Dad for Life

by Helen Brenna

Legend has it that the lost bowl of Inca ruler Manco Capac has the power to heal. And the one who finds it will gain the answers he seeks-- Lucas Rydall is looking for redemption. His search leads him to his ex-wife, Sydney Mitchell--and the son he didn't know he had. Even as he confronts Sydney, however, Lucas believes in his heart that his family is still better off without him. But Lucas isn't the only one searching for the legendary bowl--and...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373714254
• ISBN13: 9780373714254
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

exciting romantic suspense

In Seattle Lucas Rydall visits his former wife art gallery owner Sydney Mitchell demanding she give him a small gold statue he bought on their honeymoon. She wants him to leave as she does not trust him having been deserted once by the rogue. She fears more how he will react if he learns about their offspring Trevor, whom he never knew existed. However, she can no longer hide her son from his father when a wealthy person kidnaps Trevor. He demands Lucas search for an ancient Mayan temple where he is to find the secrets of the Inca ruler Manco Capac, allegedly able to heal; if he fails he will never meet his son. Although Lucas believes that his son would be better off not meeting him as he is unworthy of the lad or the love of Sydney, he would willingly die to keep them safe. This exciting romantic suspense will grip the audience from the moment that rumors abound amidst the art underground that Lucas has the Fountain of Youth and never slows down until the final confrontation. What makes this thriller fun to read besides the strong cast is the insight into Incan society including mythology interwoven into the action-packed story line. Fast-paced, sub-genre fans will never look at a sculpture the same way as the roguish hero learns a life lesson that he is a DAD FOR LIFE when it comes to the safety of his offspring. Harriet Klausner

5 out of 5!

Lucas Rydell walked out on his wife after the daughter died from a brain tumor. He spiraled into depression and blamed himself for his wife's pain. He leaves home and accepts the divorce believing he will cause more pain for his family if he stays. He finds himself an anthropologist in Peru and returns to find his wife, Sydney, only when he needs an artifact he gave her to possibly find a cure for cancer. Sydney found herself abandoned by her husband, with no explanation so she moved on with her life. Finding out she was pregnant was hard, but she has made a life for herself and her son, Trevor over the years. When Lucas walks into her life she turns him away and tells him she sold his precious statue years ago. When both her and her son's lives are in danger, she finds herself admitting the truth to Lucas and trying to save her life and her marriage. DAD FOR LIFE is a novel filled with tales from past Incan and Mayan ruins; however one is never sure whether they are true legends or something the main characters dream up for their own amusement. This left this reader feeling confused at times, and often wishing she knew more about the legends. The main characters were developed well, but left a part of their souls un-touched; they did not quite connect with my heart, yet told a tale that was worth reading. The love for their son comes through clearly, yet Trevor does not seem real. As a woman, this reader cannot imagine a mother leaving the country knowing her son was kidnapped or not contacting the police regardless of what the consequences could be. All in all, DAD FOR LIFE was a good story with a plot that will make the heart cringe and tears come to reader's eyes when Lucas finally opens up about his past and why he left. Lucas's story is the redeeming quality that makes this an emotional read. Review Courtesy of LoveRomancesandmore