Books published by Open Road Media

A Legend RebornRobbie Canler flees to the Congo to escape a dark secret, and finds work with an illegal logging operation. Suddenly, his camp is attacked by a savage force. When Jane Porter, the daughter of the camp's boss, goes missing, the loggers assume bloodthirsty rebel soldiers have kidnapped her. Spurred into action, Robbie sets out alone to find hercompletely unaware that he is being watched. Caught in the midst of the many dangers that lie in the depths of the jungle, Robbie wonders if the rumors of a supernatural white ape are true. And if so, can this mysterious untamed savage be trusted to help, or will it destroy them all?

Ten thrilling and intriguing tales of space travel, war, and alien encounters from the multiple Hugo Awardwinning Grand Master of Science Fiction. From Frank Herbert's Dune to Isaac Asimov's Foundation series to Philip K. Dick's stories of bizarre visions of a dystopian future, the latter half of the twentieth century produced some of the finest examples of speculative fiction ever published. Yet no science fiction author was more highly regarded than Grand Master Clifford D. Simak, winner of numerous honors, including the Hugo and Nebula Awards and a Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement. This magnificent compendium of stories, written during science fiction's golden age, highlights Simak at his very best, combining ingenious concepts with his trademark humanism and exploring strange visitations, remarkable technologies, and humankind's destiny in the possible worlds of tomorrow. Whether it's an irascible old man's discovery of a very unusual skunk that puts him at odds with the US Air Force, a county agent's strange bond with the sentient alien flora he discovers growing in his garden, the problems a small town faces when its children mature too rapidly thanks to babysitters from another galaxy, or the gift a lonely farmer receives in exchange for aiding a dying visitor from another world, the events detailed in Simak's poignant and beautiful tales will thrill, shock, amuse, and astonish in equal measure. One of the genre's premier literary artists, Simak explores time travel and time engines; examines the rituals and superstitions of galactic travelers who have long forgotten their ultimate purpose; and even takes fascinating detours through World War II and the wild American West in a wondrous anthology that no science fiction fan should be without.

Strange, poignant tales of life in outer space and on tomorrow's Earth from the multiple Hugo Awardwinning Grand Master of Science Fiction. Virtually every major author from science fiction's fabled golden ageincluding Poul Anderson, Isaac Asimov, and Robert A. Heinleinagreed that Clifford D. Simak was one of the greatest among them. Named Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America, the award-winning author created enduring visions of future worlds, perilous space explorations, and weird alien encounters as rich in emotion and humanity as they are in ingenious invention. This is an essential collection of short fiction from the remarkable mind and heart of a true giant of twentieth-century speculative fiction, featuring powerful examples of literary science fiction at its very best. Beginning with the unforgettable title storya wry and chilling horror tale about cloning and alien invasion that inspired the classic teleplay ';The Duplicate Man' from the television series The Outer LimitsSimak propels the reader on a breathtaking journey across the galaxies and into the future. He then enthralls us with the strange chronicle of twin siblings, one tied to the Earth, the other drawn to the stars; imaginings of a volatile reunion of two former enemies who must join forces on Jupiter's moon or face extinction; and the story of a house in the middle of nowhere that serves as a gateway back to prehistoric times. With his wondrous tales of a journalist's miraculous discovery of fairies and sprites in the world, a census three centuries in the making that uncovers an unknown leap forward in human evolution, and the nightmare realities of future elder care, Simak demonstrates once again that he is not only one of the greatest science fiction writers of the twentieth century, but also one of the greatest of all time.

Ten tales of wonder, danger, and the futureincluding the Hugo and Nebula Awardwinning title storyfrom the science fiction Grand Master. This volume contains ten stellar short stories by Clifford D. Simak, ';the most underrated great science fiction writer alive' (Theodore Sturgeon). In ';Grotto of the Dancing Deer,' a man carrying an ancient secret finally speaks up, unable to bear any longer the loneliness he has experienced for millennia. In ';Over the River,' which Simak wrote in memory of his beloved grandmother Ellen, children from an embattled future are sent back for safekeeping to their ancestors in the peaceful past. And in ';Day of Truce,' the inhabitants of a suburban subdivision must barricade themselves against bands of roving attackers. On only one day each year do the gates open wide .. . Each story includes an introduction by David W. Wixon, literary executor of the Clifford D. Simak estate and editor of this ebook.

