Best Selling Books by Judy Duarte

Best friends for life...and love After five years, Jeff Forsythe was finally back in Rumor, Montana—just when Jilly Davis needed him most. But she had no intention of clipping the wings of the footloose pilot just because she was having a baby. Even if her childhood pal was arousing feelings that had nothing to do with friendship.… Freedom at all costs—those were the rules Jeff lived by. Until he came home to find his best buddy all grown up, pregnant—and sexier than he''d ever remembered. Suddenly this irresistible mom-to-be tempted him to trim his wings and put down roots in Rumor. Wasn''t that what friends were for?

A killer remains at large… Carlotta Wren’s world is crumbling beneath her well-shod feet. One of her closest friends has been arrested as the Charmed Killer, but Carlotta refuses to believe it. And to prove her friend’s innocence, Carlotta goes against her boyfriend Peter’s wishes and resumes her after-hours body-moving duties. And then… Peter pressures her for an answer to his proposal… Her troubled brother Wesley goes missing… And the madman stalking the city strikes again, this time a little too close to home. But when Carlotta finds herself in the clutches of the Charmed Killer, is she destined for her own body bag?

SERVICE WITH A SMILE… Well, readers, Juliet Rivera, our favorite waitress at the Hitching Post, has finally followed her doctor''s orders and is taking some much-needed time off before her little bundle of joy arrives. And she''s got company—word is that reporter Mark Anderson has been keeping a close eye on our gal… Loyal readers, this prospector can personally vouch for the sparks that have been flying between Juliet and Mark! Yet the sexy native son has been gone a long time—and in spite of doting on Juliet, he doesn''t seem too eager to hang around town and face his own troubled past. Will this investigative Romeo put his demons to rest and find love with the beautiful mom-to-be?

THE BABY GIRL NEEDED A HOME… And Clay Callaghan was ready to provide one for her. The Texas cattle rancher knew next to nothing about caring for infants, but he’d never turn his back on his own flesh and blood. As guardian of her younger siblings, attorney Daniella de la Cruz offered both legal and child-rearing expertise. Yet it was clear this handsome cowboy needed—and wanted—more from her. Well, Daniella could never turn down a child in need. A handsome, single father-in-training was another story—wasn’t it?

HE WASN''T THE "RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET" TYPE… T. J. "Cowboy" Whittaker wasn''t looking to be anyone''s hero, but when vulnerable Priscilla Richards turned her tear-filled blue eyes on him and asked, "Can you help me uncover the secrets in my past?"…well, how could the sexy P.I. say no? His job was simple: escort the sheltered city girl to Texas to meet the mom she''d never known, then hightail it out of there as fast as his boots could carry him. Temptation wasn''t on the agenda—especially with a prim New Yorker who most definitely was not his type. But Prissy made him hotter than Dallas in July…and made him want things he''d given up on long ago….

Isabella Mendoza knew what she wanted in a husband. And William "J.R." Fortune was so not that man. The irresistibly attractive businessman turned rancher might wear denim and spurs, but what happened when he got tired of playing cowboy? Eldest son J.R. had come home to Red Rock to live up to the Fortune legacy. Now he wanted Isabella to share it with him. Hiring the fiery artisan to design his new ranch house was the first step. But when a devious enemy targeted both their families, he realized how far he''d go to protect the woman he loved. He''d prove that together, theirs was a heritage worth saving….

When race car driver Chase Mayfield found himself recovering from a car accident at a small-town hospital, the last thing he expected was to fall for the local Florence Nightingale. Who would have thought demure nurse Molly Edwards—the complete opposite of a man who lives on the edge—could lose her heart to a famous playboy? But after cautious Molly succumbed to a single night of passion, both she and Chase crashed headlong into a life-changing surprise: she''s pregnant! Can Chase convince his favorite nurse that he''s a risk well worth taking—for her and their baby? This reporter bets that Chase will soon be carrying his new bride over the finish line!

