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Angel Baby
FIRST TIME IN PRINT—A Heartwarming Romance from bestselling author Leslie Kelly
Since losing her husband several months ago, the only thing Claudia Warren is looking forward to is the impending birth of her child. But she goes into labor at the worst possible time, in the worst possible place. Fortunately, a strong, protective stranger—Chase Paxton—comes to her aid, saving her life and the life of her daughter.
Chase is a loner, and he likes it that way. He tries to avoid getting caught up in anyone else’s drama…so coming to the aid of a heavily pregnant woman, and being right there for the birth of her baby, shocks him to his core. Even more shocking is that the beautiful young mother disappears from his life as quickly as she’d entered it.
Now, fate has brought Claudia back to him. And while Chase might try to resist any emotional tangles, he finds himself thoroughly ensnared by the beautiful young mother, and the adorable child he helped bring into the world. But can two people who’ve sworn off love for good ever move beyond past hurts and regrets to trust in a future together?
Before award-winning romance author Leslie Kelly became known for her super-sexy contemporary novels, like the extremely popular SLOW HANDS, or for the dark romantic thrillers she writes as Leslie Parrish, she penned a few deeply emotional contemporary books. Never before published, ANGEL BABY is a tender story of two lonely people learning how to trust in love, and in the bonds of family. Though not as light-hearted, or quite as steamy as her later works, ANGEL BABY will still appeal to readers looking for that unique Leslie Kelly voice.
Since losing her husband several months ago, the only thing Claudia Warren is looking forward to is the impending birth of her child. But she goes into labor at the worst possible time, in the worst possible place. Fortunately, a strong, protective stranger—Chase Paxton—comes to her aid, saving her life and the life of her daughter.
Chase is a loner, and he likes it that way. He tries to avoid getting caught up in anyone else’s drama…so coming to the aid of a heavily pregnant woman, and being right there for the birth of her baby, shocks him to his core. Even more shocking is that the beautiful young mother disappears from his life as quickly as she’d entered it.
Now, fate has brought Claudia back to him. And while Chase might try to resist any emotional tangles, he finds himself thoroughly ensnared by the beautiful young mother, and the adorable child he helped bring into the world. But can two people who’ve sworn off love for good ever move beyond past hurts and regrets to trust in a future together?
Before award-winning romance author Leslie Kelly became known for her super-sexy contemporary novels, like the extremely popular SLOW HANDS, or for the dark romantic thrillers she writes as Leslie Parrish, she penned a few deeply emotional contemporary books. Never before published, ANGEL BABY is a tender story of two lonely people learning how to trust in love, and in the bonds of family. Though not as light-hearted, or quite as steamy as her later works, ANGEL BABY will still appeal to readers looking for that unique Leslie Kelly voice.
160 pages
First published August 14, 2011
48 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Kelly
244 books406 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times Bestselling author, Leslie Kelly writes sexy romances and dark romantic thrillers. A four-time RWA RITA Award nominee, eleven-time Romantic Times Award nominee and 2006 RT Award winner, Leslie has become known for her delightful characters, sparkling dialogue, and outrageous humor in her romances, and for the dark grittiness of her thrillers. Since the publication of her first book in 1999, Leslie has gone on to pen more than forty sassy, sexy romances for Harlequin Temptation, Blaze, and HQN.
In 2009, Leslie began tapping into her love for dark suspense by penning several books under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish. The Black CATs and Extrasensory Agents series quickly put Leslie on the must-read list of romantic-suspense fans.
Tired of writing under various names, Leslie decided to go into her next genre--futuristic thrillers with a suspense element--under her real name. She released her dark, gritty Veronica Sloan books, and reissued the Black CATs series, as Leslie A. Kelly.
Leslie lives in Denver with her husband Bruce--her real-life romance hero. Visit her online at lesliekelly.com (for her sexy romances) or at leslieAkelly.com (for her romantic suspense.)
New York Times Bestselling author, Leslie Kelly writes sexy romances and dark romantic thrillers. A four-time RWA RITA Award nominee, eleven-time Romantic Times Award nominee and 2006 RT Award winner, Leslie has become known for her delightful characters, sparkling dialogue, and outrageous humor in her romances, and for the dark grittiness of her thrillers. Since the publication of her first book in 1999, Leslie has gone on to pen more than forty sassy, sexy romances for Harlequin Temptation, Blaze, and HQN.
In 2009, Leslie began tapping into her love for dark suspense by penning several books under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish. The Black CATs and Extrasensory Agents series quickly put Leslie on the must-read list of romantic-suspense fans.
Tired of writing under various names, Leslie decided to go into her next genre--futuristic thrillers with a suspense element--under her real name. She released her dark, gritty Veronica Sloan books, and reissued the Black CATs series, as Leslie A. Kelly.
Leslie lives in Denver with her husband Bruce--her real-life romance hero. Visit her online at lesliekelly.com (for her sexy romances) or at leslieAkelly.com (for her romantic suspense.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 3, 2013
4 Sweet Stars! Engaging read that drips cheese at the end...but it's yummy good!
Leslie Kelly and I have had a good author/reader relationship and I can add this to the pile of books I've enjoyed by her! I love the way the book starts out, kept you guessing a little as to why Chase and Claudia were where they were when they first meet. It all made sense as the story pushed forward and the characters revealed themselves to each other. Chase ran hot and cold, but eventually he won me over...especially with something he did for Sarah! Claudia had me from the beginning and her pain from her tragic loss felt real. Nice slow build-up...although maybe one waver too many...to Chase and Claudia's relationship and eventual intimacy.
