How Miss West Was Won — Diane Darcy

With a sigh, he sank beside Grace on the bench, stretched his legs out, and acted like he didn't have a care in the world.
“What are you doing here?” Grace asked.
“Enjoying the park. You?”
“That's not what I meant. We're not supposed to see each other anymore, remember?”
Luke arched a brow. “I thought we came to an understanding last night.”
She wouldn't look at him. “Last night was a mistake.”
Luke couldn't help it, her prim tone, the upward tilt of her chin, the way she avoided his eyes, all made him want to tease her. “Hmm. Mistake might be the wrong word. One kiss, now you might be able to call that a mistake. Last night, was more like twenty kisses, or maybe even -- ”
“Enough! I hate to say it, but you are no gentleman, Mr. Carrington. I told you I don't wish to discuss last night.”
“Oh, of course. My apologies. Most ungentlemanly of me.”
She snorted -- a judgement on his sincerity.



How to outrun a madman intent on murder or worse? Go west!

To protect a young lady in her care from a murderous villain, New York governess Grace West assumes the identity of her wealthy charge -- to lure the villain away. She's been assured that finding a person in the vastness of the west should be the equivalent of searching for a needle in a haystack.

Unfortunately, she catches the eye of the charming, gorgeous, and slightly improper mayor. Luke Carrington is intent on hosting a gambling tournament that will attract maniacs from across the country. With so many strangers in town, how will she spot the villain hunting her?

Luke's attraction to Grace and her sassy attitude -- and the fact that he's forbidden to see her -- ensures he won't stay away. He likes the lady and he saw her first. The fact that she's also a challenge, well, that's just icing on the cake.

He likes to gamble. He likes to win. She doesn't stand a chance.