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The Playboy's Baby

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Out of print.

They can't forget the past, but is it enough to create a future?

When an accident leaves her guardian to her six-month-old niece, Emma Stanton must return to her small hometown of Hastings, Montana to find the one man she's spent the last eight years trying to forget. She and Dillon had grown up together--he was her sister's best friend. But that hadn't stopped him from sharing a kiss with Emma that had followed her through the years. Now, not only must she break the news of her sister's tragic death to Dillon, but she must risk the only family she has left and tell him he's the baby's father.

Wealthy nightclub owner Dillon James has been used for his name and money one too many times, so when he comes face-to-face with Emma Stanton and her gorgeous lips, he's determined to keep things light. All he wants is to be the father his daughter needs, to make up for not being there for her and her mother. But spending time with Emma, as she shows him the ropes of caring for his daughter, is wearing down his defenses. Perhaps it's time he took a chance on love.

If only he can convince Emma to take a chance on him...

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2012

2 people are currently reading
422 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Stewart

32 books286 followers
JM Stewart writes heartfelt contemporary romance. Whether the heat level is sizzling or sweet, her stories are always deeply emotional. Her heroes are strong but sensitive (no alpha jerks here!), and her heroines are more Cinderella than Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Recently transplanted, she now lives in a small town in Texas along with her husband, two sons and two very spoiled dogs. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and playing computer games. As a sensitive soul with a romantic heart, she believes in angels and hopes everyone finds their happily ever after.

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5 stars
27 (28%)
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32 (34%)
3 stars
25 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Marcus.
Author 68 books262 followers
September 2, 2012
I loved this book. I connected with Emma from the first page and could not wait for her to find her happily ever after!
Profile Image for Kristin (KC).
274 reviews25.2k followers
August 12, 2016
While I very much enjoyed the premise of this story, I felt its execution fell a little flat. It was well written and had a decent flow but the story itself felt a bit rushed and sort of uneventful. I was never able to fully connect with the characters, which was a shame because I really did like them. I just wish they were more fleshed-out and believable.

Emma comes back into town in search of Dillon, armed with jaw-dropping news: He is the father to her recently deceased sister's baby. Emma worries Dillon may try to get sole custody of the only family she has left, and Dillon worries that Emma won't take him seriously as a father because of his old 'playboy' ways. As these two try to work out a scenario in which they're both equally part of this baby's life, a romantic flame is sparked and eventually engulfs them. 

Although this story never fully grabbed me, I enjoyed its tenderness and the tasteful, yet very sexy love scenes. I would have liked to see more of a connection between the characters and the baby, but it was a very sweet book, regardless, with an adorable ending! 



Profile Image for Henry Le Nav.
195 reviews91 followers
August 4, 2012
Can erotic romance be wholesome? J. M. Stewart manages the feat with skill. She takes us on a tour of the interior lives of ordinary people caught up in a somewhat extraordinary drama. The plot is straight forward but Stewart's skill is in character development. One comes to know Stewart's characters like old friends and one finds themselves rooting for them.

It is a romance, so it has the obligatory beating hearts, spreading heat, and tingling spines, and the rise and fall of budding love, heartbreak, and doubt, but her characters are sufficiently developed as human beings to avoid the typical romance novel mannequins that exist only titillate each other. Like her previous book Staking His Claim Stewart has the uncanny ability to describe hot sex scenes in a language devoid of obscenity and vulgarity and yet avoids being vague or overly flowery. There is a wholesome quality to her love scenes, one does not feel like a voyeur reading them, and she captures what in my mind is the purpose of sex, to create a strong bond between woman and man. Excellent second book.


Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
March 18, 2013
Charnel's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 Stars

Sweet and spicy is what J.M. Stewart writes and it’s the perfect way to describe The Playboy’s Baby.

Dillon James and Emma Stanton have known each other since childhood; Dillon being Emma’s little sister’s best friend growing up. Emma comes back to town after eight years to drop the most unexpected news on Dillon. Emma’s sister, Janey, has recently passed and left Emma raising Janey’s daughter, Annie. A daughter that is also, unknown to Dillon belongs to him.

Dillon is not exactly a playboy like the title implies. Yes he’s wealthy and heart-stopping-ly good looking but he is a lot more than a handsome face. Dillon is a man that has been use for those superficial attributes and is tired of putting his heart on the line for women who don’t deserve him.

Throughout the book Emma has to come to the understanding that the nineteen-year-old, wild Dillon she hasn’t seen in eight years is not the same Dillon she’s dealing with now. The Dillon of now is the kind of man women look for to provide not only a good time but mainly stability; financial and emotional. Emma has big trust issues stemming from a past relationship but begins to have confidence in Dillon while watching him take care of his daughter and ultimately take care of Emma too.

There’s a couple times in the book where Emma leaves Annie with Dillon so she can return to work and home a few hours away. To deal with the loneliness, she has not really experienced since her sister died, Dillon talks Emma to sleep over the phone nightly. Those intimate conversations build the couple’s bond and lead to some very steamy parts of the book. Once the pair starts to open up things heat up fast between them, the love scene fit the book so well; I haven’t read sex scenes so full of love and understanding in a while. The way Dillon is there for Emma really made me fall for him.

The Playboy’s Baby is a great mixture of sugar and spice with a little conflict thrown in for flavor. A pleasurable afternoon read.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mae Clair.
Author 24 books565 followers
September 17, 2012
This was a breezy read filled with angst, conflict and romance. Emma Stanton has the daunting task of delivering tragic news to her sister’s childhood sweetheart, Dillon James. Although Dillon was romantically involved with Emma’s free-spirited sister, Janey, there was a lingering attraction between the two that bloomed with a long-ago kiss.

Dillon has moved on, becoming the town’s playboy and owner of a swank nightclub while Emma has carried that kiss in her heart for years. Forced to return to the town where she grew up and confront Dillon, she has to deliver the news Janey has died and he is the father of a baby girl. Her devotion to her infant niece and hidden attraction for him doesn’t help with all that turmoil.

Dillon is an appealing hero, a man who’s been scarred by women looking for money and a free ride, but who retains a good heart. He’s learned how to distance himself and not become involved, but that doesn’t stop him from bonding emotionally or wanting to be a father. It isn’t long before he’s enamored of both his daughter and Emma. Carrying scars of her own Emma is reluctant to give rein to her attraction, but the more time she spends with Dillon, the harder it is to resist him. He’s a caring father to his daughter and not quite the playboy she thought.

The romance in this was sweet and sensual, lovely and steamy. I found The Playboy’s Baby a delightful read from start to finish!
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 14 books83 followers
February 8, 2016
The Playboy’s Baby by J.M. Stewart – 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It had feel good factor throughout, even though there were some stressful moments for Emma. The story flowed beautifully and kept me reading on; in fact I read it straight through in one sitting. Dillon is very likeable, right from the start; even though impressions of his character may be misleading. The dilemma he faced was a bit predictable but J.M. Stewart took the reader very neatly along with Dillon as he faced up to his feelings. If you’re looking for a cosy afternoon read you’ll enjoy this one!

Profile Image for Incy Black.
Author 3 books74 followers
August 11, 2012
Written with a maturity and sensitivity which allows the relationship between Emma and Dillon to unfold convincingly without the need to resort to silly ploys. The characters are real, the storyline intrigues and the sex is hot with without being contrived. Accessible and moving Stewart doesn't demand an emotional investment but you give it anyway. Freely. An engrossing read worthy of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,309 reviews207 followers
September 29, 2012
THE PLAYBOY’S BABY by JM Stewart

THE PLAYBOY’S BABY is the July 31, 2012 release by author JM Stewart. A poignant tale that could very well be a reflection of many of today’s family dynamics, The Playboy’s Baby is a contemporary romance storyline that takes a look at one woman’s struggle to keep her family together after two tragic deaths in a matter of a few years.

30 year old Emma Stanton is a single mother and not by choice. Raising her sister Janey’s daughter Annie since the motorcycle accident that took Janey’s life one month earlier, Emma dreaded returning to her home town of Hastings Montana. Finding a letter written to Annie’s father, Emma knew that to return home and confront bad-boy Dillon James would force old memories to the surface. But Annie needed her father and Dillon was the man. And the animosity between Dillon and Emma would only add further hurt to a woman already in pain.

Dillon James lived the life of a care-free playboy. Descended from power and money, Dillon is a single 26year old night club owner surrounded by beautiful women and money skimming employees. But the sight of his childhood friend’s sister Emma, as she entered the bar, stirred up old desires he had long thought buried and gone. Dillon had always had a crush on Janey’s older sister Emma, but Emma had move away shortly after her mother died and it had been 8 years since he last saw the object of his dreams. But the message she brings to Dillon is both blessed and sad, when she reveals that he has a daughter that he knew nothing about.

The relationship between Emma and Dillon is tense. Thinking she will lose her niece and remaining family member to Dillon and his wealthy family, Emma is nervous and anxious about their intentions. Janey was never one of their favorite people, and with the unwelcome surprise of a grandchild, Emma must stay strong for the child she has grown to love as her own. And Dillon’s surprising acceptance of his daughter, aids Emma’s resolves when it comes time to leave Annie behind.

Dillon’s reputation as a badass and playboy had preceded him all of his life, but sometimes the façade is just that-a façade. Emma has always been under the mistaken belief that Dillon was Janey’s partner in crime, but Dillon reveals, that his relationship with Janey was strictly friendship and one of guardian and protector that had crossed the line until one night of need. And when he declares that he will never be relationship material, Emma knows that her growing love for Dillon will never be returned. And her past experiences will only add to her negative self-image when Dillon’s rejection forces her to take a stand and move on with her life.

There are many heartbreaking moments when Dillon’s actions negate his words. Tender and loving one moment, and then heart crushingly cold when he wants nothing but friendship the next day. But an empty bed is almost as painful as an empty heart, when the person with whom you have fallen in love, is a constant reminder of how alone you truly are.

