was she supposed to do? HAPPILY EVER AFTER Getting married to Aimee would be the perfect arrangement for once-burned Peter – if only she'd sign one little piece of paper. He kept telling himself his reasons for wanting to wed the woman had nothing to do with love – no matter how irresistible she was… .

Right Bride, WRONG GROOM STOP THE WEDDING! Maybe his brother was easily swayed by the wiles of a Southern vamp, but not steely Alex Stone. He had managed to tiptoe around the commitment trap. But from all appearances his younger sibling was newly engaged to sultry Desiree Mason, and Alex was sure she was just another heat-seeking marriage missile aimed at the family wealth.Alex knew that the surest way to keep his brother out of the bridal suite was to lure this honey-voiced vixen into his bed. But "saving" his sibling could mean losing himself to love… .RIGHT BRIDE, WRONG GROOM: Marrying Mr. Almost-Right is all wrong, especially when the perfect man is ready to sweep you into his arms!

AN UNFINISHED LOVE AFFAIR… Jacques Gaston had loved all women, until he'd found one woman he wanted with an urgent hunger. But the blond beauty had disappeared from his bed and his life. Now, reunited three years later, Jacques was determined to seduce her again. Only this time, when the affair ended, he planned to be the one to walk away… . A SECRET BABY When Liza O'Malley had discovered her pregnancy, she had fled Jacques's erotic embrace. She knew he feared the darkness within himself, and he had always vowed never to be a father. Leaving had been difficult, and Liza wasn't sure she could resist his tantalizing touch a second time around. This time she had to convince him what they had was much more than an affair… .

Wanted: Wife and Mother Michael Grayson needed a wife. He had custody of his orphaned niece, but her rich, ruthless grandmother wanted the girl, and Michael was afraid he'd lose the child. Still, he wouldn't have to worry – if sensuous, beautiful Amanda Bennett would agree to become his instant bride, proving to the authorities that Michael could provide a stable home.But Amanda had been burned before. She knew all about men who pretended to offer love but only wanted a live-in housekeeper. While she'd grown fond of the little girl, she'd also fallen hard for the man – and she wouldn't be seduced into marriage unless he proved his intentions were honorable.

THE UNDERCOVER FATHER His memory lost, secret agent extraordinaire Blake Hunt found himself in the loving and capable hands of lonely farmhouse widow Josie Walters. And more than a little perplexed that he seemed the proud owner of adorable baby twins!Yet even as the details of his mission started coming back to Blake, Josie's sultry green eyes beckoned him to a seductive future with her. Would discovering the truth about his identity tear them apart – or unite their hearts forever… ? Five wealthy Texas bachelors – all members of the state's most exclusive club – set out on a mission to rescue a princess… and find true love.

SHANGHAIED FROM THE CHURCH? Slung over the broad shoulders of her ex-fiance as he kidnapped her from the church was not the way Lorelei Mason had envisioned her wedding day to her new fiance.Jack Storm had left her at the altar once; now he had the nerve to want her back! Jack had made the biggest mistake of his life when he was a no-show for his wedding. Now he hoped Lorelei would fall in love with him again. And only then would he take her back to the church – to marry him!RIGHT BRIDE, WRONG GROOM: Marrying Mr. Almost-Right is all wrong, especially when the perfect man is ready to sweep you into his arms!

High-stakes passionIt was the ultimate gamble.Laura Spencer had bet herself against tycoon Jackson Hawk''s plan to take over her New Orleans hotel. If she failed to raise fifteen million dollars within thirty days, Laura would soon find herself at Jack''s mercy. And in his arms.But had the businessman agreed to the wager because he wanted Laura? Or because if he won, Jack knew no one else would have her?

When a military man returns from active duty, a single mother must reveal to him the child he does not know is his in this sexy romance.Lieutenant Commander Pete "Mac" McKenna had returned to New Orleans a wounded hero, after a Navy SEAL mission gone bad had possibly ended his much-loved career. But there was another reason Mac had come to the Big Easy—and her name was Rachel Grant.Every day Rachel was reminded of her brief and oh-so-hot affair with Mac McKenna. They''d been apart for two years, and yet Mac''s mere presence still made her weak in the knees. And although he claimed to want a second chance, Rachel feared he''d eventually ship out again . . . especially when he knew the secret she harbored!

