Tina Leonard, Crockett’s Seduction

Crockett's Seduction

Tina Leonard

Harlequin American, Sep 2005, $4.99, 249 pp.

ISBN: 0373750870

In Malfunction Junction, Crockett Jefferson knows he wants what he considers forbidden fruits, Valentine Cakes. However, he vows to himself to never pursue his fantasy because he is the uncle of her daughter Annette, the offspring of his younger brother Last and Veronica though they are not an entry. Crockett will not allow anything even his heart to hurt his niece so he refuses to risk devastating relationships between parents and tiny Annette.

Valentine feels the same way about Crockett, but fears causing damage between Last and their daughter so she tries to hides her deep need. She also works hard to make her bakery a success although at night alone in bed she knows she hides in her shop to avoid her regard for Crockett, who she dreams of while awake or asleep.

The latest "Cowboys by the Dozen" contemporary ranch romance is a delightful tale starring two individuals who cannot help but stare at one another, but each believes they must not act on their desire because of Annette. The story line has a soap opera feel to it as do most of the novels in the series yet the Jefferson brood and their extended families are nice people trying to do the right thing though at times that hurts. These two people in love try to hide how they feel because both fear a relationship between them will confuse and hurt a small child.

Harriet Klausner