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Sarah's Child
(Spencer-Nyle Co #1)
by
A tragic accident took everything that mattered to Rome Matthews -- his wife, Diane, and their two little boys. And it robbed Sarah Harper of her best friend. In the two years since the tragedy, Sarah has wanted to reach out to Rome, but she knew she needed to stay away, guarding the secret she had kept from him and Diane all those years -- that she was in love with her be
...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
July 25th 2006
by HQN
(first published January 1st 1985)
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Showing 1-30
Jun 27, 2013
Blacky *Romance Addict*
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Blacky *Romance Addict* by:
Glamdring
This is a book you'll either love or hate.
It's about a man who lost his wife and children and found love in the arms of his wife's best friend.

This is a tough one to review because it deals with grief and mourning, which is very personal and different for every individual.
-STORY-
The loss we're talking about here is of a wife and two little boys, which destroyed Rome's life completely. He hasn't been the same man since.
Sarah is his wife's best friend, who's been secretly in love with Rome for yea ...more
This book was written in 1985 but I am just discovering it now due to it being released on the Kindle. What a great author this lady is, especially if she can have so many one star reviewers up in arms, giving out about the book. It is fiction - no real people here. Great story. Yes, Rome is an ass .... but I love mean old badass heros anyway, especially when they come up trumps in the end. Had tears in my eyes at the end of it - happy tears. Have read some other books by Linda and hopefully her
...more
3 stars – Contemporary Romance
I knew going into this that readers tend to have a love or hate reaction to this book and that many consider Rome to be a jackass. I didn’t really love or hate it, and yes, Rome definitely acted like a Grade A asshat for most of the book. What especially turned me off about his character was that he admitted (view spoiler) ...more
I knew going into this that readers tend to have a love or hate reaction to this book and that many consider Rome to be a jackass. I didn’t really love or hate it, and yes, Rome definitely acted like a Grade A asshat for most of the book. What especially turned me off about his character was that he admitted (view spoiler) ...more
There is not much I can say about this book except that I highly recommend it.
On the other hand that does not stop me from hating the hero.
It was one of those 'yes the heroine got a HEA but with the wrong dude for sure' books.
Sarah,our leading lady was forever in love with the hero.
I usually hate the romances where the heroine is in love with a guy that is living his life...it always turns kind of stalkerish on me.
Well,not in this book.
Sarah liked Rom from the first day they met.And she wished s ...more
On the other hand that does not stop me from hating the hero.
It was one of those 'yes the heroine got a HEA but with the wrong dude for sure' books.
Sarah,our leading lady was forever in love with the hero.
I usually hate the romances where the heroine is in love with a guy that is living his life...it always turns kind of stalkerish on me.
Well,not in this book.
Sarah liked Rom from the first day they met.And she wished s ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I picked this up because Linda Howard is one of my favorite authors. Midnight Rainbow, Duncan's Bride, and Son of the Morning were stand-out books. Witty, sexy, entertaining, with strong characters that I grew to love. In other words, those books are everything Sarah's Child is not. Either this is very early work, or the author was having a really bad day. That's just a few explanations I could come up with to explain this truly awful book.
Never before have I been so thoroughly tempted to curse ...more
Never before have I been so thoroughly tempted to curse ...more
Sarah's Child is the type of story that if other authors wrote this one, I would have DNF it faster than you can say "fuck this book".

But Linda Howard wrote it and I do not DNF a classic Linda Howard book. I wouldn't dare.
Sarah's Child is something that most people would hate because of the plot. I can practically see them sprouting outrage and feeding the author some things about feminism blah-blah-blah and usually I would join them.
But not this time.
I remember reading a review about a book wh ...more

But Linda Howard wrote it and I do not DNF a classic Linda Howard book. I wouldn't dare.
Sarah's Child is something that most people would hate because of the plot. I can practically see them sprouting outrage and feeding the author some things about feminism blah-blah-blah and usually I would join them.
But not this time.
I remember reading a review about a book wh ...more
May 07, 2012
Esther
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
keeper-reread,
virgin-heroine,
contemporary-v,
virgin,
top-romance,
angst,
emotion-grabber,
excellent-plot,
family,
pregnancy
Reread!!!
Oh, my did I forget the angst in this one!!!!!😭
I again loved this as much as the 1st, 2nd, etc.... time I've read this. Truly, a gut wrenching love story.
I know some might have issues with the 1st wife and all the interconnected issues with the hero and heroine. Bothered me some, but the angst and love and love story covered all those issues.
Again, wonderful reread.
Now I'm off to start my Julie Garwood kick. Yep, going to start reading all her books now. 😂 The oldies but goodies, somet ...more
Oh, my did I forget the angst in this one!!!!!😭
I again loved this as much as the 1st, 2nd, etc.... time I've read this. Truly, a gut wrenching love story.
I know some might have issues with the 1st wife and all the interconnected issues with the hero and heroine. Bothered me some, but the angst and love and love story covered all those issues.
Again, wonderful reread.
Now I'm off to start my Julie Garwood kick. Yep, going to start reading all her books now. 😂 The oldies but goodies, somet ...more
Sooo, stalker h's just don't appeal to me, they were both creeeeepy
I wasn't feelin the lurve, but in terms of general creepyness, they went well together. Plus that whole unrequited love for you BFF's hubby is just soooo EWWW!!!
I wasn't feelin the lurve, but in terms of general creepyness, they went well together. Plus that whole unrequited love for you BFF's hubby is just soooo EWWW!!!
4.5 STARS
Linda Howard has a way with quiet, but strong heroines, and the alpha males that love them. I loved this book. There was a situation that bothered me concerning Rome and Sarah, though. Without giving anything away, logistically, the solution early on for an unexpected development was ludicrous. That's where my half star was taken off. I understood Rome's position, but it was still a pretty stupid solution. I'm being vague, but anyone's who read this will know. Mind you it all changed an ...more
Linda Howard has a way with quiet, but strong heroines, and the alpha males that love them. I loved this book. There was a situation that bothered me concerning Rome and Sarah, though. Without giving anything away, logistically, the solution early on for an unexpected development was ludicrous. That's where my half star was taken off. I understood Rome's position, but it was still a pretty stupid solution. I'm being vague, but anyone's who read this will know. Mind you it all changed an ...more
4 Stars! Old school Linda Howard. Different, very emotional, but I enjoyed it!
It's not going to be for everyone, the hero, Rome, has some real issues, however they are warranted. He's having a hard time moving on, everyone grieves differently, so I didn't really judge him too harshly, especially since there were children involved. I wish Sarah would have pushed back a little more, but she was also dealing with the same loss as Rome. I agree with other reviewers, it needed an epilogue.
Thanks to ...more
May 20, 2011
Jonetta
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Jonetta by:
Dusty
Both Sarah and Rome are damaged people, she by the cold upbringing dispensed by her parents and he by the tragedy of his wife and son's deaths. While Sarah found a way to compensate for the absence of love, Rome turned his grief into an intense self focus that influenced every personal choice he made.
While I understood Rome's reactions, I found him to be utterly selfish and narcissistic. I'm not sure who Sarah fell in love with as Rome has so few redeeming qualities. Sarah doesn't demand respec ...more
While I understood Rome's reactions, I found him to be utterly selfish and narcissistic. I'm not sure who Sarah fell in love with as Rome has so few redeeming qualities. Sarah doesn't demand respec ...more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOsAq...
Should have married the Brit.
Should have married the Brit.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
You either LOVE this one or HATE it.
Linda Howard is one of my Favourite authors, but all I can say about this book is... OUCH.
Mind you, this kind of story is my least liked, and I wouldn't have read it if it had been written by anyone else.
Also should mention that it wasn't just his wife that died but his two little boys as well. They really should mention that in the blurb!
Super Hi-octane angst fest (view spoiler) ...more
Mind you, this kind of story is my least liked, and I wouldn't have read it if it had been written by anyone else.
Also should mention that it wasn't just his wife that died but his two little boys as well. They really should mention that in the blurb!
Super Hi-octane angst fest (view spoiler) ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Feb 02, 2014
Dee
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
romance,
harlequin,
harlequin-angst,
harlequin-hqn,
harlequin-old,
angst,
tortured-hero,
2014-reads,
wow,
author-new-to-me
This was absolutely heartbreaking and had me bawling like a baby even before I had finished the first chapter. This is my first LH book and all I can keep thinking is wow and why have I waited so long to read her books despite the fact I have had a few of them lined up for quite some time. It seems so strange for me to say that such a very sad story is outstanding, but it is, the emotion just rolls off the page and cannot do anything other than engage the reader and make them feel the pain that
...more

***Three Stars***
This story was a love/hate relationship for me. I hated that Sarah was the ultimate doormat and took so much shit from Rome, and the sex between the two was not hot at all. (view spoiler)
But then again, I'm a total sucker for asshole heroes and mega angst, and this story had both in spades and kept me invest ...more
Could not resist a re-read when this kindle version popped up for $0.99. I'm probably in the minority on this one, but I like it. I have an old paperback version that I've re-read a couple of times over the years and had to snap up the e-version at such a low price. I do have a love-hate relationship with the H (as many other reviewers have noted as well.) I understand H's grief - especially under such an unexpected tragedy. I do like how the h tries to grab the happiness she can with the hope a
...more
Nov 30, 2013
❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
linda_howard
This was an emotional read, the tragic circumstance that shut down Rome emotionally is certainly understandable and I can never ever imagine being in that position. But his coldness and unemotional relationship first with Sarah (which he pursued) and than during Sarah's unexpected pregnancy with their child made me want to whack him upside the head with and iron skillet!!!
Sarah has loved Rome for years is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him...to a certain degree. I admired Sarah's stren ...more
Sarah has loved Rome for years is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him...to a certain degree. I admired Sarah's stren ...more
I read this along time ago, but it still always stays with me. Mostly because of the story...and my inability to really connect with Rome and Sarah.
There were too many unpc parts for me to get invested in either protagonist. Rome is typical Asshat and Sarah is way to self sacrificing for my taste.
I know this is a favorite for many, but this is my least favorite of Linda Howards.
There were too many unpc parts for me to get invested in either protagonist. Rome is typical Asshat and Sarah is way to self sacrificing for my taste.
I know this is a favorite for many, but this is my least favorite of Linda Howards.
Did not like Sarah she was too pathetic!
Written in 1985, this is an older Linda Howard work. It has not been well reviewed by my Goodreads Friends, but since I am a Linda Howard Fan, I've learned to take the bad with the good and am ready to give this one a fair shot. Well, my Goodreads Friends are correct, this book is nothing short of an angstfest. I must say that Linda Howards evolution as a writer is nothing short of amazing. Her later works, especially Open Season and Mr. Perfect are just amazing books.
Every doormat needs a big, ...more
Every doormat needs a big, ...more
Basic Premise: When her best friend dies in a terrible accident, a woman finds herself attracted to the grieving husband--and her feelings are reciprocated.
Don't get me wrong. I like Linda Howard--some of her books are fantastic. (She's on this five star list multiple times.) But look at that publication date. 1985. If you want to know what I mean by "throwback" romance, this would be it. The only cliche missing is a middle eastern prince.
Let's recap the "throwback" cliches that many of these ...more
Don't get me wrong. I like Linda Howard--some of her books are fantastic. (She's on this five star list multiple times.) But look at that publication date. 1985. If you want to know what I mean by "throwback" romance, this would be it. The only cliche missing is a middle eastern prince.
Let's recap the "throwback" cliches that many of these ...more
KNOCKED OUT!this is what i feel after completing this book,such an intense emotional read,my heart went out to Sarah,she loved Rome but he fell for Diane,way she had to see them together but still she blocked out her love and was there with Diane and boys
Then tragedy strikes and all 3 die,which changes Sarah-Rome's life forever,Rome he was so lost without them and then Sarah came into his love,healed him and taught again to love but then when Sarah got Rome's love it was snatched away again,eve ...more
Then tragedy strikes and all 3 die,which changes Sarah-Rome's life forever,Rome he was so lost without them and then Sarah came into his love,healed him and taught again to love but then when Sarah got Rome's love it was snatched away again,eve ...more
Apr 04, 2016
Shari Kay
marked it as not-for-me
and strike two for this author.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Deal: When a bad accident kills his wife and 2 kids, Rome Matthews changed, becoming a cold and distant person, knowing he will never love anyone like he loved Diane and his sons. Sarah Harper was Diane's best friend, and in the two years since her death, Sarah has wanted to reach out to Rome but her secret love for him kept her away.
Until Rome needs her and Sarah agrees to marry him, even though she knows he doesn't love her and probably never will. Still, they eventually tumble into bed an ...more
Until Rome needs her and Sarah agrees to marry him, even though she knows he doesn't love her and probably never will. Still, they eventually tumble into bed an ...more
This is a guilty favorite of mine. I feel like I'm not supposed to like it but I do. I enjoyed the fact that the hero never decides he didn't love his first wife as so often happens in romances where a widower remarries. I liked all the angst. Even though the heroine seems to be doormatish I think really she's just so determined to have him that she lets nothing stand in her way which is not quite the same thing. I just enjoy stories where a hero has been so wounded that they don't seem to reall
...more
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance ...more
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance ...more
Other books in the series
Spencer-Nyle Co
(2 books)
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“She’d wanted love, a husband and children, a home filled with laughter and security, the things she’d never had as a child. She’d stopped even dreaming about them, she realized, and that was the saddest thing of all. But then she’d never really had a chance; she’d fallen in love with the one man she couldn't have, and it appeared that she was one of those women who loved on once in their lifetime”
—
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