Margot Early, An Indecent Proposal

An Indecent Proposal

Margot Early

Silhouette Thoroughbred Legacy, Dec 2008, $4.99

ISBN: 9780373199365

Widow Bronwyn Davies hid from her former lover stockbroker Patrick Stafford that he sired a son with her. However, she feels she made a mistake and decides to inform him that he is ten years old Wesley's dad especially since she is looking for work at his family stable.

She applies for a job at Fairchild Acres, owned by Patrick's great-aunt. Although a decade has past since they last saw one another Patrick steals a kiss and accuses her of sleazy conduct as evidenced by Wesley. Outraged she informs him that he is Wesley's father. Stunned he demands she grant him joint custody or see him in court. Neither trusts the other, but though not intended they each hurt a confused Wesley with their behavior.

Wesley steals the show from the bickering adults as he (and readers) is bewildered by their baffling childish behavior as much as his confusion over meeting his biological father somewhat unnerves him. The second chance at love romance never hooks the reader because Bronwyn and Patrick place their respective hurt before the preadolescent. The perplexed tweener needs honesty and tender loving care from his parents to help him emotionally cope with the abrupt relationship changes, but only receives that as an afterthought of the second chance reconciliation.

Harriet Klausner