SAFE BY HIS SIDE

Author: Linda Conrad ISBN: 9780373276233 3/2009 SUSPENSE Publisher: HARLEQUIN

Another threatening note sent to a beloved child star. But this time, the stalker got inside the house. Desperate to protect her young charge, guardian Blythe Cooper is grateful for the tall, strong bodyguard now standing sentinel at their door. Until Ethan Ryan awakens feelings in Blythe she can’t acknowledge. The former secret service agent turned bodyguard makes it his mission to protect children. The rules: never make it personal, and everyone walks away alive. Amendment: somehow, someway, keep beautiful Blythe and the little girl out of his heart—and safe by his side.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

With a touch of the paranormal that adds interest and depth to the story, SAFE BY HIS SIDE is a gripping romantic suspense that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Filled with characters who all need to find security, peace and contentment at all costs, it is gripping and filled with enough twists and turns that I was hooked right from the first pages.

Blythe is responsible for child star Ashley Davis. The little girl’s mother is dying and Blythe has agreed to become more than her tutor after her mother’s death—she will be Ash’s guardian. With many preconceived notions about motherhood, Blythe assumes that she will step right into the role of the child’s mother. As any mother will tell you, there are many more skills involved in being a good, loving parent than simply being present. While Blythe struggles to learn what mothering a precocious public figure entails, she also must deal with the unsavory side of public life. There is someone stalking the young star, and Blythe is determined to protect Ashley at all costs. To that end, she accepts the services of a private bodyguard, a man with a curse of his own hanging over him.

The sins of the past play a large role in this action-packed, heart-stopping romantic tale that shows that even those who seem destined to forgo happiness still have a chance to find love—if they’re open to seeing it when it appears. I was completely drawn into Ethan’s family, with its witchcraft, spells and regrets. I wanted him to overcome his cursed existence.

SAFE BY HIS SIDE is highly entertaining. Linda Conrad knows how to tell a story; I look forward to reading more from this very talented author. It was a nice change of pace to see characters who had such deep lessons to learn before they could find happiness. Emotionally satisfying and very well done!

Kay James