Amanda McKinney

A Broken Ridge Novel

The Viper

In the pulse-racing first installment of the On the Edge series, a criminal psychologist teams up with a former marine on a deadly wildland mission. Not even their hearts can stay out of harm's way. In the swamps of East Texas, alligators aren't the only danger lurking in the shadows. After a young woman is brutally attacked on a popular hiking trail, the evidence points to the notorious Black Cat Stalker. The town of Skull Hollow enlists Dr. Mia Frost to provide a psychological profile and assist in the investigation. When another person goes missing, Mia partners with Easton Crew, former marine and current CEO of a tactical tracking company. Both Mia and Easton are stubborn, strong-willed, and independent, but neither can deny the smoldering attraction between them. As professional lines blur, Easton starts to question Mia's motives and worries she's getting too close to the investigation. The mystery begins to unravel, but so does Mia's mental health as the clues dredge up her own haunted past. It soon becomes evident that things aren't as they seem ... and people aren't always who they say they are.

Buried Deception

Her Mercenary

Obsession turns deadly in this sleepy little coastal town. Therapist and struggling author Betty Lou Abbott has a secret, one she keeps locked in the basement of the historic mansion she inherited from her late husband. Her fiancé, Ian, also has a secret: he is having an affair with one of Betty Lou's clients. She thinks so, anyway. As Betty Lou's life becomes intertwined with the beautiful, successful Carmen Marquis, her intention to expose the affair turns into a dangerous obsession. Especially when she learns there is more to Carmen than meets the eye. Caught in the middle of this cunning pair of women is Nicholas Stahl, a crooked detective who is determined to prove the truth-that one of them is a cold-blooded killer. Two women-one crazy, one ill-and both have secrets they would kill for. Two men-one innocent, one ruthless. All four will leave you wondering who you can trust. ✻ Welcome to the Mad Women series, a titillating and totally unputdownable ride through the mind of a woman scorned. Each book is a standalone novella of psychological and domestic suspense. ✻

The Widow of Weeping Pines: Narrative of a Mad Woman

From multi-award-winning romantic suspense author Amanda McKinney comes the first book in the steamy, edge-of-your-seat, three-part series, Steele Shadows Security...Hidden deep in the remote mountains of Berry Springs is a private security firm where some go to escape, and others find exactly what they've been looking for.Welcome to Cabin 1, Cabin 2, Cabin 3...Cocky, reckless, and die-hard playboy were just a few of the names Gage Steele had been called since he and his brothers left the Marines and moved back to the small, southern town of Berry Springs to take over their father's personal security firm. On the one-year anniversary of his father's death, Gage had only two things in mind-endless whiskey and endless women, but what he got was a battered, bruised spitfire stumbling through woods in the middle of the night.Newly-appointed prosecutor and unapologetic workaholic, Niki Avery had spent her life working toward one goal-never to have to depend on anyone but herself... until the day she was brutally attacked on the side of the road. Stripped of her Louis Vuitton and her dignity, the fiercely independent ADA must submit to being under the watchful eye of a former Marine, a loose cannon with a temper as scorching as his ruggedly handsome good looks. As cracks begin to show in the Steele family, including newly discovered evidence that their father's death was no accident, Gage wrestles with his growing feelings for his client, knowing not only that Niki is off-limits, but together, they were like gasoline and fire-an explosion he wanted nothing more than to ignite in the bedroom. But when a pair of bloody body parts show up at the compound, it becomes clear that Niki's attacker hasn't given up and Gage realizes he'll do anything to keep her safe... even as his own family is spiraling out of control.Cabin 1 is the first book in the 3-part Berry Springs spinoff series, STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY-Think of it as Berry Springs' darker, grittier, steamier, BAD BOY brother. Please note: You do not need to read the Berry Springs Series first.Reviews for Cabin 1: "Holy crap! What a book!" -5 STAR Goodreads Review"A completely brilliant, compelling, raw, breathtaking, at times heartbreaking story. Cabin 1 should be read by every romantic suspense lover." -5 STAR Goodreads Review"My mind is BLOWN." -Book Blogger, Books and Beauty by Cassie"McKinney's best one yet." -5 STAR Goodreads Review"Scorching." 5 STAR Bookbub ReviewPraise for the Berry Springs Series: "One of my favorite novels of 2018." -Confessions of an Avid Reader, The Fog"The Woods is a sexy, small-town murder mystery that's guaranteed to resonate with fans of Nora Roberts and Karin Slaughter." -Best Thrillers"Danger, mystery, and sizzling-hot romance right down to the last page." -Amazon Review, The Creek"Amanda McKinney wrote a dark, ominous thrilling tale spiked with a dash of romance and mystery that captivated me from start to finish..." -The Coffeeholic Bookworm, The Lake"The Storm is a beautifully written whodunnit, packed with suspense, danger, and hot romance. Kept me guessing who the murderer was. I couldn't put it down!" -Amazon Review"I devoured The Cave in one sitting. Best one yet." -Amazon Review"The Shadow is a suspense-filled, sexy as hell book." -Bookbub ReviewTHE STORM is the *2018 Golden Leaf Winner for Romantic Suspense, a *2018 Maggie Award for Excellence Finalist, *2018 Silver Falchion Finalist, *2018 Beverley Finalist, and *2018 Passionate Plume Honorable Mention Recipient.THE FOG is the *2019 Golden Quill Winner for Romantic Suspense, the *2019 I Heart Indie Winner, a *2019 Stiletto Award Finalist, and a *2019 Book Buyers Best Finalist.

