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Millionaires of Manhattan #2
More Than He Expected
The Exception to the Rule
Playboy Alex Stanton likes his relationships short and without strings. But his fiery fling with Gwen Wright left him craving more. So when a holiday weekend getaway provides an opportunity for another taste of the tantalizing woman, he grabs it. Only, things have changed since their last encounter....
Besides being noticeably pregnant, Gwen insists she's sworn off men. As if the challenge weren't tempting enough, Gwen's enticing new curves have made the sexy spitfire even more appealing. But how can the footloose bachelor hang on to his heart when he can't stop longing for the soon-to-be mama?
Playboy Alex Stanton likes his relationships short and without strings. But his fiery fling with Gwen Wright left him craving more. So when a holiday weekend getaway provides an opportunity for another taste of the tantalizing woman, he grabs it. Only, things have changed since their last encounter....
Besides being noticeably pregnant, Gwen insists she's sworn off men. As if the challenge weren't tempting enough, Gwen's enticing new curves have made the sexy spitfire even more appealing. But how can the footloose bachelor hang on to his heart when he can't stop longing for the soon-to-be mama?
187 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 10, 2012
28 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Laurence
399 books211 followersAndrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her new husband and a golden retriever puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 21, 2020
Repulsive Alex the Hero is a man-whore Zero!!!!
There were a few things I liked about this book...and definitely things I did not. Please understand that I have a really serious trigger and I will explain. I don't like man-whores or playboys and our hero, Alex, is that in spades. He is intimate with so many women that he has a standing appointment for blood work every six months to check for STDs. He is never with anyone more than two or three weeks and he has a rule to never go back for seconds after he dumps them. He has been doing this for ten years and I was at my wit's end with him bringing up the subject about all the women he had been with.
His mother got pregnant on purpose to trap his father and their marriage has been a nightmare. His mother ended up blaming Alex for the failed marriage because he was the child that brought them together...even though she is the one who did the trapping. So Alex does not believe in love, marriage or children.
He meets Gwen because she is maid-honor to his best man in their friends' wedding. They decide to have a two-week fling with the typical no strings attached. Gwen wants one last fling before she goes man-free for the next year while she becomes a surrogate mother for a couple who cannot have children because of a devastating accident that killed their child in her seventh month of pregnancy. Gwen is always doing something to help others but this one begins to change her life. She had a rotten childhood as well and she doesn't much believe in love or marriage because of her mother. Now that she is carrying a child she is beginning to change her mind about what she wants as a future.
So the friends' whose wedding they were a part of is having a fourth of July week long get together at the beach. Both Alex and Gwen are invited and Alex is excited to think he can seduce her again and hook up over the week. He is quite taken aback when he first sees her and finds out she's pregnant. At first he thinks it's his and even though he acts relieved that it isn't his child, deep inside I think he was a bit saddened that it wasn't.
When Gwen comes to the realization that she loves him she decides to go ahead and leave the week-long Fourth of July Party because if he has told her once he has told her a hundred times that he will never be the staying kind. He is really troubled that she left and isn't aware quite yet that he loves her. But he thinks to himself that it will all be okay because he will go back to New York, get a new hair cut, buy a new suit and bed as many women as he can find.
MAN-WHORES: I can handle books when the man has either cleaned up his act before the story begins OR ceases seeing and or sleeping with anyone else once he has met the heroine, at the very least after he has been intimate with her. Now, I realize their fling was mutually no strings but he just jumps right back to his whoring ways, using that to get Gwen off his mind. It doesn't work because she is not erasable. So he is with her again (eight months later) and when she heads back to NY because he has said he won't be in any kind of relationship...he says he will go right back to picking up women, even mentioning it may just be two-women at a time...whatever it takes to get over Gwen. During all this time...eight months...Gwen has been with no one else and he is still making his rounds. That bothers me...a lot. Actually it sickens me. Is nothing sacred? He goes to a job site and talks to the young gal who is handling that part of his business. He tells her why he is upset...Gwen. And even then he is thinking he wished he could date this employee because he thought they could really have a good time or something to that affect.
So I have to say I did not like our Hero...at all. I certainly don't feel him to be a trustworthy man since he is still sleeping around till the end...or at least that is what I was lead to believe. I find it intolerable and if you have any aversion to this type of situation, skip this and move on to the next book in this series. He whores around throughout the whole book. It was not pleasant!
Barely made it through the first time so there is no way I would put myself through a re-read.
There were a few things I liked about this book...and definitely things I did not. Please understand that I have a really serious trigger and I will explain. I don't like man-whores or playboys and our hero, Alex, is that in spades. He is intimate with so many women that he has a standing appointment for blood work every six months to check for STDs. He is never with anyone more than two or three weeks and he has a rule to never go back for seconds after he dumps them. He has been doing this for ten years and I was at my wit's end with him bringing up the subject about all the women he had been with.
His mother got pregnant on purpose to trap his father and their marriage has been a nightmare. His mother ended up blaming Alex for the failed marriage because he was the child that brought them together...even though she is the one who did the trapping. So Alex does not believe in love, marriage or children.
He meets Gwen because she is maid-honor to his best man in their friends' wedding. They decide to have a two-week fling with the typical no strings attached. Gwen wants one last fling before she goes man-free for the next year while she becomes a surrogate mother for a couple who cannot have children because of a devastating accident that killed their child in her seventh month of pregnancy. Gwen is always doing something to help others but this one begins to change her life. She had a rotten childhood as well and she doesn't much believe in love or marriage because of her mother. Now that she is carrying a child she is beginning to change her mind about what she wants as a future.
