Count On a Cop Books

He’s a cop who dreads working with teenagers. She’s a high school teacher of at-risk students and cops are her worst nightmare. The last thing by-the-book Captain Mitch Lansing wants to do is work in a high school classroom to improve relationships between at-risk kids and the police department. Life’s been cruel to him, and his past still haunts him. Unorthodox teacher Cassie Smith, herself an at-risk student in high school, has fought hard for her success as a teacher. She escaped a dysfunctional mother and worked her way through college and is happy with her job and cadre of friends. Until Mitch crashes into her life and starts to work with her kids. Though she’s not looking for romance, her world goes off kilter. So does Mitch’s. It’s the kids who begin this healing process. When a gang goes after Mitch, Cassie realizes she’s in love with a cop. But can he accept her and the students into his life? With several highly emotional scenes and deeply moving situations, this story will go straight to your heart. +++Be sure to read all of the Bayview Heights series: COP OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE IT’S CHRISTMAS, COUNT ON ME, BETWEEN TWO WORLDS and IF YOU WERE MINE

COUNT ON A COP "I love Ellen James's stories. Her wit sparkles and her full-speed-ahead heroines are sure to capture your heart." —Debbie Macomber FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS Robyn Myers loves her father. But Cal Myers has a secret he's not sharing. A secret that tests Robyn's love as never before, and could put her life—and her mother's—in danger. Mark Stewart loves his two daughters. But they accuse him of being a better cop than a father. And neither will forgive him for putting his job before them. At her father's insistence, Robyn comes to the shooting range to learn how to use a gun. Mark—on leave from the police department—is her teacher. But once again, the cop in him is taking over. He can't help wanting to step in and solve Robyn's problem. He can't help wanting to protect the woman he's beginning to love.

Child Of Mine by Lynn Erickson released on Feb 20, 1998 is available now for purchase.

COUNT ON A COP Judith Kane leaves Boston for a small, obscure town three thousand miles away, and she does it for one reason—safety. Her ex-husband is out on bail, awaiting trial on a kidnapping charge. He'd stolen their youngest child, Sophie—and Judith's afraid of him. So she moves her family to Mad River, Washington. Right next door to a cop. What could be safer? But Chief Ben McKinsey doesn't want a family next door. He doesn't want to get involved with an attractive woman like Judith Kane—or with her kids. But they seem to need him. And you have to be able to count on a cop. "Janice Kay Johnson's heartwarming stories will make you smile and cry and laugh out loud." —Pamela Toth

COUNT ON A COP She had to run, hide, change her identity So why had Kathleen Hanes let herself get sidetracked by a baby—and the baby's too-handsome father, Booth Rawlings? To make matters worse, he was a cop—a never-say-die, never-give-up detective. It was the cops, after all, who had framed her for her husband's murder! But that was in tiny Rodeo, Wyoming. Maybe things would be different in New England. Maybe she could finally have the family she longed for, a career…a baby. And young Lisa Rawlings fit the bill. But sooner or later Kathleen's past would catch up with her and Booth would learn who she really was. Until then, though, could it hurt to dream a little?

COUNT ON A COP Would you do the smart thing or the right thing? Late one night, a little boy approaches Abbie Franklin. He doesn't know his name or where he lives. Abbie has no choice but to help him—any way she can. Even if that means dealing with her ex-husband, Ray Menendez. Ray's a cop. He knows the smart thing would be to turn the kid over to the proper authorities. Especially if Abbie's involved. Their marriage is over, but he still doesn't want Abbie to get hurt. And she will—if she starts to care about a child who isn't hers. But sometimes the smart thing isn't the right thing.

COUNT ON A COP In Florida's Everglades, Carson Ward is the law. As a ranger, he's sworn to protect the land. But Carson's taken a private oath, too—that he will track down the poachers who killed his father. Alisha Jamison is a well-known wildlife photographer. This assignment in the Evergaldes will be her last—the poachers who attacked her have seen to that. Carson and Alisha team up to search for poachers…and find strength in their partnership of two. They're alike in their independence, their willingness to take risks; they're also alike in their capacity for deep love—and for passion. Danger in the Everglades brings them together. Will it also tear them apart?

