Would your eyes
Still stop me,
Hold me,
As once they did?--
I gave you up
To the false claims
Of former love, of things
I thought then were right--
As if I could forget, I pushed aside
My memories of you, the warmth
That at least in dream
I might have known--
And now, knowing that I have nothing
Of the things I thought were mine,
I could reach out--
But she is there, a wall
Between us, and between my finding out
If your eyes
Could hold me still.

Previously published in historical fiction, Fossen's taut and unique Intrigue debut, His Child, proves once again that old adage about politics and strange bedfellows--even when a bed is not involved, and Austin cop Jessie Barrett introduces herself to Jake McClendon, the father of her child, at gunpoint.

Campaigning for a seat in the Texas legislature, Jake doesn't need complications--like accusations that he ordered Jessie's kidnapping and insemination, then decided to have her killed to protect himself. Nor does the wealthy widower, whose wife died of complications suffered during pregnancy, need to be reminded of old hurts. But if Jake can't bring himself to believe all of Jessie's incredible story, he knows one thing for sure--someone is out to kill Jessie and her unborn child--his child.

Fossen whips up a nightmare world of Texas politics gone bad--not a far stretch for those of us who watch local or national news. Sinister Abel Markham, smooth brother-in-law Douglas Harland--even Jake's own sister have agendas that counter Jake's political plans. Throw in a murder apparently unrelated to Jessie's imminent danger, and the fact that the only man she trusts may want her dead, and you'll keep turning the pages. Fast.

Fossen's historical, Saddled, was one of those books that made me laugh out loud. His Child barrels along at breakneck speed, but there are still those sudden, unexpected bits of wit that bring a quick laugh--needed relief from the tension. Her characters are vivid, and a little frightening. A politician who would murder a woman to protect his reputation? Situational ethics? She draws on our very real fears with a talent that is all her own.

Readers will love the romance and suspense. Established romance writers will recognize one of their own as she undertakes a new direction in her career.
Fledgling romance writers--and I include myself here--will be amazed at Delores Fossen, the woman and author. When I joined the San Antonio Romance Authors' chapter of RWA approximately two years ago, Delores (I get to drop names now!) had one historical, Unbridled, out, and was expecting the release of her second, Saddled. She now has numerous books under contract, with a new release due in September, and several books coming out in 2003. What this means to me is that if you work really hard, sooner or later, your moment will come. Especially if you throw some talent and humor into the mix, as Delores Fossen has done so memorably.

Catch His Child now, and be entertained.

His Child