THE RIGHT BROTHER

Author: Patricia McLinn ISBN: 0373247826 9/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: SILHOUETTE

Everyone thinks life has been easy for pretty, popular Jennifer Truesdale. In reality, it's been anything but-especially since her no-good ex-husband left her in dire financial straits with a child to raise. She'll show them all-including her impressionable daughter-that she can stand on her own. And then, in walks her ex-brother-in-law, Trent Stenner-a former football star whose empire was nonetheless built on brains, not brawn. He's here to replace his brother-in the family business. And just possibly, in the heart of his lovely former wife..

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE RIGHT BROTHER is a September release from Silhouette Special Edition, and a part of the Seasons in a Small Town series. It is a lovely tale of friendship between a man and woman only slightly marred by melodrama and a rushed ending.

Jennifer Truesdale has been one of the pretty people all her life. Assumed to be vacant by most people she met, she married a local football hero and settled into life. He turned out to be a major heel, and she's been left broke with a nearly teenage daughter to support. Her ex-husband's family owned a local car dealership, and her ex-brother-in-law, Trent Stenner, comes back to town to reopen it. Because of various deals, Trent is forced to hire Jennifer so she can support herself and her daughter, and therefore has to get to know the woman he was barely acquainted with before, despite their family connection.

I liked the slow pace of their relationship and then romance as it flowered, and it was great to see Jennifer discover her abilities. Ashley, the daughter, is well drawn and adds a lot to the story.

It was a pleasure to visit Drago again!

Heather Hiestand