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Daddy, M.D.
It’s surprisng how one little boy, and Christmas, can bring a family together.
Five-year-old Spike has a sure-fire cure for any ice cream. He’s also picked out the cure for being fun-loving pediatrician Chad Markham, who just moved in next door. But Spike’s serious-minded Aunt Jill, who’s adopting her orphaned nephew, sees heartbreak ahead.
Unable to bear children after a disastrous pregnancy that destroyed her first marriage, Jill can’t help liking the handsome doctor. But she’ll never be able to give him kids of his own, and she’s also learned how easily good times can crash and burn, especially when the guy isn’t the settling-down type. The last thing her little boy needs is another loss in his life.
The approach of Christmas brings other challenges, too. At Jill’s job as assistant marketing director for a mall, she’s juggling too many Santas. At home, she’s coping with a pair of yard-destroying dogs that Chad is housing for a friend. Then another relative, on learning that Spike has a large inheritance, decides to make a self-serving bid for parenthood.
With troubles floating down like snowflakes, Jill needs a real-life Santa Claus. If only Daddy, M.D., proves up to the task! Written by the award-winning author of 100 published novels.
Five-year-old Spike has a sure-fire cure for any ice cream. He’s also picked out the cure for being fun-loving pediatrician Chad Markham, who just moved in next door. But Spike’s serious-minded Aunt Jill, who’s adopting her orphaned nephew, sees heartbreak ahead.
Unable to bear children after a disastrous pregnancy that destroyed her first marriage, Jill can’t help liking the handsome doctor. But she’ll never be able to give him kids of his own, and she’s also learned how easily good times can crash and burn, especially when the guy isn’t the settling-down type. The last thing her little boy needs is another loss in his life.
The approach of Christmas brings other challenges, too. At Jill’s job as assistant marketing director for a mall, she’s juggling too many Santas. At home, she’s coping with a pair of yard-destroying dogs that Chad is housing for a friend. Then another relative, on learning that Spike has a large inheritance, decides to make a self-serving bid for parenthood.
With troubles floating down like snowflakes, Jill needs a real-life Santa Claus. If only Daddy, M.D., proves up to the task! Written by the award-winning author of 100 published novels.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2000
82 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Diamond
249 books173 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances and mysteries, as well as her traditional Regency romances.
Her newest exciting venture is the Forgotten Village Magical Mystery series, beginning with A Cat's Garden of Secrets. Other recent works include the Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances series, featuring couples over age 50.
Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net or at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook.
Her newest exciting venture is the Forgotten Village Magical Mystery series, beginning with A Cat's Garden of Secrets. Other recent works include the Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances series, featuring couples over age 50.
Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net or at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 4, 2023
Heartwarming Christmas romance, originally published by Harlequin in 2000
Jill Rutledge is a 33-year-old woman who divorced her cheating husband three years ago and has not been romantically involved with anyone since. A few months ago, her older brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident, and she has become the guardian of her extremely intelligent, highly independent, 5-year-old nephew, Leon, who insists on being called Spike. Jill used her divorce settlement to purchase a home in a suburban housing development in San Diego, which is conveniently located near her job as a marketing director at a local mall. Her next door neighbor, Yvette, a sweet-natured, 73-year-old retiree, has been babysitting Spike while Jill is at work. But unfortunately, as the story begins, Spike has wandered off from Yvette, and Jill is frantic to find him.
Dr Chad Markham, a 35-year-old pediatrician who has recently relocated to San Diego, is startled when his nurse informs him that an adorable 5-year-old boy is claiming that his tonsils fell out, and he needs to see the doctor. Chad soon figures out that, a while back, the little boy had had his tonsils removed, which resulted in lots of extra ice cream, his favorite food. Spike is trying to convince the doctor that his non-existent tonsils just fell out so the doctor will buy him some ice cream at the ice cream parlor next door to the medical complex where Chad's office is located. Soon after, while Chad is walking out the door of the ice cream parlor with Spike and debating whether he should immediately call the police, a beautiful blonde woman comes racing up, calling Spike's name. Spike refers to her as Aunt Jill, and leaps into her arms. Chad makes a bad first impression with a woman he is instantly attracted to when he scolds Jill for letting Spike run around unsupervised. Jill informs him that he was in the care of his babysitter, and Spike slipped away while she was in another room. Then she walks off in a huff with Spike.
In a frustrating turn of events, Jill soon after learns that the new neighbor, whose home abuts her backyard, and who is responsible for the two big, unruly dogs that got into her yard and tore it up, is none other than Dr Chad.
Though this novel was initially published by Harlequin 23 years ago, it only seems dated by the lack of cell phones and how central to the story a mall is, given how much, in the last 10 years, that going to the mall as a major source of shopping and entertainment has fallen out of favor in this country.