THE PLAYBOY’S BABY is a heartwarming and sweet story of rejection and love. JM Stewart takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions that will give you the warm fuzzies one moment then leave you in tears the next. The sex scenes are sensual without the use of vulgar descriptive narrations and the character development is forthright and real. The Playboy’s Baby is a quick read for a lazy afternoon with a glass of wine and romance on the mind.

Copy supplied by author.

see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
December 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Coffee and cream. Popcorn and butter. Summer and swimming pools. Smiles and laughter. Now, you're probably wondering why I've stated the words above? Well, I'll tell you. Those are things that go well together. I've got another for you. Ready? A playboy and fatherhood. Surprised?

You wouldn't think a man that's considered a playboy, jumping around from woman to woman, never having a serious relationship, would be a good father, would you? The hero in The Playboy's Baby, Dillon, learns a few shocking secrets that will be changing his life. He's suddenly face to face with a woman from his past- Emma. Someone he'd never thought he'd see back in their hometown, but yet, there she was. The way Dillon handles this surprise completely amazed me. He took it well, doing everything he possibly can to make things right. He's got a lot of things to learn, though, as having a baby around isn't going to be easy. Most of the town thins he's a spoiled rich boy, but as readers go further into the story, we are allowed a peel back to Dillon's inner feelings, and he's not all that bad. In fact, he's pretty respectable and admirable.

Emma has had plenty of losses in her life. The only thing close to a family she has is her niece, so going to find Dillon wasn't the easiest thing for her, but she puts her niece first to make sure she has a father in her life. Dealing with the recent loss of her sister, the only other person that can understand the depth of that loss is Dillon. Two very different people that hold back are about to learn what it is to find true love, despite the ghosts from the past.

This story had all the right things for me. It was emotional, heartwarming, engaging, and well done. I read it in just a few hours! The author's voice is fresh and enjoyable, and I found myself emotionally attached to Emma and Dillon, rooting for them the whole way. I wanted their happily ever after to be wonderful, and it most definitely was. There are plenty of hurdles and conflict along the way, but that only makes the great ending more desirable.

If you're a fan of contemporary romances that offer a new chance at love for two people that have had their share of heartache, The Playboy's Baby awaits. Why not grab yourself a copy right away?
Profile Image for Dolce Amore .
103 reviews14 followers
October 4, 2012
Written For Confessions From Romaholics

Emma Stanton needs to see Dillon James and tell him about her sister’s death and the existence of his daughter. He was Janey’s best friend since he was seven and they used to get into trouble all the time, but she never told him that that night in Las Vegas left her pregnant. Now she was dead and Emma has come to tell him the sad news and beg him not to take little Annie from her.



Emma thought him a spoiled rich boy until eight years ago when her mother died and he was there for her. The attraction she felt then was nothing compared with the one she is feeling now for him.



Dillon had the biggest crush on Emma for years. Finding now that he has a daughter makes him want to be a good father for Annie. She is staying with him several days to show how to take care for Annie while she is working in the other town. Dillon needs Emma to live in the same town as him. Someone is stealing from his club and Emma is the only person he trusts. If he can convince her to work for him as an assistant at his club, it would fix his problems: he will have her here with Annie and will discover the thief.

(full review)
Profile Image for Alyssa Turner.
Author 31 books580 followers
September 20, 2012
The Playboy’s Baby was a really sweet story that was full of enriching detail and heart tugging emotion. The story flowed naturally starting from the first moment Dillon sees his old crush in the bar he runs. I think I fell for Dillon right then, loving his easy going way. He’s hiding a world of hurt under that veil of cool and for me that is a recipe for the perfect hero; damaged and in need of mending. When you have a heroine who is also hurting, you know the emotion is going to hit the high notes. Stewart does that perfectly, weaving pain and renewal into a feel good story about redemption and acceptance—redemption of past mistakes and acceptance of present truths and circumstances.

The love scenes were soft and a bit demure. Anything more would have been out of place for such a sweet story. I usually prefer spicier sex between the main characters, but I’m glad Emma didn’t suddenly become some kind of vixen out of nowhere. Stewart remained faithful to her characters throughout.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two and their journey to find happiness.
Profile Image for Ally Shields.
Author 19 books471 followers
October 26, 2012
Sweet and sexy romance! Dillon really steps up to his responsibilities when faced with a life-changing revelation. While I would have liked to see more of Dillon's playboy side to make the outcome less certain, this was an enjoyable read from a skilled writer. 4.5 stars. Recommended read!
Profile Image for Ally.Always.Reads.
761 reviews134 followers
October 3, 2015
It was a quick and easy read and extremely enjoyable. If I hadn't started it before I went to bed then I could have easily finished it in one sitting without even realizing it.
Profile Image for Seanang.
766 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2015
A nice easy read, I found it to be one of those books that you read between the heavier and angstier books.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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