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Red River #2
The Best Man's Baby
Florist Claire Holbrook has always played by the rules her entire life, but breaks them to spend one night with sexy lone wolf Jake Manning, a man she's adored since she was a teenager. Six weeks later things get complicated when she discovers they created a bond that will last a lifetime...
Jake has never played by the rules. Getting Minister Holbrook's daughter pregnant wasn't part of any life plan, but he won't run from his responsibilities. He'll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn't have a clue where to begin. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her, and the harder it is to get close because that would mean sharing the one thing he hasn't with anyone—the truth and his heart.
Jake has never played by the rules. Getting Minister Holbrook's daughter pregnant wasn't part of any life plan, but he won't run from his responsibilities. He'll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn't have a clue where to begin. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her, and the harder it is to get close because that would mean sharing the one thing he hasn't with anyone—the truth and his heart.
179 pages, ebook
First published August 12, 2013
130 people are currently reading
1985 people want to read
About the author
Victoria James
30 books1,026 followersVictoria James is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
She is a hopeless romantic who is living her dream, penning happily-ever-after's for her characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but she's quite content living in suburbia with her husband, their two young children, and very bad cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 8, 2023
***4.75 Stars - Highly Recommend***
I really did love this book. I have read Books 1-3. This second book is my absolute favorite. Book one was awful and the third wasn't much better! Who I did not love were the hero's two brothers. I simply could not tolerate them at all. This would have been a five star read if it wasn't for them.
Claire Holbrook is a florist and minister's daughter and she has always played by the rules. She has been in love with Jake Manning most of her life but he had no interest in the preacher's good girl. She was the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding and Jake was the best man. The wedding and reception came to an end and they danced together which led to so much more. He got up and left after their encounter and it broke her heart. She has not heard a word from him in six weeks and she has some news to share. He just arrived back in town and they were at the same barbecue at her best friend's house who happened to be married to Jake's brother. He arrived with a barely dressed blond bombshell but it wasn't a date...she kind of invited herself along by inviting herself. Clair was further devastated because she was going to inform him of his pending fatherhood but the blonde bombshell had her hands all over Jake and Claire was fuming.
Picture this: Jake has just gone through the line and procured his burger as the Blonde Bombshell is still hanging off him and has her hands on his @ss. For his part he is not doing any touching and this gal hopped on his motorcycle and went to the cookout uninvited. (Idiot could have said no and asked her to get off!!!) Claire is digging through her purse. She finds what she needs and storms out the back door and straight to Jake jamming her positive pregnancy test right through his burger. Hilarious but sad in a way.
She doesn't know that lately Jake can't keep his eyes off her. Jake has been through a horrible childhood and was severely mistreated by his mother and father, very unlike the treatment the other two brothers received but he was only abused when the brothers weren't around.
Jake was a magnificent book boyfriend and I would love to read more about him.
This is a great read. I have read it many times and will continue to do so!!
I really did love this book. I have read Books 1-3. This second book is my absolute favorite. Book one was awful and the third wasn't much better! Who I did not love were the hero's two brothers. I simply could not tolerate them at all. This would have been a five star read if it wasn't for them.
Claire Holbrook is a florist and minister's daughter and she has always played by the rules. She has been in love with Jake Manning most of her life but he had no interest in the preacher's good girl. She was the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding and Jake was the best man. The wedding and reception came to an end and they danced together which led to so much more. He got up and left after their encounter and it broke her heart. She has not heard a word from him in six weeks and she has some news to share. He just arrived back in town and they were at the same barbecue at her best friend's house who happened to be married to Jake's brother. He arrived with a barely dressed blond bombshell but it wasn't a date...she kind of invited herself along by inviting herself. Clair was further devastated because she was going to inform him of his pending fatherhood but the blonde bombshell had her hands all over Jake and Claire was fuming.
Picture this: Jake has just gone through the line and procured his burger as the Blonde Bombshell is still hanging off him and has her hands on his @ss. For his part he is not doing any touching and this gal hopped on his motorcycle and went to the cookout uninvited. (Idiot could have said no and asked her to get off!!!) Claire is digging through her purse. She finds what she needs and storms out the back door and straight to Jake jamming her positive pregnancy test right through his burger. Hilarious but sad in a way.
She doesn't know that lately Jake can't keep his eyes off her. Jake has been through a horrible childhood and was severely mistreated by his mother and father, very unlike the treatment the other two brothers received but he was only abused when the brothers weren't around.
Jake was a magnificent book boyfriend and I would love to read more about him.
This is a great read. I have read it many times and will continue to do so!!
August 14, 2013
4.5****
So , how do you tell your only ever one night stand that he is going to be a daddy after he runs out on you in the early am.
You tell him in the middle of a family bar b cue when you storm over to him and stab your pregnancy stick in his fresh of the grill hamburger,that's how!
This is how Clare introduces Jake to his impending fatherhood after he ran away six weeks ago.
I loved this book,it was sweet,romantic,funny,sad,and just a pleasure to read.
I loved how Jake stood up to his responsiblities of soon to be fatherhood and stood by Clare with his bulldozer like persistance.Clare ,scared of being hurt and with past insecurities holds back,but not for long.
This was a great couple and loved the epilogue when they became parents to their son.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
So , how do you tell your only ever one night stand that he is going to be a daddy after he runs out on you in the early am.
You tell him in the middle of a family bar b cue when you storm over to him and stab your pregnancy stick in his fresh of the grill hamburger,that's how!
This is how Clare introduces Jake to his impending fatherhood after he ran away six weeks ago.
I loved this book,it was sweet,romantic,funny,sad,and just a pleasure to read.
I loved how Jake stood up to his responsiblities of soon to be fatherhood and stood by Clare with his bulldozer like persistance.Clare ,scared of being hurt and with past insecurities holds back,but not for long.
This was a great couple and loved the epilogue when they became parents to their son.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 22, 2021
I've read so many poorly written ONS baby stories that it was delightful to read one that was done right. And the opening scene at the BBQ was awesome! I like this one.
Safety:
Safety:
February 17, 2015
My initial thoughts
I started this book not really knowing what to expect but felt this would be a fairly light-hearted story. But, with what I knew of these two characters from the first book, I couldn't imagine them being "frothy." My instincts were correct as both Claire and Jake had depth and complexity, making this an outstanding story.
Quick summary
Claire's silent crush on Jake dated back to high school. He being six years older, Jake never gave her the time of day. When they came together many years later, the night of his brother and Claire's best friend's wedding, little did they know it would have such a lasting effect.
What I loved about this story
What's beautiful about the story is how two seemingly well put together people emerged from the traumatic circumstances of their childhoods. Both brought different strengths to their patched-together relationship, beyond the bonds of impending parenthood. Claire's reactions rang authentic and Jake's painful past was downright heartbreaking. The story had so much substance, tackling tough contemporary issues head on without quick fix solutions. That's not to say there wasn't a fairy tale ending but it was appropriate to the characters and the storyline.
The bottom line
I loved this little gem of a story and couldn't be happier that it far surpassed my expectations.
I started this book not really knowing what to expect but felt this would be a fairly light-hearted story. But, with what I knew of these two characters from the first book, I couldn't imagine them being "frothy." My instincts were correct as both Claire and Jake had depth and complexity, making this an outstanding story.
Quick summary
Claire's silent crush on Jake dated back to high school. He being six years older, Jake never gave her the time of day. When they came together many years later, the night of his brother and Claire's best friend's wedding, little did they know it would have such a lasting effect.
What I loved about this story
What's beautiful about the story is how two seemingly well put together people emerged from the traumatic circumstances of their childhoods. Both brought different strengths to their patched-together relationship, beyond the bonds of impending parenthood. Claire's reactions rang authentic and Jake's painful past was downright heartbreaking. The story had so much substance, tackling tough contemporary issues head on without quick fix solutions. That's not to say there wasn't a fairy tale ending but it was appropriate to the characters and the storyline.
The bottom line
I loved this little gem of a story and couldn't be happier that it far surpassed my expectations.
September 15, 2016
Between the Star Trek: The Next Generation marathon on yesterday, blustery winds and a lack of desire to do anything, I read a bunch of romances.
Here is a three star rating which is more of a 3.5 star.
At the wedding of the h's best friend and the H's brother, the two hookup. This could be/is a huge mistake as the h is a good girl, daughter of the parson, and the H is a bad boy aka bad son. She has had a crush on him for years which was tough as she was over-weight and bullied when she was younger. They have a one night stand with consequences.
The book starts at a party the newlyweds are having. The h sees the H arrive with her arch-nemesis from HS and loses it. She takes her EPT stick and shoves it on the H's burger which is a little over the top for me but works for her.
The hero is horrified, not about the burger or the baby on the way, but horrified that he up and skedaddled after the best night of sex/romance he ever had. He's not exactly Heathcliff, but he does have some serious guilt issues and baggage to work through.
He runs after her and has an uphill battle to convince that he wants to be there for her and the baby. In addition to being a hunka hunka burning love, he is a nice guy that wants to do the right thing. Both characters are pretty sweet and seem good together. No outrageous idiotic behavior other than the norm. She's a little reluctant to get involved with him, and he's a little shut down but all believable. Good news is they actually grow as characters.
The h has issues with perfectionist, harping mother while the H has a very serious and dark backstory that his own brothers don't even know about. Two of the brothers work in the construction company owned by the father. The brotherly banter gets a little old. The H was the renegade and resident bad boy of the town and the family, and his brothers never let him forget it. There is a big reveal of what motivated his bad behavior, and I found it to be a shocker.
So definitely not a 4.0, but it's a nice read. I only wish the evil arch-nemesis had gotten a little bit of a comeuppance as given her nastiness in HS, she deserved it so Ms. James, we need an episode here please.
Here is a three star rating which is more of a 3.5 star.
At the wedding of the h's best friend and the H's brother, the two hookup. This could be/is a huge mistake as the h is a good girl, daughter of the parson, and the H is a bad boy aka bad son. She has had a crush on him for years which was tough as she was over-weight and bullied when she was younger. They have a one night stand with consequences.
The book starts at a party the newlyweds are having. The h sees the H arrive with her arch-nemesis from HS and loses it. She takes her EPT stick and shoves it on the H's burger which is a little over the top for me but works for her.
The hero is horrified, not about the burger or the baby on the way, but horrified that he up and skedaddled after the best night of sex/romance he ever had. He's not exactly Heathcliff, but he does have some serious guilt issues and baggage to work through.
He runs after her and has an uphill battle to convince that he wants to be there for her and the baby. In addition to being a hunka hunka burning love, he is a nice guy that wants to do the right thing. Both characters are pretty sweet and seem good together. No outrageous idiotic behavior other than the norm. She's a little reluctant to get involved with him, and he's a little shut down but all believable. Good news is they actually grow as characters.
The h has issues with perfectionist, harping mother while the H has a very serious and dark backstory that his own brothers don't even know about. Two of the brothers work in the construction company owned by the father. The brotherly banter gets a little old. The H was the renegade and resident bad boy of the town and the family, and his brothers never let him forget it. There is a big reveal of what motivated his bad behavior, and I found it to be a shocker.
So definitely not a 4.0, but it's a nice read. I only wish the evil arch-nemesis had gotten a little bit of a comeuppance as given her nastiness in HS, she deserved it so Ms. James, we need an episode here please.
November 21, 2021
3.5 stars. This story is better than what I was expecting when I first started reading. There are few things that irritate me quite as much as the whole mess where this story starts. The heroine is a virgin who has been in love with the hero for years - she watches the hero with numerous other women while he never even gives her a second glance. She waits around for him instead of trying to find someone else. Just total pathetic nonsense. Thankfully, she does grow a back bone during this story. The hero has been with many OW, though claims he isn’t a manwhore. He supposedly always found the heroine attractive but didn’t think he was good enough for her, so never pursued anything. They have a ONS where he leaves immediately after and she gets pregnant. Except the next time she sees him, he has an OW hanging off of him. My personal preferences are strongly against him ending up with the heroine at that point. I mean, seriously, she deserves better. But somehow, this story worked out ok. The author wrote a backstory that actually made me feel true sympathy for the hero, which is fairly rare for me because I have the hardest heart when it comes to sob stories. The story ended up being quite enjoyable and even sweet at times. Still, only 3.5 stars because I’m pissed that this heroine was a virgin at 30 YEARS OLD. Give me an effin break.
Safety was fine, hero supposedly not a manwhore, virgin heroine, no OM drama, slight OW drama because the hero allows a woman to hang off of him and touch him even though he’s supposedly uninterested. It’s not actually clarified if the hero was with anyone after he had the ONS with the heroine, but they are separated for 6 weeks and no clarification either way.
TW: pregnancy, sexual assault (past off page), parental neglect and emotional abuse of child.
Safety was fine, hero supposedly not a manwhore, virgin heroine, no OM drama, slight OW drama because the hero allows a woman to hang off of him and touch him even though he’s supposedly uninterested. It’s not actually clarified if the hero was with anyone after he had the ONS with the heroine, but they are separated for 6 weeks and no clarification either way.
TW: pregnancy, sexual assault (past off page), parental neglect and emotional abuse of child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2013
Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
The Best Man’s Baby is my first Victoria James book. I can say without a DOUBT, it will not be my last. I was sucked into the book immediately. I couldn’t wait to find out the secret Jake was carrying around and the outcome for this couple.
Claire Holbrook is the best friend of Jake’s new sister-in-law, Holly. Holly and Quinn Manning’s story is told in A RISK WORTH TAKING. The Best Man’s Baby starts out at the wedding reception of Holly and Quinn. Claire decides to be wild for one night and comes on to Jake. Jake decides that he’s tired of fighting his attraction to Claire and the two take things to a hotel room upstairs. Afterwards, Jake leaves a heartbroken Claire and disappears for six weeks. When these two come face to face again, things get a little heated and embarrassing to say the least. Let’s just say some things do not go well with a burger. But this is a confrontation that will change their lives forever.
Claire has always has been the good girl trying to do the right thing. She has issues from her childhood that she thinks she’s overcome but hasn’t. She’s a successful florist and has a killer personality. When pushed to the limit, she has a backbone that’s to be admired. Jake Manning is a tortured soul who doesn’t really know where he fits in. At a young age, he learned something about himself and still fifteen years later is trying to overcome it. It’s a secret he has kept from everyone, except for one person. Jake has a history of running when things appear to be too serious, but his running is really only just a cover.
When Jake learns he’s going to be a father, he immediately steps up and is willing to do whatever is necessary to be the ONLY father in his child’s life. Claire refuses to let this be easy for Jake, but Jake refuses to take no for an answer. The journey these two go on is frustrating, touching, heart-wrenching, and amazing all at the same time. It takes one night of passion and weeks of struggling for Jake and Claire to achieve what they want and need the most in life, freedom from the past and a future full of happiness.
There are not enough words to express how much I loved this story. Writing this review was extremely hard to do without spilling all the details. The Best Man’s Baby is a great story that I did not want to end.
Source: Publisher
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
The Best Man’s Baby is my first Victoria James book. I can say without a DOUBT, it will not be my last. I was sucked into the book immediately. I couldn’t wait to find out the secret Jake was carrying around and the outcome for this couple.
Claire Holbrook is the best friend of Jake’s new sister-in-law, Holly. Holly and Quinn Manning’s story is told in A RISK WORTH TAKING. The Best Man’s Baby starts out at the wedding reception of Holly and Quinn. Claire decides to be wild for one night and comes on to Jake. Jake decides that he’s tired of fighting his attraction to Claire and the two take things to a hotel room upstairs. Afterwards, Jake leaves a heartbroken Claire and disappears for six weeks. When these two come face to face again, things get a little heated and embarrassing to say the least. Let’s just say some things do not go well with a burger. But this is a confrontation that will change their lives forever.
Claire has always has been the good girl trying to do the right thing. She has issues from her childhood that she thinks she’s overcome but hasn’t. She’s a successful florist and has a killer personality. When pushed to the limit, she has a backbone that’s to be admired. Jake Manning is a tortured soul who doesn’t really know where he fits in. At a young age, he learned something about himself and still fifteen years later is trying to overcome it. It’s a secret he has kept from everyone, except for one person. Jake has a history of running when things appear to be too serious, but his running is really only just a cover.
When Jake learns he’s going to be a father, he immediately steps up and is willing to do whatever is necessary to be the ONLY father in his child’s life. Claire refuses to let this be easy for Jake, but Jake refuses to take no for an answer. The journey these two go on is frustrating, touching, heart-wrenching, and amazing all at the same time. It takes one night of passion and weeks of struggling for Jake and Claire to achieve what they want and need the most in life, freedom from the past and a future full of happiness.
There are not enough words to express how much I loved this story. Writing this review was extremely hard to do without spilling all the details. The Best Man’s Baby is a great story that I did not want to end.
Source: Publisher
August 11, 2013
Aww... This was brilliant!!
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. All comments and opinions are my own. This is a completely honest review.
This is the second instalment in Victoria James’ Red River series. Even though I haven’t read the first book, I loved this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me want to turn the pages ahead just so I know what happens next. The characters in this book are so refreshing and funny, that they seem to leap off the pages with every word you read.
Claire Holbrook is the reverend’s daughter, and a notorious good girl. After years of crushing on Jake Manning, Red River’s signature bad boy, she finally loosens up and does the unthinkable. A one-night stand at her best friend’s wedding. Mr Bad Boy, ups and leaves right after they do the hanky-panky. Come six weeks later and bam! He finds out he’s going to be a daddy.
“Welcome home, daddy.” She stabbed the positive pregnancy indicator stick through his hamburger with enough force that it could have killed the cow had it been still alive.”
That had me in stitches, and made me wonder why I wasn’t more creative in announcing my pregnancy to my partner.
Claire doesn’t want to take any crap from the man who abandoned her after taking her virginity, but Jake won’t give up, and he is relentless in his pursuit of her, he wants to prove to her that he is long over his bad boy days and that he intends to be a part of her and his child’s lives.
“And I’m not going to sit back and watch you get married to some other guy and lurk in the shadows like Quasimodo hoping for a glimpse of my child. Not happening. And I’m not leaving here until we come up with some kind of plan that includes me.”
I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in a few hours and if you get this book, you will see exactly why. If you want a fun read, something that can make you laugh, but that can also tickle your heart strings, then this is the book for you.
Victoria James really knows how to capture those special moments between a couple and she can make the story both hilarious and gut-wrenching. Both of these characters are sensational, the story is sensational. In fact, this book is sensational.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. All comments and opinions are my own. This is a completely honest review.
This is the second instalment in Victoria James’ Red River series. Even though I haven’t read the first book, I loved this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me want to turn the pages ahead just so I know what happens next. The characters in this book are so refreshing and funny, that they seem to leap off the pages with every word you read.
Claire Holbrook is the reverend’s daughter, and a notorious good girl. After years of crushing on Jake Manning, Red River’s signature bad boy, she finally loosens up and does the unthinkable. A one-night stand at her best friend’s wedding. Mr Bad Boy, ups and leaves right after they do the hanky-panky. Come six weeks later and bam! He finds out he’s going to be a daddy.
“Welcome home, daddy.” She stabbed the positive pregnancy indicator stick through his hamburger with enough force that it could have killed the cow had it been still alive.”
That had me in stitches, and made me wonder why I wasn’t more creative in announcing my pregnancy to my partner.
Claire doesn’t want to take any crap from the man who abandoned her after taking her virginity, but Jake won’t give up, and he is relentless in his pursuit of her, he wants to prove to her that he is long over his bad boy days and that he intends to be a part of her and his child’s lives.
“And I’m not going to sit back and watch you get married to some other guy and lurk in the shadows like Quasimodo hoping for a glimpse of my child. Not happening. And I’m not leaving here until we come up with some kind of plan that includes me.”
I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in a few hours and if you get this book, you will see exactly why. If you want a fun read, something that can make you laugh, but that can also tickle your heart strings, then this is the book for you.
Victoria James really knows how to capture those special moments between a couple and she can make the story both hilarious and gut-wrenching. Both of these characters are sensational, the story is sensational. In fact, this book is sensational.
August 16, 2013
The Best Man's Baby is a great mix of the cliche and the unique. There are lots of books about the best man falling in love at the wedding. And there are lots of books where a one night stand ends up in a baby. The thing that makes this book stand out are the characters (they are always the most important part to me).
Claire is convinced that Jake doesn't have it in him to settle down and be responsible. He seems to prove her right when he takes off for six weeks after their one night together - after his brother's wedding. Pregnancy hormones and the fact that she's just plain pissed off lead to quite a scene when Jake finally comes back to town. This one scene made me fall in love with Claire and never look back. Jake is shocked to find out that he is going to be a daddy and furious that Claire seems to have written him out of their lives before he even know his child existed.
The book shows us Jake's uphill battle in gaining Claire's trust and proving to her that he can be everything she needs. Claire needs to let Jake in enough to give him a chance, and to help him finally deal with some very deep childhood demons. Demons that his brothers don't even know about yet.
With touching scenes inserted in all the right places, and some great side characters that make it their mission to get these two together and keep them that way, the story was just plain fun to read and had quite a few laugh out loud moments (my family looked at me funny).
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
Claire is convinced that Jake doesn't have it in him to settle down and be responsible. He seems to prove her right when he takes off for six weeks after their one night together - after his brother's wedding. Pregnancy hormones and the fact that she's just plain pissed off lead to quite a scene when Jake finally comes back to town. This one scene made me fall in love with Claire and never look back. Jake is shocked to find out that he is going to be a daddy and furious that Claire seems to have written him out of their lives before he even know his child existed.
The book shows us Jake's uphill battle in gaining Claire's trust and proving to her that he can be everything she needs. Claire needs to let Jake in enough to give him a chance, and to help him finally deal with some very deep childhood demons. Demons that his brothers don't even know about yet.
With touching scenes inserted in all the right places, and some great side characters that make it their mission to get these two together and keep them that way, the story was just plain fun to read and had quite a few laugh out loud moments (my family looked at me funny).