In the final memoir of her Crosswicks Journals, the author of A Wrinkle in Time paints an intimate portrait of her forty-year marriage.A long-term marriage has to move beyond chemistry to compatibility, to friendship, to companionship. As Newbery Medal winner Madeleine L'Engle describes a relationship characterized by compassion, respect, and growth, as well as challenge and conflict, she beautifully evokes the life she and her husband, actor Hugh Franklin, built and the family they cherished. Beginning with their very different childhoods, L'Engle chronicles the twists and turns that led two young artists to New York City in the 1940s, where they were both pursuing careers in theater. While working on a production of Anton Chekov's The Cherry Orchard, they sparked a connection that would endure until Franklin's death in 1986. L'Engle recalls years spent raising their children at Crosswicks, the Connecticut farmhouse that became an icon of family, and the support she and her husband drew from each other as artists strugglingseparately and togetherto find both professional and personal fulfillment. At once heartfelt and heartbreaking, Two-Part Invention is L'Engle's most personal workthe revelation of a marriage and the exploration of intertwined lives inevitably marked by love and loss. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Madeleine L'Engle including rare images from the author's estate.

The beloved author of A Wrinkle in Time takes an introspective look at her life and muses on creativity in this memoir, the first of her Crosswicks Journals. Every so often I need OUT. ... My special place is a small brook in a green glade, a circle of quiet from which there is no visible sign of human beings. ... I sit there, dangling my legs and looking through the foliage at the sky reflected in the water, and things slowly come back into perspective. Set against the lush backdrop of Crosswicks, her family's farmhouse in rural Connecticut, this deeply personal memoir details Madeleine L'Engle's journey to find balance between her career as a Newbery Medalwinning author and her responsibilities as a wife, mother, teacher, and Christian. As she considers the roles that creativity, family, citizenship, and faith play in her life, L'Engle reveals the complexities behind the author whose workshonored with the National Book Award, the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, and countless other prizeshave long been cherished by children and adults alike. Written in simple, profound, and often humorous prose, A Circle of Quiet is an insightful woman's elegant search for the meaning and purpose of her life. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Madeleine L'Engle including rare images from the author's estate.

A poignant meditation on the bonds between mothers and daughtersand the inescapable effects of timefrom the author of A Wrinkle in Time. In the second memoir of her Crosswicks Journals, Madeleine L'Engle chronicles a season of extremes. Four generations of family have gathered at Crosswicks, her Connecticut farmhouse, to care for L'Engle's ninety-year-old mother. As summer days fade to sleepless nights, her mother's health rapidly declines and her once astute mind slips into senility. With poignant honesty, L'Engle describes the gifts and graces, as well as the painful emotional cost, of caring for the one who once cared for you. As she spends her days with a mother who barely resembles the competent and vigorous woman who bore and raised her, L'Engle delves into her memories, reflecting on the lives of the strong women in her family's history. Evoking both personal experiences and universal themes, The Summer of the Great-Grandmother takes an unflinching look at diminishment and death, all the while celebrating the wonder of life. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Madeleine L'Engle including rare images from the author's estate.

A Legend RebornThe world's most infamous hunter, Nikolas Rokoff, is sent into the jungle to steal a rare prize from Tarzan's camp. But Tarzan and his friends Jane and Robbie will stop at nothing to track him downcrossing the wild rainforest and hostile African savannah on a daring rescue mission.At the same time, Jane tries to learn more about Tarzan's past, and must decide whether reuniting him with his lost family is the right thing to do. And Robbie is torn by a plan that would keep the secrets of his own past safe, but might get rid of Tarzan for good.Lured to the city, Tarzan is forced to confront his greatest enemy. But time is running outand no one can be trusted.

An uncertain bride looks for love with a man as wild and mysterious as his Highland home in this new Scottish romance from a USA Todaybestselling author. Ordinarily, Lady Fiona Ormiston wouldn't think of forming an alliance with an ungroomed, barbaric Highlander, despite the protection he offers. But now, by request of the king, Sir Adham MacFinlagh, a brazen stranger and outsider unlike anyone she has met before, is to be her husband. Torn from solitude and the comfort of her family to make a home with the rugged knight, Fiona surrenders to Adham's powerfully passionateand shockingly tendertouch, only to discover her new husband's family ties may lie with an enemy of the king. A sense of duty may have brought Adham to the marriage bed, but it's his powerful feelings for his beautiful, willful wife that will be his undoing. Ultimately, the bold knight will have to decide: Does his allegiance lie with his blood ties to the man who hopes to bring down the king or with the bride who has stolen his heart? From the author ';frequently credited with creating the subgenre' of Scottish romance with her Lairds of the Loch and Secret Clan series, The Reluctant Highlander is a rich historical tale of intrigue and desire (Library Journal). The Reluctant Highlander is the 1st book in the Highland Nights series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.

