Dad by Default

In Downhome, Tennessee, the female staff at the Home Boulevard Medical Clinic thinks the new employee Dr. Connor Hardison is quite a hunk. That is almost the entire distaff staff; nurse Yvonne Johnson hates him even before they meet because his reputation is known when it comes to single mothers; he disdains the group and she is a card carrying member with a two years old daughter Bethany whose father she never divulged to anyone because he threatened her with a custody suit and worse if she said anything to anyone. She trusted in the love of a man and vows will not make that mistake again. However, to her chagrin Yvonne finds herself attracted to Connor, which is difficult because she needs the job, but loathes working as the nurse to this temptation of a doctor who she assumes will be like the townsfolk and treat her and her daughter like pariahs. He, to his shock, feels the same way as he vows never to have a relationship with a single mother as he has his own single parenting of young Mike. As Connor and Yvonne fall in love with the help of a crusty matchmaker, both have to adjust their personal pledges if they are to make a family of four and more. This is a well written relationship drama starring two medical professionals with loving "baggage". The story line centers on the relationship between Connor and Yvonne as neither trusts the other yet are attracted to one another even as the eccentric support cast either matchmakes or tears the apart. Though the disdain of Yvonne seems harsh in this modern age even for a small southern town, contemporary romance fans will enjoy Jacqueline Diamond's interesting tale of love between single parents. Harriet Klausner