In the Nick of Time

Reviewed by Annie Haws © 2007

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2007

Title of Book: In the Nick of Time
Author: Shonna Brannon
Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC.
ISBN Number: 978-1-60088-096-4
Genre: Contemporary Suspense
Rating: Sensual Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 26, 2007
Author's Website: Shonna Brannon's website

Young Karen Whitmire has had a horrible upbringing, in a family where her mother and herself have been continually cowed and beaten by her father, whose sense of inadequacy drives him to alcohol and subsequently, physical abuse. Her mother refuses to leave, no matter how many times Karen has begged her; and eventually the abuse escalates to the point of a hospital stay. Distraught beyond her ability to cope, Karen determines to spend a few quiet hours alone in a cocktail lounge, never intending to meet anyone new. But a sad face and depressed man across the room attract her sight, and she meets a young man named Nick, who is also drowning sorrows. He admits to losing his fiance a year ago, when she died. Under the combined influence of alcohol and sorrow, Karen and Nick spend an enticing night together, although she leaves before dawn, little realising the multiple consequences she has incurred. For Nick's life contains a secret of which he isn't aware, and Karen will soon have a secret of her own, not to be shared.

Karen gives birth to a daughter she christens Sierra, who is the light and love of her life. Keeping her away from Karen's father, she also makes no attempt to locate Nick, until they meet in the pediatric emergency room where she takes Sierra when she runs a high fever. Nick is furious, recognising immediately the possibility that the baby is also his, and secretly runs a DNA test without the mother's permission. He equates Karen's actions with those of his late fiancee, Amanda, who supposedly committed suicide in an auto accident after discovering she was pregnant with Nick's child. Nick is unaware both of the innocent naivete and truthfulness Karen possesses, and of the deceitful manipulation practised by Amanda. Yet despite his resentment and anger, he is still intensely drawn to the lovely Karen, and of course to his newly-discovered child.

In the Nick of Time is a tantalising contemporary romance with unexpected and startling plot twists which will captivate any reader's attention. The deep background of the characters is a welcome addition, as the author takes care to bring each individual to life for the reader. Nick and Karen, as well as Karen's mother, are characters who will incite the reader's empathy; and even the less likable characters, such as Karen's father, and the mysterious and elusive stalker, are understandable people.Author Shonna Brannon has written a story with a wide range of appel, to readers of romance, contemporary, and suspense novels, and those just seeking a good story line.

Rating: 4 cats

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To find out more about how to purchase In the Nick of Time visit Shonna Brannon's website.