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Destiny Bay: Baby Dreams #1
Husband Wanted: Will Train
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
It seemed a harmless game--until she found out who he really was.
Charity Ames is trapped into a lie and she hates it. She needs a man to pretend to be her husband for a few days--so she hires one. Expecting a gargoyle, she's amazed when he turns out to be a very appealing hunk.
Ross wants something Charity has, so when he gets the chance to pretend to be her husband, he takes it. But Charity is not the brittle business woman he expects and he falls hard and fast for her barefoot, South Seas image. Trouble is, it's an image she's trying to deep six, and she can't really believe a man from a prominent family like his--and with a terrifying mother like he's got -- would want anything to do with a girl of her shady past.
When she finds out he's trying to trick her just like she's trying to trick her aunt, she's heartbroken and resentful. Can true love bridge the gap between their backgrounds and set the stage for baby-making happiness?
Includes love scenes.
Original published in print by SILHOUETTE DESIRE and recently revised as part of the Destiny Bay Series.
Destiny Bay-Baby Dreams
Book 1-Husband Wanted:Will Train
Book 2-The Baby Invasion
Book 3-Waiting for Someone Like You
Book 4-Tick Tock, Baby Clock
Book 5-Jilted at the Altar
Book 6-In a Marrying State of Mind
***rewrite of Husband for Hire (Sihouette Desire #434) written under the pen name Raye Morgan
It seemed a harmless game--until she found out who he really was.
Charity Ames is trapped into a lie and she hates it. She needs a man to pretend to be her husband for a few days--so she hires one. Expecting a gargoyle, she's amazed when he turns out to be a very appealing hunk.
Ross wants something Charity has, so when he gets the chance to pretend to be her husband, he takes it. But Charity is not the brittle business woman he expects and he falls hard and fast for her barefoot, South Seas image. Trouble is, it's an image she's trying to deep six, and she can't really believe a man from a prominent family like his--and with a terrifying mother like he's got -- would want anything to do with a girl of her shady past.
When she finds out he's trying to trick her just like she's trying to trick her aunt, she's heartbroken and resentful. Can true love bridge the gap between their backgrounds and set the stage for baby-making happiness?
Includes love scenes.
Original published in print by SILHOUETTE DESIRE and recently revised as part of the Destiny Bay Series.
Destiny Bay-Baby Dreams
Book 1-Husband Wanted:Will Train
Book 2-The Baby Invasion
Book 3-Waiting for Someone Like You
Book 4-Tick Tock, Baby Clock
Book 5-Jilted at the Altar
Book 6-In a Marrying State of Mind
***rewrite of Husband for Hire (Sihouette Desire #434) written under the pen name Raye Morgan
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1988
64 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Helen Conrad
73 books74 followersaka Jena Hunt and Raye Morgan.
Helen Conrad was born on April 11, 1945 in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. and grew up between Holland, Guam, and California, and spent a few years in Washington, D.C. as well. She obtained a B.A. in English Literature.
Helen was working toward a Master's in Library Science when she dropped out to have her first son. "One look into those baby blue eyes and I knew it was going to be a long time before I went back to school. But with young ones, you do have time to read, and the more I read, the more I learned about writing". She started writing because she felt guilty about spending so much time reading. "Through writing I figured I could still immerse myself in the stories I love, but I could actually claim I was working! The amazing thing was when I sold my first book and the excuse was justified. Dreams really do come true!"
After years of writing romantic suspense in the style of Mary Stewart and children's books in a lot of styles, she finally sold a romance to Jove's Second Chance at Love and there was celebration all around-at least in her ever-patient family of husband and four boys. She published four more romances for Jove under the name Jena Hunt, then began writing Silhouette Desires. A few sales to Bantam Loveswept and Harlequin Romance, Temptationand SuperRomance under the name Helen Conrad followed, as well as to Harpers, Dell Ecstasy, Mills & Boon, and even an historical with Zebra. Today, she is concentrating on Silhouette Romance, completely captivated by the breezy fun and touching poignancy of their compact, to-the-point form. She feels the perfect "quick read" should make the reader smile, sigh and put the book down feeling better about the state of love in the world.
Now, she lives in the Los Angeles area now with Nick, her geologist-computers cientist husband and the two of her four sons who still live at home."Having the boys around helps keep me up on the current trends," she says with a laugh. "But writing helps keep me in touch with the romance that weaves through the everyday lives we all live."
Helen Conrad was born on April 11, 1945 in Pasadena, California, U.S.A. and grew up between Holland, Guam, and California, and spent a few years in Washington, D.C. as well. She obtained a B.A. in English Literature.
Helen was working toward a Master's in Library Science when she dropped out to have her first son. "One look into those baby blue eyes and I knew it was going to be a long time before I went back to school. But with young ones, you do have time to read, and the more I read, the more I learned about writing". She started writing because she felt guilty about spending so much time reading. "Through writing I figured I could still immerse myself in the stories I love, but I could actually claim I was working! The amazing thing was when I sold my first book and the excuse was justified. Dreams really do come true!"
After years of writing romantic suspense in the style of Mary Stewart and children's books in a lot of styles, she finally sold a romance to Jove's Second Chance at Love and there was celebration all around-at least in her ever-patient family of husband and four boys. She published four more romances for Jove under the name Jena Hunt, then began writing Silhouette Desires. A few sales to Bantam Loveswept and Harlequin Romance, Temptationand SuperRomance under the name Helen Conrad followed, as well as to Harpers, Dell Ecstasy, Mills & Boon, and even an historical with Zebra. Today, she is concentrating on Silhouette Romance, completely captivated by the breezy fun and touching poignancy of their compact, to-the-point form. She feels the perfect "quick read" should make the reader smile, sigh and put the book down feeling better about the state of love in the world.
Now, she lives in the Los Angeles area now with Nick, her geologist-computers cientist husband and the two of her four sons who still live at home."Having the boys around helps keep me up on the current trends," she says with a laugh. "But writing helps keep me in touch with the romance that weaves through the everyday lives we all live."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 29, 2016
There were some funny bits but overall it was just ok. It was going ok until dude confessed or rather his true identity was revealed. After that, I should've stopped reading but I didn't and it was just words on a page. Ross went to Australia and it's like he entired another dimension and promptly forgot who Charity was. I mean, granted they hadn't known each other that long but he knew her background. Normally, I'm all for There wasn't any of the magic that existed between them previously so the rest of the story feel flat for me.
April 20, 2019
The first bit was quick, charming and funny. Then about 3/4's through it got overly dramatic and serious. I liked it for a quick read, but not the 'too serious' parts.
January 29, 2018
This is a bit of a lark, when one sibling tells the elderly aunt, that his sister had married. The aunt had helped the three stranded youngsters, when their parents were sent to jail, and when she insisted on visiting, well a fake husband was required. As fate designated, the person answering the phone for the temp employment agency, had a reason to help Ms Ames, for his own agenda.
So a grand tale goes on, fast paced and almost always amusing. Well worth the read.
So a grand tale goes on, fast paced and almost always amusing. Well worth the read.
March 21, 2017
3.5/5 stars
This was cute and very simple. The plot wasn't overly complicated but it has an array of unique and fun characters whose personalities really shine through. Books like these are great for a reading slump, which I was in. I tried three books before I settled on this one. The only drawback was that there wasn't anything new about the story, it's not very unique: typical girl falls for billionaire/ fake marriage type story. aka my usual poison
This was cute and very simple. The plot wasn't overly complicated but it has an array of unique and fun characters whose personalities really shine through. Books like these are great for a reading slump, which I was in. I tried three books before I settled on this one. The only drawback was that there wasn't anything new about the story, it's not very unique: typical girl falls for billionaire/ fake marriage type story. aka my usual poison
March 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this story
Charity goes to a temp agency looking for a temporary husband. Ross Carrington is hoping to get Charity to sign with his consortium, so he becomes her temporary husband so Charity can fool her aunt, but things change when they fall in love.
Charity goes to a temp agency looking for a temporary husband. Ross Carrington is hoping to get Charity to sign with his consortium, so he becomes her temporary husband so Charity can fool her aunt, but things change when they fall in love.
July 11, 2015
Why I Chose the Book
I have a couple books on my phone and this was the one that grabbed me. Likely, it was one of the top 100 free I downloaded months (or years) ago. It's an interesting concept to be sure, and one that promised to be full of humor.
Initial Thoughts
I really don't like the character list at the beginning of the book. As soon as I saw it, warning sirens blared in my head. First problem: there's no way I am going to remember that many names, descriptions, and occupations out of context. Though I didn't go back at the end, I'm pretty sure there were names in the initial line up that were not anywhere in the novel. Second problem: it screams novice. Even though there is a publishing house associated with the book, it wreaked of self publishing.