I found myself flipping through the pages, and was grinning at the end, especially after reading the fitting epilogue! A complete read...great for the beach, a lazy afternoon, and if you got it free like I did...even better, but it's worth shelling some cash out!
October 7, 2012
I don’t really know how to start. I’m actually surprised at how much I loved this book. Angel Baby was sweet and tender and sexy and downright amazing.
I was drawn in by the cover (the Amazon one, not the Goodreads one, which I didn’t like very much), it was cute. And after reading the summary I thought: why not? So I just dove right in, and I loved every second of it. Every single one. So much I actually stayed up until 3am reading, and only went to bed then because I had to get up early the next morning. If this doesn’t deserve a 5 star rating, I don’t know what does.
Claudia Warren is a recent widow, still grieving the loss of her husband and best friend, she finds solace in her soon-to-be-born daughter. Daughter that was supposed to be born in a couple of weeks, and not on her evening visit to the graveyard. Alone and pretty far away from the nearest hospital Claudia tries to hold her panic –and pray the pain away –as contractions hit her more frequently than she had noticed until that moment.
Chase Paxton is hoping to avoid all human interaction by going to visit his mom’s grave at the latest hour possible. When arriving he sees a car parked on the lot, so he decides to wait until the person leaves, but after a few moments, and considering patience is not one of Chase’s many qualities, he goes out to investigate. He sure as hell didn’t expect to find a very pregnant woman, about to go into labor, hunched over in pain.
I think I fell in love with this book when we come face to face with Chase’s tenderness and utter protectiveness over a stranger in need. He didn’t know her, yet he did everything he could to help her, even holding her hand and wishing her pain away as her first baby was born. I was already hooked by then, swooning over Chase and admiring Claudia’s strength.
The story behind Angel Baby was lovely.
Having had a difficult childhood at best, Chase grew up to be a rock. Never show emotions, don’t trust anybody, and never believe in love for it will only bring heartache. He never expected to be so shaken by this woman who gave birth in his house, and disappeared from his life the next day, as if nothing had ever happened.
Claudia was his opposite in so many fronts. She didn’t have a very happy childhood herself, but with the love of her friends she grew up to be a loving, honest woman. Unlike Chase she trusted openly, and she believed in love… to an extent.
So who better than her to teach him all he thought wasn’t worth the time?
When Claudia is thrust back into his life after so many months without knowing a think about her, or her newborn daughter, Chase is surprised. Surprised to see her at all again, surprised to feel such a powerful attraction, and surprised to know she feels it too.
As the story progresses, so does their relationship and my love for this book. Claudia’s baby girl, Sarah, is utterly cute. I can never resist babies in books, or at all for that matter. Another thing I cannot resist is Chase being all cute with her. I was gushing every time he did something for the child, his love for her was so clear I was swooning.
And his love for the mother of said child too. Though their pasts made it hard for them to accept what they had together, and what they could have, it was beautiful nonetheless.
Chase found the most unbelievable moments to choose to be all sweet and tender to both Claudia and Sarah, and I was grinning all through it. But he could also be a bit stubborn and try to resist and fight against his feelings, which obviously had me scolding at him. I’ll tell you a secret though, he’s forgiven.
Angel Baby was such a lovely read. I think it’s the first “adult” book that’s going straight to my favorites. It was sweet, and emotive and steamy too. Yes, it’s an adult book after all, but what I loved about it was that there was no overdoing it, like some books tend to do. Even on its most steamy moments it was still, somehow… tender.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go read it again. Because writing this review made want to do so. Why yes, I meant it when I said I loved it!
For this and more reviews visit my blog
I was drawn in by the cover (the Amazon one, not the Goodreads one, which I didn’t like very much), it was cute. And after reading the summary I thought: why not? So I just dove right in, and I loved every second of it. Every single one. So much I actually stayed up until 3am reading, and only went to bed then because I had to get up early the next morning. If this doesn’t deserve a 5 star rating, I don’t know what does.
Claudia Warren is a recent widow, still grieving the loss of her husband and best friend, she finds solace in her soon-to-be-born daughter. Daughter that was supposed to be born in a couple of weeks, and not on her evening visit to the graveyard. Alone and pretty far away from the nearest hospital Claudia tries to hold her panic –and pray the pain away –as contractions hit her more frequently than she had noticed until that moment.
Chase Paxton is hoping to avoid all human interaction by going to visit his mom’s grave at the latest hour possible. When arriving he sees a car parked on the lot, so he decides to wait until the person leaves, but after a few moments, and considering patience is not one of Chase’s many qualities, he goes out to investigate. He sure as hell didn’t expect to find a very pregnant woman, about to go into labor, hunched over in pain.
I think I fell in love with this book when we come face to face with Chase’s tenderness and utter protectiveness over a stranger in need. He didn’t know her, yet he did everything he could to help her, even holding her hand and wishing her pain away as her first baby was born. I was already hooked by then, swooning over Chase and admiring Claudia’s strength.
The story behind Angel Baby was lovely.
Having had a difficult childhood at best, Chase grew up to be a rock. Never show emotions, don’t trust anybody, and never believe in love for it will only bring heartache. He never expected to be so shaken by this woman who gave birth in his house, and disappeared from his life the next day, as if nothing had ever happened.
Claudia was his opposite in so many fronts. She didn’t have a very happy childhood herself, but with the love of her friends she grew up to be a loving, honest woman. Unlike Chase she trusted openly, and she believed in love… to an extent.
So who better than her to teach him all he thought wasn’t worth the time?
"Why?"
He looked at her in confusion for a moment. She continued, "Why do you act so hard? I know the real you. I've seen you when you don't have your guard up. So, why the pretense?"
When Claudia is thrust back into his life after so many months without knowing a think about her, or her newborn daughter, Chase is surprised. Surprised to see her at all again, surprised to feel such a powerful attraction, and surprised to know she feels it too.
As the story progresses, so does their relationship and my love for this book. Claudia’s baby girl, Sarah, is utterly cute. I can never resist babies in books, or at all for that matter. Another thing I cannot resist is Chase being all cute with her. I was gushing every time he did something for the child, his love for her was so clear I was swooning.
And his love for the mother of said child too. Though their pasts made it hard for them to accept what they had together, and what they could have, it was beautiful nonetheless.
Chase found the most unbelievable moments to choose to be all sweet and tender to both Claudia and Sarah, and I was grinning all through it. But he could also be a bit stubborn and try to resist and fight against his feelings, which obviously had me scolding at him. I’ll tell you a secret though, he’s forgiven.
Angel Baby was such a lovely read. I think it’s the first “adult” book that’s going straight to my favorites. It was sweet, and emotive and steamy too. Yes, it’s an adult book after all, but what I loved about it was that there was no overdoing it, like some books tend to do. Even on its most steamy moments it was still, somehow… tender.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go read it again. Because writing this review made want to do so. Why yes, I meant it when I said I loved it!
“Chase smiled at her, a genuine, sweet smile, and Claudia felt the world shift. Something moved. Somewhere, her reality, her perception of herself and her life, altered with this one smile, and the echoes of his words in her ears.”
For this and more reviews visit my blog
August 15, 2022
I loved this book and it held my attention throughout. Claudia and Chase were excellent H/h. It was a light read which is just what I needed since I finished several heavy books this past week.
Two broken people find themselves in a unique situation creating a lifelong bond, but they don't even know each others last name. Will fate (I prefer to think God) intervene? Unlike most all romance novels, there is not the major heart-wrenching parting of the ways before they finally find their way back together. I feel it showed what a team they truly made though they didn't completely realize it yet.
I highly recommend this book to any romance lover. It is very well written and I am on my way to purchase more by this author.
Two broken people find themselves in a unique situation creating a lifelong bond, but they don't even know each others last name. Will fate (I prefer to think God) intervene? Unlike most all romance novels, there is not the major heart-wrenching parting of the ways before they finally find their way back together. I feel it showed what a team they truly made though they didn't completely realize it yet.
I highly recommend this book to any romance lover. It is very well written and I am on my way to purchase more by this author.
November 21, 2012
God, I loved this book so much! It was just the thing I needed, Totally cute with a hint of steam and chemistry and sexual tension dripping!!
Chase my man!! <3 I love you. So loving, charing, confused, selfless, hot and adorable! Agrh! ;D
Claud, Strong, loving, wonderful and just plain sweet and pretty!
Sarah! I love you baby girl!
Loved Claud's friends and each and every character of this book! This book was so innocent and cute and a total joy to read! I lovedddddddd it!
After tonight, he figured he’d rather get a root canal without anesthesia, from a drunk ninety-year-old dentist using rusty tools, than be a woman going through childbirth. LOL
I love books where there is a baby! Do suggest some if you'll know of any good ones! ;D
Chase my man!! <3 I love you. So loving, charing, confused, selfless, hot and adorable! Agrh! ;D
Claud, Strong, loving, wonderful and just plain sweet and pretty!
Sarah! I love you baby girl!
Loved Claud's friends and each and every character of this book! This book was so innocent and cute and a total joy to read! I lovedddddddd it!
After tonight, he figured he’d rather get a root canal without anesthesia, from a drunk ninety-year-old dentist using rusty tools, than be a woman going through childbirth. LOL
I love books where there is a baby! Do suggest some if you'll know of any good ones! ;D
August 26, 2014
Check out this review and more on my blog, Drugs Called Books
I found Angel Baby through a friend's blog, My Life Through a Book, and I am exceedingly happy to have decided to pick it up. So, thank you Elle for letting me know about this adorable, sweet and loving story!
This story has everything you can ask for; great leading characters, a romance to melt your heart with, a steady pace and the most adorable baby out there.
Claudia is an inspiring leading female. She's lost her husband and had to go through her pregnancy all on her own, yet she still holds strong. She puts her baby, Sarah, ahead of everything but never once complains about it. She's capable of great love and kindness, and she's proud, but not to the point that she refuses to listen to others because of it.
She was very sweet and I loved her!
Sarah is Claudia's infant daughter, and one heck of an adorable baby!! *Squeak* she is too cute for words! The characters tend to call her "Angel Baby" because of her angelic face, but beware this little kid once she gets moving. She's fast as lightning and likes stairs too much for her own good :P
Chase is yummy. Sorry, had to put that out there. He's the man who saves Claudia and Sarah's life and later on becomes Claudia's boss. He's kind and caring, but does everything in his powers to hide that behind a stoic, uncaring and unmoving facade... which Claudia sees right through, of course. He always comes to Claudia's rescue and was never mean to her, at least not intentionally. He often worries for her and doesn't want to take advantage of her.
