The last mile

Martin's suspenseful second Blood Ties romance (after The Last Goodnight) sends a couple searching for long-lost riches. Abigail Holland's treasure-hunting grandfather leaves her his Denver home and a treasure map when he dies--and Abby's determined to find the more than $200 million worth of gold promised by the map. She seeks out Gage Logan, who runs an organization called Treasure Hunters Anonymous, for his expertise. The pair join forces to find the treasure, but they're not the only ones on the hunt--the members of a ruthless Mexican cartel are willing to lie, cheat, steal, and worse to claim the gold for themselves. As Gage and Abby inch closer to finding the loot, they court disaster at every turn. Martin keeps the sexual tension sizzling throughout, but some awkward language in the steamy scenes puts a damper on things ("Abby's mouth went dry while dampness slid into her core"). Still, the couple's charged connection and the plot's heart-stopping twists will keep readers breathless until the final page. This smart, sexy thrill ride will hook readers who like their romance with a side of danger. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, ICM Partners. (June)