Зарубежная современная проза — Victoria Pade

HER SISTER'S FAMILYA newspaper article had brought Kira Wentworth to Northbridge, Montana, in the hopes of reuniting with her long-lost sister. But it was Cutty Grant and the tragic news he delivered that first dashed her dreams but quickly compelled her to stay.With the strength of Hercules, Kira overlooked her own needs and saw that Cutty required a kind heart and a helping hand. For with a broken ankle and no day care, his eighteen-month-old twins were running circles around the sexy single...

FAMILY MATTERSSmall-town cop Luke Walker smelled trouble the moment Karis Pratt arrived on his doorstep, claiming the baby she held in her arms was his. Luke had been devastated once before when Karis's sister left town with the daughter she confessed his. And though his mind and his heart had every reason to be skeptical, Luke soon realized that Karis was nothing like her impetuous sister. From birth, the little girl who could be his daughter had gripped his heart in her tiny fist and wouldn't...

FROM «FOR THE NIGHT»…After her last visit landed her in the arms of reformed bad boy Ben Walker, a nowpregnant Clair Cabot was attempting to push aside those vivid memories as she returned to Northbridge to reopen a school her father had owned. But that was before she learned the new owner was none other than Ben.…TO FOREVERAlthough Clair had disappeared without a word after their night of passion, seeing her again made Ben remember just how gorgeous–and mysterious–she was. This time he was...

PLAIN JANE TURNED KNOCKOUTIt was her first time back in Northbridge since graduating from high school and Eden Perry still felt like an ugly duckling. Yet her gorgeous transformation impressed her small-town neighbors, not to mention long-ago crush Cameron Pratt. And as luck would have it, Cam' s dark good looks had only improved with age. Now forced to work with him on a local investigation, Eden couldn' t slow her racing pulse or control her sweaty palms. But as the intimacy between them grew,...

The last man she’d consider marriage material…Just when wedding planner Vonni Hunter has given up finding a husband of her own, along comes breathtaking Dane Camden. He wants Vonni to plan his grandmother’s wedding and then work for the Camden conglomerate. While bad blood goes way back between their families, Vonni just might let this man persuade her to do anything!No matter how lost he gets in Vonni’s beautiful eyes, Dane has no intention of making this offer more personal. But behind the...

When it came to finding her dream husband, Kate Perry had struck out three times. One thing she knew for sure: he wasn't Ry Grayson. The devilishly handsome, fun-loving daredevil was wrong for her in every way. So what was it about Ry that made Kate yearn to get to know the man behind the sexy thrill seeker?Ry came home to Northbridge to help solve the mystery of his grandmother's past. It certainly wasn't to hook up with this prim and proper therapist who wasn't at all his type–not even close....

HIS SINGLE DAYS ARE NUMBERED…Look up unlucky in love in the dictionary and you’ll see Gia Grant’s picture. Still, she takes inspiration from her elderly neighbours and will do anything to stop foreclosure on their home. Businessman Derek Camden claims he’s here to help, but can’t be trusted. So why is it every time she turns around she wants to kiss this lovable lout?Derek has a knack for falling for the wrong women. Or so he likes to tell himself – because the beautiful botanist is growing on...

Bright lights, big city, or a place to call home? As a teenager, Faith Perry couldn’t wait to escape her small Montana town. Now, after eleven complicated years away, she is back, determined to figure out where she truly belongs. Boone Pitt knows Faith’s heart is in the big city – so he can’t believe she’s back!The caring vet had never forgotten his first love, and now he has a second chance. He’ll make her realise that their home town is the ideal place for settling down – together.Northbridge...

MARRIAGE…VEGAS-STYLETwo months ago Kate McDermot had left for Las Vegas a levelheaded virgin–and returned with a marriage certificate and a baby on the way. Experience had taught her Brady Brown would feel trapped by the news that he was going to be a father. So, in her baby's best interest, she'd wait to tell him until after they dissolved the union. But the more time she spent with her «temporary» husband, the harder it became not to reveal the truth hidden safe within her–and the feelings...

A sprained ankle at her going-away party postponed Carly Winter's departure from Elk Creek indefinitely. Suddenly she was looking at a very full house when new town doctor Bax McDermot and his daughter moved into her home…as scheduled…then moved into her life…something totally unexpected.Bax looked more cowboy than caregiver, but his rock-solid build belied the gentleness of his touch. His tender, loving caresses helped to heal Carly's wounded foot–and her wounded heart. But Carly had given up...

HER BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING…Although Kit McIntyre had left more than one unsuspecting groom standing solo at the altar, nothing would stop her from celebrating her best friend's big day. Luckily, there were a few perks she hadn't counted on as maid of honor–such as getting to spend lots of quality time with best man Ad Walker.For a guy who'd sworn off women, trying to ignore the way Kit made Ad's libido stand up and take notice was proving impossible. And regardless of her rumored wedding willies,...

THE SAUNDERS SOUND-OFFWHERE ARE THEY NOW?SAUNDERS UNIVERSITY KEEPS TRACK OF ITS NOTABLE ALUMNIElla GardnerThis successful federal prosecutor won't let a failed marriage and medical difficulties stand in the way of her dream: to have a baby of her own. Ella's used to negotiating for what she wants. So when she needs the help of the most saught-after doctor in town, she won't let his notorious irritability get in her way.Jacob WeberThe powerful intelligence of Boston's most acclaimed fertility...

KISSING ROOMMATES…Suddenly homeless Josie Tate felt fireworks during her passionate three days with firefighter Michael Dunnigan, but she wouldn't live with him unless she paid him back…like be his pretend fiancée so that his mother would stop her matchmaking. Although Michael made her heart hammer, Josie didn't want strings in the relationship. Then a sweet little development ruined her best-laid plans.The moment he saw Josie, Michael wanted her. He even agreed to their «platonic roommates»...

She had fallen right into his arms! Dr Jake Fox took pride in helping people with their problems. But the daughter of his latest patient wasn’t so easy to figure out. Why was celebrity designer Ally Rogers determined to show the workaholic doctor how to mix business with pleasure?Her mother’s medical emergency had sent Ally racing home to Chicago – and right into the arms of handsome Jake. Now Ally had to decide whether she was ready to risk her heart on a once-in-a-lifetime shot at true...

When a CEO Comes A-Calling… What’s Natalie Morrison to do, especially when said CEO is Cade Camden? Not only did his family double-cross hers a few generations back, but this rich boy is so charismatic – just like the ex-husband who walked all over her. Nati won’t let herself swoon.Cade is on a mission for his grandmother – to make amends for the Camdens’s ruthless treatment of the Morrisons in the early days of Camden Incorporated. But is matchmaking Gran’s ulterior motive? Because there’s...

The Billionaire’s BabyBillionaire Blane Andrews has come to win back his wife. He’d walked away from Cam, believing he wasn’t good enough, but now he wants the one thing money can’t buy: Cam and a baby!Doorstep DaddyWriter Dalton Scott demands solitude – not a crying baby on his doorstep! Though absolutely out of his depth, he’s amazed that he’s a natural. Then beautiful single mum Ellie arrives and Dalton realises he could start a whole new chapter…Baby Be MineWhen Chicago sophisticate Clair...

ALARM BELLS…OR WEDDING BELLS? Meeting Ian Kincaid set something off inside Jenna Bowen! Back in Northbridge, raising an infant niece, she needed to sell the family farm before the IRS took it away from her. The handsome dealmaker had an offer on the table – but he didn’t want to honour her terms. So why did her opponent have to be so irresistible?Ian savoured the idea of prolonging negotiations but this was a zerosum game. If he clinched the deal, this spirited woman and her adopted daughter...

Prodigal Son Called away from his law firm, Jack Hanson is the only man who can save his family’s business. He hires Samantha Edwards, they’d known each other before…so it’s no wonder there are intense sparks flying between them. Samantha may be just the woman to show Jack how to live again… The Boss and Miss Baxter Nina, I’m so sorry about your job at the office. Your dedication and charm have always made a good impression on me. So I’d be pleased if you’d consider working for me, personally,...

A KID FOR A CAMDEN? Teacher Kyla Gibson spends her days keeping kids in line, but it’s not the same as having a family of her own. So, when her baby goddaughter is orphaned, Kyla doesn’t think twice about taking her in.Soon, though, she’s in desperate need of an extra pair of hands! Beau Camden is shocked to see Kyla again – and with a baby! It’s been fourteen years since their last night together. But the former marine has a magic touch with little Immy. Can the soldier and his former...

OF ALL THE NERVE!Why, Josh Brimley not only expressed doubt about Megan Bailey's medical abilities…but the handsome sheriff actually accused her family of having buried a skeleton in the backyard–eighteen years ago! Megan knew she'd have her work cut out for her, convincing the townsfolk of Elk Creek to buy into her nontraditional treatments, but Josh's theories–and sex appeal–threw an unexpected wrench into things.Skeptical Sheriff Josh Brimley found it tough enough to seek treatment from...

Texas cowboy Matt McDermott was craving his first white Christmas on his family's Wyoming ranch. But a blizzard delivered more than Matt bargained for–a petite, pretty motorist stuck in a snowbank, with a bump on her head and her memory gone!The woman melted Matt's heart like a puppy at a pound. But hadn't Matt learned that loving someone with secrets was just plain dangerous? Still, he couldn't help but wonder–if he gift-wrapped his heart and gave it away, might this beautiful mystery woman...

Dare to dream… these sparkling romances will make you laugh, cry and fall in love – again and again!The Billionaire’s Baby PlanLisa was desperate. To save her family’s scandal-plagued business, she’d agreed to have billionaire Rourke Devlin’s baby. But first she had to become Mrs Rourke Devlin. Yet during the whirlwind honeymoon their temporary arrangement could blossom into something much deeper.Marrying the Northbridge Nanny Marriage was the last thing on Meg’s mind when she was hired as nanny...

Get swept up in a rancher's struggle to heal his son and a caring woman's need to belong. A special bond, a special family…When widower Hunter Coltrane learned that his adopted son, Johnny, had a rare blood disease, he enlisted the aid of The Children's Connection in finding the boy's biological family. Hunter's search came to a dead end…until he met Terese, a shy beauty who answered his prayers and breathed new life into his shattered soul.Warm and loving, Terese Warwick had been mistreated by...

Home was the last place he wanted to be… Only the direst emergency could bring successful city shark Jared Perry back to the small town he’d left at eighteen. But he needed to help a family member in trouble. And he never expected to find a reason – lovely Mara Pratt – for staying… Mara had been burned by love before and wasn’t about to risk her heart to a big-city corporate raider. Especially one who’d been ready to leave the moment his smart suit had picked up some country dust.Still,...

Makeshift mum…to blushing bride?High-school teacher Issa McKendrick had plenty of reasons to swear off men. With a baby on the way after a bad breakup, she retreated to the safety of her home town. Only to have two more men knocking at the door – her delicious landlord, Hutch Kincaid, and his adorable little boy.The widower had wounds of his own, but Hutch was determined to provide a happy home for his son. Then Issa changed everything. But when attraction starts to get in the way of their good...

Daddy Dilemma!Lang Camden’s just found out he’s a dad (and the sole guardian)… of a rambunctious two-year-old. He’s never changed a nappy in his life – what’s a man to do? Enter Heddy Lanrahan, the widowed baker who’s as luscious and sweet as her cheesecakes. Lang’s on a mission to help her business and Heddy willingly lends a helping hand with his child.The chemistry between them is off the charts – but the history between their two families is complicated and, if Heddy lets herself fall for...

This is one bride that doesn’t want to be found!After a car accident leaves runaway bride Maicy Clark unconscious, she's rescued by the last man on earth she ever wanted to see again: Conor Madison, her school sweetheart. He rejected her eighteen years ago, but when she's stranded in a log cabin with him, in the middle of a raging blizzard, Maicy can’t help remembering just how good they were together.

First comes fatherhood. Then comes love? Marine Liam Madison has always been focused on serving his country. But when he learns that he’s the father of orphaned four-year-old twins, service takes on a whole new meaning. Fortunately, the kids’ loving nanny, Dani Cooper, is by his side every step of the way…

Texas CinderellaTate McCord was stunned – his housekeeper’s daughter had grown up into a knockout. But Tanya was also a journalist determined to uncover all his family secrets. There was one secret Tate couldn’t keep to himself: his growing love for this sassy, grounded woman…The Texas CEO’s SecretKaterina Whitcomb-Salgar loathed arrogant, buttoned-up billionaire Blake McCord. Until one moonlit kiss changed everything! Blake couldn’t afford any distractions with the survival of his family’s...

From High School Crush… …To His For Keeps! After a decade away, Hadley McKendrick came home to Northbridge, Montana, a hundred pounds lighter and much wiser. For the sophisticated designer, working with Chase Makey wouldn’t be a problem – her high school crush was ancient history.But when Chase suddenly took custody of his orphaned baby nephew, Hadley stepped in to help the hapless bachelor – and close quarters quickly reignited old feelings. Chase wasn’t sure which was the bigger surprise –...

Flint Fortune’s family was trying to play matchmaker – but the footloose cowboy was determined to remain a free agent.Sure, Jessie was beautiful – but she was also a widow, with four kids…definitely not right for a bachelor. Yet he couldn’t help but notice that Jessie’s drop-dead-gorgeous exterior was matched only by the warmth of her heart.

MORE FAMILY, LESS FEUD The retail dynasty that had steamrollered city planner Gideon Thatcher’s grandfather decades ago had now sent beautiful emissary January Camden to make amends. Now Gideon was falling for the enemy…It was tough enough for Jani to convince Gideon the Camdens were sincere – convincing herself she felt nothing for him was the real trick. He simply didn’t fit into her baby plans; she wasn’t lucky in love, but she would soon be a mother, on her own terms.Or could they repair the...

From perfect strangers… to fairy-tale ending!When a shattering loss took away her chance at happiness, Marti Grayson took comfort in the arms of a gentle stranger. Now, pregnant and alone, she’s returned to her home town to raise her baby – until the stranger unexpectedly arrives at her door!Noah Perry’s wild ways had cost him a chance at parenthood once before. Now given a second chance, he’s determined to be a good father to his child. But Marti’s beauty and strength make Noah want to give her...

THERE WAS A BABY ON HIS DOORSTEP!Emmy Harris knew her new job would be demanding, but she hadn't been prepared to have to live in the Alaskan wilderness with a gorgeous doctor–and his maybe baby! She was a professional, though; she could handle this. Until she held baby Mickey. Until the good doctor melted her with a single kiss….Aiden Tarlington knew better than to risk his heart on a sophisticated city girl like Emmy. So why couldn't he stop kissing her, wanting her, thinking about the three...

All Is Fair In Love And War! How can a woman complete a task when the subject looks like him? Lindie Camden must keep her eyes on the prize to win Sawyer Huffman as a client and amend their familial dispute that dates back generations. But when she's hit with the single dad's gentle heart and his oh-too-kissable mouth, her idea of «the prize» shifts all too easily…She expects to volunteer in the community center wearing that? There was no denying Sawyer's appreciation of seeing Lindie in her...

Rejoice, ye merry Mavericks!As Christmas approaches, we here at The Rust Creek Falls Rambler thought we’d reward our devoted followers with a blind item guaranteed to put a little extra jingle in your stockings. Which rugged Rust Creek Traub has been spotted canoodling with a very pregnant lady of the Crawford kind? Astute readers will guess we’re talking about divorced rancher Dallas Traub, who rescued expectant shopkeeper Nina Crawford from a snowy car wreck a few weeks back.Can these holiday...

Always a stylist, never a bride?It’s a major coup for hairstylist Abby Crane when fabulously wealthy Dylan Camden hires her for his sister’s nuptials. Raised tough and independent in foster care, Abby is dazzled and intimidated by his glamorous world. Yet Abby knows she could never really belong…After an engagement gone disastrously wrong, connecting with Abby was just supposed to be a favour for his grandmother. Yet the more time Dylan spends with Abby, the more he realises all he wants to do...

A Sexy Santa Under Her Tree?When Shannon Duffy came to Montana to meet her newfound brother, she didn’t expect to also find the man of her dreams – wearing a Santa suit no less! But though Dag McKendrick was irresistible, the newly disengaged Shannon had to at least try to resist him. She’d learned the dangers of falling fast…For Dag, courting Shannon was an obvious no-no – especially since the ex-pro hockey player had been burned in the romantic rink before. Would he cave in to the temptation...

TAKIN’ CARE OF BUSINESS Lacey Kincaid was determined to prove to her father that she could play with the big boys. So she rode into Northbridge, Montana, to get her way with the mighty Camden conglomerate – until she found herself up against easygoing rancher Seth Camden. Suddenly, she couldn’t stay out of flirt mode!More cowboy than CEO, Seth Camden was content to tend the farms in his family’s corporate empire. But the pleasure was all his as he showed workaholic Lacey how to relax…until he...

The Baby Mission by Marie Ferrarella One night Special Agent CJ Jones went into labour with her irresistible partner Byron Warrick right beside her. The second Warrick saw the little girl, he knew he was in love. And as he and CJ hunted down a madman, Warrick ensured their safety and hoped they’d become a family…Her Baby Secret by Victoria PadeSince the moment she’d given birth to beautiful Hannah, Paris Hanley knew she’d do anything for her child. So when Ethan Tarlington offered her the job of...

Love and the reluctant mogulA tragic accident has left software mogul Callan Tierney guardian to a young girl and caregiver to her elderly grandparents. But ‘family man’ isn’t Callan’s strong suit and he chafes at his new responsibilities. Until he reluctantly accepts the help of Livi Camden – a one night stand who’s haunted his dreams ever since…Two months ago, widow Livi Camden finally let loose with one exotic Hawaiian night that left her breathless…and pregnant. Now, on a mission to make...

Bundles of joy !When Gabi’s search for her sister’s babies’ father comes up empty, she tracks down his brother, Andreas. But falling for Andreas wasn’t in her plans and, now, what will happen when the twins’ father shows up?Years ago, Jackson fell in love with Hannah, but fate stepped in the way… Now he’s back in town to discover Hannah’s a widow with twin babies to look after. This is Jackson’s chance for the family of his dreams!Kira was hoping to reunite with her sister, but instead she’s...

A military man? Swipe left!When it comes to relationships, Kinsey Madison has one rule: no military men. So when she starts a new job nursing Sutter Knightlinger’s mother, the health-care worker must remind herself that she wants life with a man who comes home at the end of every day. And that means every delicious inch of the hunky marine is off-limits…right?Sutter is a career marine. And for him, that comes with a strict no-marriage policy. But pretty Kinsey can’t be ignored. The nurse works...