Современные любовные романы — Judy Christenberry

SEALED WITH A…SLAP?The kiss was desperate, passionate, leaving Kelly Hampton no alternative but to smack the sinfully sexy cowboy who'd taken liberty with her lips. Didn't matter that Pete Crawford was her best friend's brother. Didn't matter that he'd handpicked her to foil a fortune-hunting femme fatale's advances. Pete was a cowboy, and Kelly had the broken heart and fatherless baby boy to prove that cowboys couldn't be trusted.What if Pete doted on Drew, becoming the dad her child had never...

He was rich, he was handsome…and Nicholas Avery was going to be a daddy! When Andrea Avery realized that her whirlwind marriage to the business tycoon had resulted in a bundle of joy, her protective instincts told her to keep the child a secret. After all, the last thing Nick wanted was a family….Only, suddenly stranded during a fierce storm with her soon-to-be ex, she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep her not-so-little secret. But the long days–and nights–spent with each other brought...

Another Match Made In…CactusSuddenly a single mom and a ranch owner, city girl Suzanne McCoy needed help in a hurry when the matrons of Cactus, Texas, came to her rescue. Their solution–Ryan Walker, the best rancher in town and a single parent, too. Suzanne offered Ryan her homemaking skills in exchange for his farm help, but the sexy cowboy got the wrong idea. Before she knew it, she was Mrs. Ryan Walker and the mother of three! This Texas-sized wedding had certainly saved their sorry...

Workaholic attorney Richard Anderson's life was turned upside down when he became guardian to his orphaned nephew. He tried his best, but it was up to Molly Soderling, the boy's beautiful nurse, to make this a very special Christmas.In Richard's mansion Molly could pretend to have the family Christmas she'd always craved. She already loved the boy, but his broodingly handsome uncle was downright dangerous! Molly resisted temptation–till she made one mistake: she got caught under mistletoe….

When John Randall swerved to avoid a broken-down car on a deserted Wyoming back road, the cowboy never dreamed he'd find a beautiful woman inside.But like a knight without his steed, the rancher came to her rescue. She was, after all, alone…and about to give birth. Lucy Horton was on the run. After an attack on her unborn child, she'd had no choice but to seek refuge in the tiny town of Rawhide.But now her baby was making an unscheduled appearance and her handsome hero wouldn't leave her side....

Recently widowed rancher John Richey had sworn off women, but he'd do anything for his baby daughter–even remarry. After all, little Betsy was crying out for a mom, and he needed help. His foreman's niece seemed the perfect choice for a platonic wife. Until he met her…Debra Williams and her toddler son filled John's house with warmth, making it feel like a real home again. Debra thought a prime job awaited her out west, not a husband! But this big, blue-eyed ionest-to-God cowboy needed more than...

Like her very own knight in shining armor, rancher Joe Crawford emerged from the mist to rescue Anna Pointer from a desperate situation. Widowed and raising two children alone, Anna could not refuse Joe's offer of assistance, though she was determined to ignore her attraction for the wealthy bachelor.A man of few words, Joe had always kept to himself. But Anna claimed to see beyond his beastly demeanor, giving this solitary man hope that a happily-ever-after was within his grasp…if only he dared...

LUCKY CHARM SISTERSKATEMAGGIESUSANDESPERATELY SEEKING CINDERELLA…Susan Greenwood had expected a tip, not an offer of marriage! But how could the down-on-her-luck beauty resist when rich-as-a-prince Zach Lowery proposed to her in the middle of the Lucky Charm Diner?Then she got her answer–it was just a role she had to play to soothe Zach's dying grandfather. But Zach never expected his pretend wife to tie him in knots with her selfless gestures and warm embraces. And soon this cynical rancher...

Ever since he was a kid and his orphaned family split, sending him into foster care, Captain James Barlow knew he was a jinx to anyone he loved. He'd hidden out safely in the marines…until a detective found him and most of his siblings. The captain had seen battle, but no enemy made him uneasy like his newfound family–and the beautiful Carrie Rand.Even before Jim walked into her Dallas P.I. office, Carrie had fallen for his photo. The square-jawed hunk she'd sought had starred nightly in her...

LUCKY CHARM SISTERSKATE:Join her this monthMAGGIE:Coming in February 1999SUSAN:Don't miss her in March 1999THE TWELVE-MONTH MARRIAGETheir marriage was a business agreement, plain and simple. Will Hardison needed a wife to prevent women from chasing his millions. Kate O'Connor needed help so she could build her late father's dream. So they struck a deal–they'd marry for one year, and both of their problems would be solved.Of course, there would be no touching…or kissing…or making soul-searing...

Ryan Nix knew all too well the joy of parenthood–and the pain of loss. So he vowed never to let himself feel anything again. Until he looked through a nursery window to find his name listed as the father of Emma Davenport's newborn baby girl! What was he going to do now?Sweet, lovely Emma knew what a risk she was taking when she fell fast and hard for a man who refused to open his heart. But her beautiful baby girl was proof that Ryan had let his guard down once. Maybe it was time for second...

