EDEN BURNING
A man of science fascinated by the rebirth of life in the wake of
cataclysmic natural upheaval, Chase Wilcox is drawn to the lush beauty
of the island of Hawaii and the secrets it holds--while escaping the
destruction of his own personal world. The island is home to many
unexpected wonders, which is why Nicole Ballard could never leave. A
research assistant, an artist, a dancer--a tall and stunning redhead who
goes by the stage name Pele, goddess of fire--she, too, hides a secret
pain, releasing her pent-up sensuality to the accompaniment of native
drums before a mesmerized audience. Joined on a scientific project that
carries them both into the verdant heart of a tropical wonderland,
Nicole and Chase will be forced to confront their own lingering inner
darkness, while resisting a newly inflamed need to touch, to give...to
care. In the shadow of Mount Kilauea, all restraints will be broken and
desire will erupt, as unpredictable and dangerous as the living volcano,
transforming the very landscape of their lives.
THIS TIME LOVE
Joy Anderson was innocent and trusting when she met Gabe Venture. An
aspiring journalist with worlds to conquer, Gabe came to New Mexico to
explore the natural wonders of Lost River Cave, with Joy acting as his
guide. Surrounded by staggering beauty they both surrendered to a
passion too powerful to deny--and Joy gave herself freely to the most
extraordinary man she had ever known. But Gabe was destined for great
things, and even the intensity of their shared feelings could not bind
him to this place or this romance. And so he left Joy with memories, a
broken heart...and months later, a daughter. Seven years have passed,
and Joy--now a respected professor--has put what once was behind her,
though the memory will always remain alive in the light that shines in
the eyes of her beautiful child. But now Gabe has returned. At the
pinnacle of his profession, having tasted the fame and adventure that
lured him away, he has never been able to fill the inner emptiness that
has rendered his achievements bittersweet. The opportunity to revisit
the endangered Lost River Cave--and a second chance at the young love he
so heedlessly tossed away--is something he cannot let slip by. But the
Joy awaiting him is not the same naive and eager innocent he once left
behind. Worldly and independent, she has nursed her wounds and moved on.
And he has arrived far too late, she tells him, to be welcomed back into
her heart. But is it ever too late for love? Perhaps not, when there is
still magic in a breathtaking world of natural wonder and mystery
waiting for them once more beneath the rolling New Mexican desert.
