The Hamburg Grand Hall Unconscious of her gesture, Valentina smoothed the skirt of her long deep purple silk jersey gown, her face glowed with rapture; her fingers involuntarily moved with the tempo of the sonata. With a sweeping motion of his arms and hands, the conductor brought the music to a finis. He glanced at her standing in the wings, nodded then tapped the stand with his baton. Valentina gracefully glided onto the stage. Her walk faltered for a spilt second as her eyes ranged over the people sitting in the first few rows of the concert hall. A shiver of apprehension tingled down her spine, "He's here again. I can feel his eyes on me. He scares me. Why is he here?" Her eyes became undisciplined; they spun to the right, directly into his black abyss eyes. With a super human effort she tore her gaze away to focus on the grand piano that waited for her. Valentina sucked in a deep breath, her mind whirled, focus on the music; forget everything else. The years of lessons, practice and performances took over. Even though she was just days from her twenty-sixth birthday and had been playing to the public for years, Valentina was an enigma. The press spread her reputation as an elusive, mysterious piano prodigy. The mystery that surrounded her made her all the more in demand by fans young and old.

Polo Field, Madrid, Spain WACK The sound reverberated through the air. Rodrigo, the leader of the Spanish polo team, sent the three-and-one-quarter inch high-impact plastic ball forward from his chestnut horse's legs. It shot past the grey horse ridden by the opposing Captain and landed perfectly on the mallet of his team member, Sergio. Sergio drove his horse up for the shot, swung his mallet and drove the ball through the goal posts. The crowd went wild, roaring and screaming. Rodrigo circled around to raise his arm in victory to his team. His horse suddenly stopped, and spayed his feet wide then started to violently shake. Foam rolled out of his mouth, his eyes looked about ready to pop out of his head. Rodrigo jumped down, steadied the horse by the bridle and yelled in the direction of his groom who was standing by the lines of ponies waiting on the side lines of the field, "Get the vet, quick." Rodrigo reached out to pet his favorite mount, "Steady Speed, we'll get you help." He looked at the pulsing jugular vein on the horse, "Good Lord, his heart rate is through the roof." As Rodrigo still held Speed's bridle, the horse's profusely sweating body shuddered, then staggered one step and dropped to the ground pulling Rodrigo to his knees. *** A confident, self-assured male voice spoke to him, "Rodrigo, I'm Robert Caine. Raine and Rialto called me. You need help. Tell me exactly what has happen and what your thoughts are on the events." Robert listened quietly, reading between the lines of what was said and seeing the implications of sabotage. Robert totally agreed there was more going on than met the eye. "Rodrigo, I'll have the ISOS team there in six hours. I'll call you with the particulars later. Signing off. I need to plan the mission." *** Follow the rest of the action in ESPRIT DE CORPS by Caroline Bonham. In the beginning was the word, and the word was ISIS: Code Name Ice, Number 1 of the Operatives Series. Don't miss a single mission by Team Zodiac Previous books by Caroline Bonham include the Foundation Families of The Mystic Circle. Don't miss one action-packed romantic adventures starting with Book 1: Essence of Love: Legend of the Lady of the Mist, with the New Series starting with Irish Spitfire. ENJOY THE ADVENTURES.

Rory O'Rourke's heart thundered in his chest, in rhythm to the footfalls of his three day horse, Galaway, as they approached the Bench Seat jump.The horse was a nine-year old blood bay Irish Sport Horse and Rory's favorite in his string of six eventing horses. Rory supported with his hands while he pushed with his legs to keep the impulsion, "Easy boy, you're doing great." Rory smiled "Good boy, only thirty yards to the finish and you feel wonderful." No sooner had the words left his mouth, than Rory simultaneously heard a large cracking noise and felt Galaway falter beneath him. The falter turned quickly to a stagger and then a precipitous crash to the ground. Rory thought, "My God, what happened ...?," as the earth rushed up to meet him. Brutal pain hit him in the shoulders and legs, then nothing, darkness. * * Rory's heart stopped then leaped into his throat and stuck there as his eyes couldn't believe the scene that lay out in front of him. A small slight girl with long hair flying out behind her was galloping full stride on a spectacular dark stallion across the grass flat track with four, giant hounds racing beside her. The sun reflected off her golden red hair, making it shimmer like liquid gold. She rode like she was part of the magnificent horse she was on; you could tell they were linked together with a bond that was unusual. Rory gasped when he saw a dark blur in the sky dive straight down at the horse and rider then level off to fly beside them. My god, what is that hawk doing? Is he going to attack the girl? He couldn't take his eyes away as she easily took a tall log jump then galloped up a steep incline to jump a brush with multiple logs, one stride after reaching the top. He realized he was holding his breath. He released it with a whoosh, as she cleared the brush, then galloped headlong down the other side over a drop jump at the bottom. The hawk is still with her, it's as if he knows her. Bree opened her horse's stride even more, as she jumped a large imposing stone wall, then eight more difficult cross country jumps down the valley. My God She doesn't even have a riding helmet on. He couldn't take his eyes off her, as she turned back onto the flat track, then leaned over to hug her horse as she slowed him to a canter. He could see, let alone hear her joyful laugh. He grabbed Egan's arm when she gracefully brought her knees up on the saddle, then rose to her feet. She cantered along, standing on the saddle as if on a Sunday ride. "My Lord, Egan. Who is she? I can't believe my eyes "

Welcome back to the International Secret Operations Society's world of intrigue, espionage, and non-stop action. You'll start with Cougar's brother, Elijah, a trainee. He surprises all at ISOS when he steps in to save the base children and the mission after the ISOS's guard team are terminated. Next, the Zodiac team goes to London to the drag races where they compete and guard the drivers. It is full of action with fast cars, mafia and a new attraction for Fox--her name is Miranda. She is the top drag race car driver in Europe. Remember, Zhenya, the Russian stateswoman? She's back but this time with Ice's adopted grandmother, Vadoma. The two older feisty women steal diamonds from the mafia then lead the team on a chase from one side of the world to the other. It will have you laughing from start to finish. In the Amazon jungles, the Team hunts for Ambassador Javier and his wife's downed jet. The Drug cartel shot the jet down with missiles. The team's mission is to extract the Ambassador, his wife and any other survivors, but they didn't plan on the Natives taking them first. The last is a surprise A new operative-in-training who makes one Zodiac operative very happy. Have fun You won't want to put this book down.

The ISOS team is at it again. First they go to a big top circus in Texas to stop sabotage. It's action from start to finish especially when Piper, the young vet tech, gets into trouble protecting her wild animals. Her favorite is a young tiger named Noru that is ready to fight to the death protect her. Next, the team travels to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates where Khan joins them as a buyer at an illicit slave auction. Back at ISOS, Robert needs a horse trainer and instructor for their unused horses. He wants the operatives to become expert riders for missions in Pakistan and other countries. Enter Dakota Crockett, a young trick rider. You'll laugh at the operatives as they struggle to achieve the level of expertise world champion Dakota demands. A shopping trip with Robert's daughter Bridget in Paris turns into more action than the operatives needed or wanted. They no more arrive home again when they are off to Arabia to protect Dakota at an Arabian horse sale. Dakota sneaks out to check on the horses and ends up kidnapped by a ruthless sheik. He doesn't realize that a Texas cowgirl's got spunk and brains. The gunfight on horseback in the middle of a Haboob taxes the skills Dakota taught the operatives. Next comes Pakistan--all the operatives, Dakota, her Border collie Shane, and Piper are sent to rescue a female scientist that escaped from the Russians. The woman is hiding with the nomad tribes. Director Shiloh of the Mossad, Cougar's uncle, asks for help to rescue her brother, Elijah. The terrorists have taken him for bait to lure out the director so they can murder him. Gunfights, helicopter drops and surprises will keep your mind whirling and the pages turning. ENJOY.

Tighten your seatbelts. You're going on a wild ride when Isis a princess, with the code name Ice and her team of lethal operatives execute their missions. Ice, Cobra, Vulcan, and their four legged friend partner Kaya, take on all comers in this action packed adventure novel. Kaya is a wild caracal cat that resembles a smaller cougar who she found as a baby in Africa after a mission. Kaya is a lethal team member that is completely devoted to Ice and her team saving their lives multiple times. The action is nonstop on each of the missions, which they execute with the finesse of pros. Each mission tests the physical and mental limits of the team. You'll laugh at Kaya the cat when he lets off steam, cheer for Ice and the operatives on each mission wanting to experience the next fight, next challenge, and their famous escape from torture at the hands of a maniacal ruler. You'll hope Ice's new team partner Vulcan will capture her heart. This is a story you won't want to put down. It's full of dangerous action, technical equipment, training and not least love and laughter. Enjoy

Prophecy, the fourth book of the Mystic Circle series. Khan, also known as The Silent One, is a man of honor above all else. He swore an oath to keep the princess on the throne, unless doing so would cause her life to be at risk. At the time he swore the oath, he hadn't counted on falling madly in love with Princess Cyneera, or that she would fall for him in return. The Sheik was violently overthrown, so Cyneera was spirited away for her safety. Now Khan must return to a land of danger and turbulence at the risk of his own life to assess the situation. He has to determine once and for all if he can and should keep his oath, or he can take Cyneera for his bride with his honor intact. A fortuneteller has foretold of the events and outcome, and so far has been absolutely correct, much to the surprise of the O'Malley clan. On the way to this dangerous land, Khan saves the life of an old gypsy woman named Vadoma. When he takes her to rejoin the Dom, her gypsy family, she formally accepts Khan into the clan, making him her adopted son, a high honor in the gypsy world. Khan does what he feels he must by venturing to the dangerous world he left behind, but Vadoma isn't going to let him face the hated and feared new self appointed Sheik Baghor alone whether he likes it or not. Unknown to both, Khan and Vadoma, Cyneera and her guard followed to save Khan like the seer prophesied. Brimming over with love, romance, humor, action and adventure, this is a story for the ages.

Welcome back to the International Secret Operations Society's world of intrigue, espionage and nonstop action. You'll start with a feisty Russian Stateswoman that Jaguar and the team protect at a summit. She delights in doing just what she wants, so Jaguar must stay alert. Next the operatives go to London where they hunt serial killers that prey on young women and prostitutes. The female operative pose as prostitutes and stumble upon another operative from the Mossad. She has sworn to find and kill the serial killers all by herself. The would- be Jack the Rippers killed her younger sister. The team now has to make sure she doesn't get hurt or interfere with their mission. That's just the beginning of the nonstop action in this epic adventure.

Captured by human traffickers, Tabari will not give in... just when they think she's too abused to do anything, she finds the courage and strength to escape. By chance, she stows away on a schooner, where she meets the love of her life... but he's not sure she loves him for him, only that he nursed her back to health. They share many adventures, and a love for the ages. Join them on this romantic adventure to a new life Tabari never imagined possible.

In days gone by, a boy appeared in the East End of London protecting the poor, multicultural people of the area. They called him The Boy Legend or simply The Legend. He fought for the East Enders for four years then disappeared as suddenly as he appeared. No one ever found out who he, or maybe she, was or why The Legend fought so hard for so long. Here's a peek inside: The gang leader yelled out, "We'll fight him one at a time, wear him out then get him. Don't kill the dogs, I want to train them to work for us." Mia fought the first man, won easily then another and another, until she felt a deep weariness over take her. She stood tall as she gulped much needed air, ready for the charge she knew would come. She glanced at her beloved dogs with the thought of sending them home but knew they wouldn't leave her side. "Miki, Kira, I love you." Suddenly, the remaining men charged as one. Miki and Kira protected her attacking anyone that came within biting distance. Mia flew from one to another in a blur of lethal motion she wielded her sword with accuracy, but knew in her heart that she couldn't beat these odds. Enjoy

