He's just a rancher…standing under the mistletoe…asking for her heart! Dawson John is ranching royalty in Bronco and can usually get a date with any woman he wants. Music teacher Marisa Sanchez is a lot like the holidays—bright, full of cheer—so it’s no wonder the well-heeled cowboy is attracted to her. Marisa, though, insists they are too different for anything deeper than flirtation. Once the lights fade on the Mistletoe Pageant, she’ll be heading home to “real life” in blue-collar Tenacity. Dawson has just a few weeks to convince her their sweet winter interlude is only the beginning… From Harlequin Montana Mavericks: Book 1: Redeeming the Maverick by Christine Rimmer Book 2: The Maverick Makes the Grade by Stella Bagwell Book 3: That Maverick of Mine by Kathy Douglass Book 4: The Maverick's Christmas Kiss by JoAnna Sims Book 5: The Maverick's Christmas Countdown by Heatherly Bell Book 6: The Maverick's Resolution by Brenda Harlen

“I dare you to marry me! I bet you won’t do it.” Hardheaded cowboy Knox Crawford has his mind made up—he’s got to get married…and fast. Knox’s faux fiancée? Genevieve Lawrence, a gorgeous, sassy horsewoman who is not afraid of anything…except commitment. As they fake marry to trick Knox’s matchmaking dad, the two stubborn singles discover the only thing harder than pretending to be a couple is realizing they might be falling in love for real!

A millionaire…and baby booties? Rust Creek Ramblings Pretty-and-pregnant Mikayla Brown is Rust Creek Falls’ newest resident. Poor as a church mouse, she is determined to make it on her own, so what is she doing with Tulsa billionaire Jensen Jones? Everyone knows that the cowboy-booted businessman doesn’t “do” commitment—and Mikayla is in no position (literally!) to do casual. Yet our sources suggest Jensen may be Mikayla’s Prince Charming in disguise. Could our expectant, independent Cinderella have finally found her perfect match?

“Marry me…for a month!” Cowboy Ross Burris has an image problem, and he needs to fix it in a hurry. When sports reporter Celeste Montgomery comes to town for an interview, opportunity knocks—and Ross answers. He can’t believe it when he proposes to the city girl, but no one is more surprised than Celeste when she actually says “I do!” to the sexy rodeo star. But she quickly realizes she’s made a terrible mistake, because all she wants is to make her fake Mr. a forever husband… From Harlequin Montana Mavericks: Book 1: Sweet-Talkin' Maverick by Christy Jeffries Book 2: Maverick's Secret Daughter by Catherine Mann Book 3: The Maverick's Marriage Deal by Kaylie Newell Book 4: The Maverick's Thirty-Day Marriage by Rochelle Alers Book 5: Starting Over with the Maverick by Kathy Douglass Book 6: A Lullaby for the Maverick by Melissa Senate Don’t miss a Harlequin original podcast: Montana Mavericks!? Introducing the first ever podcast from Harlequin! Experience the iconic Montana Mavericks like you’ve never heard before. Listen now wherever podcasts are available.

USA TODAY bestselling author Christyne Butler visits Rust Creek Falls, the setting for the popular Montana Mavericks: Rust Creek Cowboys continuity, in a sexy and emotional romance that is sure to capture readers' hearts! Rust Creek Ramblings The Great Montana Flood has brought all sorts of interesting menfolk to Rust Creek Falls. At the Ace in the Hole, they're all talking about hunky out-of-towner Dean Pritchett. They say the green-eyed carpenter from Thunder Canyon is in town to help rebuild the elementary school. But we've got the inside scoop! Rumor has it that Dean has a special interest in our Shelby Jenkins. Yes, that Shelby Jenkins—the single mom who found herself in a "family way" back in high school. She's been fending off the town gossip forever, but Dean actually got into a fistfight trying to defend her honor! Sweet Shelby fears his love won't last. Just what are your intentions, Mr. Maverick?

A pretend engagement leads to true love and a very real marriage between a wedding planner and a Montana rancher in this contemporary romance. Cole Dalton doesn’t believe in love and marriage—not anymore. The ex-marine and rancher knows that life holds no guarantees, especially after losing his mother to a tragic fire at his family ranch. But Cole can’t resist helping a woman in distress and wedding planner Vivienne Shuster is about to get fired by her boss from hell for not booking any new business. So Cole starts planning his own wedding, happy to play an eager groom, especially since coordinating his nuptials means more time up close and personal with Vivienne. Until suddenly the cowboy is wishing for a very real wedding with his pretty planner. . . .

COZYING UP WITH THE COWBOY Rust Creek Ramblings Ah, wintertime in Rust Creek Falls! It’s the perfect time of year to snuggle up by the fireplace and indulge in some juicy gossip. Speaking of snuggling, did you hear that Eli Dalton and Hadley Strickland were forced to spend the night together in an abandoned barn during our recent snowstorm? While it may have been a horse in distress that brought the lovely veterinarian out to the Circle D, we’re betting handsome, steady Eli will draw her back. We believe the rancher could melt fair Hadley’s frozen heart—if she can find the courage to reveal her past. So hang the holly, dear readers, and remember that this is the season for miracles. Could a holiday proposal soon be in the works?

He’ll do anything for his child’s sake… THE COWBOY TAKES A (FAKE) WIFE Wealthy workaholic rancher Daniel Dubois has everything money can buy, but it’s not enough. If he can’t convince authorities he’s worthy, he will soon lose custody of his orphaned baby niece. Event planner Brittany Brandt rejects Daniel’s marriage of convenience until little Hailey wins her over. Soon they are a cozy family of three—and Daniel’s biggest problem is guarding his heart against his make-believe bride…

From a USA Today–bestselling author, a blizzard brings together a pregnant woman and a single father, who fall in love despite their rival families. RUST CREEK RAMBLINGS Rejoice, ye merry Mavericks! As Christmas approaches, we here at The Rust Creek Falls Rambler thought we’d reward our devoted followers with a blind item guaranteed to put a little extra jingle in your stockings. Which rugged Rust Creek Traub has been spotted canoodling with a very pregnant lady of the Crawford kind? Astute readers will guess we’re talking about divorced rancher Dallas Traub, who rescued expectant shopkeeper Nina Crawford from a snowy car wreck a few weeks back. Can these holiday honeys survive feuding families, three boisterous boys and a little bundle of joy intent on an early arrival? Only Santa knows for sure . . . and he might just be bringing the gift of love down the chimney this year!

"Category: Home and family"--Page 4 of cover.