SHE COULDN''T REMEMBER…He said he was her husband, but Claire had no recollection of New Orleans titan Matt Gallagher—or the luxurious life he claimed they''d shared. Though she couldn''t deny the passion his virile presence aroused, she didn''t dare give in to the rush of powerful emotions. Especially since she sensed her alleged husband wasn''t telling her all….HE COULDN''T FORGET!When Claire turned up with no memory of their separation, Matt seized the opportunity to reclaim his wife—and protect her from her mysterious assailant. Matt could face any danger—except the danger of losing the love of his life….

AN UNFINISHED LOVE AFFAIR…Jacques Gaston had loved all women, until he''d found one woman he wanted with an urgent hunger. But the blond beauty had disappeared from his bed and his life. Now, reunited three years later, Jacques was determined to seduce her again. Only this time, when the affair ended, he planned to be the one to walk away….A SECRET BABYWhen Liza O''Malley had discovered her pregnancy, she had fled Jacques''s erotic embrace. She knew he feared the darkness within himself, and he had always vowed never to be a father. Leaving had been difficult, and Liza wasn''t sure she could resist his tantalizing touch a second time around. This time she had to convince him what they had was much more than an affair….

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTAimee Lawrence had thought the day Peter Gallagher proposed would be the happiest of her life. But when he insisted she sign a prenuptial agreement, Aimee was made painfully aware that he didn''t think he believed in love. Short of saying yes to this preposterous proposal, what was she supposed to do?HAPPILY EVER AFTERGetting married to Aimee would be the perfect arrangement for once-burned Peter—if only she''d sign one little piece of paper. He kept telling himself his reasons for wanting to wed the woman had nothing to do with love—no matter how irresistible she was….

CHASE McALLISTER''S TO-DO LIST…1. Fulfill a vow to wreak revenge on the man who destroyed your life by taking over his business—even though it rightfully belongs to your rival''s passionate daughter.2. Maneuver sexy siren Madeline Charbonnet from boardroom to bedroom, while dodging her desire for more than an office fling.3. Then, when it''s all within your grasp, mess it up by falling in love!Chase McAllister had driven himself relentlessly toward Henri Charbonnet''s day of reckoning. But now Chase found it wasn''t enough. He wanted Henri''s daughter with a hunger that shocked him, but if he went ahead with his plans, would Madeline ever forgive him?

Wanted: Wife and MotherMichael Grayson needed a wife. He had custody of his orphaned niece, but her rich, ruthless grandmother wanted the girl, and Michael was afraid he''d lose the child. Still, he wouldn''t have to worry—if sensuous, beautiful Amanda Bennett would agree to become his instant bride, proving to the authorities that Michael could provide a stable home.But Amanda had been burned before. She knew all about men who pretended to offer love but only wanted a live-in housekeeper. While she''d grown fond of the little girl, she''d also fallen hard for the man—and she wouldn''t be seduced into marriage unless he proved his intentions were honorable.

"I''ll pay you one million dollars to find my wife and son."Ex-cop turned bounty hunter Michael Sullivan doesn''t think any woman is worth that kind of money, but a job is a job.All he has to do is make the phone call…Just drop in the quarter and tell his client he''s earned his money. Lily Webster and her son are in New Orleans, where she''s working as a waitress. One phone call and he can collect a cool million bucks…and forget the beautiful woman who seems to be hiding something.Too late, he realizes he''s made a mistake…Only after he''s made the call does he begin to realize what he''s done. In the blink of an eye Michael Sullivan becomes Lily''s only chance for survival. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him. But why would she put her life—and the life of her son—in the hands of the man who betrayed her?

The victim was young, lovely and seduced by the wrong man…Mere hours before her wedding, the fiancée of real estate mogul JP Stratton is found strangled in her penthouse. New Orleans homicide detective Charlotte "Charlie" Le Blanc views the crime scene, finding a black silk stocking draped casually beside the body—a chilling calling card from the killer.The dramatic clue leads Charlie to a world of privilege and wealth, and before long she singles out a suspect whose identity creates a furor in the city: Cole Stratton, JP''s estranged son. But what she doesn''t know is that Cole has been set up, and while she sets out to prove his guilt a real killer is on the loose—a man who now has Charlie in his sights, a man with yet another black silk stocking.