Cabin 1

In this heart-stopping installment of the On the Edge series, secrets turn deadly as a search and rescue expert and a psychiatrist team up to catch a killer during a dangerous winter storm. When Aria, a young girl with autism, goes missing, search and rescue expert Beckett Stolle ventures into the swamplands of Texas to track her down. When he finds the girl, she is alive, sitting next to a corpse painted in blood. Accusations fly, including suspicion that Aria was involved in the macabre murder. Beckett, however, fears this is the work of a notorious serial killer, turning his rescue mission into a hunt for a murderer. But every clue leads back to Aria, who has secrets of her own--something her psychiatrist, Jo Bellerose, sympathizes with on a very deep and dangerous level. As an ice storm descends on Texas, Jo partners with Beckett, a handsome ex-military outdoorsman, to prove Aria's innocence and find the real killer before another victim is slain. The two get trapped in the wilderness, where their professional relationship morphs into something intensely personal. And the danger headed their way is one they never saw coming.

Trail of Deception

♥ Named one of POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books to Have a Spring Fling With ♥ From bestselling and multi-award-winning author Amanda McKinney comes her most evocative and twisted small-town Mystery Romance... Welcome to 1314 Rattlesnake Road—the perfect hideaway to escape your past. After leaving her posh NYC life behind, fashion editor Grey Dalton escapes to the small, southern town of Berry Springs to pick up the broken pieces of her life. On impulse, she purchases a rumored-to-be-haunted house where she finds herself thrown into decade-old murder mystery, and onto the rocky road of recovery and self-discovery. Men are the last thing on her mind—until she meets a tattooed cowboy and a dashing businessman. One will steal her heart, the other, her soul. Rattlesnake Road pushes the boundaries and blends genres in this raw, emotional, no-holds-barred story. ★ "A dark, edge-gripping emotional read." - Obsessive Reads ★ ★ “sexy, suspenseful romance.” - Publisher’s Weekly Review ★ ★ "Strong characterization bolsters this profound, romantic tale." - Kirkus Review ★ (Due to serious subject matter and mature content, please be aware that this book might be an emotional trigger for some readers.)

Rattlesnake Road (A Small Town Mystery Romance)

Rattlesnake Road (a Small Town Mystery Romance)

"The Woods is a sexy, small-town murder mystery that's guaranteed to resonate with fans of Nora Roberts and Karin Slaughter." - BEST THRILLERSA year after her sister's death, Archeologist and part-time neurotic, Dr. Katie Somers returns to the sleepy, southern town of Berry Springs to sell her childhood home. She'd planned to be in and out in less than a week, but a chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns her perfectly crafted world upside down.Army Ranger Jake Thomas only has one shot at a position with the FBI, even if that means concealing his true identity from those closest to him. As he tries to focus on the mission at hand, Berry Springs is rocked by two gruesome murders and it isn't long before he and Katie become entangled in the killer's web, while becoming suspects themselves by the prickly Chief of Police, David McCord.As their attraction begins to sizzle, so does the danger when Katie stumbles onto new details about her sister's death, leading her down a dangerous path.A path she should've never stepped onto...THE WOODS is a standalone romantic suspense novel*Updated edition now available*Praise for the Berry Springs Series: "The Woods is a sexy, small-town murder mystery that's guaranteed to resonate with fans of Nora Roberts and Karin Slaughter." -Best Thrillers"Amanda McKinney wrote a dark, ominous thrilling tale spiked with a dash of romance and mystery that captivated me from start to finish..." -The Coffeeholic Bookworm, The Lake"The Storm is a beautifully written whodunnit, packed with suspense, danger, and hot romance. Kept me guessing who the murderer was. I couldn't put it down!" -Amazon Review"The Fog is one of my favorite novels of 2018." -Confessions of an Avid Reader"Danger, mystery, and sizzling-hot romance right down to the last page." -Amazon Review, The CreekThe Storm is a *2018 Maggie Award for Excellence Finalist*, *2018 Silver Falchion Finalist*, *2018 Beverley Finalist*, *2018 Golden Leaf Finalist*, and *2018 Passionate Plume Honorable Mention Recipient*

A Berry Springs Novel

The Woods

Like your sexy murder mysteries with a side of evil witch? THE BLACK ROSE MYSTERY series is about three super-rich, independent, fierce sisters who run a private investigation company in a creepy, southern town... Despite being chronically late, occasionally disheveled and a tad disorganized, Dixie Knight is one of the top private investigators in the country, and when a young woman goes missing in the small, Southern town of Devil's Den, Dixie takes the case. She expected it to be another ordinary missing person case-until it takes a brutal turn. While visiting relatives on his two-week leave, Marine Liam Cash bumps into Dixie at the local bar, and his attraction to her is immediate. When he becomes suspicious that Dixie's current case is connected to two unsolved murders in his hometown, he steps in to help investigate, and keep Dixie safe, whether Dixie wants him to or not. As the bodies start stacking up, Dixie turns the town upside down looking for the killer-could it be the rumored witch that lives in the mountains; the rich, neurotic doctor's wife; or the perky, blonde receptionist at the local medical clinic? Time is running out, and Dixie knows she has to put the pieces of the puzzle together before another body turns cold in Devil's Den. Devil's Gold is the first book in the seven-book novella series, Black Rose Mysteries. ★Awards and Recognition: ★ CABIN 1 (STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY) 2020 National Readers' Choice Award Finalist, 2020 HOLT Medallion Finalist THE STORM (A BERRY SPRINGS NOVEL) 2018 Golden Leaf Winner for Romantic Suspense, 2018 Maggie Award for Excellence Finalist, 2018 Silver Falchion Finalist, 2018 Beverley Finalist, 2018 Passionate Plume Honorable Mention Recipient. THE FOG (A BERRY SPRINGS NOVEL) 2019 Golden Quill Winner for Romantic Suspense, 2019 I Heart Indie Winner, 2019 Stiletto Award Finalist, 2019 Book Buyers Best Finalist.

A Black Rose Mystery

Devil's Gold

From bestselling and multi-award-winning author Amanda McKinney comes a standalone romance in the bestselling Steele Shadows series.A man who cheated death.A woman hired to pick up the broken pieces.And an obsession strong enough to kill for.They told him he'd been given a second chance at life. Told him to count his lucky stars, to stop and smell the roses. Kind of hard to do when your body is bound by chains and cuffs. That's what it felt like, anyway, when Phoenix Steele woke up from his coma to a life full of restrictions. Once known around town as the fearless, indomitable heir to the Steele fortune, the former Marine was suddenly labeled unstable, short-tempered, and loose cannon. Unwilling to accept his issues, Phoenix instantly clashes with his assertive therapist-the town's most eligible bachelorette.No one knew overcoming the odds like Dr. Rose Floris. Determined not to be a statistic, Rose lived her life under carefully constructed routines-until a gruesome murder and a series of mysterious events reveal she's become the center of a madman's obsession. Suddenly, Rose's world is turned upside down and she finds herself under the watchful eye of her new patient, a broken man she's been warned not to trust.As the tables begin to turn on their client-patient relationship, Phoenix realizes he must battle his own demons before he can save anyone, including the woman who's become his own obsession...An obsession he'd kill for.Praise for the Steele Shadows Series: "Holy crap! What a book!" -5 STAR Goodreads Review"A completely brilliant, raw, breathtaking story. Cabin 1 should be read by every romantic suspense lover." -5 STAR Goodreads Review"My mind is BLOWN." -Book Blogger, Books and Beauty by Cassie"McKinney's best one yet." -5 STAR Amazon Review"Scorching." 5 STAR Bookbub Review"My mouth literally hung open when I finished this book. You don't want to miss this one." 5 STAR NetGalley ReviewPraise for the Berry Springs Series: "One of my favorite novels of 2018." -Confessions of an Avid Reader, The Fog"The Woods is a sexy, small-town murder mystery that's guaranteed to resonate with fans of Nora Roberts and Karin Slaughter." -Best Thrillers"Danger, mystery, and sizzling-hot romance right down to the last page." -Amazon Review, The Creek"Amanda McKinney wrote a dark, ominous thrilling tale spiked with a dash of romance and mystery that captivated me from start to finish..." -The Coffeeholic Bookworm, The Lake"The Storm is a beautifully written whodunnit, packed with suspense, danger, and hot romance. Kept me guessing who the murderer was. I couldn't put it down!" -Amazon Review"I devoured The Cave in one sitting. Best one yet." -Amazon Review"The Shadow is a suspense-filled, sexy as hell book." -Bookbub Review

