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Saving His Son
Lindsey Payne s feelings for her former bodyguard had exploded in one passionate night. But Detective Gavin McCord had no room in his life for love or family. And so Lindsey kept her pregnancy to herself, only to have her child taken from her in a sinister plot. Now, Lindsey suspected her son was somewhere close...and someone would kill to keep her from finding the truth.
When no one believed her, Lindsey turned to Gavin—and found hope. For this Gavin was not the cool, collected cop who d left her—this was a man fighting for his child—and his woman....
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
248 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2001
About the author
Rita Herron
322 books948 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 12, 2021
This book has been on my shelf for the longest while. I planned that this year I would try to read more of the books from my physical shelf. This would include most of the book I purchased long before I started blogging. Saving His Son by Rita Herron is one of those books.
The story began with Lindsey Payne receiving a phone call informing her that her baby was alive. Six weeks ago she gave birth but received news that her baby had died. Then to further add to the mystery she received a copy of the autopsy report which showed that baby’s blood type did not match hers or that of the father. She went searching for answers, but instead got more questions. An attempt was made on her life, made her realise she needed professional help in obtaining answers. Who better to help her get those answers than Detective Gavin McCord, the father of her child.
Gavin did not know he fathered a child. His relationship with Lindsey ended abruptly leaving her no chance to inform him of his impending fatherhood. Now learning he has a son, and that someone may have kidnapped him intensified his fear that his job may have been the catalyst.
I enjoyed getting to know Lynsey. She has been through a lot, but she has proven to be one tough cookie. She never gave up despite the danger she faced.
I had a wonderful time with this story. It featured several suspects, and unravelling the identity of the true villain proved a difficult task. Not only do we get the POVs of Lynsey and Gavin, we also get that of the villain. This made for a chilling read. The further I went into the story, I discovered there was more to the kidnapping than met the eye.
I had a hard time buying into the Gavin and Lynsey’s relationship. Readers are told that they had a passionate relationship and despite how it ended, they loved each other. However, the evidence of their passion and attraction failed to shine through the pages. The emotions that leapt from the pages of this story included fear, doubts, and anger. I must say, though they worked well together in obtaining answers regarding their missing son.
I am glad I finally got the chance to read this book and would definitely read more from this author. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story began with Lindsey Payne receiving a phone call informing her that her baby was alive. Six weeks ago she gave birth but received news that her baby had died. Then to further add to the mystery she received a copy of the autopsy report which showed that baby’s blood type did not match hers or that of the father. She went searching for answers, but instead got more questions. An attempt was made on her life, made her realise she needed professional help in obtaining answers. Who better to help her get those answers than Detective Gavin McCord, the father of her child.
Gavin did not know he fathered a child. His relationship with Lindsey ended abruptly leaving her no chance to inform him of his impending fatherhood. Now learning he has a son, and that someone may have kidnapped him intensified his fear that his job may have been the catalyst.
I enjoyed getting to know Lynsey. She has been through a lot, but she has proven to be one tough cookie. She never gave up despite the danger she faced.
I had a wonderful time with this story. It featured several suspects, and unravelling the identity of the true villain proved a difficult task. Not only do we get the POVs of Lynsey and Gavin, we also get that of the villain. This made for a chilling read. The further I went into the story, I discovered there was more to the kidnapping than met the eye.
I had a hard time buying into the Gavin and Lynsey’s relationship. Readers are told that they had a passionate relationship and despite how it ended, they loved each other. However, the evidence of their passion and attraction failed to shine through the pages. The emotions that leapt from the pages of this story included fear, doubts, and anger. I must say, though they worked well together in obtaining answers regarding their missing son.
I am glad I finally got the chance to read this book and would definitely read more from this author. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
January 26, 2019
Series: Top Secret Babies #2
Synopsis:
Just by reading the line up in the Cast of Characters at the beginning, I was intrigued by this book. Who could have taken Lindsey Payne's baby?
The book starts with an eerie phone call, someone telling Lindsey that her baby is alive, but not revealing themselves. It has been six weeks, and not having seen her baby even once after birth, Lindsey is desperate for any signs. With the whole town seeming in cahoots over her baby's disappearance, she turns to the last person she expected to contact, Gavin, her baby's father, especially after the way things ended between them.
Gavin was the person assigned to protect Lindsey when she was threatened by her ex-husband, whom she testified against in a court of law for criminal charges. Fearing for his loved one's lives due to his long list of enemies, Gavin McCord, a police detective by profession, denies any relationship with Lindsey, even before she could tell him about her pregnancy. Coming to know that he has a baby and that that baby's been kidnapped, in the same breath, how does Gavin react?
Review:
While Gavin wanted to kill the culprit, I wanted to kill Sherriff Forbes; he was so stubborn, not at all accepting what Lindsey repeatedly told him. Such is the powerful writing of Rita Herron, whose The Missing Twin, and Forgotten Lullaby I've read before, that even I could hear baby Cory's heartrending cries, even in his absence (in the book). I couldn't even imagine what Lindsey must be going through.
And then there was that Dr Cross, the unethical doctor? The scenes were written so endearingly, that I could feel all the emotions the main characters were going through, especially in the hospital scenes. The author has put such a tight narrative of suspense that I too was experiencing the 'one moment, excitement; the next moment, disappointment' syndrome. She has spun such a tale that except the main characters, I was viewing everyone suspiciously. What happened with Lindsey, what Dr Cross did, was truly horrible. An edge-of-the-seat romantic thriller - intriguing - with shooting, threats, and what not. Towards the end, not only Gavin's but, the hairs on my neck stood too; it was that scary at times.
I loved how Lindsey called Gavin, Mac. Lindsey's Mom, in spite of her own problems, is a steady rock, standing by her daughter in this storm.
There's also an epilogue with a picture-perfect ending. And the train connection between Lindsey and Gavin, and their baby was lovely.
Herron's books are always a four-star and above read for me, with the rest of her books adorning my TBR.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/201...
Synopsis:
Family is the most important thing in the world. Sometimes you don’t realize it until it’s gone.
Just by reading the line up in the Cast of Characters at the beginning, I was intrigued by this book. Who could have taken Lindsey Payne's baby?
The book starts with an eerie phone call, someone telling Lindsey that her baby is alive, but not revealing themselves. It has been six weeks, and not having seen her baby even once after birth, Lindsey is desperate for any signs. With the whole town seeming in cahoots over her baby's disappearance, she turns to the last person she expected to contact, Gavin, her baby's father, especially after the way things ended between them.
Gavin was the person assigned to protect Lindsey when she was threatened by her ex-husband, whom she testified against in a court of law for criminal charges. Fearing for his loved one's lives due to his long list of enemies, Gavin McCord, a police detective by profession, denies any relationship with Lindsey, even before she could tell him about her pregnancy. Coming to know that he has a baby and that that baby's been kidnapped, in the same breath, how does Gavin react?
Review:
While Gavin wanted to kill the culprit, I wanted to kill Sherriff Forbes; he was so stubborn, not at all accepting what Lindsey repeatedly told him. Such is the powerful writing of Rita Herron, whose The Missing Twin, and Forgotten Lullaby I've read before, that even I could hear baby Cory's heartrending cries, even in his absence (in the book). I couldn't even imagine what Lindsey must be going through.
And then there was that Dr Cross, the unethical doctor? The scenes were written so endearingly, that I could feel all the emotions the main characters were going through, especially in the hospital scenes. The author has put such a tight narrative of suspense that I too was experiencing the 'one moment, excitement; the next moment, disappointment' syndrome. She has spun such a tale that except the main characters, I was viewing everyone suspiciously. What happened with Lindsey, what Dr Cross did, was truly horrible. An edge-of-the-seat romantic thriller - intriguing - with shooting, threats, and what not. Towards the end, not only Gavin's but, the hairs on my neck stood too; it was that scary at times.
I loved how Lindsey called Gavin, Mac. Lindsey's Mom, in spite of her own problems, is a steady rock, standing by her daughter in this storm.
There's also an epilogue with a picture-perfect ending. And the train connection between Lindsey and Gavin, and their baby was lovely.
Herron's books are always a four-star and above read for me, with the rest of her books adorning my TBR.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/201...
April 17, 2018
February 14, 2001
In 1996, Harlequin Intrigue published "A Baby's Cry" by Amanda Stevens (Intrigue 388), the story of a woman who is told her child died at birth. She begins receiving anonymous notes that her son is actually alive. She goes to the child's secret father, a police detective. Will he help her find the truth? Now Intrigue is publishing "Saving His Son" by Rita Herron (Intrigue 601), the story of a woman who is told her child died at birth. She begins receiving anonymous notes that her son is actually alive. She goes to the child's secret father, a police detective. Will he help her find the truth?
Sound familiar?
It's another case of Intrigue deja vu (and from the looks of it, two months from now, we'll be seeing this story again in Adrianne Lee's "Undercover Baby"). The secret baby hook is one thing. A story based on such a similar premise is harder to accept. Stevens's book was almost perfect, with the exception of about 500 scenes where the characters stand at windows staring out into the night. Herron's can't help but suffer in comparison. The similarity is unfortunate. This is the best book Herron has produced for the Intrigue line.
"Saving His Son" contains none of the flaws of her previous books: the slow pacing and repetitiveness of "Send Me a Hero," the awkward prose of "Her Eyewitness," or the passive heroine, obvious ending, selfish hero and soap opera weepiness of the dismal "Forgotten Lullaby." The storytelling is brisk, packing plenty of plot in 250 pages. The heroine is a woman who is distraught over the loss of her son. She is still strong enough to fight to get him back, unlike the heroine of her last book, who seemed content to sit around and be victimized. She shows strength and cleverness, earning the title of "heroine." Unlike so many secret child stories, it was nice to read one where the father doesn't throw a fit about not being told, but acknowledges how he was at fault. That's a real man, and a real hero. There is emotion and angst, but the plot never comes to a complete stop to allow the characters to wallow in it. "Saving His Son" is the first real page-turner Herron has written.
To her credit, Herron is one of the few new Intrigue writers actually bothering to attempt to write the kind of story this series was built on: a mystery. After four books, she finally wrote a good one. Her last book, the awful "Forgotten Lullaby," took the approach of all bad mystery writers: she tried to make the ending a "surprise" by having the characters suspect everyone except the actual villain. Never mind that she spoiled the surprise in the first chapter. This only made the characters look foolish (they're suspecting everyone they know, including friends and family, and yet they never manage to suspect the one person who has complete access to their lives???) and the obvious tactic made it clear to smart readers who would end up being the villain (why else would she being trying so hard to divert attention from this person?). I mention this only because "Saving His Son" is so superior it's hard to believe the books were written by the same person, though Herron's storytelling style makes it clear they are. The mystery keeps throwing surprises at the reader. There is a large group of suspects, all of whom are kept equally suspicious until late in the book. It's nearly impossible to know who the kidnapper is and the ending is a surprise. That's the sign of a good Intrigue.
"Saving His Son" is a story with likeable characters, strong emotion and good plot twists combined in a highly entertaining read. Readers who aren't immediately reminded of the earlier book will enjoy it even more.
In 1996, Harlequin Intrigue published "A Baby's Cry" by Amanda Stevens (Intrigue 388), the story of a woman who is told her child died at birth. She begins receiving anonymous notes that her son is actually alive. She goes to the child's secret father, a police detective. Will he help her find the truth? Now Intrigue is publishing "Saving His Son" by Rita Herron (Intrigue 601), the story of a woman who is told her child died at birth. She begins receiving anonymous notes that her son is actually alive. She goes to the child's secret father, a police detective. Will he help her find the truth?
Sound familiar?
It's another case of Intrigue deja vu (and from the looks of it, two months from now, we'll be seeing this story again in Adrianne Lee's "Undercover Baby"). The secret baby hook is one thing. A story based on such a similar premise is harder to accept. Stevens's book was almost perfect, with the exception of about 500 scenes where the characters stand at windows staring out into the night. Herron's can't help but suffer in comparison. The similarity is unfortunate. This is the best book Herron has produced for the Intrigue line.
"Saving His Son" contains none of the flaws of her previous books: the slow pacing and repetitiveness of "Send Me a Hero," the awkward prose of "Her Eyewitness," or the passive heroine, obvious ending, selfish hero and soap opera weepiness of the dismal "Forgotten Lullaby." The storytelling is brisk, packing plenty of plot in 250 pages. The heroine is a woman who is distraught over the loss of her son. She is still strong enough to fight to get him back, unlike the heroine of her last book, who seemed content to sit around and be victimized. She shows strength and cleverness, earning the title of "heroine." Unlike so many secret child stories, it was nice to read one where the father doesn't throw a fit about not being told, but acknowledges how he was at fault. That's a real man, and a real hero. There is emotion and angst, but the plot never comes to a complete stop to allow the characters to wallow in it. "Saving His Son" is the first real page-turner Herron has written.
To her credit, Herron is one of the few new Intrigue writers actually bothering to attempt to write the kind of story this series was built on: a mystery. After four books, she finally wrote a good one. Her last book, the awful "Forgotten Lullaby," took the approach of all bad mystery writers: she tried to make the ending a "surprise" by having the characters suspect everyone except the actual villain. Never mind that she spoiled the surprise in the first chapter. This only made the characters look foolish (they're suspecting everyone they know, including friends and family, and yet they never manage to suspect the one person who has complete access to their lives???) and the obvious tactic made it clear to smart readers who would end up being the villain (why else would she being trying so hard to divert attention from this person?). I mention this only because "Saving His Son" is so superior it's hard to believe the books were written by the same person, though Herron's storytelling style makes it clear they are. The mystery keeps throwing surprises at the reader. There is a large group of suspects, all of whom are kept equally suspicious until late in the book. It's nearly impossible to know who the kidnapper is and the ending is a surprise. That's the sign of a good Intrigue.
"Saving His Son" is a story with likeable characters, strong emotion and good plot twists combined in a highly entertaining read. Readers who aren't immediately reminded of the earlier book will enjoy it even more.
April 23, 2023
I’m really happy with this book. Took me a little longer than i would have liked to finish it but life gets in the way sometimes and it was no fault if the book.
I don’t recalling having read a book by Rita Herron before but I. Dry could have back in the early 2000s when I read Harlequin more frequently.
I’m looking forward to reading more by her soon.
Lindsey’s story was so good. This was her book. The back story was strong and you could feel her pain and strength.
Gavin was a bit weaker of a character so I was never in love with him, he fell a little flat compared to Lindsey and the plot.
I didn’t mark the book down for this but why was there so much I’ll/we’ll “pray for you”? Maybe because of the time we’re living in where thoughts & prayers are disingenuously offered up to grieving parents, it came off as cringy and not heartfelt.
it will give him applause for stepping up when he finds out about the baby and realizing right away he’s at fault and not blaming or being horrible to Lindsey.
Good stand alone if you’re look for suspense with light romance.
I don’t recalling having read a book by Rita Herron before but I. Dry could have back in the early 2000s when I read Harlequin more frequently.
I’m looking forward to reading more by her soon.
Lindsey’s story was so good. This was her book. The back story was strong and you could feel her pain and strength.
Gavin was a bit weaker of a character so I was never in love with him, he fell a little flat compared to Lindsey and the plot.
I didn’t mark the book down for this but why was there so much I’ll/we’ll “pray for you”? Maybe because of the time we’re living in where thoughts & prayers are disingenuously offered up to grieving parents, it came off as cringy and not heartfelt.
it will give him applause for stepping up when he finds out about the baby and realizing right away he’s at fault and not blaming or being horrible to Lindsey.
Good stand alone if you’re look for suspense with light romance.
August 28, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing as to who kidnapped the newborn baby and why. Both main characters work well together as they navigate the journey they are on to find their missing baby. The bond between the MCs grows stronger in their love for each other and the child neither of them has physically seen. HEA ending.
May 11, 2012
4 Stars! ~ Lindsey was told her newborn son had died, but weeks later she's receiving mysterious phone calls saying her son is alive. Seeking answers, all she finds is more questions. And when someone attempts to take her life, she turns to the one man she vowed never to see again, the child's father. A year ago, Gavin had brutally rejected Lindsey before she could tell him she was pregnant. He knew his career as a detective with the police department was no life for a wife and family. He fears the worst that someone he put away may have kidnapped his son. Bit by bit they sort out the lies, and when every turn brings another dead-end, danger seems to come closer.
Lots of suspects and red herrings in this one! Lindsey's never failing faith that her son is alive and her determination to be believed push her to her limits. Gavin's driven to protect her and find the truth, but he's wracked with guilt for rejecting her when she needed him most. He's a bit of a tortured hero, and has genuine feelings for Lindsey and their baby. This is a gripping reunion story. If you like romance with your suspense, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
Lots of suspects and red herrings in this one! Lindsey's never failing faith that her son is alive and her determination to be believed push her to her limits. Gavin's driven to protect her and find the truth, but he's wracked with guilt for rejecting her when she needed him most. He's a bit of a tortured hero, and has genuine feelings for Lindsey and their baby. This is a gripping reunion story. If you like romance with your suspense, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as much as I did.
May 11, 2012
Predictable and had a couple of plot holes, but good enough to help pass time.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews