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Once a Marine #1
The Baby Bargain
Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together...
Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son.
Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail...
Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son.
Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail...
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2013
142 people are currently reading
2909 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Apodaca
20 books365 followersAlso writes paranormal romance under the pseudonym Jennifer Lyon.
I went back to college after my three sons, Matt, Gary and Paul, were born. Beginning with a vague idea of earning a marketing degree, I ended up pursuing a writing career with the full support of my husband, Dan.
First I tried to tame my naturally edgy voice into writing romance, but dead bodies and quirky humor turned up with alarming regularity. So did rejection letters in my mailbox! Dan nagged me to write something contemporary and funny. My mother dropped a hint about trying something modern. My sister mentioned how good I'd be at writing a comedy, maybe even a mystery. Dan agreed with them.
Finally, frustration drove me to murder, fictionally speaking, of course. And so, I have been forced to admit that my husband, mother and sister were right. Not entirely humbled, these days I am busy plotting future adventures for Samantha Shaw!
I went back to college after my three sons, Matt, Gary and Paul, were born. Beginning with a vague idea of earning a marketing degree, I ended up pursuing a writing career with the full support of my husband, Dan.
First I tried to tame my naturally edgy voice into writing romance, but dead bodies and quirky humor turned up with alarming regularity. So did rejection letters in my mailbox! Dan nagged me to write something contemporary and funny. My mother dropped a hint about trying something modern. My sister mentioned how good I'd be at writing a comedy, maybe even a mystery. Dan agreed with them.
Finally, frustration drove me to murder, fictionally speaking, of course. And so, I have been forced to admit that my husband, mother and sister were right. Not entirely humbled, these days I am busy plotting future adventures for Samantha Shaw!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
September 18, 2020
Not a good week for me and New Adult romance.
Yawn fest where I should have listened to my Goodread reviewers and friends.
Hero is a shutdown idiot over an incident that any school counselor could have handled.
The heroine:
Please just acknowledge that you are really just a booty call! The so-called pity-partying hero has proved that more than once. In college, after his parents' funeral, and when he comes to town with a short-term offer for "let's be friends".
Hero: Make a choice, dude. You are a Seal after all. You can't be mad about the sekret baby on the one hand then boo hoo that you're so angry that the h you abandoned because you can't ever be a dad decided not to tell you.
Yawn fest where I should have listened to my Goodread reviewers and friends.
Hero is a shutdown idiot over an incident that any school counselor could have handled.
The heroine:
Please just acknowledge that you are really just a booty call! The so-called pity-partying hero has proved that more than once. In college, after his parents' funeral, and when he comes to town with a short-term offer for "let's be friends".
Hero: Make a choice, dude. You are a Seal after all. You can't be mad about the sekret baby on the one hand then boo hoo that you're so angry that the h you abandoned because you can't ever be a dad decided not to tell you.
March 21, 2013
Review
****I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review****
Megan is the woman left behind. She dated Adam for two years in College, but he wanted his Military career and nothing was going to stand in his way.Then a few years after being in the Marines he comes home for his parents funeral. Megan is there to comfort him, feeling bad for his suffering... they end up in bed. Next morning, Adam breezes back out of her life again...not knowing that he has left something behind. When Megan finds out she is pregnant she doesn't inform Adam, fears of anger and rejection stop her from. She doesn't want to trap anyone into fatherhood. She wouldn't want anyone to go through what she went through with her father, so she leaves it.
When Adam comes back into town after three years he plans to pack up and then leave for good, but he is drawn to Megan, he can't stay away.
This was a good second chance romance. It was full of tension, both characters had hurt feelings and insecurites to get past. Not to mention the fact that Megan was withholding a huge secret from Adam... their son Cole.
Usually I would feel sorry for the dad missing out on his child, but to start out with Adam came across as a bit of a player. He didn't seem to care that he would be stuffing Megan around again with his love you and leave you attitude. He kept a huge part of himself secret too. His reaction when Megan told him was therefore a little over the top for me. I felt bad for Megan, but then he got his act together and redeemed himself. The trouble that Megan was in was interesting and I admit to being a little misled and not knowing who the bad guy was until close to the end. I like the issues that the couple had to go through to get back together and trust each other. Adam's troubled past was heartbreaking, and I was glad Megan could help him work through it all. It was a good story and I am hoping it will be a series as there were some really interesting secondary characters in there, and who can resist a good marine romantic suspense story? Not me :) 3 .5 stars.
****I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review****
Megan is the woman left behind. She dated Adam for two years in College, but he wanted his Military career and nothing was going to stand in his way.Then a few years after being in the Marines he comes home for his parents funeral. Megan is there to comfort him, feeling bad for his suffering... they end up in bed. Next morning, Adam breezes back out of her life again...not knowing that he has left something behind. When Megan finds out she is pregnant she doesn't inform Adam, fears of anger and rejection stop her from. She doesn't want to trap anyone into fatherhood. She wouldn't want anyone to go through what she went through with her father, so she leaves it.
When Adam comes back into town after three years he plans to pack up and then leave for good, but he is drawn to Megan, he can't stay away.
This was a good second chance romance. It was full of tension, both characters had hurt feelings and insecurites to get past. Not to mention the fact that Megan was withholding a huge secret from Adam... their son Cole.
Usually I would feel sorry for the dad missing out on his child, but to start out with Adam came across as a bit of a player. He didn't seem to care that he would be stuffing Megan around again with his love you and leave you attitude. He kept a huge part of himself secret too. His reaction when Megan told him was therefore a little over the top for me. I felt bad for Megan, but then he got his act together and redeemed himself. The trouble that Megan was in was interesting and I admit to being a little misled and not knowing who the bad guy was until close to the end. I like the issues that the couple had to go through to get back together and trust each other. Adam's troubled past was heartbreaking, and I was glad Megan could help him work through it all. It was a good story and I am hoping it will be a series as there were some really interesting secondary characters in there, and who can resist a good marine romantic suspense story? Not me :) 3 .5 stars.
September 6, 2014
...What?
I had so much trouble getting into this book, and in all honesty I never did.
It had promise until Adam (douchebag) showed up and the two main characters interacted. There was no chemistry whatsoever.
I found they're relationship to be shallow, superficial.
It seemed like they were just two strangers talking.
Adam, is a selfish douchebag.
Megan, is an idiot.
It's all lust.
I don't even know why they "love" each other. Just that they were together in college.
He left cause he wan't no family cause he's "damaged." Please.
He comes back, BAM booty call, really.
Meh. I just could not.
I had so much trouble getting into this book, and in all honesty I never did.
It had promise until Adam (douchebag) showed up and the two main characters interacted. There was no chemistry whatsoever.
I found they're relationship to be shallow, superficial.
It seemed like they were just two strangers talking.
Adam, is a selfish douchebag.
Megan, is an idiot.
It's all lust.
I don't even know why they "love" each other. Just that they were together in college.
He left cause he wan't no family cause he's "damaged." Please.
He comes back, BAM booty call, really.
Meh. I just could not.
May 22, 2013
I downloaded this book a few weeks ago when I was in the mood for a sweet contemporary romance after all the murder mystery and serial killer stories I’d been reading at the time. Well, I shifted out of that mode but still had this book to read and was really pleased to discover that this wasn’t the “cute” story I thought it would be. It has a really strong mystery/suspense element underpinning the romance and there’s quite a bit of conflict.
The Set Up
Megan Young dated Adam Waters in college but they went their separate ways when he wasn’t able to sustain a committed relationship because of some serious emotional trauma from his childhood. She’s now a veterinarian with her own practice in their home town of Raven’s Cove, California. About three years ago, he came home for his parents’ funeral and looked to Megan for comfort but left the next day to join the Marines, telling her he couldn’t do this and didn’t leave any contact information, and she hasn’t heard from him since. He suddenly appears at her office doorstep with an injured stray dog asking for help. Megan’s panicked because he doesn’t know that he left her pregnant and they now have a son. Adam is out of the Marines, now owns his own security firm and has returned to sell his parents’ home.
The Conflicts
I really hate when a woman doesn’t tell a man that he’s a father and can rarely accept an excuse for her doing so. It was a major conflict for me (and Adam!), though Meg had some pretty compelling reasons to explain her actions. They made me more sympathetic to her situation and while I still believed she was wrong in not attempting to find him, I at least understood her perspective. Meanwhile, someone is trying to set her up, putting her practice in jeopardy and the potential of her facing jail time. Having this issue in the background while the two of them struggled to come to terms with their feelings for each other, their baggage and Meg’s secret made for a really interesting and compelling story. It wasn’t tough to figure out the mystery but it still added so much tension to the mix that the book was tough to put down.