Phoenix (Steele Shadows Rising)

Secrets, lies, deceit... A former Navy SEAL turned homicide detective has met his match in this new standalone addition to the number #1 Bestselling Steele Shadows Series... He found her covered in blood. She promises she's innocent. The question is... Can he trust her? Feared just as much on the streets as at a crime scene, Homicide Detective Max Jagger has dedicated his life to one thing-speaking for the dead. Everyone and everything else be damned, including his own demons. During one of the most oppressive heat waves to hit the small, southern town of Berry Springs, the former Navy SEAL is called to a scene where a real estate heiress is found standing over a dead body, holding the murder weapon. The local cops immediately dub it a slam-dunk case, but if Jagg has learned anything from his days running special ops, it's that nothing is as it seems... including this suspect. Despite her name, Sunny Harper is as beguiling as a fallen angel. Mysterious, clever, completely unwilling to cooperate, and, perhaps his least favorite quality-mind-numbingly intoxicating. When evidence from the scene suggests an accomplice, Jagg begins to believe that Sunny is both innocent and in danger, despite the towns' uproar to lock her up. Torn between his growing feelings for his suspect, he takes Sunny to a secluded lake house where he discovers there's much more behind those enchanting green eyes... including secrets that could take them both under. With his career on the line and the clock ticking, Jagg must decide if he can trust Sunny... before they both get burned. Jagger is a standalone romantic suspense novel (no cliff-hanger!) ★Awards and Recognition: ★ CABIN 1 (STEELE SHADOWS SECURITY) 2020 National Readers' Choice Award Finalist, 2020 HOLT Medallion Finalist THE STORM (A BERRY SPRINGS NOVEL) 2018 Golden Leaf Winner for Romantic Suspense, 2018 Maggie Award for Excellence Finalist, 2018 Silver Falchion Finalist, 2018 Beverley Finalist, 2018 Passionate Plume Honorable Mention Recipient. THE FOG (A BERRY SPRINGS NOVEL) 2019 Golden Quill Winner for Romantic Suspense, 2019 I Heart Indie Winner, 2019 Stiletto Award Finalist, 2019 Book Buyers Best Finalist.

Jagger (Steele Shadows Investigations)

After reclusive billionaire Astor Stone receives a ransom note for his estranged wife, whom he’s kept under lock and key, he accepts an invitation to an exclusive party to get her back. But when the evening takes a dangerous turn, Astor takes his rival’s daughter as collateral.

The moment they meet, Astor knows Sabine Hart will be the death of him. Unable to resist her allure, Astor gives in, taking her for himself for one night only – a decision that just might kill them both.

Sabine Hart never expected to end up captive of a darkly handsome, dangerous man in a tucked-away mansion with creepy rooms and an even creepier housekeeper. Despite Astor’s cold, apathetic demeanor, Sabine finds herself utterly captivated by the man. The problem is, she isn’t the only one.

As their complicated - and dangerous - entanglement begins to spiral out of control, no amount of passion can protect Astor and Sabine from what comes next.

✔️ Billionaire Romance
✔️ Possessive Anti-Hero
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Super Steamy
✔️ Love Triangle
✔️ Enemies-to-Lovers
✔️ Jaw-Dropping Twists