A Ranger's Wife by Lyn Ellis released on Aug 25, 1999 is available now for purchase.

Every cop needs a good partner In this line of work, you have to trust the person who's watching your back. When Claudia Parrish's partner—and lover—dies, she figures "happily ever after" just isn't going to happen. A year later, she's assigned another partner and before long, begins to wonder if she might have a chance, after all. Gavin Monaghan is the new guy in the Homicide Unit. He's a good detective with plenty of experience. Except he's not really who he says he is. He's an undercover Internal Affairs agent assigned to find the cop responsible for the evidence tampering that's allowing criminals to walk. Gavin knows he has to do whatever it takes to find the one bad cop. But that might just mean gaining Claudia's trust only to betray her.

Beth Sommers isn't looking for love. She's concentrating on her daughters and her business—and on convincing her ex-husband that their marriage really is over. Even if she was looking, it wouldn't be at a man like Sheriff Jack Murray. She knows Jack's a good cop, a good man …one she can count on. She still figures she'll be better off with a quiet, gentle—maybe even slightly boring—guy. She's already had enough excitement to last her a lifetime. But before long, Jack has her thinking that his kind of excitement is exactly what she needs.

The Man Behind The Badge by Dawn Stewardson released on Sep 22, 2000 is available now for purchase.

Annalee And The Lawman by Lyn Ellis released on Dec 25, 2000 is available now for purchase.

Dana's in prison for a murder she didn't commit—and Heidi'sdetermined to find out who did, determined to see Dana setfree. But she has no idea how to go about it. Then, like the answer to a prayer, she meets Gideon Poletti, aSan Diego homicide detective, who shows up at the schoolwhere Heidi teaches. He's there to give an adult educationclass in criminology. And he's doing it in her classroom. Not only is Gideon a celebrated detective, he's the mostattractive man she's ever met. But she tells herself she doesn'thave time for romance—her friend's very life is at stake! Shejoins Gideon's class to learn two things. Can he help her? Andwill he? To her relief and gratitude, he says yes to both.Their quest for justice uncovers a shocking truth, one Heidicould never have predicted. Nor could she have predictedthat her “private” detective would fall as hard for heras she has for him!

Accidentally Yours by Rebecca Winters released on Mar 23, 2001 is available now for purchase.

They call him "the baby cop" Ethan Knight, a detective in Desert City, Arizona, believes in putting children first. He's created an unofficial network of foster care for abused and abandoned kids; he's done this by calling on family and circumventing the system to get kids the help they need, when they need it. They call her "the battle-ax" Regan Grant is a by-the-book social worker, a woman who doesn't believe in "unofficial." She's the new supervisor at Child Help services, and she's been hired to make sure the rules are followed. All the rules, all the time… The other cops figure that if anyone can persuade her to bend those rules, it's Ethan. If anyone can charm her, it's Ethan. If anyone can make her fall in love, it's Ethan…and four rescued babies.

As true as the stars above? Dana Turner is an astronomer; she's also an ex-convict.Deliberately framed for a murder she didn't commit,she spent seven months in prison. On her release, shecame to Texas to work at an isolated little observatory in theDavis Mountains. She has no interest in people-only in stars.That changes when she meets Jace Riley. For the first time ina long time, she's attracted to someone. More than attracted.But, despite her feelings, she has some questions about Jace,a man who shows up in her life with astonishing frequency.Jace has questions about her, too. He's a Texas Rangerworking undercover, searching for two cop-killers.He's traced them this far, to the town of Cloud Rim, wherethey simply disappeared. He finds himself wonderingwhether the beautiful and mysterious Dana Turner hasanything to do with his case. And hoping she doesn't…

Paperback

She's My Mom by Rebecca Winters released on May 24, 2002 is available now for purchase.

