What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Chance Detectives #1
Criminal Promises: Second Chance Detectives
Seasoned, act-first-ask-questions-later Detective BD Harte is assigned to protect Maggie Sullivan when she’s targeted by an escaped serial killer he’d put away a year earlier. Getting up close and personal with the sensuous widow he felt an inappropriate temptation for threatens BD’s emotional distance. Attraction quickly flares into an irresistible passion, forcing him to wage a battle of self-control, while memories rip open an old wound, awakening his longing for the life he almost had…and still covets.
After one too many violent taunts shatter her sense of security, single mother Maggie Sullivan invites Detective Harte to conduct his all-night stakeouts from inside her home. When her home is again broken into and she discovers Harte’s been investigating her late husband, she struggles with her attraction to him. But the comfort she finds in his arms, his understanding and tenderness, and the passion he awakens triggers yearnings she’d long ago given up on…and still desires.
Can two wounded hearts come together as one in time… Or will the killer seeking a powerful key to nuclear weaponry ensure they never have the chance?
After one too many violent taunts shatter her sense of security, single mother Maggie Sullivan invites Detective Harte to conduct his all-night stakeouts from inside her home. When her home is again broken into and she discovers Harte’s been investigating her late husband, she struggles with her attraction to him. But the comfort she finds in his arms, his understanding and tenderness, and the passion he awakens triggers yearnings she’d long ago given up on…and still desires.
Can two wounded hearts come together as one in time… Or will the killer seeking a powerful key to nuclear weaponry ensure they never have the chance?
216 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2012
1 person is currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Duncan
37 books113 followersMeet Nikki Duncan, Author of Small-Town Romance and Second Chance Love
Looking for emotional healing romance with strong female leads and second chance love stories? Nikki Duncan writes small-town romance novels and romantic women’s fiction about healing that go deeper than the surface. Her books explore the kind of love that repairs what’s broken, fuels self-discovery, and lingers long after the last page.
Nikki’s journey started in secret, writing her first story while devouring Harlequins. That quiet beginning led to a career of more than twenty novels and a fan-favorite debut, Sounds to Die By. The book began as a challenge to create a blind hero without drowning him in angst. It became a contemporary romance series readers still return to.
Over the years, Nikki’s work has appeared alongside romance icons like Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, and Cathryn Fox. Her stories blend emotion, resilience, and unexpected twists. Whether it’s laughter or heartbreak, Nikki’s characters push through life’s messes and find connection on the other side.
Off the page, she’s touched nearly every part of the book world. She’s designed covers, built websites, written for romance magazines, and hosted reader parties. One even featured a surprise cameo by EL James. After years of creative burnout, Nikki took a step back to care for her family and rekindle her spark.
Now, she writes from her restored farmhouse in Texas Horse Country. Her home, once dubbed “Dump to Dream,” inspires the kind of hope she weaves into every book. Whether it’s a reclusive star in Healing His Heart or a grieving sister in Her Twelve Miracles of Christmas, Nikki’s stories are layered with meaning.
When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, reworking her website (again), or dreaming up the next love story that just might change a life.
Looking for emotional healing romance with strong female leads and second chance love stories? Nikki Duncan writes small-town romance novels and romantic women’s fiction about healing that go deeper than the surface. Her books explore the kind of love that repairs what’s broken, fuels self-discovery, and lingers long after the last page.
Nikki’s journey started in secret, writing her first story while devouring Harlequins. That quiet beginning led to a career of more than twenty novels and a fan-favorite debut, Sounds to Die By. The book began as a challenge to create a blind hero without drowning him in angst. It became a contemporary romance series readers still return to.
Over the years, Nikki’s work has appeared alongside romance icons like Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Sylvia Day, and Cathryn Fox. Her stories blend emotion, resilience, and unexpected twists. Whether it’s laughter or heartbreak, Nikki’s characters push through life’s messes and find connection on the other side.
Off the page, she’s touched nearly every part of the book world. She’s designed covers, built websites, written for romance magazines, and hosted reader parties. One even featured a surprise cameo by EL James. After years of creative burnout, Nikki took a step back to care for her family and rekindle her spark.
Now, she writes from her restored farmhouse in Texas Horse Country. Her home, once dubbed “Dump to Dream,” inspires the kind of hope she weaves into every book. Whether it’s a reclusive star in Healing His Heart or a grieving sister in Her Twelve Miracles of Christmas, Nikki’s stories are layered with meaning.
When she’s not writing, she’s sipping tea, reworking her website (again), or dreaming up the next love story that just might change a life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 6, 2017
Yeah I had some issues with this.
The plot was a bit ridiculous. The villain was ABSOLUTELY ridiculous. Obviously mentally unstable, but we are told she passed all the tests and isn't actually unstable, even though she is a serial killer, and tortures her victims mentally, and has some crazy obsession with a civilization that may or may not have existed, for an alien rock that apparently has the capabilities to make a nuclear device practically a planet killer.
D'fuq did I just read?
