Silhouette Intimate Moments #738: Temporary Family

From the back...Laura Sandoval loved young, orphaned Rico as if he were her own son. But she knew the boy needed much more than a mother's loving arms. For the once cheerful child was now refusing to speak, afraid of something-someone-that Laura could not discover.She knew of only one man to turn to: Nick Garrett. But even as the self-exiled doctor attempted to unlock Rico's hidden fears, danger came calling. And suddenly this makeshift family of three was on the run.Their only clue existed in the mind of a silent child. Their only chance meant staying together. Their only recourse was to fall in love.In my Opinion...Nick who played an important role as Annie's therapist in 'Our Child?' and 'Homecoming' is back in this book. Nick is on an emotional edge in this book. He feels guilty for the death of a teenage boy and has distanced himself from everyone and everything. Nick lives this way for almost a year before he gives in to A.J., an old friend, and agrees to talk to a young boy that is staying at Hope House. Unfortunately, the child is traumatized and refuses to speak. His teacher, Laura, shows up and is determined to take Rico home with her. Laura knows that she needs help if she is going to figure out what Rico is so afraid of. Laura knows of only one person to turn to, Nick. Nick is reluctant to get involved because he has doubts about his own abilities as a psychiatrist. He eventually gives in and agrees to help Rico, which in turn, helps Nick regain his confidence. When the very thing that Rico fears comes after him and puts all three of them in danger, they take off. Along the way the three become a family, but will it last after the danger is gone? This is a story of guilt, friendhip, family, and love. It also has a good dose of danger and mystery, which sets us up for the next book, 'Second Father'. In 'Second Father' we learn more about the 'dirty cops' behind Rico's mothers death.