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Who's Your Daddy?
Everyone’s bringing baggage to this baby shower.
After her divorce, Carmen James is still trying to get back on her feet when fate pulls the rug out from under her. She’s pregnant—and she’s not sure who’s the father. Just one more thing for her impossible-to-please family to worry about. On the bright side, there are only two candidates: her best friend, Donovan, and Isaac. His boyfriend.
A little too much wine and the desire to comfort lead Donovan and Isaac to a night they both hope Carmen doesn’t regret. When she drops the bomb, though, Donovan’s plate, already crowded with a teenage son and a disapproving father, gets fuller. And Isaac, who’s still coming to terms with his bisexuality, wonders how he’ll handle fatherhood at forty.
Above all, both men worry that whatever the answer to the ultimate question—which of them got her pregnant—it will forever alter their longstanding friendship with Carmen. While they’re waiting for that answer, though, continuing their casual sexual relationship with her feels natural. But when emotions get involved, the cracks in their logic begin to drive Isaac, Don and Carmen apart just when they need each other the most.
Warning: This book contains three people in one hell of a pickle (anyone have any ice cream?), parents who suck at parenthood, parents-to-be who think they’ll suck at parenthood, a relationship-friendship-sexual-kind-of-thing that keeps getting more complicated, and a Chuck Norris joke.
After her divorce, Carmen James is still trying to get back on her feet when fate pulls the rug out from under her. She’s pregnant—and she’s not sure who’s the father. Just one more thing for her impossible-to-please family to worry about. On the bright side, there are only two candidates: her best friend, Donovan, and Isaac. His boyfriend.
A little too much wine and the desire to comfort lead Donovan and Isaac to a night they both hope Carmen doesn’t regret. When she drops the bomb, though, Donovan’s plate, already crowded with a teenage son and a disapproving father, gets fuller. And Isaac, who’s still coming to terms with his bisexuality, wonders how he’ll handle fatherhood at forty.
Above all, both men worry that whatever the answer to the ultimate question—which of them got her pregnant—it will forever alter their longstanding friendship with Carmen. While they’re waiting for that answer, though, continuing their casual sexual relationship with her feels natural. But when emotions get involved, the cracks in their logic begin to drive Isaac, Don and Carmen apart just when they need each other the most.
Warning: This book contains three people in one hell of a pickle (anyone have any ice cream?), parents who suck at parenthood, parents-to-be who think they’ll suck at parenthood, a relationship-friendship-sexual-kind-of-thing that keeps getting more complicated, and a Chuck Norris joke.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2012
42 people are currently reading
944 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 24, 2018
3.5 stars
Great, not really complicated storyline, easily solved conflicts, likeable though too perfect characters.
All in all, Who's Your Daddy? is a quite enjoyable read.
Great, not really complicated storyline, easily solved conflicts, likeable though too perfect characters.
All in all, Who's Your Daddy? is a quite enjoyable read.
September 24, 2018
This was... okay. Underwhelming, but okay. Well enough written, though containing a couple of spag issues, sort of a Disney-version of polyamory and pregnancy with some artificial drama thrown in. I did finish it though, hence the two stars.
Buuuuuuuuuuuut...
Upon getting herself knocked up by a one night stand with two gay men, our heroine asks herself:
"How the hell was I going to take care of a baby when I could barely afford to take care of myself?"
Well, the one obvious answer - abortion - doesn't come to her mind. In fact, she later states "abortion is of course out of the question". Well, whyever? It's not even so that all religious people are so rigourously against abortion. Quite a few of those had them. In her situation I'm astonished that she doesn't even contemplate the notion.
So then she tells the guys and arguments that she would like them becoming daddies and support the baby, but then goes on:
"I was actually kind of looking forward to getting back in the saddle. You know, even just getting laid once in a goddamned while."
WTF? I mean, she just was so stupid and got herself knocked up while "getting laid" and hasn't learned a bit by that? And what is it about people recently all wishing to get willy-nilly laid? Are we supposed to consider this particularly liberated or modern or balanced or what?
And she follows this up next with...
“We’re just friends with benefits until the baby gets here?”
What a load of crock. I can, tentatively, unterstand someone turning to such a relationship after a long time of being with no one, but in general I certainly side eye people who already proved to be incapable of taking care of themselves in sexual situations. Carmen has such a bad track record, that she doesn't endear herself to me with such statements. And treatment of these guys.
And then - after the first deed - they have "the talk" and just trust each other, without tests. I mean, good grief, people have been known to acquire STIs via other routes than sexual congress. It's not as if that never happened, or even happens only rarely. When taking up sexual relations with a specific high risk group, and gay men still are that to the day, then anyone halfway endowed with the right amount of marbles would want to see test results first. Especially when preggers.
I'm also a tad miffed by the presentation of poly. Everything was just too pat, came about too happenstance, without any compromises, without having to work at it and all the drama came from outside the threesome. Also, in most of the cases of poly I personally know, the love came before the sex. In fact, love is what qualifies polyamory.
ETA: Oh, and what seriously bugged me is that both gay/bi men were written as if it needed this super-fabulous, special woman to "turn them", and as described she almost became the most attractive member of the threesome. This is quite a derogatory and assumptive plot device and really not how poly takes place.
August 25, 2012
One of the better M/M/F books I have read.
Usually, the M/M/F books I read fall into one of three pitfalls for me:
The always gay/bi couple who suddenly decide they need a woman to "complete" them.
The one where everyone's having lots of sex, but while the M/F stuff gets every little detail, the M/M parts feel like an afterthought, with barely any on page detail.
And the one where the woman feels like an intrusion, and I spend most of the book wanting her to just go away, so I can read about the men.
This book fell into none of those holes. Isaac and Dom were an established couple, and they were secure and happy in who they were, with just themselves. Isaac had never been with a woman, and expressed an interest, so they thought about finding someone, but just for him to play with, they never planned to hunt someone down as a permanent third, someone to complete them, they knew they were already complete.
Ever sex scene was really well done- the men got just as much time and detail as the men and then woman.
And even though the woman just kinda fell in with them, she never felt like an intruder at all. I really did believe that they all fell in love with each other.
My only complaint is it skipped ahead at the end, and I really would have loved to have seen more to life once Carmen moved in. I wanted to see more of the pregnancy, and I wanted to see her interact with Dom's son more.
Usually, the M/M/F books I read fall into one of three pitfalls for me:
The always gay/bi couple who suddenly decide they need a woman to "complete" them.
The one where everyone's having lots of sex, but while the M/F stuff gets every little detail, the M/M parts feel like an afterthought, with barely any on page detail.
And the one where the woman feels like an intrusion, and I spend most of the book wanting her to just go away, so I can read about the men.
This book fell into none of those holes. Isaac and Dom were an established couple, and they were secure and happy in who they were, with just themselves. Isaac had never been with a woman, and expressed an interest, so they thought about finding someone, but just for him to play with, they never planned to hunt someone down as a permanent third, someone to complete them, they knew they were already complete.
Ever sex scene was really well done- the men got just as much time and detail as the men and then woman.
And even though the woman just kinda fell in with them, she never felt like an intruder at all. I really did believe that they all fell in love with each other.
My only complaint is it skipped ahead at the end, and I really would have loved to have seen more to life once Carmen moved in. I wanted to see more of the pregnancy, and I wanted to see her interact with Dom's son more.
August 9, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
WOW, seriously that is my first thought as I finish this book. I have so many emotions and thoughts running through my head, I’m just going to hope I can put some coherent sentences together to try and explain why this book is beyond awesome.
Who’s Your Daddy is by far one of the best ménage love stories I have read in a long time. What makes this book different and interesting is the fact that the author, Lauren Gallagher, tells the story from all three points of view. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the three characters, but they run together seamlessly and tell this wonderfully touching, erotic, and emotional story.
Carmen is newly divorced and struggling to make ends meet after paying her attorney’s fees. She’s temporarily living with her sister and dealing with her disapproving parents. When she discovers she’s pregnant she knows down to the day it happened but what she doesn’t know is if the father is her best friend Donovan or his boyfriend, Isaac.
Donovan is a fireman and the parent of a 16 year old boy from a high school affair. He’s been living with Isaac for some time in a committed relationship. His mother died when he was young and his father does not approve of his lifestyle at all.
Isaac is a marriage counselor and family therapist. He’s approaching 40 and it trying to come to terms with the fact that he’s bisexual not full out gay as he always believed. He has a wonderfully supportive mother and step-father.
These characters are so well written and because we see things from each of their points of view, we know exactly what each of them is thinking and feeling. We understand their fears, we feel their pain, share their happiness, and cope with their heart ache. There were so many poignant moments in this book and it’s because you can’t help but care about and love these characters. Their dialog was rich and flowed so well. I found myself unable to put this book down because I had to know what happens next and prayed that it would all work out.
As you can imagine with this type of a situation there was a period of shock followed by acceptance and then realization that this is truly something special. The sex scenes between the three of them were beyond explosive. Lauren paints such a vivid picture that I had no problems envisioning these three exploring each other at all. Not only do they enjoy each other together but there are times it’s just two of them and these scenes are no less satisfying. But this story goes way beyond sex, each of these characters deals with their feelings of becoming parents and their growing feelings towards each other in different ways. At times, I wondered if they would be able to pull it off. However, these three form a bond that I like to believe is unbreakable and can take on the world.
On Carmen’s wishes they decide not to do a DNA test until after the baby is born. Because Donovan and Isaac plan on both being involved either as a father or step-father, they both go into this arrangement accepting full responsibility for the baby. Watching these three sort through and work together to make the best of this situation is illuminating and at times gut wrenching.
I don’t want to give away any of the plot but I do want to mention that Donovan’s son plays a huge part in this story. While there were some very emotional scenes throughout this book, the scenes between Donovan and Ryan towards the end of the book had me sobbing.
Who’s Your Daddy is a story that makes you believe that love conquers all. These three people were thrown into a ridiculous situation that would tear most people apart or at least pointing fingers and laying blame. Instead, these three work together and put the baby’s needs above all others. They amaze me with their unwavering support of each other, their unselfishness, and their ability to assess each other’s needs and make sure they were met. I can honestly say that this book touched me very deeply and I know it’s one I will revisit often. Let me warn you, while this is a sexy ménage story it is not without emotion, you will feel and experience all sorts of emotions while reading this book. I am so invested in these characters that I finished it wishing for a sequel so I could see how they are handling parenthood and how their relationship is faring. I’ve read many books my Lauren Gallagher over the years, but in my opinion this is a defining moment in her career. You don’t want to miss it; buy it, read it, tweet about it, write reviews at Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads, because this book deserves any and all recognition it gets!
WOW, seriously that is my first thought as I finish this book. I have so many emotions and thoughts running through my head, I’m just going to hope I can put some coherent sentences together to try and explain why this book is beyond awesome.
Who’s Your Daddy is by far one of the best ménage love stories I have read in a long time. What makes this book different and interesting is the fact that the author, Lauren Gallagher, tells the story from all three points of view. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the three characters, but they run together seamlessly and tell this wonderfully touching, erotic, and emotional story.
Carmen is newly divorced and struggling to make ends meet after paying her attorney’s fees. She’s temporarily living with her sister and dealing with her disapproving parents. When she discovers she’s pregnant she knows down to the day it happened but what she doesn’t know is if the father is her best friend Donovan or his boyfriend, Isaac.
Donovan is a fireman and the parent of a 16 year old boy from a high school affair. He’s been living with Isaac for some time in a committed relationship. His mother died when he was young and his father does not approve of his lifestyle at all.
Isaac is a marriage counselor and family therapist. He’s approaching 40 and it trying to come to terms with the fact that he’s bisexual not full out gay as he always believed. He has a wonderfully supportive mother and step-father.
These characters are so well written and because we see things from each of their points of view, we know exactly what each of them is thinking and feeling. We understand their fears, we feel their pain, share their happiness, and cope with their heart ache. There were so many poignant moments in this book and it’s because you can’t help but care about and love these characters. Their dialog was rich and flowed so well. I found myself unable to put this book down because I had to know what happens next and prayed that it would all work out.
As you can imagine with this type of a situation there was a period of shock followed by acceptance and then realization that this is truly something special. The sex scenes between the three of them were beyond explosive. Lauren paints such a vivid picture that I had no problems envisioning these three exploring each other at all. Not only do they enjoy each other together but there are times it’s just two of them and these scenes are no less satisfying. But this story goes way beyond sex, each of these characters deals with their feelings of becoming parents and their growing feelings towards each other in different ways. At times, I wondered if they would be able to pull it off. However, these three form a bond that I like to believe is unbreakable and can take on the world.
On Carmen’s wishes they decide not to do a DNA test until after the baby is born. Because Donovan and Isaac plan on both being involved either as a father or step-father, they both go into this arrangement accepting full responsibility for the baby. Watching these three sort through and work together to make the best of this situation is illuminating and at times gut wrenching.
I don’t want to give away any of the plot but I do want to mention that Donovan’s son plays a huge part in this story. While there were some very emotional scenes throughout this book, the scenes between Donovan and Ryan towards the end of the book had me sobbing.
Who’s Your Daddy is a story that makes you believe that love conquers all. These three people were thrown into a ridiculous situation that would tear most people apart or at least pointing fingers and laying blame. Instead, these three work together and put the baby’s needs above all others. They amaze me with their unwavering support of each other, their unselfishness, and their ability to assess each other’s needs and make sure they were met. I can honestly say that this book touched me very deeply and I know it’s one I will revisit often. Let me warn you, while this is a sexy ménage story it is not without emotion, you will feel and experience all sorts of emotions while reading this book. I am so invested in these characters that I finished it wishing for a sequel so I could see how they are handling parenthood and how their relationship is faring. I’ve read many books my Lauren Gallagher over the years, but in my opinion this is a defining moment in her career. You don’t want to miss it; buy it, read it, tweet about it, write reviews at Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads, because this book deserves any and all recognition it gets!
July 18, 2016
I came to this backwards, having read The Best Laid Plans first. There's no direct relationship between these books, but I can't help feel that Best Laid Plans is a second go by the author to tackle an interesting scenario, that of a male/male couple taking on a female third where a pregnancy is involved.
