Inheriting a mausoleum of a house from his Aunt Beulah was not the quick money maker Jordan Tanner expected. Besides the Victorian home, he also inherits a group of charity cases and misfits. Melody is a fortune teller, Rodney is an old gentleman who has lost his wife, an elderly lady, and then there's Nell. Nell Hart is the tiny young woman who keeps things running between the repairs and takes care of the needy residents. As the caretaker, this is Nell's safe harbor. She can afford to keep herself afloat while working towards adopting her niece and nephew, Lacey and Jacob. Nell's sister is now dead and the father of her children is the man responsible.

Nell's dream is to buy a farm and open a garden and nursery business. Not believing herself to be an equal to Tanner, she finds it doesn't seem to stop either of them from feeling a definite physical and mental connection. Falling in love with Nell upsets Tanner's plans when he discovers that love is far more important than success. Nell is threatened with losing the children to their abusive father and Tanner prepares to turn the world upside down to protect Nell and her wards. Hurt feelings and misunderstandings threaten to blow everyone's dreams apart.

A DELIBERATE FATHER is an exceptionally emotional but amusing tale of a young woman who takes care of everyone but herself. She always comes last putting all her wishes and dreams aside until she meets the man that loves her enough to give her what she truly deserves. Tanner is a gorgeous professional man who lacks the power to walk away from which he desires the most. I loved the warm considerate character of Nell. Putting everything she desires aside for the smallest of needs by everyone else. I will definitely read more from the talented Kate Kelly, as she expresses warmth and love through her characters and her writing.

Book Summary

Falling for a woman with kids was never part of Jordan Tanner's plans. His intention was to quickly sell the building he's inherited and pave the way to financial freedom. Yet the moment he encounters Nell Hart—and her niece and nephew—all his goals fly out the window. Something about her zest and her passion leave him a little breathless. More than that, Jordan discovers he simply cannot put two traumatized kids out on the street.

So what's he to do? He still wants success and he's not keen on being a landlord. But he also likes the feeling he gets when he's with Nell and the kids. In the end, maybe there isn't a choice after all.