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Return to Redemption #4
No Exchanges, No Returns
Alternate Cover Edition of ISBN B009YLFHXG
A new twist on O. Henry's classic tale, The Gift of the Magi
There were never such devoted sisters...
Dr. David Lambert and his wife, Brianna, received the ultimate Christmas gift from her fraternal twin. They gratefully accepted it, of course, because everyone knows you can't return a baby like an itchy sweater. Yet, that's essentially what Brianna does when she has a meltdown and unexpectedly divorces David. She runs from their home in Redemption, Pennsylvania, and leaves their surrogate--her sister, Casey--pregnant with his little bundle.
When David chose her beautiful twin over her, Casey McIntyre hid her hurt behind a wall of sarcasm. Now that her sister has divorced her husband, it's increasingly difficult to remember why the hunky pediatrician is supposed to be off limits--especially since Brianna doesn't seem to want him or care if Casey and he get involved.
David always liked and admired his selfless ex-sister-in-law--despite that the sassy preschool teacher is always busting his chops. Consequently, after his wife bails on marriage and motherhood, it's only natural he turns to Casey for sympathy. Unfortunately, the exasperating pixie becomes more irresistible with each day she carries his child. He already mistook lust for love once and jumped way too fast into marriage. He's not about to botch up his life that way again.
Casey wants whatever happiness she can grab, whether it's temporary or not. The only problem is, if she lets herself love her baby (or David), what will happen to her when her sister inevitably realizes her mistake and returns to Redemption?
A new twist on O. Henry's classic tale, The Gift of the Magi
There were never such devoted sisters...
Dr. David Lambert and his wife, Brianna, received the ultimate Christmas gift from her fraternal twin. They gratefully accepted it, of course, because everyone knows you can't return a baby like an itchy sweater. Yet, that's essentially what Brianna does when she has a meltdown and unexpectedly divorces David. She runs from their home in Redemption, Pennsylvania, and leaves their surrogate--her sister, Casey--pregnant with his little bundle.
When David chose her beautiful twin over her, Casey McIntyre hid her hurt behind a wall of sarcasm. Now that her sister has divorced her husband, it's increasingly difficult to remember why the hunky pediatrician is supposed to be off limits--especially since Brianna doesn't seem to want him or care if Casey and he get involved.
David always liked and admired his selfless ex-sister-in-law--despite that the sassy preschool teacher is always busting his chops. Consequently, after his wife bails on marriage and motherhood, it's only natural he turns to Casey for sympathy. Unfortunately, the exasperating pixie becomes more irresistible with each day she carries his child. He already mistook lust for love once and jumped way too fast into marriage. He's not about to botch up his life that way again.
Casey wants whatever happiness she can grab, whether it's temporary or not. The only problem is, if she lets herself love her baby (or David), what will happen to her when her sister inevitably realizes her mistake and returns to Redemption?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2012
468 people are currently reading
1264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
July 21, 2015
I usually like the books this author churns out, but this one just was all wrong.
Like other reviewers I knew generally what this story was about and the concept didn't bother me. However after reading the story it was really contrived and not very genuine feeling.
At the beginning I think most people are rooting for Casey, which is normal given the circumstances, but Brianna stole the show. Brianna's story line was so much more heartfelt and genuine. Her relationship with Marc was so much more special to me as well.
Not to mention I found myself eager to get to her little sections.
I guess my problem with Casey and David was partly the dated jargon they used as if they were elderly or something. Not to mention David's whole excuse about Casey was just bullshit. If you are really drawn to someone, you don't go off and date then rapidly get married to her sister, and then later decide that you really loved Casey all along. It's not believable and doesn't make their relationship seem genuine. It makes him seem fickle and immature.
As soon as the author started giving David this inner monologue about his epiphany that he always wanted Casey and not really her sister to justify their relationship, it just went downhill and made their relationship a load of crap.
And I'm sorry but Casey is a damn doormat and not giving. Giving isn't letting people walk all over you.
Casey and David's relationship just did not work for me. I felt like the author made excuses for David because it was easy to have him pretend to like Casey all along.
Oh and can we take a moment to talk about everyone in Redemption being orphans!
There is the little girl that was orphaned, then so everyone has a perfect unrealistic ending, Brianna and Marc adopt his cousins kids because Him and his wife die. Not only that, Casey's mom died and David's brother died. I mean come on! It got ridiculous.
Like other reviewers I knew generally what this story was about and the concept didn't bother me. However after reading the story it was really contrived and not very genuine feeling.
At the beginning I think most people are rooting for Casey, which is normal given the circumstances, but Brianna stole the show. Brianna's story line was so much more heartfelt and genuine. Her relationship with Marc was so much more special to me as well.
Not to mention I found myself eager to get to her little sections.
I guess my problem with Casey and David was partly the dated jargon they used as if they were elderly or something. Not to mention David's whole excuse about Casey was just bullshit. If you are really drawn to someone, you don't go off and date then rapidly get married to her sister, and then later decide that you really loved Casey all along. It's not believable and doesn't make their relationship seem genuine. It makes him seem fickle and immature.
As soon as the author started giving David this inner monologue about his epiphany that he always wanted Casey and not really her sister to justify their relationship, it just went downhill and made their relationship a load of crap.
And I'm sorry but Casey is a damn doormat and not giving. Giving isn't letting people walk all over you.
Casey and David's relationship just did not work for me. I felt like the author made excuses for David because it was easy to have him pretend to like Casey all along.
Oh and can we take a moment to talk about everyone in Redemption being orphans!
There is the little girl that was orphaned, then so everyone has a perfect unrealistic ending, Brianna and Marc adopt his cousins kids because Him and his wife die. Not only that, Casey's mom died and David's brother died. I mean come on! It got ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2013
I knew going into it that this book's main character a man married to one sister who ended up with another. As a sister, this has always been a tough sell for me. It would NEVER be okay for any of my sisters to even date anyone that I had been with, or even had a crush on. I don't think that my family is that different either. I hoped I could get over the squick factor, but I didn't, not overall. Sharing a bed in the master bedroom that your sister used to sleep in didn't work for me. The book is well written and it was free for my Kindle, so those were the perks. If you can get past the incestuousness of it all, you might like it.
June 13, 2014
No Exchanges, No Returns by Laurie Kellogg is book 4 in the Redemption series. This is probably the best of the series.
David Lambert is a prominent pediatrician in Redemption. He is up for a promotion in the hospital which will mean prestige, more pay, and more hours working. The time he is gone from home is the only major complaint his wife, Brianna should have. He gives her whatever she wants. He built a mansion for her and gave her free reign to decorate it. The only thing he can’t give her is a child. Brianna was born without a uterus. He has offered adoption or even finding a surrogate.
Casey McIntyre is Brianna’s twin sister. She has given everything possible to her sister because of her barrenness and her severe asthma. Casey is a decorator and much loved in the community. She offers to be the surrogate for her sister. She is thrown for a loop when Brianna agrees with one stipulation; it has to be Casey’s egg! She doesn’t want to pass on any bad genes to the baby. Reluctantly, Casey agrees.
Now Casey is pregnant and now Brianna wants a divorce! She doesn’t love David the way he should be loved. This leaves Casey with a baby. David decides he wants to go through every step with Casey so when she has to find another place to stay, he offers his house. This way he can keep a close eye on her and the baby will have both a mother and father. Reluctantly, Casey agrees and in return, she will finish decorating his house.
Where is Brianna? She is not answering her phone. Will she come back and claim her place in the baby’s life? What no one knows is that Brianna has undergone surgery for a brain tumor. Will she return?
David Lambert is a prominent pediatrician in Redemption. He is up for a promotion in the hospital which will mean prestige, more pay, and more hours working. The time he is gone from home is the only major complaint his wife, Brianna should have. He gives her whatever she wants. He built a mansion for her and gave her free reign to decorate it. The only thing he can’t give her is a child. Brianna was born without a uterus. He has offered adoption or even finding a surrogate.
Casey McIntyre is Brianna’s twin sister. She has given everything possible to her sister because of her barrenness and her severe asthma. Casey is a decorator and much loved in the community. She offers to be the surrogate for her sister. She is thrown for a loop when Brianna agrees with one stipulation; it has to be Casey’s egg! She doesn’t want to pass on any bad genes to the baby. Reluctantly, Casey agrees.
Now Casey is pregnant and now Brianna wants a divorce! She doesn’t love David the way he should be loved. This leaves Casey with a baby. David decides he wants to go through every step with Casey so when she has to find another place to stay, he offers his house. This way he can keep a close eye on her and the baby will have both a mother and father. Reluctantly, Casey agrees and in return, she will finish decorating his house.
Where is Brianna? She is not answering her phone. Will she come back and claim her place in the baby’s life? What no one knows is that Brianna has undergone surgery for a brain tumor. Will she return?
August 28, 2018
For this reader there was a major ICK factor in this book that made it near impossible to enjoy.
Dr. meets the Plain twin and they begin dating. He happens to see the beautiful twin at a party he has accompanied Plain to and immediately dumps Plain for Beauty, quickly marrying.
Beauty and Dr. need a surrogate mother to carry their child. Guess who? Yep her twin, Plain....ICK FACTOR! Beauty leaves the Dr. and divorces him while Plain is pregnant...and Plain moves in with Dr. and is in his bed in no time...taking her sister's place? Clearly second best or am I delusional?! Or is this how it should have been from the beginning? You see, when Dr. saw Beauty he fell in lust thinking it was love! Are you grossed out yet?
Just a bit too much sharing (if you know what I mean) for me. I'm sorry but this book was not for me.
Dr. meets the Plain twin and they begin dating. He happens to see the beautiful twin at a party he has accompanied Plain to and immediately dumps Plain for Beauty, quickly marrying.
Beauty and Dr. need a surrogate mother to carry their child. Guess who? Yep her twin, Plain....ICK FACTOR! Beauty leaves the Dr. and divorces him while Plain is pregnant...and Plain moves in with Dr. and is in his bed in no time...taking her sister's place? Clearly second best or am I delusional?! Or is this how it should have been from the beginning? You see, when Dr. saw Beauty he fell in lust thinking it was love! Are you grossed out yet?
Just a bit too much sharing (if you know what I mean) for me. I'm sorry but this book was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
Concept was fine, the execution not so much. I really had difficulty swallowing how quickly every one moved on. Matter of months, I just don't get it. Particularly when you've witnessed their intimacy with someone else. We also had several side romances being played out with an hea for everyone. It really didn't sell the romance, the characters, the storyline. It all felt rather plastic. I took to skimming from about the 50% mark and I was still bored.
December 13, 2012
I definitely had to suspend reality a few times to make this book work for me, but overall, it was a nice read.
May 7, 2017
Soooo much going on! It takes sibling rivalry to a whole new level. Every single person in this book needs psychiatric help. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE.
March 14, 2017
Another 'late night/early morning' read, which annoyed me more than entertained me.
Highlighted passages:
* As one would expect, his dad was crazy about Brianna. Her inherent sensuality and sparkling personality caused every guy over the age of ten to flex his muscles and suck his gut in
WTF?? TEN YEAR OLDS?? What the hell is that about? That creeped me out to be honest.
Next: (the H is looking at his [pregnant] sister-in-law who is asleep on his sofa - and wearing a Tweety Pie t-shirt)
*She looked about twelve years old and sweet enough to push a diabetic into a sugar coma.
And THEN he gets an erection. (this is a guy who more or less seems to live with a hard-on.) It made for very uncomfortable reading.
And then we have this:
* His gaze dropped to her puffy lower lip that she'd been chomping on all afternoon.
No. Please. If that is meant to be endearing or sexy it doesn't work. Trust me.
Next: The 'breast-feeding shaming' scene.
*Reclining in the chaise lounge in the corner of the deck, Casey nursed Jamie. concealed by a pink receiving blanket.
This is not the first time I have read about women concealing their babies with a blanket while they are breastfeeding them IN THEIR OWN HOMES. What is the matter with people? Is breastfeeding something obscene? Something to be ashamed of? FFS!!! Get a life! I have sat in a café and seen a mother cuddling her baby and only later realise that she was breastfeeding. Any mother can do it with discretion, without anyone nothing and even if they do - what the hell is wrong with it? Authors are quite happy to write about 'lush breasts' and 'tight nipples' but when it comes to breastfeeding they run a mile.
Then: * He watched her slip a silky camisole over her nursing bra, and his throat swelled. Even wearing granny panties with a thick sanitary pad, the mother of his child looked sexy as hell.
(and of course he then gets yet another hard-on, which she relieves with a blow job.)
The epilogue was laughable to the extent that words failed me.
Highlighted passages:
* As one would expect, his dad was crazy about Brianna. Her inherent sensuality and sparkling personality caused every guy over the age of ten to flex his muscles and suck his gut in
WTF?? TEN YEAR OLDS?? What the hell is that about? That creeped me out to be honest.
Next: (the H is looking at his [pregnant] sister-in-law who is asleep on his sofa - and wearing a Tweety Pie t-shirt)
*She looked about twelve years old and sweet enough to push a diabetic into a sugar coma.
And THEN he gets an erection. (this is a guy who more or less seems to live with a hard-on.) It made for very uncomfortable reading.
And then we have this:
* His gaze dropped to her puffy lower lip that she'd been chomping on all afternoon.
No. Please. If that is meant to be endearing or sexy it doesn't work. Trust me.
Next: The 'breast-feeding shaming' scene.
*Reclining in the chaise lounge in the corner of the deck, Casey nursed Jamie. concealed by a pink receiving blanket.
This is not the first time I have read about women concealing their babies with a blanket while they are breastfeeding them IN THEIR OWN HOMES. What is the matter with people? Is breastfeeding something obscene? Something to be ashamed of? FFS!!! Get a life! I have sat in a café and seen a mother cuddling her baby and only later realise that she was breastfeeding. Any mother can do it with discretion, without anyone nothing and even if they do - what the hell is wrong with it? Authors are quite happy to write about 'lush breasts' and 'tight nipples' but when it comes to breastfeeding they run a mile.
Then: * He watched her slip a silky camisole over her nursing bra, and his throat swelled. Even wearing granny panties with a thick sanitary pad, the mother of his child looked sexy as hell.
(and of course he then gets yet another hard-on, which she relieves with a blow job.)
The epilogue was laughable to the extent that words failed me.
January 26, 2013
People make mistakes. No one is perfect, but most mistakes are because people don't reflect and think about how their actions are going to effect others.
So when Brianna and her husband David have her fraternal twin sister, Casey become their surrogate mother for their child because Bri can't have children, none of these people think about what those sacrifices and choices are going to do to all of them. So Casey's egg and Dr. David Lambert's sperm make a baby which is growing in Casey, when Bri leaves and divorces David. Bri has a lot on her plate when she finds out that her sister was in love with David before she even met him, at the same time that she finds out that she is dying of brain cancer. So Bri takes off and hides from her family and now ex-husband while dealing with her medical issues and falling in love with her cancer doctor Marc (fortunately he loves her too, otherwise what an awkward situation!). Miss Casey MacIntyre and David have the usual flirting around until the obvious happens. Lots of love going around during Casey's pregnancy with her BFF Andy (Andrea) falling in love with her OB/GYN doctor Paul who is also David's good friend. What a small world. So lots of love, babies and marriages.
I guess it's never too late to correct a mistake if you're strong enough to ask for help when you need it or to say you're sorry when you were wrong. Which is what fixes all the trauma in this story.
I'm not too sure how much the holiday season played into the plot other then it being the excuse to pull all the players in this story into the same room long enough to make mistakes with each other.
230 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
So when Brianna and her husband David have her fraternal twin sister, Casey become their surrogate mother for their child because Bri can't have children, none of these people think about what those sacrifices and choices are going to do to all of them. So Casey's egg and Dr. David Lambert's sperm make a baby which is growing in Casey, when Bri leaves and divorces David. Bri has a lot on her plate when she finds out that her sister was in love with David before she even met him, at the same time that she finds out that she is dying of brain cancer. So Bri takes off and hides from her family and now ex-husband while dealing with her medical issues and falling in love with her cancer doctor Marc (fortunately he loves her too, otherwise what an awkward situation!). Miss Casey MacIntyre and David have the usual flirting around until the obvious happens. Lots of love going around during Casey's pregnancy with her BFF Andy (Andrea) falling in love with her OB/GYN doctor Paul who is also David's good friend. What a small world. So lots of love, babies and marriages.
I guess it's never too late to correct a mistake if you're strong enough to ask for help when you need it or to say you're sorry when you were wrong. Which is what fixes all the trauma in this story.
I'm not too sure how much the holiday season played into the plot other then it being the excuse to pull all the players in this story into the same room long enough to make mistakes with each other.
230 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
August 4, 2015
Prominent pediatrician, David Lambert has given his beautiful wife, Brianna, everything she could ever want. He built her a mansion and given her free reign to decorate it however she wants. But he can't give her a child because she is barren and won't consider adoption.
Brianna's twin sister, Casey McInyre, has always helped her throughout their childhood because of Brianna's physical ailments. So when Brianna asks Casey to be her surrogate and use her eggs, Casey agrees.
Soon after Casey gets pregnant, Brianna leaves David and files for divorce. What's Casey going to do about the baby now? To make life even harder for her, she has to move out of her apartment. David asks Casey to move into his house which works out for both because it gives Casey a place to live and lets David keep an eye on her while she's pregnant with his child. Casey agrees to the move (she really has no choice) in exchange for finishing decorating his house.
No Exchanges, No Returns goes through Casey's pregnancy showing how she and David handle it along with Brianna's desertion. This story has a huge range of emotions, going through anger, grief and happiness.
While I found this a nice light story, both sister's lives were so similar I didn't find it as interesting as it could have been.
Brianna's twin sister, Casey McInyre, has always helped her throughout their childhood because of Brianna's physical ailments. So when Brianna asks Casey to be her surrogate and use her eggs, Casey agrees.
Soon after Casey gets pregnant, Brianna leaves David and files for divorce. What's Casey going to do about the baby now? To make life even harder for her, she has to move out of her apartment. David asks Casey to move into his house which works out for both because it gives Casey a place to live and lets David keep an eye on her while she's pregnant with his child. Casey agrees to the move (she really has no choice) in exchange for finishing decorating his house.
No Exchanges, No Returns goes through Casey's pregnancy showing how she and David handle it along with Brianna's desertion. This story has a huge range of emotions, going through anger, grief and happiness.
While I found this a nice light story, both sister's lives were so similar I didn't find it as interesting as it could have been.
July 24, 2014
THIS STORY LINE WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED, IT WAS . . .REALLY SOMETHING ELSE. KINDA SHOCKING WITH A LITTLE CREEPY UNDERTONE! THE SMALL TOWN OF REDEMPTION HAS SOME UNSUAL CHARACTERS I LOVED THEM ALL EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE QUIRKY. AT ABOUT 19% I ALMOST STOPPED READING STORY SEEMED TO BE HEADING IN A DEPRESSING MODE, GLAD I CONTINUED. THE STORY CENTERED ON TWO TWINS CASEY & BRIANNA, I LIKED HOW THE AUTHOR SWITCHED(POV)FROM ONE TO THE OTHERS LIFE. SOMETIMES FOR ME IF THIS ISN'T DONE RIGHT I HATE IT BUT MS. KELLOGG NAILED IT. BRAVO! THE DIALOG BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS WAS HILARIOUS AT TIMES, I LOVED IT, HAD ME LOL. THIS WAS MY FIRST TRIP TO REDEMPTION, I THINK I'LL BE BUYING A RETURN TICKET IN THE NEAR FUTURE. LOVED THAT BOOK COVER. ;D
December 11, 2012
This is my first book from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I just didnt love it the characters and storyline was really well told. Casey Brianna and David have this really weird triangle thing going on in the story. Brianna and David being married and unable to get pregnant so her fraternal twin, as selfless as Casey is, becomes their surrogate. To only have Bri take off and file a divorce. I totally understood but just couldn't connect with the characters on that level, that's gets me to love a book. I still couldn't put it down or not think about what would happen next. Solid 3 stars for me .
June 26, 2016
Kellogg's books are always wonderful, quick, heartfelt reads that one can plow through while only having to suspend reality a tiny bit. She's got a neat, witty style of writing that sucks you right in. I'll definitely be looking for more from her in the future! Especially if she adds more books to this series. :)
December 12, 2012
Fraternal twins couldn't be more different. Which one will Dr. Lambert choose, the one he married or the surrogate mother of his child? Add to that hot sex and deep soul searching makes this novel one not to be missed.
December 1, 2013
A lot going on with other characters (stories within the story), so not enough depth provided to the MCs and their story. A very light read. This could have been a very good read if more time had been devoted to the issues the H/h were facing.
July 28, 2015
Gifts
This is a amazing story. Two sisters who are incredible in their own ways. And how both selflessly give each other what the other didn't know they needed. Everyone in this story has nothing but love in there heart and mind.
This is a amazing story. Two sisters who are incredible in their own ways. And how both selflessly give each other what the other didn't know they needed. Everyone in this story has nothing but love in there heart and mind.
December 24, 2012
Two-haiku review:
She'll be surrogate
For her sister and husband
Then sis leaves them both
Misleading cover
Not Christmas story at all
Way too much drama
She'll be surrogate
For her sister and husband
Then sis leaves them both
Misleading cover
Not Christmas story at all
Way too much drama
April 18, 2013
A decent read, but the hero sleeping/marrying both sisters is too "eww" for me. I found the dialogue about it completely unrealistic.
July 22, 2015
4.5*
great book
great book
November 21, 2021
This is the worst one yet. WHY do I read them?!?
October 21, 2024
Easy read with a bit of spiciness thrown in.
April 10, 2020
There were a few things that were a little bit to far fetched but not a bad read.
There were a few errors with the editing like extra words added to sentences & words left out of sentences.
There were a few errors with the editing like extra words added to sentences & words left out of sentences.
January 7, 2017
Title: No Exchanges, No Returns - Return To Redemption Book 4
Author: Laurie Kellogg
Published: 10-1-2012
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
Pages: 238
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Women's Fiction; Family Life
ISBN: 13: 9781938618055
ASIN: B009YLFHXG
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I received a copy of "No Exchanges, No Returns" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description
There were never such devoted sisters…
Dr. David Lambert and his wife, Brianna, received the ultimate Christmas gift from her fraternal twin. They gratefully accepted it, of course, because everyone knows you can’t return a baby like an itchy sweater. Yet, that’s essentially what Brianna does when she has a meltdown and unexpectedly divorces David. She runs from their home in Redemption, Pennsylvania, and leaves their surrogate—her sister, Casey—pregnant with his little bundle.
When David chose her beautiful twin over her, Casey McIntyre hid her hurt behind a wall of sarcasm. Now that her sister has divorced her husband, it’s increasingly difficult to remember why the hunky pediatrician is supposed to be off limits—especially since Brianna doesn’t seem to want him or care if Casey and he get involved.
David always liked and admired his selfless ex-sister-in-law—despite that the sassy preschool teacher is always busting his chops. Consequently, after his wife bails on marriage and motherhood, it’s only natural he turns to Casey for sympathy. Unfortunately, the exasperating pixie becomes more irresistible with each day she carries his child. He already mistook lust for love once and jumped way too fast into marriage. He’s not about to botch up his life that way again.
Casey wants whatever happiness she can grab, whether it’s temporary or not. The only problem is, if she lets herself love her baby (or David), what will happen to her when her sister inevitably realizes her mistake and returns to Redemption?
My review of "No Exchanges, No Returns"
Filled with wonderful characters that bring the story to life. They will make you laugh and cry as you read the well laid out plot. You will feel the pain and leeriness of David and Casey. Even Brianne will have your sympathy. With well written scenes and a fast moving story line readers will enjoy this romantic tale from beginning to end. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YLFHXG/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-ex...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Laurie Kellogg
Published: 10-1-2012
Publisher: Aspendawn Books
Pages: 238
Genre: Romance
Sub Genre: Women's Fiction; Family Life
ISBN: 13: 9781938618055
ASIN: B009YLFHXG
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I received a copy of "No Exchanges, No Returns" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description
There were never such devoted sisters…
Dr. David Lambert and his wife, Brianna, received the ultimate Christmas gift from her fraternal twin. They gratefully accepted it, of course, because everyone knows you can’t return a baby like an itchy sweater. Yet, that’s essentially what Brianna does when she has a meltdown and unexpectedly divorces David. She runs from their home in Redemption, Pennsylvania, and leaves their surrogate—her sister, Casey—pregnant with his little bundle.
When David chose her beautiful twin over her, Casey McIntyre hid her hurt behind a wall of sarcasm. Now that her sister has divorced her husband, it’s increasingly difficult to remember why the hunky pediatrician is supposed to be off limits—especially since Brianna doesn’t seem to want him or care if Casey and he get involved.
David always liked and admired his selfless ex-sister-in-law—despite that the sassy preschool teacher is always busting his chops. Consequently, after his wife bails on marriage and motherhood, it’s only natural he turns to Casey for sympathy. Unfortunately, the exasperating pixie becomes more irresistible with each day she carries his child. He already mistook lust for love once and jumped way too fast into marriage. He’s not about to botch up his life that way again.
Casey wants whatever happiness she can grab, whether it’s temporary or not. The only problem is, if she lets herself love her baby (or David), what will happen to her when her sister inevitably realizes her mistake and returns to Redemption?
My review of "No Exchanges, No Returns"
Filled with wonderful characters that bring the story to life. They will make you laugh and cry as you read the well laid out plot. You will feel the pain and leeriness of David and Casey. Even Brianne will have your sympathy. With well written scenes and a fast moving story line readers will enjoy this romantic tale from beginning to end. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YLFHXG/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-ex...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
September 6, 2014
A new twist on the Gift of the Magi by O Henry. It has a good storyline and some really twisted relationships. To the point that it was sometimes on the bizarre side. The ending seemed abrupt to me, but the epilogue helped. There were times when things were just too neatly resolved.
So, Brianna and David are married. They've got a perfect life and marriage. He is a prominent pediatrician with way more money than he knows what to do with so he spends it on trying to fulfill every wish of those he loves. He doesn't see that sometimes what he does to fulfill one wish creates heartache for another. That's pretty much what happens when Casey, Brianna's twin, agrees to become the surrogate for her twin who is unable to conceive. David and Brianna's dearest wish is to have a child. They've talked about adoption, but Brianna is convinced that David should have a biological child of his own and there's an easy way to get that done. After all, Casey has always done whatever is needed for Brianna.
Well, about four months into the pregnancy Brianna decides that she wants out. It was all a BIG mistake. She suddenly realizes just how selfish she's been and what she's done to her sister. Sort of. She is convinced that David and Casey are the ones really meant for each other. She and David rushed through the stages of a relationship way too fast and that was maybe in part because she subconsciously knew that Casey had a crush on David before Brianna even met him. Brianna had sabotaged any relationship they may have had by moving in before Casey had a chance. Brianna has her reasons (and there's more than one) for baling on the marriage and motherhood, but they all seem selfish in the end. Brianna can never seem to get over herself.
So, Brianna and David are married. They've got a perfect life and marriage. He is a prominent pediatrician with way more money than he knows what to do with so he spends it on trying to fulfill every wish of those he loves. He doesn't see that sometimes what he does to fulfill one wish creates heartache for another. That's pretty much what happens when Casey, Brianna's twin, agrees to become the surrogate for her twin who is unable to conceive. David and Brianna's dearest wish is to have a child. They've talked about adoption, but Brianna is convinced that David should have a biological child of his own and there's an easy way to get that done. After all, Casey has always done whatever is needed for Brianna.
Well, about four months into the pregnancy Brianna decides that she wants out. It was all a BIG mistake. She suddenly realizes just how selfish she's been and what she's done to her sister. Sort of. She is convinced that David and Casey are the ones really meant for each other. She and David rushed through the stages of a relationship way too fast and that was maybe in part because she subconsciously knew that Casey had a crush on David before Brianna even met him. Brianna had sabotaged any relationship they may have had by moving in before Casey had a chance. Brianna has her reasons (and there's more than one) for baling on the marriage and motherhood, but they all seem selfish in the end. Brianna can never seem to get over herself.
February 18, 2013
This was about 4 couples. All of them intertwined one way or another, each with an overlapping story, all love & marriage & family. I actually liked Marc the best & he was in this book the least. He was fun!
David was married to Brianna, a twin with Barbie doll looks, but so many heath issues it was insane. She asks her fraternal twin sister, Casey, to have a baby for her & her husband, then after the pregnancy, she runs off divorcing husband leaving him with her pregnant sister... Yep it's one of those "yoy're pregnant & so hot" books...
Ok... After giving birth & having your boobs hurt like hell, wearing a nursing bra & a thick ass pad to bed, is not a turn on. This sole mention (which was a needless picture in my mind) dramatically dropped my opinion of this book. (yes it was! mentioned in thick pad in granny panties! no less!! Ewww!)
Now... I do understand that there are women who fantasize about men loving them & thinking pregnant women are hot, but... it's not my thing. Yes my babies were cute & I loved them, but always pregnant and being pawed as sexy while I swell, my back hurts & I'm hungry for something bad... sex was the last thing I was thinking about!
Down to this gift of the Maji thing... Not even a close comparisson! No one loses! In the gift of the Maji, everyone loses something spectacular & ends up with a useless treasure. This book did not. No regrets, everyone happy! No loss at all... well you'll know what I mean, because everyone has lost something they need to get past in this book.
Anh! It was ok! I will read another of the books, this one just bombed for me! A personal imagery problem I have!
David was married to Brianna, a twin with Barbie doll looks, but so many heath issues it was insane. She asks her fraternal twin sister, Casey, to have a baby for her & her husband, then after the pregnancy, she runs off divorcing husband leaving him with her pregnant sister... Yep it's one of those "yoy're pregnant & so hot" books...
Ok... After giving birth & having your boobs hurt like hell, wearing a nursing bra & a thick ass pad to bed, is not a turn on. This sole mention (which was a needless picture in my mind) dramatically dropped my opinion of this book. (yes it was! mentioned in thick pad in granny panties! no less!! Ewww!)
Now... I do understand that there are women who fantasize about men loving them & thinking pregnant women are hot, but... it's not my thing. Yes my babies were cute & I loved them, but always pregnant and being pawed as sexy while I swell, my back hurts & I'm hungry for something bad... sex was the last thing I was thinking about!
Down to this gift of the Maji thing... Not even a close comparisson! No one loses! In the gift of the Maji, everyone loses something spectacular & ends up with a useless treasure. This book did not. No regrets, everyone happy! No loss at all... well you'll know what I mean, because everyone has lost something they need to get past in this book.
Anh! It was ok! I will read another of the books, this one just bombed for me! A personal imagery problem I have!
December 17, 2013
No Exchanges, No Returns. Laurie Kellogg
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
Usually I look for high drama and emotion in my romances, angst that I can wallow in and that seeps into my pores. Sometimes though I just want to read something simpler, something easy to read that's just light and enjoyable escapism. Unfortunately much of the contemporary romance novels that fit this are frankly too bland and sickly but I know with Laurie Kellogg that she'll deliver what I want. This book was no exception. I wondered how on earth she was going to handle the transition of feelings from one sister to the other without anyone feeling awkward about it, but as ever Laurie manages it superbly. What I love is instead of just sweet sweet romance, then a bit of drama then the make-up and finish Laurie's dramatics happen throughout the novel. You never can quite predict what's going to happen and that keeps it fresh and interesting. Its one step forward and two back with conversations and motives being misunderstood, and its not just the baby/sisters/hunky doc main plot but others which involve jobs, homes, other people and the rest of the families.
Its people with characters that feel real and plots that are ones we see in everyday life. Throw in a look back to the way childhood problems have led to adult attitudes, and there's much more here than just a simple romance, its a story that's able to fully engross the reader in the dynamics of families and friends, and means its a great way to escape reality for a couple of hours. It's priced at £2.49 for 238 pages.
Stars: 4.5.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
Usually I look for high drama and emotion in my romances, angst that I can wallow in and that seeps into my pores. Sometimes though I just want to read something simpler, something easy to read that's just light and enjoyable escapism. Unfortunately much of the contemporary romance novels that fit this are frankly too bland and sickly but I know with Laurie Kellogg that she'll deliver what I want. This book was no exception. I wondered how on earth she was going to handle the transition of feelings from one sister to the other without anyone feeling awkward about it, but as ever Laurie manages it superbly. What I love is instead of just sweet sweet romance, then a bit of drama then the make-up and finish Laurie's dramatics happen throughout the novel. You never can quite predict what's going to happen and that keeps it fresh and interesting. Its one step forward and two back with conversations and motives being misunderstood, and its not just the baby/sisters/hunky doc main plot but others which involve jobs, homes, other people and the rest of the families.
Its people with characters that feel real and plots that are ones we see in everyday life. Throw in a look back to the way childhood problems have led to adult attitudes, and there's much more here than just a simple romance, its a story that's able to fully engross the reader in the dynamics of families and friends, and means its a great way to escape reality for a couple of hours. It's priced at £2.49 for 238 pages.
Stars: 4.5.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
March 11, 2014
There is so much going on here, I don’t even know where to start. Well, the obvious place is the fact that there are two sisters fall for the same man. I’m an only child so I don’t know how I would react in such a situation … or how I would feel about sleeping with her ex. There are so many possible problems that could come up, but I think that Kellogg handles it very well. I still got a little icked out but that was going to happen regardless. She delivers Casey and David’s growing feelings with care and heart, making it a very believable transition.
Of course, this book has so much else going on but it’s delivered in a way that doesn’t feel crowded or rushed. Through it all you have some serious issues of family – resentment between siblings and parents, selfishness and selflessness, love, forgiveness and truth. There are some pretty complex things swirling beneath the surface not only between Casey and Brianna or the twins and David, but also between all three of them and their parents. Some soul searching and a few hard truths that needed to be said bring to light some heavy things that have been wearing them all down for a long time. But with love and caring, everything gets set to rights.
No Exchanges, No Returns is a complex new spin on The Gift of the Magi. One that made me laugh but also had me tearing up. It’s wonderfully compelling to get to know this complicated group and work through all of the intricacies needed to get them all to a happy ending.
Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress....
(Copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.)
Of course, this book has so much else going on but it’s delivered in a way that doesn’t feel crowded or rushed. Through it all you have some serious issues of family – resentment between siblings and parents, selfishness and selflessness, love, forgiveness and truth. There are some pretty complex things swirling beneath the surface not only between Casey and Brianna or the twins and David, but also between all three of them and their parents. Some soul searching and a few hard truths that needed to be said bring to light some heavy things that have been wearing them all down for a long time. But with love and caring, everything gets set to rights.
No Exchanges, No Returns is a complex new spin on The Gift of the Magi. One that made me laugh but also had me tearing up. It’s wonderfully compelling to get to know this complicated group and work through all of the intricacies needed to get them all to a happy ending.
Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress....
(Copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.)
March 17, 2013
Brianna is the beautiful wife of David Lambert a young pediatrician in Redemption, Pennsylvania. Casey McIntyre is Brianna’s twin sister. The couple seems to be happy in their marriage. The sisters would appear to have a really close relationship.
Brianna wants more than anything to give David a child except her body isn’t capable of doing that. Casey had always gone the extra mile for Brianna because she had problems as a child. Brianna desperately wants the child to have her DNA as well as David’s but the only way for that to happen is if Casey agrees to be the surrogate and donate her eggs…she does.
Shortly after Casey becomes pregnant Brianna suddenly appears to have a change of heart and leaves David to move to Nevada so she can divorce him quickly. David and Casey are not only devastated by Brianna’s decision to leave but confused and angry as well.
The story follows Casey’s pregnancy and how she and David cope with Brianna’s departure. We also discover the real reason for Brianna’s departure and how she copes as well.
This book is definitely worth reading. You’ll laugh sometimes and cry sometimes. You’ll be angry with Brianna and then later you’ll have sympathy for her. There are times you’ll want to wrap your hands around Casey’s and David’s necks. I will say you get a happily ever after if that’s what you’re looking for but you’ll have to read the book to find out who’s HEA it is.
Brianna wants more than anything to give David a child except her body isn’t capable of doing that. Casey had always gone the extra mile for Brianna because she had problems as a child. Brianna desperately wants the child to have her DNA as well as David’s but the only way for that to happen is if Casey agrees to be the surrogate and donate her eggs…she does.
Shortly after Casey becomes pregnant Brianna suddenly appears to have a change of heart and leaves David to move to Nevada so she can divorce him quickly. David and Casey are not only devastated by Brianna’s decision to leave but confused and angry as well.
The story follows Casey’s pregnancy and how she and David cope with Brianna’s departure. We also discover the real reason for Brianna’s departure and how she copes as well.
This book is definitely worth reading. You’ll laugh sometimes and cry sometimes. You’ll be angry with Brianna and then later you’ll have sympathy for her. There are times you’ll want to wrap your hands around Casey’s and David’s necks. I will say you get a happily ever after if that’s what you’re looking for but you’ll have to read the book to find out who’s HEA it is.
August 4, 2016
*ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review.*
Once you get past the "EWWW!" factor of 2 sisters hooking up with the same man, the story sets an intriguing premise of a surrogacy and all the complications that come with it. Selfishness, selflessness, sisterly love, parental love and support all play strongly in this read. Casey and David muddle through the mess Brianna leaves them in and while Casey doesn't have far to fall, David take awhile. Emotions are front and center and the cast surrounding them provide enough backstory to keep you turning the page.
However, while Brianna is easy to hate in the first part of the book, she elicits your compassion and support halfway through. Though I can still see myself giving her a Gibb-slap for complicating the lives around her with her selfishness, she proves to be a more complex character that just your average antagonist. She proves to be more interesting to me than Casey and I would love to explore her story with Marc.
Once you get past the "EWWW!" factor of 2 sisters hooking up with the same man, the story sets an intriguing premise of a surrogacy and all the complications that come with it. Selfishness, selflessness, sisterly love, parental love and support all play strongly in this read. Casey and David muddle through the mess Brianna leaves them in and while Casey doesn't have far to fall, David take awhile. Emotions are front and center and the cast surrounding them provide enough backstory to keep you turning the page.
However, while Brianna is easy to hate in the first part of the book, she elicits your compassion and support halfway through. Though I can still see myself giving her a Gibb-slap for complicating the lives around her with her selfishness, she proves to be a more complex character that just your average antagonist. She proves to be more interesting to me than Casey and I would love to explore her story with Marc.
April 28, 2016
3.5 Stars
No returns No exchanges is a story about two twins one married who cant have a baby and one single who's willing to carry her sister's husbands baby. When the Married twin suddenly leaves after her sister is pregnant and the pregnant sister has to pick up the mess. She is confronted with not only the real reason she helped her sister but also the dormant feelings for the H. Can two wary people trust in love and forgive enough to try again?
I like this book as a break from suspense and intrigue. I liked the characters that Ms. Kellogg developed in the story. I am always a sucker for a baby story and I thought this one played out better than I thought it would. I liked that secondary characters reflected the same characteristics as the main characters and that they interacted in various ways.
I loved the self exploratory nature and the confronting ones flaws and needs aspect. I think too often writers gloss over character flaws when everyone has them and we often read about main characters that don't have need...not relatable.
No returns No exchanges is a story about two twins one married who cant have a baby and one single who's willing to carry her sister's husbands baby. When the Married twin suddenly leaves after her sister is pregnant and the pregnant sister has to pick up the mess. She is confronted with not only the real reason she helped her sister but also the dormant feelings for the H. Can two wary people trust in love and forgive enough to try again?
I like this book as a break from suspense and intrigue. I liked the characters that Ms. Kellogg developed in the story. I am always a sucker for a baby story and I thought this one played out better than I thought it would. I liked that secondary characters reflected the same characteristics as the main characters and that they interacted in various ways.
I loved the self exploratory nature and the confronting ones flaws and needs aspect. I think too often writers gloss over character flaws when everyone has them and we often read about main characters that don't have need...not relatable.
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