Donna Alward - The Cowboy's Christmas Gift

A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR?

Returning to Crooked Valley is more terrifying than the battlefield to ex-soldier Duke Duggan. Still, Duke has an important reason to be back—to take control of his late grandfather’s ranch. But being thrown headfirst into his old life makes Duke feel like a fish out of water. That is, until he sees Carrie Coulter again. Twenty years may have passed but the chemistry between them is stronger than ever.

When Duke threatens to sell the ranch, Carrie, the foreman, realizes she could lose her livelihood. But no decisions will be made until after the holidays. Until then, they have time to explore the feelings that draw them to each other. Together, can they come up with a way to keep the ranch…and the burning love between them?

The past twenty-four hours had felt very strange, and yet very right.

At times it had almost seemed as though they were a real couple, decorating their place for Christmas.

Except for the constant reminder that their relationship was transient. That she shouldn’t get used to spending time with him when he could be gone again before she knew it.

Saying goodbye to Duke was going to be torture.

As the afternoon waned and the light dimmed slightly, Duke went inside and flicked the switch to the outdoor plug, making the lights come alive.

It was beautiful.

Duke came back outside and jogged down the steps, coming to stand beside her. “So what do you think?” he asked. “We did good, huh?”

Her breath made clouds in the air, and Duke tugged on her hand, pulling her closer.

He kissed her, slow and soft, making her melt against him. The man knew how to kiss—she’d give him that.

“Whew,” she said when the kiss broke off. “I’m not sure the fun’s quite over, you keep kissing me like that.”

His eyes warmed. “It doesn’t have to be.”

Dear Reader Dear 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 Extract Copyright ,

Welcome to a brand-new trilogy—and just in time for the holidays!

In the Crooked Valley Ranch series, you meet the Duggan siblings: Duke, Lacey and Rylan. None of them are ranchers, so it’s a bit of a shock when they inherit the family spread from their grandfather. Each of them must take their place at the ranch or it goes up for sale.

Which doesn’t really matter much to any of them…in the beginning. In The Cowboy’s Christmas Gift, Duke Duggan returns to the ranch to figure out what to do next with his life. A career soldier, he’s at loose ends now that he’s lost his hearing in one ear. At first he just wants to get his bearings. Look at his options. It all sounds great until two things complicate his “no commitments” plans. First of all, he kind of likes the ranch and the open spaces and freedom. And then there’s Carrie Coulter, the cattle foreman. Smart, feisty and loyal, she keeps Duke on his toes. Duke’s torn between his freedom, wanting to reunite his family for Christmas, and knowing that selling the ranch might have devastating consequences for those who count on it for their livelihoods. That’s a lot of responsibility for one guy to shoulder.

Good thing Duke loves a challenge.

I hope you have a wonderful family holiday and enjoy the warmth of the season—as well as a good book or two!

Best wishes,

Donna

The Cowboy’s Christmas Gift

Donna Alward

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 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 Extract Copyright

A busy wife and mother of three (two daughters and the family dog), DONNA ALWARDbelieves hers is the best job in the world: a combination of stay-at-home mom and romance novelist. An avid reader since childhood, Donna has always made up her own stories. She completed her arts degree in English literature in 1994, but it wasn’t until 2001 that she penned her first full-length novel and found herself hooked on writing romance. In 2006 she sold her first manuscript, and now writes warm, emotional stories for Harlequin.

In her new home office in Nova Scotia, Donna loves being back on the east coast of Canada after nearly twelve years in Alberta, where her career began, writing about cowboys and the West. Donna’s debut romance, Hired by the Cowboy, was awarded a Booksellers’ Best Award in 2008 for Best Traditional Romance.

With the Atlantic Ocean only minutes from her doorstep, Donna has found a fresh take on life and promises even more great romances in the near future!

Donna loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website, www.donnaalward.com, or follow @DonnaAlwardon Twitter.

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To Kate Hardy, with many thanks for all the help and words of wisdom!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR? Returning to Crooked Valley is more terrifying than the battlefield to ex-soldier Duke Duggan. Still, Duke has an important reason to be back—to take control of his late grandfather’s ranch. But being thrown headfirst into his old life makes Duke feel like a fish out of water. That is, until he sees Carrie Coulter again. Twenty years may have passed but the chemistry between them is stronger than ever. When Duke threatens to sell the ranch, Carrie, the foreman, realizes she could lose her livelihood. But no decisions will be made until after the holidays. Until then, they have time to explore the feelings that draw them to each other. Together, can they come up with a way to keep the ranch…and the burning love between them?

Introduction The past twenty-four hours had felt very strange, and yet very right. At times it had almost seemed as though they were a real couple, decorating their place for Christmas. Except for the constant reminder that their relationship was transient. That she shouldn’t get used to spending time with him when he could be gone again before she knew it. Saying goodbye to Duke was going to be torture. As the afternoon waned and the light dimmed slightly, Duke went inside and flicked the switch to the outdoor plug, making the lights come alive. It was beautiful. Duke came back outside and jogged down the steps, coming to stand beside her. “So what do you think?” he asked. “We did good, huh?” Her breath made clouds in the air, and Duke tugged on her hand, pulling her closer. He kissed her, slow and soft, making her melt against him. The man knew how to kiss—she’d give him that. “Whew,” she said when the kiss broke off. “I’m not sure the fun’s quite over, you keep kissing me like that.” His eyes warmed. “It doesn’t have to be.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear 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 Extract Copyright , Welcome to a brand-new trilogy—and just in time for the holidays! In the Crooked Valley Ranch series, you meet the Duggan siblings: Duke, Lacey and Rylan.