Sue Swift

STORY-LINE SECRET FATHER:

Sweet romance oozes from the pages of Secret Father. Written by award-winning author Suz deMello, the reader will find a clean romance filled with emotion and character driven. Linda Travers has loved Dave Madsen since she was fourteen. Seventeen year old Dave, rescued Linda from a deadly snow storm and won her immediate love. However, the course of true love did not run smooth, as Dave left town never knowing of shy Linda’s feelings. Meeting again at college, and show more after one night of love, Dave’s gone again; this time to the Amazon jungles. Unfortunately, he left a little something behind this time. Nine months later, none the wiser, Dave is a father.

After a career changing injury, Dave’s back in town to recuperate and receive physical therapy, leaving Linda, his newly appointed physical therapist, no option except tell Dave about his son. A son who looks exactly like Dave does not go unnoticed in the small gossipy town of Renegade Ridge, California.

How will Dave, Linda, and son Mac deal with all the revelations, stress, and changes that will come? Can Dave and Linda forge a family six years too late? Will Linda be able to share parenting Mac after single parenting so long?

Grab a seat, get comfortable, my romance novel review of Secret Father follows.



CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

To begin my review of Secret Father, I must say how much I enjoyed this book. Although a short 139 pages, author Suz deMello, filled the pages with emotion and a powerful story. deMello sets the hook early and keeps the reader’s interest to the last page. Her character development of Linda was progressive throughout the book. As I read, I could feel Linda’s confusion, her intense emotional feelings for Dave, and her desire for his love. However, I could also feel her fear and insecurity in trusting and loving Dave could bring; along with the fear Dave will steal her son’s love. Can she share the parenting responsibilities and share Mac’s love? The conflicting emotions were palpable.

In the same token, I could feel Dave growing from scientist to lover and protector; ready to do whatever necessary to forge a relationship with mother and son. Throw in Mac, a young child who suddenly has a father; two parents to play off each other, and you have the classic family unite with all their problems and insecurities.

The sexual tension between Linda and Drew is intense. The pages steam with unrequited desire each feels. deMello drew the tension out and teased the reader. As a result, the love scenes are sweet and light. deMello did not need to resort to graphic description; her writing skill alone, portrayed the intense emotion. Dave set his sights on a goal to seduce and gave it his all with patience and fortitude. Linda, insecure and needy, resist as long as she can. Dave’s favorite quote: Biology is destiny, does not match Linda’s desires. Linda is looking for more than destiny; love is her goal.

Furthermore, the pace of the story was on target with the length of the book. I found the plotting intriguing as deMello added revelations to heighten the tension. A pot hole filled road to happy ever after awaits Linda and Dave.

Finally, in concluding my romance novel review of Secret Father, I found a well-written story-line with well-developed characters. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxation, Secret Father will entertain the reader.


SECRET FATHER RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

In addition I found Secret Father suitable for young adults and adults. I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend. I look forward to the opportunity to review other books by Suz deMello.

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest sweet romance novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my voluntary sweet romance novel review. show less

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Surrender to Love by Raine English

A suspenseful mystery with the right amount of intrigue, rivalry, and love interest. It starts out slow and builds fast with the characters developing relationships both good and bad quickly. A heartwarming story that shows how the challenges of aging can be solved with the care and concern of family. Not the usual coming of age relationship story. Loved the premise.

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

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This story was a great coming of age story. It explored the what if factor and showed how mistakes in teenage years can build character while really turning out for the best. A second chance at love for the major characters also provided insight into cultural differences. Life balance brings us challenges and this book offers the reader an excellent, well-written, romantic escape into the lives of the characters. Great book!!

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This book speaks to and from the heart. The author shows how the grieving process influences aspects of developing new relationships. A theme in the book is that the presence of loved ones plays an active role in new relationships. As someone with a cancer diagnosis whose numbers are good, this story was an inspiration. The relay for life solidarity cheered me and encouraged me since there is no cure for my cancer. Additionally, my husband died last year of a rare cancer that was metastatic when it was discovered. It is hoped that this well written novel of happiness, growth, and strength in togetherness will continue to raise awareness. I highly recommend this book!! show less

Reviewed by Ursula
Review copy provided by Ellora's Cave Publishing
Seducing the Hermit by Suz deMello had a concept that caught my attention right away. A young woman moving to Alaska for a new career and to find a new man. A land where the men out number the woman, what better odds could she ask for?

The story started out well enough, but quickly became somewhat stagnant. It seemed that for awhile, the story was stuck in a cycle of 'love em and leave em'. The lead man, Fisher and the lead show more lady Valerie, had sparks flying from the moment they saw each other. The only problem was, he didn't want anything more serious that a good time, with no strings. But once the feelings become more intense, he pulls away and disappears for a time. Then they come back together for great sex only to have him pull away again. This happens enough that it becomes almost boring.

Luckily, I kept reading, and am I happy I did. Once the stagnant cycle breaks free, the story really gets good. I really enjoyed the last 1/3 of the story the best. Overall, the story is good and would make a good read by the pool in the summer or by the fire in the winter. But the ending is what takes it from good to really good! show less

A very enjoyable contemporary erotic romance. Sweet story, steamy sex and very likeable characters. I liked it very much and look forward to reading more from deMello.