HE WILL GIVE HIS LIFE FOR YOU WITHOUT HESITATION. BUT DON'T ASK FOR HIS HEART.

When Nicola Barrington is targeted by masked assassins, her only chance to stay alive is Alex Rodriguez. But can she trust the mysterious stranger, a government man up to his neck in secrets and political intrigue, who is pulling her back into the kind of life she spent the last seven years to get away from?

"Dana Marton delivers an intense and chilling scenario straight out of the headlines."

"This story will certainly keep readers on the edge of their chairs. Provides more than enough adrenaline-spiked thrills for the adventure junkie." All About Romance (Lynn Spencer)

'Sizzling with as much action as romance, SHADOW SOLDIER grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Dana Marton has written a stunning and exciting romantic intrigue. This is one debut author you are going to want to watch' SHADOW SOLDIER is incredibly fast-paced and full of action. Ms. Marton has filled this story with fascinating and irresistible characters'The twists and turns are non-stop' Amazingly well-written storyline' Had me mesmerized and turning the pages.' CataRomance, (Nicole Hulst), 5 STARS

"I was thrilled to read this wonderful debut book by Dana Marton. It is fast moving, intriguing, romantic, and with a kick-ass hero and heroine that worked so well together, you can't put the book down until the end... Be sure to put Dana Marton on your "must buy" list for October." Reader to Reader/Belles & Beaux of Romance (Suzanne Coleburn)

"Dana Marton's gripping debut book starts off with a bang and doesn't stop there. Combine compelling characters with action, adventure, and danger at an exhilarating pace, and you have a winner on your hands. This author is a rising star to be sure. The best thing is we'll definitely be hearing more from the very talented Ms. Marton in the future. Look for SECRET SOLDIER in January 2005 -- just...three...long months away. *sigh* Romance Reviews Today (Amy Cunningham)

2004 Reviewers Choice Award

2nd Place.

Finalist

"Do you think this is really necessary?"

Alex gave no indication that he heard her.

She hated to be ignored. "If you're my bodyguard that means I am the boss, right?"

He threw her a look that started out as amused, then turned into something else entirely. "If I was your maid or your chauffeur, you'd be the boss."

She thought his voice was unnecessarily sharp. Maybe it was her imagination, but the air seemed to have been charged with electricity between them all day. She had half expected her hair to start standing up. As much as Alex had assured her that he was there to protect her, every time he came near, her instincts screamed run for your life.

He was too much--too strong, too tall... too sexy. She had no idea what to do with him. "I can walk out of here right now. I don't need your permission."

He threw her a challenging look. "You think you can get through me?"

That did it. "Are you telling me I'm a prisoner and there's nothing I can do about it?" She welcomed the anger that replaced her earlier mix of confused emotions. She felt much more comfortable being angry at the man than mooning after him.

"You're in protective custody. Appreciate it."

She stopped and leaned against the wall with her arms folded, noting the small dark triangle of sweat on the back of his shirt. Who the hell did he think he was to order her around?

His forehead touched his knees with each sit-up, his combat boots planted firmly on the floor. His movements were smooth and efficient; she could almost feel the tightly coiled power in his body. A military man, no doubt. "Are you a Navy SEAL?"

He stopped for a moment and looked at her, his dark eyes assessing. "Would that make you more comfortable?"

"You telling me the truth would make me feel more comfortable." Although she had less chance of that than a bucket of Haagen-Dazs in hell. That was not how government men operated. Wouldn't recognize a straight answer if it got elected.

"I'm whoever you want me to be," he said, and went back to his workout.

Frustration tightened her jaw. "You sound like a cheap prostitute." She was sick of not being told the truth for her own protection.

Alex sat on his haunches like a jungle cat ready to pounce. His dark gaze held hers, cold and unyielding. "Is that what you want?"

What was he talking about? She had to search her brain to think what she'd said. God, had she just called him a prostitute? "It's not what I meant." She watched, rooted to the spot, as he unfolded his enormous frame and moved toward her.

And kept moving closer. "I--" She tried to step away, but it was too late. They were nose to chest, an arm braced on either side of her. How did he get there so fast?

"Do you have a problem with me, Nicola?" His voice was velvety smooth.

She lifted her chin, and their eyes met. Holy Mother and the Trinity. "No. Of course not. No problem at all." She tried to wiggle away.

"Good," he said without letting her go. "Because we are going to have to work together."

Dear Lord, his lips were close.