Burke's Rules. Pat Tracy

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      “Listen, you. I’m bigger, more determined and meaner than you are! Letter to Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Epilogue Author Note Copyright

      “Listen, you. I’m bigger, more determined and meaner than you are!

      “And there is no way that I am going to let you spend another night in this place. For better or worse, you’re stuck with my involvement in your life.”

      

      Youngblood’s statement sounded like a demented wedding vow.

      

      “But you can’t make me—” Jayne began.

      

      “Sure I can. I’ll just pick you up and take you where you should be.”

      

      “There are laws—”

      

      “A respectable lady wanting to run a fancy girls’ school can’t afford to draw the wrong kind of attention to herself. It would be the kiss of death for your name to be linked with any unsavory gossip. I guarantee going to the sheriff in a misguided attempt to make me behave myself would unleash a flurry of wild rumors.” .

      

      “That’s coercion!”

      

      “Highly effective coercion. Pack and be ready to go when I return.”

      

      Jayne just stared at his broad, retreating back in disbelief.

      Dear Reader,

      

      If you’ve never read a Harlequin Historical, you’re in for a treat. We offer compelling, richly developed stories that let you escape to the past—written by some of the best writers in the field!

      

      We are delighted with the return of Pat Tracy, who is known for her fresh and entertaining Westerns. Critics have described Pat’s books as “sparkling” and “heart-lifting.” In Burke’s Rules, book two of THE GUARDSMEN series, a perfectly mannered schoolmistress falls for the “protective” bachelor banker who helps her fund her Denver, Colorado, school. It’s great!

      

      Be sure to look for Pride of Lions, the latest in Suzanne Barclay’s highly acclaimed SUTHERLAND SERIES. Two lovers are on opposite sides of a feud in this passionate tale set in medieval Scotland. In Judith Stacy’s new Western, The Heart of a Hero, a former bad boy enlists the help of the local schoolmarm in order to win custody of his niece and nephew.

      

      Rounding out the month is The Knight’s Bride by rising talent Lyn Stone. This is a heartwarming and humorous medieval novel about a very true knight who puts his honorable reputation on the line when he promises to marry the beautiful widow of his best friend. Don’t miss it!

      

      Whatever your tastes in reading, you’ll be sure to find a romantic journey back to the past between the covers of a Harlequin Historical^® novel.

      

      Sincerely,

      Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor

      Please address questions and book requests to:

      Harlequin Reader Service U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269 Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3

      Burke’s Rules

       Pat Tracy

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      PAT TRACY lives in rugged Idaho. No longer a country mouse, Pat recently moved to the city of Idaho Falls, population 49,000, where she writes, practices karate and dreams of times when rough-and-tumble heroes had their hands full dealing with independent, lofty-minded heroines. Pat loves to hear from her readers: P.O. Box 17, Ucon, Idaho 83454.

      The first category romance novel I read was

      Corporate Affair, a Silhouette Desire romance, written by Stephanie James. The characters, writing style and plot absolutely riveted me. Along with millions of other readers, I discovered both the romance genre and Jayne Ann Krentz, a brilliantly gifted author with several pen names.

      

      This book is dedicated to Jayne Ann Krentz,

      Jayne Castle, Stephanie James, Amanda Quick, Amanda Glass and Jayne Taylor. Not only have you provided me with hours upon hours of magic, you answered a fan letter I wrote, asking about how one went about becoming published. You told me about Romance Writers of America, national and regional writing conferences, query letters and editors.

      

      It’s no accident that Burke’s Jayne is book-smart, earnest

      and single-mindedly determined to accomplish a worthy goal. She’s named for you, Jayne, and, I hope, represents the kind of stong, independent woman who deserves a “wounded wolf” with the courage to pursue a hero’s quest. In taming the shrew and battling his inner demons, Burke finds his mate and recovers his soul. That’s how it goes, right?

      Chapter One

      

      

      It was the hump that drew Burke Youngblood’s attention to the man in a red flannel shirt and baggy coveralls, walking ahead of him on the Denver boardwalk. Burke mentally sifted through the Wanted posters tacked to his office wall, putting together names with distinctive physical characteristics. Thinking about the ugly pusses marring the black-walnut-veneered panels of his brand-new office was enough to sour his already grim