"engaging contemporary romance"

Following the death of his sister from cancer, Trent Kasey struggles with raising his nephew and niece, twenty-two month old twins, while also managing his construction company. When his nephew Kyle vanishes from the house, Trent gives chase only to see the lad hanging out with his neighbor Sarah Goldwyne and her dog Nightfire. Sarah helps Trent with caring for the twins and even watches them while he goes out on a job prospect. When the biological father of the twins claims he wants them, Trent's lawyer suggests he find a wife. He looks toward his neighbor with the long beautiful legs.

Sarah finds caring for her neighbor's wards quite satisfying, as she can not have children ever since she miscarried. As she hangs with the Kasey trio, she falls in love with all three of them, but fears her heart will break if the custody goes wrong. Trent holds back out of dread of losing another loved one.

Though not providing new ground, HOUSEBREAKING A HUSBAND engages contemporary romance readers due to the two scarred individuals ably supported by the spaghetti-tossing twins. The story line focuses more on the love plot buoyed by a nurturing need, but handicapped by internal demons. Though the Saving Isaiah like subplot could have been stronger, readers will attain much pleasure from Lori Soard's pleasant novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 4, 2002

Summary

Thanks to fate and her scaredy-cat dog, Sarah Goldwyne's life is about to change radically. She knows she should be satisfied with her dog training business. Three years ago she learned she could never have children. But she yearns for more.

Trent Tremayne is raising his niece and nephew, but he risks losing them to the father who didn't want them until money was involved. He's having a hard time running his business and caring for the twins. When his attorney suggests he find a wife, Trent takes a look around and finds his sexy new neighbor.

Sarah yearns for a taste of motherhood and caring for the twins will give her that. But will she be able to bear it when the court hearings are over and she and Trent go their separate ways?

Trent can't allow himself to care about Sarah. He's lost every person he ever loved--and loving the twins is frightening enough. So he does his best to keep the building intimacy from overwhelming him. But how much longer can he hold out?