To: Jen, Lauren, Julia, Maggie From: Sharon Date: 10/01RE: Due Date: 7 months!Remember my dream man? The one I met when trapped in the elevator? Well, he's back–and he's our new client! The moment I heard his voice, I knew Jack Waterton was the man I'd–who'd– Well, the man from the elevator! For weeks I've been thinking of his strong arms and the kindness of his touch. And now we're working together! But I don't know if he remembers me yet–or knows I have a very special reminder of our night...

With one glance Nick Logan knows Abby's little boy is his son–and now he wants the chance to be a father to Robbie.Though Nick sent her away once, Abby vows he won't get his way this time. She has no intention of letting her son out of her arms. But living with Nick on his Wyoming ranch is more than she bargained for. As is the sneaking suspicion that she's never really got the charismatic cowboy out of her system.

She Was Home For The Holidays…But jewelry designer Melissa Randall had no intention of staying in Rawhide, Wyoming. The sassy sophisticate had a life in Paris–one that didn't include a meddling, matchmaking family or the sexy, sloe-eyed deputy they had in mind for her.Down-home deputy Harry Gowan would never leave Rawhide; she'd never stay. He'd keep his bachelor heart out of her reach, memorize her pouty smile and practice kissing her goodbye. Harry held out hope, though; after all, the...

Quick–check the phone book under ''Groom''!Independent lady Elise Foster didn't want a husband–but she was desperate for a fiancé. To pacify her marriage-hungry family, she had to find a hunk she could pass off as her man-in-waiting. Then the perfect candidate–gorgeous James Dillon–adopted the part of adoring fiancé as if he'd been born for the role. His fiery kisses packed such passion that Miss Single-and-Proud-of-It fell smack-dab in love with her decoy! And now Elise was determined to make...

From the moment Rebecca Barlow starts her job at a law firm, she knows she's in for a lot of surprises. Especially when her new boss unexpectedly turns out to be her first love–her son's father.Now she not only has to reveal the five-year-old secret she's been keeping from Jeff Jacobs, but also face her unresolved feelings. And spend day after day with him and his fiancée coaching them about parenthood…Jeff is as delighted as he is shocked to see Rebecca, but her little secret isn't the only one...

The Last Barlow?David Buford/Barlow has finally found his long-lost family, but the joy he feels at being reunited with his brother and sisters is complicated by his growing feelings for his «cousin» Alexandra. Will Alex ever be able to look at David as more than a protector and start thinking of him as a man–even a potential husband?It turns out David doesn't have much to worry about–Alex already knows he's the one for her. The trouble is, they don't have the courage to tell each other their...

WHAT COULD COME OFA LITTLE HARMLESS FLIRTATION, ANYWAY?It wasn't as if she wanted to be a bride, after all. And maybe it will give Shelby Cook some answers about the mystery man who has been corresponding with her beloved Aunt Kay for the past fifteen years. And really spending time with his Closest friend, Pete Campbell, wasn't going to be a hardship! Still, getting 'him to spill his friend's secrets wasn't turning out to be a snap. Perhaps, it was time to raise the stakes? Could she tempt him...

Ranch hunk Hank Brownlee wanted only two things from his new housekeeper–companionship for his grieving father and some stick-to-your-ribs country cooking. What he got was something altogether different."Matron" he'd hired sight unseen turned out to be a blonde dynamo and a single mom. True, Maggie Woodward was a widow and she sure could cook, but she was also young and beautiful! And it wasn't long before Maggie and her little tyke had Hank's world turned upside down and his heartstrings...

In Michael Crawford's «Five Year Plan,» ' marriage came dead last. Even if he wanted a wife, it wouldn't be the slender blonde who arrived at the Circle K claiming to be the long.lost granddaughter of the late childless owner. 'Though Michael suspected Dani Langston of staking an unfounded claim on his loved ones, 'her blue-eyed innocence won over his family. ^ Like a saddled bronco he suddenly found himself a roommate, a co-worker–and a pretend fiancée!Dani's fire-andice personality knocked the...

For Julia Chance and Nick Rampling, chasing after her mother and his father was more than a search for eloping lovers; it was an exercise in frustration. Of all partners, how did a jet-setting millionaire get stuck with a prim virgin like Julia, who called him unfeeling and jaded? Still, Nick couldn't deny Julia intrigued him.After all, he appreciated a woman, just not a wife! But the more time he spent with Julia, sharing the same hotel rooms but enduring separate beds night after night, the...

Spending the night with a sexy, bossy cowboy had not been Lindsay Crawford's idea! But when a storm left her snowbound with gruff Gil Daniels, she had to be practical. And though his kisses made her quite warm, nothing happened!Trouble was, Lindsay's big, strong brothers didn't believe them. They recognized the look in Lindsay's eyes–and more important, the one in Gil's! Luckily, they respected him enough to hold off on the shotgun and let him do the right thing.But Lindsay wouldn't marry...

To Vanessa Shaw nothing is more important than family, especially since her recent reunion with her long-lost brother and sisters. So when she's asked to counsel a troubled teen, she puts everything into restoring her charge's sense of security–while wondering, where is Lindy's half brother and new guardian, Richard Austin?Once he finds out what happened to his little sister, Richard is determined to make everything right. He works closely with Vanessa to achieve this, and the more time he...