Final Thoughts
Had I realized it was a rewrite of some 434th installment of another series, I wouldn't have read it no matter how interesting the title. Even though I liked the concept, it didn't take long to realize that the concept was flawed. Who falls in love with an actor they are paying to play a role? I understand why one might, especially when one is training said person to fit the desired role. The line between fantasy and reality can blur, but I would like to think that smarter heads would prevail.
Another major flaw was that Conrad stole my ability to have an opinion. "Show don't tell" is one of those easy things to pick apart in other people's work but so hard to catch in your own. Here's what really did Conrad in:
"Charity had a wonderful time... she felt like a valued visitor... [At least two very friendly conversations with Ross's relatives.] The rest of the Carringtons were all exceptionally nice to her and she left with a glow of happiness. It was only later, when she went over the events and conversations of the evening, that she realized the truth... Nice as they'd been to her, Ross's parents didn't think she was right for their son."
I was stunned and confused. Conrad hadn't included any conversations from the party that hinted towards his parents feeling that way. I was robbed of my ability to make up my own mind. There was no way to tell if Charity was right or if she was overthinking things. That passage reinforced the feeling of sitting with a girlfriend at the coffee shop, just getting the highlights. It was incredibly one sided even though I also got to read snippets of Ross's thoughts and point of view. There was very little detail, especially where it counts.
That said, there was one silver lining. I don't relate to Charity. I've never felt like I have to lie to my friends or family for them to accept them for who I am. True, I haven't deviated that far from how I was raised, but that doesn't mean my parents approve of every decision I've made, including some big ones. Reading about a girl who has to hire a husband and constantly put on a facad made me feel grateful for the life, friends, and family I have. I wish I could give it a higher rating, but the bad far outweighed the good.
Recommendation
Pass. It had sparks of humor, but the writing wasn't that good and that's a deal breaker for me.
Rating
There were enough typos to drop it from two stars to one.
1 out of 5 stars.
May 25, 2016
Love this story
At the beginning Charity and Ross are in a business struggle. Things change when she wants to hire a husband and it turns out to be Ross. She didn't know it was him at first. They are like night and day but things click right away. When she finds out who he actually is, the fun starts. Their families are completely opposites as well as themselves. The emotional rollercoaster is wild and crazy in this book. Charity think things won't work because of the differences but he realizes his feelings while he is away. She leaves town but is miserable. Her brother helps her when she leaves. The differences with their families and the way the act are fun. Can't wait to read more within this series. Love it.
At the beginning Charity and Ross are in a business struggle. Things change when she wants to hire a husband and it turns out to be Ross. She didn't know it was him at first. They are like night and day but things click right away. When she finds out who he actually is, the fun starts. Their families are completely opposites as well as themselves. The emotional rollercoaster is wild and crazy in this book. Charity think things won't work because of the differences but he realizes his feelings while he is away. She leaves town but is miserable. Her brother helps her when she leaves. The differences with their families and the way the act are fun. Can't wait to read more within this series. Love it.
July 28, 2013
This is a sweet story with a passel of zany characters. I totally was enthralled with the H/h.
Ross Carrington is an incredible looking man who has focused only on his career all his adult life. He is on a money making mission that could cost him the most important thing in his life.
Charity Ames needs a pretend husband for a short while during her Aunt's visit. Charity calls a temporary employment agency to find what she needs and it is owned by Marlena Carrington, Ross' sister. Charity has had a difficult life and has committed to remaining single.
Wait until her whole whacky family shows up.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for romance.
Ross Carrington is an incredible looking man who has focused only on his career all his adult life. He is on a money making mission that could cost him the most important thing in his life.
Charity Ames needs a pretend husband for a short while during her Aunt's visit. Charity calls a temporary employment agency to find what she needs and it is owned by Marlena Carrington, Ross' sister. Charity has had a difficult life and has committed to remaining single.
Wait until her whole whacky family shows up.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for romance.
October 19, 2013
I tried to finish this, really I did, but it was so unbelievable! Charity loves her Aunt Doris so much that she would lie to her aunt about having a husband and yet Charity didn't invite her aunt to the wedding nor tell her aunt that she was even married! The author keeps trying to convince the reader that Charity is so innocent and pure, but we learn about Charity's MANY ex-boyfriends, she invites a man she has known one day to live with her, and sits around in her nightie with him drinking wine. When Ross comes in her bedroom, she isn't even embarassed. When her Aunt Doris joined the story, I was done. That aunt was just too darn annoying!
May 1, 2015
Charity wants to hire a temporary husband from an agency so the title, Husband Wanted: Will Train fits the story perfectly. The first problem is that she finds her temporary husband very attractive. The second problem is when her Aunt shows up early and Ross answers the door. The third problem is her family when both her sister, Faith and her brother, Mason show up to disrupt her Aunt's visit. The misunderstandings and mis-communication continues until the very end of the story, when Ross finds her and convinces her to marry him because they love each other for a happy ever after ending to a cute story.
August 5, 2014
Another awesome book by the fantastic Author Helen Conrad.. I love this new series.. it is captivating and I was completely engross from beginning to end.... intrigued by the story and wonderful cast of characters... Felt they were real people with all their insecurities and of course skeletons in their closets...
Ross and Charity are they a perfect match.. will they get their HEA... will she stay or will she go... Detest Spoilers so you will have to read the book to find out... you cannot go wrong...
Ross and Charity are they a perfect match.. will they get their HEA... will she stay or will she go... Detest Spoilers so you will have to read the book to find out... you cannot go wrong...
August 8, 2016
Cute, clean read
Another good story from Helen Conrad about her Destiny Bay residents. He wants her restaurant, she wants to prove she's responsible. I am starting to add this author to my must read list. She combines humor with good solid storytelling with just enough romance and love without forgetting the story.
Another good story from Helen Conrad about her Destiny Bay residents. He wants her restaurant, she wants to prove she's responsible. I am starting to add this author to my must read list. She combines humor with good solid storytelling with just enough romance and love without forgetting the story.
December 2, 2013
A well thought out, well put together story. It has a lovely story, with lots of diverse and interesting characters. some nicely set scenes, which were really descriptive and vivid. A nice, easy read.
February 20, 2014
This quickie was an okay read. No big surprises, no real attachment to any of the characters, no real storyline to sink my teeth into. Just a fun, fast read that was an enjoyable happily ever after...even if it was all a bit convenient.
Until next time,
~Lisa
Until next time,
~Lisa
April 12, 2014
If Only Shopping For A Mate Was Easy#
This story starts out with a very plausible pathway. I believe the author sets up her tale about Destiny Bay with much thought and preparation. I look forward to the next heart string pulling story.
This story starts out with a very plausible pathway. I believe the author sets up her tale about Destiny Bay with much thought and preparation. I look forward to the next heart string pulling story.
April 29, 2014
I had trouble deciding between 4 stars or 5. Since I just now finished it at 11:45pm and I have to work tomorrow, I guess it earned 5 stars. I had to see how it ended. I liked Ross, Charity, Mason and most of the other characters. It was fun.
December 12, 2015
Summary
I found this book to be very interesting. I have read many books in the past. But this one tops the most of them . It is good that the father was willing to be trying to be a good father to the baby and a husband to the wife a good book to read .
I found this book to be very interesting. I have read many books in the past. But this one tops the most of them . It is good that the father was willing to be trying to be a good father to the baby and a husband to the wife a good book to read .
June 2, 2016
Pleasant enough in a silly way. It was nice because I know San Diego (a little) and happened to be in Mammoth at the time. Too bad this author didn't develop the setting a little more, but this is short and shallow book, so it was unsurprising.
June 26, 2016
It was a great summer read and a quick read as well. A book about lying and falling in love. At first I didn't think I was going to like it but it was a good book. Would recommend it if you want a quick summer read.
September 29, 2013
ahhh! sweet!
October 1, 2013
A sweet fun love story about Charity and Ross and Charity's crazy family
Want to read
August 28, 2015Destiny Bay 1 1/3 .99
April 8, 2014
A tale of passion mixed with whimsy that will appeal greatly to those who love opposites attract stories.
April 25, 2014
Loved it
very entertaining and super sweet. kinda made me melt. I would definitely have a few friends read this one. great job!
very entertaining and super sweet. kinda made me melt. I would definitely have a few friends read this one. great job!
October 9, 2014
Cute story.
April 10, 2015
I really enjoyed this book.
August 4, 2019
Rating: 4
Awe I love reading this book. I've read it before, but reading it again brings back all the feels.
Awe I love reading this book. I've read it before, but reading it again brings back all the feels.
December 31, 2013
A sweet love story with lots of crazyness.
A hilarious sweet & insecure salty romance
A hilarious sweet & insecure salty romance
February 3, 2014
loved the book.te characters were zany and lovabe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews