The Man in Black by Gwynn Morgan ISBN: 1-58749-160-5

The Man in Black Proverbial "poor little rich girl" Melissa Hartford, burdened by guilt and grief over her father's death, is instantly attracted to retired Special Forces officer Lawton Kane. Haunted by the past which threatens to bring danger and death to all he holds dear, Lawton is drawn to Melissa's natural beauty, innocence and sweetness like a bee to a rose, but he dares not let her get close to him lest his enemies target him through her. He fears he can give her nothing but pain and danger, but aches to let her into his lonely world. The Man in Black enthralls Melissa by his very darkness, the somber, stern face he shows the world. She senses the gentleness and caring behind his facade. Does she dare trust his strength and power to sustain rather than restrain her? When a mutual enemy begins to stalk them both, they must join forces to survive, but such closeness brings its own risks. They may keep their lives but lose their hearts.

Reviews:

"4 Daggers!...A rich, rewarding story of two people whose lives cross once again, and whose passions will not be denied. Danger stalks their every moved, and suspense wraps around them like a dark, deadly cloud. A hero straight out of your deepest fantasies, Lawton epitomizes the tall, quiet hero ready to ride to the rescue in the nick of time. Melissa is no weak-kneed damsel, though, despite the years under her father's thumb. She grows within the novel, becoming quiet strength, and heated passion in Lawton's arms... A story you don't want to miss. Read it for the sheer pleasure of immersing yourself deep within the lives, love and danger of Lawton and Melissa's life." -- Shadoe Simmons, All About Murder Reviews

"5 Roses!...Gwynn Morgan has written a suspenseful western tale full of mystery, excitement and romance. Both main characters are strongly written and have an intense internal conflict they must resolve before they can have a future. Lawton must struggle to overcome the age barrier between Melissa and himself and learn to accept the gift he is being offered rather than pushing it aside. Melissa must learn that all strong-willed men are not like her father, and in turn, grow to realize some men are worth fighting for...A fast-paced, emotional novel that takes you on a journey through the Arizona desert, and through the hearts of two characters that have the strength to hold on to their love no matter what the cost." -- Cindy, Love Romances

Excerpt:

"I tried, Missy," he murmured. "God knows I tried." Transfixed by his gaze, she sat perfectly still as he settled both hands on her shoulders. Abruptly, he drew her up, out of the chair and into his arms. She flowed against him. He was stone and she was molten, fluid, shaping herself to him.

She felt a tremor in his body, in the hard arms that held her, but his embrace remained gentle. He drew a deep, ragged breath and buried his face against her neck, in the tumbling spill of her hair.

Reaching around him with her left arm, she spread her hand across the rigid muscle of his back. He took a step backward to lean against the back of the other chair, still holding her. She moved slightly, edging closer, and felt his lips brush across her forehead.

"Everything I've done has been wrong." His voice, husky, rough and low, held the weight of his feelings. "From the first, when I let you get too close. Then I tried to frighten you, drive you away, and ended up abusing you. But you were so loving, so giving, even then. I tried to stay away, but I couldn't. I thought maybe I could handle a friendship, keep it safe and platonic, but I can't be near you without touching, can't touch without wanting. For God's sake, Missy, I'll destroy you! Just tell me to let you go. Slap me in the face or something."