New Releases by Judy Duarte

From the Desk oF Leah Roberts Review of Patient Case Name: Javier Mendoza Age: 31 Condition: Injured in Red Rock tornado—still hospitalized. Recovering nicely. Too handsome for a hospital bed. Too sexy for his own good. Prognosis: Likely to cause racing pulse, sleepless nights and hospital gossip. Course of treatment: Walk away, STAT! The Fortunes and the Mendozas had been anxiously awaiting Javier''s recovery. Finally he was on the mend, and no one was happier than his nurse, Leah Roberts. She''d been his rock during the ordeal, but now she was having thoughts that were most unprofessional. She was losing her heart to her flirty, sweet-talking patient. But did Javier also have a case of true love?

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?

ROWAN’S RECOLLECTIONS… I was stumbling down a country road and couldn’t remember a thing—not even my name. Luckily, Louanne Brown, the most beautiful woman in Texas, found me—and thanks to her, I’m starting to remember everything, including how to love again. LOUANNE’S LAMENTS… Handsome, intelligent and passionate, Rowan reminded me of the life I’d once had—and the promise it held. But I knew a man like him before, and that romance had only left me always looking over my shoulder. I’d love to find a peaceful life for myself and my baby son, Noah…. Can Rowan be the one I’ve been waiting 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.

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 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.

SHE DIDN’T BELIEVE IN HEROES Hailey Conway believed in making a good, predictable life for herself. Until San Diego detective Nick Granger saved her from a mugger and swept her off her feet—and into bed. Their steamy one-night stand was almost enough to melt the snow that had stranded them together…and then they said goodbye. Except Nick’s dark eyes and whispered endearments haunted Hailey’s dreams, and continued to set her world on edge. For their night together had conceived more than insatiable passion. They had a baby on the way. And when Hailey shared her secret, she knew the rugged rebel might break her heart…unless he became the hero who saved it.

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

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….

Fairbrook is a town tailor-made for the holidays, with beautiful old houses dotting quaintly named streets like Sugar Plum Lane and Nutcracker Court. But cash-strapped single mom Carly Westbrook worries about providing a merry Christmas for her boys. Their run-ins with cranky neighbor Max Tolliver, an aspiring novelist stricken with writer''s block, don''t help. Between losing his muse and the Westbrook boys wreaking havoc in his once orderly life, Max could use a Christmas miracle. Fortunately, the Diamond Lils, a ladies group who meet weekly to play poker and socialize, are looking to do some good deeds--and they think a little matchmaking for Carly is a perfect place to start. . . "This is a solid Christmas read, firmly in the spirit of the holiday." --Publishers Weekly "For fans of Debbie Macomber." –Library Journal

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….

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….

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?

Healing Dr. Fortune by Jusy Duarte Healing people was Jeremy Fortune''s specialty not coming to the rescue of a beautiful women with an infant in her arms! The California surgeon was in Texas to locate his missing father, but instead, he may have found the woman of his dreams. Kirsten Allen was only trying to look out for her brother''s son. And now she was worried about holding onto her heart! The dedicated doc was filling her head with a sweet domestic fantasy. But only if he planned to stick around long enough to fulfil both their dreams With A Little Help by Valerie Parv Raised in a family of physicians, Emma Jarrett has no interest in being a medical spouse. Of course, that doesn''t stop her mother from parading eligible doctors in front of her. The latest is Nathan Hale someone she shares a history with. It was hard enough fighting temptation the first time. Does she really want to do it a second time around?

Healing people was Jeremy Fortune''s specialty—not coming to the rescue of beautiful women with infants in their arms! The California surgeon was in Texas to locate his missing father. Instead, he might have found the woman of his dreams. Kirsten Allen was only trying to look out for her brother''s son. And now the Red Rock accountant was worried about holding on to her heart! Jeremy had the most irresistible bedside manner, and the dedicated doc was filling her head with the sweet domestic fantasy of becoming Mrs. Dr. Fortune! But only if he planned to stick around long enough to fulfill both their dreams….

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

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?

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?

Montana – where passions run deep and dreams can come true! Their Unexpected Family Juliet Rivera, the town’s favourite waitress, is taking some much-needed time off before her little bundle of joy arrives. And sexy reporter Mark Anderson has been keeping a close eye on her...

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?

Triple Trouble Lois Faye Dyer Nicholas Fortune was at his wits’ end looking after his temporary charges – three tiny baby girls. The answer? A nanny! The triplets quickly stole Charlene’s heart. Her sexy boss was definitely off-limits, until he made her another offer – one she couldn’t refuse!

Mulberry Park is a peaceful haven for locals from all walks of life. And at the center of its lush green lawn grows a massive mulberry tree--tall enough to take a most precious wish as high as it can go, and to open a few hearts along the way.

Starting a new life in her family''s beautiful Victorian house on Sugar Plum Lane with her young daughter, Amy Masterson finds a journal that once belonged to her family, which reveals secrets, betrayals and long-buried emotions--and holds the key to her past. Original.

Baby Makes Three Molly O''Keefe After five long years, Alice Mitchell''s ex-husband is back in her life. The attraction between them is impossible to deny, but Alice can''t give Gabe a baby. Still, creating a family doesn''t always mean creating a child. Will they realise that before it''s too late ; a second time?

Romancing the Enemy by Laurie Paige Sara Carlton was on a mission ; to seek revenge against the man who nearly destroyed her family. Moving in next door to her nemesis''s handsome son was part of her plan. Falling head over heels in love with him was not!

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….

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.

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.…

When Tori took a job at the Rocking C ranch, nobody told her an ornery cowboy came with it. As a former nurse, Tori knew she could help Matt Clayton get back on his feet. The only obstacle was the injured bronc rider himself… An accident may have ended his rodeo career, but Matt wasn''t one to back down from a challenge! Now one bossy redhead was about to meet her match! But Tori was hiding something. Would Tori''s secret force her to leave Matt and the feelings he was awakening in her? Or could love work its healing magic on them both, making this a homecoming neither would forget?