Shooting the Moon (Harlequin Superromance No. 1058)

When Harley Nelson reads the obituary of his former girlfriend, he returns to Portland, OR to claim the nine-year-old son he's never seen. Brandon has been raised by his aunt and grandparents in a luxurious gated community. Lauren Worthington loves her sister's son as if he were her own, and nothing will make her give up this child to bad boy Harley. In fact, fueled by her father's tales of Harley, she's convinced he ruined her sister. She doesn't want the man anywhere near her nephew.But Harley isn't quite the way he's been portrayed. He's concerned, he cares, and he forces Lauren to reexamine her long held beliefs about him. Of no small concern is his devastating charm. Before long Lauren finds herself falling in love with the man who can rob her of the thing that makes her happiest. Lauren battles with her understanding of Harley's right to his son and her own emotional attachment to the boy.Wonderfully developed secondary characters provide an excellent supporting cast. Shooting the Moon is about romance and caring, love and money, challenging one's belief system, and acceptance. You'll cheer at the outcome, maybe shed a few happy tears as I did. But I guarantee you won't forget this wonderful book by Brenda Novak, a master at creating intense emotional conflict. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Very highly recommended.

Harley Nelson left Portland ten years ago, but when he left, he left a child behind too. Ten years later he is back for his son. Audra, whom he once loved, died from drugs, leaving behind Brandon, their son. He came back to town with determination and a past. Lauren Worthington just happened to be Audra's sister, and Brandon's mother in every sense but biologically. She loved Brandon more than life itself. He might as well as have been born hers. Harley made Lauren nervous, her heart beat, and her breath catch just when he was near. Too bad Lauren was born in the wrong family, at least as far as Harley was concerned, but then she was known as the Ice Queen anyway. Slowly as the book progressed, so did their attraction and the heat that simmered between them. Their lives grew more and more complicated as Lauren's parents came into the picture... especially since it was her father that had started it all those years ago. Lauren is strong but has vulnerabilities just as Harley has a tough front but a soft center. Sometimes he reminds you of a teddy bear but others as the devil incarnate. Together they are real and lively. SHOOTING THE MOON is interesting as it is sweet and special. Ms. Novak as done a fabulous job! Romance At Its Best

Harley Nelson left Portland ten years ago but when he left, he left a child behind too. Ten years later he is back for his son. Audra who he once loved died from drugs leaving behind Brandon, their son. He came back to town with determination and a past. Lauren Worthington just happened to be Audra's sister and Brandon's mother in every sense but biologically. She loved Brandon more than life itself. He might as well as have been born hers. Harley made Lauren nervous, her heart beat, and her breath catch just when he was near. Too bad Lauren was born in the wrong family, at least as far as Harley was concerned but then she was known as the Ice Queen anyway. Slowly as the book progressed, so did their attraction and the heat that simmered between them. Their lives grew more and more complicated as Lauren's parents came into the picture especially since it was her father that had started it all those years ago.Lauren is strong but has vulnerabilities just as Harley has a tough front but a soft center. Sometimes he reminds you of a teddy bear but others as the devil incarnate. Together they are real and lively.SHOOTING THE MOON is interesting as it is sweet and special. Ms. Novak as done a fabulous job!Romance At Its Best

A thoughtful note from a friend that including his former girl friend's obituary brings Harley Nelson back to Portland, Oregon after a ten year absence. When he arrives on the Worthington's doorstep, Harley announces that he will not leave until he sees his son. Just the sound of his son's voice leaves him shaken and overwhelmed with a need to claim the child as his own. Ten years ago he had left with the question of what he had to offer the child burning uppermost on his mind. He returns with the same question and the determination to find answers. While he tries to remind himself that Lauren is cut from the same cloth as the rest of his family, Harley still struggles to keep his priorities straight and his concern for how his actions affect Lauren under check.Lauren remembers Harley with bitterness. He took her father's money before disappearing from their lives. His departure seemed to have provoked the downward spiral that her sister became enmeshed in, ending in her alcohol related death six months ago. Before dying, her sister had entrusted her parents with custody of nine year old Brandon. Although she lacks a legal status, Lauren has always provided care and support to Brandon. In fact, she has built her life around the child. Now with Harley arrival, she fears her status will go from favored aunt to absent aunt. Worse, her growing attraction to Harley only adds more emotional complications.Brenda Novak's skill for creating an intriguing blend of strengths and weaknesses shines in SHOOTING THE MOON. The sharp contrast between wealth and poverty highlights Harley's desire to prove himself on his personal merits rather than the improved status of his checkbook. Lauren's devotion to her nephew and her character growth likewise makes her appealing. As her sister's journals provides powerful insight into the past, the reader also comes to respect Lauren for her reevaluation of the past and her decision to stand behind her convictions whatever the cost. Secondary characters are likewise memorable, including the nine year old who wants to know his birth father. While the grandparents can be harsh and judgmental, the reader never doubts their genuine love and concern for their deceased daughter and beloved grandson. A remarkable achievement with rich characterizations, clashing emotions, and a captivating plot, SHOOTING THE MOON earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.