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Baby for Brother's Best Friend
My brother’s best friend cares about two Power and Money.
Blake Whitlock is the epitome of everything I despise.
He’s Ruthless. Intense.
And those steely eyes send shivers down my spine.
He thinks he can have anything he wants with the snap of a finger.
The kind of guy my affluent family would hope for me to marry.
But I’m his total opposite.
So when I can’t take my family’s judgment and announce that I’m engaged…
I’m shocked to find him offering to play along.
He says I owe him.
I refuse to give him the satisfaction.
But my walls are crumbling when I see a side to him I never knew existed.
There’s no denying something happened with two pink lines staring right at us.
We may be faking things to get my family off my back…
But now I need a real partner to raise this baby with me.
Blake Whitlock is the epitome of everything I despise.
He’s Ruthless. Intense.
And those steely eyes send shivers down my spine.
He thinks he can have anything he wants with the snap of a finger.
The kind of guy my affluent family would hope for me to marry.
But I’m his total opposite.
So when I can’t take my family’s judgment and announce that I’m engaged…
I’m shocked to find him offering to play along.
He says I owe him.
I refuse to give him the satisfaction.
But my walls are crumbling when I see a side to him I never knew existed.
There’s no denying something happened with two pink lines staring right at us.
We may be faking things to get my family off my back…
But now I need a real partner to raise this baby with me.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
194 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 2, 2023
Repairing Relationships . . .
Nell has been estranged from her family for 6 years now. But as she is heading out for her blind date and texting him she is on the way, Nell walks right into a firm chest and a reminder of the past. The man grabs her shoulders to keep her from falling. As she looks up to apologize, she recognizes her brother Jourdan’s best friend, Blake Whitlock, who informs her he now owns her apartment building! As expected, his face reflects a cocky, arrogant smile as hers returns disgust. So she shoved him aside with no goodbye and hurried to meet her date.
When Nell’s radiator stopped working on a freezing cold day, she called maintenance, only to find Blake show up with a toolbox! He always was hands-on when he purchased a new property to get to know the tenants and to see what they needed. She acted irritated, but he saw in the window’s reflection that she kept her eyes on him the whole time. She had been drinking wine heavily, so when he was ready to leave, they ended up somehow kissing each other – at least until his cellphone rang and he had to leave. Now Jourdan wants to bring his mom and visit her, which is not a good idea. And Blake feels guilty for wanting Jourdan’s sister so much. He always had, but followed the “bro code” and never made a move. Having time to think about what happened, Nell decided to not give in to Blake again.
Nell was preoccupied thinking about Blake and didn’t notice the two people standing in front of her building – her mother and brother had found her! When Jourdan called her Nell instead of her first name “Juniper”, she knew Blake had told him where she was! She allowed the two of them to come up to her apartment, watching her wealthy mother squirm and not touch even the handrail. And when her mom saw the tiny apartment and started moaning about her potential and she should be married with children by now, etc, she lost her temper that she was still being judged and told them she was already engaged and had a great job in an art gallery. They didn’t seem to believe her, but Jourdan made it plain they wanted to meet the guy and they would not let her run out of their lives again. So when Blake found out she now needs a fiancé, he volunteered to pretend to be her man. To her surprise, she saw there was more to him than she gave him credit for. Would their pretend engagement have a chance to become real? Or was she still so jaded by the trappings of wealth that she would rather just walk away?
The characters were wonderful in this story, likable and realistic in their interactions. It was like a powder keg when they were together, but the reader will feel the hope of healing when the underlying love is still there. And even Blake has the chance for being with the one he has always loved. But can he hope that she loves him too?
Nell has been estranged from her family for 6 years now. But as she is heading out for her blind date and texting him she is on the way, Nell walks right into a firm chest and a reminder of the past. The man grabs her shoulders to keep her from falling. As she looks up to apologize, she recognizes her brother Jourdan’s best friend, Blake Whitlock, who informs her he now owns her apartment building! As expected, his face reflects a cocky, arrogant smile as hers returns disgust. So she shoved him aside with no goodbye and hurried to meet her date.
When Nell’s radiator stopped working on a freezing cold day, she called maintenance, only to find Blake show up with a toolbox! He always was hands-on when he purchased a new property to get to know the tenants and to see what they needed. She acted irritated, but he saw in the window’s reflection that she kept her eyes on him the whole time. She had been drinking wine heavily, so when he was ready to leave, they ended up somehow kissing each other – at least until his cellphone rang and he had to leave. Now Jourdan wants to bring his mom and visit her, which is not a good idea. And Blake feels guilty for wanting Jourdan’s sister so much. He always had, but followed the “bro code” and never made a move. Having time to think about what happened, Nell decided to not give in to Blake again.
Nell was preoccupied thinking about Blake and didn’t notice the two people standing in front of her building – her mother and brother had found her! When Jourdan called her Nell instead of her first name “Juniper”, she knew Blake had told him where she was! She allowed the two of them to come up to her apartment, watching her wealthy mother squirm and not touch even the handrail. And when her mom saw the tiny apartment and started moaning about her potential and she should be married with children by now, etc, she lost her temper that she was still being judged and told them she was already engaged and had a great job in an art gallery. They didn’t seem to believe her, but Jourdan made it plain they wanted to meet the guy and they would not let her run out of their lives again. So when Blake found out she now needs a fiancé, he volunteered to pretend to be her man. To her surprise, she saw there was more to him than she gave him credit for. Would their pretend engagement have a chance to become real? Or was she still so jaded by the trappings of wealth that she would rather just walk away?
The characters were wonderful in this story, likable and realistic in their interactions. It was like a powder keg when they were together, but the reader will feel the hope of healing when the underlying love is still there. And even Blake has the chance for being with the one he has always loved. But can he hope that she loves him too?
February 7, 2024
Eh-Good backstory but left you hanging a bit
I would give this 2.5 stars.
While the description of the book drew me in, actually reading it fell a bit flat. I loved all of the troupes promised in the description but this failed to say it was basically novella at just over 200 pages. Blake was sweet and charming and attentive. He rolled with whatever Nell threw at him. The ideas within were rushed. The estrangement btw Nell and her family were mentioned once and then brushed aside with no resolution or even being addressed properly and bam they’ve reconciled. The fight either a Blake at the end was ridiculous. Honestly after he poured his heart out she still didn’t believe him—that didn’t align with the plot development we had. It may just all have been rushed to the end, and I’d say expanding the story would’ve helped. I would’ve liked to see the city plans come to life and maybe them to be intimate more than once for her to fall pregnant (it’s possible for sure but so cliched in the novel world). And for the baby to literally be in the title but have less than 10 pages of discovery to end of novel was super disappointing.
The last and most annoying thing was ALL of the spelling and grammar errors. There were so many typos in this kindle edition—who was editing this?
I would give this 2.5 stars.
While the description of the book drew me in, actually reading it fell a bit flat. I loved all of the troupes promised in the description but this failed to say it was basically novella at just over 200 pages. Blake was sweet and charming and attentive. He rolled with whatever Nell threw at him. The ideas within were rushed. The estrangement btw Nell and her family were mentioned once and then brushed aside with no resolution or even being addressed properly and bam they’ve reconciled. The fight either a Blake at the end was ridiculous. Honestly after he poured his heart out she still didn’t believe him—that didn’t align with the plot development we had. It may just all have been rushed to the end, and I’d say expanding the story would’ve helped. I would’ve liked to see the city plans come to life and maybe them to be intimate more than once for her to fall pregnant (it’s possible for sure but so cliched in the novel world). And for the baby to literally be in the title but have less than 10 pages of discovery to end of novel was super disappointing.
The last and most annoying thing was ALL of the spelling and grammar errors. There were so many typos in this kindle edition—who was editing this?
July 14, 2023
Nell has been estranged from her family. As she is walking out of her apartment building one day, she bumps into man. When she looks up from her phone, she sees that it's Blake, her brother Jourdan's old friend. He tells her that he is her landlord now: he just bought the building. Sometime later, there is a problem with the radiator in Nell's apartment. She calls for someone to fix it and Blake shows up with his toolbox to fix it. Somehow before he leaves, they share a passionate kiss. Blake is called away by a phone call, giving Nell time to think about it and decide that it cannot happen again. Her brother and mother want to come and visit her and Nell is very unsure about that. Then they just show up on her doorstep and she's forced to invite them into her apartment. The mother is very judgmental and Nell blurts out that she has a fiancé and a great job. When Blake finds out, he agrees to pretend to be her fiancé. Will they be able to make this fake relationship a permanent one? And will Blake choose his best friend over his pretend fiancé?
July 19, 2023
Nell hasn't gotten along with her family, and it has caused a rift between them. When she is leaving her apartment for a date, she runs into someone and is shocked to see its her brother's best friend Blake. Blake is surprised as well and lets her know he owns the building. When she has an issue in her apartment she calls in for help and its Blake that shows up to fix it for her. However, when her brother and mother show up and invents having a fiancé to keep them off her back. Blake learns about what's going on he offers to help her. Its not long before what starts off as fake quickly becomes real between them. Will this turn into more than either of them planned on?
This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2023
Overall I really enjoyed this story between Blake and Nell and thought it was great! It is quick romantic read with very sweet and likeable main characters. I am a bit disappointed with how rushed the ending was and how quick the announcement of the pregnancy and the ending of the book was. I figured based on the title that a pregnancy trope was to be expected and I just thought that we would get to see a bit more of this storyline play out and develop. So if you are not a huge fan of the pregnancy trope then I think you would still enjoy this read as it is not a main focal point in the storyline. This aside it’s still a very cute and sweet read written by Anne and I would read more of her books in the future!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2024
Good short read and interactive between Nell an Blake.
The ending seemed rushed and I just didn’t buy into the ‘conflict’ between the two characters near the end of the story. It seemed like the conflict was added just for the sake of having some conflict between the two main characters, Nell and Blake.
