Table of Contents
10TH ANNIVERSARY
Special thanks to our well-wishers, who have contributed their congratulations and support.
“The best historicals, the best romances. Simply the best!”
—Dallas Schulze
“Bronwyn Williams was born and raised at Harlequin Historicals. We couldn’t have asked for a better home or a more supportive family.”
—Dixie Browning and Mary Williams, w/a Bronwyn Williams
“I can’t believe it’s been ten years since Private Treaty, my first historical novel, helped launch the Harlequin Historicals line. What a thrill that was! And the beat goes on…with timeless stories about men and women in love.”
—Kathleen Eagle
“Nothing satisfies me as much as writing or reading a Harlequin Historical novel For me, Harlequin Historicals are the ultimate escape from the problems of everyday life.”
—Ruth Ryan Langan
“As a writer and reader, I feel that the Harlequin Historicals line always celebrates a perfect blend of history and romance, adventure and passion, humor and sheer magic.”
—Theresa Michaels
“Thank you, Harlequin Historicals, for opening up a ‘window into the past’ for so many happy readers.”
—Suzanne Barclay
“As a one-time ‘slush pile’ foundling at Harlequin Historicals, I’ll be forever grateful for having been rescued and published as one of the first ‘March Madness’ authors. Harlequin Historicals has always been the place for special stories, ones that blend the magic of the past with the rare miracle of love for books that readers never forget.”
—Miranda Jarrett
“A rainy evening. A cup of hot chocolate. A stack of Harlequin Historicals. Absolute bliss! Happy 10th Anniversary and continued success.”
—Cheryl Reavis
“Happy birthday, Harlequin Historicals! I’m proud to have been a part of your ten years of exciting historical romance.”
—Elaine Barbieri
“Harlequin Historical novels are charming or disarming with dashes and clashes. These past times are fast times, the gems of romances!”
—Karen Harper
The Last Rogue
Deborah Simmons
For Jennifer Lynn, with love
“Jane, you imp, you have read some of those horrid novels, after all!”
Raleigh accused with a wicked grin.
Jane found herself standing motionless as he approached her with more purpose than she had ever seen before. For a moment, she simply stared at him warily, then, recovering slightly, she backed away, only to find herself up against one of the stacks of old London Times that reached well above her head.
He descended on her with the look of a wolf, his eyes heavy lidded, his smile at once both beguiling and dangerous. Leaning forward, he rested one hand on either side of her head, trapping her between them, and Jane felt a startling rush of excitement. She had always thought of Raleigh as a vain, useless sort, but she was coming to realize that he possessed a power that went beyond his charm.
And now he looked positively lethal!
“Ahhh!”
Deverell Fairfax, Viscount Raleigh, turned over, his head pounding viciously as a hideous shriek was followed by a tremendous clatter. What the devil? His servants had orders not