Chad is an excellent example of what, back in 2000, was called a Beta hero and, today, is called a cinnamon roll hero. He is not promiscuous and has not been in a relationship in quite a while. In terms of his attitude toward settling down domestically, he has a well motivated growth arc from carefree bachelor to family man across the course of the story.
Jill is a very sympathetic romantic protagonist as well. She is a strong, ethical, and loving caretaker for her nephew. One of my favorite tropes in contemporary romance is when a heroine takes on the responsibility of raising a baby or young child of a deceased sibling. That storyline is done quite well in this book, in particular because Spike is so adorably precocious.
Jill has a personal health tragedy in her life which has convinced her, especially because of vicious things her ex-husband said to her, that she will never be able to find a truly devoted husband. Fortunately, this segment of the novel is handled with a delicate touch, such that it does not slide off into soapy melodrama.
One of my pet peeves in romance novels is when the gorgeous physique and lovely figure of the MMC and FMC are not justified. Happily, that is not the case in this novel. Chad regularly exercises, and Jill eats a healthy diet.
The settings of San Diego in general, Jill and Chad's particular neighborhood, an HOA meeting, Chad's office, the mall where Jill works, inside Jill's home, and inside Chad's home are all written vividly and distinctively, none of these settings coming off as bland or generic.
Finally, this story is Christmas themed, and that part of the story is handled in a colorful and heartwarming manner.
Jill Rutledge is a 33-year-old woman who divorced her cheating husband three years ago and has not been romantically involved with anyone since. A few months ago, her older brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident, and she has become the guardian of her extremely intelligent, highly independent, 5-year-old nephew, Leon, who insists on being called Spike. Jill used her divorce settlement to purchase a home in a suburban housing development in San Diego, which is conveniently located near her job as a marketing director at a local mall. Her next door neighbor, Yvette, a sweet-natured, 73-year-old retiree, has been babysitting Spike while Jill is at work. But unfortunately, as the story begins, Spike has wandered off from Yvette, and Jill is frantic to find him.
Dr Chad Markham, a 35-year-old pediatrician who has recently relocated to San Diego, is startled when his nurse informs him that an adorable 5-year-old boy is claiming that his tonsils fell out, and he needs to see the doctor. Chad soon figures out that, a while back, the little boy had had his tonsils removed, which resulted in lots of extra ice cream, his favorite food. Spike is trying to convince the doctor that his non-existent tonsils just fell out so the doctor will buy him some ice cream at the ice cream parlor next door to the medical complex where Chad's office is located. Soon after, while Chad is walking out the door of the ice cream parlor with Spike and debating whether he should immediately call the police, a beautiful blonde woman comes racing up, calling Spike's name. Spike refers to her as Aunt Jill, and leaps into her arms. Chad makes a bad first impression with a woman he is instantly attracted to when he scolds Jill for letting Spike run around unsupervised. Jill informs him that he was in the care of his babysitter, and Spike slipped away while she was in another room. Then she walks off in a huff with Spike.
In a frustrating turn of events, Jill soon after learns that the new neighbor, whose home abuts her backyard, and who is responsible for the two big, unruly dogs that got into her yard and tore it up, is none other than Dr Chad.
Though this novel was initially published by Harlequin 23 years ago, it only seems dated by the lack of cell phones and how central to the story a mall is, given how much, in the last 10 years, that going to the mall as a major source of shopping and entertainment has fallen out of favor in this country.
Chad is an excellent example of what, back in 2000, was called a Beta hero and, today, is called a cinnamon roll hero. He is not promiscuous and has not been in a relationship in quite a while. In terms of his attitude toward settling down domestically, he has a well motivated growth arc from carefree bachelor to family man across the course of the story.
Jill is a very sympathetic romantic protagonist as well. She is a strong, ethical, and loving caretaker for her nephew. One of my favorite tropes in contemporary romance is when a heroine takes on the responsibility of raising a baby or young child of a deceased sibling. That storyline is done quite well in this book, in particular because Spike is so adorably precocious.
Jill has a personal health tragedy in her life which has convinced her, especially because of vicious things her ex-husband said to her, that she will never be able to find a truly devoted husband. Fortunately, this segment of the novel is handled with a delicate touch, such that it does not slide off into soapy melodrama.
One of my pet peeves in romance novels is when the gorgeous physique and lovely figure of the MMC and FMC are not justified. Happily, that is not the case in this novel. Chad regularly exercises, and Jill eats a healthy diet.
The settings of San Diego in general, Jill and Chad's particular neighborhood, an HOA meeting, Chad's office, the mall where Jill works, inside Jill's home, and inside Chad's home are all written vividly and distinctively, none of these settings coming off as bland or generic.
Finally, this story is Christmas themed, and that part of the story is handled in a colorful and heartwarming manner.
March 28, 2016
I loved this book! It starts out with little 5 year old Spike walking into a doctor's office saying his tonsils fell out. Yes, FELL out. He knew he could get ice cream if he lost his tonsils so having them fall out seemed like a good idea to him. The doctor was Pediatrician Chad Markham who didn't fall for the boy's plan and took him home. There he met the boy's Aunt Jill who was in the process of adopting Spike. Sparks flew between this pair but not good sparks at first.
This is a well written fun story with some sad parts in it too. It was sad that Spike lost his parents but there were so many funny parts that made it easy to enjoy. Like the Mall Santas, fun animal scenes and Spike himself was so funny and cute as most 5 year olds are.
I was so glad I won this book in a Harlequin Junkie giveaway because I've always loved Jacqueline Diamond's books.
This is a well written fun story with some sad parts in it too. It was sad that Spike lost his parents but there were so many funny parts that made it easy to enjoy. Like the Mall Santas, fun animal scenes and Spike himself was so funny and cute as most 5 year olds are.
I was so glad I won this book in a Harlequin Junkie giveaway because I've always loved Jacqueline Diamond's books.
September 15, 2024
A genuinely delightful book!
I enjoyed this book very much! It was very realistic and true to life with imperfect characters!
The storyline was creative and interesting and kept my interest throughout!
The main characters were lovable, and supporting characters diverse. I was impressed with the descriptive writing that made you "see" the scenes in the book as if you were there!
The book was edited perfectly and I look forward to reading more by this author!
I enjoyed this book very much! It was very realistic and true to life with imperfect characters!
The storyline was creative and interesting and kept my interest throughout!
The main characters were lovable, and supporting characters diverse. I was impressed with the descriptive writing that made you "see" the scenes in the book as if you were there!
The book was edited perfectly and I look forward to reading more by this author!
December 6, 2023
Santa really does bring the right gifts
After the death of her brother and sister-in-law , and her mothers inability to care for a very active five year old long term, Jill steps in to raise her nephew with a plan to formally adopt him. She has gone through some tough times of her own with her ex-husband and is determined to do whatever she can to give Spike all the love he needs and deserves. When Spike runs away to visit a doctor because his tonsils ran away and he wants a prescription for ice cream, life begins to get very interesting. Mix in some exuberant dogs and the Flora Dora ladies of the Home Owners Assocuation board along with idea by Jill's boss to hire five Santas of different ethnicities, life gets downright interesting with laughs, love and z few other dramas along the way. It was a good distracting read for me while in a rheumatoid flare.
After the death of her brother and sister-in-law , and her mothers inability to care for a very active five year old long term, Jill steps in to raise her nephew with a plan to formally adopt him. She has gone through some tough times of her own with her ex-husband and is determined to do whatever she can to give Spike all the love he needs and deserves. When Spike runs away to visit a doctor because his tonsils ran away and he wants a prescription for ice cream, life begins to get very interesting. Mix in some exuberant dogs and the Flora Dora ladies of the Home Owners Assocuation board along with idea by Jill's boss to hire five Santas of different ethnicities, life gets downright interesting with laughs, love and z few other dramas along the way. It was a good distracting read for me while in a rheumatoid flare.
January 5, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable read
A beautiful uplifting story set in the lead up to Christmas. After sadly losing her first baby due to an ectopic pregnancy, Jill Rutledge’s ex-husband cheated on her and turned his back on their marriage. Fast forward and Jill is in the process of adopting her nephew Leon, alias Spike, after the tragic loss of her brother and sister-in-law in a car accident. Enter Pediatrician Chad Markham, who encounters Spike at work when he turns up on his own to complain about his tonsils falling out. Spike might only be five, but he is an endearingly precocious child. The resulting story is entertaining as Chad contends with problems due to the homeowners association’s very stringent rules as he attempts to build a deeper relationship with Jill and Strike. Well worth reading if you enjoy rom-com novels that are well written.
A beautiful uplifting story set in the lead up to Christmas. After sadly losing her first baby due to an ectopic pregnancy, Jill Rutledge’s ex-husband cheated on her and turned his back on their marriage. Fast forward and Jill is in the process of adopting her nephew Leon, alias Spike, after the tragic loss of her brother and sister-in-law in a car accident. Enter Pediatrician Chad Markham, who encounters Spike at work when he turns up on his own to complain about his tonsils falling out. Spike might only be five, but he is an endearingly precocious child. The resulting story is entertaining as Chad contends with problems due to the homeowners association’s very stringent rules as he attempts to build a deeper relationship with Jill and Strike. Well worth reading if you enjoy rom-com novels that are well written.
July 26, 2024
I found this book discounted on Amazon via BookBub
It did not take long to see that Fiona was extra self-centered. Geoff seemed like a really good guy and I hope it's going to go well in the future with Fiona. It's a nice, cute story with some bedroom scenes. Some parts are funny, some not so much, some parts are really sad too, especially concerning Spike. It's just that sometimes I thought Jill was too much. Too much into her past, into her perceived failures, and she made many assumptions that were so wrong! Spike was a 5 y.o. speaking (and thinking) like he was 50, which was really weird. Chad was a great guy all-around and had a great team at his clinic. Possible triggers about conjugal problems, death, grief, etc.
It did not take long to see that Fiona was extra self-centered. Geoff seemed like a really good guy and I hope it's going to go well in the future with Fiona. It's a nice, cute story with some bedroom scenes. Some parts are funny, some not so much, some parts are really sad too, especially concerning Spike. It's just that sometimes I thought Jill was too much. Too much into her past, into her perceived failures, and she made many assumptions that were so wrong! Spike was a 5 y.o. speaking (and thinking) like he was 50, which was really weird. Chad was a great guy all-around and had a great team at his clinic. Possible triggers about conjugal problems, death, grief, etc.
December 10, 2023
Delightful holiday story about coming to grips with life especially after tragedy and into Christmas
Jill, Spike, Chad an the rest of the characters are a delight. Such a new (to me anyway), mall Santa idea. There are a couple of stinkers in the book, but things happen that turn them around. There are dogs, and cats with very distinct and somewhat comical personalities. Jill had been married before and her ex was not a very nice person, the doctor who had taken care of the women in his family has no business being a doctor, especially an OBGYN.
Jill, Spike, Chad an the rest of the characters are a delight. Such a new (to me anyway), mall Santa idea. There are a couple of stinkers in the book, but things happen that turn them around. There are dogs, and cats with very distinct and somewhat comical personalities. Jill had been married before and her ex was not a very nice person, the doctor who had taken care of the women in his family has no business being a doctor, especially an OBGYN.
November 19, 2017
Christmas Spirit
Well written story with strong characters that warm your heart. Doctor has a little boy show up in his clinic saying
he lost his tonsils and needs ice cream. Why is he alone and where is his Mother. Then he meets his aunt who is taking care of the little boy and every thing is okay. But now he needs to see her again. Great read couldn't but it
down.
Well written story with strong characters that warm your heart. Doctor has a little boy show up in his clinic saying
he lost his tonsils and needs ice cream. Why is he alone and where is his Mother. Then he meets his aunt who is taking care of the little boy and every thing is okay. But now he needs to see her again. Great read couldn't but it
down.
October 21, 2020
Daddy, M.D.
The story was about neighbors who end up helping each other. She is trying to adopt her brother's son, after his own parents died. He is a doctor who loves children. They have ups and downs but when Spike is needing help both are right there to make sure that he is loved.
The story was about neighbors who end up helping each other. She is trying to adopt her brother's son, after his own parents died. He is a doctor who loves children. They have ups and downs but when Spike is needing help both are right there to make sure that he is loved.
November 30, 2023
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed this story about Jill and Chad. Some things were a bit predictable, yet it made the story more interesting. Spike added so much to the story, a depth and emotion beyond Jill.
I really enjoyed this story about Jill and Chad. Some things were a bit predictable, yet it made the story more interesting. Spike added so much to the story, a depth and emotion beyond Jill.
December 3, 2023
Heartwarming.
December 10, 2023
A Way with words
So remains me of my dad—worshiped the ground on which my mother walked. Jill and finding Dr. Chad can make you smile too! Robin Hood
So remains me of my dad—worshiped the ground on which my mother walked. Jill and finding Dr. Chad can make you smile too! Robin Hood
January 3, 2015
Thank you
I absolutely adored this book. HEA all the way, not that there weren't issues because there are. But the story line was such that the issues were addressed to make you feel good about it.
I absolutely adored this book. HEA all the way, not that there weren't issues because there are. But the story line was such that the issues were addressed to make you feel good about it.
March 23, 2015
ANother great read from Jacqueline Diamond.
January 4, 2015
Very sweet!
Very sweet, cute @ funny romance. Well written and a fast read. Great characters. The author really made the characters come alive. Great read.
Very sweet, cute @ funny romance. Well written and a fast read. Great characters. The author really made the characters come alive. Great read.
January 12, 2015
Good
the story is about how a little boy lost his parents but found his aunt who lived him and he made her life better.
the story is about how a little boy lost his parents but found his aunt who lived him and he made her life better.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews