LITMIR.BIZ

      HIS RING,

      HER BABY

      MAXINE SULLIVAN

      HIS BRIDE FOR

      THE TAKING

      SANDRA HYATT

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      HIS RING,

      HER BABY

      MAXINE SULLIVAN

       “Marriage is what you were aiming for, wasn’t it?”

      She quickly shook her head. “No! I didn’t. I—”

      “Enough lying. You’re trying to get someone to marry you and you’ll use any means—any person —to keep your son.” His lips twisted. “I guess I’m just damn lucky I was the one on hand.”

      “No! I have no intention of marrying you—or anyone else, for that matter. I’ve just lost my husband, for God’s sake,” she said, her voice catching.

      “That didn’t stop you sleeping with me last night, did it?”

      She sucked in a breath. “That was a mistake. We’ve already agreed not to repeat it.”

      “I told you before I don’t like being used.”

      “I’m sorry. If I could take it back without harming my son, then I would.”

      A nerve pulsed near his temple. “Fine. I’ll be your fiancé for now. But I can tell you this, Vanessa. I will never be your husband.”

      About the Author

      MAXINE SULLIVAN credits her mother for her lifelong love of romance novels, so it was a natural extension for Maxine to want to write her own romances. She thinks there is nothing better than being a writer and is thrilled to be one of the few Australians to write for the Desire™ line.

      Maxine lives in Melbourne, Australia, but over the years has travelled to New Zealand, the UK and the USA. In her own backyard, her husband’s job ensured they saw the diversity of the countryside, from the tropics to the Outback, country towns to the cities. She is married to Geoff, who has proven his hero status many times over the years. They have two handsome sons and an assortment of much-loved, previously abandoned animals.

      Maxine would love to hear from you. She can be contacted through her website at www.maxinesullivan. com.

      To my fabulous agent, Jennifer Schober.

      Thanks for your support and enthusiasm, Jenn.

      And to Catherine Evans for her helpful advice

      with the Outback scenes. Thanks, Cath.

      Dear Reader,

      When my editor suggested I write an Outback story I was thrilled. Not only do I love writing characters drawn together for the sake of a child, but who wouldn’t want to write a story set in the romantic Outback? It’s a special place that deserves a special love story.

      The term “Outback” is not a precise location, and even Australians don’t know exactly where the Outback starts and ends. Many Australians live in the cities, others in rural areas called “the bush", and farther out —somewhere “out back”—it turns into the “Outback". Where the line is drawn no one really knows. You’re suddenly there in the middle of something that entrances a person in a way you’ve never known before and you just know that this is it. It’s a bit like love.

      Of course, Vanessa Hamilton and Kirk Deverill aren’t quite so quick to realise they have a love like no other. Vanessa has been mourning her late husband and is now busy trying to protect her son from his smothering grandparents. Kirk has a secret he won’t burden any woman with. There are just too many reasons for them not to fall in love.

      And if that’s the case, then perhaps they’ll manage to escape the romantic lure of the Outback. Then again … perhaps they won’t. I hope you enjoy this story.

      Happy reading!

       Maxine

      One