When did plain, mousy personal assistant Brooke Hanford sprout miles of long, smooth, creamy legs? And more important, why did Detective Atticus Kincaid suddenly notice? Their relationship had always been the "good friend" variety. But now Brooke was in his thoughts and under his skin. The fact that she was receiving unwanted male attention in the form of some creep's anonymous psychological terror brought out all of Atticus's protective instincts.

Now Brooke found herself virtually surrounded by the badge and broad shoulders of Atticus. Her awkward affection for him erupted into a raw need that she'd never known. But would the fuel of newfound passion ignite a killer's revenge...?

Julie attributes her passion for writing romance to all those fairy tales she read growing up, and shyness. Encouragement from her family to write down those feelings she couldn't express became a love for the written word. She gets continued support from her fellow members of the Prairieland Romance Writers, where she serves as the resident "grammar goddess."

This award-winning author and teacher has published several paranormal romances in addition to her beloved romantic suspense. Inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Encyclopedia Brown, Julie believes that the only thing better than a good mystery is a good romance.

Born and raised in Missouri, she now lives in Nebraska with her husband, son, and smiling guard dog, Maxie.

Write to Julie at P.O. Box 5162, Grand Island, NE 68802-5162 USA.