The Anti-Hero #1  

Mine

Widow of Weeping Pines

Sinister Secrets

Evil Eye

*Winner of the 2018 Golden Leaf for Romantic Suspense*, 2018 Maggie Award for Excellence Finalist*, *2018 Silver Falchion Finalist*, *2018 Beverley Finalist*, *2018 Passionate Plume Honorable Mention Recipient*"The Storm is a beautifully written whodunit, sprinkled with suspense and hot romance... kept me guessing who the murderer was. I couldn't put it down " -Goodreads MemberThe snow is dropping in Berry Springs... and so are the bodies.On a pitch-black wintry night, Detective Dean Walker finds a man in the middle of an icy road, with a bullet between his eyes-a murder that is eerily similar to his father's, which was never solved. Coincidence? No, Dean doesn't believe in coincidences. He also doesn't believe in love at first sight, until he meets the victim's wife.Psychologist Heidi Novak is hardly settling into her new mansion in the small, country town of Berry Springs when she receives a late-night visit by the handsome Dean Walker. Seconds after learning that her husband has been murdered, gunshots explode around her and it becomes apparent that she is the next target.With a massive winter storm looming, Dean races to find the killer and keep Heidi safe, while facing a long a list of suspects, including Heidi's arrogant sister-in-law and a local, crusty cowboy. As the evidence mounts, Dean becomes more convinced than ever that his father's murder is connected to the death of Heidi's husband.And he can't help but think . . . will Heidi be the second love he loses to the ice-cold killer?Praise for Berry Springs Book #1: "The Woods is a sexy, small town murder mystery that's guaranteed to resonate with fans of Nora Roberts and Karin Slaughter." -BEST THRILLERSPraise for Berry Springs Book #2: "The Lake is a solidly entertaining mystery, especially for those who like their mysteries with a dash of romance, and readers will want to pick up other books in the series." -SPR

A Berry Springs Novel, Book #3

The Storm

After an afternoon of mind-numbingly boring surveillance in the woods, Private Investigator Raven Cane goes for a twilight jog to clear her head, only to discover a gruesome murder in the town's most notorious cave, Hatchet Hollow. Minutes later, the impossibly handsome Lieutenant Zander Stone arrives at the scene to take over, but Raven has a hard time letting the case go. Why did the killer cut off the victim's fingers? More importantly, who would do such a thing?After a failed attempt at tracking down the elusive Marden Balik, aka, the legendary witch of the Great Shadow Mountains, Zander dives headfirst into Devil's Den's most recent murder, only to uncover twists and turns at every step-including a secret book of curses that may, or may not, exist. As the list of suspects grows, Zander does his best to keep Raven at arm's length. But Raven is persistent, nosing her way into his case, making it increasingly difficult to keep his concentration on the task at hand, and off of her sultry body.And when another woman is found brutally murdered, Zander worries that Raven has gotten too close to the investigation... close enough to put her directly in the killer's sights.Praise for Black Rose Mystery Book 1, Devil's Gold: "...smart, full of energetic thrills and chills, it's one of the best novellas I've read in a very long time." -Booked J"With fast-paced action, steamy romance, a strong female lead, suspenseful twists, and a good dose of mystery, Devil's Gold is a solid whodunit that will keep you surprised at every turn." -Siobhan Novelties"Devil's Gold is an enchanting and sexy murder mystery that I couldn't put down." -Goodreads Member"I cannot wait to read the rest of the series....I think that pretty much says it all!" -The Pursuit of Bookines

Hatchet Hollow

Moments after an explosion rocks the sisters of Black Rose Investigations, Private Investigator Roxy Knight discovers two human skeletons buried in a secret tunnel under their stone mansion. Although rumor has it that the previous homeowners-a genius doctor and his wife-simply disappeared one day, the crack in his skull says otherwise. Is it possible they were murdered? More importantly, what were they hiding? Fire Chief Weston Cage begins to believe he got more than he bargained for at his new job when he meets the emotionally icy but sizzling hot Roxy Knight, who seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders-and two corpses under her house. As the clues to the mysterious skeletons lead them to a grisly murder, Weston fears that Roxy has taken on more than she can handle, and is getting too close to the killer. Although their chemistry is undeniable, Roxy has more important things to worry about, like solving the skeleton mystery and finding Krestel, the witch of the Great Shadow Mountains who tried to kill her sisters. And Roxy will stop at nothing to keep her family safe... even though her current case might put her six feet under.

Tomb's Tale

Obsession turns deadly in this sleepy little coastal town.

Therapist and struggling author Betty Lou Abbott has a secret, one she keeps locked in the basement of the historic mansion she inherited from her late husband. Her fiancé, Ian, also has a secret: he is having an affair with one of Betty Lou’s clients. She thinks so, anyway.

As Betty Lou’s life becomes intertwined with the beautiful, successful Carmen Marquis, her intention to expose the affair turns into a dangerous obsession. Especially when she learns there is more to Carmen than meets the eye.
Caught in the middle of this cunning pair of women is Nicholas Stahl, a crooked detective who is determined to prove the truth—that one of them is a cold-blooded killer.

Two women—one crazy, one ill—and both have secrets they would kill for.
Two men—one innocent, one ruthless.
All four will leave you wondering who you can trust.

Amanda McKinney

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