Washington television reporter Tess Abbott is the best in the business, always getting the story and the truth. When the race for governor heats up in her home state of Mississippi, Tess jumps at the chance to cover it.Among the dozens of media competing for an "exclusive," Tess meets newspaper reporter Spencer Reed, who is about to uncover the biggest political scandal of his career. Despite the rivalry and the adrenaline, focusing on the race becomes difficult for Tess when she receives an anonymous phone call from prison—a call that leaves her reeling.The unsettling message stirs her memory, bringing back childhood nightmares—nightmares of murder. When a local man turns up dead—with personal information about Tess in his possession—the two journalists quickly realize there is a sinister connection between Tess''s past and the election. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place Tess''s safety is compromised, and she and Spencer must find a killer primed to finish a job he started so long ago.

Is a picture worth a thousand words…New York photographer Kelly Santos hides behind her camera and her talent, where no one can know about her tragic past…or the visions that haunt her.…when it exposes a deadly truth?Now the past is reaching out to her, calling her back to her native New Orleans, to the hidden danger that waits. From the moment Kelly returns she is plagued by visions of murder. But no one believes her—until a man turns up dead, and Kelly becomes the prime suspect. Seeking the help of homicide detective Jack Callaghan, she sets out to prove her innocence.But Kelly''s quest for answers is leading them both on a treacherous path to the heart of a sinister secret—and to a killer who is prepared to finish a grim and deadly task begun many years ago. Soon past, present and future will collide in an explosive, shattering…FLASH POINT

The Princess—New Orleans''s most luxurious hotel. Sixty years ago, ownership of the hotel was lost to the powerful Jardine family in a wager that cost its matriarch her greatest love. Now, in a daring bid to keep the hotel, her legacy and her family together, she''s made a new wager, betting everything on a granddaughter she''s never met.IT WAS A HIGH-STAKES GAME…After her mother''s tragic death, Laura Harte learns her life has been a lie. All she has left are questions. Why did her mother hide the truth from her? Why had her powerful father denied her? The answers can only be found in New Orleans—with a grandmother she never knew existed…and a man she isn''t sure she can trust.Hotel magnate Josh Logan owns some of the world''s finest hotels—but not the one he wants most: The Princess. He''ll stop at nothing to reclaim his grandfather''s legacy. Even if it means winning the heart of the young woman to whom The Princess rightfully belongs.AND THERE COULD BE ONLY ONE WINNER…But as the secrets and sins of the past unravel, Laura and Josh find themselves in a dangerous game where no risk is too great and falling in love is not an option.

All-business exec Justin Connelly hated participating in a barbaric bachelor auction. But the cause was good, so in his black tux he swaggered down the runway, and the bids piled up. Until finally he was going, going, gone…to his secretary?Kimberly Lindgren burned when Justin looked at her, melted when their bodies touched. The efficient assistant soon turned wanton woman–and indulged her fantasy of one night with her drop-dead gorgeous boss. But Kim discovered she couldn't give her virgin heart in the dark of night and take it back in the light of day….

HE'D TRACKED HER DOWN……in the snow-covered Montana mountains. But in his runaway lover's glistening eyes Steven Conti could see she still loved him, still wanted him. And from her rounded belly he could see she hid his unborn baby. Nothing would stop Steven from taking them home to Boston–his woman and his child.From their first night together, Maria Barone was branded by his kiss; she could belong to no one but Steven. But he was a Conti, and she a Barone–sworn enemies and feuding rivals. Maria wanted Steven, as a husband, a lover, a father to her baby. But could they find happily-ever-after–or had she fallen for the one man she could never keep?

Wealthy Regan St. Claire had been pure innocence–and temptation. Only, she'd come into Cole Thornton's life too soon, before he could make himself into somebody. He'd almost thought that didn't matter to her. But then she'd left him, and he'd sworn he'd never think of her again….A baby! Regan couldn't believe her dream was coming true. Nor that her sperm donor was Cole, the man her late father had forced her to leave. She agreed to remarry Cole, now a millionaire, hoping to show him her heart had always belonged to him. But dare Regan hope this child could save their love?