Play dirty

This high-octane romantic thriller from Leigh (In Isabeau's Eyes) steps on the gas on page one and never lets up. Poppy Porter has been in love with Jack Bridger, a friend of her three overprotective older brothers, since she was a child. After Jack killed his abusive father in self-defense, he left town to become a Navy SEAL. Now disgruntled former Special Forces operatives Caine Crossfield and River Dawson, both friends of Jack's, are suspected of plotting revenge against the government. Jack is all-in to stop them and returns to his hometown after years away. Unfortunately, Poppy works for the real estate company Caine and River have established as a front. Jack believes she's completely unaware of her bosses' nefarious schemes, but Poppy is Jack's biggest weakness, and his enemies realize it, putting her in jeopardy. As Jack seeks to neutralize the threat, his relationship with Poppy turns molten-hot. But will they both live to explore its promise? Leigh is a master at combining explosive heat with twisty plotting, and her latest is no exception, keeping readers second-guessing themselves about who in the supporting cast to trust. Fans won't want to miss it. (Mar.)