"Friends can be lovers, but can they fall in love?"

Kurt Silverman has a big problem. His ex-wife is determined to further limit the time Kurt is allowed to spend with their son Jason. The best chance he has to convince the judge that he loves his son and can be a stable parent for him, is to actually provide stability. No more bachelor apartment, no more leaving his son alone while he works, no more making work his life. And a wife wouldn't hurt.

Shelly Ware has loved her best friend for a long time. He's funny and smart and attractive, everything she wants in a man; except he doesn't see her as anything other than a best buddy. When her sister is diagnosed with cancer, Shelly feels her own biological clock go into overdrive. Grief-stricken for her sister and for the future she may herself never have, Shelly asked Kurt to donate sperm so that she can have a child.

Their friendship was the answer to both of their prayers. Kurt could get a wife whom he cares about, but doesn't have to worry about emotional entanglements. Shelly would get her child, and to experience the passion to be felt in the arms of her handsome doctor. And they would all live happily ever after... at least, that's what they planned on.

A MUTUAL FAVOR was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Although at times the characters didn't seem "real", they did stay true to their own personalities. The plot wasn't as fresh and new as some Ellora's Cave has published, but the author's talent shines through nonetheless. The storyline stayed crisp, clean and not bogged down with unnecessary details; the characters stayed true to themselves, and the romance was a nice slow cooker, where the reader gets to see every detail of the realization that they are in love. All in all, a nice uplifting read.

Rated: Hard R.

Reviewed by Michelle Houston
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted May 10, 2003

Summary

Two good friends, two thorny problems. Kurt needs a wife to convince a judge he can provide a stable home for his son. Shelly wants a baby to love.

She's had a crush on him for years. He's never thought of her as anything more than his best buddy. So when she offers him a solution to both their problems, he's not sure. But knowing she wants him changes everything, and pretty soon he can't keep his mind or his hands off her...

Sexual Content: Hard R. Genre: contemporary.