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
January 13, 2020
3.5 stars
A nice sweet story about two conflicted MCs. The h has had a long time crush on the bad boy of the town. Then, at his brother's wedding to her bff, they have a one night stand after which he just vamooses leaving her pregnant. They meet again at the other couple's place for a barbecue where he comes with another girl in tow....and our placid sweet n unassertive h simply loses it n how!
The best pregnancy declaration scene ever follows.
Some ups and downs but the h/H are real sweethearts in this book and I like them equally.They both have some angsty childhood issues which are revealed and resolved as we read along and the story winds up poignantly n sweetly.
A nice sweet story about two conflicted MCs. The h has had a long time crush on the bad boy of the town. Then, at his brother's wedding to her bff, they have a one night stand after which he just vamooses leaving her pregnant. They meet again at the other couple's place for a barbecue where he comes with another girl in tow....and our placid sweet n unassertive h simply loses it n how!
The best pregnancy declaration scene ever follows.
Some ups and downs but the h/H are real sweethearts in this book and I like them equally.They both have some angsty childhood issues which are revealed and resolved as we read along and the story winds up poignantly n sweetly.
August 15, 2013
This was a cute, quick, emotional read. Really enjoyed Claire and Jake together. Too bad the sex scenes were G rated.
July 9, 2017
UPDATE: Re-read 08 July 2-17
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Gostei muito e vou tentar ler os outros da série!
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Gostei muito e vou tentar ler os outros da série!
February 1, 2016
4 stars.
August 14, 2013
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
Victoria James is another unknown author in Portugal. She lives near Toronto, in Canada and writes for Entangled, Indulgence. I feel sad when I read such great books as “The Best Man’s Baby” and realize that are so many good authors out there waiting for the opportunity to be discovered by Portuguese publishers.
About this book, I totally fell in love with it. It’s a sweet and romantic story, with amazing humour scenes, which made me enjoy the book very much. I didn’t read the first instalment in Victoria James’ Red River series, but I hope to do it soon. She is a very talent author that makes us forget all of our problems and just enjoy the reading moment. The characters are perfect, too. Clair, although being the reverend’s daughter, is a very independent woman, with her own beliefs and fights every day to fulfil her dreams. The scene where she stabbed the positive pregnancy test through Jake’s hamburger while he was with another woman in their friend barbecue party was hilarious, but it showed how tough Clair is in very difficult circumstances. Jake Manning is the opposite – at least on the outside. He is the spoiled playboy, always having the perfect women besides him. It may be true, but his story is a little more complicated than that, He isn’t as perfect as people thing he is and he keeps a terrible secret from his siblings that can tear his family apart. But when he knows he’s going to be a father he decides to be a grown up man and take responsibility for what he did – at least he wants to. I loved the book very much and thinking in everything that happened I don’t seem to find any failures in the plot. It is not only a romance story; it’s a story of family, friendship and human values. Now I’m very curious about Evan Manning’s story. The sneak peek at the end of the book is so great that the idea of waiting for the winter to read it makes me very sad. Keep going, Victoria, we are waiting for it.
Victoria James is another unknown author in Portugal. She lives near Toronto, in Canada and writes for Entangled, Indulgence. I feel sad when I read such great books as “The Best Man’s Baby” and realize that are so many good authors out there waiting for the opportunity to be discovered by Portuguese publishers.
About this book, I totally fell in love with it. It’s a sweet and romantic story, with amazing humour scenes, which made me enjoy the book very much. I didn’t read the first instalment in Victoria James’ Red River series, but I hope to do it soon. She is a very talent author that makes us forget all of our problems and just enjoy the reading moment. The characters are perfect, too. Clair, although being the reverend’s daughter, is a very independent woman, with her own beliefs and fights every day to fulfil her dreams. The scene where she stabbed the positive pregnancy test through Jake’s hamburger while he was with another woman in their friend barbecue party was hilarious, but it showed how tough Clair is in very difficult circumstances. Jake Manning is the opposite – at least on the outside. He is the spoiled playboy, always having the perfect women besides him. It may be true, but his story is a little more complicated than that, He isn’t as perfect as people thing he is and he keeps a terrible secret from his siblings that can tear his family apart. But when he knows he’s going to be a father he decides to be a grown up man and take responsibility for what he did – at least he wants to. I loved the book very much and thinking in everything that happened I don’t seem to find any failures in the plot. It is not only a romance story; it’s a story of family, friendship and human values. Now I’m very curious about Evan Manning’s story. The sneak peek at the end of the book is so great that the idea of waiting for the winter to read it makes me very sad. Keep going, Victoria, we are waiting for it.
November 24, 2021
I didn't feel the heroine's angst after their ONS but there was little bit about H's story and romance was soo sweet!
October 13, 2014
This book was so well done. It felt a bit shorter than the average full length book, but in no way is the reader cheated. From beginning to end the characters and storyline are well developed and written. Although this could be read as a standalone, Claire and Jake are introduced in the 1st book. The epilogue of this story also mentions something that sets up Ethan's book (#3 in the series featuring these brothers).
Like the first book, this is a romantic and sweet story (the sexy time scenes fade out a bit), but this one also deals with some very intense issues. The story picks up a few years after the 1st book ended at Holly and Quinn's wedding. The story hits the ground running and it starts with a bang. I loved the humor in the book, particularly how Claire tells Jake her news in the 1st chapter. In no way is she a shrinking violet, but an assertive and self-assured woman who has taken a long journey to get to this point. Jake is definitely not what he seems from a superficial reputation. As page and page went by in this book, your heart begins to bleed for him.
The author dealt with two serious issues. Without going into detail what they are (as they were not immediately revealed), the characters eventually deal with the issues head on to get the closure they need to start their lives. My heart hurt for what Claire went through as a teenager as it's an issue close to my own experience. But then you learn about Jake's struggles and I was floored. I thought I figured it out, but it was so much more. I want to thank the author for addressing these significant issues with such care and sensitivity. On the surface it could have been an easy and sweet romantic book, but it was so much more.
Like the first book, this is a romantic and sweet story (the sexy time scenes fade out a bit), but this one also deals with some very intense issues. The story picks up a few years after the 1st book ended at Holly and Quinn's wedding. The story hits the ground running and it starts with a bang. I loved the humor in the book, particularly how Claire tells Jake her news in the 1st chapter. In no way is she a shrinking violet, but an assertive and self-assured woman who has taken a long journey to get to this point. Jake is definitely not what he seems from a superficial reputation. As page and page went by in this book, your heart begins to bleed for him.
The author dealt with two serious issues. Without going into detail what they are (as they were not immediately revealed), the characters eventually deal with the issues head on to get the closure they need to start their lives. My heart hurt for what Claire went through as a teenager as it's an issue close to my own experience. But then you learn about Jake's struggles and I was floored. I thought I figured it out, but it was so much more. I want to thank the author for addressing these significant issues with such care and sensitivity. On the surface it could have been an easy and sweet romantic book, but it was so much more.
September 6, 2013
4.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book. A lot.
It's a good girl and a bad boy story. It has the perfect combination : a very emotional storyline, a humorous writing style and lovable characters.
I liked Claire and Jake and rooted for them to find their HEA.
Claire is a mixture of strength and vulnerability. She has insecurities due to her mother's obsession with appearances. Claire has always been a good girl and the only time she did something reckless - spending a night with Jake whom she had a crush on since forever - she ends up pregnant and hurt. Jake is a playboy keeping a dark secret even from his brothers. He has been fighting his attraction to Claire cuz he thinks she is too good for him and that she deserves better than him. Now he is on a mission : he has to gain Claire's trust if he wants to be a part of her and their baby's lives. But to have his future, he first needs to make peace with his past.
I enjoyed reading this book. A lot.
It's a good girl and a bad boy story. It has the perfect combination : a very emotional storyline, a humorous writing style and lovable characters.
I liked Claire and Jake and rooted for them to find their HEA.
Claire is a mixture of strength and vulnerability. She has insecurities due to her mother's obsession with appearances. Claire has always been a good girl and the only time she did something reckless - spending a night with Jake whom she had a crush on since forever - she ends up pregnant and hurt. Jake is a playboy keeping a dark secret even from his brothers. He has been fighting his attraction to Claire cuz he thinks she is too good for him and that she deserves better than him. Now he is on a mission : he has to gain Claire's trust if he wants to be a part of her and their baby's lives. But to have his future, he first needs to make peace with his past.
October 23, 2014
This is a must read. I laughed, and cried within the chapters of this delightful story. The story is told with so much emotion. I will be adding this one to my favorite's list. Jake, and Claire pulled me right into this book. I laughed so hard when I read how she told Jake that he was going to be a dad! This book is like no other, it is not predictable. It is moving in places, so if you tend to get misty eyed at emotional parts have the tissues near-by. I enjoyed the banter between Jake, and Claire. They kept me smiling as I flipped through the pages.
November 30, 2013
Readers come in two categories--those who are or are not fans of baby trope books. I like them, because parenthood is serious stuff, and in a romance involving babies, none of the angst has to be manufactured. It's all very real. And this book is quite well written. I loved Claire and Jake, and their back stories were cleverly imagined. Good stuff!
August 20, 2013
What a great book. Loved the H & h and their romance. This book had me laughing, sighing and crying. Beautiful love story!
August 17, 2013
Book 2 in the Red River series focuses on Quinn's brother, Jake, and Holly's best friend, Claire.
I have to start this review by saying this book had me laughing so hard in several places that my stomach muscles and cheeks are sore.
Claire has been infatuated with Jake for pretty much as long as she can remember. He was the "bad boy" in the Manning family and devilishly sexy. Jake never really noticed Claire until a few years ago, but boy does he notice her now! But Jake's never really been the relationship kind of guy and Claire is Holly's best friend and she's not a one night stand kind of girl. That is, until the night of Quinn and Holly's wedding.
After the best night of his life, Jake left Claire and was out of town, for work, for six weeks and didn't bother to contact her. When he shows up at a barbecue at Quinn & Holly's with a bimbo clinging all over him, Claire snaps. The funniest pregnancy announcement I've ever read in a story is made, in front of all the partygoers, and Claire storms off.
Jake is determined to do the right thing for Claire and their baby. He insists they get married but Claire refuses to enter into a marriage of duty. She won't settle for anything less than a marriage of love. As they get to know each other, they must both battle the demons of their pasts and learn to trust each other completely.
The funniest part of the whole story (for me), is when Jake goes with her to her first doctor's appointment. They are in the waiting room when a child, who is obviously ill, coughs. Jake quickly covers Claire's mouth and nose with his hand and exclaims, "Don't breathe in the air. That kid has the plague." I absolutely lost it when I read that and I'm still chuckling just picturing the scene. ;)
This story has everything a good romance story needs. A fiercely independent heroine determined to make her mark in the world, with or without a man, a sex-on-a-stick hero battling personal demons that make him feel unworthy of love and happiness, and sexual tension you could cut with a knife.
Sometimes I feel like with series', they can get repetitive with the personalities of the characters being so similar to each other and stuff, but Claire and Jake couldn't be more different than Holly and Quinn (from A Risk Worth Taking). And I'm very much looking forward to the third book in the series that will focus on the third Manning brother, Evan's romantic life...
I have to start this review by saying this book had me laughing so hard in several places that my stomach muscles and cheeks are sore.
Claire has been infatuated with Jake for pretty much as long as she can remember. He was the "bad boy" in the Manning family and devilishly sexy. Jake never really noticed Claire until a few years ago, but boy does he notice her now! But Jake's never really been the relationship kind of guy and Claire is Holly's best friend and she's not a one night stand kind of girl. That is, until the night of Quinn and Holly's wedding.
After the best night of his life, Jake left Claire and was out of town, for work, for six weeks and didn't bother to contact her. When he shows up at a barbecue at Quinn & Holly's with a bimbo clinging all over him, Claire snaps. The funniest pregnancy announcement I've ever read in a story is made, in front of all the partygoers, and Claire storms off.
Jake is determined to do the right thing for Claire and their baby. He insists they get married but Claire refuses to enter into a marriage of duty. She won't settle for anything less than a marriage of love. As they get to know each other, they must both battle the demons of their pasts and learn to trust each other completely.
The funniest part of the whole story (for me), is when Jake goes with her to her first doctor's appointment. They are in the waiting room when a child, who is obviously ill, coughs. Jake quickly covers Claire's mouth and nose with his hand and exclaims, "Don't breathe in the air. That kid has the plague." I absolutely lost it when I read that and I'm still chuckling just picturing the scene. ;)
This story has everything a good romance story needs. A fiercely independent heroine determined to make her mark in the world, with or without a man, a sex-on-a-stick hero battling personal demons that make him feel unworthy of love and happiness, and sexual tension you could cut with a knife.
Sometimes I feel like with series', they can get repetitive with the personalities of the characters being so similar to each other and stuff, but Claire and Jake couldn't be more different than Holly and Quinn (from A Risk Worth Taking). And I'm very much looking forward to the third book in the series that will focus on the third Manning brother, Evan's romantic life...
January 27, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had its sweet, fun and emotional moments. I liked that Jake had a responsible side to him. He wasn't a footloose womanizer as one thought him to be at the beginning of the book. I liked the moment when he finally tells his brothers --with Claire's encouragement-- the story behind his birth and why he ran off after his parents' death.
My favorite moment in the book had to be how Claire breaks the news to him that she's pregnant with his child. Sticking the pregnancy test into his hamburger with his female companion --Claire's school nemesis-- screaming it must have pee on it while everyone at the barbecue lunch are stunned.
I also liked how the brothers tease rib Jake thereafter while trying to be use PG words since Jake's niece, Ella, was in the room.
“Okay, boys,” Holly said sternly, pointing her index finger at Quinn and Evan. “No teasing.” Evan was already on his BlackBerry and Quinn held his hands up in surrender.
“Give me the full story, Jake,” she said, leaning forward opposite him on the island. He looked into her reassuring green eyes and suddenly felt compelled to spill everything. Is this what women did?
“The night of your wedding we, uh—” He coughed and then took a sip of his coffee. “Sort of got a room together.”
“So you used Holly and Quinn’s wedding as an opportunity to fornicate,” Evan said while thumb typing.
Jake glared at Evan. “Fornicate?”
Evan looked up from his BlackBerry, shaking his head condescendingly. “Fornication. There is a child in the room, Casanova. I’m trying to use words she won’t be able to repeat.”
“Pornication!” Ella yelled out. Holly’s mouth dropped open, and Quinn choked on his coffee. They all slowly turned to look at Ella, who was grinning at them.
“That’s not a word, sweetie. Uncle Evan likes to make things up,” Quinn said.
Ella nodded and then held her index finger to her lips. “Shhhh.”
If he hadn’t been the subject of the conversation he might have laughed.
“Can we try and keep our voices down and keep this PG, please?” Holly whispered. They all nodded. Jake muttered a curse at Evan. Evan gave him a smile that told him exactly how much he was enjoying this.
Loved the bond between the brothers. Loved all the characters.
My favorite moment in the book had to be how Claire breaks the news to him that she's pregnant with his child. Sticking the pregnancy test into his hamburger with his female companion --Claire's school nemesis-- screaming it must have pee on it while everyone at the barbecue lunch are stunned.
I also liked how the brothers tease rib Jake thereafter while trying to be use PG words since Jake's niece, Ella, was in the room.
“Okay, boys,” Holly said sternly, pointing her index finger at Quinn and Evan. “No teasing.” Evan was already on his BlackBerry and Quinn held his hands up in surrender.
“Give me the full story, Jake,” she said, leaning forward opposite him on the island. He looked into her reassuring green eyes and suddenly felt compelled to spill everything. Is this what women did?
“The night of your wedding we, uh—” He coughed and then took a sip of his coffee. “Sort of got a room together.”
“So you used Holly and Quinn’s wedding as an opportunity to fornicate,” Evan said while thumb typing.
Jake glared at Evan. “Fornicate?”
Evan looked up from his BlackBerry, shaking his head condescendingly. “Fornication. There is a child in the room, Casanova. I’m trying to use words she won’t be able to repeat.”
“Pornication!” Ella yelled out. Holly’s mouth dropped open, and Quinn choked on his coffee. They all slowly turned to look at Ella, who was grinning at them.
“That’s not a word, sweetie. Uncle Evan likes to make things up,” Quinn said.
Ella nodded and then held her index finger to her lips. “Shhhh.”
If he hadn’t been the subject of the conversation he might have laughed.
“Can we try and keep our voices down and keep this PG, please?” Holly whispered. They all nodded. Jake muttered a curse at Evan. Evan gave him a smile that told him exactly how much he was enjoying this.
Loved the bond between the brothers. Loved all the characters.
August 10, 2013
I normally do not finish books in one day. What can I say? This was an exception. I received this as an ARC and had not read the first in the series. I was concerned that perhaps I shouldn't dive into a book that is a sequel, but this is a stand alone story. Each book plays on the other, but each one is a different brother's story and are chronological in nature.
I devoured the story of Jake and Claire. From the prologue I was sucked in. I had to make myself not jump to the end of each page because I was anxious to see what happened next. Buy this story! You will not regret it!
Claire has a one night stand with the man of her dreams and wakes up to find him gone. Ok, so her heart was broken, but she can recover right? Wrong! She discovers she is pregnant and must tell her crush from high school that he is going to be a father. Claire owns her own business and her own home. Pregnancy was not in the cards for her at this time. She is a planner and this is unfamiliar territory.
Jake, to the casual observer, is a bad boy. He isn't one to settle down and runs from confrontations. Take the one night stand with Claire, for example. He had wanted her for quite some time, but she was too good for him. A one night stand should not have happened. She deserved better and her father certainly wouldn't approve. Jake tries to shake his desires for Claire by leaving town on business and not contacting her. Little did he know that the night they shared would change his life.
Jake must prove to Claire that his feelings for her are not because of the baby. But before they can move forward, they both must confront their own problems. Their story is one of past trials, self discovery, and love.
I devoured the story of Jake and Claire. From the prologue I was sucked in. I had to make myself not jump to the end of each page because I was anxious to see what happened next. Buy this story! You will not regret it!
Claire has a one night stand with the man of her dreams and wakes up to find him gone. Ok, so her heart was broken, but she can recover right? Wrong! She discovers she is pregnant and must tell her crush from high school that he is going to be a father. Claire owns her own business and her own home. Pregnancy was not in the cards for her at this time. She is a planner and this is unfamiliar territory.
Jake, to the casual observer, is a bad boy. He isn't one to settle down and runs from confrontations. Take the one night stand with Claire, for example. He had wanted her for quite some time, but she was too good for him. A one night stand should not have happened. She deserved better and her father certainly wouldn't approve. Jake tries to shake his desires for Claire by leaving town on business and not contacting her. Little did he know that the night they shared would change his life.
Jake must prove to Claire that his feelings for her are not because of the baby. But before they can move forward, they both must confront their own problems. Their story is one of past trials, self discovery, and love.
August 19, 2013
This is the first of Victoria James Manning Brothers books I've read. It comes second in the series and the first one has been on my want to read list since I first saw it. I received an ARC for this review.
I didn't find it a problem not having read the first book but will certainly read it when I get a chance. The third book is out later in the year and I'm looking forward to it.
This is a classic good girl (yes one of my favourite virginal heroines) and the bad boy of the Manning Brothers. A reunion of a sort, it would be nice to think Jake had had an unrequited passion for Claire back when she was a spotty, chubby teen, but he had his own problems at the time.
More recently though, he's been eyeing off the Ministers daughter, but knows that she's too perfect for him and he owes her Dad big time.
This is a sweet small town style romance with interactions with the other Manning Bros and a small but not overwhelming slice of local life. The relationship between Claire and Jake grows in a believable way without too much unnecessary angst and TSTL moments.
Claire is a likeable heroine with her own charm and flaws and matches Jake rather well. They both have a mistaken idea that the others life was perfect and it's nice watching the barriers come down as they share more with each other.
Altogether a nice read with some real emotional moments and a satisfying ending. If it all seems a little too good to be true at times, eg. Claire's parents situation, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the story.
One thing that I was disappointed in was the cover. I don't like this whole Fifty Shades of Grey thing with the covers. I really liked the colourful colours including the one on the first book of the series.
I didn't find it a problem not having read the first book but will certainly read it when I get a chance. The third book is out later in the year and I'm looking forward to it.
This is a classic good girl (yes one of my favourite virginal heroines) and the bad boy of the Manning Brothers. A reunion of a sort, it would be nice to think Jake had had an unrequited passion for Claire back when she was a spotty, chubby teen, but he had his own problems at the time.
More recently though, he's been eyeing off the Ministers daughter, but knows that she's too perfect for him and he owes her Dad big time.
This is a sweet small town style romance with interactions with the other Manning Bros and a small but not overwhelming slice of local life. The relationship between Claire and Jake grows in a believable way without too much unnecessary angst and TSTL moments.
Claire is a likeable heroine with her own charm and flaws and matches Jake rather well. They both have a mistaken idea that the others life was perfect and it's nice watching the barriers come down as they share more with each other.
Altogether a nice read with some real emotional moments and a satisfying ending. If it all seems a little too good to be true at times, eg. Claire's parents situation, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the story.
One thing that I was disappointed in was the cover. I don't like this whole Fifty Shades of Grey thing with the covers. I really liked the colourful colours including the one on the first book of the series.
June 17, 2015
I am so glad that I discovered Victoria James and her amazing Red River series. After reading A Risk Worth Taking, I was excited about reading Jake and Claire's story because I knew they would not disappoint me in providing an entertaining story--and they definitely delivered! From one of the opening scenes of Claire shoving her pregnancy stick in Jake's burger, these two easy-to-connect-with characters jumped off the page with their loud, banter-loving personalities.
Jake was damaged beyond belief by a childhood I did not see coming, while Claire had her own demons to face before they could begin their future together. I loved Claire's sense of independence and confidence, and I also adored Jake's sense of responsibility and need to do the right thing. Again, Mrs. James delivered an amazing story. I can't wait for Evan's story; he's been the most elusive Manning brother thus far, and I can't wait to meet his match and get inside his head!
Jake was damaged beyond belief by a childhood I did not see coming, while Claire had her own demons to face before they could begin their future together. I loved Claire's sense of independence and confidence, and I also adored Jake's sense of responsibility and need to do the right thing. Again, Mrs. James delivered an amazing story. I can't wait for Evan's story; he's been the most elusive Manning brother thus far, and I can't wait to meet his match and get inside his head!
July 10, 2014
I love when a book takes me by surprise. This was such a sweet and emotional story. I adored both Jake and Claire and their love story was funny at times, charming and wonderful. Their journey to their HEA was an emotional roller coaster but the reward at the end was a perfect ending. The epilogue was just an added bonus of goodness :)
I just wish it were longer. :)
I just wish it were longer. :)
April 30, 2022
Judge me all you want, but I am drawn to accidental baby stories like a moth to a flame. And Victoria James writes good, solid stories (even if her titles are a little uncreative…). So I didn’t hesitate to request this book from NetGalley!
The Best Man’s Baby (just like its title) was a fairly simple and uncomplicated story. After watching her best friend get married, good girl Claire makes an alcohol-infused pass at alcohol-influenced “bad boy” Jake, who takes her up on her offer. It was an unforgettable night for both of them.
But then Jake hightails it out of the hotel room like his backside is on fire and disappears for six weeks. Once he gets back to town, he’s met with the fury of his one-night-stand and the announcement that he’s going to be a father.
This book was going along great - I love a heroine who sticks to her mad even though the hero thinks he can talk his way back into her good graces - when BAM, the author totally leveled up and threw in a health issue from the past. Then she doubled down and added more heartbreak from the past for both characters to turn this into a more compelling story than I thought I’d be getting.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a little more story and plot development. The characterizations were great, but as I said, this was a fairly simple story where not a whole lot happened. Still, it was an enjoyable read and a good way to spend an evening!
* thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Bliss for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The Best Man’s Baby (just like its title) was a fairly simple and uncomplicated story. After watching her best friend get married, good girl Claire makes an alcohol-infused pass at alcohol-influenced “bad boy” Jake, who takes her up on her offer. It was an unforgettable night for both of them.
But then Jake hightails it out of the hotel room like his backside is on fire and disappears for six weeks. Once he gets back to town, he’s met with the fury of his one-night-stand and the announcement that he’s going to be a father.
This book was going along great - I love a heroine who sticks to her mad even though the hero thinks he can talk his way back into her good graces - when BAM, the author totally leveled up and threw in a health issue from the past. Then she doubled down and added more heartbreak from the past for both characters to turn this into a more compelling story than I thought I’d be getting.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a little more story and plot development. The characterizations were great, but as I said, this was a fairly simple story where not a whole lot happened. Still, it was an enjoyable read and a good way to spend an evening!
* thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Bliss for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 6, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating: 4.5 Stars
First I fell in love with the plot, then the characters and then finally, the whole book.
Claire Holbrook has been the perfect daughter, the perfect friend, the perfect girl. She had been very nice to everyone all her life, she never wanted anything more than Jake Manning. She had nursed her feelings far too long. Until one night, she got reckless, and threw cautions into the wind when she decided to spend one night with him. But the morning after, he flew and never called her.
Six weeks later, Claire handed Jake the biggest surprise of his life in front of his family, in the most surprising gesture you can ever imagine. (This was one of my favorite parts, I swear!!!) Claire decided she had it with playing nice to everyone, she decided to live her life, fight for what she wants and take care of the baby whether Jake wanted to be a part of it or not. For a very long time, she had envisioned Jake proposing to her – only that it includes hearts and flowers, and of course a ring. Not a baby.
She was Holly’s best friend. She was Minister Holbrook’s daughter. She was the good-girl. And there wasn’t a good bone in his entire body.
Getting Claire pregnant wasn’t a part of his plan. But the moment she dropped the bomb on him, he knew he had to man up and face his responsibilities. After all, this was Claire, Minister’s Holbrook’s daughter. His heart ached when Claire had it all planned without him in the picture. After all, he could not blame her, he ran away from her before the sperm even fertilized the egg. This was different now, he wanted to be a part of the child’s life – he would insist on it. Spending time with Claire, knowing her more just makes him want to get closer. No matter how hard he resist her – this perfect girl, who is too perfect, too good for him might just have stolen his heart before he knew what was happening. His past, however, is hanging above them. Will he be able to be the perfect husband and father or will he allow his dark past to ruin it all for him?
These two characters made a surprisingly pleasant change as story goes. Claire had become feisty, brave, knows what she wants and is not afraid to go for it. Jake, on the other hand, is pretty much amazing! He got scared after that night and purposely ran off, but after she told him about the baby, he wants nothing else but to be a part of it, a part of their lives. He had been a lonely boy for a long time, keeping a painful secret that has been crushing him to pieces. His life is finally getting better, his plans are in order, he has a future, a legacy to offer his child. She tried to fight him off, but the long-standing attraction and her long-time feelings for him were stronger.
The secondary characters were great as well, especially Holly, Jake’s brother and Quinn. They might have relentlessly teased him about the barbeque-incident, but they have his back all the time. I might have started hating Claire’s mom at the beginning, but you are in for a big surprise in the end. I’m totally sure that you will adore her as well.
I laughed out loud, cried a little, broke my heart and fell in love. Theirs was a story I desperately wanted a happy ending for. The both of them deserved it after all that they have been through in the past. Victoria James made a remarkable novel that will make you swoon, sigh and giddy with romance. This might have been an old plot, but Victoria James will surprise you with its twists, and turns. She made sure I (and I’m sure every readers) will remember The Best Man’s Baby for a long, long time. (Most especially when I’m eating burger.)
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
I have not read book 1 in the series...yet (I just purchased it from Amazon) but I found that I really didn't need to in order to enjoy The Best Man's Baby.
Claire Holbrook is the daughter of a Reverend, who has had a mad crush on Jake Manning, a man with a reputation, since grade school. When her best friend, Holly marries Jake's brother, Quinn, Claire throws caution to the wind and, with the help of some whiskey, ends up in bed with Jake. Her first, and only, tryst results in pregnancy but Jake up and disappeared right after their hook up six week prior.
When Jake comes back after being out of town for a construction job, he doesn't realize just what happened that night. He knows that he took Claire's virginity, left her alone afterwards, didn't call, and, above all else ~ had the single best time he'd ever had in bed with a woman. Feeling guilty and unsure of how to handle everything, Jake did what he always does ~ he ran away from the problem.
When Claire jams a positive pregnancy test into his hamburger at the family get-together, everything comes crashing down around him. Not because she's pregnant but because of the secret he harbors and the shame he feels in taking advantage of the daughter of the man that kept Jake grounded and somewhat steady during his entire childhood and teen years. He can't nurture a family of his own until he releases the secret that has kept him at arm's length from almost everyone.
Claire can't believe that, at the age of 30, her very first sexual encounter results in her getting pregnant. And the father is the man of her dreams....or rather was the man of her dreams until he had sex with her and then abandoned her right after. When he shows up to the family bbq with a horrendous girl from Claire's past, she loses all control and announces that she's pregnant to everyone in attendance. Claire, too, has a secret from her past that she harbors; one that she's managed to mostly overcome, but that her mother can't seem to let go of.
Will Jake be able to make up for his insensitivity and find a way to be in Claire's life the way she deserves ~ as a husband and father ~ or will she continue to shut him out?
The Best Man's Baby is one of the best books I've read. This novel is packed full of emotion that just tears at you while you read. The expressions and emotions are written in such a way that you can't help but take them upon yourself and feel them, too. This is one of those novels that I'm going to replay over and over in my head because of the level of involvement the author gives the readers. This book is based on reality - nothing in it seems farfetched, unrealistic, or over the top. Pregnancy from a one-nighter happens. Men leave afterwards. Real men come back and accept responsibility for the role they played.