So the friends' whose wedding they were a part of is having a fourth of July week long get together at the beach. Both Alex and Gwen are invited and Alex is excited to think he can seduce her again and hook up over the week. He is quite taken aback when he first sees her and finds out she's pregnant. At first he thinks it's his and even though he acts relieved that it isn't his child, deep inside I think he was a bit saddened that it wasn't.
When Gwen comes to the realization that she loves him she decides to go ahead and leave the week-long Fourth of July Party because if he has told her once he has told her a hundred times that he will never be the staying kind. He is really troubled that she left and isn't aware quite yet that he loves her. But he thinks to himself that it will all be okay because he will go back to New York, get a new hair cut, buy a new suit and bed as many women as he can find.
MAN-WHORES: I can handle books when the man has either cleaned up his act before the story begins OR ceases seeing and or sleeping with anyone else once he has met the heroine, at the very least after he has been intimate with her. Now, I realize their fling was mutually no strings but he just jumps right back to his whoring ways, using that to get Gwen off his mind. It doesn't work because she is not erasable. So he is with her again (eight months later) and when she heads back to NY because he has said he won't be in any kind of relationship...he says he will go right back to picking up women, even mentioning it may just be two-women at a time...whatever it takes to get over Gwen. During all this time...eight months...Gwen has been with no one else and he is still making his rounds. That bothers me...a lot. Actually it sickens me. Is nothing sacred? He goes to a job site and talks to the young gal who is handling that part of his business. He tells her why he is upset...Gwen. And even then he is thinking he wished he could date this employee because he thought they could really have a good time or something to that affect.
So I have to say I did not like our Hero...at all. I certainly don't feel him to be a trustworthy man since he is still sleeping around till the end...or at least that is what I was lead to believe. I find it intolerable and if you have any aversion to this type of situation, skip this and move on to the next book in this series. He whores around throughout the whole book. It was not pleasant!
Barely made it through the first time so there is no way I would put myself through a re-read.
June 4, 2012
Well one thing I will admit I liked about this book was that both the h/H hooked up eight months ago and knew it would be a fling and were fine with it. Both of them are non-believers in love, he because his parents got hitched because of him and are miserable and she because her mom spent a lifetime chasing after men.
They meet again after eight months and somehow the hero has been unable to get her out of his mind because she was one woman he didn't quite understand and he found the rest lack-luster, he is soon shocked to find that she doesn't want to pick up where they left off and is pregnant. It turns out that she is a surrogate (out of the goodness of her heart) and used him for a last hurrah before taking a year off men.
She hasn't had the best luck with men and accepts it is partially because she goes for the type who won't fall and that she herself keeps a part of her private in all facets of her life.
She thinks the baby won't affect her but it does and she starts changing gradually seeing the loneliness in her life. I so admire a strong heroine with self preservation instincts and she had those is spades and when she finds herself falling in deep with the hero, she cuts and runs.
We also see the hero fighting and still falling for her, does it take time to change a lifetime of thinking, yes it does but he chases after her and I loved seeing him scratch his head sometimes, like when he is disappointed to hear he is not the father, when he has vowed to himself he would never have a kid.
All in all these are the things that stood out for me and are making me give 4 stars. There are typical Desire elements in here but some good things as well.
They meet again after eight months and somehow the hero has been unable to get her out of his mind because she was one woman he didn't quite understand and he found the rest lack-luster, he is soon shocked to find that she doesn't want to pick up where they left off and is pregnant. It turns out that she is a surrogate (out of the goodness of her heart) and used him for a last hurrah before taking a year off men.
She hasn't had the best luck with men and accepts it is partially because she goes for the type who won't fall and that she herself keeps a part of her private in all facets of her life.
She thinks the baby won't affect her but it does and she starts changing gradually seeing the loneliness in her life. I so admire a strong heroine with self preservation instincts and she had those is spades and when she finds herself falling in deep with the hero, she cuts and runs.
We also see the hero fighting and still falling for her, does it take time to change a lifetime of thinking, yes it does but he chases after her and I loved seeing him scratch his head sometimes, like when he is disappointed to hear he is not the father, when he has vowed to himself he would never have a kid.
All in all these are the things that stood out for me and are making me give 4 stars. There are typical Desire elements in here but some good things as well.
June 13, 2012
Good book. Alex and Gwen enjoyed their two week fling and moved on. Neither one was interested in a relationship. Eight months later they met again at a friend's house. Alex wanted to pick up where they had left off, as he hadn't been able to forget her. He was surprised to find out that she was pregnant, but she assured him the baby wasn't his. She really wasn't interested in continuing, as she was trying to move on with her life. For both of them, the attraction was too strong and they gave in. Alex was commitment shy because of his past. His parents don't have a good marriage and it has caused him to believe that love doesn't really exist. Gwen wants to believe, but her mother is always on the hunt for a man and it has caused Gwen to be very wary of relationships. I loved seeing Alex and Gwen together and see their interactions. I thought it was terrific the way that Alex tried to take care of Gwen and do things for her, not realizing that he was doing it out of love, not lust. Alex's trip to New Orleans to meet with his project manager was great, and I loved her reactions to his problems.
