Title: Unlikely Hero
Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: 210 Pages
Category: Mystery/Suspense
At a Glance: Ultimately Josie stole the book, and my heart, in every scene she appeared. Her sweetness and trusting nature spoke to a maternal instinct I didn’t know I had.
Reviewed By: Jenn
Blurb: When his three-year-old daughter is kidnapped, Eric Wilson doesn’t have many options, and time is running out. With nowhere else to turn, he reaches out to his ex, influential businessman Brock Vencenza, whose money and contacts might be able to save Josie.
Brock never got over Eric’s loss, and he’s more than willing to help when Eric needs him most. Together with law enforcement and private security, they embark on a twisting investigation to find the little girl—and who wants to hurt her and destroy both men in the process. Under the circumstances, confessing he still has feelings for Eric would be inappropriate, but Brock can’t deny what’s in his heart. He doesn’t know if their love can be rekindled or if he can even protect Eric and Josie. But one thing is certain: Brock’s determined to be the hero in reality that he is in Eric’s eyes.
Second Edition
First edition published by Top Shelf, an imprint of Torquere Press, September 2009.
Review: The fast-paced start really grabs you with the action and drama until it gives you time to breathe and get to know the characters. Eric reaches out to his ex, Brock, when his three-year-old daughter, Josie, is kidnapped. Without even thinking about the time that has gone by, Brock immediately jumps to help, and starts to discover that despite being the one to break up all those years ago, Eric has always believed him to be The One, much like Brock always thought Eric was The One who got away.
Brock’s calm nature is a massive benefit to Eric, who is freaking out and so upset over Josie’s kidnapping that he can barely think. Brock brings in the best help his money can buy. When I read the blurb, I thought that Josie would remain kidnapped for most of the book, and yet, she was rescued early in the story. But it was only the start of the adventure, the ball that started their relationship rolling again.
With his apartment temporarily full of toddler laughter and the comforting presence of the love of his life, workaholic Brock discovers that work isn’t all there is to life, and becomes eager to get home to his family. The plot, that of the kidnapping case which still has some loose ends to tidy up, keeps you interested without interfering or rushing Brock and Eric’s renewing relationship, and I felt myself rooting hard for Eric, who was convinced that being the one to break up with Brock so long ago meant he didn’t deserve this second chance thrust on him by horrible circumstances. Eric and Brock get closer as the case is wrapped up, and the nostalgia love that they harbour turns steadily into a deep and real love between them.
Ultimately Josie stole the book, and my heart, in every scene she appeared. Sean Michael managed to capture her perfectly as she came across intelligent but not older than she was meant to, and still had the expected toddler tantrums, usually over her daddy or being too tired. Her sweetness and trusting nature spoke to a maternal instinct I didn’t know I had. I’d love to see a sequel because I’m a bit greedy like that even though it does make a great standalone.
You can buy Unlikely Hero here:
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