This truly could have become a poorly written book where Claire forgives Jake right away and without anger or questioning but it doesn't. Claire doesn't just bend to the charms of Jake. She makes him accountable for the humiliation and sadness he caused her. Claire refuses to become involved with Jake any further, including turning down his marriage proposal, just because she carries his child. She doesn't want to get married "because it's the right thing to do." She wants to marry because she's in love and not out of obligation. It takes Jake and Claire some time to figure out that they are both who the other needs and that they do indeed love each other. They don't travel the easy path - the author makes sure of that - and when all is said and done we have a fantastic novel that makes you want to cry, laugh, and shake some people - sometimes all 3 at the same time.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Engtangled Indulgence Publishing, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review. I was not, nor will be, compensated for this review (other than the free book), and the thoughts regarding said novel are my own.
Claire Holbrook is the daughter of a Reverend, who has had a mad crush on Jake Manning, a man with a reputation, since grade school. When her best friend, Holly marries Jake's brother, Quinn, Claire throws caution to the wind and, with the help of some whiskey, ends up in bed with Jake. Her first, and only, tryst results in pregnancy but Jake up and disappeared right after their hook up six week prior.
When Jake comes back after being out of town for a construction job, he doesn't realize just what happened that night. He knows that he took Claire's virginity, left her alone afterwards, didn't call, and, above all else ~ had the single best time he'd ever had in bed with a woman. Feeling guilty and unsure of how to handle everything, Jake did what he always does ~ he ran away from the problem.
When Claire jams a positive pregnancy test into his hamburger at the family get-together, everything comes crashing down around him. Not because she's pregnant but because of the secret he harbors and the shame he feels in taking advantage of the daughter of the man that kept Jake grounded and somewhat steady during his entire childhood and teen years. He can't nurture a family of his own until he releases the secret that has kept him at arm's length from almost everyone.
Claire can't believe that, at the age of 30, her very first sexual encounter results in her getting pregnant. And the father is the man of her dreams....or rather was the man of her dreams until he had sex with her and then abandoned her right after. When he shows up to the family bbq with a horrendous girl from Claire's past, she loses all control and announces that she's pregnant to everyone in attendance. Claire, too, has a secret from her past that she harbors; one that she's managed to mostly overcome, but that her mother can't seem to let go of.
Will Jake be able to make up for his insensitivity and find a way to be in Claire's life the way she deserves ~ as a husband and father ~ or will she continue to shut him out?
The Best Man's Baby is one of the best books I've read. This novel is packed full of emotion that just tears at you while you read. The expressions and emotions are written in such a way that you can't help but take them upon yourself and feel them, too. This is one of those novels that I'm going to replay over and over in my head because of the level of involvement the author gives the readers. This book is based on reality - nothing in it seems farfetched, unrealistic, or over the top. Pregnancy from a one-nighter happens. Men leave afterwards. Real men come back and accept responsibility for the role they played.
This truly could have become a poorly written book where Claire forgives Jake right away and without anger or questioning but it doesn't. Claire doesn't just bend to the charms of Jake. She makes him accountable for the humiliation and sadness he caused her. Claire refuses to become involved with Jake any further, including turning down his marriage proposal, just because she carries his child. She doesn't want to get married "because it's the right thing to do." She wants to marry because she's in love and not out of obligation. It takes Jake and Claire some time to figure out that they are both who the other needs and that they do indeed love each other. They don't travel the easy path - the author makes sure of that - and when all is said and done we have a fantastic novel that makes you want to cry, laugh, and shake some people - sometimes all 3 at the same time.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Engtangled Indulgence Publishing, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review. I was not, nor will be, compensated for this review (other than the free book), and the thoughts regarding said novel are my own.
August 8, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
A few months back I read A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James. I thought that book was pretty awesome. Now Victoria has a new book which is The Best Man's Baby, which I believe is better than A Risk Worth Taking. I'm not kidding; I started this book yesterday and couldn't put it down. I may have stayed up until 2am to finish this story. Now you are wondering what made this story so good me? Let me share:
Claire Holbrook has always been a good girl, after all she is the minister's daughter. Always living by the rules until one night, when she went after what she wanted and she wanted Jake Manning. Claire has been in love with Jake forever, and dreamed up a future with him, but never sharing it with anyone except Holly (her best friend and sister-in-law to Jake).
After there blissful night, Jake did the unpardonable thing and leave the girl right after the magical moment. Now heart-broken and pregnant, she needs to find a way to tell the father she's pregnant. I think what she did was completely awesome.
"Welcome home, daddy.” She stabbed the positive pregnancy indicator stick through his hamburger with enough force that it could have killed the cow had it still been alive.
That's one way to guarantee the father knows, she's pregnant. Now Jake has a tough task to prove to Claire, he wants to be part of their lives. Which isn't an easy task, because he's kind of know as a playboy. Eek!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Best Man's Baby. I truly think Victoria has really outdone herself with this novel. I was laughing, crying, and just everywhere with my emotions. I adore Claire, because she became this hormonal pregnant woman. It was funny and fantastic. I think what really won me was the pregnancy test moment, I mean who does that? Wait a pregnant hormonal woman who has been hurt. Then you have Jake the bad boy who wants to make things right. Jake is a fantastic character, because there is a lot going on with him and no one has clue. I love that you start to understand why Jake seems like a screwup. A fantastic read. So, if you are looking for a bad boy who's trying to make amends and a hormonal woman, you might find a fun read with The Best Man's Baby.
Copy provided by publisher
A few months back I read A Risk Worth Taking by Victoria James. I thought that book was pretty awesome. Now Victoria has a new book which is The Best Man's Baby, which I believe is better than A Risk Worth Taking. I'm not kidding; I started this book yesterday and couldn't put it down. I may have stayed up until 2am to finish this story. Now you are wondering what made this story so good me? Let me share:
Claire Holbrook has always been a good girl, after all she is the minister's daughter. Always living by the rules until one night, when she went after what she wanted and she wanted Jake Manning. Claire has been in love with Jake forever, and dreamed up a future with him, but never sharing it with anyone except Holly (her best friend and sister-in-law to Jake).
After there blissful night, Jake did the unpardonable thing and leave the girl right after the magical moment. Now heart-broken and pregnant, she needs to find a way to tell the father she's pregnant. I think what she did was completely awesome.
"Welcome home, daddy.” She stabbed the positive pregnancy indicator stick through his hamburger with enough force that it could have killed the cow had it still been alive.
That's one way to guarantee the father knows, she's pregnant. Now Jake has a tough task to prove to Claire, he wants to be part of their lives. Which isn't an easy task, because he's kind of know as a playboy. Eek!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Best Man's Baby. I truly think Victoria has really outdone herself with this novel. I was laughing, crying, and just everywhere with my emotions. I adore Claire, because she became this hormonal pregnant woman. It was funny and fantastic. I think what really won me was the pregnancy test moment, I mean who does that? Wait a pregnant hormonal woman who has been hurt. Then you have Jake the bad boy who wants to make things right. Jake is a fantastic character, because there is a lot going on with him and no one has clue. I love that you start to understand why Jake seems like a screwup. A fantastic read. So, if you are looking for a bad boy who's trying to make amends and a hormonal woman, you might find a fun read with The Best Man's Baby.
Copy provided by publisher
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