Her Bachelor Challenge

Her Bachelor Challenge
Cathy Gillen Thacker

Left hand, ring finger…Best friend Bridgett Owens's gigantic diamond winked at the eldest Deveraux son, Chase, like a coy madam at an old-time bordello. The fun-loving playboy of Charleston, South Carolina, wasn't supposed to go gaga over the grown-up daughter of the family housekeeper. Except welling up in the bachelor's brain were protective, intimate feelings that he just couldn't - didn't want to - discount.But can a man who's definitely not the marrying kind turn into a (gasp) committed groom-to-be…especially when nothing but bad luck has burnished his romantic record?

Dear Reader,

I’m pleased to introduce a brand-new series, THE DEVERAUX LEGACY. Set in beautiful and historic Charleston, South Carolina, the books follow the fortunes of the Deveraux family.

Grace and Tom Deveraux divorced years ago—for reasons known only to them. Both have regrets, as well as a deep and abiding love for each other, and they worry their own foolhardy actions have permanently affected their children. More than anything, Grace and Tom want their children to avoid their mistakes and have the kind of enduring, happy marriages of which dreams—and families—are made. Both are equally skeptical it will ever happen, however, since…

Chase, the oldest son and magazine publisher spends his time advising his male readers how to be happy—with or without a wife. Mitch, an innovative businessman and the second-born son, who will one day take his father’s place at the helm of the Deveraux Shipping Company, has already weathered a divorce of his own and is now willing to consider marriage as a business deal. Third-born Gabe, a doctor and the Good Samaritan of the family, is contemplating siring a baby as a favor for one of his lady friends! Only Amy, the baby of the family and owner of her own interior design business, wants it all—love, romance and children—the old-fashioned, time-honored way.

Eventually, of course, all the Deveraux siblings will find happiness, and the love, passion and romance they have been waiting for. And perhaps a little of life’s wisdom along the way…

Best wishes,

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Harlequin American Romance, where you’re guaranteed heartwarming, emotional and deeply romantic stories set in the backyards, big cities and wide-open spaces of America. Kick starting the month is Cathy Gillen Thacker’s Her Bachelor Challenge, which launches her brand-new family-connected miniseries THE DEVERAUX LEGACY. In this wonderful story, a night of passion between old acquaintances has a sought-after playboy businessman questioning his bachelor status.

Next, Mollie Molay premieres her new GROOMS IN UNIFORM miniseries. In The Duchess & Her Bodyguard, protecting a royal beauty was easy for a by-the-book bodyguard, but falling in love wasn’t part of the plan! Don’t miss Husbands, Husbands…Everywhere! by Sharon Swan, in which a lovely B & B owner’s ex-husband shows up on her doorstep with amnesia, giving her the chance to rediscover the man he’d once been. This poignant reunion romance story is the latest installment in the WELCOME TO HARMONY miniseries. Laura Marie Altom makes her Harlequin American Romance debut with Blind Luck Bride, which pairs a jilted groom with a pregnant heroine in a marriage meant to satisfy the terms of a bet.

This month, and every month, come home to Harlequin American Romance—and enjoy!

Best,

Melissa Jeglinski

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin American Romance

Cathy Gillen Thacker

Her Bachelor Challenge

This book is dedicated to David and Meredith Thacker, who have found in each other everything they have always wanted. I couldn’t be happier about your marriage. I wish you much love and joy in your new life together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy Gillen Thacker married her high school sweetheart and hasn’t had a dull moment since. Why, you ask? Well, there were three kids, various pets, any number of automobiles, several moves across the country, his and her careers, and sundry other experiences. But mostly, there was love and friendship and laughter, and lots of experiences she wouldn’t trade for the world.

You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.cathygillenthacker.com, and you can write her c/o Harlequin Books, 300 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.

Who’s Who in the Deveraux Family

Tom Deveraux—The head of the family and CEO of the Deveraux shipping empire that has been handed down through the generations.

Grace Deveraux—Estranged from Tom for years, but back in town—after a personal tragedy—for some much-needed family support.

Chase Deveraux—The eldest son, and the biggest playboy in the greater Charleston area.

Mitch Deveraux—A chip off the old block and about to double the size of the family business via a business/marriage arrangement.

Dr. Gabe Deveraux—The “Goodest” Samaritan around. Any damsels in distress in need of the good doctor’s assistance…?

Amy Deveraux—The baby sister. She’s determined to reunite her parents.

Winnifred Deveraux Smith—Tom’s widowed sister. The social doyenne of Charleston, she’s determined never to marry. That’s not what she has in mind for her niece and nephews, though.

Herry Bowles—The butler. Distinguished, indispensable and devoted to his boss, Winnifred.

Eleanor Deveraux—The Deveraux ancestor with whom the legacy of ill-fated love began.

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

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Chapter One