Calamity Rayne Knocked Up: An Opposites Attract, Bossy Billionaire, Romantic Comedy

Calamity Rayne #5

by Lydia Michaels

Once again, bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels delivers…a baby?

What do you get when a billionaire control freak and an awkward hot mess decide it’s time to make a baby? Pure chaos—and perhaps more than turkey in the oven this Thanksgiving.

Rayne thought getting pregnant would be easy. But between Hale’s busy schedule and his affinity for kink (the kind that absolutely does not lead to procreation), their baby-making escapades have gone from a one-and-done bedding to a hilariously hot adventure in family planning.

Hale is used to getting his way, but his patience is tested when their love nest turns into a pressure cooker, and success isn’t immediate. As things heat up, Calamity’s careful planning goes up in flames—literally! With several sides of stuffing and enough dirty talk to make Santa blush, this laugh-out-loud raunch-com will surely warm readers’ hearts this holiday!

Pass the yams… and the prenatal vitamins. Hale and Rayne are expecting more than leftovers this Christmas!

Genres: Emotional, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Humor, Family, Romance

472 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2024

About the author

Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.

Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.

Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).

She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).

You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels

Reviews

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly deserves more than 5* - this series, once again, had me laughing out loud - I just love all these characters.

Rayne and Hale hilarious loves continued - trying to get pregnant was a chore, but Hale was definitely up for the challenge. Thanks to Seraphina, and Willows crystals -> the deed was done.

The journey through the nine months was so entertaining - but towards the end the comedy continues full throttle. Rayne keep her chin up through the Davenport Thanksgiving (WOW such high class gatherings and events) - wasn't her cup of tea; so she put her foot down and had a Meyers Christmas, just family, no outsiders - just what she wanted and needed.

When time for the birth comes around - well those chapters had me laughing so hard, but also our sneaky author threw in some tears to - Thank You Grandpa Davenport!!!!

Love these books!

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calamity Rayne Knocked Up is the 5th book in the Calamity Rayne series. Rayne and Hale’s story continues. Rayne is a HOT MESS! I love Hale! He helps to ground Rayne in all her craziness. He can be a bit grumpy but this man loves Rayne. She is a bit neurotic and that equals so many LOL moments! You should try flying while reading this book! I am on the plane trying to act normal and all I wanted to do was laugh out loud!

This Calamity Rayne series and this book was so GOOD! I love that she is now pregnant and the funny things that happened with her getting pregnant and then through the course of her pregnancy.

5+ STARS for this book! I loved reading Calamity Rayne Knocked Up! I had kind of thought that this was going to be the last book, but I think there just might be another one and I for one can’t wait to read it!

[Kristeane Benavides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I devoured this book. Steamy, and also many moments that made me laugh out loud. I love the surprise at the end, and birth made me kinda anxious because that was a full on crazy train event. Whew. Now I just want more.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Calamity Rayne series and continues with Rayne and Hale’s story. Their journey through the nine months of pregnancy was so entertaining, I couldn’t stop reading. Fun, humor, family, and love all wrapped in between these amazing pages! Highly recommend.

[Jennifer Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

just knew

Loved the first book and knew her story was not done. Even know she hadn’t been talked Lydia. It didn’t stop me from asking her every chance I got of “When we would see more of Calamity Rayne!”

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia does it again…another fantastic book in this series. You will be laughing and loving all the antics that Rayne and Hale face in their mission to become parents.

I think there’s a little bit of Rayne in all of us moms….insecurities, fears and worries about becoming a parent.

Rayne is filled with anxiety, stress and fear as she tries to become pregnant. Remington’s true colors come out and he’s not helping with Rayne’s stress level.

Hale is so patient with Rayne but also a bit oblivious with some of her stresses. He’s going to be an amazing dad. There’s an interesting twist at the end of the story..maybe this will lead to more books in this series!

I absolutely love every book in this series. So many amazing laughs, cringy moments, and love.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we started turning the pages, we were all in. We were hooked and invested and could not put the book down until we were finished. We loved this one—what an awesome read! This was a super hot read, with fan-worthy sexy scenes throughout. This happens to be one of my favorite reads the characters are so great and loveable Rayne is downright hilarious made us laugh out loud so many times but, we related with her and what she was going through with her pregnancy the ups and downs the good, bad and the ugly of it all.

Hale is so many things: sexy, loveable, and caring. We love his relationship with his wife and his possessiveness and dominance, but what we love most is that the story is loaded with family drama, love, laughter, and beautiful friendships. As much as the story made us laugh also full of heartbreak, challenges, disappointments, and messy bits we call life. We hope you love this one as much as we did Hale is such a swoony character and Rayne's dramatics are priceless.

The ending was the best for this couple and their crazy life. Rayne and Hale may seem to be complete opposites in ways they are but at the same time, they have a lot in common in what's important to them both. We have to admit Rayne is one lucky gal to have a man love her as fiercely as her husband does their life seems almost like a fairy tale and is filled with messy bits called life. We can't wait for the next adventure.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. I needed that laugh

Lydia Michaels has added another terrific, fun story to her Calamity Rayne series. It's time for Rayne and Hale to become parents, and naturally with that comes all the tension, neurotic thoughts, laughs, and plenty of loving. Rayne is a mess and Hale is her strength, although sometimes even he reaches the end of his tether with her. When the big news came that the baby was on the way, I knew this story was only going to get better.

Ms. Michaels keeps the laughs coming as Rayne's pregnancy progresses through its nine months. Even though there were ups and downs, the humour was never far away. Family dramas, interfering fathers, underground massage therapy, Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, and a labour which is totally unforgettable. Only Rayne could have a trip to the hospital that had me laughing so much I was crying!

CALAMITY RAYNE KNOCKED UP was such a fun and entertaining read. I don't think I've ever laughed so much. There are a few serious moments, but I suppose they're a necessity when you're dealing with the Davenport family... Remington you are such a naughty man!!! Rayne may be a calamity, but I wouldn't have her any other way, and Hale, my god that man is just too hot!!

An absolutely highly recommended read.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rayne and Hale are back and life has been amazing, well until the day they decide that they want to add to the family. In typical Rayne fashion things don't go as planned, with Hale busy and Rayne over thinking and freaking out things don't go as planned. Until that one day after a trip to a Reiki specialist things change and well Thanks giving is one for the books .

Rayne is back and making everyone laugh with her antics . She hasn't really calmed down since getting married. She still isn't comfortable in her own skin and still thinks that everyone is out to get her in some way. She is funny and kind of neurotic which does make you laugh so hard . Over all she has a heart of gold and loves with her whole heart to everyone that she comes in contact in. Hale well he is a control freak that is kind of grumpy most of the time . He loves Rayne with his whole heart and keeps her on an even keel . Together they are the perfect balance for each other . The rest of the family is back and funnier than ever.

This is one of those books that will have you laughing so hard the tears will be running down your face. The author really likes to put her characters through so much before getting their happily ever after . This is a fun rom - com with some nice spice . The characters are wonderful . Its like going home again. So if you want a fun series check out Calamity Rayne.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bardzo przeciętny romans. Calamity Rayne, która szczególnie jako pechowa singielka w pierwszym tomie serii była naprawdę zabawna, teraz jako żona Hale’a, syna swego ekscentrycznego i niezbyt miłego pracodawcy, Remingtona Davenporta, przede wszystkim uprawia z zakochanym w niej mężem seks. W każdej możliwej i niemożliwej sytuacji oraz pozycji. Najpierw są trochę sfrustrowani, że w ciążę nie zachodzi, ale gdy to się wreszcie udaje, specjalnie swoich przyzwyczajeń i trybu życia nie zmieniają. Hale na każdym kroku podkreśla, że choćby jej waga osiągnęła sto kilogramów, zawsze będzie jego piękną, małą boginią.

Owszem, w nadęte i nudne środowisko patchworkowej rodziny Davenportów stara się Rayne wprowadzić powiew świeżości i czasami, przynajmniej w ocenie zainteresowanych osób, jej się to udaje. Przełamuje, na przykład, skostniałe zwyczaje świąteczne celebrowane przez nowobogackie elity. Brak jednak w opisie tych wysiłków choćby szczypty wdzięku. Nawet niezwykły przebieg porodu niezbyt mnie poruszył.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but...

Spoilers-

This one was cute, but not as good as the beginning of the series. Why are characters just taken away with no real resolution? (Elle in the last book) Suddenly Marta is calling Rayne Niña and not Nena like she had in the first few books (which if you know any Spaniard or even Puerto Rican, Niña is just weird) I thought it was an oversight in the last book, but as much as it happened in this book, I'm just assuming a ghost writer was brought in to spice up the sex scenes and didn't know anything about the character.

I feel like all the characters had subtle non-character development changes that threw me off.

While the ending especially left me wanting to know what happens with Tyler and Xander and the siblings, I'm kind of over Rayne. The change in writing style ruined her world for me. As did the fact that she seemed to be getting stagnant. I'd be fine reading about the other Davenports and having Rayne be a supporting character.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this series from the beginning... you need to back up and read from the beginning to get the full Rayne experience. You won't be disappointed.

I loved this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Rayne was married to the perfect man and all she wanted to do was have a baby... but things weren't working out as she planned. And Hale was getting tired of their intimacy being planned by a calendar around her egg cycle.

His book is smoking hot and in Calamity Rayne fashion hilarous. We have a new character in this book and Rayne is not happy with his presence, but he is not what he seems and Rayne is shocked... a few times.

And Rayne giving birth... yeah, a calamity.

If you want a book that will keep you laughing with characters that feel like family, you will love this smoking hot book! Highly recommen

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my very favorite in the rom-com genre. I loved this book #5 so much that I read it twice – just in case I missed anything – and let me tell you that it was as funny the second time around as the first time (if not funnier than). Rayne is a true worrier, who can turn any situation into a calamity. But don’t let all that fool you, this worrier is a warrior in disguise – for real. And Hale is so my hero, and has been throughout this series. I’ve read how many readers say they can identify with Rayne, but I identify more with Hale due to his neatness and OCD. The full cast of characters appears in CR Knocked Up as well as a couple of new additions. I have a feeling we will see much more of the Davenports, and I for one truly cannot wait.

[Sheila'S Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Awesome!
I adore Rayne! (& Hale and the whole Calamity cast of characters, too.) I have loved all the books in this series but especially this latest.
In Knocked Up, Rayne and Hale are working on baby making which has Rayne even more of a hot stressed mess than ever.
These stories are so much fun with absolute laugh out loud funny moments. But they are also sweet, swoony, emotional and let’s not forget HOT AS HALE!!
I was a bit afraid that Knocked Up was going to be the last of the Calamity Rayne books, but the author definitely left us with a little hint that there might be more to come! (Yay!)
-5Stars-
-Diane-

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calamity Rayne Knocked Up is a delightful and light-hearted romantic comedy that brings plenty of laughs, love, and surprises as Rayne and Hale navigate the unexpected twists of impending parenthood.

In Calamity Rayne Knocked Up, Rayne is about to face one of the biggest surprises of her life—she’s pregnant! After a whirlwind wedding and honeymoon, Rayne finds herself not only trying to adjust to her new life as a wife but also to the news of a growing family. Always a bit of a whirlwind, Rayne faces the challenges of pregnancy with her usual charm, humor, and a few mishaps along the way. Hale, her organized and supportive husband, is right by her side as they both navigate the ups and downs of this new adventure. As they prepare for their baby, the couple’s relationship deepens and strengthens, and they learn even more about each other through the unpredictable journey of parenthood.

Lydia Michaels has crafted a fun and engaging story in Calamity Rayne Knocked Up, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Rayne’s chaotic yet endearing personality makes her a relatable and lovable character, while Hale’s calm and supportive nature is the perfect balance to her. The dynamic between the two keeps the story engaging, and the humorous moments offer a light and entertaining reading experience. There’s a sweet and tender romance at the core of the book, with plenty of funny, heartwarming scenes to keep readers hooked. Overall, Calamity Rayne Knocked Up is a charming, feel-good read that fans of romantic comedies will enjoy. It’s a fun, light-hearted journey with plenty of love, laughter, and a dash of chaos that makes it both entertaining and endearing.

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayne and Hale’s love story continues and now, they are trying to get pregnant. In the beginning of the book, you see they are struggling a bit to get pregnant and the pressure that brings into their relationship. I am still a big fan of Hale, he is the supportive husband, but sometimes, Rayne doesn’t feel that way. She knows he loves her and would do anything for her, but the emotions she feels, it’s hard for her.
I really enjoyed this book and the entire series. All the banter and the joy, the hard times that lead to their HEA. Definitely recommend the entire series.

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the amazing experience to read this early and it is such a gift being able to experience the growth and development of Rayne. Each Book keeps showing her growth and her ability to finally love and accept her self. It is such a beautiful journey. The amazing thing about this series is you also still get the crazy shenanigans of Rayne at the same time you get the heartfelt relationships with everyone.

And in this book we have a new character alert!! And I can NOT wait for more from him. Plus am I dying for Hale's brother and sister to finally get their HEA!!!

[chisom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow l've finally finished the calamity rayne series and im actually upset about it
no more blushing
over Hale and Rayne and their gorgeous chemistry or shaking my head over Remington's lascivious ways. All in all this was a beautiful finale (or not?) to the calamity rayne series and i wholeheartedly recommend not only this book but the whole series for a funny, addictive, romantic, feel good read (i could go on with all the positive adjectives but you get the gist 😂) Can't wait for you to get as stuck into the pages of Rayne's story and growth as I was! Happy reading ❤️

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like it, but read it to finish the series.
Too much sex, too kinky... I don't like their intimite communication, he always dominant, she always as servant, even though she thinks she feels the power herself.
I don't understand how easy the couple leaves their daughter Elara behind when travelling so frequently with the nanny or any of the grandmas.
I don't understand the reiki counselor part.
I don't like the new character Xander.
I don't like Rayne always making decisions for others (her mom with the new house, her friend Tyler with the pushing).

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calamity Rayne Knocked Up by Lydia Michaels, the fifth book in the series, takes you on a journey from conception to delivery with Lydia's unique brand of humor. You'll feel a personal connection as Lydia weaves her experiences of birthing her daughter into the narrative, making the story even more relatable.

Amidst the seriousness of pregnancy, this book is a refreshing break that will have you in stitches. If you need a good laugh, this one's for you!

[Nicole Marie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joining Rayne and Hale back in this world was everything I could have hoped for and more! You start with spice the moment you begin and get plenty more along with lots of laughs and emotions to add to it! Rayne is great at getting into so situations you didn’t see coming and Hale is great at getting her out of sticky situations. I love Remington still! He’s such a jerk in so many ways and yet he is a favorite character of mine! Definitely a laugh out loud, emotional rollercoaster story.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rayne makes getting pregnant such a drama but keeps you in giggles with the hilarious one-liners she and/or Hale come up with. Lydia doesn't disappoint with all Hale and Rayne go through trying to get pregnant and then when they get pregnant.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. Lydia keeps you turning the pages with the steaminess and giggles in this book. She gives you all the feels, especially with that twist ending.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Calamity Rayne!! This series has been near and dear to my heart from the very beginning I see myself in Rayne in so many ways and I just adore this author’s writing & I couldn’t have asked for a better “ending” to this series. And I say ending in quotation marks because Lydia Michaels left us with an open ended ending which after that surprise at the end, I more than need more of this family!

Not gonna lie the men annoyed me sooo much this time around and I would not have been surprised had Rayne hit more than one of the men in her life over the head with something to knock some sense into them. Reading a book that already starts with the characters living out their HEA with real life problems and tribulations including a new character who we’re all just befuddled about the nature of his intentions.

A definite must read for all of us Calamity Rayne lovers!

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romcom series always makes me smile.

Now that a baby is entering the picture, it makes it all the more special.

Hale and Rayne had me in stitches. Their scenes were just a chef’s kiss.

Can’t wait for further adventures.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are so much fun with absolute laugh out loud funny moments. But they are also sweet, swoony, emotional and let’s not forget HOT AS HALE!!
Love, Love, Love this series!!
-5 Stars-
My full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Beth Burkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calamity Rayne Series is the absolute best and to know that Ms. Michaels began the series because of her life events is awesome! You have to adore Rayne and Hale and all the others in there uniqueness and passions! Bring on Xander and yes please to more Calamity and Cast!

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Calamity Rayne series and Rayne and Hale’s story continues.
This installment is the most challenging 9 months of their life.
Full of laughs, sexy times and raunchy banter this read was so much fun to read.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I liked the previous books, this one fell kind of flat for me. With a slower pace and a lot less calamities it felt a Little unnecessary. The ending suggest that there Will be another book but Even with that, it left me unbothered. A shame considering I loved the four previous books.

[Cheryll Bertha Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a drama!!!

Hi I love this series... It is so dramatic that I'm going to read that last chapter over as Cancer opens the door. He--lear-re..us. Got me from the first book. Love you so much.