Nurse/pilot Aurora McBain tossed her long dark red hair back off her face, rubbed her eyes in exhaustion. She knew that she still had an hour of flight time left before she could get the chopper to the hospital at Inverness, Scotland. She hadn't had any sleep for almost twenty-four hours. In that same time, she'd had only a half a ham sandwich, the other half went to her Newfoundland dog, Kyak. She and the dog had already done two water rescues. Now she had an elderly woman aboard that was injured when her balcony collapsed. Aurora heard Kyak whine from his secured basket, "I know Kyak. I promise you a great dinner to make up for this long time on duty. You've been such a good boy that maybe we should have some ice cream too." Kyak gave a small bark of approval from his seat, which lightened her mood and made her smile. Aurora looked at the mist rolling in over the ridge of mountains and down onto the Loch. I need to get out of here before the ceiling gets any lower. She carefully steadied the H-52 Seaguard helicopter as she applied more power to lift off from Loch Arkaig. Little did Aurora know that fate would soon send her into a tailspin when she meets Bear Matheson, a Scottish operative for the International Secret Operations Society. Soon she's immersed in training to find her place in this new realm of sharpshooting, piloting jets, martial arts and the art of protection of Ambassadors and Kings, but one question remains to be answered, can she go against her nursing credo to take a life, if the need arises? Join Aurora, Kyak, and Sage the ferret on this life changing adventure.

Erin O'malley is a young, fiery Irish woman who rides her Irish sport horse over the hills and jumps in Ireland like the wind. She and her adopted son, Abdul are inseparable, both loving the challenge of a different kind of life. She and her brothers and uncle sail a three masted schooner called Pieces of Eight as a cruise ship with the atmosphere of an authentic pirate ship. Erin is as comfortable climbing the rigging as she is piloting the schooner as the captain. She expertly sails through cyclones, fends off modern day pirates and mesmerizes her passengers with their pirate feasts, songs and staged sword fights. Anthony Andreas, a handsome Greek is all man. He is the personal bodyguard and head of security for Luc Alexandros, a Greek business tycoon. Anthony knows what he wants, and nothing deters him when he decides to have it, and what he wants is Erin, his soulmate. Their first meeting is explosive; their fight gets hot as two strong willed personalities clash. Erin fights their growing love for her own reasons, as Anthony pushes for more. Erin's Uncle Patrick knows that when the hot fighting stops their passion erupt, as hot as molten lava from a volcano. This cruise will take you around the Indian Ocean; stop at ports from Madagascar to India to Jeddah. You'll learn the wonderful treasures at the market and souks of each port, see humpback whales, and hold your breath when they fight to keep the ship afloat during a cyclone. You'll fall in love with all the unusual animals on the schooner. Erin saves a Portuguese Waterdog that Abdul names Aine. She becomes a part of the family always at Abdul's side. You'll also meet Crackers, the parrot that has trouble controlling his naughty language; Whiskers, the cat they saved after the cyclone, and Bey, a lemur from Madagascar. Come with us on the adventure of a lifetime. You'll laugh, you'll cry and wish the cruise still sailed so you could be on it.

In spite of losing her parents in an accident, Skye grew into an extraordinary young woman with her grandfather's love and tutelage. Skye was a petite nymph with long silver blonde hair that flowed down her back in waves and eyes the color of the Mediterranean. With her college semester finished she decided to visit Greece to study the country's myths and legends for a children's book. Enter Luc Alexandros, the island's young Patriarch, a financer and entrepreneur whose looks made women long to be his. He was tall, chiseled with wavy black hair and dark flashing eyes. The burning drive Luc felt wasn't ambition but emptiness. He had wealth and power, but he was lonely. His life was to change when he looked down and through the floating mist swirling around the rocks of the shore, he saw a nymph woman, laughing, running in the mist. Was she real or the myth? The courtship of the worldly Luc and the innocent Skye was tender, full of desire and discovery. Both lives melted together when they became soul mates and lovers only to be separated. In the years to come Luc changed, he became bitter, aggressive, ruthless, with life and business. He couldn't forget Skye, haunted by her day and night. The years that made Luc bitter made Skye a strong, resourceful, self reliant mother and woman. She was now an accomplishment author with her best friends and grandfather always at her side supporting and encouraging her. Skye and grandfather both delighted in raising, loving and teaching Alexis and Angel. A fateful phone call asking Luc to come get his children would merge the paths of the lost lovers. This journey of life will bring tears, joy and laughter we all search and dream of......