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Babymoon or Bust
Tessie Truelove has spent her entire life avoiding . . . well, true love. And why wouldn't she? Her dog ran off, her father left to go get cigarettes and never came back, and her mother passed away years ago. Instead, Tessie, a celebrity interior designer, clings to her to-do lists and her Pantone colors and her toxic job to avoid more heartbreak. But after too much whiskey and a wild night with a rugged stranger has her seeing two little pink lines, she vows to do motherhood all by herself. After all, it might be her one shot at true love.
Nothing will interrupt her plans. Not even Solomon Wilder—her muscled, bearded, brooding baby daddy—who stomps his way into her perfectly planned babymoon after learning about her pregnancy. Stuck together in paradise, the two strike a deal: spend three days together to figure out how to raise their son. Complete opposites, they have nothing in common except the bump between them. Tessie has her glamorous career in LA, and Solomon has his wild life in Alaska. Yet as the babymoon takes a turn for the steamy and Solomon breaks through the emotional walls Tessie's spent years guarding, she starts to wonder if she and this gruff, flannel-wearing mountain man might be meant to do more than just share a baby—they might be meant to share a heart.
Contains mature themes.
Nothing will interrupt her plans. Not even Solomon Wilder—her muscled, bearded, brooding baby daddy—who stomps his way into her perfectly planned babymoon after learning about her pregnancy. Stuck together in paradise, the two strike a deal: spend three days together to figure out how to raise their son. Complete opposites, they have nothing in common except the bump between them. Tessie has her glamorous career in LA, and Solomon has his wild life in Alaska. Yet as the babymoon takes a turn for the steamy and Solomon breaks through the emotional walls Tessie's spent years guarding, she starts to wonder if she and this gruff, flannel-wearing mountain man might be meant to do more than just share a baby—they might be meant to share a heart.
Contains mature themes.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 1, 2023
1897 people are currently reading
23714 people want to read
About the author
Ava Hunter
13 books1,511 followersAva Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,345 reviews
September 27, 2024
4 Stars ★
"One night, no names, two heartbeats, and all the stars in the universe."
I was looking for summer vibes to hang on to summer a bit longer, and this definitely did the trick.
Babymoon or Bust is a standalone that is written in third person with dual POV, which took me a bit to get into. It is a grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, surprise pregnancy. Don't let the cute cover fool you, though. There is so much more beneath the surface. Yes, you will find moments of smiling and laughter but also grief and healing. I myself was not expecting to get emotional at any given time, but alas, I did.
Tessie is trying to land a promotion in her career, is stressed, and for just one night decides to let loose and have some fun. She meets a man at a bar, and they have a one night stand without giving away any details of their identity. Six months later, she has a babymoon planned with her cousin. Insert Solomon none other than the man from that one night, and he showed up to her paradise getaway after learning about her pregnancy. Together, they come up with a plan to spend three days together to figure out how to raise their son.
Tess Truelove is an interior designer who is a workaholic letting her work rule her life. She is also sweet, funny, and sassy. What I loved most about her, though, is that she is independent and stubborn, having the mindset that she doesn't need anyone. This also makes me feel sad, though, as she became this way from everyone leaving her at some point in her life. Solomon reassures her and makes her feel safe. He helps her grow past her vulnerability while also letting her grow and figure out her own path by just being there and being supportive. I loved watching her stand up for herself and take charge of what she wants and feels is best for her and the baby.
“I’m trying to be okay, but I’m by myself every night and every morning, and it just. . .it feels so sad. It’s so lonely.”
Solomon Wilder is a chef at a bar that he owns with his best friend. He is tattooed, broody, and overly protective. One of my favorite things about him is that he wanted all in, willing to do whatever it took to be there for Tess and the baby. I loved all of this about him. Beneath all of this, though, he worries and blames himself for the loss of his wife. Tess helps bring him out of his shell slowly and gives him the time and patience he needs to open up to her. Watching him overcome his fears and grow was heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one. I loved it when he was able to tell her all of it, and he was able to get closure to move on.
“Get it through that beautiful blond head of yours. You’re mine. You and that baby; you’re both mine.”
Tess and Solomon are complete opposites. He is from a small town in Alaska, and she is from the city living in LA. Though they only had seven days to get to know each other, it didn't feel rushed. At first, there was tension and banter between them that I was eating up. They were both scared to open up or didn't think the other was interested but they were patient with each other and communicated what they were feeling, even if it took them a little time to get out what they wanted to say. It was completely understandable when they hesitated and didn't say what they wanted right away at times. Together, they both grew and peeled back the layers that they had built up around themselves to protect them. They were honestly so cute!
“Remember what I said to you the night we met? About the stars?” She nods. She’d never forget. “You said they shine the brightest in your hometown.” “Not anymore. You’re my star, Tess.” He places a hand over his chest. “You shine here. In my heart.”
I will say that this book didn't get a fair chance as I was feeling a slump coming on. I did end up enjoying it, though. My thanks goes out to my girl Cara for giving me this rec and putting this on my radar. That ending was the cutest. I thought we were getting a third act, but they resolved everything. I also enjoyed that there was an extended epilogue that highlighted their family. It was so wholesome. This was my first book by Ava Hunter, but it won't be my last.
Favorite quotes and moments
“You’re not alone. I’m right here with you. I know you think I’m leaving, but I’m not. I’m going to be a father to my son and help you with whatever you need.” He pulls her closer, smoothing her hair. “Tell me what you need, Tess, and I’ll do it. I’ll give you anything.”
“Dance with me,” he says. She arches a brow. “I thought you didn’t dance.” “With you, I do.”
“You and that baby. My whole heart. My stars. You fucking have me, Tess. Never doubt that.”
“Thank you,” he says. Her surprised gaze meets his, blond hair falling over her shoulder as she tilts her head. “For what?” His throat works. “For making me a father.”
"He can’t live without her. She is his soul. His star in the sky. North, south, east, west, down to hell and back. Any direction, he’ll follow her light."
“From that first night I met you until the end of our days, Tessie, I’ll love you.”
~~~~~~
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
I'm trying to hold onto summer a bit longer. I was supposed to read this on my cruise but ran out of time. My gorgeous bae Cara told me this was cute 🩷🌷
"One night, no names, two heartbeats, and all the stars in the universe."
I was looking for summer vibes to hang on to summer a bit longer, and this definitely did the trick.
