Father and Child (Harlequin Intrigue, No 2437)

Rating:
Summary: 43 Light St
Review: FATHER AND CHILD - Rebecca York

One glance at the doe-eyed girl in the photo melted the icy
walls around Zeke Chambers's heart. Till then, he'd kept his
past secret, his feelings hidden. But now he had to reach out
-- for the help he needed to rescue his child...
Zeke needed a wife in twenty-four hours. But could he ask
Elizabeth Egan, the woman he secretly loved, to marry him for
a pretense, to put her life in danger? With a killer in
pursuit and the fate of his child in the balance, Zeke had no
other choice.

When he looked at Elizabeth he dreamed of forming the perfect
little family. But it was a fantasy, like hearing her say she
loved him. And fantasy was a luxury he couldn't afford until
he got his daughter back...

Rating:
Summary: Best romantic series in category; this latest is stupendous
Review: When Elizabeth Egan met Zeke Chambers, she fell in love with the hunk, but he was unable to let down his guard enough to let her pass the emotional barriers he erected , so their relationship settles into a friendship. Out of the blue, Zeke clumsily asks Elizabeth to marry him. He explains that he needs her help because he has just learned that he has a five year old daughter, Ariadne, who is trapped in Greece. To get her out of the country, he needs a temporary spouse. Because she loves him and would do almost anything for Zeke, she agrees to marry him.

Even before they can be married by their friends at 43 Light Street, danger strikes when Sebastian Demos arrives and tries to kill Zeke for what he did to his beloved Sophia. After their wedding, the couple goes overseas, but the danger only amplifies, making Zeke feel guilty. However, his need to rescue his daughter, opens his heart to Elizabeth, who he loves dearly. If, by some miracle, he comes in out of the cold alive, Zeke wants to prove to Elizabeth and Ariadne that he can love both of them for the rest of his life.

Don't allow the inane title to fool you into thinking that FATHER AND CHILD is category pap. Instead the novel is a great, one sitting romantic suspense that will keep readers on the edge of the seats from start to finish. The lead protagonists are a wonderful couple, especially Zeke, who carries tons of baggage around his heart and soul. The story line is crisp, action-packed, and sexually alive as the eighth book in the 43 LIGHT STREET series will prove to be a delight for fans of the sub-genre. This reviewer strongly recommends the entire series for those who enjoy their romances spiced with lots of intrigue, action, and adventure.

Harriet Klausner