Actually these are very different books, and while I thought the later release was much better than this one, this certainly covered some interesting ground. In terms of romance, even the characters kind of admit that their relationship was a fait accompli so by the time the book even starts the three of them are almost already there. What we get instead of romance and drama relating to romance is quite a lot of very erotic sex in just about every configuration you can imagine. Seriously, it's like very steamy lego.
So with nothing really up in the air regarding the central relationship the book does do some cool stuff with the teenage child of one of the men and the father/son relationship there. The father had a horrible upbringing and he's deeply scared of screwing up, and he's suddenly faced with having to do it all over again with the new pregnancy. The son is also deeply conflicted and acting out a bit with a preoccupied mother and an over-protective father and now it's all changing.
It's good. I like this author's approach to romance, exploring lots of non-traditional relationships, but not so much in an isolated bubble when it comes to family, friends, work and religion. But go read The Best Laid Plans, she's improved a lot since this one.
Actually these are very different books, and while I thought the later release was much better than this one, this certainly covered some interesting ground. In terms of romance, even the characters kind of admit that their relationship was a fait accompli so by the time the book even starts the three of them are almost already there. What we get instead of romance and drama relating to romance is quite a lot of very erotic sex in just about every configuration you can imagine. Seriously, it's like very steamy lego.
So with nothing really up in the air regarding the central relationship the book does do some cool stuff with the teenage child of one of the men and the father/son relationship there. The father had a horrible upbringing and he's deeply scared of screwing up, and he's suddenly faced with having to do it all over again with the new pregnancy. The son is also deeply conflicted and acting out a bit with a preoccupied mother and an over-protective father and now it's all changing.
It's good. I like this author's approach to romance, exploring lots of non-traditional relationships, but not so much in an isolated bubble when it comes to family, friends, work and religion. But go read The Best Laid Plans, she's improved a lot since this one.
August 15, 2012
What can I say? This book was awesome!!
First of all, it was my first real m/m encounter in a novel. I know tons of people are into that, and I've never dismissed it. Just never got around to trying anything before. It was so perfect, though. I adored Don and Isaac, they were truly wonderful characters throughout the entire story.
Carmen was a pretty fantastic character as well, however I don't feel like we got as much insight into who she really was as we did the guys. Usually, I would have knocked a star off for that, but not this time. There were great little pockets of information about her, and she was an awesome addition to the family they had going. Don and Ryan's relationship was so spot on, it reminded me of my own dad and brother back in the day. I felt for both of them, when usually I'd want the whiny kid to shut up.
The emotional confusion and turmoil that all these characters went through was just perfect. It wasn't over the top, and it wasn't pushed right through. It was so honest. Everything about this book was honest. I loved that.
Oh, and the sex? YESMOREPLEASE.
I just can't wait to read more from Lauren Gallagher!
First of all, it was my first real m/m encounter in a novel. I know tons of people are into that, and I've never dismissed it. Just never got around to trying anything before. It was so perfect, though. I adored Don and Isaac, they were truly wonderful characters throughout the entire story.
Carmen was a pretty fantastic character as well, however I don't feel like we got as much insight into who she really was as we did the guys. Usually, I would have knocked a star off for that, but not this time. There were great little pockets of information about her, and she was an awesome addition to the family they had going. Don and Ryan's relationship was so spot on, it reminded me of my own dad and brother back in the day. I felt for both of them, when usually I'd want the whiny kid to shut up.
The emotional confusion and turmoil that all these characters went through was just perfect. It wasn't over the top, and it wasn't pushed right through. It was so honest. Everything about this book was honest. I loved that.
Oh, and the sex? YESMOREPLEASE.
I just can't wait to read more from Lauren Gallagher!
February 12, 2013
I love Lauren Gallagher. Her books are always better then I expect them to be. This was no exception. The cover shows a group of very young looking characters, but in the actual story they were all older and more mature.
I liked the three of them, but Don was my favourite. Watching him struggle with his teenage son was touching and realistic.
The problem I had with this book was how easily they became three together. I bit more angst would have made it a bit more believable for me.
The epilogue was touching and sweet, and I was a bit sad that I got to the end as quickly as I did.
I liked the three of them, but Don was my favourite. Watching him struggle with his teenage son was touching and realistic.
The problem I had with this book was how easily they became three together. I bit more angst would have made it a bit more believable for me.
The epilogue was touching and sweet, and I was a bit sad that I got to the end as quickly as I did.
March 18, 2015
I loved this story. It felt very real. Unlike most menage books, it wasn't over the top or unrealistic. The ending feels a little incomplete, too open ended to be satisfying. I got really invested in the characters in this book and I cared about what happened to them, so I wasn't entirely happy with how the book was left. Which is why I knocked it down to 4 stars instead of the 5 it would have gotten with a better ending.
Overall one of the better MMF books I've read in a really long while.
Overall one of the better MMF books I've read in a really long while.
March 13, 2016
A friends to lovers story that was quite good. Carmen and long-time couple, Donovan and Isaac, have been friends and when recently divorced Carmen and the guys get uninhibited celebrating her divorce, an unplanned pregnancy ensues. I thought how the characters and their respective families handled the situation was pretty true to life. Donovan was a teen father whose teen son was causing typical teen-age angst and their back and forth was realistic.
The sexin' was pretty hot too.
The sexin' was pretty hot too.
September 16, 2018
When I attended Authors After Dark in New Orleans, I had the privilege to attend a Menage reading which Lauren Gallagher was reading this book from. Lauren also goes by L.A. Witt, depending on the genre the book falls in depends on which name she uses. When she read, she said right off what the scene was from and when she got to the part where Carmen tells Isaac she is pregnant, a woman at the reading screamed out "Oh, Fuck!" It was embarrassing for the woman, but for the rest of us, at least me, I got a kick out of seeing her reaction as she obviously didn't know what the story was about.
As I started this book, I was amazed to realize it was written in first person with each chapter changing who was the first person. If you have read my reviews, you know I am not a big fan of first person, but in this book it worked. The only issue I had was at times I forgot who was speaking in first person, especially between Isaac and Donovan.
Carmen has just finalized her divorce and what better way to celebrate than with her two best friends Donovan and Issac. Donovan and Isaac have been in a committed, gay relationship for sometime. Donovan is clearly bi-sexual, having a son from when he was a teenager as well as he dated both genders until he committed to Isaac. Isaac has only ever been with men, but he has talked to Donovan that he does desire women and in particular Carmen, but never does anything about it. So now Carmen is divorced, the three are celebrating and several bottles of wine later, the three are having unprotected sex together. The next morning is tense and Carmen pulls away from the men, uncomfortable.
Now several weeks later, the pregnancy test is positive. Carmen is pregnant and Don or Isaac is the dad. Carmen breaks the news to Isaac, who breaks the news to Donovan. Donovan already has a troubled teenage son and a disapproving father to deal with. Isaac is discovering his bi-sexuality. Carmen is financially broke from the divorce, living with her sister and has very disapproving parents. This all mixes up to cause these three lots of problems while coming to terms with becoming parents.
As I read the book, I was constantly hearing Lauren's voice after having heard her read at AAD. It was interesting imagining her voice inflections as I read. These three really did a stupid thing drinking and having unprotected sex and it bites them in the ass. All three wanted the baby, so it was a story of finding their way from friends to casual relationship, to eventually their hearts on the line. Outside forces also influenced the story. Don's dad wasn't supportive, nor was Carmen's parents. Isaac's took it in stride. Don's kid, Ryan, being sixteen wasn't very happy about it all and Don deals with a very serious problem with him. This wasn't a hearts and roses book. It was an honest look at what can happen and the true feelings people have when faced with these situation.
I loved the honesty of this ménage story from the standpoint we don't just fall into a relationship and everything lives happily ever after. They deal with the oh, crap, moments of we are pregnant. They fall into bed easily with a casual relationship, because heck, she was already pregnant, can't get her any more pregnant. Isaac just doesn't become bi-sexual overnight. He has some growth that isn't easy peasy especially when he loves Don and doesn't want to ruin that part of his life. Carmen doesn't just jump up and become super mom overnight. She still struggles with becoming a mom without the means to take care of herself and her child. Donovan struggles with the thought of being a father again after looking forward to being a free adult in a few short years. None of them shirk their duties, but they have real inner struggles that anyone would have in these situations.
Now this wasn't an all gloom and doom book. There were incredibly hot after getting pregnant love scenes. You see Don and Issac together, Carmen and Isaac, Carmen and Don. And of course all three together. But it isn't just sex. You see the depth of emotion all three have for each other. The love grows slowly and all three struggle on how to deal with not feeling like they are betraying each other.
The book ends with Carmen giving birth, and the men feeling the love, knowing one of them is the father but not the other. I am hoping this story gets a sequel because I would like to see where this goes after the baby comes...do they want more kids? How does Ryan deal with it? How the men deal with only one of them being the biological father while the other is a "stepdad"?
This was an awesome book that was sexy, funny, sad, heartbreaking, frustrating, erotic and loving all wrapped up in one story that rocked my world.
As I started this book, I was amazed to realize it was written in first person with each chapter changing who was the first person. If you have read my reviews, you know I am not a big fan of first person, but in this book it worked. The only issue I had was at times I forgot who was speaking in first person, especially between Isaac and Donovan.
Carmen has just finalized her divorce and what better way to celebrate than with her two best friends Donovan and Issac. Donovan and Isaac have been in a committed, gay relationship for sometime. Donovan is clearly bi-sexual, having a son from when he was a teenager as well as he dated both genders until he committed to Isaac. Isaac has only ever been with men, but he has talked to Donovan that he does desire women and in particular Carmen, but never does anything about it. So now Carmen is divorced, the three are celebrating and several bottles of wine later, the three are having unprotected sex together. The next morning is tense and Carmen pulls away from the men, uncomfortable.
Now several weeks later, the pregnancy test is positive. Carmen is pregnant and Don or Isaac is the dad. Carmen breaks the news to Isaac, who breaks the news to Donovan. Donovan already has a troubled teenage son and a disapproving father to deal with. Isaac is discovering his bi-sexuality. Carmen is financially broke from the divorce, living with her sister and has very disapproving parents. This all mixes up to cause these three lots of problems while coming to terms with becoming parents.
As I read the book, I was constantly hearing Lauren's voice after having heard her read at AAD. It was interesting imagining her voice inflections as I read. These three really did a stupid thing drinking and having unprotected sex and it bites them in the ass. All three wanted the baby, so it was a story of finding their way from friends to casual relationship, to eventually their hearts on the line. Outside forces also influenced the story. Don's dad wasn't supportive, nor was Carmen's parents. Isaac's took it in stride. Don's kid, Ryan, being sixteen wasn't very happy about it all and Don deals with a very serious problem with him. This wasn't a hearts and roses book. It was an honest look at what can happen and the true feelings people have when faced with these situation.
I loved the honesty of this ménage story from the standpoint we don't just fall into a relationship and everything lives happily ever after. They deal with the oh, crap, moments of we are pregnant. They fall into bed easily with a casual relationship, because heck, she was already pregnant, can't get her any more pregnant. Isaac just doesn't become bi-sexual overnight. He has some growth that isn't easy peasy especially when he loves Don and doesn't want to ruin that part of his life. Carmen doesn't just jump up and become super mom overnight. She still struggles with becoming a mom without the means to take care of herself and her child. Donovan struggles with the thought of being a father again after looking forward to being a free adult in a few short years. None of them shirk their duties, but they have real inner struggles that anyone would have in these situations.
Now this wasn't an all gloom and doom book. There were incredibly hot after getting pregnant love scenes. You see Don and Issac together, Carmen and Isaac, Carmen and Don. And of course all three together. But it isn't just sex. You see the depth of emotion all three have for each other. The love grows slowly and all three struggle on how to deal with not feeling like they are betraying each other.
The book ends with Carmen giving birth, and the men feeling the love, knowing one of them is the father but not the other. I am hoping this story gets a sequel because I would like to see where this goes after the baby comes...do they want more kids? How does Ryan deal with it? How the men deal with only one of them being the biological father while the other is a "stepdad"?
This was an awesome book that was sexy, funny, sad, heartbreaking, frustrating, erotic and loving all wrapped up in one story that rocked my world.
August 29, 2016
Meh.
Tons of internal monologue (from all 3 POVs in 1st person), with a small plot useful for justification of a lot of fucking, not making love, though apparently we're supposed to believe that this is realistic - especially for a 1st trimester, nauseated pregnant woman.
Would have been 2 stars, but I did like the epilogue, and a good (belated) parental conversation with the 16/17 year old teen unit.
Tons of internal monologue (from all 3 POVs in 1st person), with a small plot useful for justification of a lot of fucking, not making love, though apparently we're supposed to believe that this is realistic - especially for a 1st trimester, nauseated pregnant woman.
Would have been 2 stars, but I did like the epilogue, and a good (belated) parental conversation with the 16/17 year old teen unit.
August 17, 2012
I do so enjoy a Lauren Gallagher story. And I do love a good menage.
In this one, we have Carmen, who married a douche and the divorced him once she realized it. She's been really good friends with Donovan and Isaac for a while, who are in a committed relationship. Donovan is bisexual. Isaac is not. Or at least he didn't realize he was. He'd been talking with Donovan about his curiosity about sex with women. (This seems so opposite of most "kinda bi" guys... normally they're straight and bi-curious about men.) They had even talked about potentially finding a girl to mess around with them. But the night they celebrate Carmen's divorce, they have lots of wine and secrets are spilled and they all end up in bed together. Since Carmen had been married and the boys were in a committed relationship (and they were drunk), nobody thought about protection. And guess what? Oops.
But when Carmen tells them the news, the guys are dumbstruck, but ultimately happy. And hey, since Carmen can't really date anyone right now, and they've already been together, you know... maybe they could be friends with benefits.
So that seems to be working out fine, except that all three of them start feeling strongly, and none of them know how to handle it. Carmen can't imagine they'd make a place for her, and the boys think they're betraying each other. It's complicated. There's a lot of avoidance, ultimately some (unnaturally) calm discussions... I've never seen people act they way they do in this book. I mean there was conflict, but they were always able to talk it through without there being yelling. It was bizarre, lol! It was so rational, but you know normal people don't do that.
There was a sort of side story about how horrible Donovan's father and Carmen's parents are. And then there's Donovan's son, Ryan, who was born when Donovan was seventeen... so now he's sixteen and giving attitude and father and son just don't really know how to talk to each other, but Donovan is hell bent against being like his father. Which I give him a lot of credit for. Plus, this whole baby thing isn't going over so well with Ryan, because it feels to Ryan like a "do as I say, not as I do" thing.
Anyhoo... things all work out into a nice HEA. Of course there was sex... LOTS of it. At times, I wondered how it even fit the scene or mentality of the characters. But it was always hot. And sometimes extremely sweet. Ultimately, a good story.
In this one, we have Carmen, who married a douche and the divorced him once she realized it. She's been really good friends with Donovan and Isaac for a while, who are in a committed relationship. Donovan is bisexual. Isaac is not. Or at least he didn't realize he was. He'd been talking with Donovan about his curiosity about sex with women. (This seems so opposite of most "kinda bi" guys... normally they're straight and bi-curious about men.) They had even talked about potentially finding a girl to mess around with them. But the night they celebrate Carmen's divorce, they have lots of wine and secrets are spilled and they all end up in bed together. Since Carmen had been married and the boys were in a committed relationship (and they were drunk), nobody thought about protection. And guess what? Oops.
But when Carmen tells them the news, the guys are dumbstruck, but ultimately happy. And hey, since Carmen can't really date anyone right now, and they've already been together, you know... maybe they could be friends with benefits.
So that seems to be working out fine, except that all three of them start feeling strongly, and none of them know how to handle it. Carmen can't imagine they'd make a place for her, and the boys think they're betraying each other. It's complicated. There's a lot of avoidance, ultimately some (unnaturally) calm discussions... I've never seen people act they way they do in this book. I mean there was conflict, but they were always able to talk it through without there being yelling. It was bizarre, lol! It was so rational, but you know normal people don't do that.
There was a sort of side story about how horrible Donovan's father and Carmen's parents are. And then there's Donovan's son, Ryan, who was born when Donovan was seventeen... so now he's sixteen and giving attitude and father and son just don't really know how to talk to each other, but Donovan is hell bent against being like his father. Which I give him a lot of credit for. Plus, this whole baby thing isn't going over so well with Ryan, because it feels to Ryan like a "do as I say, not as I do" thing.
Anyhoo... things all work out into a nice HEA. Of course there was sex... LOTS of it. At times, I wondered how it even fit the scene or mentality of the characters. But it was always hot. And sometimes extremely sweet. Ultimately, a good story.
February 9, 2013
I really like this author because her stories are so substantial, not only lovey-dovey or just sex.
For example in this book she writes very intense about the Carmen's fears during the pregnancy, Don's fear to start again with a kid after he had already raised a boy till teenager age, Isaac realizing that despite he is a therapist, he can't do shit about their own problems.
And let's not forget that Don also has a teenage son living in house who brings his own share of problems.
Carmen is afraid to be left out and to break the guys up, the guys are afraid that each other will leave. And everything mixed with a lot ot threesome sex...very hot. And still.....it was so very well written, the woman a really good heroine, funny, snarky etc.....still I wanted her out of the picture. I just don't want to read f/m anymore ;)
No - seriously, this had been my test-trip back to books with heroines and despite Carmen is a good heroine...I'm back to pure m/m.
But that doesn't say anything negative about this book, it has more substance that a lot of f/m books, problems are adressed, solved, ignored and sometimes they just remain. You could have erased the sex scenes out of this book and it still would be a good one.
Well...and here we are. Let's face it, we are reading these books because of the sex, too. So of course Lauren Gallagher delivered, the sex is hot. Even the emotional conflicts following it like when Isaac and Carmen do it in his office without talking to Dom before and the feeling of guilt that at first accompanies that experience...well done.
I missed a twosome between Dom and Isaac in the beginning. I wanted to have these two together to get a feel for their relationshhip. At the beginning there is too much Carmen for me in the sex. I got their growing attraction and love for her but I couldn't feel their love for each other so much. That really bothered me - and is a reason for me to deduct a star.
Otherwise - a recommended read if you want an erotic m/f/m with a good story.
For example in this book she writes very intense about the Carmen's fears during the pregnancy, Don's fear to start again with a kid after he had already raised a boy till teenager age, Isaac realizing that despite he is a therapist, he can't do shit about their own problems.
And let's not forget that Don also has a teenage son living in house who brings his own share of problems.
Carmen is afraid to be left out and to break the guys up, the guys are afraid that each other will leave. And everything mixed with a lot ot threesome sex...very hot. And still.....it was so very well written, the woman a really good heroine, funny, snarky etc.....still I wanted her out of the picture. I just don't want to read f/m anymore ;)
No - seriously, this had been my test-trip back to books with heroines and despite Carmen is a good heroine...I'm back to pure m/m.
But that doesn't say anything negative about this book, it has more substance that a lot of f/m books, problems are adressed, solved, ignored and sometimes they just remain. You could have erased the sex scenes out of this book and it still would be a good one.
Well...and here we are. Let's face it, we are reading these books because of the sex, too. So of course Lauren Gallagher delivered, the sex is hot. Even the emotional conflicts following it like when Isaac and Carmen do it in his office without talking to Dom before and the feeling of guilt that at first accompanies that experience...well done.
I missed a twosome between Dom and Isaac in the beginning. I wanted to have these two together to get a feel for their relationshhip. At the beginning there is too much Carmen for me in the sex. I got their growing attraction and love for her but I couldn't feel their love for each other so much. That really bothered me - and is a reason for me to deduct a star.
Otherwise - a recommended read if you want an erotic m/f/m with a good story.
February 14, 2018
Ultimately drenched in sarcasm and sex, this baby (hah) is also overwritten.
Summing it a few GIFs because my, that is fun:
So, our heroine starts the tale in a pickle
By her two best friends, who happen to be gay, mostly. But this opens the door to guilt-free, condom-less sex. A lot of it, in fact.
And Because she's pregnant, she's like this:
I don't know. There was a lot of healthy communication, clarification of boundaries, and love all around. Everyone was in a relatively good place, or at least where they should be at the end.
I really shouldn't have read this, but maybe you'll enjoy it. I definately liked 'Rule of Three' better. I feel like this was way too idealized.
Read more (gif-less) reviews at auroralector.blogspot.com
Summing it a few GIFs because my, that is fun:
So, our heroine starts the tale in a pickle
By her two best friends, who happen to be gay, mostly. But this opens the door to guilt-free, condom-less sex. A lot of it, in fact.
And Because she's pregnant, she's like this:
I don't know. There was a lot of healthy communication, clarification of boundaries, and love all around. Everyone was in a relatively good place, or at least where they should be at the end.
I really shouldn't have read this, but maybe you'll enjoy it. I definately liked 'Rule of Three' better. I feel like this was way too idealized.
Read more (gif-less) reviews at auroralector.blogspot.com
April 29, 2018
Who’s Your Daddy? By Lauren Gallagher. I absolutely loved his story! Couldn’t put it down! Loved all three of the main characters. Loved that you got to know all three of the characters points of view. Carmen who has just finally got her divorce, her best friend Donovan and Issac Don’s long time partner. The story starts with a celebration of Carmen’s divorce add gets crazy from there.
