Erin Connell is raising her baby son Riley in the lodge left to her upon the death of her husband. Erin and her husband James were able to conceive Riley through a fertility clinic. Now that she is alone, the Connell Lodge is her 4 month old son's legacy. Receiving notification that an error had been made at the fertility clinic, Erin is threatened that James may not be Riley's biological father. This will cause Erin to lose her home and her son his legacy, with no way of supporting herself and her infant.

The first guest Erin has had since before Riley was born arrives. At first glance, all she thinks is that Sam Thornton is "sex on legs". There is an immediate attraction between them which both work very hard to deny. Eventually taking solace within each other, Sam begins to feel guilt at his real reason for being there. He is Riley's biological father and doesn't tell Erin. As the truth is revealed to Erin they argue over both of their deceptions and Sam leaves to pursue custody of his son. Not only does Erin find out that James is not the father, but she receives even further devastating news that threatens her with the loss of her child. Sam offers visitation and a huge cash settlement to Erin which only infuriates her further as she feels he is buying her child. Realization eventually hits home and Sam has to find a way to convince Erin that he loves her and wants her as his wife and Riley's mother for the rest of their lives.

A FATHER'S SECRET is packed with emotional ups and downs for a young woman who has had a devastating upbringing but has fought to drag herself up to become the woman and mother she is. The tale is well written and clearly portrays the struggle Erin has had to endure in her lifetime. I was completely captivated with the plot of this tale. I will definitely seek out other works from this talented author.

Book Summary

There'd been a mistake at the fertility clinic. Now widow Erin Connell has to face the possibility that her baby son is not her husband's child. And worse, that Connell Lodge, her son's legacy and the only real home she's ever known, may be lost to them both.

But billionaire Sam Thornton's arrival at her bed-and-breakfast changes everything. Erin is stunned by the ferocity of her sudden attraction. Sam, too, is thunderstruck…and tormented. He's come here for one reason only, and falling for the pretty owner isn't it. He's not leaving without her son—his son….