Isn't It Rich?

In this beloved novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods proves once again that sometimes family does know best.

Straitlaced tycoon Richard Carlton suspects that his Aunt Destiny has more than business matters on her mind when she insists he meet klutzy PR executive Melanie Hart. Melanie might be brilliant—and beautiful—but Richard won’t open his wounded heart to any woman, no matter how much she might make his pulse race.

Yet when the press mistakenly reports that they’re a couple, Richard convinces Melanie to pretend that they’re engaged—to bolster his reputation and to teach his matchmaking aunt a lesson, once and for all. But is this relationship just a charade, or do opposites really attract—for keeps?

Praise for the novels of Sherryl Woods

“Woods’ amazing grasp of human nature and the emotions that lie deep within us make this story universal.”

—RT Book Reviews on Driftwood Cottage

“Woods’ emotionally intense story of loss and love will appeal to a broad range of readers.”

—Booklist on Willow Brook Road

“Once again, Woods proves her expertise in matters of the heart as she gives us characters that we genuinely relate to and care about. A truly delightful read!”

—RT Book Reviews on Moonlight Cove

“Woods employs her signature elements—the southern small-town atmosphere, the supportive network of friends and family, and the heartwarming romance—to great effect.”

—Booklist on A Slice of Heaven

“Woods…is noted for appealing character-driven stories that are often infused with the flavor and fragrance of the South.”

—Library Journal

“Woods delivers a charming novel…[a] unique blend of sparkling humor and family drama.”

—RT Book Reviews on Midnight Promises

Isn’t It Rich?

Sherryl Woods

www.mirabooks.co.uk

Dear friend,

The Perfect Destinies series was originally issued as three Silhouette Special Editions (Million-Dollar Destinies), with a longer follow-up book written for MIRA. I’m so pleased to have all of them available in these new editions from MIRA.

As many of you know, I’ve always loved writing about families. And in this case, three sexy, very different brothers were raised by their madcap Aunt Destiny after the tragic death of their parents. Think Auntie Mame for those of you old enough to remember that wonderful movie. Or meddling Mick O’Brien, if you’re a fan of my Chesapeake Shores series.

I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting the Carltons, if you’ve read these books before. And if you’re new to the series, I hope you’ll welcome the family into your heart as you have so many of my other families.

All best,

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Richard Carlton—A workaholic and born leader, he insists—and thrives—on a predictable, well-ordered life. As the oldest of three orphaned brothers and head of Carlton Industries, he takes responsibility for the company and his family seriously. Maybe a little too seriously.

Melanie Hart—She’s already accomplished a lot in the tough world of marketing because she’s a genius at seeing the big picture and planning a strategy for success. But details tend to elude her—as has romance. She’s exactly the kind of woman to drive a man like Richard crazy, which is precisely why she’s been handpicked to bring love into his life.

Destiny Carlton—Years ago, Richard’s aunt sacrificed her madcap lifestyle in the south of France to come home and care for her orphaned nephews. As terrifying as she found the prospect, she’s actually succeeded in getting them all to adulthood with a minimum of disasters. But until they’re happily married, she won’t consider her duty done—and her first matchmaking project is to get Richard to the altar.

One goal-oriented man,

one slightly offbeat woman, and Destiny’s touch… It’s the perfect recipe for love!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

Dear friend

CAST OF CHARACTERS

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Extract

Copyright

1

Richard Carlton made three business calls on his cell phone, scowled impatiently at the antique clock on the wall of his favorite Old Town Alexandria seafood restaurant, made two more calls, then frowned at the Rolex watch on his wrist.

Five more minutes and he was history. He was only here as a favor to his Aunt Destiny. He’d promised to give some supposedly brilliant marketing whiz kid a chance at the consultant’s contract for the family corporation’s public relations campaign despite her lack of experience working with a major worldwide conglomerate.

He was also looking for a consultant who could help him launch his first political campaign. His intention had been to hire someone more seasoned than this woman Destiny was recommending, but his aunt was very persuasive when she put her mind to something.

“Just meet with her. Have a nice lunch. Give her a chance to sell you on her talent. After all,” Aunt Destiny had said with a suspicious gleam in her eye, “nobody on earth is a tougher sell than you, right?”

Richard had given his aunt a wry look. “You flatter me.”