I’ve now read several books by this author under this and another name and I can truly say she has become one of my favorites. I absolutely love the way she writes a story and her characters. Can’t wait to read more by her!
I’ve now read several books by this author under this and another name and I can truly say she has become one of my favorites. I absolutely love the way she writes a story and her characters. Can’t wait to read more by her!
November 11, 2012
This was more mellow than I was expecting. Don't get me wrong some pretty difficult issues were definitely dealt with (unexpected pregnancy, rebelling teen, ménage, new love and disapproving parents) but it was firmly in the realm of believability. Having all 3 sides telling their story helped keep the story well rounded.
I will say, that as much as I enjoyed the story, it did seem to be missing that undefinable emotion that makes you fall in love with the characters. Perhaps it was the narrative style???
In any case, very enjoyable and well written .
I will say, that as much as I enjoyed the story, it did seem to be missing that undefinable emotion that makes you fall in love with the characters. Perhaps it was the narrative style???
In any case, very enjoyable and well written .
November 18, 2016
It's not often I find a polyamorous romance that really comes together. This one does in spades. Real people dealing with real problems in a really awkward situation come together to support each other and on the way discover that the one thing they really want is each other. Add in some difficult parents, a teenager who doesn't know how to talk with his dad, and the really unexpected baby that starts it all.
November 8, 2012
I loved this book!
I didn't suspect the ending, and I loved that most of the conflict was internal. The three people and their dynamic was tense, the family issues believable (my parents would have been just as hard on me if I was in this situation) and the ending was touching.
I'll be reading more of Ms. Gallagher's work, and I suspect I will enjoy it all as well.
I didn't suspect the ending, and I loved that most of the conflict was internal. The three people and their dynamic was tense, the family issues believable (my parents would have been just as hard on me if I was in this situation) and the ending was touching.
I'll be reading more of Ms. Gallagher's work, and I suspect I will enjoy it all as well.
August 14, 2012
Loved this book. It covered all the emotions involved as well as looking at how it affected the rest of the families. It was not all happiness and light which drew me into the story even more. Loved it!
September 5, 2012
Thoroughly loved this so well written and the emotions and situation the leads find themselves in is dealt with in such an amazing manner. Might have even brought a tear to my eye toward the end. Not to mention the sex is fricking hot!!!
August 14, 2012
(I have to say, I was turned off by the title, but as it's a Samhain book I checked it out anyway, read the excerpt and clicked to buy.)
Hot, serious, realistic and emotionally satisfying.
Hot, serious, realistic and emotionally satisfying.
Read
October 8, 2012Love the three different POVs; works well to tell the story without repeating it.
March 10, 2013
I enjoyed this book and want to read more by this author. I wish she would have written more about the everyday life of them getting use to being a threesome.
March 23, 2018
Love comes in many different configurations and Carmen, Donovan and Isaac must figure out how their lives will change when faced with an unexpected consequence of a celebration that included way too much wine. Can Carmen reconcile all of her feelings about life, family and these two men and can Don and Isaac deal with their personal issues in order to provide what is so desperately needed.
April 9, 2022
Who’s Your Daddy? – Carmen, Isaac and Donovan have the surprise of their life when they realize that Carmen is expecting. Donovan is facing down unplanned fatherhood for the second time, and he is hoping to get his act together with his 16 year old before the new little one arrives. If they can figure out how to deal with their messy families, they might just find their HEA! Happy Reading!
August 11, 2021
3.5 stars
May 25, 2025
story line: ***
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ***
editing: *****
3.5
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ***
editing: *****
3.5
September 18, 2014
Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics
To see review at Confessions
One night of drinking has led to unexpected consequences. Sound like one of those category romances, right? Well, this book is far from it. Carmen James is celebrating the settlement of her divorce from Paul and partying with her best friend Donovan and his boyfriend Isaac when they drink too much and end up together in bed. Now the repercussions of that night have come apparent she pregnant and she does not know which of the two guys is the father.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg in Who’s Your Daddy, as we soon discover, as all the characters have emotional baggage and some of it has been with them for years. Carmen is broke and trying to rebuild her life. Her mother was furious when Carmen told her parents that she was getting a divorce, even though she dislikes Paul! The story opens with Carmen living with her sister in order to save money and pay her attorney’s fees. When she discovers she’s pregnant, she worries because she knows right down to the date when she conceived (with whom is the big question) and has to break the news to the two men she had a drunken tumble with. Together, they are forced to talk about the night that Carmen has been trying not to think about in the weeks since.
Donovan is a firefighter with a son from a teenage relationship when he was all of seventeen himself. It was only a few years after his son Ryan was born that Donovan discovered he was bisexual and has been in same-sex relationships ever since. Now he’s in a happy, committed relationship with Isaac and they have been living together for a while. Isaac is a marriage counsellor and family therapist and approaching 40 at the start of novel and is having a midlife crisis. He’s trying to come to terms with the idea that he’s not gay but bisexual. So when Carmen calls at his work he is worried. Their night coupling was an important one for him as he finally got to discover that he was indeed bisexual and experienced this epiphany with a woman he has liked and admired for a number of years.
I’ve outlined only the main issues for the three although there are lots of intersecting storylines happening at the same time which makes their forming relationship difficult. Donovan’s sixteen year old son Ryan is at a crossroads in his life and headed down a path of drinking, sex and drugs and it’s getting to a point of raising alarms with Donovan whose relationship with his son at the best of times is strained. In addition, the situation of Carmen’s pregnancy mirrors the teenager affair Donovan had which resulted in Ryan and Donovan doesn’t know how to break to the news to Ryan. Then there are the parents—Donovan’s dad was not happy the last time but supported them and Carmen’s parents have views and ideals at odds with their daughter and make their feelings known loud and clear.
The reaction of Carmen’s parents and Donovan’s dad exemplify what we’d expect of human nature in this novel; it’s a typical reaction because Carmen resolutely won’t take a DNA test and the three want to raise the baby together. The only shining light in this novel is Isaac’s stepmother and dad who are the only characters who wholly accept the three main characters from the start.
The author could have gone a number of ways to tell the story, but I love the approach she chose. She told it from the three main characters’ point of view. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the three main characters and it is done seamlessly and cleverly so it is not jumbled up narratives and hard to follow. It makes this story a standout. The book paints a vivid landscape of their journey and it’s a journey that many couples go through coping with an accidental pregnancy and is one issue that can’t just go away.
This is clearly going to be one of the best ménage books released this year and is highly likely one of the best of all times and I’m glad I had a chance to review this book as it is a very emotional, immersive read. It has its hilarious moments too, like Carmen’s sister’s reaction when she finds out that Carmen had sex with Donovan and Isaac and is pregnant as a result. Another favourite scene was the one where Isaac has a session with a client about swingers. I rate this a high Five couples and you do not want to miss this book. I echo the sentiment of another reviewer who said, “Buy it, read it, tweet about it, write reviews at Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads, because this book deserves any and all recognition it gets!”
To see review at Confessions
One night of drinking has led to unexpected consequences. Sound like one of those category romances, right? Well, this book is far from it. Carmen James is celebrating the settlement of her divorce from Paul and partying with her best friend Donovan and his boyfriend Isaac when they drink too much and end up together in bed. Now the repercussions of that night have come apparent she pregnant and she does not know which of the two guys is the father.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg in Who’s Your Daddy, as we soon discover, as all the characters have emotional baggage and some of it has been with them for years. Carmen is broke and trying to rebuild her life. Her mother was furious when Carmen told her parents that she was getting a divorce, even though she dislikes Paul! The story opens with Carmen living with her sister in order to save money and pay her attorney’s fees. When she discovers she’s pregnant, she worries because she knows right down to the date when she conceived (with whom is the big question) and has to break the news to the two men she had a drunken tumble with. Together, they are forced to talk about the night that Carmen has been trying not to think about in the weeks since.
Donovan is a firefighter with a son from a teenage relationship when he was all of seventeen himself. It was only a few years after his son Ryan was born that Donovan discovered he was bisexual and has been in same-sex relationships ever since. Now he’s in a happy, committed relationship with Isaac and they have been living together for a while. Isaac is a marriage counsellor and family therapist and approaching 40 at the start of novel and is having a midlife crisis. He’s trying to come to terms with the idea that he’s not gay but bisexual. So when Carmen calls at his work he is worried. Their night coupling was an important one for him as he finally got to discover that he was indeed bisexual and experienced this epiphany with a woman he has liked and admired for a number of years.
I’ve outlined only the main issues for the three although there are lots of intersecting storylines happening at the same time which makes their forming relationship difficult. Donovan’s sixteen year old son Ryan is at a crossroads in his life and headed down a path of drinking, sex and drugs and it’s getting to a point of raising alarms with Donovan whose relationship with his son at the best of times is strained. In addition, the situation of Carmen’s pregnancy mirrors the teenager affair Donovan had which resulted in Ryan and Donovan doesn’t know how to break to the news to Ryan. Then there are the parents—Donovan’s dad was not happy the last time but supported them and Carmen’s parents have views and ideals at odds with their daughter and make their feelings known loud and clear.
The reaction of Carmen’s parents and Donovan’s dad exemplify what we’d expect of human nature in this novel; it’s a typical reaction because Carmen resolutely won’t take a DNA test and the three want to raise the baby together. The only shining light in this novel is Isaac’s stepmother and dad who are the only characters who wholly accept the three main characters from the start.
The author could have gone a number of ways to tell the story, but I love the approach she chose. She told it from the three main characters’ point of view. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the three main characters and it is done seamlessly and cleverly so it is not jumbled up narratives and hard to follow. It makes this story a standout. The book paints a vivid landscape of their journey and it’s a journey that many couples go through coping with an accidental pregnancy and is one issue that can’t just go away.
This is clearly going to be one of the best ménage books released this year and is highly likely one of the best of all times and I’m glad I had a chance to review this book as it is a very emotional, immersive read. It has its hilarious moments too, like Carmen’s sister’s reaction when she finds out that Carmen had sex with Donovan and Isaac and is pregnant as a result. Another favourite scene was the one where Isaac has a session with a client about swingers. I rate this a high Five couples and you do not want to miss this book. I echo the sentiment of another reviewer who said, “Buy it, read it, tweet about it, write reviews at Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads, because this book deserves any and all recognition it gets!”
February 26, 2013
At Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
Who's Your Daddy (Baby!) Is a Very Pleasant Surprise
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
Who's Your Daddy?
By: Lauren Gallagher
Type: eBook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication Date: 08-07-2012
Length: Novel 290 pages
ISBN: 978-1-61921-161-2
Recieved by publisher via NECRWA for judging in a contest.
No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
MY TAKE
I have to say that the look on the cover didn't fill me with confidence about this book. There was just something too sly in the woman's expression. Shows how much I know.
This book was excellent. It was well-written and well-plotted. It had some of the best character development I have seen in erotica. Even though the story is told in three first person points of view the three characters are distinct and I could tell them apart easily.
What really got me, despite the kind of weird menage situation, was the sincerity and honesty that radiated from each page. I felt as if I could really feel what the characters were experiencing. I found myself thinking that this book was a real exploration of houw sex can have a very real, very lasting impact on your life. It can really derail you. One moment can make a difference for a lifetime.
Now, I haven't had a kid, nor do I hang out with kids much. But, the relationships between the trio, between Donovan and his son, between Donovan and his father and between Carmen and her parents are all so spot on that it made me feel there with them.
The struggle the trio encounters is possibly unlikely, maybe such situations exist. But it would be a tough to live openly as a polyandrous family in our society. And, in the book it's a tough decision to make. I really get where Carmen is coming from with her parents. Donovan with his son Ryan, well Donovan thinks he screwed up, but wow. Every kid should be so lucky to have that kind of father. Donovan trying to explain how he was careless about sex but that doesn't mean Ryan should be could be a page out of a parental guidebook.
Isaac, the guy who didn't know he was bisexual, well the way he describes falling in love is amazing.
And what Carmen goes through -- well her orgasms sound great but the situation she is in, of unplanned preganancy, is one faced by a lot of women. Her acceptance of it and ability to be open with herself and the guys is sincere, but probably the least real thing. I think there would be a lot more chest beating and hair rending.
I really liked this book; it's certainly one of the best things I have ever read out of Samhain, and probably one of the best books I have read this year. I was pretty stunned as I read it -- especially Donovan's chapters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
There's m/m, m/f and m/m/f. All in all though there's nothing too kinky that goes on. Gosh, how much erotica does one have to read to say that when reading menage!?
I think it was the honesty and sincerity the author managed to instill in the characters that has me gushing about how good this is. Highly recommend -- very hot and very honest. If you really, really like menage it's probably a must read. But the menage is secondary - it's the story and characters that really make it shine.
Who's Your Daddy (Baby!) Is a Very Pleasant Surprise
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
Who's Your Daddy?
By: Lauren Gallagher
Type: eBook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Publication Date: 08-07-2012
Length: Novel 290 pages
ISBN: 978-1-61921-161-2
Recieved by publisher via NECRWA for judging in a contest.
No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
After her divorce, Carmen James is still trying to get back on her feet when fate pulls the rug out from under her. She’s pregnant—and she’s not sure who’s the father. Just one more thing for her impossible-to-please family to worry about. On the bright side, there are only two candidates: her best friend, Donovan, and Isaac. His boyfriend.
A little too much wine and the desire to comfort lead Donovan and Isaac to a night they both hope Carmen doesn’t regret. When she drops the bomb, though, Donovan’s plate, already crowded with a teenage son and a disapproving father, gets fuller. And Isaac, who’s still coming to terms with his bisexuality, wonders how he’ll handle fatherhood at forty.
Above all, both men worry that whatever the answer to the ultimate question—which of them got her pregnant—it will forever alter their longstanding friendship with Carmen. While they’re waiting for that answer, though, continuing their casual sexual relationship with her feels natural. But when emotions get involved, the cracks in their logic begin to drive Isaac, Don and Carmen apart just when they need each other the most.
Samhain Publishing
MY TAKE
I have to say that the look on the cover didn't fill me with confidence about this book. There was just something too sly in the woman's expression. Shows how much I know.
This book was excellent. It was well-written and well-plotted. It had some of the best character development I have seen in erotica. Even though the story is told in three first person points of view the three characters are distinct and I could tell them apart easily.
What really got me, despite the kind of weird menage situation, was the sincerity and honesty that radiated from each page. I felt as if I could really feel what the characters were experiencing. I found myself thinking that this book was a real exploration of houw sex can have a very real, very lasting impact on your life. It can really derail you. One moment can make a difference for a lifetime.
Now, I haven't had a kid, nor do I hang out with kids much. But, the relationships between the trio, between Donovan and his son, between Donovan and his father and between Carmen and her parents are all so spot on that it made me feel there with them.
The struggle the trio encounters is possibly unlikely, maybe such situations exist. But it would be a tough to live openly as a polyandrous family in our society. And, in the book it's a tough decision to make. I really get where Carmen is coming from with her parents. Donovan with his son Ryan, well Donovan thinks he screwed up, but wow. Every kid should be so lucky to have that kind of father. Donovan trying to explain how he was careless about sex but that doesn't mean Ryan should be could be a page out of a parental guidebook.
Isaac, the guy who didn't know he was bisexual, well the way he describes falling in love is amazing.
And what Carmen goes through -- well her orgasms sound great but the situation she is in, of unplanned preganancy, is one faced by a lot of women. Her acceptance of it and ability to be open with herself and the guys is sincere, but probably the least real thing. I think there would be a lot more chest beating and hair rending.
I really liked this book; it's certainly one of the best things I have ever read out of Samhain, and probably one of the best books I have read this year. I was pretty stunned as I read it -- especially Donovan's chapters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
There's m/m, m/f and m/m/f. All in all though there's nothing too kinky that goes on. Gosh, how much erotica does one have to read to say that when reading menage!?
I think it was the honesty and sincerity the author managed to instill in the characters that has me gushing about how good this is. Highly recommend -- very hot and very honest. If you really, really like menage it's probably a must read. But the menage is secondary - it's the story and characters that really make it shine.
February 16, 2014
Reviewed by Crystal
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Who’s Your Daddy? is a book that deals with a lot of emotions and having a menage relationship.
I really wanted to read this book and was glad that I got the opportunity to read it. I thought I knew what the book was going to be about. As I started reading and got into the story my mind was changed.
I enjoyed watching Isaac come out of his shell. Even though he is a family counselor, he still doesn’t know how to deal with things when it comes to his own life. Isaac always thought he was gay. As he gets older and is in a committed relationship with Donovan. He starts thinking about having sex with a woman.
Donovan is bi-sexual and isn’t ashamed to admit it. The only problem he has is his dad. He doesn’t have a great relationship with his father. He was ok and supported Donovan when he became a teenage parent. When Donovan came out and told his dad about the rest he’s dad didn’t want anything to do with him.
Carmen has been friends with Donovan for years. It started when they started comparing parents. Carmen can’t seem to do anything to make her parents happy. When she gets a divorce then her parents get onto her even more.
When Carmen, Don, and Isaac come together for one hot passionate night with the help of a little too much wine. They find out that there are consequences to their actions. All three wonder what will happen to their friendship and to the relationship that two of them have.
I enjoyed seeing all three come together and make the best out of a crazy deal that fate dealt them. Donovan and Isaac are wonderful men that come together and decide that no matter who the father is that the child belongs to all three. They tell Carmen that they will both help her raise the baby and help out.
So in the book you deal with an ongoing cycle. The relationship that Donovan has with his father is the relationship that Donovan is having with his son Ryan. Donovan realizes that he needs to stop the cycle with his son. He wonders if maybe it is too late.
You deal with teenagers, drugs, alcohol, and having to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. You can see the strain that is put on all three of them. Dealing with telling their parents and taking up for each other. Finally Donovan stands up to his father and with Donovan’s help Carmen gets the strength to stand up to her parents.
With all the issues that you face in the book you wonder how they will make it work. You see how much love they all have and their willingness to try anything. You see each one change and become stronger. Everyone’s relationship grows stronger. When they have each other anything is possible.
This is the first book that I have read of Lauren Gallagher’s. She done a wonderful job of showing the feelings and emotions that everyone was going through. How society would judge them for the decisions that they made and how they will deal with them.
I hated to see the last page of the book. I got to thinking about how I would deal with this if it had happened to me. I also got to thinking how I would deal with this if I knew anyone that was going through it. Everyone is entitled to live their lives the way they want to. To be able to do it without being judged.
The only thing I didn’t like was I’m still wondering about about is who is the daddy? I loved the Chuck Norris joke. If you want to find out what I’m talking about and being able to read a book that makes you laugh and makes you hot with all the passion. You need to read this book.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Who’s Your Daddy? is a book that deals with a lot of emotions and having a menage relationship.
I really wanted to read this book and was glad that I got the opportunity to read it. I thought I knew what the book was going to be about. As I started reading and got into the story my mind was changed.
I enjoyed watching Isaac come out of his shell. Even though he is a family counselor, he still doesn’t know how to deal with things when it comes to his own life. Isaac always thought he was gay. As he gets older and is in a committed relationship with Donovan. He starts thinking about having sex with a woman.
Donovan is bi-sexual and isn’t ashamed to admit it. The only problem he has is his dad. He doesn’t have a great relationship with his father. He was ok and supported Donovan when he became a teenage parent. When Donovan came out and told his dad about the rest he’s dad didn’t want anything to do with him.
Carmen has been friends with Donovan for years. It started when they started comparing parents. Carmen can’t seem to do anything to make her parents happy. When she gets a divorce then her parents get onto her even more.
When Carmen, Don, and Isaac come together for one hot passionate night with the help of a little too much wine. They find out that there are consequences to their actions. All three wonder what will happen to their friendship and to the relationship that two of them have.
I enjoyed seeing all three come together and make the best out of a crazy deal that fate dealt them. Donovan and Isaac are wonderful men that come together and decide that no matter who the father is that the child belongs to all three. They tell Carmen that they will both help her raise the baby and help out.
So in the book you deal with an ongoing cycle. The relationship that Donovan has with his father is the relationship that Donovan is having with his son Ryan. Donovan realizes that he needs to stop the cycle with his son. He wonders if maybe it is too late.
You deal with teenagers, drugs, alcohol, and having to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. You can see the strain that is put on all three of them. Dealing with telling their parents and taking up for each other. Finally Donovan stands up to his father and with Donovan’s help Carmen gets the strength to stand up to her parents.
With all the issues that you face in the book you wonder how they will make it work. You see how much love they all have and their willingness to try anything. You see each one change and become stronger. Everyone’s relationship grows stronger. When they have each other anything is possible.
This is the first book that I have read of Lauren Gallagher’s. She done a wonderful job of showing the feelings and emotions that everyone was going through. How society would judge them for the decisions that they made and how they will deal with them.
I hated to see the last page of the book. I got to thinking about how I would deal with this if it had happened to me. I also got to thinking how I would deal with this if I knew anyone that was going through it. Everyone is entitled to live their lives the way they want to. To be able to do it without being judged.
The only thing I didn’t like was I’m still wondering about about is who is the daddy? I loved the Chuck Norris joke. If you want to find out what I’m talking about and being able to read a book that makes you laugh and makes you hot with all the passion. You need to read this book.
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