You are cordially invited to witness the courtship of Graham Fortune Robinson & Sasha-Marie Gibault Smith Graham has always thought of Sasha as his "little sister." Sasha has always considered the rugged rancher out of her league. Now that Sasha is all grown up, there is nothing keeping them apart… Except she has a daughter. An ex-husband. And a very noticeable baby bump. And the always proper Graham suddenly finds himself thinking very sexy thoughts about the sweet single mom! Perhaps Fortune is finally smiling on Graham—in the form of the true love this rich, unencumbered cowboy has always longed for!

I CAN’T LOSE MY CHILD! Single mother Caitlin Rogers lived for just one thing: her little girl, Emily. So when her rights as a parent were threatened, Caitlin singlemindedly prepared to fight for her daughter by any means necessary. She just didn’t count on distraction from the new neighbor next door…. Brett Tanner was a man who didn’t like complications in his life. But his gruff military demeanor couldn’t mask his feelings for Caitlin and Emily—the little girl who reminded him of the son he’d left behind long ago. Cobbling a family together wouldn’t be easy…but it might be the only thing worth fighting for.

From a USA Today–bestselling author, a rich bachelor suddenly becomes a single father and falls in love with the shy beauty who steps in to play mom. What to expect . . . When you weren’t expecting Kieran Fortune, vice president of Robinson Tech, knows his strengths. He’s good with technology; he’s good at making money and at making love. But he doesn’t know one thing about parenting. And he’s just become a father. To a toddler. When the ever-so-sexy millionaire agreed to sign on as legal guardian to his best friend’s daughter, he considered it a mere formality. But now Zach is gone and Kieran is . . . Dad. In a fit of desperation, he reaches out to Zach’s ex-girlfriend. Dana Trevino is a serious-minded graduate student who is great with little Rosie. She is also Kieran’s polar opposite and the very last woman he should be interested in. It isn’t fair. It isn’t right. It’s also just about inevitable . . .

USA Today–Bestselling Author: He hired her to pour wine on an impulse—and now he’s becoming intoxicated . . . As vice president of Mendoza Winery, Miami transplant Carlo Mendoza knows most of the famous Fortunes. So when sultry Schuyler Fortunado saunters into the tasting room, claiming a connection to the Texas family, naturally he’s suspicious. Which doesn’t stop him from hiring her—or desiring her! The divorced restaurateur has vowed to keep his heart off the menu, but this feisty—and possibly faux—Fortune might just change his mind. What he doesn’t know is that she’s got an agenda of her own . . .

They both have pasts they want to leave behind…in USA TODAY bestselling author Judy Duarte’s latest novel. Callie didn’t trust easily. Until someone gave her a reason to… Pregnant waitress Callie Jamison is settling into her new life in Fairborn, Montana, dividing her time between the ranch and the diner…and Ramon Cruz, the sexy town councilman who never fails to show up during her breakfast shift. The sparks between them set the local rumor mill ablaze. Ramon is unfazed—he’s skilled at dodging nosy townsfolk following his recent, and mysterious, divorce. But will he still feel the same when he learns the secret Callie’s been keeping? From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. Rancho Esperanza Book 1: A Secret Between Us Book 2: Their Night to Remember

Dear Santa, It''s me, Jillian Wilkes. I just did something totally out of character: I spent the most glorious night of my life with a stranger named Shane Hollister. Fast-forward three weeks. The sexy cowboy with the sweet smile left me with an incredible, life-changing gift?. Hey, Santa, Houston ex-cop Shane Hollister here. I''m still reeling from the news: I''m going to be a father! Ever since Jillian delivered her bombshell, I''ve made up my mind to really get to know the Texas blonde. And what better place than my ranch in Brighton Valley? Now the top priority on my wish list is to let go of the past and make a future with the family I''ve always wanted!

