A few months ago I was over at Anna’s Book Blog and read that Harlequin was looking for people to participate in a panel of sorts. I joined up and Tell Harlequin sends me book cover surveys and also survey’s that ask about what types of books I read, etc. They recently sent me two books that they wanted me to read and then discuss with them. This is one of the books that they sent.
Axel Clay has his eye on secretive shopkeeper Tara Browning for more reasons than just her pretty looks. But there’s one secret that is going to be a bigger surprise than even he could expect, and it’s baby-bound to change their lives forever.
When Tara is stood up by her twin brother on their birthday she decides to leave the bar they were to meet in. As she’s leaving though she runs into Axel Clay and they end up spending a wonderful 48 hours in a hotel together. But Monday morning rolls around and Axel is gone before Tara wakes up with just a note to say he’ll call.
It is now 4 months later and Tara hasn’t heard word one from Axel. He suddenly appears in town and says he can explain, but Tara’s not interested in hearing about Axel’s excuses. She definitely wants to get anway from Axel before he discovers that she’s pregnant with his baby.
But Axel isn’t going anywhere and he’s going to be closer than Tara wants. Axel sits down and tell s her that he is her new bodyguard because there’s been a hit put out on her brother and her brother wants her kept safe. Axel will now be with Tara 24/7.
The story follows Tara and Axel while they’re trying to adjust to being together so often but also while they’re trying to deal with their feelings for each other. Also Tara’s guilt for keeping her secret from Axel and his family.
This was a very warm and family oriented book. I’m not normally one who goes in for books that involve pregnancy but I very much enjoyed this story. With Axel’s huge family I figured their were other books in the series. I was incredibly surprised to see that the series goes all the way back to 1998 and this is (if I counted correctly) the 8th book in the Men of the Double-C Ranch series. There are also 3 books in the Return to the Double-C Ranch series which from what I can tell is a series about the Clay women. The easy flow and writing style of this author I’ll definitely be reading more of her books in the future.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Wow, the bodyguard merges with the secret pregnancy story.
How fun to be on that panel. Guess you're a tastemaker now, molding the soft clay of Harlequin into your own vision!
LMAO CJ. Molding the soft clay of Harlequin…ahhhhh if only! 🙂
Wow – your review is up early! I'm always posting right at the deadline, LOL. And I'm with CJ – trust Harlequin to combine the bodyguard w/the secret baby. AND still make it work!!
Putting her on my list.
Axel? OMG, really? That name makes me chuckle.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Wait'll you get a load of my rant on the one I read for June. I'm doing something wrong when choosing these categories.
I was thinking the same thing as CJ lol. Bodyguards and secret babies? Harlequin, I just heard a supernova in space.
Lori & Kmont and I guess CJ – honestly the bodyguard, secret baby thing didn't even seem like a typical Harlequin thing to me, that's pretty funny though that you all brought it up. 🙂
Lori – I have to schedule it the last Tuesday (unless it's the last day of the month) or else I completely forget! And I have to do the re-read review on the last day!
Kmont – I know, Axel. It took me a few pages to not call him Alex. ooooh, I can hardly wait for your rant!
I got this one for the Tell Harlequin panel, too. I'm not a huge fan of pregnancy stories, especially the 'secret baby'. But I actually found myself enjoying this one!
I liked your review, too, so I've linked to you here.