An Unlikely Father
Cynthia Thomason
Harlequin Super Romance, May 2006, $5.50
ISBN: 0373713452

Fishing tour operator-owner Helen Sweeny runs her business out of Heron Point, Florida near Tampa. She is stunned to learn she is pregnant since she and her boyfriend Donny practiced safe sex. However, when she informs Donny that she is carrying his child, he abandons her.

Newcomer Ethan Anderson arrives in town to open the latest family inn when he meets Helen, who almost ran him over. He finds her fascinating on land and at sea; as they fall in love, she worries about telling him she is carrying someone else's "bean" as he says he does not ever want kids. When she finally informs him, Ethan has doubts about raising a child especially one that is not his.

Helen and Ethan make for a fine contemporary romance as each evolves while their love grows. Helen hides the truth because she fears his rejection as she really likes Ethan and he has already told her no children. On the other hand Ethan likes Helen, but is upset that she failed to tell him the truth though he understands why she concealed it and struggles with someone else's bean in her belly. Fans will enjoy Cynthia Thomason's fine tale due to the realistic, caring and growing relationship between the two protagonists.

Harriet Klausner