Daddy with a Deadline

by Marilyn Shank

When Trent Madison shows up on Annie Samuels’s doorstep, determined to help her through the last month of her pregnancy, she doesn’t know what to think. Newly widowed after watching her marriage crumble, Annie isn’t exactly prepared for a gentleman caller―especially a handsome cowboy who claims her dead husband sent him. Trent isn’t sure how he got into this situation either. Why would a man he barely knows ask him for such an outlandish favor? More to the point, why does Trent feel obligated to help? The last time he opened his heart was to his ex-wife. And she trampled on it. But once Annie reluctantly allows Trent to help with the usually joyful business of shopping for baby furniture and throwing a shower, a spark ignites between them―even as they lock horns. Can two people so unlucky in love let their guards down and trust their hearts? Or will Annie’s due date be the end of what might have been?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

174 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2012

About the author

Marilyn Shank worked as a legal secretary, office manager, proofreader, and editor, before discovering her true passion: writing fiction. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, speaks fluent German, and often teaches writing workshops in public schools and libraries. When she’s not writing, Marilyn enjoys reading, amateur radio operation, and loves to travel with her husband John. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in Independence, Missouri.

Reviews

[Stephanie Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT LITTLE ROMANCE! Fabulous book that is very realistic and very heartfelt. I would love to see a second book written where Trent and Annie get married and raise the kids happily ever after. :)

You can read more about Daddy With a Deadline and my full review on my blog:
Stephanie's Book Shelf http://stephaniesbookshelf.blogspot.c...

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy With a Deadline is a romance by Marilyn Shank. It is a quick but good read although as a romance, it is somewhat predictable.
Annie Samuels was very much pregnant and very much alone. Her husband, Brad, had died leaving her pregnant with twins. She was struggling with the pregnancy and with trying to make ends meet. She was also still struggling with the fact that Brad had never really loved her and had wanted her to abort the twins. He wasn’t the man she thought she was marrying. However, that was in the past and she had the future to prepare for. Luckily it was finally summer vacation, so she no longer had to go to school and teach her lovely kindergarteners. Now she could spend her time getting ready for the twins who would be born within the month. She had to find the money to purchase clothing, etc. for them this month. As she was just finishing breakfast, someone knocked on the door.
Trent Madison was a horse trainer who lived on a ranch nearby. As a young boy, he had been helped by the Samuels family and was Brad’s best friend until seventh grade when the Samuels family moved. Brad had recently moved back to the area with his wife. Unfortunately, Trent was away when Brad died and just learned of his death upon his return to his ranch. Still, he was totally surprised when he received a letter Brad had given his lawyer prior to his death. In it, he asked Trent to take care of Annie during her last month of pregnancy and to help her bring the babies home. He admitted he hadn’t been the best husband; but that Annie deserved better. Trent was determined to do as Brad asked as he felt it was the least he could do even if he didn’t know anything about babies and didn’t truly trust women after his ex-wife got through with him. Now he found himself knocking on Annie Samuels’s door.
Would Annie let him fulfill Brad’s wishes? Would she let him help her and ultimately the babies? Was Annie too independent to allow anyone to help her?

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a romance novel in which Annie, pregnant with twins, is left alone after her no-good husband dies in a car accident. Her husband, before dying, asked his old friend, Trent, to check in on Annie and help her before the babies come. Trent, heartbroken by an ex-wife, agrees to help Annie even though Annie, at times, does not want his help because she is trying to be an independent single woman. Of course, they end up falling for each other and struggle with their feelings. I liked this book. I don't typically read romance novels, but I enjoyed the characters. I felt like I identified with Annie's strong-willed nature. I wished there was a little more drama in the book - like if the ex-wife had reappeared to throw a wrench in things. But it is a fun and good read, and I was happy at the end.

I received this book from one of the Goodreads giveaways.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's patient and calm, and solid and responsible. She's feisty and strong, and independent, and stubborn. His wife left him after clearing out his bank account. Her husband died after an accident, leaving her pregnant with twins; twins he never wanted. She's all alone in the world but her husband did one thing right before he died; he sent her a friend to look after her in her last month of pregnancy.
This is a nice, easy to read, novella that flows at a good pace. An enjoyable, clean, romantic read. I recommend it.

[Mary A. Muchowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating romance

Handsome kind hearted cowboy and a young pregnant widow. Both had been heart and did not want to fall in love. What started as a promise to an old friend ended up being the best thing that ever happened for both Trent and Annie. Definitely a feel good book when you want something with a happy ending.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this autographed copy in a giveaway and was not required to post a reiew. I took this book along with me for an out of state funeral. It was exactly what I needed. It was a cute, quick read. No sex or violence so would be appropriate for younger readers, teens.

[Maryellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There weren't any big surprises or absurd twists in this book, just a simple, happy romance story with a pregnant heroine haunted by the past and a cowboy who just wants to help.

No new ground was broken, but the path we walked was warm and happy and sweet.

[Stace · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A change of pace

I need something fun and romantic. This was the perfect book. It gives you hope that when you least expect it, love will find you.

[Pam Jackson-gorsline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twins

This is a good story depicting the last month of emotional pregnancy. Her husband actually did her a favor and neither one figured it out.

[Joe Park · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too predictable.

I like a good love story .. but guess I knew these two would get together. Quit writing their stupid thoughts. They were nice people as we're their friends.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little put off by the initial tone of the story but it went along just fine after that. Lots of failure to communicate to drive the story along. (Eye roll here.) Cute chick lit.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book

This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I only wish it was longer to read.