Noah and Tessa Gabriel—once they were in love, happy, married Of course, that was then. Now they’re two people who’ve lost all the things that matter most, including each other. But after Tessa’s best friend, David, is killed and she becomes the prime suspect, she turns to Noah for help. He’s a homicide cop—the best—and even though the crime doesn’t take place in his jurisdiction, he’s going to search for the killer. He has no other choice; the police are focusing all their energy on finding the evidence to convict Tessa. He failed Tessa once. He won’t do that again. Noah and Tessa have to learn how to work together, how to be together. It’s the only way to keep David’s baby safe and to catch the murderer.

Can Deputy Brady Moore, a man desperate to protect his brother’s children, convince Dana Ritchie, a woman desperate to protect herself, to be his wife? Brady’s only asking Dana to be a temporary wife. After all, he can hardly expect a woman he’s just met to spend the rest of her life with him and his three nieces. If there was any other way to keep the little girls from entering “the system,” he wouldn’t even ask. Dana’s more than reluctant to accept. She once loved a little boy who wasn’t hers and lived to regret it. If she gives her heart to the children and then has to watch them walk away, she might never recover. But how is she ever going to resist these three girls?

A child has vanished And Houston P.D. detective Brad Mitchell wants the case. Too bad his boss won’t let that happen—only because Brad has a history of letting child kidnappings get too personal. Brad thinks his dedication and insight are an asset—everyone else worries that he might be a liability. And everyone includes Brad’s ex-wife, Gillian, the FBI agent called in to head the investigation. The two of them have to put their past behind them and work together to find this child, but how can Brad convince Gillian of that?

Eleanor Perkins wants more excitement in her life. But the man with a gun who carjacks and kidnaps her as she leaves the library one night? So not what she had in mind. Michael Reilly is a frantic cop, injured and on the run, desperate to clear his name. He needs Ellie’s car. And he needs her help. On the road to Chicago to meet with the FBI, everything is beyond Ellie’s control. But Michael’s not in control, either. With dirty cops hot on their trail, all they can do is keep going. And try not to fall in love. Because that would be the scariest thing of all.

Ann Caldwell doesn't know who she is. She doesn't really know what she is, either. Growing up, she wanted just one thing--her father's approval. But she never got it. When she was little she was too much girl and later she wasn't enough woman. She even became a cop to please him. Now he's gone and she realizes how empty her life has become. She'd like to fall in love but doesn't know the first thing about getting a man. Even worse, the one man she wants is her partner, Juan Diaz--who has never looked at her twice. As Ann struggles to find her way, she discovers a bigger task--figuring out who has begun killing cops. She and Diaz must solve the case before anyone else dies. Is on the job the only place they're destined to be together?

Forgotten Son by Linda Warren released on Jan 11, 2005 is available now for purchase.

Their lives would never be the same again While Nikki’s sister survived a horrible hit-and-run accident on a secluded mountain highway, the baby she was carrying for Nikki and her husband wasn’t so lucky. Devastated, Nikki and Cody struggle to get past the loss of their last chance to have a child and save their strained marriage. If only Cody wasn’t with the Deer Creek Police Department. If only he could give up his all-consuming vendetta to find the drunk responsible—and make him pay.

Mac McDougal has an urgent case to solve, and he’s not going to let victim’s advocate A.J. Ferguson stand in his way. His suspect is involved in the disappearance of a young waitress. The clients A.J. is shielding are the man’s abused wife and traumatized young son – the only ones who can lead Mac to the suspect. Mac and A.J. are complete opposites. But as they work together to protect her clients and solve the case, they discover they have more in common than they thought. Can they put their differences aside to find the accused man – before he finds them?

The Runaway Daughter by Anna DeStefano released on Feb 14, 2006 is available now for purchase.

Never get involved with your patients. Police department psychologist Kira McGinnis lives by that rule. She has enough on her plate – caring for her five-year-old daughter and her troubled teen-age brother – without adding more complications. But now difficult, charming Detective Jake Donnelly is one of her patients. And he’s using his tough-guy routine to hide his feelings. Jake says he’ll do anything to get back to active duty – but he’s not trying very hard. He doesn’t trust shrinks – with good reason – and he doesn’t want Kira to know what he’s thinking or feeling. He’d like to get to know Kira better – outside the job. But that’s impossible, since he is her job.

