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Situation: Christmas #1
Detective Daddy
He learned he was going to be a daddy the same day his parents' murderer was set free. But Detective Ash Kendall was determined to keep it together. After all, one woman was at the center of everything, and Rachel Stevens had a lot of explaining to do.
The lovely DNA profiler had no idea her evidence would reopen Ash's old wounds. Despite all they'd been through, she hadn't stopped loving the man who just found out he was going to be a daddy. And with someone desperate to keep the secrets of the Christmas Eve Murders hidden, Ash was the only man who could protect Rachel and her baby.
The lovely DNA profiler had no idea her evidence would reopen Ash's old wounds. Despite all they'd been through, she hadn't stopped loving the man who just found out he was going to be a daddy. And with someone desperate to keep the secrets of the Christmas Eve Murders hidden, Ash was the only man who could protect Rachel and her baby.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Kane
157 books138 followersBestselling romance author Mallory Kane has published over 40 romantic suspense titles between Harlequin Intrigue and Tule Publishing Group, and she has multiple independent projects spanning genres. Mallory loves romantic suspense with dangerous heroes and dauntless heroines, and she enjoys tossing in a bit of her medical knowledge for an extra dose of intrigue.
Mallory taught herself to read at age three, starting a lifelong love affair with books. Her mother, a librarian, loved and respected books and taught Mallory that they were a precious resource. Her father was a brilliant storyteller. His oral histories are chronicled in such places as the Veterans' History Project at the Library of Congress. He was always her biggest fan.
When she's not writing, Mallory enjoys designing one-of-a-kind jewelry using broken vintage pieces and creating collaged greeting cards. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband, Michael, and their cats. Mallory loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at www.mallorykane.com, @mallorykane on Twitter, and AuthorMalloryKane on Facebook.
Mallory taught herself to read at age three, starting a lifelong love affair with books. Her mother, a librarian, loved and respected books and taught Mallory that they were a precious resource. Her father was a brilliant storyteller. His oral histories are chronicled in such places as the Veterans' History Project at the Library of Congress. He was always her biggest fan.
When she's not writing, Mallory enjoys designing one-of-a-kind jewelry using broken vintage pieces and creating collaged greeting cards. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband, Michael, and their cats. Mallory loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at www.mallorykane.com, @mallorykane on Twitter, and AuthorMalloryKane on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 27, 2016
This is the first book in the (Situation: Christmas) series. Each book is a stand alone, but the series is so good.
I've read this book a few times, and enjoyed it each time. This book had the perfect blend of action, suspense, and romance. Ash was a play boy. He enjoyed dating and having fun. He never allowed himself to get close to anyone, or start to have feelings for anyone he dated. He would end the relationship before that happened. that was before Rachel. Rachel was special, and head strong, and got to him. He was shocked to find out she was pregnant with his child. When someone attacked her, he vowed he would be there to protect Rachel, and his child.
I love the mystery surrounding the murders. Great plot. I have always been a sucker for a good detective book. The twist along the way moved the story right along. The pace of this story was perfect. I didn't want to put the book down till the last page was read.
Sample from chapter 11
What? Are you all right? He blurted. "Rach?" "I'm fine, Ash, But _" "What the hell are you doing there?" "Ash, Please! Listen to me." Campell's not here but there's blood all over the bathroom, and _" She stopped. She hadn't looked closely at the living room floor. There were probably drops of blood there, too. "blood? Rach _ Get out! He could be there"
I've read this book a few times, and enjoyed it each time. This book had the perfect blend of action, suspense, and romance. Ash was a play boy. He enjoyed dating and having fun. He never allowed himself to get close to anyone, or start to have feelings for anyone he dated. He would end the relationship before that happened. that was before Rachel. Rachel was special, and head strong, and got to him. He was shocked to find out she was pregnant with his child. When someone attacked her, he vowed he would be there to protect Rachel, and his child.
I love the mystery surrounding the murders. Great plot. I have always been a sucker for a good detective book. The twist along the way moved the story right along. The pace of this story was perfect. I didn't want to put the book down till the last page was read.
Sample from chapter 11
What? Are you all right? He blurted. "Rach?" "I'm fine, Ash, But _" "What the hell are you doing there?" "Ash, Please! Listen to me." Campell's not here but there's blood all over the bathroom, and _" She stopped. She hadn't looked closely at the living room floor. There were probably drops of blood there, too. "blood? Rach _ Get out! He could be there"
October 15, 2011
Enjoyed this one,liked Rachel-Ash a lot,enjoyed the way investigations go ahead,i am regretting a lot cause i just randomly picked this one have to find other books in the series,want to find out who is the murderer
Overall a good read
Recommend it
Overall a good read
Recommend it
September 28, 2024
Ash Kendall is absolutely furious that new DNA evidence has seen the release of Rick Campbell, who was convicted of murdering Ash's parents on Christmas Eve twenty years earlier. He's doubly furious when he finds out Rachel Stevens did the test. They recently came out of a relationship because he's the love-them-and-leave-them type. He then quickly learns that she's pregnant and he's the father. When Rachel is attacked and her house ransacked, he of course makes her stay with him to keep her safe. And darn-it, isn't she that much hotter and womanly and curvy now that she's carrying his child! Ugh.
This is actually a bit better than most of Mallory Kane's books, at least in terms of plot structure. It had decent pacing that at least kept me invested in the story. However, it falls short in terms of its characters, their relationships and motivations, and fails to provide answers to one of the book's biggest mysteries. Ash was a very difficult hero to get on side with, as seems to be the case with many of Mallory Kane's heroes. He's dubbed "Ashanova", as his reputation is to stick his wick in half the police force's female staff. Why are so many women lining up to hook up with a guy who is known for having a bit of fun before giving his squeeze-of-the-month the flick? It doesn't say much for our heroine's taste or way of thinking that she's the latest to line up in a long line of soon-to-be ex-girlfriends.
Beyond that, Ash's attitude is the kind that tests my nerve in this genre. It's HIS baby. Isn't motherhood such a wonderful, sexy, beautiful thing? I couldn't get past the impression that Ash is only enamoured with Rachel because she's the one who he just happens to have planted his seed in. Otherwise, he's mostly a shit to her and initiating sex whenever her soon-to-be-a-mother woman-ness is just too hot. It was a bit skin-crawling. I also grew tired of him telling her where she could or couldn't stay based on his opinion of what was safe for her. She's a woman with agency, Ash! Back off! Sure, she's too stupid to live, but supporting her decisions is more important than demanding she live in your house while you're giving out mixed signals depending on how hot you find her impending motherhood.
I also don't like the tendency of this genre to have surprise pregnancies all be, "Oh, cool, I've always wanted a baby!" Having a child is a lifelong commitment, and one that I think should come with a little bit of planning, not just popping one out and worrying about finances, living situation, childcare et cetera at a later date. But that's my personal opinion and I'm a bit of an outlier there!
The plot is predictable, but it moves along nicely. I wasn't bored. I didn't like Ash, but the plot was focused enough that he didn't entirely ruin the story for me. But the big problem here, like many in the Intrigue line, is that it doesn't answer the big plot question, which in this case is who murdered Ash's parents. That's to come, I imagine, in book 4 of the series, which I'm in no rush to run out and find. Sometimes an overarching mystery in a series is fine if it's sitting in the background. Not so here, where it is a huge focus of the plot. I can't help but be left feeling unsatisfied. I really wish this line would abandon that tactic.
This is actually a bit better than most of Mallory Kane's books, at least in terms of plot structure. It had decent pacing that at least kept me invested in the story. However, it falls short in terms of its characters, their relationships and motivations, and fails to provide answers to one of the book's biggest mysteries. Ash was a very difficult hero to get on side with, as seems to be the case with many of Mallory Kane's heroes. He's dubbed "Ashanova", as his reputation is to stick his wick in half the police force's female staff. Why are so many women lining up to hook up with a guy who is known for having a bit of fun before giving his squeeze-of-the-month the flick? It doesn't say much for our heroine's taste or way of thinking that she's the latest to line up in a long line of soon-to-be ex-girlfriends.
Beyond that, Ash's attitude is the kind that tests my nerve in this genre. It's HIS baby. Isn't motherhood such a wonderful, sexy, beautiful thing? I couldn't get past the impression that Ash is only enamoured with Rachel because she's the one who he just happens to have planted his seed in. Otherwise, he's mostly a shit to her and initiating sex whenever her soon-to-be-a-mother woman-ness is just too hot. It was a bit skin-crawling. I also grew tired of him telling her where she could or couldn't stay based on his opinion of what was safe for her. She's a woman with agency, Ash! Back off! Sure, she's too stupid to live, but supporting her decisions is more important than demanding she live in your house while you're giving out mixed signals depending on how hot you find her impending motherhood.
