Holden by Delores Fossen - #review

When a baby goes missing, a Texas marshal and a woman from his past discover there’s a whole lot more behind this kidnapping… 

Holden Ryland certainly didn’t become a marshal just to end up busting his ex, Nicky Hart, for taking files from Conceptions Fertility Clinic. But only Nicky knows just what was really stolen: a newborn being held for ransom. A newborn who is kin to both her and Holden. The missing boy is only the start of a mystery that snakes through Texas, winding its way through their families. Bad blood may linger between them, but Holden can protect his nephew back at the Silver Creek Ranch. If they can lay their past to rest to rescue this child, is it possible for them to have a future together?


Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue (February 21, 2017)

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MY REVIEW

Hands up all those who like working with their exes - especially those with whom the breakup was *ahem* not smooth.  But the local fertility clinic has been taking embryos from wealthy clients, getting surrogates and then 'selling' the babies back to the couples or families!  Nicky's sister and Holden's brother were the bio-parents of two such children - but they were both deceased by that time.  Once sure the children were ok, I would be hard pressed not to make the culprits lives h-e-double-toothpicks!

And not only does Nicky have Holden to contend with, but his whole family.  Like the federal agent brother who nearly got killed the last time Nicky was around.  (I've got to give him props for putting that aside in favor of finding the babies.)

There are a couple of steamy sex scenes as Holden and Nicky discover they are not as over each other as they had thought (hoped maybe).  I should say that I am not a huge fan of 'heat' in my romances, or of liberal use of colloquialisms for parts of our anatomy.  But I realize the 'heat' could either be a deal-maker or -breaker for other readers.

Having said that, I would have read Holden anyway.  The story was gripping and well-paced...I could hardly put it down!  When you have the bad guys messing with people who cannot defend themselves, my ire stands up to be counted.  (I had a job a few years back, advocating for adults with MR/DD, so I know whereof I speak.)

If you like your romances on the spicy side, Holden should be on your TBR or nightstand, or e-reader.  Even if you like your reading 'sweet', Holden is a good choice and will stretch your reading comfort zone.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author, Delores Fossen, has sold over 70 novels with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She’s received the Booksellers’ Best Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Rita ®. In addition, she’s had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines.

Connect with Delores

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(Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via TLC Book Tours, in exchange for my honest review.)