Her OCD really started to irritate me. Her 'superwoman' abilities read very Mary Sue-ish.
Her sister irritated the fuck out of me, and honestly should have been arrested for assaulting a police officer, AND interfering with an active police investigation. She read his fucking emails? Excuse me???
The insta romance also bothered me. But according to the book it was okay, because she wasn't happy in her marriage, even though before the physical stuff started, she was sooooooo in love with her dead husband, and so loyal, and it was the ideal marriage etc etc.
Yeah.. not going to give this author any more of my time.. this killed a few hours, but was ridiculous.
The plot was a bit ridiculous. The villain was ABSOLUTELY ridiculous. Obviously mentally unstable, but we are told she passed all the tests and isn't actually unstable, even though she is a serial killer, and tortures her victims mentally, and has some crazy obsession with a civilization that may or may not have existed, for an alien rock that apparently has the capabilities to make a nuclear device practically a planet killer.
D'fuq did I just read?
Her OCD really started to irritate me. Her 'superwoman' abilities read very Mary Sue-ish.
Her sister irritated the fuck out of me, and honestly should have been arrested for assaulting a police officer, AND interfering with an active police investigation. She read his fucking emails? Excuse me???
The insta romance also bothered me. But according to the book it was okay, because she wasn't happy in her marriage, even though before the physical stuff started, she was sooooooo in love with her dead husband, and so loyal, and it was the ideal marriage etc etc.
Yeah.. not going to give this author any more of my time.. this killed a few hours, but was ridiculous.
May 11, 2012
When a convicted murderer escapes prison the Detective that put her away must confront the feelings he has for the widow of the man murdered. Detective BD Harte cannot escape the feelings that pull him toward Maggie Sullivan. Since telling her of her husband’s murder and putting away the killer Harte has been unable to stop his continuing feelings for Maggie. Now that her life may be in danger Harte will do anything to keep Maggie and her children safe.
Maggie Sullivan has had a tumultuous year. The death of her husband and the birth of her daughter have left her with a need to control things, unfortunately, her son didn’t get the memo. Maggie thinks her current biggest problem is Jared’s penchant for pranks involving wild animals, but when she opens the door to Detective Harte Maggie knows her world is about to go topsy turvy once again.
Maggie is willing to let Detective Harte protect her from the madwoman who killed her husband but she wants to do her part in bringing the woman to justice once and for all. If Maggie can get Harte to let her in on the case she might just be able to open up her heart again. Can Harte and Maggie decipher the clues before it’s too late?
Nikki Duncan’s Criminal Promises is brimming with passion and promise! This thrilling story gives the reader tons of emotion and edge of your seat suspense. Harte and Maggie are both quite complex characters. They are both dealing with the ramifications of her husband’s murder. Maggie has been forced to reevaluate her life. She has had to rethink her wants and needs. While Harte struggles with his feelings for Maggie and his involvement in the incidents surrounding her husband’s death. They could both heal if they were together but they must first put the past truly behind them. I thoroughly enjoyed their story in Criminal Promises. There were times when I wanted to scream at Harte for his close-mouthed behavior I wanted him to share more with Maggie but I understand his reasoning. Maggie’s character is so gripping. She has been through so much even though her problems aren’t over yet she handles things with grace and strength. I was a bit thrown off by some of the kerfuffle during the action sequence but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, Criminal Promises is an engaging and emotionally satisfying romance!
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
Maggie Sullivan has had a tumultuous year. The death of her husband and the birth of her daughter have left her with a need to control things, unfortunately, her son didn’t get the memo. Maggie thinks her current biggest problem is Jared’s penchant for pranks involving wild animals, but when she opens the door to Detective Harte Maggie knows her world is about to go topsy turvy once again.
Maggie is willing to let Detective Harte protect her from the madwoman who killed her husband but she wants to do her part in bringing the woman to justice once and for all. If Maggie can get Harte to let her in on the case she might just be able to open up her heart again. Can Harte and Maggie decipher the clues before it’s too late?
Nikki Duncan’s Criminal Promises is brimming with passion and promise! This thrilling story gives the reader tons of emotion and edge of your seat suspense. Harte and Maggie are both quite complex characters. They are both dealing with the ramifications of her husband’s murder. Maggie has been forced to reevaluate her life. She has had to rethink her wants and needs. While Harte struggles with his feelings for Maggie and his involvement in the incidents surrounding her husband’s death. They could both heal if they were together but they must first put the past truly behind them. I thoroughly enjoyed their story in Criminal Promises. There were times when I wanted to scream at Harte for his close-mouthed behavior I wanted him to share more with Maggie but I understand his reasoning. Maggie’s character is so gripping. She has been through so much even though her problems aren’t over yet she handles things with grace and strength. I was a bit thrown off by some of the kerfuffle during the action sequence but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, Criminal Promises is an engaging and emotionally satisfying romance!
Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
March 28, 2012
"Criminal Promises" by Nikki Duncan is just as smokin' hot on the inside as the cover is on the outside! Excellent storyline - an escaped serial killer is on the prowl for the widow of the man she killed a year earlier, convinced the widow holds the key to a lost treasure.
Detective Harte is drawn to Maggie, the widow, but afraid to give her his heart. The plot thickens as Maggie is terrorized by the killer, while she aches to be with the man sent to protect her.
A definite must-read! Nikki Duncan has written a great story with passion and a fantastic twist. 'm eager to read more in the series.
Detective Harte is drawn to Maggie, the widow, but afraid to give her his heart. The plot thickens as Maggie is terrorized by the killer, while she aches to be with the man sent to protect her.
A definite must-read! Nikki Duncan has written a great story with passion and a fantastic twist. 'm eager to read more in the series.
January 5, 2013
Won this in a giveaway.
3.5
This was a few grammatical errors but nothing too bad. Also at the end when the accomplice was revealed I was a little confused it named one person as the accomplice then 2 pages later someone totally different. I reread it a few times to see if I missed something but nope nothing was missed. So I just rolled with it didn't bother me a bit (and knowing me I did skip something shhh) Anyway...
Hot Guy, beautiful girl, both with a scarred past, Who fall for each other but fight it ever step of the way. While trying to catch a serial killer who is always 1 step ahead of them. Wooo Talk about frustrating. Anyway GOOD enjoyable read! Happy I won it :)
3.5
This was a few grammatical errors but nothing too bad. Also at the end when the accomplice was revealed I was a little confused it named one person as the accomplice then 2 pages later someone totally different. I reread it a few times to see if I missed something but nope nothing was missed. So I just rolled with it didn't bother me a bit (and knowing me I did skip something shhh) Anyway...
Hot Guy, beautiful girl, both with a scarred past, Who fall for each other but fight it ever step of the way. While trying to catch a serial killer who is always 1 step ahead of them. Wooo Talk about frustrating. Anyway GOOD enjoyable read! Happy I won it :)
August 21, 2014
NOT A BAD READ BUT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARACTERS, THEY WERE SORT OF STUPID SOMETIMES. I MEAN DOESN'T MAGGIE OR HER FAMILY/FRIENDS LISTEN TO THE NEWS AT ALL?? IF YOU HAVE NO MONEY ISSUES, WITH EVERYTHING THAT WAS GOING ON WHY DON'T YOU GET A KICK-ASS HOME SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLED? THE CONSTANT REPETATIVE THOUGHTS THAT MAGGIE & BD SHARED WAS JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH (started skip-scanning through these). THE STORY LINE WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFERED IF SOME OF THE ANGST FILLED THOUGHTS WERE REMOVED, JUST WOULD MAKE A SHORTER BOOK. OH-MY-GAWD!! THAT COVER IS HOTT, I KEPT GOING BACK TO LOOK AT IT. THAT MODEL SCOTT IS A "SUPER" NOVA, EVEN HIS NANE IS SEXXY. WOW! ;D
December 11, 2012
I was a First Read Winner of this book and I liked it. I wish we could give half stars because its actually a 3.5 for me. I really wanted to like it more, it had a great premise and I loved the characters but it moved kinda slow for me. It took forever for BD and Maggie to get together even though there was plenty of chemistry and heated looks and some kisses between them, and the villain was kinda predictable. I would still recommend this book to friends since overall I thought it was good.
November 10, 2013
Thanks Nikki Duncan for the signed copy of your book!
When this came in the mail I wanted to devour it on sight but unfortunately school kept me from reading it… until now.
I loved the instant spark between BD and Maggie. They’re both strong and likable characters.
I hope in the next book we learn more about Grace and Craig’s relationship.
When this came in the mail I wanted to devour it on sight but unfortunately school kept me from reading it… until now.
I loved the instant spark between BD and Maggie. They’re both strong and likable characters.
I hope in the next book we learn more about Grace and Craig’s relationship.
January 17, 2013
This is a nice story about a man protecting a strong willed women. I found it a bit immature at times but it kept the story light. I was glad to see it told from both main characters point of view instead of just one sided. Would highly recommend to other readers who like this genera.
Want to read
November 23, 2012I just wanted to say thank you for doing this giveaway for your book Criminal Promises, I'm very excited to be able to read this. As soon as I receive and read the novel I will be sure to write a review.
February 21, 2012
I like this book! the story is loaded with suspense and sexual tension. The secondary characters are great too!
April 17, 2012
Loved this book! The story was moving & sweet. Steamy love scenes! Can't wait for the next one.
December 25, 2012
THIS IS A VERY ENTERTAINING BOOK BY NIKKI DUNCAN. THESE CHARACTERS REALLY COME TO LIFE. I REALLY ENJOYED IT! THANK YOU GOODREADS!!!!
February 23, 2013
I won this book on a giveaway. I liked the suspense and all the sexual tension!! Great book!
January 2, 2013
I Love this book! I am glad I won it. It was one of the books that was hard to put down. :D
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews