If only she could read Cord’s heart
In her country, if a man discovered her masquerade, he would return her immediately to her brother for fear of political repercussions. The sheikh’s influence was powerful, and so was her intended groom’s.
Allie knew America was different and far from Munir. But Cord’s neighbors were conducting business with her brother Rafe; the Coleman family might urge Cord to send her home even if he didn’t wish to do so himself.
Men, it seemed to her, always stuck together.
Despite Cord’s suspicions, she dared not tell Cord the truth. Not yet. Not until she had no other choice.
Yet it was her own heart that troubled her the most. The yearning she had felt as Cord caressed her palms. Her desperate urge to place her lips on his.
To experience for the first time a man’s kiss…
Dear Reader,
Heartwarming, emotional, compelling…these are all words that describe Harlequin American Romance. Check out this month’s stellar selection of love stories, which are sure to please.
First, the BRIDES OF THE DESERT ROSE continuity series continues with At the Rancher’s Bidding by Charlotte Maclay. In the delightful story, a princess masquerades as her lady-in-waiting to save herself from an arranged marriage—and ends up falling for a rugged rancher.
Also available this month, bestselling author Judy Christenberry’s Randall Honor resumes her successful BRIDES FOR BROTHERS series about the Randall family of Wyoming. Although they’d shared a night of passion, Victoria Randall wasn’t in the market for a husband…and Dr. Jon Wilson had some serious romancing to do if he was going to get this Randall woman to love and honor him!
Next, when an heiress-in-disguise overhears a handsome executive bet his friend that he could win any woman—including her—she’s determined to teach him a lesson. Don’t miss Catching the Corporate Playboy by Michele Dunaway. And rounding out the month is Stranded at Cupid’s Hideaway, a wonderful reunion romance story from talented author Connie Lane, making her series romance debut.
Best,
Melissa Jeglinski
Associate Senior Editor
Harlequin American Romance
At the Rancher’s Bidding
Charlotte Maclay
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charlotte Maclay can’t resist a happy ending. That’s why she’s had such fun writing more than twenty titles for Harlequin American Romance, Duets and Love & Laughter, plus several Silhouette Romance books, as well. Particularly well-known for her volunteer efforts in her hometown of Torrance, California, Charlotte says her philosophy is that you should make a difference in your community. She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, whom they are occasionally allowed to baby-sit. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached at P.O. Box 505, Torrance, CA 90508.
Books by Charlotte Maclay
HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE
474—THE VILLAIN’S LADY
488—A GHOSTLY AFFAIR
503—ELUSIVE TREASURE
532—MICHAEL’S MAGIC
537—THE KIDNAPPED BRIDE
566—HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE
585—THE COWBOY & THE BELLY DANCER
620—THE BEWITCHING BACHELOR
643—WANTED: A DAD TO BRAG ABOUT
657—THE LITTLEST ANGEL
684—STEALING SAMANTHA
709—CATCHING A DADDY
728—A LITTLE BIT PREGNANT
743—THE HOG-TIED GROOM
766—DADDY’S LITTLE COWGIRL
788—DEPUTY DADDY
806—A DADDY FOR BECKY
821—THE RIGHT COWBOY’S BED*
825—IN A COWBOY’S EMBRACE*
886—BOLD AND BRAVE-HEARTED**
890—WITH VALOR AND DEVOTION**
894—BETWEEN HONOR AND DUTY**
915—WITH COURAGE AND COMMITMENT**
929—AT THE RANCHER’S BIDDING
Contents
Chapter One
She had one chance to experience freedom and a small taste of independence. She intended to seize that opportunity for as long as she could hold on to it.
The heat of summer pressing down on her, Princess Aliah Bahram hurried across the grounds of the Desert Rose Ranch, following her brother, Sheikh Ashraf. As she ran, the gold bracelets on her arm jingled and her necklaces moved against her throat.
The sheikh was making his daily visit to the Coleman stables to check on the mare pregnant with the foal he had agreed to purchase. Completely enamored by the award-winning Arabians raised here, he had haunted the ranch since their arrival in Bridle, Texas, which was located in the hill country northwest of Austin.
But tomorrow they would return