Special Investigator Johnny Richards is a short timer. With his retirement on the horizon, Johnny’s spending his days wrapping up old cases and seeing to unfinished business. Part of that unfinished business is his relationship with his former partner, Dolly Solis.



Dating Johnny when he was her partner would have been a bad idea, but now that Dolly Solis is a sergeant, a romantic entanglement could end both of their careers. That’s not a risk Dolly is willing to take.



Until she is. And after that one fateful night, Johnny is all in, but he and Dolly may never get their happily ever after when a foe from Johnny’s past returns. When Dolly disappears, Johnny calls on every resource he has as he seeks Solis.


From his early days as a rodeo king to his current job as an undercover special investigator, Darren Richards has always taken risks, but falling for a former mafia princess might just be the most dangerous thing he’s ever done.


Between raising her daughter and running her own business, Theresa Royale's life is complicated enough. She doesn’t have time for an obnoxious, smooth-talking vice cop like Darren Richards.


When Theresa’s ex-husband is unexpectedly released from prison and she needs a distraction, Darren is more than willing to fill that role. But when her business is suddenly plagued with a series of mishaps, he becomes much more than a pleasant diversion. With Theresa’s life potentially in danger, Darren is determined to keep her safe, and he’ll do everything in his power to Rescue Royale.


Kyle Richards was born to be law enforcement, first as an Air Force Security Forces K-9 handler, and then as a beat cop in his hometown of Atlanta. When an injury ended his police career, Kyle set up shop as a private investigator, spending his days spying on cheating spouses and dishonest delivery men. His life didn't leave much time for relationships. 


The last time Esme Lejeune saw Kyle Richards, she was a young cocktail waitress with big plans. Though she had major chemistry with the handsome Airman, she wasn’t about to let a relationship interfere with achieving her dreams. Before things could even get off the ground, he was transferred to another duty station and their casual relationship ended. Esme moved on with her life, raising her daughter as a single mom. 


Sixteen years later, a law enforcement conference brings Kyle back to San Antonio and puts him right in the path of his old flame. With everything finally out on the table, will Kyle be able overcome his shock, or will the secrets from Esme’s past threaten the chance to become the family they should have been all along?


Note: Protecting Esme was originally published as part of Susan Stoker's Operation Alpha world. All references to Susan Stoker's characters have been removed.