Suzanne Ellison - Blazing Star

WELCOME TO TYLER. CHANGES ARE AFOOT...

Tyler’s got a new female police captain—and everybody’s talking!

Come on down to Marge’s and share the speculations of America’s favorite hometown.

SHE SEEMS TOUGH AS NAILS

When Tyler’s favorite son Brick Bauer loses a promotion to outsider Karen Keppler, no one is pleased—least of all Brick.

BUT THEY CALL HER “CAPTAIN CURVACEOUS”

Thoughts of his beautiful new boss, however, are soon keeping Brick awake nights.

Unfortunately, no-nonsense Captain Keppler has this rule about not dating subordinates....

Previously Published.

He didn’t give her a chance to answer before he roared on. “Funny, I didn’t take you for a quitter. I thought you were the type to face things head-on!”

“Brick,” she pleaded, “please understand. This can’t continue. I need the respect of the community. The support of my men.”

Suddenly she felt two broad, male hands on her waist. “None of that’s going to keep you warm at night, Karen. None of it’s going to put out the fire burning deep inside you.”

Then his lips claimed hers. It took all her strength to wrench herself away.

“Listen to me carefully,” she said coldly, through her misery. “If you ever touch me like that again, Lieutenant Bauer, I will have your badge!”

Welcome to Mills & Boon’s Tyler, a small Wisconsin town whose citizens we hope you’ll soon come to know and love. Like many of the innovative publishing concepts Mills & Boon has launched over the years, the idea for the Tyler series originated in response to our readers’ preferences. Your enthusiasm for sequels and continuing characters within many of the Mills & Boon lines has prompted us to create a twelve-book series of individual romances whose characters’ lives inevitably intertwine.

Tyler faces many challenges typical of small towns, but the fabric of this fictional community will be torn by the revelation of a long-ago murder, the details of which will evolve right through the series.

Renovations are almost complete at the old Timberlake lodge. They’re gearing up for the Ingallses’ annual Christmas party, which hasn’t been held at Timberlake for decades! There’s a new owner now, a man with a personal interest in showing Tyler folks his financial clout and with a private objective in reclaiming the love of a town resident he romanced long ago.

Marge is waiting with some home-baked pie at her diner, and policeman Brick Bauer might direct you down Elm Street if it’s patriarch Judson Ingalls you’re after. Brick calls Kelsey’s boardinghouse home, and you’re always welcome there. In fact, new police captain Karen Keppler is about to move into Kelsey’s herself. So join us in Tyler, once a month for the next eight months, for a slice of small-town life that’s not as innocent or as quiet as you might expect, and for a sense of community that will capture your mind and your heart.

Marsha Zinberg

Editorial Coordinator, Tyler

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For Betty Cook, who’s always there to lend a hand

Special thanks and acknowledgment to Suzanne Ellison for her contribution to the Tyler series.

Special thanks and acknowledgment to Joanna Kosloff for her contribution to the concept for the Tyler series.

Cover

Back Cover Text WELCOME TO TYLER. CHANGES ARE AFOOT... Tyler’s got a new female police captain—and everybody’s talking! Come on down to Marge’s and share the speculations of America’s favorite hometown. SHE SEEMS TOUGH AS NAILS When Tyler’s favorite son Brick Bauer loses a promotion to outsider Karen Keppler, no one is pleased—least of all Brick. BUT THEY CALL HER “CAPTAIN CURVACEOUS” Thoughts of his beautiful new boss, however, are soon keeping Brick awake nights. Unfortunately, no-nonsense Captain Keppler has this rule about not dating subordinates.... Previously Published.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page Dedication Acknowledgments Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Copyright , Welcome to Mills & Boon’s Tyler, a small Wisconsin town whose citizens we hope you’ll soon come to know and love. Like many of the innovative publishing concepts Mills & Boon has launched over the years, the idea for the Tyler series originated in response to our readers’ preferences. Your enthusiasm for sequels and continuing characters within many of the Mills & Boon lines has prompted us to create a twelve-book series of individual romances whose characters’ lives inevitably intertwine. Tyler faces many challenges typical of small towns, but the fabric of this fictional community will be torn by the revelation of a long-ago murder, the details of which will evolve right through the series. Renovations are almost complete at the old Timberlake lodge. They’re gearing up for the Ingallses’ annual Christmas party, which hasn’t been held at Timberlake for decades! There’s a new owner now, a man with a personal interest in showing Tyler folks his financial clout and with a private objective in reclaiming the love of a town resident he romanced long ago. Marge is waiting with some home-baked pie at her diner, and policeman Brick Bauer might direct you down Elm Street if it’s patriarch Judson Ingalls you’re after. Brick calls Kelsey’s boardinghouse home, and you’re always welcome there. In fact, new police captain Karen Keppler is about to move into Kelsey’s herself. So join us in Tyler, once a month for the next eight months, for a slice of small-town life that’s not as innocent or as quiet as you might expect, and for a sense of community that will capture your mind and your heart. Marsha Zinberg Editorial Coordinator, Tyler

Title Page Blazing Star Suzanne Ellison www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedication For Betty Cook, who’s always there to lend a hand

Acknowledgments Special thanks and acknowledgment to Suzanne Ellison for her contribution to the Tyler series. Special thanks and acknowledgment to Joanna Kosloff for her contribution to the concept for the Tyler series.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Copyright