Ella Varner left Houston to get some physical and emotional distance between herself and her family, but maybe Austin wasn't far enough. A phone call from her Mom about her sister Tara having had a baby boy and then disappearing is more than a little shocking, it's alarming. Candy's ready to give the baby to Social Services unless Ella comes to get him and Ella knows she means it. Ella's boyfriend Dane thinks Ella should stop trying to fix her family's problems and let it go. But this is her sister's baby, how can she ignore that? Going back to Houston, looking for Tara and for the baby's father is the only thing Ella can think to do. Arriving to claim the baby, Ella is struck by his helplessness and falls a little bit in love.

The name at the top of the list of potential fathers is serial dater Jack Travis. Growing up in Houston, Ella knows of the wealthy and powerful Travis family, but if Jack is Luke's father it won't stop her from making him take responsibility. Showing up at Jack's business, Ella talks her way into Jack's office to ask for a paternity test. Jack 's agrees, not because he thinks he's Luke's dad, but because there's something about Ella that's intrigued him in a way he's never been intrigued before. The next morning Tara resurfaces long enough to tell Ella she's gone to a clinic to "rest" for the next three months and Jack couldn't be the father because they never slept together. But Jack's still interested and helps them find a place to stay in Houston plus an interview with the Megachurch preacher who might Luke's dad. And all this time, Ella doesn't seem to realize Jack might be interested in her. She's been so reluctant to really fall in love, this man is shaping up to be dangerous territory for Ella. Accepting help, allowing people to get close, and being in love, are things she couldn't and wouldn't do before. When she finally realizes how important Luke and Jack have become to her is the moment she loses them both. Tara is taking Luke back and Jack's been in accident that may have been fatal. What can she do?

The banter between Ella and Jack is charming and will cause readers to laugh out loud, but it's the way Ella interacts with Luke that adds a real tenderness to the story. It's easy to root for all involved so the happy ending is especially appreciated. Smart, funny, touching, sweet, and satisfying are just a few of the words to describe this special entry into the Travis family series, starting with Sugar Daddy, continuing with Blue-Eyed Devil and surely to be completed by the youngest son's story in a forthcoming novel. You don't have to read both previous books, but you'll want to and then you'll want to reread SMOOTH TALKING STRANGER just because it's that good.

Book Summary

Ella Varner has it all--a successful career as an advice columnist, a handsome boyfriend, and a circle of friends in Austin. When anyone has a problem, Ella knows the answers.

But one night she receives a call that changes everything. And as Ella's world is turned upside-down, she meets a man who is the opposite of everything she ever wanted . . . a man who will offer her the most irresistible challenge she has ever known . . .

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