RaeAnne Thayne - Riverbend Road

Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love...

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne Praise TITLE PAGE 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 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE EPILOGUE EXTRACT COPYRIGHT

“Romance, vivid characters and a wonderful story; really who could ask for more?”

—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Blackberry Summer

“This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.”

—Library Journal on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

“A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town... . Poignant and sweet, this tale of second chances will appeal to fans of military-flavored sweet romance.”

—Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

“Plenty of tenderness and Colorado sunshine flavor this pleasant escape.”

—Publishers Weekly on Woodrose Mountain

“Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.”

—Booklist on Woodrose Mountain

“Thayne pens another winner by combining her huge, boisterous cast of familiar, lovable characters with a beautiful setting and a wonderful story. Her main characters are strong and three-dimensional, with enough heat between them to burn the pages.”

—RT Book Reviews on Currant Creek Valley

“RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart.”

—RT Book Reviews

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Many people play a vital role in bringing a book to life, from the first tiny seeds of an idea germinating in my imagination to the final creation. I am deeply grateful to every single person at Harlequin—from the art department for their stunning cover designs to the tireless marketing team to the fabulous HQN editors (especially the incomparable Gail Chasan, who has been with me through more than fifty books now!). Thank you to Sarah Burningham and Katie Olsen of Little Bird Publicity, my agent Karen Solem, my assistant Judie Bouldry, my review crew, and all the bloggers and booksellers who work so hard to help my books reach my wonderful readers.

For Riverbend Road in particular, I must thank Michael Lynch for the invaluable research help. The former small-town police chief and big-city homicide detective is a quiet everyday hero who has lived a far more fascinating life than any fictional character I could write! Also, I am indebted to my friend Jill Shalvis, for helping me through some sticky plot points and for always having my back.

Finally, I must thank my husband and three children. You fill my life with joy.

Contents

COVER

BACK COVER TEXT Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love... Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister. Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

Praise Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne Praise TITLE PAGE 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 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE EPILOGUE EXTRACT COPYRIGHT “Romance, vivid characters and a wonderful story; really who could ask for more?” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Blackberry Summer “This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.” —Library Journal on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon “A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town... . Poignant and sweet, this tale of second chances will appeal to fans of military-flavored sweet romance.” —Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon “Plenty of tenderness and Colorado sunshine flavor this pleasant escape.” —Publishers Weekly on Woodrose Mountain “Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.” —Booklist on Woodrose Mountain “Thayne pens another winner by combining her huge, boisterous cast of familiar, lovable characters with a beautiful setting and a wonderful story. Her main characters are strong and three-dimensional, with enough heat between them to burn the pages.” —RT Book Reviews on Currant Creek Valley “RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart.” —RT Book Reviews

TITLE PAGE Riverbend Road RaeAnne Thayne www.millsandboon.co.uk

DEDICATION Many people play a vital role in bringing a book to life, from the first tiny seeds of an idea germinating in my imagination to the final creation. I am deeply grateful to every single person at Harlequin—from the art department for their stunning cover designs to the tireless marketing team to the fabulous HQN editors (especially the incomparable Gail Chasan, who has been with me through more than fifty books now!). Thank you to Sarah Burningham and Katie Olsen of Little Bird Publicity, my agent Karen Solem, my assistant Judie Bouldry, my review crew, and all the bloggers and booksellers who work so hard to help my books reach my wonderful readers. For Riverbend Road in particular, I must thank Michael Lynch for the invaluable research help. The former small-town police chief and big-city homicide detective is a quiet everyday hero who has lived a far more fascinating life than any fictional character I could write! Also, I am indebted to my friend Jill Shalvis, for helping me through some sticky plot points and for always having my back. Finally, I must thank my husband and three children. You fill my life with joy.