"Family life in the Air Force"

Lieutenant Colonel Zach Dawson takes his responsibility to the men in his squadron seriously. So seriously that when one of the pilots under his command is killed in a crash, Zach takes it upon himself to help his pregnant widow get through the ensuing hard times. He knows that no amount of help from him can replace what she has lost, but that doesn't stop him from trying. He has children of his own, and since his wife walked out on them, he knows what it is like to raise a family alone.

When widow Julia Sinclair gives birth to her special needs son, she is optimistic that she will be able to give him the best possible start in life. But when the time comes for her to return to work she realizes that she needs more time with her son. Zach comes up with what he sees as the perfect solution, a temporary marriage will benefit all three children since Zach has to be out of town so much and his girls need someone to take care of them. That way Julia can spend more time with her son during that crucial first year. They can stay married until Zach gets his new assignment in another state next year.

Together, Zach and Julia try to make the best of the situation. Unfortunately they hadn't considered the consequences of falling in love with each other's children, all the while knowing they were going to divorce in a year. And then there were the feelings that were beginning to grow between them, and the sexual attraction that couldn't be denied. Would they be able to trust enough to risk their hearts again?

UNDER SIEGE continues Ms. Mann's "Wingmen Warriors" series with a behind the scenes look at the private lives of the men and women in the Air Force. Zach's life is hectic, and he is constantly on call and has to be able to leave his family at a moment's notice. This takes quite a toll on his children, and it takes a special woman to be able to accept how things are and stick with it. Julia is not sure she can be that woman, especially since her own marriage was not a happy one. While falling in love, Zach and Julia learn that there is always room for compromise if they want to reach their goal badly enough. I had my doubts about the plausibility of a happy ending, but these are two very special people, and in the end I felt confident that together they will overcome all obstacles to their family's happiness. "Wingmen Warriors" fans won't want to miss it!

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted December 6, 2002

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Summary

To the Air Force, Lt. Col. Zach Dawson was a dress blue bona fide hero, complete with medals and behind-enemy- lines battle scars. But a hero didn't allow an airman's pregnant wife to become a widow on his watch. And a hero didn't command combat squadrons yet lack control over two daughters desperately in need of maternal love.

To heck with heroes. Zach the man and father knew exactly what needed to happen. Julia Sinclair would become his bride-of-convenience, her baby and his girls gaining a parent in the bargain. But having Julia under his roof put Zach's reputed restraint under siege. Because honoring their hands-off, no-hearts arrangement was a mission he simply couldn't accomplish...