Dynamite Doc or Christmas Dad? by Marion Lennox

Title: Dynamite Doc or Christmas Dad?

Author: Marion Lennox

Publisher: Harlequin

Line: Medical

ISBN: 9780373068081

More Information: http://www.eharlequin.com

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Dr. Ben Oaklander doesn't do families.  But when he meets Dusty MacPherson, there was something oddly familiar about the boy.  Dr. Jessica McPherson flew half away around the world with her son to Cassowary Island for an Obstretics Convention but more importantly, to introduce her son to his estranged uncle, Ben Oaklander.  Jess didn't have fond feelings for the Oaklanders after being burned badly her son's father and grandfather.  But after getting to know one another, their perspectives started to change but Jess was still wary.  Can Ben get Jess to see him as more than an Oaklander?

What an uplifting, refreshing romance.  In general, the characters appeared a little too perfect at times but the author tempered this fact by stating each of the hero and heroine's main problem in regular intervals.  For example, Ben has issues with family and brought it up at certain points to scare Jess away.  And Jess constantly reminded herself, "He's Ben Oaklander" at least twice every chapter.  So, it can get kind of repetitive.  However, this was just a minor part of the story.  Now for the good stuff.  Like I wrote earlier, the characters were perfect.  The major and minor characters were chocked full of drama, humor and kindness that you can't help but want to visit this imaginary Cassowary Island.  Ben Oaklander was absolutely swoonworthy.  He snapped his fingers and things get done.  He never shirked his responsibility.  Full of kindness and has the ability to admit he can be wrong.  Jess MacPherson was super human at times but I liked that she appeared strong without being defensive about it.  If you don't like children in your books, it was balanced nicely here.  Her son showed up a lot in the beginning and the ending and was not involved in the romance.  The ending was majorly cute with a little surprise and everything was tied up with a neat little bow.  The writing was well done and light.  Each chapter was filled with a different, entertaining event so reading was a breeze.

This was a Harlequin Romance-type of story.  Meaning it was a sweet and tender story, with kissing being the max.  If you are looking for passion-filled, please skip this book.  And if you are looking for a Christmas romance, not it either.   However, with lovable characters and animals with just enough drama and humor to drive this story, it was worth picking up.  The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because I probably will not read this again.  But it is definitely a keeper for me.