Babymoon or Bust is a standalone that is written in third person with dual POV, which took me a bit to get into. It is a grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, surprise pregnancy. Don't let the cute cover fool you, though. There is so much more beneath the surface. Yes, you will find moments of smiling and laughter but also grief and healing. I myself was not expecting to get emotional at any given time, but alas, I did.
Tessie is trying to land a promotion in her career, is stressed, and for just one night decides to let loose and have some fun. She meets a man at a bar, and they have a one night stand without giving away any details of their identity. Six months later, she has a babymoon planned with her cousin. Insert Solomon none other than the man from that one night, and he showed up to her paradise getaway after learning about her pregnancy. Together, they come up with a plan to spend three days together to figure out how to raise their son.
Tess Truelove is an interior designer who is a workaholic letting her work rule her life. She is also sweet, funny, and sassy. What I loved most about her, though, is that she is independent and stubborn, having the mindset that she doesn't need anyone. This also makes me feel sad, though, as she became this way from everyone leaving her at some point in her life. Solomon reassures her and makes her feel safe. He helps her grow past her vulnerability while also letting her grow and figure out her own path by just being there and being supportive. I loved watching her stand up for herself and take charge of what she wants and feels is best for her and the baby.
“I’m trying to be okay, but I’m by myself every night and every morning, and it just. . .it feels so sad. It’s so lonely.”
Solomon Wilder is a chef at a bar that he owns with his best friend. He is tattooed, broody, and overly protective. One of my favorite things about him is that he wanted all in, willing to do whatever it took to be there for Tess and the baby. I loved all of this about him. Beneath all of this, though, he worries and blames himself for the loss of his wife. Tess helps bring him out of his shell slowly and gives him the time and patience he needs to open up to her. Watching him overcome his fears and grow was heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one. I loved it when he was able to tell her all of it, and he was able to get closure to move on.
“Get it through that beautiful blond head of yours. You’re mine. You and that baby; you’re both mine.”
Tess and Solomon are complete opposites. He is from a small town in Alaska, and she is from the city living in LA. Though they only had seven days to get to know each other, it didn't feel rushed. At first, there was tension and banter between them that I was eating up. They were both scared to open up or didn't think the other was interested but they were patient with each other and communicated what they were feeling, even if it took them a little time to get out what they wanted to say. It was completely understandable when they hesitated and didn't say what they wanted right away at times. Together, they both grew and peeled back the layers that they had built up around themselves to protect them. They were honestly so cute!
“Remember what I said to you the night we met? About the stars?” She nods. She’d never forget. “You said they shine the brightest in your hometown.” “Not anymore. You’re my star, Tess.” He places a hand over his chest. “You shine here. In my heart.”
I will say that this book didn't get a fair chance as I was feeling a slump coming on. I did end up enjoying it, though. My thanks goes out to my girl Cara for giving me this rec and putting this on my radar. That ending was the cutest. I thought we were getting a third act, but they resolved everything. I also enjoyed that there was an extended epilogue that highlighted their family. It was so wholesome. This was my first book by Ava Hunter, but it won't be my last.
Favorite quotes and moments
“You’re not alone. I’m right here with you. I know you think I’m leaving, but I’m not. I’m going to be a father to my son and help you with whatever you need.” He pulls her closer, smoothing her hair. “Tell me what you need, Tess, and I’ll do it. I’ll give you anything.”
“Dance with me,” he says. She arches a brow. “I thought you didn’t dance.” “With you, I do.”
“You and that baby. My whole heart. My stars. You fucking have me, Tess. Never doubt that.”
“Thank you,” he says. Her surprised gaze meets his, blond hair falling over her shoulder as she tilts her head. “For what?” His throat works. “For making me a father.”
"He can’t live without her. She is his soul. His star in the sky. North, south, east, west, down to hell and back. Any direction, he’ll follow her light."
“From that first night I met you until the end of our days, Tessie, I’ll love you.”
~~~~~~
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
I'm trying to hold onto summer a bit longer. I was supposed to read this on my cruise but ran out of time. My gorgeous bae Cara told me this was cute 🩷🌷
October 7, 2024
I need me a cutesy cliché romance story to help me in my periods🥺🤍
February 7, 2024
And goddamn, does she taste good. He shakes as he inhales her feminine scent. He wants it in his beard. The smell of her. The kind of scent that brands him, leashes him.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
⚠️Trigger Warning: Child Birth Complications, Loss of Loved Ones
There's something about cheesy, cliché scenes, high stakes that turn out not so high after all, and guaranteed happy endings that make life worth living. Besides, who doesn't love a little cheese? In fact, this relaxed me so much, I probably should have read it after Haunting Adeline, instead. You know, to heal from the trauma. Oh well, it did wonders for my anxiety so it still helped. It even has two epilogues. Also, contrary to popular belief, I personally enjoy reading books with the pregnancy trope. I know literally all of you will disagree with me, and that's okay, but I like fictional babies. I am not fond of the real ones and do not want to have any of my own, but I still like them in books. Please don't come at me for this, by the way. 😂
Moreover, I liked the main characters a lot. Tessie is a sweet woman in her thirties, which I always appreciate in books. Not all the main characters have to be in their 20s. She has a lot of childhood trauma and commitment and trust issues. Because of that, she genuinely wants to be a good mother and take care of her child as best as she can, even though a lot is trying to get in her way. She's strong and admirable, even though she was the only one dancing at a roadside bar, drunk off her mind, and giving me strong second-hand embarrassment. I shouldn't judge though, she was having fun.
Furthermore, Solomon Wilder is your average sexy fictional man. He hits the unrealistically high expectations of men just right. He is tall as fuck and just as muscular. He has tattoos and a beard, major protective instincts, and is a wonderful father. Not to mention, he has major trauma he hasn't recovered from. As much of a cliché his type is getting, I will never tire of it. It heals my soul as much as it ensures I will never be in a relationship.
Additionally, the romance between Tessie and Solomon is instant attraction/insta-love. I am not particularly fond of that. It just never makes sense to me. Instant attraction, I get, but love at first sight is a little...naive. I can't tell you how often I yelled "YOU'VE LITERALLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR LIKE FIVE MINUTES. CALM DOWN!" Even so, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy their interactions at all. Yes, the dialogue is cringe and the romance is at a pace faster than the speed of light, but I still thought they were cute. I admit I squealed a little even if I cringed at the same time. Besides, all their issues are resolved within two to three pages and that's the vibe I was going for, anyway.
Lastly, I liked the secondary characters as much as I did Tessie and Solomon. There aren't many but they are all lovable. Ash, Tessie's cousin and only friend is my favorite. She is so caring and supportive. She even concocts a whole plan and sacrifices her vacation to get Tessie and Solomon alone together so her cousin won't have to raise her child alone. So sweet, right? As for the rest, they are all Solomon's family, and they are all wonderful. Even those who don't like Tessie in the beginning, and their behavior kind of made me want to bitchslap them, grew on me by the end. Like I said, the stakes aren't as high as they seem.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
⚠️Trigger Warning: Child Birth Complications, Loss of Loved Ones
There's something about cheesy, cliché scenes, high stakes that turn out not so high after all, and guaranteed happy endings that make life worth living. Besides, who doesn't love a little cheese? In fact, this relaxed me so much, I probably should have read it after Haunting Adeline, instead. You know, to heal from the trauma. Oh well, it did wonders for my anxiety so it still helped. It even has two epilogues. Also, contrary to popular belief, I personally enjoy reading books with the pregnancy trope. I know literally all of you will disagree with me, and that's okay, but I like fictional babies. I am not fond of the real ones and do not want to have any of my own, but I still like them in books. Please don't come at me for this, by the way. 😂
Moreover, I liked the main characters a lot. Tessie is a sweet woman in her thirties, which I always appreciate in books. Not all the main characters have to be in their 20s. She has a lot of childhood trauma and commitment and trust issues. Because of that, she genuinely wants to be a good mother and take care of her child as best as she can, even though a lot is trying to get in her way. She's strong and admirable, even though she was the only one dancing at a roadside bar, drunk off her mind, and giving me strong second-hand embarrassment. I shouldn't judge though, she was having fun.
Furthermore, Solomon Wilder is your average sexy fictional man. He hits the unrealistically high expectations of men just right. He is tall as fuck and just as muscular. He has tattoos and a beard, major protective instincts, and is a wonderful father. Not to mention, he has major trauma he hasn't recovered from. As much of a cliché his type is getting, I will never tire of it. It heals my soul as much as it ensures I will never be in a relationship.
Additionally, the romance between Tessie and Solomon is instant attraction/insta-love. I am not particularly fond of that. It just never makes sense to me. Instant attraction, I get, but love at first sight is a little...naive. I can't tell you how often I yelled "YOU'VE LITERALLY KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR LIKE FIVE MINUTES. CALM DOWN!" Even so, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy their interactions at all. Yes, the dialogue is cringe and the romance is at a pace faster than the speed of light, but I still thought they were cute. I admit I squealed a little even if I cringed at the same time. Besides, all their issues are resolved within two to three pages and that's the vibe I was going for, anyway.
Lastly, I liked the secondary characters as much as I did Tessie and Solomon. There aren't many but they are all lovable. Ash, Tessie's cousin and only friend is my favorite. She is so caring and supportive. She even concocts a whole plan and sacrifices her vacation to get Tessie and Solomon alone together so her cousin won't have to raise her child alone. So sweet, right? As for the rest, they are all Solomon's family, and they are all wonderful. Even those who don't like Tessie in the beginning, and their behavior kind of made me want to bitchslap them, grew on me by the end. Like I said, the stakes aren't as high as they seem.
May 31, 2023
4/5 stars
omg omg omg! this book was everything i needed it to be. tess is such a lovable fmc and i adored her, she’s genuinely feels like a real person. i loved her relationship with ash and with solomon! both main characters has been through the ringer for sure and i’m glad they found each other, they fit so well. y’all know i love the accidental pregnancy trope so this scratched an itch i’ve have for so long, and the concept of the babymoon was so fun. the things i didn’t like was the way tess didn’t really fight to stay in LA, i get why she didn’t but i was like damn! and her nasty boss, i hope he gets what he deserves. anyways i had a great time reading!
omg omg omg! this book was everything i needed it to be. tess is such a lovable fmc and i adored her, she’s genuinely feels like a real person. i loved her relationship with ash and with solomon! both main characters has been through the ringer for sure and i’m glad they found each other, they fit so well. y’all know i love the accidental pregnancy trope so this scratched an itch i’ve have for so long, and the concept of the babymoon was so fun. the things i didn’t like was the way tess didn’t really fight to stay in LA, i get why she didn’t but i was like damn! and her nasty boss, i hope he gets what he deserves. anyways i had a great time reading!
November 23, 2024
This is how you do the accident/surprise baby trope right! Tessie is a no-nonsense, career-driven queen who does not have time for love. So when a one-night stand with grumpy-yet-sweet chef Solomon leads to an unexpected pregnancy, her plan is simple: raise the baby solo. But Solomon is not about to sit this one out. Next thing you know, he’s crashing her babymoon in Mexico, insisting on taking care of her, and being all overprotective and swoony. 😮💨🥵
This was my first Ava Hunter book, and I ended up really enjoying it! Sure, it took me a second to get into the third-person POV and all the mentions of Solomon’s late wife, but once I did? I couldn’t stop reading. It’s sweet, emotional, and even made me tear up by the end.
Bonus points for no third-act breakup. Tessie and Solomon actually talk through their concerns like grown-ups! Yes, it’s cheesy at times (they go from strangers to soulmates real quick), but it’s the kind of fast-paced romance you’ll devour in one sitting.
BRB, packing my bags for Alaska. Where’s my grumpy mountain man?
Read this if you like:
💕 Accidental Pregnancy
💕 Opposites Attract
💕 Close Proximity
💕 Protective MMC
🚨🚨 TW: Traumatic childbirth, death of a spouse, death of a parent, cancer
This was my first Ava Hunter book, and I ended up really enjoying it! Sure, it took me a second to get into the third-person POV and all the mentions of Solomon’s late wife, but once I did? I couldn’t stop reading. It’s sweet, emotional, and even made me tear up by the end.
Bonus points for no third-act breakup. Tessie and Solomon actually talk through their concerns like grown-ups! Yes, it’s cheesy at times (they go from strangers to soulmates real quick), but it’s the kind of fast-paced romance you’ll devour in one sitting.
BRB, packing my bags for Alaska. Where’s my grumpy mountain man?
Read this if you like:
💕 Accidental Pregnancy
💕 Opposites Attract
💕 Close Proximity
💕 Protective MMC
🚨🚨 TW: Traumatic childbirth, death of a spouse, death of a parent, cancer
April 17, 2024
I will not accept criticism on this book a year later they’re still very gorgeous to me
August 5, 2023
"He can’t live without her. She is his soul. His star in the sky. North, south, east, west, down to hell and back. Any direction, he’ll follow her light."
