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Texas Maternity Hostages & Texas Maternity Labor and Delivery #6
The Texas Lawman's Last Stand
Texas lawman Bo Duggan got the shock of his life when Mattie Collier showed up on his doorstep, claiming his daughter was really hers and not his son's twin. But before Bo could argue, Mattie became a gunman's target and duty compelled him to protect her. After getting the children to safety and then going on the run, Bo couldn't help but admire the way Mattie wouldn't back down—from a fight and from believing she was his baby's mother. Bo had trouble imagining a life without the little girl he'd given his heart to. And before long, he had to admit, he had trouble imagining living without her mother, too.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 21, 2010
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Delores Fossen
659 books817 followersThank you for finding me on Goodreads!
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
Want to know more about me? Well, here it is in a nutshell:
I’m a USA Today bestselling author, and I’ve sold over 100 novels. Yes, 100! Needless to say, I write a lot. I’ve had the honor of receiving the Booksellers' Best Award for romantic suspense, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and I was a finalist for the Rita. My books have been featured in Vogue, Woman’s Day and Woman’s World. I’ve also had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. I love hearing from readers, and you can contact me through my webpage at: www.deloresfossen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 1, 2024
In the throes of a hostage situation, Mattie Collier leaves her baby with another woman who has just given birth and goes on the run. She had been in witness protection, but somebody tried to kill her. Thirteen months later, she returns to claim her baby. The mother she left her child with died and the husband, Bo Duggan, cares for both babies. He is understandably pissed when Mattie tells him the truth. He initially refuses to believe it, but has to protect Mattie when there continues to be attempts on her life. Is it her shady uncle? His wife? His attorney? Or what about the US marshal who did a lousy job of protecting her in witness protection?
This came relatively early in Fossen's career (back in 2011), so it is a fair bit better than a lot of her other work. The formula is still there - three or four suspects who keep showing up to claim their innocence or throw shade on others, shoot-outs and hired guns - but the characterisation is much better and the conflict unusual but effective. Bo and Mattie actually take the time to talk about their feelings for each other and the predicament over what will happen with the babies that Bo has been caring for. He was ready to take Mattie to court for sole custody, which I thought was pretty selfish (Holly is 13 months' old; she's not going to remember him)...but anyway. The fact that both Mattie and Bo had lost their first spouses was kind of glossed over, but at least it was acknowledged. Having Mattie and Bo actually talk about things gave the story room to breathe and they felt more like real people instead of hood ornaments being driven where the plot needed them to go. No ranches in sight - most of this was playing out in suburbia! That was a nice change-up. Fossen's current books have replaced characterisation with endless phone calls, curses under the breath, repetitive shootouts and the hero blaming the heroine for a family member's death. This earlier book was actually good. Bo and Mattie were decent protagonists, the pacing is more even and the plot comes together nicely with no loose ends. A formulaic book is fine if it feels like some thought was still put into it.
Mercy word count: 6
This came relatively early in Fossen's career (back in 2011), so it is a fair bit better than a lot of her other work. The formula is still there - three or four suspects who keep showing up to claim their innocence or throw shade on others, shoot-outs and hired guns - but the characterisation is much better and the conflict unusual but effective. Bo and Mattie actually take the time to talk about their feelings for each other and the predicament over what will happen with the babies that Bo has been caring for. He was ready to take Mattie to court for sole custody, which I thought was pretty selfish (Holly is 13 months' old; she's not going to remember him)...but anyway. The fact that both Mattie and Bo had lost their first spouses was kind of glossed over, but at least it was acknowledged. Having Mattie and Bo actually talk about things gave the story room to breathe and they felt more like real people instead of hood ornaments being driven where the plot needed them to go. No ranches in sight - most of this was playing out in suburbia! That was a nice change-up. Fossen's current books have replaced characterisation with endless phone calls, curses under the breath, repetitive shootouts and the hero blaming the heroine for a family member's death. This earlier book was actually good. Bo and Mattie were decent protagonists, the pacing is more even and the plot comes together nicely with no loose ends. A formulaic book is fine if it feels like some thought was still put into it.
Mercy word count: 6
October 20, 2013
I’ve read over 300 books this year, and this book is in my top 5%. I’m listing it as one of my favorites. This book had a gripping plot, with action, suspense, and romance.
The book starts out with Mattie, and Nadine in labor at the hospital. Armed gunmen stormed the hospital, and took hostages. Mattie, and Nadine was able to slip out of their beds, and find a hiding spot in the nurse lounge. They helped to deliver each other’s babies.
Mattie had been in the Witness protection Program. Her files had been compromised, and she has been on the run for the last year. The only way to keep her baby safe was to leave her with Nadine, until she could come for her. When Mattie came back for her, people still wanted Mattie dead. The action and suspense was intense. Bo didn’t believe Mattie at first. He had been raising both his son, and Mattie’s daughter. He thought his wife had twins before she died. He was protective of his kids, and no one was going to take them from him, or hurt them. That protective side shown bright, when he protective Mattie against the threats against her life. The chemistry between the two was a perfect balance in a story like this. The romance was there, but didn’t take up the whole book.
Sample from prologue: Any minute, San Antonio PD would storm the hospital to look for injured patients or perhaps even another gunman. The officers would eventually make it to the fourth floor, where she was, and if Mattie allowed them to rescue her, photographers who were no doubt waiting outside could snap her picture. The wrong people could learn that she wasn’t dead after all. And that was a sure way to get her and her precious daughter hurt, or worse.