The Bottom Line
This was a layered story with the two main characters showing up as courageous, tragic and misguided at the same time. Their physical relationship was the one thing that always worked for them but also worked against them in working through the hard issues. It’s not the sweet story I anticipated (the title really doesn’t do this book justice) and believe me, I was really happy about that. What I got was so much more (4.5 stars) and made even sweeter when I discovered this is the first book in a new series. Bring it on.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing)
The Set Up
Megan Young dated Adam Waters in college but they went their separate ways when he wasn’t able to sustain a committed relationship because of some serious emotional trauma from his childhood. She’s now a veterinarian with her own practice in their home town of Raven’s Cove, California. About three years ago, he came home for his parents’ funeral and looked to Megan for comfort but left the next day to join the Marines, telling her he couldn’t do this and didn’t leave any contact information, and she hasn’t heard from him since. He suddenly appears at her office doorstep with an injured stray dog asking for help. Megan’s panicked because he doesn’t know that he left her pregnant and they now have a son. Adam is out of the Marines, now owns his own security firm and has returned to sell his parents’ home.
The Conflicts
I really hate when a woman doesn’t tell a man that he’s a father and can rarely accept an excuse for her doing so. It was a major conflict for me (and Adam!), though Meg had some pretty compelling reasons to explain her actions. They made me more sympathetic to her situation and while I still believed she was wrong in not attempting to find him, I at least understood her perspective. Meanwhile, someone is trying to set her up, putting her practice in jeopardy and the potential of her facing jail time. Having this issue in the background while the two of them struggled to come to terms with their feelings for each other, their baggage and Meg’s secret made for a really interesting and compelling story. It wasn’t tough to figure out the mystery but it still added so much tension to the mix that the book was tough to put down.
The Bottom Line
This was a layered story with the two main characters showing up as courageous, tragic and misguided at the same time. Their physical relationship was the one thing that always worked for them but also worked against them in working through the hard issues. It’s not the sweet story I anticipated (the title really doesn’t do this book justice) and believe me, I was really happy about that. What I got was so much more (4.5 stars) and made even sweeter when I discovered this is the first book in a new series. Bring it on.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing)
March 28, 2013
Sweet and Hot All Rolled Into One
The Baby Bargain has a little bit of everything. Second chance love story? Check. Secret baby plotline? Most definitely. Hot alpha ex-marine turned security expert that wants the love of a good woman but fears he has nothing to offer her? You bet. Suspense revolving around the theft of a famous show dog? Ummmmm, well, yes.
Megan and Adam had a relationship in college but Adam, bound for life in the Marines, broke it off after graduation because he wanted no part of a long term commitment and family life. Megan was heartbroken but picked herself up and moved on. A couple of years later Adam’s home and dealing with the sudden death of his parents. Megan’s still in love with him and decides to help him through his difficult time. And by helping I mean they hook up one last time. Adam makes it very clear to Megan that it’s indeed the last time. He’s never coming back to Raven’s Cove, he wants nothing to do with a relationship and he never wants to have kids. I’ll repeat…he most emphatically never wants to procreate! He makes this more than apparent to Megan and hits the ground running.
Three years later, Megan’s a veterinarian with a secret and Adam’s come back on business and to sell his parents home. She’s surprised when he walks into her office with an injured dog. There’s an obvious attraction and bond between the two but HE’S STILL NOT STAYING and has nothing to offer her. When Megan finds herself in the middle of a professional and legal scandal involving the aforementioned show dog, she figures it’s time to finally come clean with Adam and reveal her big secret. Brace yourselves…Adam’s a daddy.
I’m not normally a huge fan of the secret baby stories. There's not a whole lot of justifiable reasons to keep that information a secret, but I understand why Megan made the decision she did. He couldn’t have made his thoughts any clearer on the topic of kids, and Megan has her own history of living her life with a father who wanted nothing to do with her. When Adam finds out, the first thing he does is to blame Megan for getting pregnant. How could she do that? Why didn’t she remind him to wear a condom? How could she be so thoughtless? His second reaction is to accuse her of trying to trap him into a life he does not want. He goes on to blame her for not contacting him (say what?), even though he’s left no forwarding address, e-mail or cell number. And now this means he's going to have to change his will. HIS WILL, PEOPLE!!! Needless to say I had a few issues with Adam’s logic. I can understand the not contacting him issue, but he blew any sympathy he had from me with that condom/relationship trapping rant.
Adam’s desire to close himself off from close personal relationships is eventually explained and handled well. I can’t really blame the guy after everything he’s been through. Does it excuse him from being a douche? Not so much, but at least it was explained. I loved the relationship he develops with his two year old son, but it took him a little longer to come around and trust Megan again and admit he does want to make a family with her. The few love scenes were hot and felt exactly right for this story.
The suspense element of this book didn’t work for me. First off, it wasn’t actually suspenseful and felt a little like filler. Maybe I would’ve taken the situation a little more seriously had it not revolved around revenge via the custody case of a money making show dog, but that’s just me.
ARC provided from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
The Baby Bargain has a little bit of everything. Second chance love story? Check. Secret baby plotline? Most definitely. Hot alpha ex-marine turned security expert that wants the love of a good woman but fears he has nothing to offer her? You bet. Suspense revolving around the theft of a famous show dog? Ummmmm, well, yes.
Megan and Adam had a relationship in college but Adam, bound for life in the Marines, broke it off after graduation because he wanted no part of a long term commitment and family life. Megan was heartbroken but picked herself up and moved on. A couple of years later Adam’s home and dealing with the sudden death of his parents. Megan’s still in love with him and decides to help him through his difficult time. And by helping I mean they hook up one last time. Adam makes it very clear to Megan that it’s indeed the last time. He’s never coming back to Raven’s Cove, he wants nothing to do with a relationship and he never wants to have kids. I’ll repeat…he most emphatically never wants to procreate! He makes this more than apparent to Megan and hits the ground running.
Three years later, Megan’s a veterinarian with a secret and Adam’s come back on business and to sell his parents home. She’s surprised when he walks into her office with an injured dog. There’s an obvious attraction and bond between the two but HE’S STILL NOT STAYING and has nothing to offer her. When Megan finds herself in the middle of a professional and legal scandal involving the aforementioned show dog, she figures it’s time to finally come clean with Adam and reveal her big secret. Brace yourselves…Adam’s a daddy.
I’m not normally a huge fan of the secret baby stories. There's not a whole lot of justifiable reasons to keep that information a secret, but I understand why Megan made the decision she did. He couldn’t have made his thoughts any clearer on the topic of kids, and Megan has her own history of living her life with a father who wanted nothing to do with her. When Adam finds out, the first thing he does is to blame Megan for getting pregnant. How could she do that? Why didn’t she remind him to wear a condom? How could she be so thoughtless? His second reaction is to accuse her of trying to trap him into a life he does not want. He goes on to blame her for not contacting him (say what?), even though he’s left no forwarding address, e-mail or cell number. And now this means he's going to have to change his will. HIS WILL, PEOPLE!!! Needless to say I had a few issues with Adam’s logic. I can understand the not contacting him issue, but he blew any sympathy he had from me with that condom/relationship trapping rant.
Adam’s desire to close himself off from close personal relationships is eventually explained and handled well. I can’t really blame the guy after everything he’s been through. Does it excuse him from being a douche? Not so much, but at least it was explained. I loved the relationship he develops with his two year old son, but it took him a little longer to come around and trust Megan again and admit he does want to make a family with her. The few love scenes were hot and felt exactly right for this story.
The suspense element of this book didn’t work for me. First off, it wasn’t actually suspenseful and felt a little like filler. Maybe I would’ve taken the situation a little more seriously had it not revolved around revenge via the custody case of a money making show dog, but that’s just me.
ARC provided from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
July 8, 2014
3 - "Even when I'm mad as hell at you, I still want you." Stars.
Jennifer Apodaca is an author that I have read and enjoyed before, so it was no surprise that I got pulled in and swept up with Megan and Adam’s story.
Who doesn’t love a well written second-chance love story, especially when a little suspense and a cute toddler are thrown into the mix as well.
Adam is your typically tortured hero, but still a true gentleman even though he believes he is incapable of offering a full commitment. Returning home after a few years he is looking to sell up his parent’s property and move on with his life. That is until he runs into Meg, the one woman who he ever had any feelings for. Their connection is still strong, and although Meg is reluctant she agrees to a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement, for the few weeks that Adam is in town.
”Tonight is for you, Megan. I can’t give you commitment, I’m not that man.”
I liked the dynamic in this book, both characters were strong, Megan because she has had to be with the responsibilities she has in her life, and Adam as it is the only way he knows how to be. Their coming together in-spite of the odds and the secrets that they are both keeping, was sweet, a little spicy and extremely enjoyable to read.
”You can say no to sex, just let me hold you. Have you all to myself for a little while.”
This is the first book in the Once A Marine series, Adam is the owner of the Security Agency that offers employment to ex-vets, and the author has really set the scene well for more books in the future. I love a tortured hero, and Jennifer Apodaca has definitely got a wealth of guys working for Adam to choose from in the future.
”This is the only place I’ve ever felt at home.”
Jennifer Apodaca is an author that I have read and enjoyed before, so it was no surprise that I got pulled in and swept up with Megan and Adam’s story.
Who doesn’t love a well written second-chance love story, especially when a little suspense and a cute toddler are thrown into the mix as well.
Adam is your typically tortured hero, but still a true gentleman even though he believes he is incapable of offering a full commitment. Returning home after a few years he is looking to sell up his parent’s property and move on with his life. That is until he runs into Meg, the one woman who he ever had any feelings for. Their connection is still strong, and although Meg is reluctant she agrees to a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement, for the few weeks that Adam is in town.
”Tonight is for you, Megan. I can’t give you commitment, I’m not that man.”
I liked the dynamic in this book, both characters were strong, Megan because she has had to be with the responsibilities she has in her life, and Adam as it is the only way he knows how to be. Their coming together in-spite of the odds and the secrets that they are both keeping, was sweet, a little spicy and extremely enjoyable to read.
”You can say no to sex, just let me hold you. Have you all to myself for a little while.”
This is the first book in the Once A Marine series, Adam is the owner of the Security Agency that offers employment to ex-vets, and the author has really set the scene well for more books in the future. I love a tortured hero, and Jennifer Apodaca has definitely got a wealth of guys working for Adam to choose from in the future.
”This is the only place I’ve ever felt at home.”
December 28, 2017
Short, stupid and unbelievable. The only positive thing I can think of is that it's cheap.
The problem is that cheap isn't a good thing.
Here cheap is something beyond the 0.99 tag. It's the really bad cut, the I don't know what I'm doing one, the plastic material this dress is made of. The result is a really ugly dress that makes even the mannequin look bad.
The MC are pathetic, he is an a***hole and a jerk. His PSDT is an offense to people suffering from the real problem. She's beyond stupid. The bad guys are a caricature, the plot ridiculous and contrived.
The problem is that cheap isn't a good thing.
Here cheap is something beyond the 0.99 tag. It's the really bad cut, the I don't know what I'm doing one, the plastic material this dress is made of. The result is a really ugly dress that makes even the mannequin look bad.
The MC are pathetic, he is an a***hole and a jerk. His PSDT is an offense to people suffering from the real problem. She's beyond stupid. The bad guys are a caricature, the plot ridiculous and contrived.
February 3, 2019
3.5
Secret baby, second chance contemporary romance. He was a former Marine from a grief stricken and very dysfunctional family. She was being blackmailed by a rich ex-golfer during his divorce and ensuing custody case of that family's show dog. A nice story written by a new to me author.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Secret baby, second chance contemporary romance. He was a former Marine from a grief stricken and very dysfunctional family. She was being blackmailed by a rich ex-golfer during his divorce and ensuing custody case of that family's show dog. A nice story written by a new to me author.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 10, 2013
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
Jennifer Apodaca is another new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Baby Bargain”. A little bit of love, a little bit of sex, a little bit of intrigue and one great big secret. What a wonderful recipe for a hot Marine and a sexy veterinarian.
The story starts off with Megan being black-mailed by Raven’s Cove local celebrity, Nathan McCray, an ex-pro golfer with lots of money, a bitter divorce and a custody battle over their show dog, Celtic Fire. After he storms off, there’s a knock on the Clinic’s door and in comes the love of Megan’s life, the bane of her existence, holding a dog just hit by a car. What is she supposed to do now? He said he’d never be back and there stands Adam, covered in blood and begging Megan to help the dog that he found.
Adam had no intentions of seeing Meg while he was in town for two reasons: hired by Nathan McCray to run security at a high-profile celebrity fund-raiser and to close his parents house, getting it ready to sell and leaving Raven’s Cove in his past. But, how do you let a dog die because you can’t stand yourself for your past and how you treated the Vet? He can’t. Bite the bullet and go see Megan. He knows he’s not going to be able to help his feelings for her when he see’s her. He knows she’ll never let him near her after the way he left 3 years ago. He knows that he could never open up to her and give her the life that she deserves with a man that could love her forever. That’s not him, never will be him.
Meg is shocked, he’s offering friendship … no sex … just her pleasure if she’ll let him. OK, she could live with that but, how does she live with that fact that she’s never told him about Cole, his son. She has to figure out if he’ll be good for him or if it’s better that he knows nothing. He’s told her, up front, that he’s not sticking around – no commitments. But, being framed for kidnapping Celtic Fire takes that decision away from her and she has to confront her fears and tell him. What she doesn’t expect is his reaction to the news or his solution to her problems.
You kind of figure out who the bad guy is about half-way through the book but you’re surprised with how far it goes and how all of Adam’s past becomes crystal clear to everyone who ever thought that they knew him. Ms. Apodaca did a wonderful job of bringing Adam’s PTSD to light. But, it’s not the PTSD you would think it is. His demons go back further than his years in the Marines and that storyline was written with such care and concern for both Adam and Megan. Megan is also struggling with her own memories of a father that didn’t want her and she is so afraid that Adam will be just like him and resent Cole. And Cole, what a cute little boy he is. So open and loving and the perfect little man to get Adam to finally let Meg into his heart. I was thrilled with finally learning the story behind Adam’s guilt and regret and was so touched by how his past was related to the reader. Yes, it brought a tear or two to my eyes. My only disappointment – who hit Ellie with the car? That’s not revealed in the book but I do have my own suspicions. But, all in all, “The Baby Bargain” was a fun and sexy book and I look forward to reading about the rest of the Marines from “Once A Marine Security Agency”.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
Jennifer Apodaca is another new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Baby Bargain”. A little bit of love, a little bit of sex, a little bit of intrigue and one great big secret. What a wonderful recipe for a hot Marine and a sexy veterinarian.
The story starts off with Megan being black-mailed by Raven’s Cove local celebrity, Nathan McCray, an ex-pro golfer with lots of money, a bitter divorce and a custody battle over their show dog, Celtic Fire. After he storms off, there’s a knock on the Clinic’s door and in comes the love of Megan’s life, the bane of her existence, holding a dog just hit by a car. What is she supposed to do now? He said he’d never be back and there stands Adam, covered in blood and begging Megan to help the dog that he found.
Adam had no intentions of seeing Meg while he was in town for two reasons: hired by Nathan McCray to run security at a high-profile celebrity fund-raiser and to close his parents house, getting it ready to sell and leaving Raven’s Cove in his past. But, how do you let a dog die because you can’t stand yourself for your past and how you treated the Vet? He can’t. Bite the bullet and go see Megan. He knows he’s not going to be able to help his feelings for her when he see’s her. He knows she’ll never let him near her after the way he left 3 years ago. He knows that he could never open up to her and give her the life that she deserves with a man that could love her forever. That’s not him, never will be him.
Meg is shocked, he’s offering friendship … no sex … just her pleasure if she’ll let him. OK, she could live with that but, how does she live with that fact that she’s never told him about Cole, his son. She has to figure out if he’ll be good for him or if it’s better that he knows nothing. He’s told her, up front, that he’s not sticking around – no commitments. But, being framed for kidnapping Celtic Fire takes that decision away from her and she has to confront her fears and tell him. What she doesn’t expect is his reaction to the news or his solution to her problems.
You kind of figure out who the bad guy is about half-way through the book but you’re surprised with how far it goes and how all of Adam’s past becomes crystal clear to everyone who ever thought that they knew him. Ms. Apodaca did a wonderful job of bringing Adam’s PTSD to light. But, it’s not the PTSD you would think it is. His demons go back further than his years in the Marines and that storyline was written with such care and concern for both Adam and Megan. Megan is also struggling with her own memories of a father that didn’t want her and she is so afraid that Adam will be just like him and resent Cole. And Cole, what a cute little boy he is. So open and loving and the perfect little man to get Adam to finally let Meg into his heart. I was thrilled with finally learning the story behind Adam’s guilt and regret and was so touched by how his past was related to the reader. Yes, it brought a tear or two to my eyes. My only disappointment – who hit Ellie with the car? That’s not revealed in the book but I do have my own suspicions. But, all in all, “The Baby Bargain” was a fun and sexy book and I look forward to reading about the rest of the Marines from “Once A Marine Security Agency”.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 12, 2013
After spending 10 hours writing lesson plans for 2 hour and 45 minutes of instruction time, I finally had some time to myself and picked up this book to read. It was just what I needed. It was well paced (for the mist part- it did take Meg almost half the book to tell Adam her secret), a good balance between the love scenes and action and the characters were likable. What I think I liked most was that these two had a history and were already in love with one another - they dated for several years in college and had a brief fling three years before the book started.
There's lots of potential for the series if the author writes books for Adam's friends who work for him. And quite honestly, I'd like to see Sienna get a book.
There's lots of potential for the series if the author writes books for Adam's friends who work for him. And quite honestly, I'd like to see Sienna get a book.
October 25, 2018
An ex marine returns to his home town to sell the family home and bumps into the woman he dumped three years earlier. Vet Megan Young has been keeping a secret from Adam Waters for the last three years, now he's back in town and she's torn with telling him the truth. This is a second chance romance and considering Megan strongly professes that she doesn't want to have anything to do with Adam after he dumped her without any explanation leaving her full of hate for him this doesn't stop her from throwing herself at him as soon as they meet again. Like I said it was a predictable sweet second chance at love.
March 19, 2013
An emotional, sexy read!! Loved it!
January 24, 2015
3.75 stars
October 1, 2016
Tamam dövmeyin biliyorum söz verdim çok yakın bir zamanda aşk romanı okumayacaktım ama n’apayım Kalbim Aşktan Yana kitabının kapağına vuruldum. Çok şirindi, çok şekerdi, çok tatlıydı. Onu en yakın zamanda okumasaydım çok üzülürdüm. Affedin n’olur! Ayrıca hem elimdeki aşk kitapları bitti ki başka kalmadı. Yani yeni almazsam. :P Ve hazırladığım okuma listesi ile gözüken o ki Ekim ayında bol bol fantastik, bilim-kurgu türevlerini okuyacağım. Ve ayrıca son zamanlarda şu dikkatimi çekmeye başladı; nedense hep evli kadınları, evlenmeye yakın olan gençlerimizi, bekar anne olan ve bir şekilde ölümsüz aşkını geri bulan kadınlarımızı okur oldum. Acaba bunlar evrenin bana birer mesajlarımı bilemiyorum. Evlen artık sinyallerimi gönderiyorsun evrenciğim bilmiyorum şekerim ama ben okuyorum benden uzak dur. Daha çook var o yola. İşte bu sebepten dolayıdır ki fantastik edebiyata direk geçiş yapıyorum yoksa psikoloji elden gidecek. :D
Kalbiim Aşktan Yana, Eylül ayı içerisinde okuduğum son kitap olarak listeme girdi. Resmen dakikalarla oynadım. Saat gece 12’de kitabı bitirdim ve Eylül ayında tam 12 kitap okumuş oldum. Bu ay resmen kitap okumayı kendime depo ettim. Kitabımıza gelecek olursak eğer, kitabımızda neredeyse her konu işlenmişti. Aşk, hırs, intikam, gerilim; yani kısacası her şey vardı kitabın kurgusunda. Dr.Megan Young, 30-35 yaşlarında bir veterinerdir. Hayvanları özellikle de köpekleri çok seviyordur. Aynı şekilde 2 yaşındaki oğlu Cole’da köpekleri çok seviyordur. Evlerinin sadık koruyucuları Max, yazarın deyimi ile onun kankasıdır. Bebekliklerinden beraber olan ikili her anlarını beraber geçirmektedirler. Dr. Young, güzelliğinin yanı sıra zeki bir kadındır ama bu onun aşkta mantığı bırakacağı anlamına gelmemektedir. Öyle ki 3 yıl önce sevdiği adamdan hamile kaldığında hamile olduğunu ondan saklamıştır. Bunun sebebi ise Mega küçükken onu istemeyen babasından çok çekmiştir ama oğlunun yine aynı şeyleri yaşamasını istememektedir. Çünkü, sevdiği adam onu istemeyip 2 kez onu terk etmiştir. bu onun kolayca sindiremediği bir şey olup oğullarının da terk edilmesini istememektedir.
Adam Waters ise geçmişi kapkaranlık olan bir Deniz Kuvvetleri askeridir. Geçmişi o kadar karanlıktır ki onu hiç kimse anlatamıyor, anlatmaya çalıştığında ise boğazı düğümlenip onu konuşturmuyordur. Geçmişinde yaşadığı olaylardan dolayı kimseye bağlanmak istemiyor, kimsenin sevgisini kabul etmek istemiyordur. Ki bu tutkuyla sevdiği kadını terk etmek anlamına gelse de… Hayatında yaşadığı bazı olaylardan dolayı sırf güçlü olabilmek için, sırf birilerine kendini kanıtlamak istemek için Deniz Kuvvetlerine katılmış ve iyi bir adamdan olmuştur. Yalnız bir adam. 10 yıl önce terk ettiği sevgilisini 7 yıl sonra ailesinin ölümü ile tekrar görmüş ve onu iki kişi olarak bırakmıştır. Ama ne yazık ki Adam’ın bundan haberi yoktur ve de uzun bir sürede haberi olmayacaktır. 3 yıl sonra o nefret ettiği yere yani Raven’s Cove’a yolunun düşmesi ile hem sevdiği kadını görmüş hem de onun sırlarına merhaba demiştir.
Adam artık bir asker değil koruma şirketi olan bir iş adamıdır. Ve yanında çok güvendiği dostları çalışmaktadır. Megan’ın yaşadığı yere yolunun düşmesi ile beraber ailesine ait olan evi satarak artık o iğrenç kasabadan sonsuza kadar kurtulmak istiyordur. Ama bir söz vardır bilir misiniz? Siz plan yaparsınız ve yukarıdan Tanrı size gülmeye başlar diye. İşte Tanrı, Adam’a çok güzel gülmüştür. Çünkü o tamamen o kasabadan çekip gitmeyi düşünürken ne bilsin o kasabaya çapa atacağını.
Megan’ın başının belaya girmesi ile beraber daha doğrusu ona atılan iftira ile gerçekleri apaçık göre Adam neye uğradığını şaşırır ve bir türlü olanları kabul edemez. Ki kitap bu noktada heyecanı tavan yapmış ve de soluksuz okumama sebep olmuştur. Kitabın yarısından itibaren nasıl okuduğunu bilmiyorum. Resmen su gibi akıp gitti ve de bitti… Bir an keşke bitmeseydi diyecektim ama kitap o kadar güzel bir yerde o kadar güzel tadında bitti ki anlatamam size. Kalbim Aşktan Yana kitabı kurgu ise, konusu ile tam bir çerezlik bir kitaplıktı. Alın okumaya başlayın ve de başladığınız gibi bitirin.
Ayrıca söylemeden edemeyeceğim kitabın kapağı muhteşemdi! İç dizaynı ise ondan daha da muhteşemdi! Ba-yıl-dım! Ve merakla serinin diğer kitaplarının kapaklarını bekliyorum! <3
Kitaba puanım ise 5 üzerinden 4.
Yorumun orijinali için: https://kitaplarindunyasi.wordpress.c...
Kalbiim Aşktan Yana, Eylül ayı içerisinde okuduğum son kitap olarak listeme girdi. Resmen dakikalarla oynadım. Saat gece 12’de kitabı bitirdim ve Eylül ayında tam 12 kitap okumuş oldum. Bu ay resmen kitap okumayı kendime depo ettim. Kitabımıza gelecek olursak eğer, kitabımızda neredeyse her konu işlenmişti. Aşk, hırs, intikam, gerilim; yani kısacası her şey vardı kitabın kurgusunda. Dr.Megan Young, 30-35 yaşlarında bir veterinerdir. Hayvanları özellikle de köpekleri çok seviyordur. Aynı şekilde 2 yaşındaki oğlu Cole’da köpekleri çok seviyordur. Evlerinin sadık koruyucuları Max, yazarın deyimi ile onun kankasıdır. Bebekliklerinden beraber olan ikili her anlarını beraber geçirmektedirler. Dr. Young, güzelliğinin yanı sıra zeki bir kadındır ama bu onun aşkta mantığı bırakacağı anlamına gelmemektedir. Öyle ki 3 yıl önce sevdiği adamdan hamile kaldığında hamile olduğunu ondan saklamıştır. Bunun sebebi ise Mega küçükken onu istemeyen babasından çok çekmiştir ama oğlunun yine aynı şeyleri yaşamasını istememektedir. Çünkü, sevdiği adam onu istemeyip 2 kez onu terk etmiştir. bu onun kolayca sindiremediği bir şey olup oğullarının da terk edilmesini istememektedir.
Adam Waters ise geçmişi kapkaranlık olan bir Deniz Kuvvetleri askeridir. Geçmişi o kadar karanlıktır ki onu hiç kimse anlatamıyor, anlatmaya çalıştığında ise boğazı düğümlenip onu konuşturmuyordur. Geçmişinde yaşadığı olaylardan dolayı kimseye bağlanmak istemiyor, kimsenin sevgisini kabul etmek istemiyordur. Ki bu tutkuyla sevdiği kadını terk etmek anlamına gelse de… Hayatında yaşadığı bazı olaylardan dolayı sırf güçlü olabilmek için, sırf birilerine kendini kanıtlamak istemek için Deniz Kuvvetlerine katılmış ve iyi bir adamdan olmuştur. Yalnız bir adam. 10 yıl önce terk ettiği sevgilisini 7 yıl sonra ailesinin ölümü ile tekrar görmüş ve onu iki kişi olarak bırakmıştır. Ama ne yazık ki Adam’ın bundan haberi yoktur ve de uzun bir sürede haberi olmayacaktır. 3 yıl sonra o nefret ettiği yere yani Raven’s Cove’a yolunun düşmesi ile hem sevdiği kadını görmüş hem de onun sırlarına merhaba demiştir.
Adam artık bir asker değil koruma şirketi olan bir iş adamıdır. Ve yanında çok güvendiği dostları çalışmaktadır. Megan’ın yaşadığı yere yolunun düşmesi ile beraber ailesine ait olan evi satarak artık o iğrenç kasabadan sonsuza kadar kurtulmak istiyordur. Ama bir söz vardır bilir misiniz? Siz plan yaparsınız ve yukarıdan Tanrı size gülmeye başlar diye. İşte Tanrı, Adam’a çok güzel gülmüştür. Çünkü o tamamen o kasabadan çekip gitmeyi düşünürken ne bilsin o kasabaya çapa atacağını.
Megan’ın başının belaya girmesi ile beraber daha doğrusu ona atılan iftira ile gerçekleri apaçık göre Adam neye uğradığını şaşırır ve bir türlü olanları kabul edemez. Ki kitap bu noktada heyecanı tavan yapmış ve de soluksuz okumama sebep olmuştur. Kitabın yarısından itibaren nasıl okuduğunu bilmiyorum. Resmen su gibi akıp gitti ve de bitti… Bir an keşke bitmeseydi diyecektim ama kitap o kadar güzel bir yerde o kadar güzel tadında bitti ki anlatamam size. Kalbim Aşktan Yana kitabı kurgu ise, konusu ile tam bir çerezlik bir kitaplıktı. Alın okumaya başlayın ve de başladığınız gibi bitirin.
Ayrıca söylemeden edemeyeceğim kitabın kapağı muhteşemdi! İç dizaynı ise ondan daha da muhteşemdi! Ba-yıl-dım! Ve merakla serinin diğer kitaplarının kapaklarını bekliyorum! <3
Kitaba puanım ise 5 üzerinden 4.
Yorumun orijinali için: https://kitaplarindunyasi.wordpress.c...
December 6, 2017
DNF at 22%.
This book is only about four years old but it reads as if it was written decades ago. Maybe it's because it's past 1 am on a school night and I'm tired and grouchy but puhleease!
Adam Waters and Megan Young had two one night stands a few years apart. Each time he walked away without a word and doormat that she was Megan just let him. The second time she was pregnant. Now he's back in town after leaving the Marines unexpectedly and Megan doesn't know whether to tell him he has a son - duh, YES.
Adam is so full of himself I'm surprised he can fit through a normal sized doorway. It's all about him, all the time. The guilt he bears about his platoon, his brother, his parents, the self-loathing, him wanting to hook up with Megan and then leave town AGAIN yadda yadda. I truly wanted to throat punch him.
And doormat Megan, she just takes it all and happily enters into a relationship with Adam, because that's not going to get the least bit awkward when he finds out they have a child, right?
There was a glimmer of hope when Adam asked to just be friends and took sex off the table. Apparently that just meant they wouldn't have sex ON the table because they had barely finished dinner before he was backtracking and weaselling out of it in a Bill Clinton fashion by deciding making her feel good didn't count as sex.
I'm a sucker for a secret baby second chance romance but I didn't like Adam and couldn't bear to read any further.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book is only about four years old but it reads as if it was written decades ago. Maybe it's because it's past 1 am on a school night and I'm tired and grouchy but puhleease!
Adam Waters and Megan Young had two one night stands a few years apart. Each time he walked away without a word and doormat that she was Megan just let him. The second time she was pregnant. Now he's back in town after leaving the Marines unexpectedly and Megan doesn't know whether to tell him he has a son - duh, YES.
Adam is so full of himself I'm surprised he can fit through a normal sized doorway. It's all about him, all the time. The guilt he bears about his platoon, his brother, his parents, the self-loathing, him wanting to hook up with Megan and then leave town AGAIN yadda yadda. I truly wanted to throat punch him.
And doormat Megan, she just takes it all and happily enters into a relationship with Adam, because that's not going to get the least bit awkward when he finds out they have a child, right?
There was a glimmer of hope when Adam asked to just be friends and took sex off the table. Apparently that just meant they wouldn't have sex ON the table because they had barely finished dinner before he was backtracking and weaselling out of it in a Bill Clinton fashion by deciding making her feel good didn't count as sex.
I'm a sucker for a secret baby second chance romance but I didn't like Adam and couldn't bear to read any further.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 18, 2013
I was a little nervous that we would not find out about the child, Cole, until closer to the end of the book, but that did not happen. As soon as Adam found out about his “C-Man” (I loved that nickname that Adam gave his son) the story took off.
Megan was a great heroine. She was sweet and understanding, but strong at the same time. I was upset with the fact that she did not tell Adam about Cole until he was 2 years-old. I think a man should always know. However, we learn what happened in her life with her father so I kind-of understood her fear. That whole story line about Megan’s father was believable. Usually when an author tries to write a story to make the readers understand the character’s angst, it is not so believable. This, I was able to understand and see how that could truly make her feel that Adam would do the same.
I thought the scenes between Megan and Adam were enduring and passionate. They were pretty hot. The author did a good job allowing me to experience their passion and love for one another.
I liked the suspense part of the story. I loved that Adam was the protector, but then I was disappointed because he seemed to “run” every time anything got hard. The miscommunication of him “thinking” what he thought Megan was thinking or feeling about him got on my nerves in the end. I want a man to act like a man and not be afraid to confront the issues.
Did I skim? No
Did I connect to the characters? Yes.
Pace of story: I have to be honest, I thought it was going to drag, but I liked how the author took us and made the reader understand Megan and Adam’s love before Cole was introduced to the story.
Positives: Nice, sweet, simple story.
Negatives: I hated that Adam basically waited until the last minute to tell Megan about why he was having those bad dreams. It honestly pissed me off. I liked Adam, but wanted to throw an apple or something at him so he would wake up and see him holding stuff in was only making things worse.
Do I recommend? Overall, if you are looking for a simple cute love story with a bit of suspense, I recommend. It was a cute story even though the story got a little too sappy for me towards the end.
A copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
Megan was a great heroine. She was sweet and understanding, but strong at the same time. I was upset with the fact that she did not tell Adam about Cole until he was 2 years-old. I think a man should always know. However, we learn what happened in her life with her father so I kind-of understood her fear. That whole story line about Megan’s father was believable. Usually when an author tries to write a story to make the readers understand the character’s angst, it is not so believable. This, I was able to understand and see how that could truly make her feel that Adam would do the same.
I thought the scenes between Megan and Adam were enduring and passionate. They were pretty hot. The author did a good job allowing me to experience their passion and love for one another.
I liked the suspense part of the story. I loved that Adam was the protector, but then I was disappointed because he seemed to “run” every time anything got hard. The miscommunication of him “thinking” what he thought Megan was thinking or feeling about him got on my nerves in the end. I want a man to act like a man and not be afraid to confront the issues.
Did I skim? No
Did I connect to the characters? Yes.
Pace of story: I have to be honest, I thought it was going to drag, but I liked how the author took us and made the reader understand Megan and Adam’s love before Cole was introduced to the story.
Positives: Nice, sweet, simple story.
Negatives: I hated that Adam basically waited until the last minute to tell Megan about why he was having those bad dreams. It honestly pissed me off. I liked Adam, but wanted to throw an apple or something at him so he would wake up and see him holding stuff in was only making things worse.
Do I recommend? Overall, if you are looking for a simple cute love story with a bit of suspense, I recommend. It was a cute story even though the story got a little too sappy for me towards the end.
A copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
March 17, 2013
**4.5 Stars**
The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca is the perfect read if you're looking for a sexy & tortured ex-marine hero to fall in love with.
Adam is an ex-marine with plenty of his own demons to fight. Megan is a veterinarian with her own emotional baggage and secret. They both had a past and one night of unbridled passion resulted in their son, Cole. However, Adam walked away from Megan without a backwards glance that morning after and told her he wouldn't be back. Three years later, Adam walks back into her life. When Megan's security is threatened she steps up and tells Adam of her secret in case something happens to her. Once Adam finds out about the son he never knew of and of Megan's lie, he is hurt and angry. But, keeping his son and Megan safe is his first priority.
Jennifer Apodaca has penned a romantic story that was not only wonderful and sweet, but heartwarming as well. I honestly thought that The Baby Bargain was going to be a straight contemporary romance, but Jennifer threw in a dash of suspense into the story that kept me on my toes! The main characters were engaging and we're ones who easily captured my heart. I also loved Max and Ellie, the adorable dogs. The supporting cast was also a great addition to the story. The story provided enough romance and sizzling heat between Adam and Megan that leaves you breathless. Years apart have not dissolved the attraction between these two. The flame is still burning as hot as ever.
The Baby Bargain absolutely had me enthralled from the first moment Adam walked into Megan's veterinarian office with a wounded dog until the very last page. The writing was flawless and the story flowed smoothly throughout. I was glued to my Kindle all day and had a very enjoyable reading experience with this romantic, emotional, and heart-warming story.
With that said, The Baby Bargain gets a highly recommend from me.
*Book Disclaimer: I received a review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Baby Bargain by Jennifer Apodaca is the perfect read if you're looking for a sexy & tortured ex-marine hero to fall in love with.
Adam is an ex-marine with plenty of his own demons to fight. Megan is a veterinarian with her own emotional baggage and secret. They both had a past and one night of unbridled passion resulted in their son, Cole. However, Adam walked away from Megan without a backwards glance that morning after and told her he wouldn't be back. Three years later, Adam walks back into her life. When Megan's security is threatened she steps up and tells Adam of her secret in case something happens to her. Once Adam finds out about the son he never knew of and of Megan's lie, he is hurt and angry. But, keeping his son and Megan safe is his first priority.
Jennifer Apodaca has penned a romantic story that was not only wonderful and sweet, but heartwarming as well. I honestly thought that The Baby Bargain was going to be a straight contemporary romance, but Jennifer threw in a dash of suspense into the story that kept me on my toes! The main characters were engaging and we're ones who easily captured my heart. I also loved Max and Ellie, the adorable dogs. The supporting cast was also a great addition to the story. The story provided enough romance and sizzling heat between Adam and Megan that leaves you breathless. Years apart have not dissolved the attraction between these two. The flame is still burning as hot as ever.
The Baby Bargain absolutely had me enthralled from the first moment Adam walked into Megan's veterinarian office with a wounded dog until the very last page. The writing was flawless and the story flowed smoothly throughout. I was glued to my Kindle all day and had a very enjoyable reading experience with this romantic, emotional, and heart-warming story.
With that said, The Baby Bargain gets a highly recommend from me.
*Book Disclaimer: I received a review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2013
4.5 Stars
Jennifer Apodaca is the alter-ego of Jennifer Lyon, when I heard she was releasing contemporary works under a different name I couldn't wait to read them and I wasn't disappointed.
In The Baby Bargain we meet Megan Young a small town vet with a big heart, she has worked hard to get where she is and when she is confronted by her past in the form of ex-boyfriend Adam Waters she feels the walls she has built around herself start to crumble. Megan and Adam had a relationship years before, followed by a one night stand that changed her life forever. Adam left Megan to join the Marines, he's military through and thrugh and now that he is no longer in the service he is opening a security firm with some former military friends. Adam's latest contract brings him into contact with Megan, the attraction between them is still there and he can't understand why she is determined not to let him back into her life. Megan's life is about to be turned upside down in more than one way and she has no choice but to ask Adam for help this brings her past and her present together with a bang.
This was a well written and enjoyable tale that I enjoyed from start to finish. The tension between Megan and Adam was palpable, I loved every bit of their journey and Cole was a real cutie. The little glimpses we got of Adam's friends have me eager to continue with the series.
Jennifer Apodaca is the alter-ego of Jennifer Lyon, when I heard she was releasing contemporary works under a different name I couldn't wait to read them and I wasn't disappointed.
In The Baby Bargain we meet Megan Young a small town vet with a big heart, she has worked hard to get where she is and when she is confronted by her past in the form of ex-boyfriend Adam Waters she feels the walls she has built around herself start to crumble. Megan and Adam had a relationship years before, followed by a one night stand that changed her life forever. Adam left Megan to join the Marines, he's military through and thrugh and now that he is no longer in the service he is opening a security firm with some former military friends. Adam's latest contract brings him into contact with Megan, the attraction between them is still there and he can't understand why she is determined not to let him back into her life. Megan's life is about to be turned upside down in more than one way and she has no choice but to ask Adam for help this brings her past and her present together with a bang.
This was a well written and enjoyable tale that I enjoyed from start to finish. The tension between Megan and Adam was palpable, I loved every bit of their journey and Cole was a real cutie. The little glimpses we got of Adam's friends have me eager to continue with the series.
March 12, 2013
The Baby Bargain is the current release from Jennifer Apodaca, and signals a return to her contemporary romantic suspense roots. Jennifer writes compelling paranormal romances under her Jennifer Lyon brand. Personally, I'm a huge fan of both! This story touches on some tried and true romance tropes--including a secret baby--and Jennifer handles the story with an adept hand, lots of tension, and a satisfying conclusion that doesn't rely on the tried and true. And there are dogs. Two of them. Okay, three, but one doesn't really count. *wink*
Adam Waters is a man fighting demons. Dr. Megan Young, who has some tough emotional baggage of her own, loves Adam but she's keeping a secret--the birth of their son, Cole. When her veterinary practice and her personal safety are threatened, former Marine Adam steps in to fix things.
I read this novella in one sitting and loved it. The suspense, sexual tension, and final resolution are satisfying, fun, and vintage Apodaca!
Adam Waters is a man fighting demons. Dr. Megan Young, who has some tough emotional baggage of her own, loves Adam but she's keeping a secret--the birth of their son, Cole. When her veterinary practice and her personal safety are threatened, former Marine Adam steps in to fix things.
I read this novella in one sitting and loved it. The suspense, sexual tension, and final resolution are satisfying, fun, and vintage Apodaca!
December 3, 2018
3 ⭐⭐⭐
Adam and Megan
Light Romance with HEA 😊
Adam w/ his tortured past that caused him to leave Megan
Megan who is a single mom that was traumatized by how her father rejected her
Both were given a 2nd chance to fall in love again..
It was a quick read for me as it has a very light plot
Over all, this book was enough to keep me interested to finish it. 👍
Adam and Megan
Light Romance with HEA 😊
Adam w/ his tortured past that caused him to leave Megan
Megan who is a single mom that was traumatized by how her father rejected her
Both were given a 2nd chance to fall in love again..
It was a quick read for me as it has a very light plot
Over all, this book was enough to keep me interested to finish it. 👍
September 8, 2015
3.5-3.75 RATING- Secret babies and guys that are emotionally closed off aren't really my things and that's why this book didn't rate higher with me. Still, it was a solid book and I did enjoy it. I just didn't love it. I definitely liked the second book in this series more.
December 9, 2017
** Copy provided by the author for an honest review **
Former Marine. Veterinarian. Secret baby. What do these things have in common? They make for one cute story in Jennifer Apodaca’s The Baby Bargain.
Megan Young never thought she would see her ex again. But Adam Waters is back in Raven’s Cove to sell his home and make a break with the town that holds too many haunting memories. The attraction between Megan and Adam is still strong, even three years later. Megan is keeping a secret from him though, a huge one, one that is revealed during a campaign designed to bring Megan down. After he learns that he has a son, Adam uses the opportunity to strike up a bargain with Megan ensuring that they are protected. It doesn’t matter that he is getting more from the deal than her, or that it could be considered blackmail. Adam is determined to keep what he considers his safe, and that includes Megan.
Holy hotness! Adam is just my type, a dark, brooding alpha male. He is protective, obviously with his military background, but he is also sweet and caring, even if a bit of a commitment-phobe. Megan has a hard time fighting her attraction to him. She doesn’t want to give in, but who can resist a male like Adam? I know I wouldn’t be able to.
All in all, this was a cute, yet predictable read for me. It is the type of book you grab when you need a quick read to reset your mind after reading something dark or heavy. The characters are exactly as you expect from the blurb and there is a bit of suspense with the whole who is after Megan issue.
If you enjoy second chance romances with a secret baby thrown in, then you will love this one. Four stars.
Former Marine. Veterinarian. Secret baby. What do these things have in common? They make for one cute story in Jennifer Apodaca’s The Baby Bargain.
Megan Young never thought she would see her ex again. But Adam Waters is back in Raven’s Cove to sell his home and make a break with the town that holds too many haunting memories. The attraction between Megan and Adam is still strong, even three years later. Megan is keeping a secret from him though, a huge one, one that is revealed during a campaign designed to bring Megan down. After he learns that he has a son, Adam uses the opportunity to strike up a bargain with Megan ensuring that they are protected. It doesn’t matter that he is getting more from the deal than her, or that it could be considered blackmail. Adam is determined to keep what he considers his safe, and that includes Megan.
Holy hotness! Adam is just my type, a dark, brooding alpha male. He is protective, obviously with his military background, but he is also sweet and caring, even if a bit of a commitment-phobe. Megan has a hard time fighting her attraction to him. She doesn’t want to give in, but who can resist a male like Adam? I know I wouldn’t be able to.
All in all, this was a cute, yet predictable read for me. It is the type of book you grab when you need a quick read to reset your mind after reading something dark or heavy. The characters are exactly as you expect from the blurb and there is a bit of suspense with the whole who is after Megan issue.
If you enjoy second chance romances with a secret baby thrown in, then you will love this one. Four stars.
April 29, 2022
I listened to the audio of this (included free in my Audible subscription) and whilst the narration was fine, jeez...this story was awful. Just awful.
The MMC is just an asshole looking for a fuck. He really just doesn't want anything else from her. Even though he says he wants to be friends, he's still just looking to get his dick wet. Everything he says and does is only about him wanting to fuck her.
Even when the FMC finally, finally realises this, and accepts him for this, he still doesn't get any better. Even when he finds out about their secret love (read, oops we fucked without a condom and she got pregnant and didn't tell him) baby, it doesn't get a lot better.
Honestly I kept listening only because I lived in hope (because I love a broken guy and a good redemption arc) and it was mindless enough in the car.
Book 2 in this series has a considerably better rating so we'll see how I go with that one before giving up on this author
2 stars and both of those were for the narrator (Ryan Hudson)
The MMC is just an asshole looking for a fuck. He really just doesn't want anything else from her. Even though he says he wants to be friends, he's still just looking to get his dick wet. Everything he says and does is only about him wanting to fuck her.
Even when the FMC finally, finally realises this, and accepts him for this, he still doesn't get any better. Even when he finds out about their secret love (read, oops we fucked without a condom and she got pregnant and didn't tell him) baby, it doesn't get a lot better.
Honestly I kept listening only because I lived in hope (because I love a broken guy and a good redemption arc) and it was mindless enough in the car.
Book 2 in this series has a considerably better rating so we'll see how I go with that one before giving up on this author
2 stars and both of those were for the narrator (Ryan Hudson)
March 31, 2013
*ARC Provided by NetGalley for an honest Review*
Blah…. That was my response while reading and after reading The Baby Bargain. Normally, I’m a sucker for a baby story, especially when we get to see the father and child interact. Nothing mattered in this story. It’s like something you've read fifty times before and it lacked any sort of originality. I found myself staying up late to finish the book not because I wanted to but because I wanted to be done so I could move on to bigger and better things.
And what’s with the title? What is that? I mean there’s no bargaining going on here. Makes it sound like they’re buying a baby off the black market and trying to get the best deal.
Basically the plot is straightforward. Adam and Megan used to date in college. They break up because he can never see himself settling down or being good enough for her and a few years later they sleep together as she tries to comfort him at his parents’ funeral. Adam leaves Megan behind again, only this time she winds up with a bun in the oven. Adam’s firm belief that he will never marry nor father a child, leaves Megan in a lurch and inevitably decides to keep their son a secret. Few years later Adam returns and obviously sparks fly between the two. Megan tries to keep her secret as long as possible and when she finds herself in hot water, she comes clean and obviously Adam is furious.
At this point I feel I should mention what a complete let down Adam is. He is such a weak man and a whiney baby. I wanted to bitch slap him constantly as he went on and on about how bad he is, not worth anything blah, blah blah. Like grow up and be a man. He’s torn up over an incident when he was younger and his brother lost his life. It all seemed too much for me. And the drama seemed way blown out of proportion from his side of things.
Megan was pretty unlikable as well. She goes on and on about how she’s going to resist Adam. Not only does she have a secret kid by him but he left her twice before. Yet first time he comes on to her and she’s mush. I hate weak characters. Grow some backbone, especially considering she knows there is a 110% chance that Adam will leave her again. And she’s always comforting him. Because of course no one learns from their mistake the first time, they have to repeat them over and over again.
The similarity between their son Cole and the accident that befell Adam’s younger brother was annoying and boring. So obvious and I didn’t even feel it worked within the story. It just gave another un-needed dramatic moment that allowed Adam to show how weak he was. Pity party galore.
So I could go on, but I won’t. I realty did not like this story. I would not recommend it. Fans of long lost love stories and pregnancy/babies will be sorely disappointed, but have no fear there’s tons of other stuff out there to occupy your time. But if annoying, self-pitying, drown in despair characters are your thing, by all means pick up The Baby Bargain, otherwise move on. You will be happy you did.
Blah…. That was my response while reading and after reading The Baby Bargain. Normally, I’m a sucker for a baby story, especially when we get to see the father and child interact. Nothing mattered in this story. It’s like something you've read fifty times before and it lacked any sort of originality. I found myself staying up late to finish the book not because I wanted to but because I wanted to be done so I could move on to bigger and better things.
And what’s with the title? What is that? I mean there’s no bargaining going on here. Makes it sound like they’re buying a baby off the black market and trying to get the best deal.
Basically the plot is straightforward. Adam and Megan used to date in college. They break up because he can never see himself settling down or being good enough for her and a few years later they sleep together as she tries to comfort him at his parents’ funeral. Adam leaves Megan behind again, only this time she winds up with a bun in the oven. Adam’s firm belief that he will never marry nor father a child, leaves Megan in a lurch and inevitably decides to keep their son a secret. Few years later Adam returns and obviously sparks fly between the two. Megan tries to keep her secret as long as possible and when she finds herself in hot water, she comes clean and obviously Adam is furious.
At this point I feel I should mention what a complete let down Adam is. He is such a weak man and a whiney baby. I wanted to bitch slap him constantly as he went on and on about how bad he is, not worth anything blah, blah blah. Like grow up and be a man. He’s torn up over an incident when he was younger and his brother lost his life. It all seemed too much for me. And the drama seemed way blown out of proportion from his side of things.
Megan was pretty unlikable as well. She goes on and on about how she’s going to resist Adam. Not only does she have a secret kid by him but he left her twice before. Yet first time he comes on to her and she’s mush. I hate weak characters. Grow some backbone, especially considering she knows there is a 110% chance that Adam will leave her again. And she’s always comforting him. Because of course no one learns from their mistake the first time, they have to repeat them over and over again.
The similarity between their son Cole and the accident that befell Adam’s younger brother was annoying and boring. So obvious and I didn’t even feel it worked within the story. It just gave another un-needed dramatic moment that allowed Adam to show how weak he was. Pity party galore.
So I could go on, but I won’t. I realty did not like this story. I would not recommend it. Fans of long lost love stories and pregnancy/babies will be sorely disappointed, but have no fear there’s tons of other stuff out there to occupy your time. But if annoying, self-pitying, drown in despair characters are your thing, by all means pick up The Baby Bargain, otherwise move on. You will be happy you did.
April 3, 2013
Courtesy of Entangled Publishing through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Oh Adam....
Hot sexy tortured hero guy alert!
All it took is one night getting caught up in the heat of passion and heartache for Megan Young to get pregnant after their last night together. What she didn't expect was to see Adam Waters again after the night that he left her behind three years ago come waltzing through the doors of her veterinarian practice in the after hours with an injured dog. Adam doesn't know about the secret that Megan has been keeping from him about their two year old son. Coming back to Raven Cove only to sell his family house in hopes of cutting the rest of the ties he had left in the town along with all the memories that haunt him and his dreams.
The Baby Bargain was a really cute story. Megan is a veterinarian who after making a good call against breeding a show dog named Celtic Fire ends up in a whole lot of mess with the wrong kind of people who want to drag her name and her business through the mud. It had mystery added to the hot romance, as I got to meet some of the characters of Raven Cove and tried to figure out who was causing Megan so much trouble and why. When the dog gets kidnapped, Megan gets set up and suddenly the police are involved. In order to protect her son from being ripped away from his home, Megan has to come clean to Adam about Cole in hopes that if anything happens to her, he can protect her.
Adam is broody, tortured, tattooed alpha male that made me swoon. His past is heart breaking and it made me want to envelope him myself and take his pain away. I felt so bad for him and what he went through with his parents, it didn't seem fair for all the blame to be dropped onto his shoulders. It was also the reason that he has a hard time committing. He doesn't think he is good enough, he is plagued by the ghosts of his past, and thinks he would make a poor husband and a father. Until Megan comes along and steals this wounded heroes heart all over again.
Megan was an interesting character. I wanted to be angry at her for not telling Adam about Cole, he had every right to know – but the angle from which she was coming from was understandable. After all, Adam did leave without a word or contact information.
Anyway, the attraction between the too smokes up the book. Even thought we don't get much glimpse into their previous relationship, the chemistry is apparent and I thought that in itself was really well done. They heat up the storyline alone with the sheets. Megan thought she could handle a no-strings attached kind of fun, until her heart get's put in the line of fire and the heat becomes too much to handle. Over all, a wonderful steamy read.
Oh Adam....
Hot sexy tortured hero guy alert!
All it took is one night getting caught up in the heat of passion and heartache for Megan Young to get pregnant after their last night together. What she didn't expect was to see Adam Waters again after the night that he left her behind three years ago come waltzing through the doors of her veterinarian practice in the after hours with an injured dog. Adam doesn't know about the secret that Megan has been keeping from him about their two year old son. Coming back to Raven Cove only to sell his family house in hopes of cutting the rest of the ties he had left in the town along with all the memories that haunt him and his dreams.
The Baby Bargain was a really cute story. Megan is a veterinarian who after making a good call against breeding a show dog named Celtic Fire ends up in a whole lot of mess with the wrong kind of people who want to drag her name and her business through the mud. It had mystery added to the hot romance, as I got to meet some of the characters of Raven Cove and tried to figure out who was causing Megan so much trouble and why. When the dog gets kidnapped, Megan gets set up and suddenly the police are involved. In order to protect her son from being ripped away from his home, Megan has to come clean to Adam about Cole in hopes that if anything happens to her, he can protect her.
Adam is broody, tortured, tattooed alpha male that made me swoon. His past is heart breaking and it made me want to envelope him myself and take his pain away. I felt so bad for him and what he went through with his parents, it didn't seem fair for all the blame to be dropped onto his shoulders. It was also the reason that he has a hard time committing. He doesn't think he is good enough, he is plagued by the ghosts of his past, and thinks he would make a poor husband and a father. Until Megan comes along and steals this wounded heroes heart all over again.
Megan was an interesting character. I wanted to be angry at her for not telling Adam about Cole, he had every right to know – but the angle from which she was coming from was understandable. After all, Adam did leave without a word or contact information.
Anyway, the attraction between the too smokes up the book. Even thought we don't get much glimpse into their previous relationship, the chemistry is apparent and I thought that in itself was really well done. They heat up the storyline alone with the sheets. Megan thought she could handle a no-strings attached kind of fun, until her heart get's put in the line of fire and the heat becomes too much to handle. Over all, a wonderful steamy read.
December 15, 2018
Adam Waters hates Raven's Cove it was a prison to him. All his memories of the place are sour...except one... Megan Young. He is back in town to sell his parents house and get out of there as soon as he can. A wounded dog leads him to a veterinary clinic and, now vet, Dr. Megan Young.
Seeing Adam is a shock. Worse a worry. She has a huge secret and she isn't sure she wants him discovering it. When he pursues her her attraction to him risk him learning her secret. Once he learns that everything is thrown into turmoil. She may be about to be framed for something she didn't do. She will ask him to protect her son, his son, who he didn't know about. The marine in him will work to keep them all save.
While this is a suspense thriller romance I think it is more a romance with a little thriller in it. The action is fast and a minor part of book. That doesnt take away from the story, just I thought...marine, unknown son, a kidnapping, would be more.
Cant wait to read book #2...
Seeing Adam is a shock. Worse a worry. She has a huge secret and she isn't sure she wants him discovering it. When he pursues her her attraction to him risk him learning her secret. Once he learns that everything is thrown into turmoil. She may be about to be framed for something she didn't do. She will ask him to protect her son, his son, who he didn't know about. The marine in him will work to keep them all save.
While this is a suspense thriller romance I think it is more a romance with a little thriller in it. The action is fast and a minor part of book. That doesnt take away from the story, just I thought...marine, unknown son, a kidnapping, would be more.
Cant wait to read book #2...
June 16, 2015
Re-read today so I could include spoilers for safety gang. But honestly there is nothing to spoiler. There is zero discussion or thoughts of OW. Heroine thinks about the fact that she had dates over separation but they turn out to be a couple of fruitless lunch dates. She does have a two year old!
I am not a fan of second chance books. I usually cannot get over the break up. This one did not bother me so much. They were college bf/gf who broke up and then years later had a one night hook up. He disappeared back to the Marines. She got pregnant. They both screwed up. They both had baggage. The story is about them reconnecting and working through that baggage while some outside events help bring them together. I did not feel the love rolling off the pages as it took the entire book for them to work out their issues, but it was a good story that includes babies and dogs. Can't get much cuter!
Prior comments:
Loved the story but Adam...man...quite a selfish jerk. Glad he got over it!
I am not a fan of second chance books. I usually cannot get over the break up. This one did not bother me so much. They were college bf/gf who broke up and then years later had a one night hook up. He disappeared back to the Marines. She got pregnant. They both screwed up. They both had baggage. The story is about them reconnecting and working through that baggage while some outside events help bring them together. I did not feel the love rolling off the pages as it took the entire book for them to work out their issues, but it was a good story that includes babies and dogs. Can't get much cuter!
Prior comments:
Loved the story but Adam...man...quite a selfish jerk. Glad he got over it!
April 19, 2013
3.5 stars
This is a nice, satisfying little read. There is a quite a bit of drama packed into this short read. However, I don't think the title does the book justice when the "baby bargain" is such a small piece of the entire story. Based on the title and cover, perhaps it is an attempt on to capitalize on the current trend toward "bargain" and "proposal" titled books with this same type of cover. Having read several of them, this book is better written and has more depth than many of those.
This is a nice, satisfying little read. There is a quite a bit of drama packed into this short read. However, I don't think the title does the book justice when the "baby bargain" is such a small piece of the entire story. Based on the title and cover, perhaps it is an attempt on to capitalize on the current trend toward "bargain" and "proposal" titled books with this same type of cover. Having read several of them, this book is better written and has more depth than many of those.
March 28, 2017
Yine sevmediğim kitaplardan biri. Maalesef konusu da karakterleri de kötüydü.
Yani ben böyle cins karakterleri beyaz dizilerde görmeye alışığım da romanlarda sevmiyorum. Sen defol git, gel yıllar sonra, iki yatar sonra yine yolumuza bakarız de ve kız senden bir şeyleri gizleyince köpür. Oldu canım, oldu paşam, başka emrin var mıydı? Hayır yani bunları hangi kafayla yazıyor acaba bu yazarlar.
Baştan sona kötüydü diyebilirim kısaca. Yazarın 10 kitabı daha çevrilse, mecbur kalmazsam birini bile okumam. Açık ve net .
Yani ben böyle cins karakterleri beyaz dizilerde görmeye alışığım da romanlarda sevmiyorum. Sen defol git, gel yıllar sonra, iki yatar sonra yine yolumuza bakarız de ve kız senden bir şeyleri gizleyince köpür. Oldu canım, oldu paşam, başka emrin var mıydı? Hayır yani bunları hangi kafayla yazıyor acaba bu yazarlar.
Baştan sona kötüydü diyebilirim kısaca. Yazarın 10 kitabı daha çevrilse, mecbur kalmazsam birini bile okumam. Açık ve net .
August 14, 2016
I really liked this one. It was a great novel. It had mystery, romance and action drama. I was on the edge of my seat for some of it, in tears for some of it and feeling the love between Megan and Adam. Definitely worth the read.
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