If the Shoe Fits / Designs on Jake (Harlequin Duets 2-In-1 No 86)

Rating:
Summary: Romantic Times Review
Review: If the Shoe Fits / Designs on Jake (Harlequin Duets 2-In-1 No 86)
by Samantha Connolly (Author), Dorien Kelly (Author)

Successful shoe designer C.J. Mathews has it all-her own place in NYC, a profitable business and terrific friends. All that's missing is a baby! Asking her friend, pilot Jack Harding, to be the father is tougher than she expected, but life doesn't get any easier after he finally says "yes." C.J. and Jack have been friends for years, and their brand-new (...)intimacy feels awkward to them both. So much so that when Jack thinks their second attempt at baby-making has been unsuccessful, he calls the deal off. Miserable but pregnant, C.J. vows to go it alone. Newcomer Samantha Connolly makes an impressive Duets debut with IF THE SHOE FITS, a sweet, leisurely-paced friends-into-lovers tale with real charm.

Single mom Rowan Lindsay is content without a man in her life. Caring for active five-year-old twins, working in her aunt's antique shop and dreaming of opening a design studio keep her busy enough. Then she meets Jake Albreight, who's renting the retail space and apartment next door and wonders if he could be different than the other men she's dated? But Jake isn't who he seems to be. He's wary of fortune-hunting females and children don't figure in his plans. At least, not at first. Newcomer Dorien Kelly's debut Duets title, DESIGNS ON JAKE is by turns funny and tender. All of the characters, but most particularly the heroine, are nicely rounded, and Ms. Kelly has a rare talent for writing realistic and amusing dialogue.

Rating:
Summary: Dorien Kelly is a great new author!
Review: The contemporary romance market will definitely welcome newcomer Dorien Kelly. In fact, she's bound to become a favorite with readers in no time at all. Her characters are lively and believable - her storyline is well thought out and her unique, well-honed voice displays evidence of the dedication she's undoubtedly made to perfecting her craft. If I had three thumbs, I'd give her three-thumbs-up, but since I only have two -- two will have to do. I look forward to reading more titles from her!