Stern. Brenda Jackson

      

      From New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson, comes a new trilogy starring three Westmorelands who are impossible to resist: Zane, Canyon and Stern

      Stern Westmoreland never makes mistakes—until he helps his best friend Jovonnie “JoJo” Jones with a makeover…for another man. Now Stern wants JoJo for himself. Their attraction is undeniable and there’s only one way to test it: one long, steamy night together as much more than friends!

       New York Times USA TODAY

      “Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles

      and characters you fall in love with.”

      —New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Lori Foster

      “Jackson’s trademark ability to weave multiple

      characters and side stories together makes shocking

      truths all the more exciting.”

      —Publishers Weekly

      “There is no getting away from the sex appeal and

      charm of Jackson’s Westmoreland family.”

      —RT Book Reviews on Feeling the Heat

      “Jackson’s characters are wonderful, strong, colorful

      and hot enough to burn the pages.”

      —RT Book Reviews on Westmoreland’s Way

      “The kind of sizzling, heart-tugging story Brenda

      Jackson is famous for.”

      —RT Book Reviews on Spencer’s Forbidden Passion

      “This is entertainment at its best.”

      —RT Book Reviews on Star of His Heart

      Dear Reader,

      I love writing about the Westmorelands because they exemplify what a strong family is all about, mainly the sharing of love and support. For that reason, when I was given the chance to present them in a trilogy, I was excited and ready to dive into the lives of Zane, Canyon and Stern Westmoreland.

      It is hard to believe that Stern is my twenty-sixth Westmoreland novel. It seemed like it was only yesterday when I introduced you to Delaney and her five brothers. I knew by the time I wrote Thorn’s story that I just had to tell you about their cousins who were spread out over Montana, Texas, California and Colorado.

      It has been an adventure and I enjoyed sharing it with you. I’ve gotten your emails and snail mails letting me know how much you adore those Westmoreland men, and I appreciate hearing from you. Each Westmoreland—male or female—is unique and the way love conquers their hearts is heartwarming, breathtaking and totally satisfying.

      I love writing stories where best friends fall in love. In this story, Stern and JoJo are best friends who understand each other and want the best for each other. I enjoyed how they finally realize their relationship is based on more than a close friendship—it is grounded in true love.

      I hope you enjoy this story about Stern and JoJo.

      Happy reading!

      Brenda Jackson

      Stern

      Brenda Jackson

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      BRENDA JACKSON is a die “heart” romantic who married her childhood sweetheart and still proudly wears the “going steady” ring he gave her when she was fifteen. Because she believes in the power of love, Brenda’s stories always have happy endings. In her real-life love story, Brenda and her husband of more than forty years live in Jacksonville, Florida, and have two sons.

      A New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy-five romance titles, Brenda is a recent retiree who now divides her time between family, writing and traveling with Gerald. You may write Brenda at PO Box 28267, Jacksonville, Florida 32226, USA, email her at [email protected] or visit her website at www.brendajackson.net.

      To my husband,

      the love of my life and my best friend,

      Gerald Jackson, Sr.

      Happy birthday to all the members of the 1971 Class

      of William Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

      You know what milestone we hit this year and we are

      still the greatest. Ichiban!

      To my good friend Linda Reagor.

      Thanks for the hunting lesson. I appreciate you!

      Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:13

      Contents

       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

       Epilogue

       Excerpt

      One

      “Stern, what can a woman do to make a man want her?”

      Stern Westmoreland, who had been looking through the scope of his hunting rifle, jerked his head around at the unexpected question, nearly knocking the cap off his head.

      He glared at the woman beside him who was staring through the scope of her own rifle. When a shot rang out, expletives flowed from his lips. “Dammit, JoJo, you did that on purpose. You asked me that just to ruin my concentration.”

      She lowered her rifle and frowned at him. “I did not. I asked you because I really want to know. And if it makes you feel better, I missed my target just now.”

      Stern rolled his eyes. So what if she had missed her shot now? Nothing had stopped her from taking down that huge elk yesterday when he had yet to hit anything, not even a coyote. On days like this he wondered why he always invited his best friend on these hunting trips. She showed him up each and every time.