This one was such a cute read and I knew I had to read it because the cover looks so preety. I'm not usually a fan of surprise pregnancy trope but I also don't hate it. But this book definitely did the surprise pregnancy trope right!
"One night, no names, two heartbeats, and all the stars in the universe."
╰┈➤ Read this if you like
➛ Grumpy X Sunshine
➛ Opposites attract. She is a city girl ✨️ and he is a mountain man 🏔
➛ Summer and beach vibes in Mexico 🏖🥂
➛ Bearded mountain protective guy who loves his flannel more than anything and taking care of FMC all the damn time
➛ Cute cute little baby vibes 💕 at a babymoon in Mexico (I don't like babies at all but this book made me want to have one 😭)
➛ A sweet and steamy romance ❤️🔥 with a surprise baby
➛ And a few small town moments in Alaska 🏔🌨
"He links his fingers with hers, and Tessie stretches along the warm solidness of his hard body. Like they’re growing roots, reaching for the stars. Like they’re living for just one more breath. Like everything that’s precious to her is contained in this hammock. This nine- by- twelve cocoon- like space of comfort and joy. She wants to remember this moment. This perfect heartbeat in time. Her and Solomon and Bear."
It was fun reading this and I was craving some adorable wholesome moments which this book served well. The pacing was smooth and given the fact that they only spent 7 days in Mexico and fell in love with each other, it didn't feel like it was rushed or anything. The book is written in third pov so it took me a while to get into it but once I did, it was such an easy read for me.
It also has dead ex trope which usually gives me an ick when the MCs start comparing their dead ex to their current love interest. But Solomon never compared Tess with his dead wife so it never really bothered me much.
➙ Solomon and Tess's Relationship
They had one night stand without even sharing their names but when Solomon found out Tess was pregnant he did everything he could do to be there for her. He always knew Tess was for him and he proved himself that he can take care of her and the baby and will never leave Tess and the baby alone because he knew Tess had abandonment issues and he made sure she never doubt him, his love and protection.
Even though they had only 7 days to know each other and the baby, it felt so natural because they tried to understand each other in every way they could and it also didn't felt like they had to do it for their baby only. So their romance was beautiful, sweet and perfect 💘
The sweet moments when Solomon told Tess he would protect her and the baby and the moments when they both get to know about the baby things and to figure it out together 🥺 ahh my heart was literally melting at those scenes!! Him constant reassuring her, telling her she can do this and she's beautiful and telling her about his tragic past and everything and giving her space when she needed. He really is a gentleman and I'm glad Tess gave him a chance because this man literally put his heart out for her and never wanted it back.
✦ Tess Truelove
An interior design who is loyal to her job and would everything for it until Solomon and that baby happened. Tess is stubborn, funny and sweet and always done for a good time but she also had this sassy and ballsy side which I loved about her the most. The things she did for her baby and everything was commendable and I really hated how other people made her felt about herself when she was already in such a vulnerable state. But Solomon was the only one who made her feel beautiful and everything.
✦ Solomon Wilder
A bar owner and a chef who is grumpy, protective and fierce and would do anything for his baby and his baby mama. It was funny how the author tried to make his whole personality about flannel shirts and mountain man but his protective daddy side was really hot but also adorable. The way he never stopped telling Tess she is beautiful and she and the baby are his, was just so endearing. He always tried to communicate his feelings either with words or with his actions even though it took him some time but he never stopped trying for Tess.
The ending was perfect and there was a little conflict but they talked about it and not just let it turned into a big misunderstanding, which was really amazing. And I loved that we got some scenes after their baby was born. Because it was just so adorable and wholesome seeing them happy with their baby and helping each other everday to make it better. Tess, Solomon and their sweet little family was perfect!
“Remember what I said to you the night we met? About the stars?” She nods. She’d never forget.
“You said they shine the brightest in your hometown.”
“Not anymore. You’re my star, Tess.” He places a hand over his chest.
“You shine here. In my heart.”
This one was such a cute read and I knew I had to read it because the cover looks so preety. I'm not usually a fan of surprise pregnancy trope but I also don't hate it. But this book definitely did the surprise pregnancy trope right!
"One night, no names, two heartbeats, and all the stars in the universe."
╰┈➤ Read this if you like
➛ Grumpy X Sunshine
➛ Opposites attract. She is a city girl ✨️ and he is a mountain man 🏔
➛ Summer and beach vibes in Mexico 🏖🥂
➛ Bearded mountain protective guy who loves his flannel more than anything and taking care of FMC all the damn time
➛ Cute cute little baby vibes 💕 at a babymoon in Mexico (I don't like babies at all but this book made me want to have one 😭)
➛ A sweet and steamy romance ❤️🔥 with a surprise baby
➛ And a few small town moments in Alaska 🏔🌨
"He links his fingers with hers, and Tessie stretches along the warm solidness of his hard body. Like they’re growing roots, reaching for the stars. Like they’re living for just one more breath. Like everything that’s precious to her is contained in this hammock. This nine- by- twelve cocoon- like space of comfort and joy. She wants to remember this moment. This perfect heartbeat in time. Her and Solomon and Bear."
It was fun reading this and I was craving some adorable wholesome moments which this book served well. The pacing was smooth and given the fact that they only spent 7 days in Mexico and fell in love with each other, it didn't feel like it was rushed or anything. The book is written in third pov so it took me a while to get into it but once I did, it was such an easy read for me.
It also has dead ex trope which usually gives me an ick when the MCs start comparing their dead ex to their current love interest. But Solomon never compared Tess with his dead wife so it never really bothered me much.
➙ Solomon and Tess's Relationship
They had one night stand without even sharing their names but when Solomon found out Tess was pregnant he did everything he could do to be there for her. He always knew Tess was for him and he proved himself that he can take care of her and the baby and will never leave Tess and the baby alone because he knew Tess had abandonment issues and he made sure she never doubt him, his love and protection.
“Get it through that beautiful blond head of yours. You’re mine. You and that baby; you’re both mine.”
“You’re not alone. I’m right here with you. I know you think I’m leaving, but I’m not. I’m going to be a father to my son and help you with whatever you need.” He pulls her closer, smoothing her hair.
“Tell me what you need, Tess, and I’ll do it. I’ll give you anything.”
Even though they had only 7 days to know each other and the baby, it felt so natural because they tried to understand each other in every way they could and it also didn't felt like they had to do it for their baby only. So their romance was beautiful, sweet and perfect 💘
“Dance with me,” he says. She arches a brow. “I thought you didn’t dance.”
“With you, I do.”
she palms his cheek, admiring the rare smile gracing his face. “I like this.”
“Like what?”
“Your smile.”
The sweet moments when Solomon told Tess he would protect her and the baby and the moments when they both get to know about the baby things and to figure it out together 🥺 ahh my heart was literally melting at those scenes!! Him constant reassuring her, telling her she can do this and she's beautiful and telling her about his tragic past and everything and giving her space when she needed. He really is a gentleman and I'm glad Tess gave him a chance because this man literally put his heart out for her and never wanted it back.
“I just love him so much. What if something happens to him? What if something happens to me?” He kisses her hair, his reassuring rumble vibrating through her. There’s a tenseness to his body she can’t puzzle out. “Nothing will happen to you, Tessie. I won’t let it.”
“From that first night I met you until the end of our days, Tessie, I’ll love you.”
“Thank you,” he says. Her surprised gaze meets his, blond hair falling over her shoulder as she tilts her head.
“For what?” His throat works.
“For making me a father.”
SO DAMN CUTE 🥹💘
✦ Tess Truelove
An interior design who is loyal to her job and would everything for it until Solomon and that baby happened. Tess is stubborn, funny and sweet and always done for a good time but she also had this sassy and ballsy side which I loved about her the most. The things she did for her baby and everything was commendable and I really hated how other people made her felt about herself when she was already in such a vulnerable state. But Solomon was the only one who made her feel beautiful and everything.
✦ Solomon Wilder
A bar owner and a chef who is grumpy, protective and fierce and would do anything for his baby and his baby mama. It was funny how the author tried to make his whole personality about flannel shirts and mountain man but his protective daddy side was really hot but also adorable. The way he never stopped telling Tess she is beautiful and she and the baby are his, was just so endearing. He always tried to communicate his feelings either with words or with his actions even though it took him some time but he never stopped trying for Tess.
The ending was perfect and there was a little conflict but they talked about it and not just let it turned into a big misunderstanding, which was really amazing. And I loved that we got some scenes after their baby was born. Because it was just so adorable and wholesome seeing them happy with their baby and helping each other everday to make it better. Tess, Solomon and their sweet little family was perfect!
“Remember what I said to you the night we met? About the stars?” She nods. She’d never forget.
“You said they shine the brightest in your hometown.”
“Not anymore. You’re my star, Tess.” He places a hand over his chest.
“You shine here. In my heart.”
June 14, 2023
Disgustingly Cute
🔥🔥💕💕🤰🏼🏔️Super fast read with a lumber-s3xual male main character.
And yes… lumber-s3xual is a thing. 😂😂😂
If you don’t like the ‘surprise pregnancy’ trope this won’t be your thing but I’ve always liked it so tis what it tis 😂💕
🔥🔥💕💕🤰🏼🏔️Super fast read with a lumber-s3xual male main character.
And yes… lumber-s3xual is a thing. 😂😂😂
If you don’t like the ‘surprise pregnancy’ trope this won’t be your thing but I’ve always liked it so tis what it tis 😂💕
June 1, 2023
if you’re looking for ooey gooey mushy cuteness out the ass this book is completely for you. it was so cute it was almost gross, but in a good way ya know?
i was immediately drawn in by this cover i thought it looked so adorable, was then totally sold by the synopsis and this book did not disappoint. the only reason im giving this a 4 is because the internal monologues got a little too repetitive for my liking. other than that i had a great time reading this.
originally i was a little put off by what happened toward the end, i just thought after everything Sol had been through it was just unnecessary and would have just preferred a 3rd act breakup over it but after reading the authors note i completely get the reasoning for it.
i’m also really glad howler and evelyn especially got their own little redemption arcs toward the end because i’ll tell ya what i was suuuuuper over their bs for a hot minute i wanted to throttled them both.
ava hunter is a new author for me so im really excited to have gotten the chance to read this a little early and discover a phenomenal writer in the process! if you like hot grumpy mountain men, sunshine girls, steamy hot seggsy times, fun and adorable banter and making accidental babies in the process this one is absolutely for you 🤭
i was immediately drawn in by this cover i thought it looked so adorable, was then totally sold by the synopsis and this book did not disappoint. the only reason im giving this a 4 is because the internal monologues got a little too repetitive for my liking. other than that i had a great time reading this.
originally i was a little put off by what happened toward the end, i just thought after everything Sol had been through it was just unnecessary and would have just preferred a 3rd act breakup over it but after reading the authors note i completely get the reasoning for it.
i’m also really glad howler and evelyn especially got their own little redemption arcs toward the end because i’ll tell ya what i was suuuuuper over their bs for a hot minute i wanted to throttled them both.
ava hunter is a new author for me so im really excited to have gotten the chance to read this a little early and discover a phenomenal writer in the process! if you like hot grumpy mountain men, sunshine girls, steamy hot seggsy times, fun and adorable banter and making accidental babies in the process this one is absolutely for you 🤭
July 11, 2023
3.5 stars
auto read because of the cover. 😍 the illustration screams my favorite tropes. as far as, surprise pregnancy, opposites attract, and muscled, bearded, tattooed, brooding, plaid flannel shirt wearing, mountain man heroes go, this book was everything i couldve asked for. the H was growly & protective. the h had a “healthy” dosage of abandonment issues, but i admired her independence, her work ethic, and that she didnt take shit from anyone. the romance was cute & sweet. the third act conflict didnt feel over the top because the misunderstanding was addressed immediately.
HOWEVER, for selfish reasons, i think it wouldve been 🤌perfect🤌 without the dead ex trope and the Mexico trip. i could be okay with the former if the H had dated other women in the seven years since his wife died (to make sure he moved on) and prior to his meeting with the h. instead of a clean slate, he was still carrying a guilty conscience when he entered his FIRST new relationship (since his wife) with the h. not to mention, he was still hearing his wife in his head (like she was acting as his inner voice). the most annoying thing was his sister constantly antagonizing the h because she was the Hs wifes best friend who couldnt deal seeing his brother with other woman that wasnt his wife/her best friend. so, the dead wife portrayal just didnt sit well with me. 🤧
as for the setting, i LOVE Alaska. i squealed when i found out the H was from Alaska. hence, i selfishly wanted the story to be set in Alaska from start to finish without the H & h taking a babymoon vacation in Mexico. i mean, the babymoon could happen in Alaska. another reservation i had with the book was the MCs names. i dont like the name Tessie Truelove & Solomon. 🤭 lastly, i probably wouldve rounded UP the rating if this book was available as audiobook. i realised after a while that the more i listen-read, the less patience i have with eyeball-reading. i skimmed this book so i was only reading the dialogues. 👉👈
BETTER surprise pregnancy/baby romance:
- Getting Played
- Plan B
auto read because of the cover. 😍 the illustration screams my favorite tropes. as far as, surprise pregnancy, opposites attract, and muscled, bearded, tattooed, brooding, plaid flannel shirt wearing, mountain man heroes go, this book was everything i couldve asked for. the H was growly & protective. the h had a “healthy” dosage of abandonment issues, but i admired her independence, her work ethic, and that she didnt take shit from anyone. the romance was cute & sweet. the third act conflict didnt feel over the top because the misunderstanding was addressed immediately.
