A Valentine from Harlequin: Six Degrees of Romance

A Valentine from Harlequin: Six Degrees of Romance Nancy Warren Catherine Spencer Margaret Moore Maggie Shayne Michele Hauf Christine Bell

One opening paragraph, six unique stories…

What if you gave six authors the same opening paragraph and let their imagination fly? That’s what we’ve done in A Valentine from Harlequin: Six Degrees of Romance!

Experience the variety Harlequin romance has to offer with this collection of novellas from six Harlequin series, including the passionate drama of Harlequin Presents, steamy encounters of Harlequin Blaze, spooky and sensual tales of Harlequin Nocturne, and more.

Collection includes novellas by Nancy Warren, Catherine Spencer, Margaret Moore, Maggie Shayne, Michele Hauf and Christine Bell.

Dear Reader,

I love romance novels. I adore modern-day quests or intrigue in ancient Rome; adventures in space (Star Trek always needed a little more romance); and being swept off my feet by a dashing knight or daring pirate. Whether I am looking for drama, passion, suspense or comedy, I can find it all in a romance. And a romance always delivers on its quintessential promise: no matter what agonies and challenges the hero and heroine must overcome, at the end there will be a happy ending!

I believe the optimistic, forward-looking, family-building nature of romance also explains why it is the best- selling genre of fiction. At the same time, some people question how different romance novels can be if they all have a happy ending. (If you are one of those people, please read my opening paragraph again. We have variety. Lots of it.) Because we receive this inquiry too often, especially when it comes to Harlequin’s series romance novels, we decided to take on this challenge directly and highlight how different our books can be—even if they all start with the same opening.

That’s right. Harlequin staff wrote the opening paragraph of a story and then asked six fantastic, challenge- loving romance writers to take it from there. And they did! We have a sexy Blaze, a passionate Presents, a thrilling romantic suspense, and more. We also included a steampunk story, which may be a subgenre that is new to many of you, but I hope you will enjoy Christine Bell’s tale as much as I do. (For those of you who are wondering what steampunk is, it’s a subgenre set in Victorian-era Britain where steam powers technological innovation. Think films like Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr.) I think after reading them all you’ll agree that like snowflakes, no two romances are ever the same.

Happy reading!

Malle Vallik

Director, Digital Publishing

Contents

Pulse Point

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Charlotte’s Angel

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

The Duke’s Dilemma

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Dead Man’s Woman

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Night of the Living Wed

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Bold as Brass

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five 

Pulse Point By Nancy Warren