I also don't like the tendency of this genre to have surprise pregnancies all be, "Oh, cool, I've always wanted a baby!" Having a child is a lifelong commitment, and one that I think should come with a little bit of planning, not just popping one out and worrying about finances, living situation, childcare et cetera at a later date. But that's my personal opinion and I'm a bit of an outlier there!
The plot is predictable, but it moves along nicely. I wasn't bored. I didn't like Ash, but the plot was focused enough that he didn't entirely ruin the story for me. But the big problem here, like many in the Intrigue line, is that it doesn't answer the big plot question, which in this case is who murdered Ash's parents. That's to come, I imagine, in book 4 of the series, which I'm in no rush to run out and find. Sometimes an overarching mystery in a series is fine if it's sitting in the background. Not so here, where it is a huge focus of the plot. I can't help but be left feeling unsatisfied. I really wish this line would abandon that tactic.
August 24, 2023
WHY DID IT END LIKE THAT? im confused on the mystery storyline honestly it fell flat near the end, but i understood it enough i guess? romance was top notch tho WHHHEEWWIIIEEE DETECTIVE DADDY WHOO
October 20, 2011
Rachel and Ash dated for several months. "Ashanova" broke things off with her because, well that's what he does, loves em and leaves em HAPPY. Unknowingly Rachel provides the proof that the man who was convicted of Ash's parents murder years ago is innocent. When Ash confronts her about it he finds out she is pregnant, which rocks his world, he doesn't do relationships and was in no way ready to be a father.
I really liked Ash, the typical playboy brought down by love. He is gruff and at some points rude to Rachel, but when he finally falls he is endearing and lovable.
To view my complete review please click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
I really liked Ash, the typical playboy brought down by love. He is gruff and at some points rude to Rachel, but when he finally falls he is endearing and lovable.
To view my complete review please click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
September 24, 2011
thrilling suspense mystery. I read till 4 am.
Rachel is a criminolgest and DNA for the police department. She did a blind DNA test that she was asked to do for DA and had no idea it was for her exboyfriends parents murder.
Ashton Kendall was a policeman who behind his back was called Ashnova. When Ash was a kid his parents were murder on Christmas Eve. Because of DNA the man he thought killed his parents is free. Ash tries not to get attached to anyone and dates women and breaks it off before he can fall for someone. He broke it off with Rachel when he found out how much he enjoyed and was breaking his rules with her, Now he finds out by her fainting on him.
So who killed Ash's parents? His father shot and his mother strangled in their own beds. His little sister found them and all 4 children saw their parents dead before cops came.
It keeps you wanting to more and find out the answers. I was engrossed with the story.
Rachel is a criminolgest and DNA for the police department. She did a blind DNA test that she was asked to do for DA and had no idea it was for her exboyfriends parents murder.
Ashton Kendall was a policeman who behind his back was called Ashnova. When Ash was a kid his parents were murder on Christmas Eve. Because of DNA the man he thought killed his parents is free. Ash tries not to get attached to anyone and dates women and breaks it off before he can fall for someone. He broke it off with Rachel when he found out how much he enjoyed and was breaking his rules with her, Now he finds out by her fainting on him.
So who killed Ash's parents? His father shot and his mother strangled in their own beds. His little sister found them and all 4 children saw their parents dead before cops came.
It keeps you wanting to more and find out the answers. I was engrossed with the story.
May 12, 2023
The mystery of who killed detective Ash Kendalls parents is never truly answered, so I am guessing there are more stories in this series but I found this one disappointing. Okay a senior ranked policeman would be upset at having his reputation tarnished but enough to kill? and whats up with the Uncle? Too many loose ends and no closure and to be honest the reader is not exactly enthralled by this relationship, it just doesnt seem to work. When neither the mystery or the romance is top quality it is hard to give this book a good rating. The writing is easy to read and you dont get caught up in too many red herrings but just didnt engage my imagination.
January 29, 2019
Now, I would have never picked it if I had known that it was a series required to be read in order to avoid yourself hanging in middle of a suspense. The overall combination of harlequin romance + accidental pregnancy + suspense thriller was good but the suspense is dragged all over the series and I won't get to the bottom of it till I don't read other 3 books. So beware before you start it as I was looking for a standalone.
October 29, 2018
Lots of suspense and excitement
December 17, 2018
Interesting storyline - will read more from this author.
March 16, 2013
Enjoyable story. Rachel becomes pregnant with Ash’s child. Ash is actually known as Ashanova since he has a different woman every month or so. I wish authors wouldn’t be this drastic about playboys/Casanovas. In reality, not every man changes women all the time. And he has given the most time to Rachel, TWO months. It’s not much. How many women could he possibly have had? And although he has had a tough childhood, the way he acted with Rachel about the baby sometimes seemed a little too harsh or like he didn’t care. It was a little irritating sometimes. He denied it for so long, even though we could see his love to the point that his feelings often left him clutching his heart.
The name Ash sometimes made me think of him as the heroine until I stopped after reading 2 or 3 sentences because that didn’t make sense. Perhaps if the whole name was used, Ashton, I wouldn’t have been confused often.
I would have liked a longer ending or something more about them than what was given at the end. Overall it’s a good romance and full of suspense.
The name Ash sometimes made me think of him as the heroine until I stopped after reading 2 or 3 sentences because that didn’t make sense. Perhaps if the whole name was used, Ashton, I wouldn’t have been confused often.
I would have liked a longer ending or something more about them than what was given at the end. Overall it’s a good romance and full of suspense.
December 1, 2013
Really enjoyed this fast paced action read. I read this in two sittings. The action was nonstop and it kept me guessing.
Ash Kendall has always been a love-them-and-leave-them sort of guy when it comes to relationships. He and is brothers and sister survived their parents' murder when they were kids. Ash is now a homicide detective. He has a problem though. He is about to become a father and he isn't handling the news all that we'll.
Rachel Stevens is a DNA profiler who has just helped to release a man falsely accused of a double homicide. This man had been in prison for the murders of Ash's parents 20 years ago. Rachel didn't know that she was exonerating the man accused of killing Ash's parents. She has another problem too. Ash is her baby's father. How can they survive the twists and turns in the investigation and try to build a life together?
Ash Kendall has always been a love-them-and-leave-them sort of guy when it comes to relationships. He and is brothers and sister survived their parents' murder when they were kids. Ash is now a homicide detective. He has a problem though. He is about to become a father and he isn't handling the news all that we'll.
Rachel Stevens is a DNA profiler who has just helped to release a man falsely accused of a double homicide. This man had been in prison for the murders of Ash's parents 20 years ago. Rachel didn't know that she was exonerating the man accused of killing Ash's parents. She has another problem too. Ash is her baby's father. How can they survive the twists and turns in the investigation and try to build a life together?
August 30, 2011
2.5 Stars.
Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC of this book.
Overall this was just okay for me. It had a lot of nice sexual tension and an attractive male main character and a likeable female main character, and good solid writing.
As for the plot and the mystery of 'WHO DONE IT?', that was easy as peas to pick out. It was really not much of a suspense if you ask me.
That was probably the biggest downfall of it for me, but also the fact that a major point felt like it was overlooked - WHO KILLED ASH'S PARENTS? - was also left unanswered.
It felt a little rushed in the ending: the bad guy's big reveal, the declaration of love... all tied up so quickly at the end was kind of a let down.
Sigh.
Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC of this book.
Overall this was just okay for me. It had a lot of nice sexual tension and an attractive male main character and a likeable female main character, and good solid writing.
As for the plot and the mystery of 'WHO DONE IT?', that was easy as peas to pick out. It was really not much of a suspense if you ask me.
That was probably the biggest downfall of it for me, but also the fact that a major point felt like it was overlooked - WHO KILLED ASH'S PARENTS? - was also left unanswered.
It felt a little rushed in the ending: the bad guy's big reveal, the declaration of love... all tied up so quickly at the end was kind of a let down.
Sigh.
August 27, 2011
* implied spoilers
This is a smart, well written romantic suspense. The story is tight and well thought out. My only gripe is that I guessed who was the bad guy, having said that I would have liked to find out who did the original crime. The title might make you think that this story will be smalchy and sentimental but it is not at all, it is emotional but in a realistic way that lets us see the learning curve of both Rachel and Ashton. All told this is a a book I would happily of had more of.
This is a smart, well written romantic suspense. The story is tight and well thought out. My only gripe is that I guessed who was the bad guy, having said that I would have liked to find out who did the original crime. The title might make you think that this story will be smalchy and sentimental but it is not at all, it is emotional but in a realistic way that lets us see the learning curve of both Rachel and Ashton. All told this is a a book I would happily of had more of.
September 14, 2011
Very enjoyable. But what is with the stupid ass titles on these books? :). Anyway, assuming the mystery will be solved in an upcoming release. Pretty interesting mystery especially for this type of fluffy read.
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Situation: Christmas
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Situation: Christmas
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews