The Last Kiss Goodbye

Book excerpt: NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY RT BOOK REVIEWS When New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards brought her irresistible brand of hot passion and chilling suspense to the paranormal romance scene with The Last Victim, it was just the beginning. Now her series cranks up the deadly danger and intense desire to the next level, as sexy serial killer hunter Charlotte Stone returns to action in her thrilling second adventure. THE LAST KISS GOODBYE Dr. Charlotte “Charlie” Stone has dedicated her career as a psychiatrist to exploring the darkest territory of all: the hearts and minds of serial killers. It’s a job she’s uniquely suited for, thanks to the secret talent that gives her an uncanny edge—Charlie can see dead people, whose tormented spirits cry out to her for the justice only she can provide. This blessing—or curse—gives Charlie the power to hunt down and catch madmen and murderers. It’s also turned her love life upside down by drawing her into a hopelessly passionate relationship with the lingering ghost of charismatic bad boy Michael Garland. But there’s little time for romance with her supernatural suitor when murder comes pounding at Charlie’s door in the form of a terrified young woman fleeing a homicidal maniac. Saving her life places Charlie squarely in the cross-hairs of a sadistic predator nicknamed “the Gingerbread Man,” notorious for manipulating his victims like pawns in a deadly chess game. And now the queen this psychopath’s bent on capturing is Charlie. Refusal to play will only put more innocent lives in danger. Matching wits with this cunningly twisted opponent will require all of Charlie’s training and expert skills. But even with her devilish “guardian angel”—not to mention her favorite flesh-and-blood Fed, Tony Bartoli—watching her beautiful back, the Gingerbread Man’s horrifying grin might be the last thing Charlie ever sees. Features a preview of the next Charlotte Stone novel, HER LAST WHISPER Praise for The Last Kiss Goodbye "Top-notch . . . Suspense mixed with heart-pounding sensual tension."—Kirkus Reviews “Filled with gritty thrills and featuring a psychopathic madman, this suspense tale will truly have you on the edge of your seat!”—RT Book Reviews Praise for Karen Robards “One of the most popular voices in women’s fiction.”—Newsweek “Draw a line between two extremely popular genres, mysteries and romance novels, and in the middle you will find the bestselling Robards. She merges the two worlds like no one else, deftly interlacing plot and passion.”—Albany Times Union Praise for The Last Victim “[An] exceptional storyteller . . . Leave it to Robards to deliver the start of a series that is distinctive and unforgettable!”—RT Book Reviews “Excellent . . . This story is going to haunt you.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Thrilling . . . a fun and sexy read.”—Booklist