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"A beautiful widow takes on THE REFORMING OF MATTHEW DUNN, the sexy cop assigned to her community policing effort. But after the murder of her prosecutor husband, can she risk loving another man whose job puts him in mortal peril? Ms. Kantra creates a superb romantic tension between her reluctant lovers as well as a memorable cast of characters." –RT Book Reviews Golden Heart Winner “Best Romantic Suspense” Holt Medallion Winner RT Book Reviews “Best First Series Romance” Nominee Clare Harmon believes in second chances for the kids and ex-cons she employs through her neighborhood garden project. But she won't risk her heart and her life on any man again, especially one who gets shot at for a living. Tough cop Matt Dunn doesn't want the beautiful girl next door complicating his recent assignment to the new community policing assignment. But when danger forces them together, these two wounded souls just may take a second chance...on love. Praise for "emotionally compelling" New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra: "Virginia Kantra is back where we want her, writing fantastic contemporary romance." –Rendezvous "I'm a long time Virginia Kantra fan girl because every time I read one of her books, she reminds me why I read romance." –JoAnn Ross, New York Times bestselling author "Kantra has to be the only romance author I've read whose characters are as rich as those of Nora Roberts." –The Romance Reader "I have read and enjoyed all of Virginia Kantra's books. One thing for sure, her heroes are some of the best in the business. They are strong and tender with a protective and nurturing streak and a deep commitment to family - all traits that I love." –All About Romance ** ### Review "Ms. Kantra is awe-inspiring in this sensual tale of two souls meeting their life mates. Splendid! 4 +" -- *Bell, Book and Candle, RWA's 1995 Bookseller of the Year* "THE REFORMING OF MATTHEW DUNN is Ms. Kantra's dazzling debut. With insightful dialogue and tightly-written prose, she gives us an up-close and personal look at life on the streets. If realistic, extremely well-written contemporaries are your cup of tea, this is a must read. 4 +" -- *Connie Ramsdell, Bookbug on the Web* "With a genuine understanding of deep emotion, Ms. Kantra gifts the reader with an exciting plot with just-right pacing. Her protagonists are complex and learn about love and loving the hard way, which adds a touch of realism to this special love story." -- *Rendezvous, Oct 1998* ### Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. A little shiver ran through Clare as she recognized Matt's brown-velvet voice behind her. She slowly turned around. No one could look as good as that voice promised. He did. He stood behind her, thumbs hitched in his belt loops, his broad shoulders encased in dark cotton and his black boots making a statement on these mean streets. Tug a Stetson over that dark hair and he'd look like Wyatt Earp taking on the bad guys in Tombstone. A rush of contradictory feelings washed through her, warm and confused. The man was trouble, she thought. He was a danger to her work and a threat to her peace of mind. But his dogged adherence to duty compelled her respect. His understated humor roused her liking. And that voice of his was beginning to invade her dreams...