Solitary Man

This is an early book of Carly's published in 1999 then reissued in 2000.

It is obvious even in this early book that Carly has talent.

Kevin's partner Tony was killed when he answered a call before Kevin gets back to the cruiser.  Kevin feels responsible due to the fact that he stopped to check on his alcoholic father while on duty.  Since he was raised in a less than ideal family situation Kevin has never felt like he deserves a real family or the good things in life.

Tony's sister, Nikki, has had a crush on Kevin for a long time.  After Tony's unexpected death while on duty, Kevin and Nikki console each other in the most intimate way possible.  Kevin felt lower than a worm when he discovered Nikki was a virgin.  Nikki, however, had no regrets.

After leaving town for a couple of months to get his head on straight Kevin comes back to Boston.  He is surprised to learn that Nikki has dropped out of college to work in a trendy bar.  When Kevin seeks Nikki out it is clear she has not been taking care of herself.  Nikki passes out when Kevin tries to protect her after work by taking her home.  He thinks it is more than neglecting her health by late hours and not eating.  When he shows up later on Nikki's doorstep with a home pregnancy test she is shocked!  After the test shows positive Kevin tries to take over her life but Nikki is determined to remain independent as she doesn't want to be an obligation to anyone.

Reading how these two work out their problems of an unexpected pregnancy, dealing with Tony's death, Kevin's father and building a caring relationship was a book that kept me turning pages.  Are they going to work out all the myriad problems, will Nikki let Kevin help or just be the baby's father, will Kevin learn to love and to trust in Nikki's love? 

Rating: AA   Steaminess: Sensual

My Totals: H/S: 12  Other: 4

Take care, happy reading,
Donna M, Dream Team member