Sample from chapter 6 – Bo jerked away from her and moved the bacon off the burner. He pushed past her and headed for the hall just as Jacob rounded the corner. He was wearing only a diaper and a single blue sock. Even though the little boy was obviously a novice at walking, he was doing a good job making his way to his dad. He had a big grin on his face as if he’d just done something naughty but fun. Mattie found herself smiling despite the tense, heart wrenching conversation she’d just had with Bo.
Sample from chapter 7 – Bo heard her footsteps and motioned for her to stay back. “A package.” “At this time of morning?” But Bo didn’t answer. He knew in his gut that there wasn’t time. He turned, barreling toward Mattie, and he pushed her to the floor. It wasn’t a second too soon. The blast roared through the house.
Sample from chapter 12 – The gunman fired. The bullet slammed through the car and right into the seat, less than an inch from her arm.
Sample from chapter 19 – “Neither would I. Because love is worth fighting for. And yes, sometimes it’s worth dying for.”
The book starts out with Mattie, and Nadine in labor at the hospital. Armed gunmen stormed the hospital, and took hostages. Mattie, and Nadine was able to slip out of their beds, and find a hiding spot in the nurse lounge. They helped to deliver each other’s babies.
Mattie had been in the Witness protection Program. Her files had been compromised, and she has been on the run for the last year. The only way to keep her baby safe was to leave her with Nadine, until she could come for her. When Mattie came back for her, people still wanted Mattie dead. The action and suspense was intense. Bo didn’t believe Mattie at first. He had been raising both his son, and Mattie’s daughter. He thought his wife had twins before she died. He was protective of his kids, and no one was going to take them from him, or hurt them. That protective side shown bright, when he protective Mattie against the threats against her life. The chemistry between the two was a perfect balance in a story like this. The romance was there, but didn’t take up the whole book.
Sample from prologue: Any minute, San Antonio PD would storm the hospital to look for injured patients or perhaps even another gunman. The officers would eventually make it to the fourth floor, where she was, and if Mattie allowed them to rescue her, photographers who were no doubt waiting outside could snap her picture. The wrong people could learn that she wasn’t dead after all. And that was a sure way to get her and her precious daughter hurt, or worse.
Sample from chapter 6 – Bo jerked away from her and moved the bacon off the burner. He pushed past her and headed for the hall just as Jacob rounded the corner. He was wearing only a diaper and a single blue sock. Even though the little boy was obviously a novice at walking, he was doing a good job making his way to his dad. He had a big grin on his face as if he’d just done something naughty but fun. Mattie found herself smiling despite the tense, heart wrenching conversation she’d just had with Bo.
Sample from chapter 7 – Bo heard her footsteps and motioned for her to stay back. “A package.” “At this time of morning?” But Bo didn’t answer. He knew in his gut that there wasn’t time. He turned, barreling toward Mattie, and he pushed her to the floor. It wasn’t a second too soon. The blast roared through the house.
Sample from chapter 12 – The gunman fired. The bullet slammed through the car and right into the seat, less than an inch from her arm.
Sample from chapter 19 – “Neither would I. Because love is worth fighting for. And yes, sometimes it’s worth dying for.”
June 9, 2019
A sad but thrilling read. Its a fast pace story that will have you literly read all the way through until the end. If you like Delores Fossen's Romance Series then this series Texas Maternity Labor and Delivery Series is for you. I just now finished up The Texas Lawman's Last Stand book #6 in this series will have you reaching for tissues and wanting to help fight to keep a mother and her daughter along with the detective and his son safe from a family tha is dangerous.
March 26, 2024
Meh. Ending was rushed
March 22, 2013
This isn’t too much of an original story. I’ve read several where the hero’s or usually the heroine’s baby is for some reason placed into the custody of the hero or heroine. The hero is then left trying to protect the baby and the woman because someone is after them. If you like premises like these as I do, then you will like this story, especially if you like Delores Fossen’s stories of this nature.
The only thing that was a little annoying is that a lot of Harlequin Intrigue stories regarding misplaced babies or unexpected insemination have this weird drama where the hero is left always calling people for verification, to check car plates, check fingerprints, check names, numbers, etc. It seems silly to me now. It’s like the characters always have to be on their toes almost like their on the run or something.
The only thing that was a little annoying is that a lot of Harlequin Intrigue stories regarding misplaced babies or unexpected insemination have this weird drama where the hero is left always calling people for verification, to check car plates, check fingerprints, check names, numbers, etc. It seems silly to me now. It’s like the characters always have to be on their toes almost like their on the run or something.
October 25, 2015
13 months after giving birth you think you are safe because you let someone else take your child and when you go to get your child the attacks start all over again but this time you have a cop on your side that you are attracted to and want to be with and in the end you are and you will raise your child and his child together
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Texas Maternity: Labor and Delivery
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Texas Maternity: Labor and Delivery
Read
April 1, 2013Great book great characters great series sorry it has come to an end
February 12, 2016
Another Hit
This book has everything. Romance, suspense, gunfire, Hot male cops. It was so good. I always enjoy Ms. Fossen books. Get it today!!!!!!!
This book has everything. Romance, suspense, gunfire, Hot male cops. It was so good. I always enjoy Ms. Fossen books. Get it today!!!!!!!
April 6, 2017
5 stars
Fantastic story. .. loved every single second of reading this book!
And Bo was my kind of hero .. all Alpha with a big ,over protective and over possessive heart!!
Fantastic story. .. loved every single second of reading this book!
And Bo was my kind of hero .. all Alpha with a big ,over protective and over possessive heart!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews