SECRET MEETING MINUTES
TO: Mitch Deveraux
FROM: Payton Heyward
RE: A âbusinessâ arrangement
Mitch,
Per our discussion, the Heywards and the Deverauxes have had a long history of duking it out in the marketplace in ever-inventive ways. Now, as our two shipping companies continue to battle for market share, it is unnecessarily sapping the energy and resources of us both. Iâd like to propose a merger between the Heyward and Deveraux shipping companiesâin more ways than one. If you and my daughter Lauren marry and join our families and businesses through marriage, then I am prepared to offer you half of Heyward Shipping as dowry. Plus, if you can keep this quiet from Lauren, there is a secret bonus in it for youâ¦.
Dear Reader,
What a special lineup of love stories Harlequin American Romance has for you this month. Bestselling author Cathy Gillen Thacker continues her family saga, THE DEVERAUX LEGACY, with His Marriage Bonus. A confirmed bachelor ponders a marital merger with his business rivalâs daughter, and soon his much-guarded heart is in danger of a romantic takeover!
Next, a young woman attempts to catch the eye of her lifelong crush by undergoing a head-to-toe makeover in Plain Janeâs Plan, the latest book in Kara Lennoxâs HOW TO MARRY A HARDISON miniseries. In Courtship, Montana Style by Charlotte Maclay, a sophisticated city slicker arrives on a handsome rancherâs doorstep, seeking refuge with a baby in her arms. The Rancher Wore Suits by Rita Herron is the first book in TRADING PLACES, an exciting duo about identical twin brothers separated at birth who are reunited and decide to switch places to see what their lives might have been like.
Enjoy this monthâs offerings, and be sure to return each and every month to Harlequin American Romance!
Happy reading,
Melissa Jeglinski
Associate Senior Editor
Harlequin American Romance
Cathy Gillen Thacker
His Marriage Bonus
Cathy Gillen Thacker married her high school sweetheart and hasnât had a dull moment since. Why, you ask? Well, there were three kids, various pets, any number of automobiles, several moves across the country, his and her careers, and sundry other experiences. But mostly, there was love and friendship and laughter, and lots of experiences she wouldnât trade for the world.
You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.cathygillenthacker.com, and you can write her c/o Harlequin Books, 300 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.
Whoâs Who in the Deveraux Family
Tom DeverauxâThe head of the family and CEO of the Deveraux shipping empire that has been handed down through the generations.
Grace DeverauxâEstranged from Tom for years, but back in townâafter a personal tragedyâfor some much-needed family support.
Chase DeverauxâThe eldest son, and the biggest playboy in the greater Charleston area.
Mitch DeverauxâA chip off the old block; about to double the size of the family business via a business/marriage arrangement.
Dr. Gabe DeverauxâThe âGoodestâ Samaritan around. Any damsels in distress in need of the good doctorâs assistanceâ¦?
Amy DeverauxâThe baby sister. Sheâs determined to reunite her parents.
Winnifred Deveraux SmithâTomâs widowed sister. The social doyenne of Charleston, sheâs determined never to marry. Thatâs not what she has in mind for her niece and nephews, though.
Herry BowlesâThe butler. Distinguished, indispensable and devoted to his boss, Winnifred.
Eleanor DeverauxâThe Deveraux ancestor with whom the legacy of ill-fated love began.
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
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
âDonât you dare play innocent with me, Mitch Deveraux!â Lauren Heyward stormed the moment she entered Payton Heywardâs office at Heyward Shipping Company. She leveled a slender, accusing finger Mitchâs way. âI know what you and my father are trying to do! And itâs not going to work!â
âAnd what, exactly, might that be?â Mitch Deveraux retorted dryly. He didnât have a clue what she was talking about, but he couldnât say he minded spending a little time alone with the young and beautiful shipping heiress. She was a sight to behold, in a fitted coral blazer, clinging white silk blouse and slim coral-plaid skirt that ended just an inch above her knees. The low-heeled pumps she wore were sensible but sexy enough to make the most of her trim, spectacular legs. And her beauty didnât end with a knockout figure. Her golden-brown hair looked soft and touchable as it fell to her shoulders. She had parted it on the side, and tucked it behind her ear. Mitch had never been much of a touchy-feely guy, but as he took in the delicate, aristocratic contours of her oval-shaped face, he found himself wanting to run his fingers through the golden-brown mane and experience the shimmering softness of her hair for himself.