The story’s real conflict was between Nell and her family: her mother and brother. The reason she was estranged from them had some serious implications and from Nell’s viewpoint, she was in her rights to cut off any communication with them. In the end, the issue was never resolved, never really discussed and sorted out with them.
The ending seemed rushed and I just didn’t buy into the ‘conflict’ between the two characters near the end of the story. It seemed like the conflict was added just for the sake of having some conflict between the two main characters, Nell and Blake.
The story’s real conflict was between Nell and her family: her mother and brother. The reason she was estranged from them had some serious implications and from Nell’s viewpoint, she was in her rights to cut off any communication with them. In the end, the issue was never resolved, never really discussed and sorted out with them.
July 3, 2023
Arc Review
Blake - rags to riches.
Nell - riches but wants a simple life without all the fancy trimmings. Unfortunately for her, her birth life was luxury, a life she avoids. Hence her life in a loft in Queens.
Every now and then, you come across a read that resonates. Blake & Nell were perfect for each other without initially knowing it. Yes, there was the traditional college crush and best friends sibling but there is always a background story to emphasise harshness. A refreshing and enjoyable read. Didn’t drag which made this pleasant.
Looking forward to more work by Anne
Blake - rags to riches.
Nell - riches but wants a simple life without all the fancy trimmings. Unfortunately for her, her birth life was luxury, a life she avoids. Hence her life in a loft in Queens.
Every now and then, you come across a read that resonates. Blake & Nell were perfect for each other without initially knowing it. Yes, there was the traditional college crush and best friends sibling but there is always a background story to emphasise harshness. A refreshing and enjoyable read. Didn’t drag which made this pleasant.
Looking forward to more work by Anne
July 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. it was well written and the characters just bounced off each other loved it. Blake and Nell went to the same private school and hung around the same people. Only Nell doesn't have a high opinion of Blake yet he surprises her at every turn. It was a great book, had you hooked from the start. I loved the back and forth between Nell and Blake is great and i love the love/hate relationship between them, that soon turns into something meaningful. Great book, highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2023
Blake and Nell’s story has her needing a fake boyfriend since she told her estranged family she had one after Blake bought her building and she has to face her mom & bro. So it shocked her when Blake volunteered but he says she owes him. So when things heat up and she is looking at a positive pregnancy test, she really need to step up but with a secret that Blake has will they get a hea or will she have to find another.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2023
Six years ago, Nell had an argument with her mother and brother over her preference to establish herself on her own without any financial assistance. Nell lives in a studio apartment in Queens. The building has been recently purchased by Blake, brother's best friend. He shows up at her apartment explaining he is the new owner of the buildiing. Things start to turn into something serious as time goes on. I really enjoyed reading this book. It is full of family drama, secrets, and witty banter.
July 1, 2023
We are taken into the life of Nell and Blake , their story holds your attention from the beginning, The storyline and the characters were perfectly described by the author. I found their story romantic and a real page turner. I could say more, but it's worth reading for yourself. .
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
July 1, 2023
Sweet and Charming
What a charming story by Anne Martin. Nell is in need of a fiancé as she told her family she is engaged, luckily her brothers' best friend Blake decides to play along. These two characters are very likeable and complex resulting is a fun and sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a charming story by Anne Martin. Nell is in need of a fiancé as she told her family she is engaged, luckily her brothers' best friend Blake decides to play along. These two characters are very likeable and complex resulting is a fun and sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2023
I think this book had a slow burn that went quick enough to not be dragged out, but slow enough to keep suspense and me on edge. The character development was on point. I really enjoyed reading this book and I will be recommending it to my fellow readers. I am also
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 9, 2023
Six years ago, Nell had a disagreement with her affluent mother and brother because she preferred to establish herself on her own without any financial assistance. Currently, Nell resides in a studio apartment in an old walk-up building in Queens, which Blake, her brother's best friend, has recently purchased. This story has plenty of romance and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
July 5, 2023
An Enemies to Lovers Fake Relationship Romance story of Nell and Blake.. A lovely,sweet,fun with enough steam and drama..well done!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
super cute
Such a super cute story. I loved the way they came together and the story around it. A quick red with heat and total romance. Everything about it is super sweet and the characters are great. Nice short read.
Such a super cute story. I loved the way they came together and the story around it. A quick red with heat and total romance. Everything about it is super sweet and the characters are great. Nice short read.
July 10, 2023
I enjoyed Blake and Nell’s book. It was an intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 8, 2023
3.5stars.
Read
March 5, 2024Are we just gonna ignore why she didn’t talk to them for six years?
April 10, 2024
This was such a sweet read, I just wish it didn’t feel so rushed towards the end and we were able to see more of Nell’s and Blake’s relationship during the pregnancy stage and wedding.
July 18, 2024
It was a good plot but the editing sucked. So many grammatical errors it was hard to ignore.
February 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ really sweet romance quick read.
July 9, 2024
enemies to lovers-ish, brother best friend, good story/plot, surprise pregnancy, second chance-ish, overall amazing, fake dating, fake engagement/ marriage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews