Keeping Lucy

Esperance Valley #2

by Mary Waterford

One second, I’m thinking my life could use a little spice. A split second later, in walks Air Force Captain Dante Moretti, looking so good that I totally melt on the spot.

Of all the bars, in all of Seattle, he walks into mine?

He’s a blast from the past, but we’re not kids anymore. The heat he’s giving me is intensely adult.
When he promises a steamy weekend, how can I refuse?

Weeks later, two little pink lines change my life forever.

When Dante finds out I’m pregnant and very sick, he does the only thing he can – propose. Even though it’s fake, and he’s just doing it for the insurance benefits, I can’t say no.

My baby’s life depends on it.

He makes it clear that family life is not for him, yet he’ll do what’s right.
I should guard my heart. Should stop myself from falling for him.

But I can’t.

Can I convince him to take a chance on me before he leaves for good?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Friends To Lovers

279 pages, ebook

Published March 23, 2023

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doing What's Right . . .

Divorced and living with her parents, Lucy is sitting alone in a bar in Seattle sulking. When she decided to go back to the hotel to rest up for her flight home the next day, a cheerful voice called out, “Lucia?” Only one person ever called her that and, sure enough, it was her old friend Air Force Captain Dante Moretti. He kissed both of her cheeks and both of them immediately felt a hot attraction to each other. In fact, neither had moved their hands since their initial hug. Then he invited her for a drink and some pizza. Their cozy time led to a weekend together before they went their separate ways… only to discover later that she is pregnant!

When Dante learns of the pregnancy, he asks her to “fake marry” him so that she can use his insurance benefits for the baby. He says he doesn’t want family life, but he will take care of her. When the baby is born, will he change his mind? Or will Lucy try to make him see that they belong together? And by the time he decides he will tell her he loves her and wants to make a life with her and the baby, will it be too late?

[Delaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally devoured this book in like 2 hours. This book gives very much purple hearts vibes.

Tropes: marriage of convenience, second chance romance, curvy girl x sexy fit man. Happily Ever After🤍🤍🤍

[Sharon Holroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy is in a bar in Seattle feeling sorry for herself after a nasty divorce. In warks Dante, hot airforce captain and old friend from years ago. The sparks between these two are seriously hot. They spend a weekend together before parting ways. Roll on a few weeks and oops, she’s pregnant, what to do?

This is a seriously good series, and the plot has been laid for the other friends to get their own books
Cannot wait!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book I've read written by Mary Waterford; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Esperance Valley Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Lucy & Dante; they knew each other as kids but now they are both grown. She runs a bar and he’s a Captain in the Air Force. They end up spending the night together; now she’s pregnant. He doesn’t want anything permant but when he finds out she’s pregnant he proposes.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the initial story line...I just didn't really like the main characters. Lucy put me off real early on in the story. When she was being a total bitch to Dante just because she got pregnant. Something that she played a willing part in. No ne told you to spread your legs 🙄 Dante wasn't that bad, but he seemed so illogical. "My dads a deadbeat so no doubt I'll be" (not an actual quote btw but basically his thoughts) it made no sense. He took care of his sister since forever and still tries to help his loser mum. He's already nothing like his dad!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping Lucy by Mary Waterford is a good, and enjoyable steamy small town
fake marriage surprise pregnancy romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining sweet steamy emotionally surprise pregnancy romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story that warmed my heart by the time it ended. I really liked the way Dante kept calling Lucy 'Lucia' - it made me smile. These two didn't have earth-shattering chemistry like it was shown in their time in Seattle, but it was also not non-existent either. It was just warm and cozy and sweet.

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.

[Debbie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word comes to mind when I think of this book, redemption. The books starts off steamy and then follows with the characters lives as they move forward. Both afraid of what they want.
This is an enduring story and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Me? Reading a pregnancy book? And actually enjoying it??? I might be going crazy.

This book made me want to dish out my ovaries on a sliver platter holy shit. Dante, love you babes. Lucy is actually just a cupcake in a persons body. The family dynamic between everyone is actually so cute and sweet. Nice fluffy little read.

[Julie Kay LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful love story to fill an evening! Enjoy!

This is a beautiful story focusing on how we tend to doubt ourselves. Sometimes we are just looking from the wrong perspective, until someone else explains what they can clearly see. Sit down, relax and learn an age old lesson about perspective.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally charged, sweetly sexy, highly entertaining surprise pregnancy romance that will leave you breathless and craving more.....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A second chance, small-town, fake marriage, surprise pregnancy romance about Lucy and Dante.
They knew each other as kids can this second chance meeting be what they need?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Lucy
Book 2 of Esperance Valley
Mary Waterford

The story and characters, Dante and Lucy, are beautifully written. I got sucked in. I love the chemistry in this fake marriage.

[Kia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed it - not to long, not to short and not too 'much'. Just a fairly simple friends to lovers, unexpected baby romance.

[Victorie_anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dobrze się bawiłam. Pomogła na odstresowanie

[⭑ jess (taylor’s version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 carino ma niente di che. Tutto un po' troppo veloce

[N Warfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaww, this was super sweet and hot. I loved how Lucy and Dante came to terms with being parents and how he looked after her. The grits scene was the best.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet short story. Spicy sex scenes but a sweet love story.

[Mrs D Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the 2nd book can’t wait to finish the series

[Brianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so bored! There were no twists, turns, surprises. It was just a book, there's not much else to say about it.

[Boogiewoogie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not as good as others I've read from this author.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

happy

I’m so happy for Lucy!! Family is everything and because you have a past doesn’t mean it defines you. Happy