Next of Kin by C.J. Carmichael, Harlequin, Code Red, October 2004

This installment of the "Code Red" series focuses on nurse Jackie Kellison and motorcycle cop Casie Guthrey. They meet at the scene of a bad car accident and while checking out the scene discover a baby in a car, the driver of the vehicle dead. They discover that the driver of the vehicle was not the baby's mother and together they try to find the baby's parents. The search for the truth behind the baby's identity and where she belongs brings the unlikely couple closer together.

Jackie Kellison is a young widow who has not dated since her husband's death two years ago. She was driving to work when the accidentn occurred and despite her car being totalled in the pile up she does not hesitate to seek out those who might need medical assistance. She is hesitant to get involved with Casey who is a known womanizer, afraid he will break her heart.

Casey Guthrey is one of Courage Bay's finest, a motorcycle cop. He was returning to the station when the accident occurred, having noticed Jackie in her convertible prior to the accident. He is impressed with her ability to offer others help despite the fact she is in pain of her own. He knows his reputation as a womanizer could prove to be a stumbling block to a woman like Jackie, but he feels it's time for a change.

Next of Kin was an enjoyable story. The fears Jackie had were real and believable. She and Casey worked well together. The author did a good job of showing us they were in sync with one another. The baby's family was interesting and the mystery surrounding it kept Jackie & Casey together believably when otherwise they might not have had reason to be so involved with one another. It was nice to see and hear others we've met in previous "Code Red" books.

©Susan Falk and phantomroses.com