Jade's Gamble

by Patricia Olney

Genres: Women's Fiction; Romance; Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

In this irresistible tale about a marriage of inconvenience, Patricia Olney delightfully demonstrates that love is often a delicious game of chance.
 
Single mother Jade O’Donnell is desperate. Embroiled in an ugly custody battle, Jade is convinced that being in a committed relationship will up her chances to keep her son. So when the wildly charismatic Trace Banyon walks into her lawyer’s office to inquire about a job, Jade’s willing to bet that he’s the perfect candidate to play the part of loving husband. She just never expects that Trace will steal her heart.
 
Temptation in the flesh, Trace insists that he will never be tied down in real life. He agrees to Jade’s scheme on one condition: It will mean nothing more than a business deal. But with Jade posing on his arm, Trace can’t help but feel genuine affection—and exhilarating passion. Now his bewitching make-believe wife has the stalwart bachelor considering the two words he has sworn will never pass his lips: “I do.”
 
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Reluctant Countess, Wild Rain, and Silk on the Skin.

Release date: February 11, 2013

Publisher: Loveswept

Print pages: 240

Sample

"I know it sounds crazy," Jade said. "A woman asking another man to help her find a husband. I feel kind of stupid asking."

"I offered my help and I will." Clint studied her without speaking for a moment. "I don't know exactly how to go about doing this. It's not like I know a whole lot of eligible bachelors in this town. So what would you be looking for in a husband?"

A hot rush of heat flamed up her cheeks. How could she have misunderstood his intentions? How could she have thought that maybe he wanted to marry her?

"Give me a quick rundown, we can fine-tune it later," Clint added.

"I don't really know what I'm looking for in a husband," she murmured.

"You have to know something of what you desire in a man," he encouraged her.

"He has to be kind and understanding. And because we're only doing this to protect my son, my 'husband' will have to accept that we will not consummate the relationship."

"No sex?" Clint asked. "That puts a hitch in my search."

"This is only until the courts give me full custody of Lucas. Then we'll get divorced right away," Jade said quickly.

"Oh, Jade," he asked, "what are you really looking for? A man to love? A man to love you back? I promise you, it's possible. . ."