A New York fashion model falls for a handsome cowboy in this Americana romance set in New Mexico by the New York Timesbestselling author. Blessed with silvery blond hair, a show-stopping figure, and a creamy, flawless complexion, Diana enjoys a thriving career as a model in New York City. Still, in her heart, she longs only for the love of a good man and the simple joys of marriage and motherhood. At twenty-four, Diana has learned that most of the good men are intimidated by her looks, and she attracts only those whose egos need to be stroked by having a beautiful woman on their arm. But all of that is about to change when she travels out west for a photo shoot at a rodeo and meets New Mexico rancher Lije Masters. The desert afternoon is hot and still when a startled horse sends Diana literally falling into Lije's strong arms. From afar, Diana had already noticed the cowboy's rugged good looks; up close, she can feel his granite-colored eyes seeing past her exterior and straight into her soul. But is she willing to give up life in the big city for the Land of Enchantment?

A workplace flirtation leads to something more in this New Jerseyset romance in the series that gives each state a love story to call its own. As one of the few female ';cameramen' in the TV business, Jersey girl Petra ';Pet' Wallis works hard to fit in on set. But as much as she tries to keep her cool, she can't help butting heads with her boss, Dane Kingston. The first time she met Dane, the hotshot producer/director mistook Pet for someone's girlfriend and chewed her out for messing with expensive equipment. Pet quickly corrected his error, but the two have had it out for each other ever since. Now, Pet is working for Dane again, this time on a high-profile special starring the singing sex goddess, Ruby Gale. Before shooting even starts, Dane warns Pet to make sure she doesn't stir up trouble. Pet has always been careful, but Dane gets under her skin in a way she just can't explain. And as the production unfolds, it gets tougher and tougher for Pet to behave like she's just one of the boys.

A resort owner teaches a flirtatious guest the true meaning of love in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. At the tender age of twenty, romance is still a game to stunning Annette Long. She's looking for some excitement to spice up a month-long family vacation on Wrightsville Beach, and some innocent flirtation should do the trick. And now she's found the ideal target. The scion of a patrician North Carolina family, resort owner Joshua Lord is used to attention from beautiful female guests. With his sexy, sun-bronzed body, his wealth, and social standing, he can have any woman he desireswhich is why Annette is determined to make him want her. But love is serious business for Josh Lord. If this playful blond minx believes she can toy with his affections, he's ready to teach her a few lessons in love. The little girl from The Matchmakers is all grown up in the North Carolina installment of Janet Dailey's phenomenal Americana Seriesproving once again why the New York Times bestseller is one of America's favorite romance writers with more than 300 million books sold.

A New Hampshire playboy is about to meet his match in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. Twenty-two-year-old Stephanie Hall has heard the rumors about the White Boar Inn's playboy owner, but never met the man in person. So when circumstances force PerryStephanie's brother and the inn's managerto put her in charge of greeting Brock on his arrival, she's more than a little curious about the man whose very name sends the female staff atwitter. New Hampshire's White Mountains are cloaked in vibrant autumnal colors when Brock drives up with a curvy blonde in tow. He's every bit as handsome as she had heard, and it's a struggle for Stephanie to maintain her composure in the presence of his overpowering virility. Perry warned her that Brock's seductive air hid a heart of stone, but Stephanie never expected she would be willing to throw caution to the wind for just a moment in those arms.

Love and danger collide as the cross-country romance series heads to Nevadafrom the bestselling author with more than 300 million books in print. The crash of a Cessna 310 charter flight on a Nevada mountainside has left two survivors: Leah Talbot, a young secretary from Las Vegas, and the pilot, lone wolf Reilly Smith. Part Native American, all man, Reilly is impassive, mysterious, and inscrutable. Under the noonday sun, they make their way across a hostile stretch of Nevada desert. Under the cold night rain, they have only their bodies, locked in embrace, to keep them warm. As two desperate strangers come together, so does a desire that burns as hot as the sand. But Reilly's instincts are as strong as his survival skills. They may share a love that's helping to keep them alive, but he knows that once they reach civilization the bond between them will be severed with a last kiss goodbye. Unless Reilly can make Leah realize that she's saved him as much as he's saved her.

In the New York Timesbestselling author's Americana romance, two brothers vie for a Minnesota beauty. One promises love. The other, passion. College student Alanna Powell has come back to her hometown of Hibbing, built on the rich ore of the Mesabi Iron Ridge in Northern Minnesota. But it's more than a just a summer vacation. She's here to see Kurt Matthews, the man she plans to marry. But Alanna never considered a complication like Kurt's older brother, Rolt. It was Rolt's firm that took controlling interest in the Powell family iron mines years ago and made it a success. And now there's one more thing Rolt wants to take: Alanna's heart. For blood brothers, Kurt and Rolt are as different as day and night. Kurt is kind, humble, and considerate. Rolt is conceited and demanding, a strapping giant of a man who goes after what he wants. That includes Alanna. He delights in wreaking havoc on her senses and breaking down her resolve with each stolen kiss. Now, as unexpected as it is, Alanna can't help but admit that with every torrid summer night her resistance is beginning to melt away.

A beautiful wife with an unspeakable secret yearns for love in this Americana romance set in the Ozark Mountains by the New York Timesbestselling author. Spring is bursting forth and dogwood blossoms litter Missouri's Ozark Mountains, but Tanya Lassiter feels a winter chill in her heart. Her son, John, was only three when Jake Lassiter last visited from South Africa. Now seven, John has no memory of the visit and has begun to question if his father really exists. Reluctantly, Tanya promises to write Jake and ask him to return. For Tanya, life at the Lassiter homewhere she and John live in modernist splendor with Jake's wealthy parentsis often strained. Julia Lassiter tolerates Tanya for John's sake, but can't forgive her for driving Jake away. So when Jake appears unannounced at his parents' anniversary party, Tanya is gripped by conflicting emotions. Harder with a world-weary edge, Jake is even more handsome than she remembered. But does he know Tanya has fallen in love with another man? Or has he returned to claim everything he believes is rightfully his?

The New York Timesbestselling legend displays her ';mastery of sweeping romance' in this scandalous tale of Southern passion from her Americana series (Lanier County News). Discover romance across America with Janet Dailey's classic series featuring a love story set in each of the fifty states. One of the most beloved romance authors of all time, whose novels have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, Dailey invites you to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for an unforgettable story of forbidden love in A Tradition of Pride. Lara Alexander Cochran could never disgrace her proud Southern family by getting a divorceeven though her scoundrel of a husband started cheating almost before their honeymoon was over. But one thing is for certain: The beautiful betrayed belle is through with men forever! Of course, Ransom MacQuade has other ideas. The strapping new manager of the sprawling Alexander plantation, Rans knew his journey from Texas was worth it the first time he set his piercing brown eyes on the boss's shapely daughter. The stunning redhead may seem cold on the outside, but Rans can tell it's a false front masking a deep pain in her heart. And though Lara knows what the family expects of her, a passionate encounter with this powerful, caring stranger may just be too tempting to resist.

A famous model can't deny her Kansas rootsor her gorgeous childhood crushin this Americana romance from the legendary New York Timesbestselling author. Discover romance across America with Janet Dailey's classic series featuring a love story set in each of the fifty states. Jonni Starr has everything she dreamed of as a girl in Kansas: a glamorous modeling career in New York and a sophisticated fiance who pampers her to no end. After six years away from the Sunflower State, she can't wait to be back with her beau and show off her success. But the happy homecoming is a little more complicated thanks to Gabe Stockman, Jonni's father's right-hand man. Jonni used to idolize him, even though he would never even glance at the boss's daughter. But now, Gabe seems to do nothing but look at her. And he sees a side of the former country girl no one else does. Gabe is determined to remind Jonni of her roots, and the kind of down-home man she should be spending her life with. Filled with Midwest charm and swoon-worthy romance, The Mating Season shows why Janet Dailey is a legend with over 300 million copies of her books sold.

From the New York Timesbestselling author's Americana series: A beautiful Kentucky horse trainer gives a handsome blueblood a run for his money. Discover romance across America with Janet Dailey's classic series featuring a love story set in each of the fifty states. With more than 300 million books sold, Dailey is an undisputed legend of contemporary romantic fictionand in Bluegrass King, she celebrates a love as lush as the rolling hills of Kentucky. Dani Williams has always resented wealthy, self-confident Barrett King. The scion of a blueblood Kentucky family, Barrett is used to the best of everythingwhile Dani and her horse-trainer father struggle to get by. But now they own The Rogue, a thoroughbred racehorse Dani is sure will be a champion. Finally, she'll get to show Barrett that he can't always win. But there's no such thing as a sure thingon the racetrack or in love. And when tragedy strikes for Dani, Barrett's sincere caring threatens to reveal a devastating truth: Her resentment masks an aching desire for the almost impossibly handsome man. But if she unchains her heart, will Barrett welcome her into his world of Kentucky privilege? And could she ever belong?

In coastal Maine, a woman's scandalous past comes back to haunt herand tempt herin this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. In a picturesque fishing village off the coast of Maine, twenty-six-year-old attorney Gina Gaynes has a thriving career and a bright future. The last man she wants to see is Rhyder Owens, a virile member of the yachting set, back in town to shake up her life again. She's fought hard to forget what happened between them nine years ago. It hadn't been love, it was raw desire. It wasn't a marriage, it was a scandal. It ended not in bittersweet goodbyes, but with blackmail. Now Rhyder is back to reclaim what he never should have let go. But Gina is not the girl he once knew, one given to impulsive fantasies. She's no longer under the rule of a family who put them both through hell. She's an independent, sophisticated woman who can't be swayed by a bronze sculpture made of flesh and blood. And yet, locked in his embrace, her heart skips a beat. It's making Gina wonder, maybe even hope, that the man who once seemed so wrong for her, could actually be the love of her life.

A schoolteacher and a single father find a second chance at love on an Iowa farm in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. Although they have yet to meet, Catherine Carlsen already hates the man who just bought the beloved Iowa farm that has been in her family for generations. The dedicated elementary school teacher believed the Carlsens would always own this special piece of land, and marriage to her distant cousin and childhood sweetheart would guarantee their future. But Cathie's sprawling home on the Boyer River now belongs to Robert Douglas, a big-city businessman whose arrival in their Midwestern town creates a huge stir. The divorced single father came west to start over with the little boy with whom he has just been reunited. Rob's devotion to his child isn't the only thing that draws Cathie to him. Her attraction to the new owner of Homeplace is impossible to ignore. As their relationship deepens, can Cathie and Rob's dreams expand to include a family and promise of a love that could give them all a place to belong?

Love shines bright in this sweet Western romance set in Idahoanother classic entry in the New York Timesbestselling author's Americana series. Girls may be made of sugar, spice, and everything nice, but Charley Collins was brought up to be a slightly different kind of lady. Working on her family's cattle ranch, she's used to taking care of herself. But when her brother is laid up with a broken leg, she finds she needs a little bit of help to get by. She just doesn't expect that help to be in the form of a mysterious stranger who's appealing in more ways than one. Shad Russell never puts down roots. Roaming from place to place, taking work where he can get it, he's the kind of man who prefers to be on his own and as unconnected as possible. He knows getting close to Charley can only mean trouble for them both. But that doesn't mean he can control his attraction to heror keep them both from losing their hearts somewhere down the road.

A dream job in Hawaii leads to a chance at love in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. To get through the harsh New England winter, Julie Lancaster has been waiting tables while she waits to land her dream job teaching high school history. But then her employment agency calls with an even dreamier offer: a well-paid tutoring position in beautiful, balmy Hawaii! The moment she steps off the plane, Julie is bewitched by the island's intoxicating atmosphere and the lingering scent of exotic blossoms. Debbie, her sixteen-year-old tutee, is a sweetheart, and everyone on the estate makes her feel welcomeexcept Ruel Chandler, Debbie's imperious, older half-brother. At the beach, Julie meets Frank, a handsome surfer who's obviously smitten. But as the Kona winds blow, Julie realizes there's something about Ruel that makes Frank seem like a mere boy by comparison.

In the New York Timesbestselling author's Americana series, a secretary and her boss cozy up while stuck in a Chicago blizzard';Dailey remains the best!' (Affaire de Coeur). Discover romance across America with Janet Dailey's classic series featuring a love story set in each of the fifty states. With A Lyon's Share, the New York Timesbestselling legendwith more than 300 million copies of her novels soldbrings us to Illinois, where passion comes alive in a bustling Midwestern metropolis. At Lyon Construction in Chicago, young secretary Joan Somers has always had an unbusinesslike attraction to her handsome boss, Brandt Lyon. But the dynamic entrepreneur has been too busy to notice, and can sometimes seem colder than the winter wind off Lake Michigan. Joan even considers quitting to spare herself the heartacheuntil fate intervenes with a pre-Christmas snowstorm that closes off streets and shuts the Windy City down. Stranded together in the office overnight, Joan suddenly has Brandt's full attention ... and the two must find a way to keep warm. But once the line between employer and employee is crossed, there's no turning back.

