HUSBAND IN NAME ONLY – Barbara Dunlop
Gambling Men , Book 4
Harlequin Desire 2859
ISBN: 978-1-335-73548-5
March 2022
Contemporary Series Romance

Alaska – Present Day

In a normal situation, Adeline Cambridge would be attracted (and dating) Congressman Joe Breckenridge, but since her father has pushed the idea of a marriage between them that would be more like a merger, she’s going to avoid him. Adeline had been living in California and staying away from her family, but a job offer that’s too good to resist ends up with her back in Alaska, though miles away from her family. But Adeline has the misfortune to run into the one person she doesn’t want to see: Joe. The sparks fly between them, and it isn’t too long before they’re hitting the sheets. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, she learns she is pregnant. Knowing that she must tell Joe, she heads to Washington, DC, and informs him of her unplanned pregnancy. Joe demands marriage, with a sweet deal waved in front of Adeline: their marriage will be in name only.

Adeline tries really hard in HUSBAND IN NAME ONLY to not fall in love with Joe, but it’s nearly impossible when he’s sexy, gorgeous, and treats her well. But she isn’t going along with her wealthy father’s plans to match his only daughter with Alaska’s hottest young politician. A baby changes it all for both in this scintillating tale as Adeline fights her feelings for Joe, while he tries to keep her happy and his reputation scot-free. She keeps her job in Windward, Alaska, while Joe travels back and forth from DC. But when they are together, whether at her home or his, the sparks fly. The “in name only” part of their marriage soon flies out the door. Their marriage seems almost real, except for the declaration of love. Can they make their marriage work, or will they walk away from each other after the baby is born?

HUSBAND IN NAME ONLY is part of the Gambling Men series but is really only connected to the MIDNIGHT SON book, out now, as we get to catch up with Sophie and Stone. Otherwise, you can read this tale as a standalone easily. The chemistry between Joe and Adeline sizzles, and readers will see that they are meant to be together. At times, I wanted to bop her over the head to accept Joe’s affection. It isn’t until all appears lost that she realizes that Joe is her happily-ever-after future.

A tale that takes place over several months, readers will enjoy the interaction between Adeline and Joe. Both have careers, but now they get a chance to merge and be happy together. Will they take the opportunity? Find out the answer by grabbing a copy of HUSBAND IN NAME ONLY.

Patti Fischer