A kidnapping offers an FBI agent a second chance at redemption in Elle James’s Covert Cowboys, Inc. miniseries After witnessing the murder of his partner, former FBI agent Zach Adams suffers the weight of his own guilt. An unexpected assignment hunting down the members of the Texas gang responsible—who have kidnapped a local woman— could offer long-awaited revenge. Zach understands the danger of tracking the cartel, but it’s his desire for the sister of the missing person that he fails to anticipate. Determined to find her twin, Jacie Kosart is as strong-willed as she is alluring. But when Zach’s ruthless search for the kidnappers lands Jacie in the crosshairs of deadly enemies, Zach realizes he’ll risk everything to keep her alive…even if it means confronting the demons of his own past. “What if you get in trouble?” She stared into his face, wishing he’d reconsider and take her along. “What if you’re hurt?” He smiled, his hand cupping her cheek. “Worried about me?” Jacie stiffened and had a retort ready on her lips, but stopped short of delivering it when she realized she was worried about him. “I haven’t known you long, but damn it, I am worried about you. I kinda got used to having you around.” Her hand covered the one he’d used to cup her cheek and she pulled it lower, pressing a kiss into his palm. “Stay safe for me, will you?” His eyes dark in the dim lighting from the overhead bulbs, he leaned close and captured her lips in a soul-stealing kiss. Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader, For nearly thirty years fearless romance has fueled every Harlequin Intrigue book. Now we want everyone to know about the great crime stories our fantastic authors write and the variety of compelling miniseries we offer. We think our new cover look complements and enhances our promise to deliver edge-of-your- seat reads in all six of our titles—and brand-new titles every month! This month’s lineup is packed with nonstop mystery in Smoky Ridge Curse, the third in Paula Graves’s Bitterwood P.D. trilogy, exciting action in Sharpshooter, the next installment in Cynthia Eden’s Shadow Agents miniseries, and of course fearless romance—whether from newcomers Jana DeLeon and HelenKay Dimon or veteran author Aimée Thurlo, we’ve got every angle covered. Next month buckle up as Debra Webb returns with a new Colby Agency series featuring The Specialists. And in November USA TODAY bestselling author B.J. Daniels takes us back to “The Canyon” for her special Christmas at Cardwell Ranch celebration. Lots going on and lots more to come. Be sure to check out www.Harlequin.com for what’s coming next. Enjoy, Denise Zaza Senior Editor Harlequin Intrigue Taking Aim Elle James ABOUT THE AUTHOR A Golden Heart Award winner for Best Paranormal Romance in 2004, Elle James started writing when her sister issued a Y2K challenge to write a romance novel. She has managed a full-time job and raised three wonderful children, and she and her husband even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas Hill Country. Ask her, and she’ll tell you what it’s like to go toe-to-toe with an angry 350-pound bird! After leaving her successful career in information technology management, Elle is now pursuing her writing full-time. Elle loves to hear from fans. You can contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.ellejames.com. Books by Elle James HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE 938—DAKOTA MELTDOWN 961—LAKOTA BABY 987—COWBOY SANCTUARY 1014—BLOWN AWAY 1033—ALASKAN FANTASY 1052—TEXAS-SIZED SECRETS 1080—UNDER SUSPICION, WITH CHILD 1100—NICK OF TIME 1127—BABY BLING 1156—AN UNEXPECTED CLUE 1172—OPERATION XOXO 1191—KILLER BODY 1226—BUNDLE OF TROUBLE 1244—HOSTAGE TO THUNDER HORSE 1281—COWBOY BRIGADE 1306—ENGAGED WITH THE BOSS 1357—THUNDER HORSE HERITAGE 1382—THUNDER HORSE REDEMPTION 1433—TRIGGERED* 1439—TAKING AIM* *Covert Cowboys, Inc. HARLEQUIN NOCTURNE 147—THE WITCH’S INITIATION CAST OF CHARACTERS Zach Adams—Former FBI special agent tortured and broken by Los Lobos cartel. Jacie Kosart—Big Elk Ranch big game hunting trail guide desperate to find her twin sister. Tracie Kosart—FBI special agent kidnapped while on vacation visiting her sister on the Big Elk Ranch. Hank Derringer—Billionaire willing to take the fight for justice into his own hands by setting up CCI—Covert Cowboys, Inc. Bruce Masterson—Tracie Kosart’s fiancé and fellow FBI special agent. Richard Giddings—Owner of Big Elk Ranch game hunting operation. Humberto Hernandez—Big Elk Ranch trail guide who knew more than he should have. Cara Jo Smith—Pretty single woman who owns the diner in Wild Oak Canyon. Enrique Sanchez—La Familia Diablos gang member. Juan Alvarez—Tracie’s contact who informed her of the coming transfer in Wild Horse Canyon. Brandon Pendley—Hank Derringer’s computer guru. Grant Lehmann—Hank Derringer’s old friend and big dog in the FBI. This book is dedicated to the brave men and women who risk their lives daily fighting for truth and justice.