Don’t Look Back

Ryder (Dangerous to Know) offers up a sizzling-hot romantic thriller with intrigue to spare. When heiress Miranda Delacroix Ryland decides to run for Congress, she’s targeted by a corrupt criminal aiming to be the next commander-in-chief, and the Shadow Ops team—a cadre of operatives that includes her son-in-law, Vitus Hale—moves in to protect her. A key member of the team is Thais Sinclair, who learned long ago not to trust men. Miranda’s son, charismatic and eccentric business mogul Dunn Bateson, convinces her to make an exception for him. As the story’s breathtaking plotting takes Thais and Dunn to European destinations, a secret underground bunker, and a Homeland Security holding cell, Ryder proves she knows how to ratchet up the suspense and emotional stakes as well as the blistering sex scenes. When the would-be president’s well-deserved end arrives, Ryder deserves extra points for his creative demise. This is an able chapter in a strong series. (Sept.)