It doesn’t matter if you win or lose—unless you’re competing against a Fortune in USA TODAY bestselling author Judy Duarte''s contribution to The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift! “You say my name like it’s a dirty word.” Self-made woman Sofia De Leon has heard enough about the old money Fortune family to know that Beau Fortune is not to be trusted. He might be tall, dark, handsome and rich, but he’s so not her type. And now that they are competing for the same business award, he is also her rival. It is just a hot Texas minute, though, before ambition begins warring with attraction… From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift Book 1: Their New Year''s Beginning by Michelle Major Book 2: A Soldier''s Dare by Jo McNally Book 3: Anyone But a Fortune by Judy Duarte Book 4: Cinderella Next Door by Nancy Robards Thompson Book 5: A Fortune in the Family by Kathy Douglass Book 6: Finding Fortune''s Secret by Allison Leigh

"I''m…pregnant?" How can that be? Well, Carly Rayburn knows how—but she''d been told she could never have children. Even more shocking is returning to her family ranch to tell the daddy-to-be, sexy cowboy Ian McAllister. Carly has dreams to reach country music stardom; he has his boots planted firmly in the Texas soil. But they share two things: undeniable heat…and, soon, a baby. Ian never forgot Carly, nor his plans to buy her ranch. There he envisions raising a family…with the right woman and at the right time. Till Carly drops her bombshell. When his head clears, he may be thrilled to be a daddy, but can he lasso the starry-eyed singer and become a husband?

Turning his life around, Luke Wynter had workedhard to become a doctor, to give back to thecommunity he''d taken from years ago. And hehad been doing just fine…until Leilani Stephenssnuck back into his life. Twelve years ago she hadmade it clear that she no longer considered him afriend, let alone a lover. And he''d never been oneto plead or beg. Now he felt drawn to her all over again—yet feltthat something was unsettled, unfinished. Unsaid. What had Leilani been hiding from him all theseyears?

They’d be perfect together. He just doesn’t know it yet! Life coach and divorcée Gigi Fortune is rich in money but unlucky in love. Could her family’s new lawyer, Harrison Vasquez, be the one to change her fate? Harrison is smart, hardworking and treats Gigi with respect, but considers her strictly off-limits. He’s convinced they’re just too different to make things work. When it comes to amor, however, never count a Fortune out! From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. The Fortunes of Texas: Hitting the Jackpot Book 1: A Fortune''s Windfall by Michelle Major Book 2: Fortune''s Dream House by Nina Crespo Book 3: Winning Her Fortune by Heatherly Bell Book 4: Fortune''s Fatherhood Dare by Makenna Lee Book 6: Fortune''s Runaway Bride by Allison Leigh Book 7: Self-Made Fortune by Judy Duarte

Dear Santa, I’ve been a good girl. Well, mostly. These days, I’m usually the one dishing out advice. But the readers of “Dear Debbie” don’t know that I’ve never been the love of anyone’s life. As soon as I landed at the Rocking Chair Ranch, though, my luck started to change…thanks to one special guest. Promoter Drew Madison wants to shine a spotlight on the ranch’s retired cowboys. But I’m the one who feels aglow every time he glances my way. And the electricity between us? It sure could light up every town in Texas! Still, after he discovers my secret, I’m afraid that I’ll be thrust back into darkness. Now I only want one thing for Christmas: for Drew to give me—no, us—a second chance… —Lainie

A chance meeting could be the chance of a lifetime in USA TODAY bestselling author Judy Duarte’s latest installment in her Rancho Esperanza miniseries! A handsome stranger… With an ulterior motive. Thanks to one unforgettable night with a stranger, Alana Perez’s dreams of motherhood are coming true! But when Clay Hastings literally stumbles into Rancho Esperanza with amnesia, he remembers nothing of the alluring ranch owner. Under Alana’s care, though, Clay begins to remember who he is…and why he went searching for Alana. And his sudden appearance hides a secret motive that could ruin her life! From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. Rancho Esperanza Book 1: A Secret Between Us Book 2: Their Night to Remember

The Antonio Banderas look-alike standing on the porch in Western gear wasn''t at all what actress Catherine Loza had expected. But when the tall, dark and totally irresistible rancher asked her to play the role of his fiancée to get the local matchmakers off his back, well…it was an offer the actress couldn''t refuse. Brighton Valley mayor Ray Mendez thought he''d come up with the perfect plan. But as his fake engagement awakened stirrings of real romance—and real passion—he soon found himself wondering if he could persuade his costar to make their arrangement of convenience permanent. A proposal from the heart—and a baby on the way!—might just convince her that he was for real….

Solemn rancher Alex Connor was looking for a good woman. To be more precise, he was looking for a surrogate to bear his babies. He had it all figured out: he''d be a single dad completely devoted to his children. But after his first meeting with obstetrician Dr. Selena Ramirez, all his carefully made plans flew out the window. Selena knew she''d be able to help Alex, though not in the way he might imagine. Common sense told her to run when the sexy green-eyed cowboy admitted he wanted her. What kind of crazy fate had brought a man yearning for offspring to a woman who couldn''t have any? What kind of crazy girl would gamble on a man whose heart was already taken?

THE SECRET WAS OUT The towheaded son of stunning socialite Kristin Reynolds had to be his child. Because once upon a time fireman Joe Davenport and Kristin had been lovers, pulled apart by her prestigious family. He hadn’t wanted to give her up then, and he refused to give up his son now. Of course, this time, he and Kristin were both adults. They could handle the intimacies of parenthood, without wanting more. And though the heat of her gaze, of her touch, was almost more than he could bear, he’d be damned if he’d reignite their old flame—even if Kristin was the one woman who tempted him to want the family, and the wife, he could never have.

When tycoon Jason Rayburn hires waitress Juliana Bailey to inventory his grandmother''s Brighton Valley ranch for sale, Jason tries to resist his attraction to Juliana, while Juliana uses the opportunity to hide her pregnancy from her family.

Rumors abound in Walnut River General Hospital when E.R. nurse Simone Gardner appears to be pregnant after a cocktail-party encounter with sexy paramedic Mike O''Rourke.

The new girl in town has a secret in USA TODAY bestselling author Judy Duarte’s latest romance! Starting anew? But what if he learns the truth? Marissa Garcia fled to small-town Montana to escape her tangled past. The sparks flying between her and local sheriff Brandon Dodd? Not in her plans. Even if he’s drop-dead handsome…and the twins that he’s raising on his own instantly find a place in her heart. But when the by-the-book lawman discovers the truth about Marissa, is their romance doomed before it ever begins? From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. Discover more true-to-life stories in the Rancho Esperanza miniseries: Book 1: A Secret Between Us Book 2: Their Night to Remember Book 3: Starting Over with the Sheriff

CARLY ALDERSON THOUGHT SHE HAD IT ALL… Until her divorce was finalized. She’d been trying to figure out how her carefully planned out life had gone off track—and then she met a wonderful man. Only, Bo Conway was everything wealthy Carly wasn’t looking for: A regular guy. A carpenter. And a smart, sexy man who took her breath away with a single glance. Bo had learned the hard way never to fall for a society woman, the type who wanted to mold him into something he was not. But sweet, beautiful Carly has him breaking all his rules….

He''d have a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner at his mom''s ranch, count his blessings, then superstar country singer Greg Clayton would go back on tour. But when a storm stranded him alone with the very pregnant Connie Montoya, Greg delivered her holiday baby himself! Suddenly, he''d found something that could compare to fame and fortune: the beautiful single mother and the sweet baby girl who felt like his own. But Greg''s life was on the road—and Connie''s past made joining him impossible. Until a holiday miracle called love showed him how to make all of Connie''s Christmas dreams come true.…

Nanny To The Rescue Braden Rayburn takes his responsibilities seriously. So how''s he supposed to run his newly inherited ranch while being an interim father to his orphaned half siblings, who don''t speak a word of English? Especially since the onetime pro rodeo rider knows absolutely nada about raising a family. Lucky for him, he just met the beautiful answer to his prayers. The high-energy boy and girl twins had Elena Ramirez at "hola." But being a nanny--even a temporary one--at Braden''s Texas ranch wasn''t on the bilingual Brighton Valley native''s career path, even if her attraction to the kids'' gorgeous guardian is mutual. Elena''s big-city dreams don''t include falling for a footloose cowboy. Or is the Rayburn rancher already the perfect family man?

As a teen, Kristy Smith spent her nights dreaming of a college scholarship--dreams that ended abruptly when she became pregnant. Now Kristy works hard to support her young son, Jason, and her ailing grandmother, staving off regrets about the chances that slipped away. But one person will open Kristy''s eyes to the fact that she''s been selling herself short. For she has much to offer to the residents of Fairbrook, who are all about to learn that the future can surprise and redeem us, especially when there''s courage and friendship in abundance, as well as a little help from an unexpected source. . . Praise For Judy Duarte And Mulberry Park "Tender and touching. . .this novel will stay with you long after you have read the last page." --Dorothy Garlock, New York Times bestselling author "An uplifting story about one little girl''s unflinching faith and how she extends an open and loving hand to the broken people around her." --Cathy Lamb, author of Such a Pretty Face

HERE COMES THE BRIDE…MATCHMAKING DOWN THE AISLE! When private investigator Rico Garcia arrived to visit his recently engaged mother, becoming involved with her wedding planner was the last thing on his mind. But his matchmaker of a mom had other ideas—and an assignment to find the starry-eyed Molly Townsend’s long-lost sister. Molly had dreamed of her Prince Charming for years—and the cynical, down-with-love Rico was the stuff of her nightmares! But as she and Rico worked together to plan a wedding, and a reunion with her sister, Molly’s chance at true love seemed within reach. It was just up to Rico to close the book on a perfect fairy-tale ending….

USA TODAY bestselling author Judy Duarte kicks off her new miniseries, Return to Brighton Valley, with an unforgettable reunion when a single mom returns to her hometown after ten years—and comes face-to-face with the father of her child! When Mallory Dickinson comes home with the son she gave up for adoption at seventeen, she knows she has to face her past. Ten years ago, she fell hard for Rick Martinez. The irresistible Brighton Valley troublemaker with a capital T is now the town''s beloved vet. But is he ready to be a father? When Rick finds out Mallory''s planning to raise their child—the son he never met—he knows this is their second chance. But how long can he keep his true identity a secret from his son…when every day brings him closer to Mallory and the boy who looks just like him? It''s time for this rebel with a cause to prove he''s got what it takes to become the family man he''s always wanted to be.

"No one can run, rope or ride a horse like Tammy Byrd. But catching the attention of the town''s dreamy new doctor is beyond the Texas tomboy''s talents. Tammy came to Buckshot Hills to meet the extended Byrd clan. Now she''s smack in the middle of a long-simmering family feud, and trying to lasso one hard-to-get big-city healer."--P. [4] of cover.

WHEN HE HELD HER, HE HELD EVERYTHING HE WANTED…AND COULD NEVER HAVE. He’d done his time, for a crime he hadn’t committed, and now Zack Henderson was ready for a fresh start. With a good job, some savings and weekends with his little girl, his prospects were bright. But this rugged ex-con’s plan for a new life hadn’t included falling for two adorable neighborhood girls—or their beautiful mother. Diana Lynch was the kind of woman he knew he couldn’t have—a good girl, a true lady. And in her arms he almost felt like some kind of hero. Problem was, he knew she was better off without a man like him…no matter what his heart—or Diana’s two little matchmakers—had to say.

MIXING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE The moment Sullivan Grayson stepped in to help save her family’s fledgling vineyard, Lissa Cartwright’s life went from ordinary to extraordinary. The sexy entrepreneur made her pulse race, but the plain-Jane businesswoman knew she’d need a makeover to catch his eye. Then, as things between them began to heat up, a visit from a stranger turned Lissa’s world on its axis…. Sullivan had known a lot of women…but none had ever affected him the way Lissa did. When news from her past shattered her present, Sullivan vowed to stand by the down-to-earth beauty. Was it possible that loving Lissa would complete the makeover his own life so desperately needed?

Baby Makes Three Molly OKeefe After five long years, Alice Mitchells ex-husband is back in her life. The attraction between them is impossible to deny, but Alice cant give Gabe a baby. Still, creating a family doesnt always mean creating a child. Will they realise that before its too late ; a second time?Healing the Cowboys Heart Judy DuarteTori knew she could help Matt Clayton get back on his feet. The only obstacle was the injured rider himself ; and the feelings he aroused in her. Now if only love would work its healing magic on them both, it might be a homecoming neither would forget.

HER CHALLENGE? TRANSFORMING FROM TOMBOY TO KNOCKOUT. HER PRIZE? THE COWBOY OF HER DREAMS. Outroping and outriding every man in Blossom was something Cindy Tucker could do with her eyes closed. But cooking, flirting and wearing high heels? Those were skills of a different kind—the kind she''d surely need to lasso a r husband. And the one person she trusted to teach her was Blake Gray Feather. He was the only man who''d ever made her lose her breath, who haunted her dreams, who hadn''t yet figured out his childhood friend had grown up. But now, with their late-night sweet talk and soft kisses, she was seeing a different look in Blake''s eyes…and that gave Cindy a newfound confidence in her womanly abilities. Because he fully intended to put Blake''s "lessons" to use to win the heart of the only cowboy she''d ever loved…

When the unconscious, well-dressed stranger was brought into the Brighton Valley E.R., Betsy Nielson couldn''t help but notice how irresistibly attractive he was. He might not remember who he was, but the mysterious John Doe was already turning the dedicated Texas doctor''s head. Now something was telling her to trust in him even if it meant risking her heart again…. The last thing he remembered was being struck from behind and going down for the count. Now he was lying in a hospital bed with a red-haired angel tending to him. Though John might have lost his memory, he knew he wanted Betsy in his life—permanently. But how could he offer her a future until he''d figured out his past?

FROM MIDWIFE TO MOTHER-TO-BE… One night of heart-stealing passion left Milla Johnson wanting much more from Dr. Kyle Bingham. But settling down wasn’t in the gorgeous resident’s game plan. And the practical-minded midwife had her own future to think of…now that a baby was on the way. Kyle’s baby. Growing up on the black-sheep side of the town’s most prominent clan left Kyle feeling out in the cold when it came to family. Until Milla. She had him yearning to shed his solitary ways—even after she’d told him they were expecting! Could imminent fatherhood—and love—make a family man out of Merlyn County’s most marriage-shy bachelor?

Samantha Keating always wanted a family, and with the help of the Armstrong Fertility Institute, her dream was becoming a reality—in triplicate! The widowed mother-to-be wasn''t looking for a father for her growing family. It had to be her out-of-control hormones giving her such unneighborly feelings for Hector Garza—the handsome, far-too-available man next door. But was the bachelor ready to take on another man''s babies? Hector had long been intrigued by the statuesque blonde. And Samantha''s ever-enlarging baby bump made her more alluring than ever, convincing the up-from-his-bootstraps attorney that he''d finally found Mrs. Right. But was Samantha ready to take that first baby step? To let Hector be the husband—and father—he longed to be?

Four bestselling authors share captivating tales of Christmas romance to make your holidays merry and bright. “Silver Bells” by Fern Michaels For years, movie star Amy Lee wondered what it would be like to leave her shallow Hollywood life and go back home to Apple Valley, Pennsylvania. This Christmas, she plans to find out. And Hank Anders, her high-school boyfriend, is now ready to give her a welcome she’ll never forget . . . “Dear Santa . . . ” by JoAnn Ross Mystery author Holly Berry’s SUV has broken down in the little hamlet of Santa’s Village, Washington. Holly hates the holidays—that is until lodge owner Gabriel O’Halloran and his five-year-old daughter rekindle her belief in passion, magic, and Christmas wishes . . . “Christmas Past” by Mary Burton Photographer Nicole Piper just received a very unwelcome Christmas gift—a letter that holds clues to an elusive killer’s identity. Uncovering the truth means enlisting homicide detective David Ayden’s help, and embarking on a road trip that will take them both into the heart of danger and desire . . . “A Mulberry Park Christmas” by Judy Duarte Every Christmas, the folks living on Sugar Plum Lane pull out all the stops when decorating. After a bitter breakup, Alyssa Ridgeway’s heart just isn’t in it this year. But running into her first love, James “Mac” MacGregor, fills her with memories of the tender Christmas kiss they once shared . . . “A quartet of heartwarming Christmas romances . . . Each short story contains a full-fledged romance from first kiss to happy ending, both satisfying readers and encouraging them to seek out the authors’ long