July 1, 2012
MORE THAN HE EXPECTED by author Andrea Laurence is a July 2012 release by Harlequin Desire.
After having a wild fling with Gwen Wright with no strings attached, playboy Alex Stanton still remembered her. So when he had an opportunity eight months later to meet up with her, he went armed with flowers and wine. But he finds Gwen pregnant, is it his baby? Did Gwen keep a secret so big from him?
Then he finds all about Gwen's generosity. But he still is attracted to her and wants her with a passion. Will Gwen agree to another no strings attached fling with him now? After all she is soon to be a mum. And she realizes that she wants it all. A loving husband and a family. Would Alex come through for her?
MORE THAN HE EXPECTED is a sizzling, emotional and uplifting story. Andrea Laurence was a new to me author but she's going to my auto-buy list now. The premise was wonderful and story moved along very fast.
I loved this story and highly recommend it.
My rating 4.5 out of 5 stars.
June 8, 2014
The rules are, if you make me cry you get ALL the stars. I didn't think this one would do it for me. Alex is a serial man-whore and Gwen has had a number of previous relationships which she went into with an escape clause. She was never going to let her heart get engaged because in her experience men always leave.
Which made Alex a perfect fling at their best friends wedding. (Will and Adrienne from What Lies Beneath). Eight months later, Alex hasn't moved on and is looking for a final taster to get Gwen out of his system. Gwen is acting as surrogate for some people she met through her work as a nurse and is most definitely not up for another bite of the Alex apple.
Absolutely loved the first meeting with Gwen pregnant which we see through Alex's eyes with all his anticipation. This was a well told tale of two people who don't know what they want or need. Through Gwen's pregnancy, they are both brought to confront their own issues and what they want in life.
I really enjoyed reading this story including the bits that made my eyes leak. Once the emotions hit, they carried through right to the final conclusion.
Which made Alex a perfect fling at their best friends wedding. (Will and Adrienne from What Lies Beneath). Eight months later, Alex hasn't moved on and is looking for a final taster to get Gwen out of his system. Gwen is acting as surrogate for some people she met through her work as a nurse and is most definitely not up for another bite of the Alex apple.
Absolutely loved the first meeting with Gwen pregnant which we see through Alex's eyes with all his anticipation. This was a well told tale of two people who don't know what they want or need. Through Gwen's pregnancy, they are both brought to confront their own issues and what they want in life.
I really enjoyed reading this story including the bits that made my eyes leak. Once the emotions hit, they carried through right to the final conclusion.
July 3, 2016
Alex and Gwen spend a holiday together. When the holiday ends, they mutually go separate ways. Neither of them are in the market for a serious relationship. But the next time Alex sees her, she's pregnant and says she's taking a man break. The baby might not be Alex's baby, but he's seeing their future and it's making him reconsider his no relationship rule.
I could not get into this book. The characters were weak and the plot was non-existent. Predictability is expected in most romance novels. But they don't have to be boring. A writer can pull off weak characters if the plot is intricate and enthralling. A boring plot can be pulled off if the characters are engaging and entertaining. I tried, but just couldn't find any redemptive qualities in either. I hate to write bad reviews, because I know how much time and effort went into getting a book to production. But this book needs a bit more entertainment value before hitting the shelves.
I received this book free of charge from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.
I could not get into this book. The characters were weak and the plot was non-existent. Predictability is expected in most romance novels. But they don't have to be boring. A writer can pull off weak characters if the plot is intricate and enthralling. A boring plot can be pulled off if the characters are engaging and entertaining. I tried, but just couldn't find any redemptive qualities in either. I hate to write bad reviews, because I know how much time and effort went into getting a book to production. But this book needs a bit more entertainment value before hitting the shelves.
I received this book free of charge from Harlequin in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2013
I found this to be a sweet romance. Parts of it was funny. I really enjoyed all the characters.
Gwen meet Alex at her best friend’s wedding. After Adrienne, and Will’s marriage, Gwen, and Alex had a two week fling. Alex don’t do relationships, but he has thought of Gwen over the last several months. He is looking forward to seeing her again. 8 months later both Gwen, and Alex are both invited to spend the 4th of July with Will, and Adrienne, and a few other people. To say Alex was a bit shocked to see Gwen pregnant would be an understatement. I found that to be a funny, but sweet part of the book.
I found this story to have a slower pace than I am use to, but the story line itself was good, and entertaining.
Gwen meet Alex at her best friend’s wedding. After Adrienne, and Will’s marriage, Gwen, and Alex had a two week fling. Alex don’t do relationships, but he has thought of Gwen over the last several months. He is looking forward to seeing her again. 8 months later both Gwen, and Alex are both invited to spend the 4th of July with Will, and Adrienne, and a few other people. To say Alex was a bit shocked to see Gwen pregnant would be an understatement. I found that to be a funny, but sweet part of the book.
I found this story to have a slower pace than I am use to, but the story line itself was good, and entertaining.
October 9, 2012
I really liked this story. It was a lot different than the usual... we had an affair and now I'm expecting your baby themes.
Alex and Gwen meet during their best friends wedding. She is the maid of honor and he is the best man. They have a short and sweet affair that ends on a friendly basis. After eight months they meet again on vacation at their friend's house, but Gwen is pregnant and Alex thinks it his. To his shock the baby is not his or hers.
Gwen is very selfless to the point of ignoring her own needs. Alex is selfish, his way of thinking keep his affairs short and sweet. There are plenty of fish in the sea and no need to repeat the same twice. But Gwen left him wanting more. Neither wants more than a short affairs thanks to their parents and what they went through in their childhood's.
This is a story you have to read if you want to know how they get over their insecurities and how they find their HEA.
Alex and Gwen meet during their best friends wedding. She is the maid of honor and he is the best man. They have a short and sweet affair that ends on a friendly basis. After eight months they meet again on vacation at their friend's house, but Gwen is pregnant and Alex thinks it his. To his shock the baby is not his or hers.
Gwen is very selfless to the point of ignoring her own needs. Alex is selfish, his way of thinking keep his affairs short and sweet. There are plenty of fish in the sea and no need to repeat the same twice. But Gwen left him wanting more. Neither wants more than a short affairs thanks to their parents and what they went through in their childhood's.
This is a story you have to read if you want to know how they get over their insecurities and how they find their HEA.
August 2, 2012
Great story. I love baby stories. This baby story was different. That's why I liked it so much.
March 16, 2013
She ......
She is Gwen Wright. A nurse by profession, who generally falls in love with men who would eventually leave her. She preferred it that way. She had a troubled past with her mother always falling in love with the wrong guy and always blaming her after the break up.
Gwen did not want to end up like that. So, she had vowed never to be the one who would ruin her life for a man or spend her life pining for one. She worked the nights in a hospital and mostly slept it off in the daytime. This would leave her with friends, who could not get too nosy about her life.
This was till she decided to become a surrogate for Susan and Robert, who could not have kids of their own. Her this one unselfish act made her a very special person. Even when she faced with financial difficulties, she did not think about herself but only about ' Peanut'. ( As she lovingly called the baby)
But Adrienne, her best friend, was very worried about her and forced her to visit them at their home in San Harbor. Well in her 2nd trimester and tired if climbing the stairs of her flat, she decided to take up her offer all the while knowing that she would risk running into Alex.
He......
He is the playboy Alex Stanton., who did not believe in having term relationships. His excuse being he did not want to have a marriage like his parents. His father had done the honorable thing of marrying his mom after she became pregnant with him. Both were miserable. He never wanted to be caught like that in a relationship. So, whenever things got serious he would end it.
This was till he did not meet Gwen. She was the only reason he had come to Sag Harbor- to have another go at ' no commitment ' fling with Gwen. And then he saw the baby bump.
The Love Affair.....
Gwen and Alex had met at Adrienne and Will's wedding. Mutual attraction had flared and they ended up making love followed by two weeks of a torrid affair. It ended amicably with both of them not wanting to make a commitment or so they both thought. Eight months later they met again. But this time Alex found that Gwen was pregnant. Not with his child but she was a surrogate mom. The pregnancy - instead of making him want to run away made him want her more.
Gwen on the other hand found that her new found resolution of celibacy going awry the moment Alex made his intentions clear. But this time things had changed for her. She had fallen in love with him.
But could she expect Alex to ever fall in love too or would she like her mother end up alone- without her baby and without her love.
My Views...
The concept of surrogacy has been treated very gently. The pain of the mother who gives up the child vs the joy of the mother who receives the child has been brought out beautifully.
Gwen's character has been defined by this generosity of hers. Alecx depicted as a hardcore playboy shows in many instances as a caring and a loving person. In fact throughout the novel his actions are in total contrast to his persona which makes him a very lovable character.
A very good read on the whole and I would give 4/5 stars. The one star I am holding back because of the prude in me (snicker!!!) found the love scenes a bit too Ahem...... ( so ignore me and add your own fifth star )
http://rubinaramesh.blogspot.com/
She is Gwen Wright. A nurse by profession, who generally falls in love with men who would eventually leave her. She preferred it that way. She had a troubled past with her mother always falling in love with the wrong guy and always blaming her after the break up.
Gwen did not want to end up like that. So, she had vowed never to be the one who would ruin her life for a man or spend her life pining for one. She worked the nights in a hospital and mostly slept it off in the daytime. This would leave her with friends, who could not get too nosy about her life.
This was till she decided to become a surrogate for Susan and Robert, who could not have kids of their own. Her this one unselfish act made her a very special person. Even when she faced with financial difficulties, she did not think about herself but only about ' Peanut'. ( As she lovingly called the baby)
But Adrienne, her best friend, was very worried about her and forced her to visit them at their home in San Harbor. Well in her 2nd trimester and tired if climbing the stairs of her flat, she decided to take up her offer all the while knowing that she would risk running into Alex.
He......
He is the playboy Alex Stanton., who did not believe in having term relationships. His excuse being he did not want to have a marriage like his parents. His father had done the honorable thing of marrying his mom after she became pregnant with him. Both were miserable. He never wanted to be caught like that in a relationship. So, whenever things got serious he would end it.
This was till he did not meet Gwen. She was the only reason he had come to Sag Harbor- to have another go at ' no commitment ' fling with Gwen. And then he saw the baby bump.
The Love Affair.....
Gwen and Alex had met at Adrienne and Will's wedding. Mutual attraction had flared and they ended up making love followed by two weeks of a torrid affair. It ended amicably with both of them not wanting to make a commitment or so they both thought. Eight months later they met again. But this time Alex found that Gwen was pregnant. Not with his child but she was a surrogate mom. The pregnancy - instead of making him want to run away made him want her more.
Gwen on the other hand found that her new found resolution of celibacy going awry the moment Alex made his intentions clear. But this time things had changed for her. She had fallen in love with him.
But could she expect Alex to ever fall in love too or would she like her mother end up alone- without her baby and without her love.
My Views...
The concept of surrogacy has been treated very gently. The pain of the mother who gives up the child vs the joy of the mother who receives the child has been brought out beautifully.
Gwen's character has been defined by this generosity of hers. Alecx depicted as a hardcore playboy shows in many instances as a caring and a loving person. In fact throughout the novel his actions are in total contrast to his persona which makes him a very lovable character.
A very good read on the whole and I would give 4/5 stars. The one star I am holding back because of the prude in me (snicker!!!) found the love scenes a bit too Ahem...... ( so ignore me and add your own fifth star )
http://rubinaramesh.blogspot.com/
June 19, 2012
My Blog: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
'More Than He Expected' is an endearing love story!
This book picks up at Will and Adrienne’s wedding reception, right about where “What lies beneath’ by Andrea Laurence left off. Though this is a stand-alone book I will recommend reading WLB to better understand the secondary characters that are an essential part of this book.
Alex and Gwen met at Will and Adrienne’s wedding and embarked on a two week long mutually satisfying fling before they parted and went their separate ways. Now 8 months later they are both invited to spend the July 4th holiday at their friends retreat in the Hamptons; Alex hasn’t been able to forget about Gwen and is excited to pursue fling 2.0 so imagine his surprise when he finds Gwen is 5 months pregnant.
Alex and Gwen’s characters are beautifully written, Alex is not interested in marriage and relationship, never has been but he can’t seem to stay away from Gwen constantly worrying and caring about her health and safety.
You can sense Alex’s totally frazzled and confused feelings and emotions where Gwen is concerned. You will fall in love with Alex’s character. Not only does Alex surprise Gwen with a day at the spa but he actually hangs around at the Spa while she gets pampered, in my books that makes him a definite keeper.
‘More Than He expected’ is a beautifully written love story, without too much angst and melodrama between the main characters. This book exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a read.
'More Than He Expected' is an endearing love story!
This book picks up at Will and Adrienne’s wedding reception, right about where “What lies beneath’ by Andrea Laurence left off. Though this is a stand-alone book I will recommend reading WLB to better understand the secondary characters that are an essential part of this book.
Alex and Gwen met at Will and Adrienne’s wedding and embarked on a two week long mutually satisfying fling before they parted and went their separate ways. Now 8 months later they are both invited to spend the July 4th holiday at their friends retreat in the Hamptons; Alex hasn’t been able to forget about Gwen and is excited to pursue fling 2.0 so imagine his surprise when he finds Gwen is 5 months pregnant.
Alex and Gwen’s characters are beautifully written, Alex is not interested in marriage and relationship, never has been but he can’t seem to stay away from Gwen constantly worrying and caring about her health and safety.
You can sense Alex’s totally frazzled and confused feelings and emotions where Gwen is concerned. You will fall in love with Alex’s character. Not only does Alex surprise Gwen with a day at the spa but he actually hangs around at the Spa while she gets pampered, in my books that makes him a definite keeper.
‘More Than He expected’ is a beautifully written love story, without too much angst and melodrama between the main characters. This book exceeded my expectations and is definitely worth a read.
July 22, 2012
Hero and heroine get together and spend two weeks lying in each others arms. They say goodbye and meet eight months later when the heroine is pregnant. She is a surrogate and wanting to change her life. She has sworn off men until she can get married and have a baby of her own. When she runs into the hero again, they come together and both realize they are in love.
Decent and likable read, although not totally memorable. I have read better ones but this one wasn't horrible.
Decent and likable read, although not totally memorable. I have read better ones but this one wasn't horrible.
July 16, 2012
There are very few books that I connect with so emotionally, I find myself tearing up as I read toward the end. This is one of those books. I loved Gwen and Alex. I loved their struggle. I loved their passion and genuineness. I especially loved Gwen's selflessness. She felt very real and very natural to me, as did Alex. This story tugged at my heartstrings in a big way. I highly recommend it!
Want to read
March 31, 2013Oh, my goodness! I didn't realize it's about Alex Stanton, whose name I recognized after I read Undeniable Demands. He was mentioned few times there. Geez, I guess I should have this one, too!
September 8, 2017
Good story, although I must admit it took me some time to warm up to Alex. But he nicely redeemed himself by the end. Also, a very enjoyable series. Will definitely be reading more books by this author.
November 15, 2018
Gwen and Alex meet at their friends wedding. They spend great two weeks together after it and go back to their lives. They meet each other 8 months later. Alex discover that Gwen is pregnant, is the baby his? I loved this book, love the characters, visiting old ones.
December 27, 2024
¿Cómo explicar que me leí esta historia en un par de horas? I mean, el final fue a little bit rush y la historia, pues cheesy y un poco unbelievable, pero somehow me gustó. Pd: Mil disculpas el Spanglish, pero me salió así la reseña 😅.
July 30, 2018
I skimmed through.
May 11, 2025
Gli Harmony mi fanno ritornare all'adolescenza, a quando trafugavo di nascosto i libri di mia zia per leggerli di nascosto e quando ne trovo qualcuno mi piace ritornare a quegli anni.
March 20, 2016
Loved this one as well!! I have not read a book by Andrea Laurence that has not left me wanting more from her. All of her reads are great!! This story was more than I expected and made it that much sweeter for me while I was reading it.
Alex is from a very wealthy family and has enjoyed living the sort of lifestyle that lets him come and go without any attachments to a certain woman. He likes his variety that he gets to have and is always very careful to make sure he uses protection so that he will not get trapped into a relationship like his father did with his mother. Alex has not meet a woman that has made him to where he is sad when their time together comes to an end, except for Gwen. After a few weeks with Gwen when their Best Man and Maid of Honor commitments are done with and their best friends are on their honeymoon, Alex can't forget his time with Gwen.
Gwen is a young lady that is also fond of not being tied down to one certain person. She loved her time that she had with Alex after their friend's wedding, but also has a hard time putting Alex out of her mind. When Alex and Gwen are asked to join their newly married friends for some time away at the beach for the 4th of July, they both jump at the opportunity of what might be with their old fling. Not knowing how things have gone for each other since their two weeks together, Alex and Gwen are apprehensive to see each other again. When Alex shows up and goes to see Gwen, he is shocked to see that Gwen is very pregnant. Is this his child and she never told him?
Gwen is being a surrogate for a couple she meet at the hospital that she works at. Alex is sad and relieved all at the same time. His hopes had gotten up for all of a few seconds and he liked the way that it made him feel, but knowing that the baby is not his, he goes back to trying to figure out the whole situation that Gwen is in and where that leaves him.
This is such a sweet story and it made me super happy that Gwen was a surrogate in this story. Andrea Laurence did a very well job with this whole story and they way that the characters handled the whole surrogate situation. I love that Alex was not effected by the surrogacy at all. So glad that I had the chance to go back and read this one!! Great read!
Alex is from a very wealthy family and has enjoyed living the sort of lifestyle that lets him come and go without any attachments to a certain woman. He likes his variety that he gets to have and is always very careful to make sure he uses protection so that he will not get trapped into a relationship like his father did with his mother. Alex has not meet a woman that has made him to where he is sad when their time together comes to an end, except for Gwen. After a few weeks with Gwen when their Best Man and Maid of Honor commitments are done with and their best friends are on their honeymoon, Alex can't forget his time with Gwen.
Gwen is a young lady that is also fond of not being tied down to one certain person. She loved her time that she had with Alex after their friend's wedding, but also has a hard time putting Alex out of her mind. When Alex and Gwen are asked to join their newly married friends for some time away at the beach for the 4th of July, they both jump at the opportunity of what might be with their old fling. Not knowing how things have gone for each other since their two weeks together, Alex and Gwen are apprehensive to see each other again. When Alex shows up and goes to see Gwen, he is shocked to see that Gwen is very pregnant. Is this his child and she never told him?
Gwen is being a surrogate for a couple she meet at the hospital that she works at. Alex is sad and relieved all at the same time. His hopes had gotten up for all of a few seconds and he liked the way that it made him feel, but knowing that the baby is not his, he goes back to trying to figure out the whole situation that Gwen is in and where that leaves him.
This is such a sweet story and it made me super happy that Gwen was a surrogate in this story. Andrea Laurence did a very well job with this whole story and they way that the characters handled the whole surrogate situation. I love that Alex was not effected by the surrogacy at all. So glad that I had the chance to go back and read this one!! Great read!
March 24, 2016
When two people who don't believe in love have a fling, you just know something is going to happen!
Alex grew up in a wealthy family in which his mother trapped his dad into a miserable marriage. Gwen's dad ran off before she was born and her mother is still searching for love.
Alex and Gwen met through mutual friends and stood up with them at their wedding. The wedding night was the start of a two week, no- strings relationship. Now it's July and they're both joining their friends in the Hamptons for a week-long get-away. Alex secretly has plans to woo Gwen back to his bed for the week. Unlike his other dates, he can't get her out of his mind.
He sneaks to her room and is surprised she's pregnant and immediately thinks it's his but hopes it's not. Or does he?
Over the course of the week, both Gwen and Alex go through many changes emotionally. After a deep conversation on one of their last nights in town, Gwen realizes she wants a relationship and a family and that Alex Isn't the one to give it to her. She leaves a day early and goes home realizing she's in love with him. He heads home with plans to go back to his old life.
Both of them are miserable but too stubborn to give in.
While Alex is in New Orleans, running from his feelings on a job site, his project manager makes him realize he's in love. In the meantime, Gwen faces issues at home. As he is preparing to rush back to town after Gwen, Adrienne calls him about Gwen and the baby. He rushes to her bedside. They're able to talk and admit their feelings. He urges Gwen to move in with him temporarily or permanently if she's willing and presents her with an antique engagement ring.
This one really pulled at the emotions. Very well written, it just pulls you in to the flow. I definitely would recommend this one.
Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alex grew up in a wealthy family in which his mother trapped his dad into a miserable marriage. Gwen's dad ran off before she was born and her mother is still searching for love.
Alex and Gwen met through mutual friends and stood up with them at their wedding. The wedding night was the start of a two week, no- strings relationship. Now it's July and they're both joining their friends in the Hamptons for a week-long get-away. Alex secretly has plans to woo Gwen back to his bed for the week. Unlike his other dates, he can't get her out of his mind.
He sneaks to her room and is surprised she's pregnant and immediately thinks it's his but hopes it's not. Or does he?
Over the course of the week, both Gwen and Alex go through many changes emotionally. After a deep conversation on one of their last nights in town, Gwen realizes she wants a relationship and a family and that Alex Isn't the one to give it to her. She leaves a day early and goes home realizing she's in love with him. He heads home with plans to go back to his old life.
Both of them are miserable but too stubborn to give in.
While Alex is in New Orleans, running from his feelings on a job site, his project manager makes him realize he's in love. In the meantime, Gwen faces issues at home. As he is preparing to rush back to town after Gwen, Adrienne calls him about Gwen and the baby. He rushes to her bedside. They're able to talk and admit their feelings. He urges Gwen to move in with him temporarily or permanently if she's willing and presents her with an antique engagement ring.
This one really pulled at the emotions. Very well written, it just pulls you in to the flow. I definitely would recommend this one.
Please note I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
First off, Andrea Laurence book More Than He Expected is not a secret baby story. Darn; I love those types of story. Nope, it's more like Alex Stanton and Gwen Wright had a fling after Will and Adrienne's wedding. For those who have read What Lies Beneath would remember Will and Adrienne. Okay, back to Alex and Gwen. Anyway, they have a fling and basically Alex left and Gwen needed to filled the void of life. So, she opted to be a surrogate for a couple. Jump ahead almost eight months, Alex and Gwen reunite. Alex wants to jump her bones, while Gwen is a bit cautious. We know how this all works they ended up in bed together, of course one person changes the rules and needs to leave.
I liked this story for a couple of reasons: 1) We get see previous character from the first book (even though this is a standalone). 2) Gwen and Alex are very similar on their views on marriage and love. Other than that, I like the story cause it's a nice romance of two people want to live in the moment, but find that their views start to change. I love that Gwen goes through a huge emotional change and she's not going to let her upbringing effect her anymore. Alex on the other hand is a bit more stubborn and needs a little help to realize what he's going to miss.
Overall, More Than He Expected is a pretty good read. I would say that it's a lover reunite story, but that wouldn't be quite accurate since neither one of them thought their previous encounter counted as a relationship. I guess it's overcoming past upbringings to find happiness. So, if you are looking for something like this, you might give More Than He Expected a try.
First off, Andrea Laurence book More Than He Expected is not a secret baby story. Darn; I love those types of story. Nope, it's more like Alex Stanton and Gwen Wright had a fling after Will and Adrienne's wedding. For those who have read What Lies Beneath would remember Will and Adrienne. Okay, back to Alex and Gwen. Anyway, they have a fling and basically Alex left and Gwen needed to filled the void of life. So, she opted to be a surrogate for a couple. Jump ahead almost eight months, Alex and Gwen reunite. Alex wants to jump her bones, while Gwen is a bit cautious. We know how this all works they ended up in bed together, of course one person changes the rules and needs to leave.
I liked this story for a couple of reasons: 1) We get see previous character from the first book (even though this is a standalone). 2) Gwen and Alex are very similar on their views on marriage and love. Other than that, I like the story cause it's a nice romance of two people want to live in the moment, but find that their views start to change. I love that Gwen goes through a huge emotional change and she's not going to let her upbringing effect her anymore. Alex on the other hand is a bit more stubborn and needs a little help to realize what he's going to miss.
Overall, More Than He Expected is a pretty good read. I would say that it's a lover reunite story, but that wouldn't be quite accurate since neither one of them thought their previous encounter counted as a relationship. I guess it's overcoming past upbringings to find happiness. So, if you are looking for something like this, you might give More Than He Expected a try.
August 28, 2014
Once again I started this book by Andrea Laurence and I was unable to put it down till I reached the end. This is a beautiful love story about a millionaire and a nurse. Alexander Stanton is a commitment phobic who goes from one woman to the next, never settling down. Gwen is also a woman who does want to settle down so after their mutual friends wedding eight months ago they have a two week affair and then go their separate ways.
Present day both Alex and Gwen are invited to their friends holiday home with six other people for a weeks holiday to celebrate the 4th of July and this is the first time they have seen each other since their affair. Alex has never gone back to the same woman after ending a relationship but he is still drawn to Gwen which is a first for him so when he arrives at his friends home he seeks her out and asks her for another fling - only to find her pregnant!.
Gwen knows that Alex is going to be at the house with them all but thinks she will be safe from him, due to being pregnant and she has decided on a NO MAN rule while she is pregnant. However, Alex is very persuasive and this story is about beating the odds and finding true love and not being afraid to grab it.
I would definitely recommend this as one of my 'Must Reads', if you are after a lovely feel good romance.
Present day both Alex and Gwen are invited to their friends holiday home with six other people for a weeks holiday to celebrate the 4th of July and this is the first time they have seen each other since their affair. Alex has never gone back to the same woman after ending a relationship but he is still drawn to Gwen which is a first for him so when he arrives at his friends home he seeks her out and asks her for another fling - only to find her pregnant!.
Gwen knows that Alex is going to be at the house with them all but thinks she will be safe from him, due to being pregnant and she has decided on a NO MAN rule while she is pregnant. However, Alex is very persuasive and this story is about beating the odds and finding true love and not being afraid to grab it.
I would definitely recommend this as one of my 'Must Reads', if you are after a lovely feel good romance.
February 26, 2016
- My Description -
If Alex Stanton is a playboy, then Gwen Wright is a playgirl because that's they wanted to do.
They meet at a friends' wedding, Gwen being the maid of honor and Alex being the best man.
They decide, quite quickly at the WEDDING, to have a fling.
