"warm contemporary romance"

Thirteen years ago Luke McGarrett fled Tulip, Texas once he graduated high school. He never looked back though he left behind his sweetheart Pepper Forrester. However, unbeknownst to Luke he also left behind two other people as Pepper had twins. Pepper also left to study medicine.

Now Pepper is back in town and everyone knows who sired her twins. The townsfolk especially his family brings Luke home to meet his offspring. Not unhappy with Pepper's decision to leave him out of raising their children, he offers her a marriage of convenience, which she accepts. However, as they fall in love again, he leaves town for an employment opportunity; Pepper feels déjà vu all over again as she is once again carrying a McGarrett with Luke gone.

Though the theme of learning about siring children years after they are born is overused and seems wrong as the father is not even given a choice, Tina Leonard keeps it fresh due to the antics of the Tulips Saloon crowd (see MY BABY, MY BRIDE and THE CHRISTMAS TWINS). The lead couple is a likable pairing as they find a second chance at love due to the matchmaking efforts of the Tulips; however history seems destined to repeat itself as Pepper would never want to hold back her beloved Luke when he has an opportunity. Tina Leonard provides a warm contemporary romance.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted February 26, 2007