Jacqueline Diamond, Daddy Protector

Daddy Protector

Jacqueline Diamond

Harlequin American, May 2007, $4.99

ISBN: 0373751672

Connie Simmons can see that Hale Crandall is a hunk, but also realizes he is just like her former spouse Joel as two best friends who never grew up except when working as both are cops at the Villazon, California, Police Department.

However, their cold war relationship abruptly ends when Hale rescues her adopted son, six-year-old Skip, from a fire. Connie knows she must forgive his trampling of her flowers and all the other minor misdeeds because he proved a man when it counts. As he heals from his burns, Hale sees an opportunity to connect with the neighbor he loves beyond being the "friendly officer" next door. He hopes the thaw turns to much more except for lingering doubts about becoming an instant father.

The lead characters make for a delightful contemporary romance as their two connections before the fire are her ex-husband and their antagonistic, non-neighborly relationship. The change between them is actually Connie reconsidering what is important in life when Hale risks his and suffers hospitalization level injuries to save Skip. Although Hale's doubts about permanency seem inane, fans will appreciate this first cut diamond of a novel as the heroine learns what truly matters.

Harriet Klausner