"Touching and romantic love story"

Abby Lake is a woman on the run from the memory of a bad marriage and the evidence of her husband's infidelity looking her in the eye whenever she sees his new wife's pregnant form. She has fled New Jersey with her young son, Skyler, who is suffering from his parents' divorce, something he can't bring himself to accept as permanent. His commercial pilot dad didn't want custody of him, so he's traveling with his mom to hippie-haven Sedona, Arizona, far away from his friends and former life on the East Coast. Hours from their chosen destination, the down- trodden twosome is struck with a dismal run of bad luck, landing them in Trueheart, Colorado and right next door to a sexy attorney.

Jack Kelton is a man with his own problems, primarily his nine-year old daughter, Kat, who was last seen with scorched hair and no eyebrows from a run-in with the welding fire she started. A lawyer during the week and a builder on the weekend, Jack has neither the time nor the inclination to get involved with a woman suffering from the 'Divorce Crazies.' And he should recognize one since his legal specialty is 'you guessed it' divorce. Needless to say, he's a bit taken aback when he finds himself suddenly and inexplicably drawn to newly divorced mom. His rules for avoiding women like Abby start to make less and less sense as he spends more time in her company.

Jack and Abby are thrown together, bonding as only single parents can, fighting the attraction growing exponentially between them every day. Jack is a firm believer in healthy flings, and would love to try a little, um, flinging with Abby Lake. She, however, continues to pull away from the potential heartache, but she can only resist for so long before his charm and appeal knock down her defenses. But will Kelton's Rules keep them from forming a more permanent connection?

Peggy Nicholson has created a cast of characters that makes KELTON'S RULES a very appealing read. Skyler and Kat are two lost souls who captivate the reader's heart, and Jack and Abby have enough heat sparking between them to start the pages on fire. The love story and emotional tension ring true in this sizzling, touching story. KELTON'S RULES is the fifth book in the series set in Trueheart, a very special place with gorgeous scenery and colorful citizens that add dimension to the tale.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartshorn
Posted February 22, 2003