When Jackie Monroe finds out the man she’s been seeing for the last three months has been leading a double life and is married, it nearly destroys her world. Giving up on men, love, and any chance of having a relationship or a family, Jackie dives into her career as a child psychologist. One of her specialties is forensics child custody evaluations and she’s appointed a case where a man is … fighting to have full custody of his one-year-old daughter.
At first glance, the case appears to be a simple one, but soon, Jackie learns nothing is at it seems and she finds herself not only putting her job on the line, but her heart.
Alston Walsh never wanted to be a father. Hell, until six months ago, he didn’t even know he was a father. But when me meets his little girl for the first time, he falls instantly in love. And when he sees first-hand how his ex-girlfriend is living and raising his daughter, he takes matter into his own hands. He will do whatever it takes to make sure little Coralie is removed from her mother’s home and placed, permanently, with him, including retiring from the Military and taking a job that will keep him stateside.
But what he doesn’t anticipate is falling in love with the woman who has the power to crush his heart and take away everything he holds dear.
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A marvelous second book in the Monroe series. When Dr. Jackie Monroe realizes that the man she has been dating is married, she tells him to lose her number. As a child psychologist she is assigned the case of baby Coralie whose father, Special Forces Intelligent Sgt. Alston Walsh, is requesting joint custody. Alston has just learned that he has a baby and left the service to be a part of her life. Coralie’s mother is adamant that he not be involved nor will she accept money from him. Alston had a tragic early life and thanks to the people who adopted him, as a teen, he has had a successful career. Jackie’s client is Coralie and she acts as the mediator between the baby’s mother and Alston. As she gets to know Alston, she begins to have feelings for him, feelings that she shouldn’t have. When Jackie has concerns about Coralie’s mother, she must act fast to ensure Coralie’s well-being. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
I am at a complete loss for words with this book. Wow. Just wow. I have a soft spot in my heart for military heroes of all stripes and shapes, so to see Alston being so badly maligned hurt my heart. I’m of two minds about Jackie. I loved her fierce momma bear protectiveness for the children she advocates for, but I didn’t like the risks she took with her personal life. Especially with her ex who had crossed so many lines, yet she never took steps to stop him. On the lighter side, that ending was so cute, I was completely charmed by it. My heart gave a happy sigh. I can’t wait to read more about the whole Monroe clan.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
4.5***** stars. Alston finds out he is a baby daddy when she is 6 months old. Poor little girl is so sick but they cannot find anything wrong with her. This has been going on for quite awhile but the mother leaves before additional tests can be run. His ex is not following the judges ruling about visitation with his daughter. Enter Cassidy, a child psychologist, who seems to double as a social worker to resolve the problem amicably. They became romantically involved and needed to tread carefully for the sake of the child. I had a very strong idea of the diagnosis but it was interesting the hoops she had to go through to insure a legal outcome for him. It delves into the mental justification and consequences of a sick persons actions. Nicely written. It was interesting and enjoyable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I love the premise of this book; I love that Jackie sees the issue as soon as she receives the hospital reports – I just couldn’t reconcile her obvious professionalism with her complete disregard for it when she becomes involved with Alston. Kari was also problematic; her behavior was surely a bigger red flag than Alston slamming a beer mug on a counter in frustration. So I’m torn; this is really well written (Jen Talty never disappoints!), but the story itself is frustrating and things go too fast. It deserves every one of the four stars I’ve awarded it, and I hope we see more of Jackie, Alston, and Coralie in future Monroe books.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
One of the things I really love about these books is the camaraderie between the siblings. In the prologue of this book we get a glimpse of Hawk and Kennedy, now married and expecting a child. This is where Jackie finds out the man she’s dating is still married and living with his wife. Seems these women have pretty bad instincts when it comes to men. I base this on Kennedy’s relationship prior to Hawk.
Now Jackie has sworn off men for at least another six months. While waiting in line with her sister Rose, the subject of her brother Fitz’s latest instagram post comes up. Not half naked this time but it’s a picture of him licking a jello shot off a woman. They get their order just in time to witness the cute guy who had been in line before them slam his coffee down and make a mess, muttering an apology before storming out. This becomes important later.
Jackie’s boss hands her a new case, as a child psychologist she would be looking out for the child’s best interest in a custody case. The mother had made some serious accusations regarding the father, however she couldn’t back them up with any evidence. The child has also had several hospital admissions that seemed a bit mysterious.
Jackie is surprised when she meets Alston Walsh, it appears the angry man in the coffee shop is her client’s father. The initial visit goes well and there is a supervised visit scheduled for the next day.
Now things are going to get interesting, as Jackie keeps running into Alston. Her ex showing up doesn’t help either. Jackie is attracted to Alston and he to her, but she really shouldn’t do anything about it until the case is settled. The fates, however, have other ideas and their attraction sparks into some sizzling heat.
Plenty of suspense and intrigue as this story unfolds and Jackie and Alston find their Happily Ever After with Coralie.
Interesting story about a woman who finds out the man she’s been having a relationship with is not what he seems to be. Mad but not down she falls in to her roll as a child protection specialist. When she meets Alston who is trying to keep his daughter because her mother isn’t capable of doing, she trys to be objective. Great story but sad for both parties. HEA
I’m a fan of Jen Talty’s books and they don’t disappoint. I wish the book was a bit longer though, seemed a bit short. Many have told the premise of the story, so I won’t repeat. The characters were believable along with the story. Makes me wonder how much of this situation happens in real life. Recommend the book and series. It can be read alone or in order.