Yep, no strings attached. A booty call. Wham-bam, Thank you Ma'am.
Well, the fling turns into a two week thing.
She stays at his place, they go out, do the dirty, everything.
Then they go their separate ways.
Eight months go by.
It's nearing the 4th of July.
The newly wedded friends decide to have a party.
Who do they invite but Gwen and Alex?
One thing has changed though. Gwenie is pregnant **Gasp** but not with Alex's baby.
She's a surrogate for a couple who can't have children.
Alex sees her in a whole new light.
They both begin to fantasize about what it would be like if the baby WAS Alex's and they were actually a couple.
- My Review -
I liked this book a lot better than the last romance book I read. I really liked Gwen.
The one flaw I can't get over was the repetitive thoughts of both Alex and Gwen of I-can't-have-feelings-for-him/her, this-can-never-be schtick.
It got old. I just wanted to enjoy the story.
May 23, 2014
I really liked this story. It was a lot different than the usual... we had an affair and now I'm expecting your baby themes.Alex and Gwen meet during their best friends wedding. She is the maid of honor and he is the best man. They have a short and sweet affair that ends on a friendly basis. After eight months they meet again on vacation at their friend's house, but Gwen is pregnant and Alex thinks it his. To his shock the baby is not his or hers. Gwen is very selfless to the point of ignoring her own needs. Alex is selfish, his way of thinking keep his affairs short and sweet. There are plenty of fish in the sea and no need to repeat the same twice. But Gwen left him wanting more. Neither wants more than a short affairs thanks to their parents and what they went through in their childhood's. This is a story you have to read if you want to know how they get over their insecurities and how they find their HEA.
February 14, 2017
Me apaixonei hard por essa história!
Mocinho amorzinho, mocinha com uma gravidez... diferente... All the feels! <3
Mocinho amorzinho, mocinha com uma gravidez... diferente... All the feels! <3
December 17, 2015
Lustvoll, kurz - und völlig unverbindlich: so stellt sich der überzeugte Junggeselle Alex Stanton die ideale Beziehung vor. Und die süße, sexy Gwen, die er auf einer Hochzeit trifft, scheint die perfekte Frau dafür. Dumm nur, dass ausgerechnet Alex nach zwei Wochen voller Spaß und Sex noch nicht genug hat. Gwen geht ihm einfach nicht mehr aus dem Kopf. Eine weitere Woche mit ihr wird hoffentlich sein Verlangen für immer stillen! Doch als er sie schließlich wiedersieht, erwartet ihn eine schockierende Überraschung. Denn Gwens sanft gerundeter Babybauch ist unübersehbar!
Schnulze pur! Aber bei so einem Buch erwartet man ja nichts anderes. Einen schönen Nachmittag mit viel Liebe und Gefühlen, Klitsches.
Schnulze pur! Aber bei so einem Buch erwartet man ja nichts anderes. Einen schönen Nachmittag mit viel Liebe und Gefühlen, Klitsches.
November 20, 2022
This is kind of sad because I remember loving this book, and my initial rating from 2019 is Five Stars, but rereading it now... I'm a little disappointed with the writing. It was repetitive and that bored me to be honest.
As I said, it's bummer because I looked up and down to find this book again (I couldn't find it in my read books for some reason. Oh I know the reason, my eyes are expiring. They're not but you know what I mean). Some scenes were stuck in my head and I just couldn't wait to read them again. I was so excited.
I still enjoyed it, just not as much as I remember I did the first time. So those Five Stars should probably go down to Three. But I wouldn't mess with that. I want to remember my initial rating and the initial ~love~ I felt for this book.
As I said, it's bummer because I looked up and down to find this book again (I couldn't find it in my read books for some reason. Oh I know the reason, my eyes are expiring. They're not but you know what I mean). Some scenes were stuck in my head and I just couldn't wait to read them again. I was so excited.
I still enjoyed it, just not as much as I remember I did the first time. So those Five Stars should probably go down to Three. But I wouldn't mess with that. I want to remember my initial rating and the initial ~love~ I felt for this book.
February 24, 2016
Playboy Alex Stanton likes his relationships short and without strings. He never makes repeat appearances ... at least not until Gwen.
Gwen Wright was the maid-of-honor at his best friend's wedding a few months ago. She's a genuinely nice person who's a lot of fun and he really enjoyed the time they spent together. Now he's actually eager to see her again at another Will & Adrienne get-together ... but how will he react when he sees her pregnant belly?
Will these two "single and loving it" people decide they want more than a merry-go-round of temporary flings?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
Gwen Wright was the maid-of-honor at his best friend's wedding a few months ago. She's a genuinely nice person who's a lot of fun and he really enjoyed the time they spent together. Now he's actually eager to see her again at another Will & Adrienne get-together ... but how will he react when he sees her pregnant belly?
Will these two "single and loving it" people decide they want more than a merry-go-round of temporary flings?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
September 12, 2012
Alex and Gwen dance around a relationship that never quite gels until something happens to Gwen that scares Alex into questioning his own motives for pushing her away. There is an HEA for the couple that is satisfying. I enjoyed the book. It doesn’t require any heavy thought or commitment to the story to read, which is what we who read a lot of books sometimes need. Alex is rich and has it all. Gwen is a soft-hearted working girl. Not particularly realistic but sweet nevertheless.
Please see my complete review on Sept. 20, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review on Sept. 20, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
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