An Engagement of Convenience
Molly Molay
Harlequin American, Jun 2005, $4.99, 250 pp.
ISBN: 0373750757

At Today's World magazine, publisher Tom Eldridge angrily confronts graphic artist employee Lili Soule for passing out a petition to keep the Riverview Building where their office is located so that the day care center will be opened. As a single mother of twins she needs the after school facility, but Tom says the insurance costs to keep a quality day care center is expensive and the building management will make the final decision.

Tom has problems with his father wanting him married. He plots to buy time until his sister Megan returns to town so their dad can concentrate on her. Since he admires the gutsy Lili and likes her two children in spite of her daughter accidentally zinging him in the family jewels with a ball, he offers the mother of two an ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE that will keep dad off his back and provide some help to her. Reluctantly yet enthusiastically Lili agrees though she fears her heart may break.

Lili is a fabulous modern day woman struggling to balance her personal and professional lives as a single mom raising two needing to put food on the table. Tom terrific is also a fine character who readers will like. The ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE seems inane as neither Tom nor Lili would agree to such an arrangement as that is out of character for either. In spite of that strained subplot, this Sullivan's Rules tale is a fine contemporary romance with hard working caring individuals that fans will like and enjoy watching love blossom.

Harriet Klausner