Somebody Wonderful (Zebra Debut) [Mass Market Paperback]

Kate Rothwell's fresh and fascinating debut novel, SOMEBODY WONDERFUL, is a must read for every romance lover. The setting--late nineteenth century New York--is unusual. But it is the characters that make this book special. Mick and Timona are two of the most unforgettable characters you will ever meet in life or fiction. They are surrounded by a cast of characters that will make you laugh, cry and laugh again as Timona's uniquely optimistic world view slowly wins the day over poverty, prejudice and greed. This book is a keeper.

Policeman Michael McCann has a heart of gold - one that extends to his neighbors, orphans and even to the beat-up dog he adopted named Botty. Mick walks his beat on the streets of 1882 New York when he rescues a female being attacked by a gang. The possibility that she's a prostitute doesn't deter him from taking the beautiful injured woman to his small apartment to treat her wounds. After all, he knows she won't get good treatment at the local hospital.

Timona Calverson boldly sets out to take photographs during her short stay in New York City before departing with her rich paleontologist father, Sir Kenneth Calverson, and his personal secretary, Mr. Blenheim, to the next dig site. Why should she be scared? After all, she has traveled the world with her father, lived among primitive tribes and hard conditions. Besides, she learned self-defense from her older brother, Griffin. Those experiences don't help her, however, when she's outnumbered by several men.

Timona awakens in Mick's small apartment, believing she's in a brothel and the man treating her wounds has less than honorable intentions. She soon realizes her misconception after she learns the handsome Irishman is a policeman. While her initial concern is for her father-that he and his secretary made the train heading to the next digs in time-her thoughts swiftly return to Mick. She hides her true identity, determined to win his heart. But first, she wants to learn more about Mick, whose heartwarming smile and reassuring manner set her so at ease. The following day, after Mick responds to a fire in the apartment building, she realizes he has a heart of gold - a commodity that, to Timona, is worth far more than her father's riches.

Though Mick has his doubts about Timona, he can't avoid being captivated by her natural beauty, sense of humor and loving personality. Then he meets Timona's brother, Griffin, and the obvious wealth that surrounds Griffin brings the stark reality of their relationship to Mick. He and Timona come from different backgrounds entirely. Even though Mick does his best to explain this to Timona, he can't quite bring himself to force her out of his life...especially when she insists on staying in his apartment.

Then her father's secretary, Mr. Blenheim, learns of her whereabouts and sends hired men to bribe Mick to forget Timona - an attempt that fails. But Blenheim has his own personal reason for wanting to break up the couple's growing love. He wants to marry Timona himself - even if it means kidnapping and forcing her into marriage.

Kate Rothwell's premiere novel, "Somebody Wonderful," is an absolute joy to read, full of humor, an exciting plot, and characters so believable you can't help falling in love with them. I couldn't put it down! I certainly look forward to reading her next release, "Somebody to Love."

Reviewed by Linda Morelli, award-winning romance author of FIERY SURRENDER and SHADOW OF DOUBT

Loved the fact that the characters were not stereotypical, and that a sense of humor and intelligence colored the writing all the way through. I was hooked from the opening paragraph right up to the end. Kate Rothwell and I have the same editor at Kensington- a terrific lady who wants her heroes to be men she - and the reader- will adore. Mick is adorable! No doubt about it. Thanks, Kate, for not only giving us a peek at an era not common to historical romances - but for creating one very enjoyable read! Can't wait for Somebody to Love!