Desiree Prescott, a savvy investment manager, is engaged to Paul but finds herself attracted to another when circumstances throw her and the other man together. Gerard Kingsley, a star pitcher for a professional baseball team, won't involve himself with a woman who doesn't respect his chosen profession.

Both Desiree and Gerard, although instantly attracted to one another, hold back their feelings based upon childhood hurts. For Desiree, Paul is a safe option that she can depend on, unlike her father. Gerard battles the hurt stemming from his mother's disapproval and her desire for him to follow in the family's footsteps.

Desiree and Gerard unite to care for four orphaned children, three of whom are Desiree's nieces and nephew. Their partnership sizzles above and beyond what is required for the care of the children and has a hint of promise until a crazed fan shows up. Will Desiree and Gerard resolve their childhood pain, not to mention uncover the fanatic who is stalking him, in order to have the family they both desire?

I recently read another title by Ms. Poarch, my first of her many works. I enjoyed it and placed her on my list of preferred authors so I was pleased to have the opportunity to read her latest release. BITTERSWEET did not disappoint. The characters were smart, attractive, and very likeable with believable issues. It was a quick, engrossing read, especially given the suspense subplot. I was especially impressed with the sympathetic handling of Desiree's father, a Vietnam veteran still recovering from the horrors of war. Thirty years later, even as America sends men and women to Iraq, I'm not sure our nation is prepared nor adequately deals with the condition of our soldiers when they return. BITTERSWEET is much more sweet than bitter. Quite satisfying.