From a New York Timesbestselling author: A widowed father finds an unexpected romance when his two tenacious daughters unite him with their new nanny. Jordan Long has serious issues with the attractive young live-in nanny his aunt hired while he was away on business. He specifically requested a more experienced, matronly woman to take care of his two young daughters, and Kathleen Darrow is an unwanted sexy distraction. She has to go. After three years working as a nurse, Kathleen was ready for a change, and she was thrilled to take the governess job at Long's magnificent home near Delaware Bay. Soon after meeting little Annette and Marsha, she begins to hate the idea of being separated from themand from their charismatic father with his powerful air of self-confidence and darkly handsome features. But if two very resourceful little girls have their way, their passionate, auburn-haired caregiver will soon be assuming a more permanent position in the family householdand in the heart of their widowed dad. With more than 300 million books sold, New York Timesbestselling author Janet Dailey is one of America's premier romance fiction superstarsand she now continues her romantic tour of every state with this heartwarming tale of Delaware passion.

The bouquet of California wine country becomes a stimulating aphrodisiac in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. Alisa Franklin knows a good prospect when she sees one, and Zachary Stuart is it. A vintner from Napa Valley, California, he's handsome, respected, available, and in need of the $200K that comes with Alisa's proposal of marriage. By dictate of her mother's will, finding a husband is the only way she can gain custody of her half-sister. It's a business arrangement, pure and simple. Because when it comes to men, Alisa's as cold as ice. After inheriting his father's considerable debts, Zachary is eager to seal the dealon his conditions. They'll live in his house and play husband and wife to the hilt. Even if he knows Alisa will never agree to the games that come with it. But Zachary is an inveterate gambler, and instinct tells him the odds are in his favor. Plus, the more he gets to know Alisa, the more he wants to prove their love is no charade. Being near her is making him as hot as fire, and melting away Alisa's defenses will be a pleasure.

In the rugged country of Arkansas, a young woman fights for freedom, passion, and love in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. Discover romance across America with Janet Dailey's classic series featuring a love story set in each of the fifty states. Ever since her mother's death, Tisha Caldwell's father has treated her like a prisoner. Although she's twenty years old, he expects her to be as chaste as a child, flying into rages whenever she comes home late from a date, or when he suspects she's been kissing some boy. When he sees her arms wrapped around the suave Roarke Madison, Tisha's father decrees they must be wed. And Roarke is no help at all when he presents her with the most beautiful diamond solitaire engagement ring she's ever seen. Now, in the rough country of the great state of Arkansas, Tisha must balance her need for liberation with the love beginning to grow in her heart.

A Connecticut woman's professional career becomes a very personal affair in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author. Zane Wilding's company in Hartford, Connecticut, has made him one of the most influential financial wheeler-dealers on the East Coast. And he's learned to command attention with his looks alonelooks that are as cold and hard as marble. His ambitious new assistant, Deborah Holland, has never met anyone so calculating, inscrutable, or drop-dead gorgeous. As much as she hates to admit it, he takes her breath away. Then Deborah learns the truth of Zane's private lifethe bitter secrets of a punishing marriage that has become a prison. And for Zane, there is no escape. Even now, when he's finally found a woman he can open up to and care for, he fears he can never really have her. As difficult as it is, it's Deborah's ultimate decision: leave Zane behind and move on with her life, or stay with the one man she's come to love, the one man who's destined to break her heart.

Love runs wild for a mysterious cowboy and an Arizona hellcat in this Americana romance from the New York Timesbestselling author of Rivals. It's a Sonora, Arizona, sundown and Brandy Ames has one thought: Where's a cowboy when you need one? Her skittish Arabian gelding turned tail and galloped off leaving Brandy lost in the desert. Then she sees the flicker of fire over the next rise and follows it straight to the camp of a cattle thief. Rugged and drop-dead gorgeous in weathered suede, Jim is a man of few words. There's no time for small talk, anyway. An oncoming sandstorm is forcing them to take shelter for the nightin each other's arms. Brandy wasn't exactly prepared for his kiss. Willing? Yes. But what was she thinking? Saddling up next to him, Brandy has no idea that Jim has a secretone that's going to make Brandy the envy of every girl she knows. And inflame the wrath of a few she doesn't. It may have begun as a chance encounter in the desert, but it's about to explode into the most public romance of the year. If Brandy can take the heat.