Discovery

Designer Children #1

by Nan Dixon

It was like looking in a mirror.

Harris Torrington, Houston's district attorney is ready to take the next step in his political career, running for governor. Then he crosses paths with Ashe Bristol, the new Houston Texan’s quarterback and is shocked. They look exactly alike.

They aren't related but are the same age, born in different states and have different birthdays. Until he understands why he has a doppelganger, Harris worries this might hurt his political aspirations. To find answers, Ashe asks his friend, Dr. Sunee Miller, for help.

Sunee, an MD with a PhD in molecular genetics, dedicates her life to cancer patients. After testing Harris and Ashe's DNA, she's baffled by the results. The two men are unlike any genetic pairing in existence. What are they?

While trying to solve the mystery, Sunee and Harris fall for each other. But the more they uncover, the greater the danger.

Can they survive long enough to find the answers?

Genres: Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2022

About the author

Nan spent her formative years as an actress, singer, dancer and competitive golfer. But the need to eat had her studying accounting in college. Unfortunately, being a successful financial executive didn’t feed her passion to perform. When the pharmaceutical company she worked for was purchased, Nan got the chance of a lifetime—the opportunity to pursue a writing career.

She’s a five-time Golden Heart finalist and lives in the Midwest.

Reviews

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovery ~ Designer Children #1 by Nan Dixon
Wow, what can I say, but whatever it is, my words cannot and will not do this book the justice it truly needs.
This is truly a remarkable story by Nan. I didn't want to rush reading this, so I didn't :) I was truly engaged in the story from the very beginning.
Discovery has been written superbly, with great strong characters that you can imagine yourself being there with them. Feeling the emotions of these characters as they find each other, really brought this story to life.
The storyline is fantastic, and believable too, you are kept wanting to turn the page to answer questions, but to find more have been added.
I highly recommend this book to all, and I cannot wait to be reading the next in the series. To me, Discovery needs more than 5*, I will admit this is the best by far in romantic suspense I have read this year.
Thank you, Nan, for this wonderful amazing story, and I look forward to the rest of the series.:)

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and Nan Dixon's latest release DISCOVERY was a very good start to what I hope will be an ongoing series. It begins with a young Houston D.A., Harris Torrington running into the Houston football teams latest player aquisition in the men's room. Nothing about this would be shocking unless the man, Ashe Bristol, looked exactly like him! These men don't appear to be related, born is other cities to different parents but Harris has big political aspirations and needs to find out what is going on. Ashe calls his friend Dr. Sunee Miller to quietly help research this since she is a brilliant physician in Houston. As Sunee digs deeper into Ashe and Harris' connections danger seems to follow her around every corner. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. The plot intrigues me and definitely left me wanting to read more about these "designer children". There's plenty of action, just enough romance, a touch of spice, angst and humor sprinkled throughout. DISCOVERY was told from dual POV and it hooked me and now I want more!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

WOW!!! What a wild ride this is!! I was glued to my e-reader. Such an emotional roller-coaster of suspense. I so wanted to read the end of the book as I just couldn't contain myself but I didn't. I was completely enthralled with this story and the concept of designer children.

I adored the dual POV format. Getting that glimpse into both of the characters' thoughts really helped me to identify and connect with them.

Sunee and Harris are such totally different in personalities and goals. It was hard to see how they could possibly come together. Ms. Dixon did such a wonderful job with all of the characters and plot that everything just flowed beautifully. While reading this, I was able to fully see each scene just like it was a movie but only better as I knew what the characters were thinking in the scenes.

This is a sexy read so a word of warning especially if underage.

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am going to have a hard time finding another book as good as this one! I would have to say this was the best book I have read so far this year! If you like reading books that draw you in and don’t let you go until it is finished with you then this book is for you!

This book has it all! Mystery, romance, thrills and chills you will experience all of this and so much more!

Harris is a District Attorney with dreams of so much more. Born and raised in Texas.

Ashe is the new quarterback for the Texas football team. Born and raised in Minneapolis.

They look almost exactly the same. So much so they could be twins but that’s not possible because they were born a few months apart. If you enjoy a great suspense this book is perfect for you!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid series start!

I really enjoyed the idea behind this series--a shadowy mystery group who is creating "designer children" for some mysterious cause? Two (or are there more???) strangers who could almost be identical twins, except that their genetics are not quite right? All with an opposites attract-style romance? Yes, please!

Sunee and Harris are really sweet together, and though it did feel like their ILYs came a bit quick, I can't be too mad about it because of course I was shipping them hard. The secondary characters (Kat, Ashe, Piper) were a lot of fun too; let's just say that the mystery of what exactly is going on with the designer children isn't the only reason I'm going to my stalking Ms Dixon's author page for new release dates ;)

Discovery starts the series off right by introducing the designer children concept and giving our first couple a fairly complete romance--though we don't quite see where they're going with their HEA. Will Sunee be able to overcome her extreme social anxiety? Will Harris have to eventually choose Sunee over his political ambitions? We don't yet know, and will hopefully find out in future books as we also figure out more about what exactly is going on with the designer children project that the baddies are engaging in.

Anxiously anticipating the next book!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

District Attorney Harris Torrington and quarterback Ashe Bristol met by chance in the locker room after a golf game and it was like looking in a mirror, almost. Why do these two men who look alike but not related, as far as they know, share these simulates. One person might be able to help them, Dr. Sunee Miller, who is Ashe’s best friend. She is a genetics and cancer specialist. She might be able to unravel this mystery. There is the added character of Kat Phillips who is a reporter and best friend to Harris. Can these two women work their respective vocations to find some answers

While doing this Harris and Sunee find they are very attracted to one another. There are unseen complications that keep the two from having a future. Someone is trying to keep them apart. Can they survive to have a future together?

I loved this story. It kept me gripped from the first page. It has lots of intrigue, romance and a little bit of humor. I love how both Harris and Ashe are protective of Sunee. Strong characters keep you turning the pages. Nan Dixion has a winner with this book and I look forward to more books in this series.

Thanks, Nan Dixion, for giving me a copy of this book to give my honest review.


I give this book a strong 4.5 stars.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a departure from the previous books I’ve read by this author but what a wonderful start to this series (I’m hoping there will be another book). It started off like a normal story but then when you see Harris and Ashe meet and realize there’s so much more to the story since they are identical in features. Ashe has a friend Sunee who is a MD PHD and who also specializes in genetics, the perfect person to help them figure this out. However when the test results come back and they are twins but not really but yet something is different but she can’t put her finger on it and that is when things get crazy. In the background we also have Elaina Harrison Ashland who unfortunately did something unethical and broke protocols and now bad people are involved and who knows what else will happen. She’s headed to Texas to see Harris and Ashe but will she even make it….? So many twists and turns and people involved and people who are given instructions to eliminate a certain individual or individuals . I had to re-read to make sure I had all the people lined up correctly. I definitely enjoyed this book however there are still some things up in the air and we found out something else that I’m fairly certain we’ll have another book to read in this series to help figure out more information and details. Great book!

[Gwen Smith-leak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris Torrington was at a golf event went he met someone that looked like him Ashe Bristol a new Houston Texan’s quarterback .. Harris is District attorney and his next step is running for governor. So he has to clear this up soon. They both are Shocked to see themselves in each other . They agree to meet and Ashe bring his friend Sunee who is a doctor of genetics and studies research on cancer. So she runs a DNA test on both to see if they are related. Harris friend Kat comes she a reporter. All of them are given thing to do to find the answers.
While looking for the information Harris and Sunee become involved and find out that they care for each other. His mother dislike her says she not good for his campaign to be governor. Then Sunee find she in danger and Harris tries to keep her safe . There is a mystery going on in this story on why do they look alike , why is Sunree in danger, what really happened years ago and who pulling the strings. There is so much to this book

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible start to a series. The mystery, intrigue and romance worked so well together. Harris, a potential governor, meets Ashe, a quarterback and his doppelgänger. They have no idea why they look so much alike. Ashe calls on his friend Dr. Sunee Miller for help. Harris asks his friend, Kat for help as well. Harris and Sunee develop feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Sunee is still confused as to why Ashe and Harris are so much alike.
This book was quite the page-turner! I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. The author does a fantastic job building the story and pulling you in. She brings mystery and danger along with the romance and had me glued to the pages reading. She moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Monique Westwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing series starter.  Genetic manipulation,  politics,  romance and suspense abound.  Sunee and Harris are a lovely couple. The storyline kept me reading to see what happened next.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series. 

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book… looking forward to more to continue the story and find out more on why.

[RK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Loved the characters, love the story line. Love, danger, and so much more.
Highly recommend.

[Linda Morey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mystery of how two men meet up and find they look exactly alike . Other characters are introduced as one of the men who wants to be governor seeks the truth but wants to do it quietly so as not to ruin his chances . Sunee helps and is a doctor and cancer researcher. Harris is infatuated but she has shyness and is socially awkward. His parents not impressed so we have to see how these problems and mysteries unfold . There is not a definite conclusion

[Jennifer]

Excellently written and intriguing concept.
,

[Gretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you just casually ran into someone who looks EXACTLY like you? (I'd be headed straight to Ancestry to check my DNA matches!) What if you were a locally prominent attorney, Harris, who had recently prosecuted a baby selling ring and your Doppelganger, Ashe, was a nationally recognized sports professional? You might was to keep it on the down low until you figured out what the heck was going on. This sets the stage for DISCOVERY, the first book of a new series by Nan Dixon.
Luckily, there is a best friend who is a geneticist, Sunee, who can run anonymous tests and another best friend who is an aspiring investigative reporter, Kat, who can research. Unfortunately, someone in a shadow company connects these four characters and now unexplainable break-ins, accidents and outright attempted murders start happening around them.
DISCOVERY centers on Harris, the attorney and Sunee, the geneticist. Harris has political aspirations while Sunee prefers to conduct research in her windowless lab. Interaction with stangers-and sometimes family-makes her break out in hives! So how are these apparent opposites who have instant attraction going to solve the mystery of how Harris and Ashe share more DNA than fraternal twins, but not enough DNA to be identical twins but were born to different parents in different states on different days? The more they learn, the more complicated their connection gets. The danger builds as they get closer to the truth.
I enjoyed reading DISCOVERY. It was fast paced and I read it one day. There are characters I loved, a few I loved to hate and those I just plain hated! This is a romantic suspense with a twist of sci-fi, or is it sci-fact? All the answers are not in this book: we'll have to stay tuned for the next series installment. Harris and Sunee seem committed but what about Ashe and Kat and how many more DNA related "siblings" will be discovered along the way? I can't wait to find out!
* The only thing that kept me from rating this book 5 Stars was the political undertones of the novel. Harris is called, "a conservative" while Sunee's father is a fund raiser for, "Democrats" (gasp!). Harris professes to want to get both sides to work together again, but his mother thinks his chances to be elected Governor of Texas will be ruined by associating with Sunee because her father is a New York Democrat. Personally, I see enough political polarization on the news and really don't want it in my fiction; however, this will not keep me from reading more in this series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a new series by Ms. Dixon. I read this book in one sitting. I have read pretty much every book from this author. All wonderful.

So when Ashe Bristol the Houston Texan’s quarterback, and Harris Torrington’s district attorney who has ambitions past DA run into each at a golf tournament they are stunned to say the least. It’s like looking into a mirror. How is that possible? They have to get out of there so they can talk further. Neither can risk being seen together due to there social status. Ashe has someone who trusts, and calls her to help them. Dr. Sunee Miller is a MD with a PhD in a field that can help them. He calls her. When Sunee arrives after Ashe calls her she is confused to say the least. When a man answers the door she gets the surprise of a life time. The man she thinks is Ashe just happens to be someone else. Oh boy she doesn’t know what to think. There is nothing she would not do for Ashe. The more she digs it gets weirder, and a bit dangerous when she comes across something that happened with a certain doctor they find out later is a key to Ashe along with Harris. The DNA test she does on them both are very strange. She’s again stumped.

She also feels a strong pull towards Harris, and she thinks he does for her. The only thing is they both find out later they have misconceptions. He thinks she’s with Ashe, and she thinks he’s with Kat.

I loved this book. At times when there’s danger lurking it’s so good, and your flipping your kindle which I did.

I volunteered to read this book, and all thoughts are my own.

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
This was interesting. I would have liked it better if it wasn’t first of four. That’s a lot of reading to get to the heart of the mystery.
Sunnee is a Dr, oncology and genetics. Her best friend is Ashe. They find out that Harris, the DA, is a dead ringer looks wise for Ashe. And thus begins the thriller. Searching for who they are, where they came from.
Lots of people killed. They try to kill Sunnee, thinking she knows more than she does.
The Dr at the heart of the mystery is in a coma, someone trying to silence her.
Two more siblings are found.
And that’s the end of this book.
So, I guess I’m on to book 2. Not sure I’ll last through four of them.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story line but

The storyline was real interesting but the bad language and some sexual content brought my rating down. Sweating, taking the Lord's name in vain and sexual content isn't necessary to have a good book. Many people prefer reading books without it. I won't bother reading any more of this authors books even though the story may be interesting.

[Gale Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting a book like this when I picked this up. It is so incredibly interesting that I wish I could give it 10 stars. It is very well written, there is a lot of research that obviously went into this and there is a lot of intense moments that you just don’t know what’s gonna happen next. A brilliant book Looking forward to book number two.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not for me.

[Adele Humphreys · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good ideas. Poorly done.