His Secret Christmas Baby

Guardian Angel Investigations #2

by Rita Herron

Investigator Derrick McKinney's quiet bachelor life was shattered when the son he just learned existed was abducted right out from under the watchful eye of his beautiful guardian. And although she was left unconscious and heartbroken, someone feared Brianna Honeycutt saw more than she claimed, placing her life in danger. Working together, Derrick now had to push aside the long-buried attraction he'd always felt for Brianna. More determined than ever to end this nightmare and put a smile back on Brianna's face, Derrick vowed he'd stop at nothing to bring his baby home in time for Christmas….

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Christmas, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Fiction

217 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Derrick had returned to Sanctuary to take a job with Guardian Angel Investigations. Almost as soon as he arrived, he discovered that he was the father of a baby boy, then that baby was kidnapped. Brianna was injured and heartbroken. As she and Derrick investigated the kidnapping it became apparent that there was more behind it than they had thought. Besides his need to get the baby back, Derrick finds himself attracted more and more to Brianna. I really liked both Brianna and Derrick. Brianna had been a very good friend to Natalie, the baby's mother. When Natalie begged Brianna to take care of Ryan if something happened to her, Brianna could do nothing less. When Derrick came back to Sanctuary she suspected that he was Ryan's father and was afraid that she would lose Ryan to him. She also realized that the crush she'd had on Derrick while a teenager had never gone away. All the while they were searching for Ryan she kept picturing the three of them as a family. Derrick had had an abusive father and had not planned to ever have children, being afraid of turning out like his father. But as soon as he knew about Ryan, he knew that he wanted to be the best dad he could. He did have some issues with Natalie and Brianna not telling him about the baby, fearing it was because they didn't consider him fit to be a father. He had noticed Brianna when they were in school, but considered her far too good for him. Now he had a chance to have it all. I liked the way that they were able to work together to solve the mystery of why Ryan was kidnapped. I also liked that they were eventually able to overcome their issues with each other and get their happily ever after.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books that I have read in a while. I was pulled right into the story from chapter one. You can’t read this book without your heart aching for Brianna. I loved the action, and suspense. The romance between Brianna, and Derrick was the perfect touch for this story.

The story starts out with Brianna bringing her best friend Natalie who was in labor to the hospital. In the parking lot, Natalie made Brianna promise if anything happened to her that Brianna would take care of her baby. Brianna told her nothing was going to happen, trying to comfort her friend, but she also promised. Brianna saw the fear in her friend’s eyes. She thought it was normal for any mother to be to be afraid of labor. Brianna was supposed to be Natalie’s labor coach. Once they got in the doors of the E.R. they wheeled Natalie away, and told Brianna to wait in the waiting room. As Brianna paced, she knew too much time had passed. She knew something had happened. She later found out her best friend had died.

A few weeks later Brianna went to visit Natalie’s grave. She met Derrick there. She and Natalie had grown up with Derrick. Brianna had always had a secret crush on him. Derrick took one look at the baby, and wanted to ask questions, but he didn’t. The next day, he needed those questions answered. He went to Brianna’s house at 6 am. Once he got there, Brianna’s door was open, and he found Brianna lying unconscious on the floor. Someone had kidnapped the baby, and knocked Brianna out.

Brianna and Derrick worked together to find the baby boy. They were uncovering secrets no one wanted uncovered. This made them a target. The action, and suspense as I have said before was intense! I’m marking this is one of my favorite books. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Sample from chapter 2
Her sobs tore at him, and he couldn’t resist. He pulled her into his arms and held her. It was a cop thing to do, a human comforting another. He’d done it a thousand times on a case. But never had the person’s pain made him ache inside like a knife had ripped open his heart. And never had he felt so connected with anyone in his life.

Sample from chapter 8 – “There’s a bomb! Run!” He grabbed Brianna, and raced toward the grassy area beside the parking lot. The bomb exploded, metal flew, glass shattered and the impact tossed them to the ground.

[Zona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolute brain candy. Reminded me a of a Lifetime movie. I'd recommend it to someone who didn't want to think too much while enjoying a quick read :)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good love story with a little intrigue is always a good read!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light easy read. I found some parts redundant, but all in all not a bad story.

[A Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wonder why Natalie didn't let them know? She could have probably been saved. Sanctuary sure isn't living up to it's name. I'm glad the old sheriff's son isn't one anymore that's the least he could do! Reading this story scares me about what doctors can do... It was an exciting roller coaster of a ride.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

HI #1174 = 2- stars

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the interaction between the main characters.

[Suzanne Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Secret Christmas Baby

His Secret Christmas Baby

WOW What a great story I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book Rita Herron is a remarkable writer who knows how to tell a good story. this Guardian Angel Investigation series is really great. buy it, read it and enjoy

[elstaffe]

Did I pick up this book entirely based upon the title? Yes, yes I did. Well played, Harlequin marketing. Well played.
More of an actual review to follow once I've gained some distance. Because...secret Christmas baby.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was pretty good. I don't know if I would read more from this author or this series, it would depend on my mood I think.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me

This is the 2nd book I read from this author, I found myself skipping pages just to finish the book. Yes it had some good parts but mostly drawn out. Not a fan