“Haven’t you ever felt like
doing anything crazy?” Maxim asked as he brushed the side of Annegret’s face with the back of his hand.
A shiver of response took her. She tried for flippancy. “If I do, I lie down until the impulse passes.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
He stepped into the room and pulled the door shut behind him. She heard a click as he engaged the lock. The eager leap of her heart contradicted her logical mind warning her that she didn’t want this—didn’t want to acknowledge what was between them.
She’d told herself as long as they ignored it, it would go away. It wasn’t fair of Maxim to change the rules now. Why didn’t he simply take her out to dinner? They could discuss her ideas for his film, keep things on an even keel between them.
Pretend nothing else was happening here.
But then he took her in his arms and it was impossible to pretend any longer.
Dear Reader,
Discover a guilt-free way to enjoy this holiday season. Treat yourself to four calorie-free, but oh-so-satisfying brand-new Silhouette Romance titles this month.
Start with Santa Brought a Son (#1698) by Melissa McClone. This heartwarming reunion romance is the fourth book in Silhouette Romance’s new six-book continuity, MARRYING THE BOSS’S DAUGHTER.
Would a duty-bound prince forsake tradition to marry an enchanting commoner? Find out in The Prince & the Marriage Pact (#1699), the latest episode in THE CARRAMER TRUST miniseries by reader favorite Valerie Parv.
Then, it’s anyone’s guess if a wacky survival challenge can end happily ever after. Join the fun as the romantic winners of a crazy contest are revealed in The Bachelor’s Dare (#1700) by Shirley Jump.
And in Donna Clayton’s The Nanny’s Plan (#1701), a would-be sophisticate is put through the ringer by a drop-dead gorgeous, absentminded professor and his rascally twin nephews.
So pick a cozy spot, relax and enjoy all four of these tender holiday confections that Silhouette Romance has cooked up just for you.
Happy holidays!
Mavis C. Allen
Associate Senior Editor
The Prince & the Marriage Pact
Valerie Parv
To the “first” Annegret, with much affection.
Books by Valerie Parv
Silhouette Romance
The Leopard Tree #507
The Billionaire’s Baby Chase #1270
Baby Wishes and Bachelor Kisses #1313
* The Monarch’s Son #1459
* The Prince’s Bride-To-Be #1465
* The Princess’s Proposal #1471
Booties and the Beast #1501
Code Name: Prince #1516
† Crowns and a Cradle #1621
† The Baron & the Bodyguard #1627
† The Marquis and the Mother-to-Be #1633
†† The Viscount & the Virgin #1691
†† The Princess & the Masked Man #1695
†† The Prince & the Marriage Pact #1699
Silhouette Intimate Moments
Interrupted Lullaby #1095
Royal Spy #1154
VALERIE PARV
With twenty million copies of her books sold, including three Waldenbooks’ bestsellers, it’s no wonder Valerie Parv is known as Australia’s queen of romance, and is the recognized media spokesperson for all things romantic. Valerie is married to her own romantic hero, Paul, a former crocodile hunter in Australia’s tropical north.
These days he’s a cartoonist and the two live in the country’s capital city of Canberra, where both are volunteer zoo guides, sharing their love of animals with visitors from all over the world. Valerie continues to write her page-turning novels because they affirm her belief in love and happy endings. As she says, “Love gives you wings, romance helps you fly.” Keep up with Valerie’s latest releases at www.silromanceauthors.com.
From Sea to Stars
Oh Carramer, our Carramer,
It is of you we proudly sing, Once scattered isles, None now divide, From sea to stars, our freedom rings.
To you we pledge, oh Carramer,
Our hearts and hands, our everything, To grow in peace And harmony, From sea to stars, as freedom rings.
The cherished kingdom, Carramer,
No matter what the future brings, Through love and courage Shows the way From sea to stars, as freedom rings.
Contents
Chapter One
Annegret West felt a rush of anticipation as she ventured deeper into the corridors of Merrisand Castle. The sounds of the wedding reception gradually faded behind her as she told