These two (Claudia and Chase, not Chase and Sarah... though them too.) are attracted to each other immediately, naturally, creating one sweet romance, once they allowed each other to have one. Their relationship builds over time, which is something I always love in books, and is well based and built. You will wholeheartedly believe they are meant for one another (and fate'll agree with you), and eagerly wait the moment they'll get together. There wasn't any anguish--no big drama and huge misunderstandings setting their relationship back, just a cute, sweet, moving love story about two people falling in love.
The ending was so adorable!!! Not that that's surprising, considering this entire story's just too cute for words.
It also had me grinning so widely I feared my jaw's gonna break (especially when Chase played with Baby Sarah... Cutest thing in the world *dreamy sigh*)
This books opens with a message from the author, explaining why the book was never published before, even though it was written ten years ago. I was really sad to hear they didn't think it fit what they wanted, as it is so cute and lovely.
If you like cute stories and amazing loves, I think this book's definitely for you. Pick it up. Like... now!
I found Angel Baby through a friend's blog, My Life Through a Book, and I am exceedingly happy to have decided to pick it up. So, thank you Elle for letting me know about this adorable, sweet and loving story!
This story has everything you can ask for; great leading characters, a romance to melt your heart with, a steady pace and the most adorable baby out there.
Claudia is an inspiring leading female. She's lost her husband and had to go through her pregnancy all on her own, yet she still holds strong. She puts her baby, Sarah, ahead of everything but never once complains about it. She's capable of great love and kindness, and she's proud, but not to the point that she refuses to listen to others because of it.
She was very sweet and I loved her!
Sarah is Claudia's infant daughter, and one heck of an adorable baby!! *Squeak* she is too cute for words! The characters tend to call her "Angel Baby" because of her angelic face, but beware this little kid once she gets moving. She's fast as lightning and likes stairs too much for her own good :P
Chase is yummy. Sorry, had to put that out there. He's the man who saves Claudia and Sarah's life and later on becomes Claudia's boss. He's kind and caring, but does everything in his powers to hide that behind a stoic, uncaring and unmoving facade... which Claudia sees right through, of course. He always comes to Claudia's rescue and was never mean to her, at least not intentionally. He often worries for her and doesn't want to take advantage of her.
These two (Claudia and Chase, not Chase and Sarah... though them too.) are attracted to each other immediately, naturally, creating one sweet romance, once they allowed each other to have one. Their relationship builds over time, which is something I always love in books, and is well based and built. You will wholeheartedly believe they are meant for one another (and fate'll agree with you), and eagerly wait the moment they'll get together. There wasn't any anguish--no big drama and huge misunderstandings setting their relationship back, just a cute, sweet, moving love story about two people falling in love.
The ending was so adorable!!! Not that that's surprising, considering this entire story's just too cute for words.
It also had me grinning so widely I feared my jaw's gonna break (especially when Chase played with Baby Sarah... Cutest thing in the world *dreamy sigh*)
This books opens with a message from the author, explaining why the book was never published before, even though it was written ten years ago. I was really sad to hear they didn't think it fit what they wanted, as it is so cute and lovely.
If you like cute stories and amazing loves, I think this book's definitely for you. Pick it up. Like... now!
May 28, 2013
ANGEL BABY was a really sweet read.
Chase Paxton’s life forever changed when he met Claudia Warren at sundown in a cemetery as she’s in late stages of child birth.
Rushing her to his house, a halfway point to the hospital, he calls 911. As he watches the beautiful woman give birth to her daughter, Sarah, he knows nothing will ever be the same.
9 months later, Claudia is moving back to town with baby Sarah. She’s shocked when she finds her savior behind the desk at her job interview. Chase is surprised as well. He couldn’t forget the woman who disappeared out of his life as fast as she appeared.
Now working together, Chase and Claudia not only have to deal with their own attraction, but the help they get from his matchmaking grandmother.
Both come from traumatizing childhoods that they have to overcome in order to give love another chance. Chase with his alcoholic mother and Claudia with her mother choosing her new husband and kids over her.
Their romance was sweet and real. They didn’t play games and they were genuinely willing to help the other. When put to the test, Chase fully believed in Claudia.
The secondary characters were good as well. I loved Claudia’s friend Melanie, her husband Ryan and of course Chase’s grandmother Dorien.
Chase Paxton’s life forever changed when he met Claudia Warren at sundown in a cemetery as she’s in late stages of child birth.
Rushing her to his house, a halfway point to the hospital, he calls 911. As he watches the beautiful woman give birth to her daughter, Sarah, he knows nothing will ever be the same.
9 months later, Claudia is moving back to town with baby Sarah. She’s shocked when she finds her savior behind the desk at her job interview. Chase is surprised as well. He couldn’t forget the woman who disappeared out of his life as fast as she appeared.
Now working together, Chase and Claudia not only have to deal with their own attraction, but the help they get from his matchmaking grandmother.
Both come from traumatizing childhoods that they have to overcome in order to give love another chance. Chase with his alcoholic mother and Claudia with her mother choosing her new husband and kids over her.
Their romance was sweet and real. They didn’t play games and they were genuinely willing to help the other. When put to the test, Chase fully believed in Claudia.
The secondary characters were good as well. I loved Claudia’s friend Melanie, her husband Ryan and of course Chase’s grandmother Dorien.
February 23, 2017
I LOVE this book!!!
It's a cute light story with great characters and dialogue, a beautiful romance, a LOT of sexual tension (which just makes it all better) and... steamy scenes!
I knew from the start I was going to love it and as I read more and more that first thought was reassured, I needed to read a book like this, nothing ever felt rushed or used to fill the book.
Some might find this book cheesy and KIND OF predictable, but any book that makes me squee, grin and swoon it's worth the read no matter what.
I think the author did a great job with the plot and character development, it was beautifully written.
I fell for the characters, they were really likeable, Claudia, our heroine, the baby, their friends and especially the hero, Chase Paxton
Seriously this guy... everything he said and did had me saying...
December 22, 2021
Pov: male & female
Main characters: Chase & Claudia
Minor characters: Joe (her husband), Sarah (her daughter), Andrew (his rival)
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The characters seemed mature and developed. I loved seeing them reconnect and seeing Chase fall for Claudia and Sarah. I love that Claudia had such a strong career. Normally in single parent books the woman is unable to provide for her child and is struggling. No matter how hard an author tries, when the woman is struggling to make ends meet it always seems like she needs the guy. Or that the guy needs to save her. Claudia wasn’t like that. It was refreshing.
There was a moment where things seemed a little soap opera like when Chases rival steals business information, but it doesn’t cause problems between Chase and Claudia. They handle it like adults and recognize it for a lie.
It was really well done.
Synopsis:
Chase was raised by his grandmother after his mother got addicted to drugs and eventually overdosed. He struggled as a child, but his grandparents love saved him.
He went on to become a successful contractor.
Claudia was raised by her mom and stepdad. Her stepdad could not love her. When she was a senior in high school they moved away without her. She stayed with Joe and his family.
She and Joe were best friends growing up. In college they started dating and got married. Everyone around them was shocked because they weren’t in love.
They moved away for his job and 6 weeks later he was killed in a car accident. A week later she found out she was pregnant. She had to stay at her job to keep her health insurance.
Claudia was at the cemetery visiting Joe when she went into labor. Chase came to the cemetery to visit his mother. He noticed Claudia and rushed her to the hospital.
They weren’t going to make it so he took her home so the ambulance could come to them. He ended up delivering her baby. He was amazed by Claudia.
He tries to find her at the hospital but she’s already checked out.
9 months later Claudia hears about a job offer from a friend and gets the interview. It’s with Chase’s company.
They’re shocked to see each other. He tells her he tried to find her at the hospital. She explains how she left quickly because of her insurance. He hires her.
They bump into each other at their friends house and are both attracted to each other. He meets baby Sarah. He’s immediately drawn to her. Seeing Claudia with Sarah reminds him of his own mom.
They talk and she tells him about Joe. He admires her more. He knows he needs to keep away from her because he doesn’t have anything to offer her. That she’s still mourning her husband.
His grandma offer to rent her the empty farmhouse on the property. She accepts.
They spend time together and she tells him about her family. He feels awful for her and doesn’t understand how any one could leave her. He ends up kissing her. He knows it was a mistake.
He tells her he shouldn’t have done that. She knows he’s right. That she has to put her baby first.
They start avoiding each other at work. She hears about some issues the company is having on a specific project and thinks of ways to help. He thinks it’s sabotage from a rival. (There’s been strategic holdups like missing vehicles, vandalism, late deliveries….)
He throws a company picnic and his rival Andrew shows up. Andrew inherited his company from his dad and has always rubbed Chase the wrong way.
Claudia shows up and Chase is drawn to her. They talk and she mentions ways to help. He shuts her down. She’s offended and avoids him.
Andrew sees her and recognizes her from high school. He asks her out, she accepts thinking it’s just to catch up with an old friend. Chase notices them talking and hates it.
Her friend notices Chase noticing and tells Chase how Andrew has always had a crush on Claudia. That it was always one sided. Her friend explains how Claudia moved in with Joe and the relationship was love, but not “in love”. He starts to think maybe she’s not in mourning, but decides she still needs a friend.
At work she finally gets him to listen to some of her ideas for the company. He thinks they’re wonderful.
He finds out she goes on a date with Andrew.
On the date Andrew bad mouths Chase and she defends him. She’s so insulted she leaves. She ends up leaving her purse behind and has to call Chase from a pay phone.
She kisses him and he pulls away. He tells her he wants her but not because she feels like she owes him for saving her. She’s insulted and tells him to just admit he doesn’t want her. He tells her he’s not sure she wouldn’t regret it in the morning if they slept together.
She tells him she won’t and they finally sleep together. He tells her they should keep their relationship private.
A few days later he takes her to her friends house to pick up the baby. They end up staying for dinner and hanging out with her friends. Her friend comments that it’s just like old times. Chase realizes he’s not part of their group. That Claudia must feel guilty for him being there not her dead husband.
On the ride home she tells him she doesn’t know how he feels about her. She suggests they take a step back and really think about what they want from each other.
He realizes he’s in love with her.
He tells her he’s in love with her. She tells him she loves him too.
One day after work they hear someone in the office and find Andrew going through files. He tries to play it off that Claudia was distracting Chase so Andrew could get into the office. That Andrew has been sabotaging the company.
Chase knows it’s a lie. He tells Claudia he wants to be with her and be a family. She tells him she wants that too.
2 years later they’re married and have another baby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2017
A short sweet fluffy read.
It's been a while, I think, since I've read a Harlequinesque book, it was a nice change of pace really.
Though I guess I am getting tired of the too jaded in life, hardened heart hero trope . . .
Am I really though, hmmmm.
Whatever. It was a nice enough read, can't say I'd mind checking out Leslie's other stuff.
July 20, 2013
This story warmed my heart, and left me smiling! I love the feeling I get after a good book!
Chase, and Claudia meet outside a cemetery in the middle of nowhere. Chase couldn’t even use his cell phone to call for help. Chase went to the cemetery, and was in no mood to talk, or see anyone. He groaned when he pulled up, and spotted another car. He waited for owner of the car to emerge, and leave, but he gave up waiting. So he got out of his car, and started up the trail leading to the cemetery. He saw a person bent over, getting sick. It was getting dark, so he thought at first it was a drunk. He got the shock of his life, when he found it was Claudia in heavy labor. He picked her up, and placed her in his truck. He took her to his house, and had the paramedics meet him there. That’s where she gave birth to her beautiful daughter Sara.
A day later, Chase tried to find her. But she was gone. She had checked out of the hospital. He thought of Claudia often, but didn’t know her last name, so he couldn’t track her down.
9 months later, Claudia applied for a job. She was shocked to find Chase over her interview. Chase became her boss.
The attraction to one another was instant, but the suspense to their relationship was almost unbearable. The author let them develop a strong friendship before they shared their first kiss.
I really enjoyed this story. I also loved reading about baby Sara. Babies are always so precious!
Chase, and Claudia meet outside a cemetery in the middle of nowhere. Chase couldn’t even use his cell phone to call for help. Chase went to the cemetery, and was in no mood to talk, or see anyone. He groaned when he pulled up, and spotted another car. He waited for owner of the car to emerge, and leave, but he gave up waiting. So he got out of his car, and started up the trail leading to the cemetery. He saw a person bent over, getting sick. It was getting dark, so he thought at first it was a drunk. He got the shock of his life, when he found it was Claudia in heavy labor. He picked her up, and placed her in his truck. He took her to his house, and had the paramedics meet him there. That’s where she gave birth to her beautiful daughter Sara.
A day later, Chase tried to find her. But she was gone. She had checked out of the hospital. He thought of Claudia often, but didn’t know her last name, so he couldn’t track her down.
9 months later, Claudia applied for a job. She was shocked to find Chase over her interview. Chase became her boss.
The attraction to one another was instant, but the suspense to their relationship was almost unbearable. The author let them develop a strong friendship before they shared their first kiss.
I really enjoyed this story. I also loved reading about baby Sara. Babies are always so precious!
August 13, 2014
Angel Baby by Leslie Kelly was a re read for me. I really enjoyed this book. The sensual level of this book is a 7. Just the right blend of well written story and hot sizzling passion between the H and h.
This story opens with the Claudia Warren after visiting her husbands grave finds herself on a lonely country road going into labor. The H, Chase Paxton, is a man with many disapointments in life and has harden his heart. Chase stops and helps Claudia deliver her baby and the experience melts his heart and opens the endless posiblilities of love..Since losing her husband several months ago, the only thing Claudia is looking forward to is the impending birth of her child. But she goes into labor at the worst possible time, in the worst possible place. Fortunately, a strong, protective stranger—Chase —comes to her aid, saving her life and the life of her daughter. Chase is a loner, and he likes it that way. He tries to avoid getting caught up in anyone else’s drama…so coming to the aid of a heavily pregnant woman, and being right there for the birth of her baby, shocks him to his core.
I would recommend this book for a very enjoyable romantic read.
This story opens with the Claudia Warren after visiting her husbands grave finds herself on a lonely country road going into labor. The H, Chase Paxton, is a man with many disapointments in life and has harden his heart. Chase stops and helps Claudia deliver her baby and the experience melts his heart and opens the endless posiblilities of love..Since losing her husband several months ago, the only thing Claudia is looking forward to is the impending birth of her child. But she goes into labor at the worst possible time, in the worst possible place. Fortunately, a strong, protective stranger—Chase —comes to her aid, saving her life and the life of her daughter. Chase is a loner, and he likes it that way. He tries to avoid getting caught up in anyone else’s drama…so coming to the aid of a heavily pregnant woman, and being right there for the birth of her baby, shocks him to his core.
I would recommend this book for a very enjoyable romantic read.
September 22, 2013
This almost was an over the top sappy love story but it was nicely balanced out with some very serious past histories.
Claudia Warren and Chase Paxton first meeting is at a cemetery with Claudia being in full blown labor. We don’t know why these two are so sad and at the cemetery but you instantly like both of them as these two strangers have to go through this very personal ordeal with each other.
Its nine month later and Claudia moves back to her home town for a job and to be closer to her best friend and her husband. What she doesn’t realize is her new boss is Chase who she never got to thank for what he did for her and her baby.
These two did not want to get involved but cupid wasn’t haven’t any of that and kept throwing them together. Each came from a sad childhood that they both overcame but yet still carried the chip on their shoulders that they needed to get rid of to finally get a HEA..
Claudia Warren and Chase Paxton first meeting is at a cemetery with Claudia being in full blown labor. We don’t know why these two are so sad and at the cemetery but you instantly like both of them as these two strangers have to go through this very personal ordeal with each other.
Its nine month later and Claudia moves back to her home town for a job and to be closer to her best friend and her husband. What she doesn’t realize is her new boss is Chase who she never got to thank for what he did for her and her baby.
These two did not want to get involved but cupid wasn’t haven’t any of that and kept throwing them together. Each came from a sad childhood that they both overcame but yet still carried the chip on their shoulders that they needed to get rid of to finally get a HEA..
December 1, 2015
3.5 stars.
I like the story just fine. The romance was sweet and the sexy time scenes were hot. Some of the parts made me went misty eyed.
But then Claudia did something that made me dropped the star.
Spoilers ahead.
When Andrew lied about they're working together against Chase, instead of confronting Andrew and trying to convince Chase, she run and hide. She wanted Chase to trust her, but she herself didn't trust Chase would believe her if she told the truth. This led to a merry chase (please excuse the pun) where Chase was looking everywhere for Claudia and waiting for her at her house while she's waiting at his house, finally wanting to talk. This made the ending a bit sour for me.
And I always cringe every time an author writes baby talk, you know like changing the 'r' and 'l' with 'w' (pwease, cwying, wowwing my eyes soo hawd). Luckily, this book only had few sentences that way or I have to drop another star.
I like the story just fine. The romance was sweet and the sexy time scenes were hot. Some of the parts made me went misty eyed.
But then Claudia did something that made me dropped the star.
Spoilers ahead.
When Andrew lied about they're working together against Chase, instead of confronting Andrew and trying to convince Chase, she run and hide. She wanted Chase to trust her, but she herself didn't trust Chase would believe her if she told the truth. This led to a merry chase (please excuse the pun) where Chase was looking everywhere for Claudia and waiting for her at her house while she's waiting at his house, finally wanting to talk. This made the ending a bit sour for me.
And I always cringe every time an author writes baby talk, you know like changing the 'r' and 'l' with 'w' (pwease, cwying, wowwing my eyes soo hawd). Luckily, this book only had few sentences that way or I have to drop another star.
September 24, 2015
Angel Baby starts at a small church cemetery. Chase finds Claudia in labor and rushes her to his home as she is about to give birth and they are not going to make it to the hospital. Neither of them is looking for love. Both come from a childhood lacking in love and both find trust an issue. The story deals with all the emotional issues and Sarah, the angel baby mixed in to add another consideration to the love of this couple.
Both main characters kept you hoping they could work out the issues between them and become a loving family. The writing style was satisfying and the ending was perfect to make this a contemporary romance that I would high recommend to other romance readers.
Both main characters kept you hoping they could work out the issues between them and become a loving family. The writing style was satisfying and the ending was perfect to make this a contemporary romance that I would high recommend to other romance readers.
November 14, 2012
This was such a sweet story. There were many "awww" moments. Claudia and Chase were perfect for each other. The falling in love and coming to the realization of that love was just beautiful to watch. I kind of wish that Mr. Worthington got an ass kicking, but this isn't one of those stories. I love babies in romances. They just give that added edge to the conflict between the hero and heroine. This is a much softer side of Kelly, but there are hints of that snarky heroine I like as well as that strong flawed hero that I like in her stories. The sexual tension is there, but that wasn't the focal point here. I liked this softer side of a Kelly romance.
November 12, 2012
I totally loved this book!!! I was so sad to see it end. This was the first story by this author, that I have read. But I will for sure be looking into other titles by her!!
I HIGHLY recommend this story.
I HIGHLY recommend this story.
August 26, 2015
6.5/10
Feeling extremely lazy during this review, but this was a great book with a very unique storyline. Was surprised at how much I liked it considering it's third person perspective which I usually do not go for.
Feeling extremely lazy during this review, but this was a great book with a very unique storyline. Was surprised at how much I liked it considering it's third person perspective which I usually do not go for.
February 2, 2013
Absolutely love this book and Chase!
March 17, 2013
This story was very sweet.
June 2, 2015
Overly sweet, predictable, dated etc…Couldn’t handle the sugary rush and just paged through the last third of the book.
August 18, 2017
Cute story, Chase ends up helping Claudia deliver her baby when she goes into labor with no one around. Fast forward 9 months and she ends up interviewing with his company. Chase knows it is probably not a great idea to hire her but he does anyway.
Claudia was raised by a step father that did not love her and was afraid to ever enter a relationship as she didn't want her daughter raised that way. Chase was orphaned at 10 by a druggie mother and didn't think he was capable of loving anyone the way he saw his grandparents.
Situations keep arising to throw Chase and Claud together.
Claudia was raised by a step father that did not love her and was afraid to ever enter a relationship as she didn't want her daughter raised that way. Chase was orphaned at 10 by a druggie mother and didn't think he was capable of loving anyone the way he saw his grandparents.
Situations keep arising to throw Chase and Claud together.
October 21, 2023
blech
There's a formularic mediocrity saturating this story.
It reads like a netflix made for tv script.
I always look for the 1 star reviews first but there weren't any... too hard for anyone to care I reckon.
Tempering a scathing review thinking of an author reading it, I feel this one was lacking any real emotion.
In spite of opening in a graveyard and going straight to an unexpected delivery scene.
Did not get far, dry.
There's a formularic mediocrity saturating this story.
It reads like a netflix made for tv script.
I always look for the 1 star reviews first but there weren't any... too hard for anyone to care I reckon.
Tempering a scathing review thinking of an author reading it, I feel this one was lacking any real emotion.
In spite of opening in a graveyard and going straight to an unexpected delivery scene.
Did not get far, dry.
May 7, 2022
I liked this book and the characters in it, but I wanted more scenes where the main characters do things together. Also, Sarah wasn’t shown much, and I wanted to see how Chase and Claudia interacted with her.
There were some side characters, but they were in the background and didn’t really have personalities.
There were some side characters, but they were in the background and didn’t really have personalities.
February 25, 2022
Great book
A book about a girl who was a widower about to give birth and the man who helped her. Then getting a job with him and him falling in love with both the baby and her mom
A book about a girl who was a widower about to give birth and the man who helped her. Then getting a job with him and him falling in love with both the baby and her mom
June 7, 2018
Sweet and cute story, where he is just a grumpy loner but with so much love to give, i just liked it too much. highly recomended
April 4, 2022
Narrated in third person dual pov and a Standalone with No Cliffhanger.
I really liked the book and thoroughly enjoyed it but I would've preffered sone little more scenes between Sarah and Chase.
I really liked the book and thoroughly enjoyed it but I would've preffered sone little more scenes between Sarah and Chase.
May 29, 2023
It was good. But I found myself skimming most of the book & I can’t figure out why
February 25, 2013
Christina's BookReview
RECAP
When Claudia Warren is away from home visiting her deceased husband she gets the surprise of her life. As she suddenly goes into labor and is by herself she must depend on the help of one Chase Paxton.
Chase Paxton is angry at the world and a loner. When he suddenly runs into a very pregnant Claudia his life will never be the same. But when she disappears and he doesn't hear from her Chase reverts back to his shell.
Fate has other plans for these two. Will they meet up again? or will there stories change?
MY TAKE
This is my second Leslie Kelly book and although I wasn't thrilled with the first I looked forward to reading this one. This was a bit better but it was kind of as bland as the first.
Claudia and Chase meet under crazy circumstances and then go on to live their lives. Nine months later they meet again and the attraction they felt the first time around is still there.So its a story of boy/girl have complicated past, both overcome it and live happily ever after. You all know I love a HEA but I don't like the "easy" ones. So this book was just a bland read for me. I didn't have any connection with the characters so it made this a little difficult to finish.
The secondary characters in this one were actually good. I like Mel and Ryan and adored Chase's grandmother as well.
This was a sweet romance. If you want a quick cute romance then this book is good for you.
Happy Reading!
RECAP
When Claudia Warren is away from home visiting her deceased husband she gets the surprise of her life. As she suddenly goes into labor and is by herself she must depend on the help of one Chase Paxton.
Chase Paxton is angry at the world and a loner. When he suddenly runs into a very pregnant Claudia his life will never be the same. But when she disappears and he doesn't hear from her Chase reverts back to his shell.
Fate has other plans for these two. Will they meet up again? or will there stories change?
MY TAKE
This is my second Leslie Kelly book and although I wasn't thrilled with the first I looked forward to reading this one. This was a bit better but it was kind of as bland as the first.
Claudia and Chase meet under crazy circumstances and then go on to live their lives. Nine months later they meet again and the attraction they felt the first time around is still there.So its a story of boy/girl have complicated past, both overcome it and live happily ever after. You all know I love a HEA but I don't like the "easy" ones. So this book was just a bland read for me. I didn't have any connection with the characters so it made this a little difficult to finish.
The secondary characters in this one were actually good. I like Mel and Ryan and adored Chase's grandmother as well.
This was a sweet romance. If you want a quick cute romance then this book is good for you.
Happy Reading!
January 24, 2016
Well, as I already stated in my first update on this book, it kind of really predictable. The book starts of by telling the story of an eight-month pregnant lady, who goes into labor on a graveyard and is rescued by a man, who plans to bring her to the nearest hospital, but ends up bringing her into his house, because they won't make it to the hospital. When she gives birth he thinks about how beautiful she is, and from that very moment it was obvious to me that the two of them where going to end up together. The book was just there to tell in which way.
This book is predictable, but that is not a major negative point for me. Sometimes I just feel the urge to read something predictable and sweet, just to give myself a break. Because some books -and real life tends to do the same- break your heart and shake you all around because nothing ever goes as expected or planned. I like it that everything in this book is as smooth as can be.
I liked the bad-childhood characters. There wasn't much development in the characters themselves, but I feel I got to know them better, and they opened up to each other, which allowed to reader to understand these characters. In that way, they probably did develop themselves.
This book is predictable, but that is not a major negative point for me. Sometimes I just feel the urge to read something predictable and sweet, just to give myself a break. Because some books -and real life tends to do the same- break your heart and shake you all around because nothing ever goes as expected or planned. I like it that everything in this book is as smooth as can be.
I liked the bad-childhood characters. There wasn't much development in the characters themselves, but I feel I got to know them better, and they opened up to each other, which allowed to reader to understand these characters. In that way, they probably did develop themselves.
February 27, 2013
Claudia goes into labor while visiting her husband's grave. Chase, who stopped to visit his mother's grave, decides to drive her to the hospital. Realizing they won't make it in time, Chase takes her to his house (conveniently close by-where any good hero's house should be) to wait for the ambulance. Claudia ends up delivering baby Sarah in Chase's bed.
Fast forward 9 months. Claudia is moving closer to her only friends and has a job interview. To her surprise, the interviewer is Chase, the owner of the company. No one should be surprised that he hires her.
Both Chase and Claudia are surprised at the strength of their attraction to each other. Both are battling with childhood issues that make them deny their attraction. Both follow a fairly predictable path to love.
I was surprised by the ending. An ending that just didn't seem to fit the formulaic story. It actually felt too anti-climactic.
Fast forward 9 months. Claudia is moving closer to her only friends and has a job interview. To her surprise, the interviewer is Chase, the owner of the company. No one should be surprised that he hires her.
Both Chase and Claudia are surprised at the strength of their attraction to each other. Both are battling with childhood issues that make them deny their attraction. Both follow a fairly predictable path to love.
I was surprised by the ending. An ending that just didn't seem to fit the formulaic story. It actually felt too anti-climactic.
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