STARTING OVER… Brave. Bold. Brainy. One woman reached for the gold, one for the law, one for the university, and one ran as far from home as possible. But often, the best laid plans fall apart, and Starting Over is the only thing to do. A Man of Honor -- Heather Marshall, wants to save the world. She rides in her van at night helping runaway teenagers. In her jeans and sneakers, she looks like a kid herself. But looks can be deceiving. Heather grew up with two alcoholic parents--one a sheriff--and now with a degree in social work and a black belt in kick boxing, she knows just what she’s doing. Dave McCoy doesn’t think so. He’s the cop on the beat who’s saved her hide more than once because of that old, unreliable van not to mention the gang wanting to use the kids as drug runners. Why can’t she understand that a big city like Houston is not as safe as the small west Texas town she hails from? And why is she so afraid to trust him with her safety and perhaps…her heart?

Her Secret Family by Sherry Lewis released on May 09, 2006 is available now for purchase.

Caleb McCain, Texas Ranger, will always be a son of Texas — loyal to the badge, always working above and beyond the call of duty. Which means taking care of Belle Doe, a woman rescued from a horrible fate and left without any memories. But Belle is starting to remember. As Belle disappears, Josie Marie Beckett emerges, and Caleb knows he must back away to allow Josie to complete her healing. As they get closer to finding the person who tried to kill her, she recalls more of her past — including her fiancé. Loyalty to his job means he must let her go. Loyalty to his heart means he wants to keep her close....

They had a glimpse of heaven After the wreck of her marriage, Detective Angel Harrison swore no man would ever control her again. Then she had to infiltrate a dangerous cult, and pretending to be a submissive wife was the only way in. Even worse, her new “husband” quickly aroused feelings ignored for too long. But first they had to go through hell Matt Stone had escaped Zion’s Gate, but concern for the sister left behind had him agreeing to the cops’ plan to return. Angel was good at playing the subservient wife—so good that he began to worry when the rebellious glint in her eye started to fade. After all, he’d been hoping for a permanent partnership. Assuming, of course, they madeit out alive.

Ninety percent of what every cop hears is a lie And Daniel Bishop knows it. Which is why he’s surprised to realize he wants the beautiful Anise Borden to be telling the truth. Anise’s soon-to-be ex was shot as she hugged him goodbye. And that makes Anise the prime suspect. If she’s guilty, it’s Bishop’s job to put her away. But as he starts building his case, another body turns up. Is Anise a coldhearted killer? Or a potential victim? He has to find out before it’s too late for Anise…and his heart. COUNT ON A COP When there's nowhere else to turn.

Why can't everybody just leave him alone? All Sean Rafferty wants is solitude to recover from a gunshot wound. That's why he's here on Maine's isolated Osprey Island: to heal and move on. But how can he face going back to being a Massachusetts state police officer since he's sworn off ever playing hero again? Unfortunately, Sean can't avoid heroics when neighboring Connie Bradford's daughter keeps getting into trouble. And the fiercely independent Connie makes it clear she doesn't need a rescuer— reluctant or otherwise. The mother-and-daughter antics make his solitude seem almost too quiet. Despite himself, Sean finds this pair wrestling their way into his heart…as if they belong there.

She wanted to make it on her own, but she never thought she'd be so lonely.… The moment the truck set the house down on her very own land Penelope Langston knew dreams could come true. But just as she starts making plans for her farm, she discovers it already has roots, and they stretch back to Brandon Wilkes. Handsome and determined, the sheriff's deputy will stop at nothing to get his family's property back. Still, Penelope had nothing to do with the so-called theft of his farm, and if she can only make Brandon understand how important the land is to her

When Kelsey Reagan shows up in Serenity Springs, the attraction between her and chief of police Jack Martin is instantaneous, undeniable and nothing but trouble. She’s a down-on-her luck bartender trying to make amends with her ex-con brother, and Jack’s a by-the-book cop and single father with a town to protect and little girl to raise. And when Kelsey’s brother becomes the prime suspect in a local murder, her vow to prove he’s innocent, and Jack’s duty to finding the truth, put them at even greater odds. But the pull between them is too strong and soon Jack is willing to risk it all for the gorgeous troublemaker—his reputation. His career. And his heart. **Please be aware this book discusses off the page abuse some might find triggering. Each book in the Serenity Springs series is STANDALONE: * Not Without Her Family * A Not-So-Perfect Past * His Secret Agenda * Do You Take This Cop?

There are only two things Brett McQuire cares about: raising his son and keeping the law in Applegate, North Carolina. Then Samantha Weston moves to town, stirring up the locals and putting him to the test…as a cop, a father and a man. He's pretty darn sure the alluring llama trekker isn't who she seems. But once he uncovers the secret that's got her on the run, can he keep Samantha—the woman he wants more than anything to stay—from fleeing yet again?

Being a big-city cop and being in control means everything to Bruce Walker. He knows how destructive a man can be when given the chance. That's why he's vowed never to get involved. All that changes the moment he meets psychologist Karin Jorgenson. The connection between them is instant, intense…something he's tempted to explore. Regardless of how Bruce feels, though, he can't let go of everything he knows. His control is even more important now that they're involved in a domestic violence case. Karin insists he's a different man than the one he sees in the mirror. But can he trust her— and himself—enough to open his eyes and see it, too?

Playing bodyguard to a vigilante librarian?excuse me, library technician?is not the career move Tony DeMonte had in mind when he came to this town. On temporary loan, the big-city cop figured he'd take it easy, maybe watch the grass grow. Not with Jasmine Storm colliding into danger every other day. Getting mixed up with a failed drug bust is just the beginning. Now she claims there's an intruder in her house. Which leaves Tony no choice but to?move in. Jasmine and her cat get the protection they need, and Tony and his dog get a roof over their heads. But he can't stay forever?despite one attractive library technician's attempts to make him see that a solitary life is a lonely life.?

He's no killer…. Or is he? According to Liz Gibson's cold case file, Jud Slaughter's wife disappeared seven years ago without a trace. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, everyone still thinks Jud is guiltier than sin. But Liz's detective instincts aren't so sure. Neither is her woman's intuition. Gentle and charming, Jud might be above Liz's suspicion, but as new, disturbing truths come to light, Liz must wade into a terrifying quagmire of family intrigue where love and death collide…and everyone has motive. On top of everything else, the moment she and Jud are in the same room together, she can't help but break cop rule number one: never fall in love with the perp.

Flying Solo -- single parents, second chances and the power of love... Summer at the Lake: **Winner: Award of Excellence" **Winner, Write Touch Readers' Award" "Award of Merit--Holt Medallion" Veteran NY cop, Rick Cooper, heads to his family’s lake house after losing a hostage negotiation, resulting in the death a child. He brings only his dog and his saxophone for company. His agenda includes lots of fishing while figuring out an appropriate career change. Single mom, Kristin McCarthy hears the sound of the saxophone gliding through the night air…a healing sound for her daughter. She begins a search for the person who can play so beautifully. Her high hopes fall, however, when the musician turns out to be a cop. The police fell short when she and Ashley needed them most. But still…if this cop could make a difference…if he can help Ashley…well, Kristin would do anything for her young daughter. An attractive widow with a damaged kid are the last people Rick needs in his life, and he tries hard to remain aloof. The ladies, however, knock down his barriers simply by being themselves. Fearful but brave, smart but silly. Before long, warm feelings grow between him and Kristin. Feelings that spark potential for a future together. However, before Kristin allows herself to dream, Rick must prove he’s a man she and her daughter can trust. Can they count on him forever?

Without the badge, he'd be perfect! The last thing Faith Lewis needs is a cop poking his nose in her business. Okay, yes, Nick Coletti is gorgeous. And charming. And great with her son. But dating the town's most popular boy in blue is hardly going to help her keep a low profile. This guy could blow their world apart if he discovers her secret. Funny thing is, he may also be her only hope. If she had someone like Nick on her side, maybe she could finally be free, and give her son the life he deserves. But trusting Nick means telling the whole truth about her past. He might protect them. Or he just might turn her in….

There's a reason his cold case colleagues call him "Randy" Randy Railsback. And he's never been ashamed of his reputation with the ladies. But he is surprised by his intense reaction to Helena Norcross, one of his defense class students. He usually steers clear of women who aren't sending the get-to-know-you-better vibe. So what is it about Helena? The English professor is clearly bent on revenge against her perpetrator, but Randy's research leads him to believe the guy's crimes are escalating. Not on Randy's watch, buddy. Because for the first time in his life, he's fallen hard. And nobody's going to hurt the woman he loves.

Laura Watson thinks she'll never get over the pain of losing the man she loved. But when her son is born, Lieutenant Seth Keller is right there with her. The widowed Erie cop has his own reasons to grieve, but he's made up his mind to move on with his life. Seth can accept being friends. Bonded-by-baby, on-the-verge-of-something-more friends. For now. And when the time comes, he wants to be the one Laura turns to. Can depend on. Maybe even love. But sooner or later, Laura has to decide. The past or the future? Because life has given them a second chance at love. Possibly a love that can heal them both…a love that feels like coming home.

Wren Fraser can think of better times to go into labor. Say, when she's not on the run, or when there's a hospital nearby. Better yet, when there's not a major flood trapping her in an abandoned house. She needs a rescue now! It arrives in one Alec Harper. Strong, competent and good-looking, the detective keeps her safe and doesn't leave her side. He even takes in Wren and the baby when they have no place to go. For a woman wanting her independence, it's shocking how quickly she settles in with Alec. The situation seems a bit too domestic. And the sizzling attraction between them is making things worse. She keeps telling herself to walk away, yet she can't. Or should that be, she doesn't want to?

Talk about being sucker punched. The runaway kid sitting in Police Chief Nic DiLeo's chair with her feet propped up on his desk belongs to his family—no doubt about it. But her father isn't one of his five brothers. It's him. She's his daughter with Megan Bell. Nic was crazy about Megan in high school…until she vanished from his life with no explanation. The bigger secret, however, isn't the daughter he didn't know. It's Megan and how he still feels about her. She's more beautiful now and even more of a temptation. Suddenly the man who wanted to drop commitments is looking for ways to tie himself to Megan…permanently!

Coming home should be simple. For Ben Santoni, however, it's anything but straightforward. Kelly Lawson isn't the sweet girl he remembers. She's tougher now, and her icy demeanor makes it clear she hasn't forgiven him. So, fine, he'll keep his distance even though her attitude challenges his role as police chief. But when a murderer strikes and Kelly is threatened, personal feelings can't come into play. It's Ben's duty to protect her, and that's what he'll do. As the case progresses, objectivity becomes impossible. Because suddenly, Ben wants far more than just to keep her safe….

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Kat Riley's husband has kept Grant Haller at a distance. Despite the strong attraction pulling him to her, as police chief with that open missing person case, he can't afford to get close to her. Not with everyone in this small town watching. Still, he waits for the day he can make his move. Then Kat finds a bone…and others start to appear. Once the remains are identified as her husband's, Grant has to consider her a suspect. Deep inside he's convinced she's innocent and he's driven to clear her name. And when the threats against her escalate, Grant must protect her…before it's too late.

Roth Sterling is a straight shooter, a guy you want on your side. As a soldier, he defended his country. As a cop, he upholds the law. For a kid who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, he's done well for himself. Now he's back in his hometown, only this time, he's the new police chief. He's in for a few surprises, however. Piper Hamilton—the girl he loved—still has the power to move him. And they are tied together thanks to the son he didn't know he had. Roth is determined to do right by Piper, whatever it takes. Even if it means becoming the one thing he never thought to be—a family man.