<
Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,
You may be surprised to find me and the Randalls in the Harlequin Intrigue line. Normally my books are not filled with murder and mayhem. However, I couldnât resist the opportunity to give one of my Randalls the chance to play a real hero. Jim Randall, Chad and Meganâs oldest boy, has been drifting since he completed college. When a call for help from a former flame arouses old memories, he finds he canât abandon Patience Anderson. He plays the role of hero very well, but his emotions arenât as easily directed. I hope you like his story.
The Randalls always pull together to bring about a happy ending. This remarkable family wonât have it any other way. There are, of course, some rough moments, but the Randalls face every test, fearlessly doing what has to be done. We canât always choose our paths in life, but we can control our behavior.
It was interesting for me to accompany my characters through a different kind of story, one of danger and escape. I hope you enjoy the change, and I promise I will return to Rawhide and the Randalls once again this December.
Best wishes,
<
Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,
Beginning this October, Harlequin Intrigue has expanded its lineup to six books! Publishing two more titles each month enables us to bring you an extraordinary selection of breathtaking stories of romantic suspense filled with exciting editorial varietyâand we encourage you to try all that we have to offer.
Stock up on catnip! Caroline Burnes brings back your favorite feline sleuth to beckon you into a new mystery in the popular series FEAR FAMILIAR. This four-legged detective sticks his whiskers into the mix to help clear a stunning stuntwomanâs name in Familiar Double. Up next is Dani Sinclairâs new HEARTSKEEP trilogy starting with The Firstbornâa darkly sensual gothic romance that revolves around a sinister suspense plot. To lighten things up, bestselling Harlequin American Romance author Judy Christenberry crosses her beloved BRIDES FOR BROTHERS series into Harlequin Intrigue with Randall Renegadeâa riveting reunion romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Keeping Baby Safe by Debra Webb could either passionately reunite a duty-bound COLBY AGENCY operative and his onetime loverâor tear them apart forever. Donât miss the continuation of this action-packed series. Then Amy J. Fetzer launches our BACHELORS AT LARGE promotion featuring fearless men in blue with Under His Protection. Finally, watch for Dr. Bodyguard by debut author Jessica Andersen. Will a hunky doctor help penetrate the emotional walls around a lady genius before a madman closes in?
Pick up all six for a complete reading experience you wonât forget!
Enjoy,
Denise OâSullivan
Senior Editor
Harlequin Intrigue
Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy is a native Texan.
Jim RandallâA man of honor who canât say no to a voice from the past.
Patience AndersonâThe fiercely protective mother has no one else to turn to.
Chad RandallâHis beloved son wants to stand alone, but thatâs not the Randall way.
Joseph KeatsâHis fanatical beliefs have already cost his wife her life. Will his son also pay the ultimate price?
Tommy PetersâA little boy who loves and trusts Patience, the only mother heâs ever known. Can he trust her to rescue him?
For Pat Bennett:
first a devoted fan, now a good friend.
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
Jim Randall presented himself in the kitchen at dinnertime because it was expected. But he wasnât staying. âRed, Iâm heading into town. Donât count me in for dinner.â
âYouâre supposed to let me know earlier, boy. You got something special planned?â the older man asked.
âNot really, Red. Iâm meeting a few friends. Sorry I didnât know this morning.â
As he turned away, his father, Chad Randall, entered the big kitchen, and Jim had to explain himself all over again. And if he didnât hurry out, his mom would be next. As much as he loved his family, twenty-five seemed a little old to be tied so tightly to the apron strings.
âWait, boy,â Red said. âYou got a phone message. Sounded real important.â Red handed him a piece of paper.
Jim scanned the message, and his heart jerked. He carefully folded it and said, âThanks, Red.â
Red wasnât finished. âThe girl on the phone was crying.â
Damn! Why couldnât the old man mind his own business? Jim felt badly immediately. Red was like a grandfather to him. He loved him. But he didnât want anyone asking any questions about the call.