Judy Christenberry - Randall Renegade

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Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

You may be surprised to find me and the Randalls in the Harlequin Intrigue line. Normally my books are not filled with murder and mayhem. However, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to give one of my Randalls the chance to play a real hero. Jim Randall, Chad and Megan’s oldest boy, has been drifting since he completed college. When a call for help from a former flame arouses old memories, he finds he can’t abandon Patience Anderson. He plays the role of hero very well, but his emotions aren’t as easily directed. I hope you like his story.

The Randalls always pull together to bring about a happy ending. This remarkable family won’t have it any other way. There are, of course, some rough moments, but the Randalls face every test, fearlessly doing what has to be done. We can’t always choose our paths in life, but we can control our behavior.

It was interesting for me to accompany my characters through a different kind of story, one of danger and escape. I hope you enjoy the change, and I promise I will return to Rawhide and the Randalls once again this December.

Best wishes,

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Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Beginning this October, Harlequin Intrigue has expanded its lineup to six books! Publishing two more titles each month enables us to bring you an extraordinary selection of breathtaking stories of romantic suspense filled with exciting editorial variety—and we encourage you to try all that we have to offer.

Stock up on catnip! Caroline Burnes brings back your favorite feline sleuth to beckon you into a new mystery in the popular series FEAR FAMILIAR. This four-legged detective sticks his whiskers into the mix to help clear a stunning stuntwoman’s name in Familiar Double. Up next is Dani Sinclair’s new HEARTSKEEP trilogy starting with The Firstborn—a darkly sensual gothic romance that revolves around a sinister suspense plot. To lighten things up, bestselling Harlequin American Romance author Judy Christenberry crosses her beloved BRIDES FOR BROTHERS series into Harlequin Intrigue with Randall Renegade—a riveting reunion romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Keeping Baby Safe by Debra Webb could either passionately reunite a duty-bound COLBY AGENCY operative and his onetime lover—or tear them apart forever. Don’t miss the continuation of this action-packed series. Then Amy J. Fetzer launches our BACHELORS AT LARGE promotion featuring fearless men in blue with Under His Protection. Finally, watch for Dr. Bodyguard by debut author Jessica Andersen. Will a hunky doctor help penetrate the emotional walls around a lady genius before a madman closes in?

Pick up all six for a complete reading experience you won’t forget!

Enjoy,

Denise O’Sullivan

Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy is a native Texan.

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Jim Randall—A man of honor who can’t say no to a voice from the past.

Patience Anderson—The fiercely protective mother has no one else to turn to.

Chad Randall—His beloved son wants to stand alone, but that’s not the Randall way.

Joseph Keats—His fanatical beliefs have already cost his wife her life. Will his son also pay the ultimate price?

Tommy Peters—A little boy who loves and trusts Patience, the only mother he’s ever known. Can he trust her to rescue him?

For Pat Bennett:

first a devoted fan, now a good friend.

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

Jim Randall presented himself in the kitchen at dinnertime because it was expected. But he wasn’t staying. “Red, I’m heading into town. Don’t count me in for dinner.”

“You’re supposed to let me know earlier, boy. You got something special planned?” the older man asked.

“Not really, Red. I’m meeting a few friends. Sorry I didn’t know this morning.”

As he turned away, his father, Chad Randall, entered the big kitchen, and Jim had to explain himself all over again. And if he didn’t hurry out, his mom would be next. As much as he loved his family, twenty-five seemed a little old to be tied so tightly to the apron strings.

“Wait, boy,” Red said. “You got a phone message. Sounded real important.” Red handed him a piece of paper.

Jim scanned the message, and his heart jerked. He carefully folded it and said, “Thanks, Red.”

Red wasn’t finished. “The girl on the phone was crying.”

Damn! Why couldn’t the old man mind his own business? Jim felt badly immediately. Red was like a grandfather to him. He loved him. But he didn’t want anyone asking any questions about the call.

His father looked at him, but didn’t say anything. Jim knew that his father would lend help if it was needed, and he gave him a rocky smile as he hurried out of the kitchen.

He climbed into his truck and headed toward the county road that led into Rawhide, one of the small towns splattered across Wyoming. He’d been born there, knew most everyone who lived there, and he played there on Friday nights.

He stopped halfway to town, pulling over to the side of the road. He turned on the overhead light as he drew the piece of paper out of his pocket. Patience Anderson.

He ground his teeth as images flew before his eyes. He’d fallen for her hard. They’d both been at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. It had been his senior year, her sophomore. He’d wanted her badly. She’d refused to sleep with him unless they were at least engaged.

Jim hadn’t been ready to settle down. He wanted to sow his wild oats and make a name for himself first. It wasn’t easy being a Randall in the state of Wyoming. His family was well-known in the ranching and rodeo communities. So he’d said no to getting engaged so young. In actual fact, he’d said, “Hell, no!”

After two weeks without Patience, he’d realized he’d made a mistake. He missed her terribly. When he’d gone back home for a weekend, he went into town to see his friends and catch up on the news. The first thing his friends told him was that Patience was raising a baby. It wasn’t hers, really, but she was going to raise it.