Accustomed to hiring and firing in a snap, Pete Scholfield was at a complete loss when it came to finding a wife. So why, when he engaged Ms.Thomasina Tyler to relocate his business, did he find himself considering her for another role? Sure, the chic spitfire was invading his dreams, but no way, no how did Tommie fit with his ideal of the perfect wife and homemaker!Starting out with nothing, Tommie had worked too hard to become Fort Worth's most successful Realtor to let this handsome...

PRIVATE INTERVIEW WITHSEXY TEXAN AUTHORQ: Dr. Alex Myerson, is it possible to overcome heartbreak and find that special person meant just for me–er, I mean you?A: Read Making the Most of Life, Tabitha Tyler, and you'll have your answer! It's possible, but personally, I wouldn't risk falling in love again, especially not with my publicist…no matter how appealing you are.Q: Well, Alex…I did read your self-help ■book and my advice, «Doctor, heal thyself.» I'd even go so far as to offer you my...

Single dad Doug Graybow has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two spunky twin boys. But he doesn' t expect his ad for a housekeeper to turn into a search for a wife! Nor does he realize there are so many desperate women in Wyoming!Late one night, Leslie shows up at Doug' s door to answer his ad, and before he can properly throw her out, she' s won his boys over with grilled cheese and cookies. He soon finds out she' s not just another pretty face looking for a husband. No matter...

A RANDALL THROUGH AND THROUGHOne look at lovely Victoria Randall, and Dr. Jonathan Wilson knew he was headed for a showdown. She was sexy, smart and she lived right next door. Would the sassy singleton succeed in putting a wedding rope around his neck? Not if Victoria had any say in the matter. Fall for a big-city bachelor who had snubbed her since the first day they'd met–no way! But then they shared a daring rescue and a stormy night of passion. Suddenly Jon and Victoria's future was more...

NEWS FLASH: TYLER PLAYBOY DATES …A SINGLE MOM?!Rumor has it that our resident attorney Quinn Spencer has been offering Molly Blake more than legal advice these past cold winter nights. Does this sandy-haired stud, who has broken hearts all over Tyler, have his sights set on Molly next? But the sweet owner of the Breakfast Inn Bed comes with a complete package including a four-year-old daughter. Will playboy Quinn be able to resist Molls homespun charm and little Sara's batting baby blues? He...

It was her smile that caused all the trouble. Yep, ranch foreman Rob Hansen was sure he never would have agreed to be Melissa Kennedy's counterfeit fiance if she hadn't given him one of her killer smiles.And now he found himself «engaged» to her, he was determined to keep as much distance as he possibly could from the lovely foster mom. He was no home-and-hearth kind of man. So Rob would resist her delicious meals, comforting arms…dimples…smiles…passionate embraces. Yeah. Right.

Tempting the tycoon out of the city…just in time for Christmas!Sally Rogers's family store is the heart and soul of the small town of Bailey, and she's working all hours to keep her business afloat. So when city slicker Hunter Bedford arrives, determined to buy her out, Sally is furious. No way will she sell to a ruthless businessman like Hunter!Instead, with Christmas approaching, she'll show him the warmth and spirit of Bailey. But as the snow falls thick and fast, they are trapped together,...

HIRED BY THE COWBOYAlexis Grayson is alone and pregnant, but honourable cowboy Connor Madsen seems determined to take care of her. He needs a temporary wife, so a short-term marriage will solve all their difficulties… until Alexis realises she wants a marriage for real!WEDDING BELLS AT WANDERING CREEKPI Jack Sullivan allows no one to get too close. That is until he takes on the Kingsley case. Jack has been sent to Wandering Creek on official business – business that doesn’t include falling for...

The last thing Lauren McNabb wanted was another child to care for–not after she'd raised her six siblings.The last thing Jack Mason wanted was another woman to come into his daughter's life, then leave. But when Jack showed up to renovate her Yellow Rose Lane apartment with his three-year-old in tow, Lauren fell for little Ally– and the handsome carpenter.But he didn't want «The Shark,» as she was known in legal circles, around his child. Lauren was certainly beautiful, and after years of being...

Jenny has distant, happy memories of her long-lost dad, and has finally gained the confidence to find him. Only one man stands in her way: the aloof and brooding Jason Welborn–her dad's business partner. And it's clear he's not happy she's come home…. Jason's convinced this city girl has only come to claim her share in the business, and then hotfoot it back to the Big Apple.But Jenny seems determined to win him over, and the more he tries to push her away, the more feisty Jenny's response...

One snowy Christmas, wedding bells ring!Penny Bradford has inherited her family ranch, but she has no idea how to run it! So she hires rugged rancher Jake Larson to train her up and show her the ropes. Jake thinks it will be easy–he'll run the ranch and hold Penny's hand until she realizes she isn't cut out for ranching.Trouble is, Jake realizes he doesn't want to let Penny's hand go! As the snow falls thick and fast, Christmas begins to work its magic on the boss and her rancher…