The Homecoming

Table of Contents

 

 

“This is probably the best book I’ve read this early summer. This hot novel has everything a reader might want in romantic suspense, from sexy, complex characters, to a fascinating setting and intense intimacy.”

—The Romance Readers Connection

 

“Fire and ice make for an incendiary mix. . . . Brava!”

—
Romantic Times

 

“An action-packed thriller that never decelerates until the finish . . . one of the better high-octane sagas on the market today.”

—
Midwest Book Reviews

 

“The plot is riveting, the characters sizzle, and the ending will blow you away. Trust me, you do not want to miss
Crossfire
. But keep in mind, once you pick it up, it’s impossible to put down.”

—Fresh Fiction

 

“[A] can’t-put-down-forget-the-housework-cereal-for-dinner book. The chemistry between Quinn and Cait screams off the page and practically singes your fingers.”

—Romance Junkies

 

“A page-turning mix of danger, suspense, and passion.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Iris Johansen

 

“No author can put words together and tell a story like Ms. Ross.
Freefall
is a romantic thriller that sizzles with passion and danger. The story is a page-turner leading up to an ending you must read to believe. What an incredible story!”

—Fresh Fiction

“An intense thriller . . . the perfect edge-of-your-seat mystery. JoAnn Ross is one author who delivers and will most definitely blow you away.”

—Romance Reviews Today

 

“All the patented Ross sizzle and drama make [reading] this time well spent!”

—
Romantic Times

 

“Sizzles with the sensuality and danger fans of her romantic thrillers have come to expect.”

—
Publishers Weekly

 

“A page-turner that plunks the reader down in post-Katrina New Orleans and makes the changes real and immediate. . . . Hop on the Ross Express for a lightning ride.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Linda Howard

 

“A spellbinding read. . . . I was blown away. An amazing author, and this latest story proves it, once again.”

—Fresh Fiction

 

“[A] great love story with all the thrills and chills that will have the readers coming back for more.”

—Fallen Angels Reviews

 

“Spine-chilling . . . a good mix of suspense and romance.”

—Romance Reviews Today

 

“[A] suspense thriller with richly drawn characters, a powerful story, and a heart-stopping ending.”

—Fresh Fiction

 

“Seamlessly plotted. . . . Ross keeps the heat on right to the last page.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Singes the pages . . . a strong story, rich in characterization.” —Fresh Fiction

 

“Dynamic . . . fast-paced, utterly engrossing.”

—Romance Reviews Today

 

“
Out of the Storm
sizzles! A captivating and entertaining blend of romance, mystery, and suspense.”

—Romance Reviews Today

 

“[An] adventurous, exhilarating story. Danger and intrigue are a constant presence. Highly passionate . . . outstanding.”

—Romance Junkies

 

“The best kind of romantic suspense: heart-stopping terror and a heart-tugging romance.”

—Romance Reviews Today

 

“Skillful and satisfying. . . . With its emotional depth, Ross’s tale will appeal to Nora Roberts fans.”

—
Booklist

 

“The romance . . . crackles and the verbal sparring keeps the narrative moving along at an energetic clip . . . delightful.”

—
Publishers Weekly

 

“[A] hot, steamy . . . page-turner.”

—A Little Romance

 

“[T]ouches of humor nicely relieve the suspenseful nature of the intriguing and intricately plotted tale. Bravo!”

—
The Paperback Forum

Also by JoAnn Ross
Available from Signet

 

 

SIGNET
Published by New American Library, a division of
Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street,
New York, New York 10014, USA
Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto,
Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)
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Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices:
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

First published by Signet, an imprint of New American Library,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

First Printing, July 2010

Copyright © The Ross Family Trust, 2010

eISBN : 978-1-101-19810-0

All rights reserved

REGISTERED TRADEMARK—MARCA REGISTRADA

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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To Jay—who took me to our beloved Oregon Coast (where I’ve set my Shelter Bay books), bought me saltwater taffy, then proposed. After all our years together, I’m even more glad I said “Yes!”

 

And in memory of Marine Cpl. Jimmy Floren—classmate, neighbor, friend. A true hero, Jimmy was cited for “extraordinary heroism,” posthumously receiving the Navy Cross and Purple Heart after sacrificing his life for his fellow Marines and country during the Vietnam War.

As always, to the incomparable team at NAL, who makes writing a joy, especially my editor, Laura Cifelli, who somehow manages to deftly juggle more balls than anyone I know. Also, matchmaker extraordinaire, my fabulous agent, Robin Rue, for bringing us all together.

Thanks to former high school classmates Jim Flynn and Ron Bonham, who paid good money in a fund-raising auction to have their names included in this book. I know neither of you would ever actually get into the trouble your characters did. (Well, probably not.) At least I didn’t make you murderers!

Again, with heartfelt appreciation to all the servicemen and -women who put themselves in harm’s way so the rest of us don’t have to. Along with their families, who await their safe return home.

And finally, for my sweetie Oregon State University alumnus husband—Go, Beavs!