Brooding ranch owner Brody Hamilton keeps his heart out of reach. But there’s something about vivacious stable manager Lucy that brings joy to his hardened soul. Only he must put his past behind him before he can put a ring on her finger…

Lucy Farnsworth has just discovered she’s of royal blood. She should be glad, but it’s blown her world apart and she just finds herself wanting to be the old Lucy again. At Prairie Rose Ranch Lucy’s found the man who makes her feel she belongs. Only she hasn’t told him she’s a princess…

“Absolutely. As the host it’s my job to dance with the prettiest girl in the place.”

“Why else did you dress up in that outfit anyway? It was made for dancing. Or so Agnes has bragged enough times. It is from her shop, right?”

She lifted her chin and looked away. How could he know that? Unless Mrs. Polcyk had loose lips. After her observations at supper, she wouldn’t be surprised.

“Maybe, but I’m a helluva good dancer, Miss Farnsworth. And if you don’t want to dance, there’s lots of ladies here who will.”

“Fine,” she glared. “One dance. It would look funny if I didn’t, I suppose.”

She took his hand, shocked when he spun her around quite efficiently and settled his hand at her waist. Instantly he guided her into the easy rocking steps of the dance, the entire swirling circle of dancers moving around the floor like they did it every day of their lives. And damn his hide, if he wasn’t right after all. He was a sublime dancer. She’d known how to two-step since she was ten, but he made even spinning turns simple as he guided her first one way, then the other, beneath his arm and bringing her effortlessly back in step.

He grinned down at her as the band thumped and twanged their way on, the rough, enthusiastic quality of the music creating an energy that vibrated from the soles of her feet up. “Hmph.”

“Miss Lucy, you’re adorable when you pout. It makes all of your freckles stand out.”

That did it. She stomped down hard with her vintage pump on his toe, breaking their rhythm. She attempted to twist out of his arms but his hand gripped her wrist quite efficiently and swirled her back into the dance.

“Good thing for you I’m wearing boots,” he remarked. The teasing smile was still in place but something darker glittered in his eyes.

“You’ve been an arrogant pain in the behind for the better part of two weeks, and tonight you turn into an incorrigible tease. Go turn your charms on someone else who will appreciate them.”

The music ended and he let her go. The air seemed abruptly cool now that there was space between them and she tried very hard not to miss his warmth.

He walked away unconcerned, and when the band started up again he crossed the floor and led Jen out for a waltz.

Reviews

"Alward has a gift for creating strong conflict, and the Alberta setting is gorgeous..." Romantic Times Book Reviews

"This book...caught me right into the story, and held my interest to the very last page." Pink Heart Society Reviews

"...a truly heartwarming story with an utterly charming ending that had me sighing in appreciation." Romance Junkies, 4.5 Ribbons

"Using the majestic Rockies as a backdrop, Donna Alward weaves lonely despair and heartbreak together into an emotion-packed story..." Anita Mae, reader

"...a tale of revelation and romance that is sure to capture readers’ heartstrings...a passionate story that shows that even the deepest secrets can be ferreted out by an inquisitive heart. Well done!" Romance Reader at Heart, 4 Roses

"A quick and enjoyable read that makes you fall in love with cowboys all over again...A great kick-off book to the Harlequin 60 Year Anniversary ‘Western Wedding’ series." Once Upon A Romance, 4 1/2 rating

"With a fairy tale ending, this is a classic romantic adventure." Joyfully Reviewed

"Donna Alward tugs the heartstrings of the reader with The Rancher’s Runaway Princess...This is an emotional story that brought me to tears one minute and had me laughing out loud the next." Fallen Angels Reviews