Tall, Dark And Irresistible

“Oh, a few minutes won’t hurt. I want to see the site for your future home,” Carolyn said, then shivered.

Ryan encircled her with his arms, stepping close to nestle her to him. Carolyn stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, savoring the warmth of Ryan’s massive, powerful body.

Oh, he was so strong, yet so gentle. She was definitely not cold any longer. The heat emanating from Ryan was suffusing her, causing her heart to quicken its tempo. The heat was growing hotter, beginning to burn within her with licking flames of desire.

Move away, Carolyn, she ordered herself. This was dangerous, was too intimate and… It was as though she and Ryan had been transported to another world where no one existed but the two of them. And in this world, they were free to do whatever felt right and real.

Dear Reader,

While taking a breather from decorating and gift-wrapping, check out this month’s exciting treats from Silhouette Special Edition. The Summer House (#1510) contains two fabulous stories in one neat package. “Marrying Mandy” by veteran author Susan Mallery features the reunion of two sweethearts who fall in love all over again. Joining Susan is fellow romance writer Teresa Southwick whose story “Courting Cassandra” shows how an old crush blossoms into full-blown love.

In Joan Elliott Pickart’s Tall, Dark and Irresistible (#1507), a hero comes to terms with his heritage and meets a special woman who opens his heart to the possibilities. Award-winning author Anne McAllister gets us in the holiday spirit with The Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle (#1508) in which a lone-wolf cowboy finds out he’s a dad to an adorable little boy, then realizes the woman who’d always been his “best buddy” now makes his heart race at top speed! And count on Christine Rimmer for another page-turner in Scrooge and the Single Girl (#1509). This heart-thumping romance features an anti-Santa hero and an independent heroine, both resigned to singlehood and stranded in a tiny little mountain cabin where they’ll have a holiday they’ll never forget!

Judy Duarte returns to the line-up with Family Practice (#1511), a darling tale of a handsome doctor who picks up the pieces after a bitter divorce and during a much-needed vacation falls in love with a hardworking heroine and her two kids. In Elane Osborn’s A Season To Believe (#1512), a woman survives a car crash but wakes up with amnesia. When a handsome private detective takes her plight to heart, she finds more than one reason to be thankful.

As you can see, we have an abundance of rich and emotionally complex love stories to share with you. I wish you happiness, fun and a little romance this holiday season!

Karen Taylor Richman

Senior Editor

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For Autumn and Kate,

special little ladies of two worlds.

is the author of over eighty-five novels. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, gardening and attending craft shows on the town square with her young daughter, Autumn. Joan has three all-grown-up daughters and three fantastic grandchildren. Joan and Autumn live in a charming small town in the high pine country of Arizona.

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Epilogue

“I’m here as summoned,” Ryan Sharpe said, smiling as he sank onto the butter-soft leather chair next to the fireplace in Robert MacAllister’s study. His grandfather sat in a matching chair across from Ryan, the leaping flames of a warming fire crackling in the hearth separating the two men.

“I’m honored to be included as one of your grandchildren in your secret mission to give each of us a special gift at a time of your choosing.”

“You know that I’ve considered you my grandson ever since Ted and Hannah adopted you in Korea when you were six months old,” Robert said. “The Sharpe family had always been a part of the ever-growing MacAllister clan.

“I’m very proud of you, Ryan. You’ve worked extremely hard and are a valued member of the team at MacAllister Architects.” He chuckled. “And like the others who have already received their gifts, you’re early for our meeting.”

Ryan laughed.

“As you know, it’s up to you whether you choose to tell anyone what I give you this evening. That’s entirely your decision to make.”

Ryan nodded.

Robert frowned and studied Ryan for a long moment before speaking again, causing Ryan to shift uncomfortably in his chair under his grandfather’s intense scrutiny.

“I wish I had some magical words to say to you, or a mystical wand to wave,” Robert finally said quietly, “that would create peace within you, Ryan. I’ve watched you struggle with your mixed heritage for so many years, and it’s heartbreaking to know you feel as though you don’t really fit in here—or in Korea.”