Limecello’s review of Bought by a Millionaire by Heidi Betts
Contemporary Romance released by Silhouette Desire on 1 Feb 05

I’m pretty sure I’ve never read a book by Heidi Betts before, and I’m not particularly sure why. (I’m a big fan of the Silhouette Desire categories.) I found this book very enjoyable. The plot and the characters were all unlike other stories I’ve read, in an extremely favorable manner.

The premise of this book is unusual – the hero and heroine enter into a business deal – Burke Bishop wants to be a father, and Shannon Moriarity is the woman he chooses to be the mother of his child. Effectively, she’s a surrogate. Shannon goes through a vigorous interview process, examinations by doctors, background checks, grades starting from kindergarten, the works. She’s your average woman, with a spine of steel. She’s 26 and a student, because she took two years off to take care of her mom. Shannon also works two jobs in order to keep her mom in an assisted living center.

Burke is your typical romance hero – successful, well rounded, and emotionally stunted. He’s completely competent in every area, other than knowing how he feels, or how to deal with his feelings. To his credit, he’s attracted to Shannon from the start, and pursues her in an entirely charming and respectful way.

The chemistry between Shannon and Burke is explosive, but they’re both well grounded and their story is realistic. Shannon tries to resist the attraction she feels to Burke because she knows a relationship between the two of them will never work. Burke is extremely solicitous, not just because Shannon is pregnant with his child and he’s attracted to her, but because he’s a genuinely nice guy. While he’s a major business mogul, he’s a regular guy, and willing to stop and take care of the things that are truly important in life – people.

A short read, but very satisfying. The way the relationship develops between Shannon and Burke is extremely fast, but natural. The two create sparks from the start. I also like how they were each willing to stand up for themselves, and be honest. If you like Desires, I definitely recommend this book – I plan on reading Ms. Bett’s back list as well.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Millionaire Bachelor Seeks Heir

Chicago’s Most Eligible Bachelor, Burke Bishop, wanted a child-but didn’t want to be shackled by marriage. Surrogacy seemed the only solution, and when he met gorgeous Shannon Moriarity, he knew he’d found the perfect mother for his baby. For reasons she wouldn’t say, Shannon accepted his high-price offer and requested they keep things strictly business.

They conceived without touching, yet Burke found himself craving Shannon’s warmth and demanded she move into his penthouse. Soon, the close quarters elevated their relationship into intimate territory where neither could deny the bond they shared. But when their contract was fulfilled, would they find a prize richer than money could buy?

Read an excerpt here.