Limecello’s review of The Billionaire’s Unexpected Heir by Kathie DeNosky
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire on 13 Oct 2009

Kathie DeNosky is one of my more newly discovered harlequin authors, but she’s quickly becoming a favorite. I look for her Silhouette Desire books, and haven’t been disappointed yet. The Billionaire’s Unexpected Heir is basically the end to the Garnier trilogy, and it is a very satisfying end. There’s enough focus on the hero and heroine and it manages to tie the arc together neatly and close it. Impressive.

Heather McGwire is a great heroine. She’s so very real, and a smart lady too. She knows she’s suspectible to Jake, but holds her own – not stupidly or just to be stubborn, but because she’s trying to learn from her mistakes. I liked how real Heather is, and that she tries to do what is right, not what is easiest.

Jake Garnier is an interesting hero. In some ways I felt that he changed just a little bit too easily. Granted Ms. DeNosky wrote that Jake was starting to feel the need to settle down – but it seemed just a tiny bit too pat for me. Nevertheless it’s clear he’s a good man – and cares for family and friends, he just never considered having a family of his own. The bad example his father left him does help explain some of that, and I did find it reasonable.

I loved the development of an emotional relationship between Jake and Heather. Also the fact that Heather was willing to go toe to toe with him, and wasn’t willing to take any of his crap. I liked that Jake admitted he made mistakes, and admitted it. The fact that Jake acted so maturely did help, and supports his decision and ability to change into a doting family man.

There were these little moments – minor things, but they really helped bring the romance together for me. For example, Jake forces Heather to attend events and parties with him – but more than that, he notices when she’s snubbed by the “upper crust” and doesn’t appreciate it. His awareness and concern for Heather are very endearing.

It seems that all the Garniers had secret babies… but I guess considering their upbringing, they need that major catalyst to kickstart the romance and make them willing to chance a relationship. Also, Jake’s grovelling and declaration of love at the end – they’re really great.

I also loved how the family – the entire extended family was there, pulled together, and arranged a wedding for Heather and Jake. Even more perfectly, the book didn’t end there, but finally allowed Emerald, their “fairy godmother” to have her happy ending as well.

I definitely recommend this book to readers who like Silhouette Desires, Ms. Denosky’s books, and also the other two in this trilogy. I plan on checking on whether or not the original three “Emerald meddles” books are availalbe- I’d love to get my hands on those.

Grade: B-

Becoming the new owner of Hickory Hills Thoroughbred farm was not in billionaire Jake Garnier’s plans. Becoming a father was even more unimaginable. For his new business came with one Heather McGwire, ranch manager…and mother to Jake’s secret child.

After barely surviving his own father’s desertion, Jake knew he couldn’t walk away from his responsibilities. Marriage seemed the only solution. Yet Heather wouldn’t settle for simple sweet talk and seduction. If Jake wanted a real family, he’d have to saddle up for the long ride.

Read an excerpt here. (Yes, there actually is one on the amazon page – just scroll down a bit)

Limecello’s review of One Night, Two Babies by Kathie DeNosky
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 8 Sep 09

I have to say, I had no interest in this book at first because of the title. I know the author often doesn’t get a say with titles, especially at Harlequin. But, yes, I admit it. I’m a title discriminator. I try not to be, but certain ones, I cannot overlook. Nevertheless, I got One Night, Two Babies because I’d read a previous book by Kathie DeNosky, and enjoyed it very much. Obviously I also choose books based on the author, and a number of other factors. One Night, Two Babies is the second in Ms. DeNosky’s Illegitimate Heirs series. The first in the series is actually Bossman Billionaire, which is also part of Silhouette Desire’s Man of the Month line.

Arielle Garnier is a likable and interesting heroine. She’s got a special spin in that Arielle experiences her Cinderella story before the book begins. She’s discovered she’s an heiress, and is making changes in her life. I like that Arielle is steady in her character, and does her best to be reasonable, and rational. She’s determined to learn from her lessons – Zachary has burned her before, and she’s determined to not let him do it again. At the same time, Arielle doesn’t let her pride or stubbornness sabotage her chances at happiness. I like that she’s her own person and generally remains strong and true to herself.

Zach Forsythe is a charmer, and an entertaining hero. He’s a bit entitled, but I suppose his life and circumstances make it allowable, if not necessary. Zach pretty much always gets his way, and with good reason. If people aren’t willing to cater to him, he’ll make things happen. Zach has a fun, slightly wicked sense of humor. I like that Zach has a number of his own issues to deal with throughout the book, and that Ms. DeNosky details his emotional growth.

The interaction between Arielle and Zach is perfectly pitched. Both characters act and react in a very realistic and expected, yet entertaining, manner. I will say things seem just a tad too easy for Zach; but then again, it is a romance, right? Additionally, while the premise of the story is rather fantastic, I enjoyed it very much.

I liked that Arielle and Zach’s initial contact plays a major part throughout the book. It helped lay the foundation for Arielle and Zach’s relationship, but also allowed for insight and necessary depth to each character. The secondary characters were also entertaining, and provided just the right amount of interest needed to move the plot along, not distract from it. However, the baggage that both Zach and Arielle have does get a bit old, as that is the reason for conflict, and dictates so much of how they act, until the happy ending strikes.

Another minor criticism I have, is that while Emerald Larson’s existence makes the story possible, she’s rather extraneous. Nevertheless, that’s a very minor detail. (It’s simply that if I think about it the fact that such a major factor is a rather minor component of the book seems incongruous.) Otherwise, I’m not entirely happy with how easily Arielle gets over being upset with Zach and agreeing to marry him, but that’s a commonplace sentiment for me.

I’m very much enjoying Ms. DeNosky’s books, and definitely plan on reading the last book in this series. I also hope to get my hands on her back list as well. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes the Silhouette Desire category line.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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Heiress Arielle Garnier was pregnant and the father-to-be was nowhere in sight—until he barged into her office. Zach Forsythe, billionaire resort owner, was the same man she’d had a week-long affair with. How could she trust Zach when he’d lied about his name and left her without a word?
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He hadn’t forgotten the auburn-haired siren who’d given him seven days of bliss. Though finding her again…expecting his twins…was a surprise. As was her refusal of his marriage proposal. It seemed Arielle wanted love with her wedding ring.
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Read an excerpt here.