HOWEVER, for selfish reasons, i think it wouldve been 🤌perfect🤌 without the dead ex trope and the Mexico trip. i could be okay with the former if the H had dated other women in the seven years since his wife died (to make sure he moved on) and prior to his meeting with the h. instead of a clean slate, he was still carrying a guilty conscience when he entered his FIRST new relationship (since his wife) with the h. not to mention, he was still hearing his wife in his head (like she was acting as his inner voice). the most annoying thing was his sister constantly antagonizing the h because she was the Hs wifes best friend who couldnt deal seeing his brother with other woman that wasnt his wife/her best friend. so, the dead wife portrayal just didnt sit well with me. 🤧
as for the setting, i LOVE Alaska. i squealed when i found out the H was from Alaska. hence, i selfishly wanted the story to be set in Alaska from start to finish without the H & h taking a babymoon vacation in Mexico. i mean, the babymoon could happen in Alaska. another reservation i had with the book was the MCs names. i dont like the name Tessie Truelove & Solomon. 🤭 lastly, i probably wouldve rounded UP the rating if this book was available as audiobook. i realised after a while that the more i listen-read, the less patience i have with eyeball-reading. i skimmed this book so i was only reading the dialogues. 👉👈
BETTER surprise pregnancy/baby romance:
- Getting Played
- Plan B
July 29, 2023
Babymoon or Bust is one amazing accidental pregnancy romance that I won't ever get over! Yall were right, yeah, this book was going to become a favorite and IT DID.
If you're into the accidental pregnancy trope, you're going to adore this one. Tessie decides to go on a babymoon (which is sort of like a honeymoon but this time it's a vacation before your baby is born), so she goes to Mexico. She was supposed to go with her cousin but then her one-night stand, handsome Solomon shows up instead. He tells her to give him 3 days to show her how serious he is on becoming a father. But soon the attraction between them becomes too much and they find themselves falling for each other.
I adored both of them! Tessie is my girl. She has a lot of things on her shoulders, a baby, a work, a mean boss, so many responsabilities. She is too tired, too sad, too lonely and she's about to have a baby. So when Solomon appears, he's everything and wants to give EVERYTHING to her. He constantly compares her to the sun and stars and everything good in life. He loves her so much and you really never, NEVER, doubt it throughout the whole story.
One thing that annoyed me was Solomon's sister, Evelyn, and his best friend, Howler (I think that's his name lol). Like???? SHUT UP. I hate that they were haters and were not happy for Solomon, Tessie and the baby. And they constantly showed that in front of her. Solomon didn't do a lot to stop them tbh. He should have told them before meeting Tessie that they needed to behave or he would not have a relationship with them. DON'T JUST THROW TESSIE INTO AN UNKNOWN PLACE WITHOUT TELLING HER THAT HIS SISTER AND BEST FRIEND HATE HER. She doesn't deserve that, especially doesn't need those emotions near her while she's pregnant. He should have let her know or like shouldn't have taken her near any of them because they were RUDE!!
But all the other things in the book were fabulous and I absolutely adored every single thing.
If you're into the accidental pregnancy trope, you're going to adore this one. Tessie decides to go on a babymoon (which is sort of like a honeymoon but this time it's a vacation before your baby is born), so she goes to Mexico. She was supposed to go with her cousin but then her one-night stand, handsome Solomon shows up instead. He tells her to give him 3 days to show her how serious he is on becoming a father. But soon the attraction between them becomes too much and they find themselves falling for each other.
I adored both of them! Tessie is my girl. She has a lot of things on her shoulders, a baby, a work, a mean boss, so many responsabilities. She is too tired, too sad, too lonely and she's about to have a baby. So when Solomon appears, he's everything and wants to give EVERYTHING to her. He constantly compares her to the sun and stars and everything good in life. He loves her so much and you really never, NEVER, doubt it throughout the whole story.
One thing that annoyed me was Solomon's sister, Evelyn, and his best friend, Howler (I think that's his name lol). Like???? SHUT UP. I hate that they were haters and were not happy for Solomon, Tessie and the baby. And they constantly showed that in front of her. Solomon didn't do a lot to stop them tbh. He should have told them before meeting Tessie that they needed to behave or he would not have a relationship with them. DON'T JUST THROW TESSIE INTO AN UNKNOWN PLACE WITHOUT TELLING HER THAT HIS SISTER AND BEST FRIEND HATE HER. She doesn't deserve that, especially doesn't need those emotions near her while she's pregnant. He should have let her know or like shouldn't have taken her near any of them because they were RUDE!!
But all the other things in the book were fabulous and I absolutely adored every single thing.
June 11, 2023
Damn, that was a smooth read. I was anticipating the cringe and boredom... It didn't arrive. And honestly, I think the forewarning of the dead spouse trope kinda helped me... but also not really.
I don't think he's that hung up on his late wife, well not as much as other reviewers pointed out. Sure, he was still mourning her even after 6 years but I don't get that feeling of our main girl being just a replacement for his dead wife. It was understandable, especially considering how she died.
Anyway, dead wife aside, if you're looking for a sweet, vacation-vibe, accidental baby-on-the-way trope, between a workaholic girl and a sweet grumpy guy, then peeps, this is for you. It was a very relaxing read for me, idk why. It's so fun, low drama (except at the end there) and these two MCs are good expectant parents. I love that they communicate healthily (except at the end there) and there weren't many stupid miscommunications (except at the end there). These people were level-headed and I just love reading about the dynamics between two people whose lives got suddenly turned upside down and now they're trying to fit each other into their respective lives. Does that make sense?
All in all, pretty great read. This is definitely one of those chill books I would recommend for those who just want a longer palate cleanser, something sweet and steamy.
I don't think he's that hung up on his late wife, well not as much as other reviewers pointed out. Sure, he was still mourning her even after 6 years but I don't get that feeling of our main girl being just a replacement for his dead wife. It was understandable, especially considering how she died.
Anyway, dead wife aside, if you're looking for a sweet, vacation-vibe, accidental baby-on-the-way trope, between a workaholic girl and a sweet grumpy guy, then peeps, this is for you. It was a very relaxing read for me, idk why. It's so fun, low drama (except at the end there) and these two MCs are good expectant parents. I love that they communicate healthily (except at the end there) and there weren't many stupid miscommunications (except at the end there). These people were level-headed and I just love reading about the dynamics between two people whose lives got suddenly turned upside down and now they're trying to fit each other into their respective lives. Does that make sense?
All in all, pretty great read. This is definitely one of those chill books I would recommend for those who just want a longer palate cleanser, something sweet and steamy.
June 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
''One night, no names, two heartbeats''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Surprise pregnancy
- Loss of loved ones
- Traumatic childbirth
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Did I want to love this? Yes
Did I just like it? Yes
I myself couldn't believe I gave these 3 stars when it had all the elements I love in a book, but it just didn't work for me? I don't know if it was the insta-love component, the Mexico babymoon setting or the pace?
I wanted them to have more time to figure things out regarding their feelings, I know that for some it happens quickly but they both have a lot of baggage before they dive into something so serious. I also wish the Mexico babymoon had not last SO much of the book, I wanted for Tess to be back in her LA setting and for Solomon to step foot into it the way that she went to Alaska after the babymoon ended. I just wanted more of a REALISTIC setting rather than a vacation.
When they were in Alaska, I really enjoyed it, I read it much quicker and went through it in one sitting.
I also know that some of readers were not the happiest with the dead wife trope and her being in his head, but I didn't find it at all a bad thing. He had a life before and they were not in their 20s... he is 35. She has been dead for 7 years; he feels absolute guilt over her death and the thoughts in his head that were from her? It was never a bad thing, Serena (his ex) wanted him to be with Tess, wanted him to be happy.
When they sleep together, and no names was given I was wondering how the hell will they find each other since he never leaves Alaska and if he does, he will not be going to LA, and she will not be in Alaska either so the fact he sees her on TV was funny. Casually having a beer and boom there goes his ONS on tv, and PREGNANT!
There was one character I could not stand and that was Evelyn - Solomon's eldest sister - who was also his ex-wives best friend, and she was SO AGAINST him moving on after 7 years?? She was just an extra character that brought unneeded drama and despite her act of kindness at the end, I still could not like her.
Tess has a traumatic childbirth since she loses a lot of blood and goes into shock, this causes Solomon to retreat into his darkness until thankfully she wakes up and they are able to go home and raise their son.
I should mention that he was celibate for 7 years after his wife died, and also after him and Tess have sex. He basically lived like a hermit and was living in a cabin making furniture.
''One night, no names, two heartbeats''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Surprise pregnancy
- Loss of loved ones
- Traumatic childbirth
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Did I want to love this? Yes
Did I just like it? Yes
I myself couldn't believe I gave these 3 stars when it had all the elements I love in a book, but it just didn't work for me? I don't know if it was the insta-love component, the Mexico babymoon setting or the pace?
I wanted them to have more time to figure things out regarding their feelings, I know that for some it happens quickly but they both have a lot of baggage before they dive into something so serious. I also wish the Mexico babymoon had not last SO much of the book, I wanted for Tess to be back in her LA setting and for Solomon to step foot into it the way that she went to Alaska after the babymoon ended. I just wanted more of a REALISTIC setting rather than a vacation.
When they were in Alaska, I really enjoyed it, I read it much quicker and went through it in one sitting.
I also know that some of readers were not the happiest with the dead wife trope and her being in his head, but I didn't find it at all a bad thing. He had a life before and they were not in their 20s... he is 35. She has been dead for 7 years; he feels absolute guilt over her death and the thoughts in his head that were from her? It was never a bad thing, Serena (his ex) wanted him to be with Tess, wanted him to be happy.
When they sleep together, and no names was given I was wondering how the hell will they find each other since he never leaves Alaska and if he does, he will not be going to LA, and she will not be in Alaska either so the fact he sees her on TV was funny. Casually having a beer and boom there goes his ONS on tv, and PREGNANT!
There was one character I could not stand and that was Evelyn - Solomon's eldest sister - who was also his ex-wives best friend, and she was SO AGAINST him moving on after 7 years?? She was just an extra character that brought unneeded drama and despite her act of kindness at the end, I still could not like her.
Tess has a traumatic childbirth since she loses a lot of blood and goes into shock, this causes Solomon to retreat into his darkness until thankfully she wakes up and they are able to go home and raise their son.
I should mention that he was celibate for 7 years after his wife died, and also after him and Tess have sex. He basically lived like a hermit and was living in a cabin making furniture.
August 14, 2023
I really liked the tropes in this, turns out surprise pregnancy is my JAM!!
Dialogue was a bit cringey but what I wouldn’t give for a stoic, 6 foot plus, bearded mountain man to say to me “Tell me what you need, Tess, and I'll do it. I'll give you anything." and then ask me “What do you need?” and then ask me “Now what do you need?”
Acts of service is my love language baby and Solomon Wilder can ask me what I need any day of the week❤️❤️❤️
Dialogue was a bit cringey but what I wouldn’t give for a stoic, 6 foot plus, bearded mountain man to say to me “Tell me what you need, Tess, and I'll do it. I'll give you anything." and then ask me “What do you need?” and then ask me “Now what do you need?”
Acts of service is my love language baby and Solomon Wilder can ask me what I need any day of the week❤️❤️❤️
June 7, 2024
Surprise Pregnancy
Found Family
Forced proximity
Tessie y Solomon coinciden en un bar, ella quiere tener una noche en la que pueda soltarse, sin las responsabilidades del trabajo.
Al verse sienten una atracción por lo que tienen una aventura de una noche que no se queda ahí ya que Tessie queda embarazada.
Cuando ella termina de remodelar una casa de una famosa es televisada y Solomon la ve por la televisión y sabe que ese niño es de él.
Tessie no quiere nada él, pero él le insiste que quiere ser parte de la vida de su hijo por lo que llegan a un acuerdo se quedan juntos en las vacaciones de babymoon de Tessie para conocerse y ponerse de acuerdo con su hijo, pero las cosas no quedan ahí porque Solomon no solo quiere al bebé sino a su mamá también.
Es una lectura muy linda, al principio me costó engancharme por la narrativa, pero conforme me fui acostumbrando la lectura se me hizo más amena.
El romance puede que se haya desarrollado muy rápido por los días transcurridos, pero no al estar leyendo no te da esa sensación.
Ellos me gustaron mucho y el final es muy bonito.
En el futuro me gustaría seguir leyendo a la autora.
Found Family
Forced proximity
Tessie y Solomon coinciden en un bar, ella quiere tener una noche en la que pueda soltarse, sin las responsabilidades del trabajo.
Al verse sienten una atracción por lo que tienen una aventura de una noche que no se queda ahí ya que Tessie queda embarazada.
Cuando ella termina de remodelar una casa de una famosa es televisada y Solomon la ve por la televisión y sabe que ese niño es de él.
Tessie no quiere nada él, pero él le insiste que quiere ser parte de la vida de su hijo por lo que llegan a un acuerdo se quedan juntos en las vacaciones de babymoon de Tessie para conocerse y ponerse de acuerdo con su hijo, pero las cosas no quedan ahí porque Solomon no solo quiere al bebé sino a su mamá también.
Es una lectura muy linda, al principio me costó engancharme por la narrativa, pero conforme me fui acostumbrando la lectura se me hizo más amena.
El romance puede que se haya desarrollado muy rápido por los días transcurridos, pero no al estar leyendo no te da esa sensación.
Ellos me gustaron mucho y el final es muy bonito.
En el futuro me gustaría seguir leyendo a la autora.
June 7, 2023
there is no reason he needed to be referred to as “mountain man” 36 times
June 22, 2024
I do love going on a tropical vacation in a story!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🤓😀😘☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
The heroine: Tessie Truelove - she is a workaholic. An interior designer for the stars, she loves everything about interior design, though she isn’t too fond of her boss and isn’t happy with the fact that the cost of living in Los Angeles is so high that working as much as she does, doesn’t offer her a better life. After a big job in Nashville, she decides to take a night off and get drunk.
The Hero: Solomon Hunter - he lost his wife seven years ago and basically became a hermit in his cabin in the mountains outside Chinook Alaska. He used to be a chef in the bar he and his friend own, but after his wife died, he didn’t feel like being anywhere in public. Now that the bar has gotten some publicity and is doing well, he and his business partner, Howler need to renovate the place and update it, so they go to Nashville to get some ideas by doing a tour of country bars.
The Story: Solomon and Tess hook up at a dive bar in Nashville, but don’t even exchange names. Months later, Tess finds out she is pregnant and has no way to contact Solomon. So, when he sees her showing off her latest project on an entertainment television show, and sees that she is pregnant, he goes to California to find her. He finds her cousin who tells him about the babymoon Tess was taking in Mexico and suggests he take her place as Tess’s guest.
I love the secret baby/unexpectedly pregnant trope, I also love the romance on vacation trope. I don’t take many vacations myself, so the next best thing is to read about people out enjoying fun in the sun. I didn’t know how this one was going to go, since Tess lives in Los Angeles and Solomon lives in Alaska, but I liked how this went. It was a bit too long for the type of story it was, I got a bit bored at times while listening to it and I did hate the name of the heroine, Tessie Truelove is a bit tacky for a romantic heroine.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Aiden Snow and C.J. Bloom. I am not all that fond of C.J. Bloom’s voice, she sounds quite a bit older than Tess. Aiden Snow is one of my all-time favorite male narrators. He has a deep, sexy voice which is perfect for Rowan and is great at doing different voices for different characters.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 🤓😀😘☺️
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
The heroine: Tessie Truelove - she is a workaholic. An interior designer for the stars, she loves everything about interior design, though she isn’t too fond of her boss and isn’t happy with the fact that the cost of living in Los Angeles is so high that working as much as she does, doesn’t offer her a better life. After a big job in Nashville, she decides to take a night off and get drunk.
The Hero: Solomon Hunter - he lost his wife seven years ago and basically became a hermit in his cabin in the mountains outside Chinook Alaska. He used to be a chef in the bar he and his friend own, but after his wife died, he didn’t feel like being anywhere in public. Now that the bar has gotten some publicity and is doing well, he and his business partner, Howler need to renovate the place and update it, so they go to Nashville to get some ideas by doing a tour of country bars.
The Story: Solomon and Tess hook up at a dive bar in Nashville, but don’t even exchange names. Months later, Tess finds out she is pregnant and has no way to contact Solomon. So, when he sees her showing off her latest project on an entertainment television show, and sees that she is pregnant, he goes to California to find her. He finds her cousin who tells him about the babymoon Tess was taking in Mexico and suggests he take her place as Tess’s guest.
I love the secret baby/unexpectedly pregnant trope, I also love the romance on vacation trope. I don’t take many vacations myself, so the next best thing is to read about people out enjoying fun in the sun. I didn’t know how this one was going to go, since Tess lives in Los Angeles and Solomon lives in Alaska, but I liked how this went. It was a bit too long for the type of story it was, I got a bit bored at times while listening to it and I did hate the name of the heroine, Tessie Truelove is a bit tacky for a romantic heroine.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Aiden Snow and C.J. Bloom. I am not all that fond of C.J. Bloom’s voice, she sounds quite a bit older than Tess. Aiden Snow is one of my all-time favorite male narrators. He has a deep, sexy voice which is perfect for Rowan and is great at doing different voices for different characters.
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May 31, 2023
Idk if I liked it to be honest the dead wife was literally mention in every important moment of theirs and In literally every chapter
July 14, 2023
bro this book was so cute and so gooddd, the ending had me SOBBING and i literally was so scared like around the 80% part, but seriously so good and i honestly loved this trope and how it was done!! maybe a few things i would’ve changed but still!!
December 21, 2025
для мене це було дуже емоційно – співпереживала героїні на 12/10. її емоції, стан, хвилювання – усе так детально і точно прописано, що я занадто сильно поринула в це :)
Тессі справді потрібен був такий чоловік, як Соломон. випадкова вагітність принесла в їхні життя лише найкраще, а авторка змогла передати всі страхи і сумніви бездоганно. це жива і щира історія, яка викликала у мене абсолютний захват (і потік сліз). я знала, що у фіналі мене чекатимуть ще більше емоцій, але вибачте, я вже трохи стара для такого скла – тепер голова болить, після ночі сліз)))
алеееее тепер це моя улюблена історія з цим тропом. гірські чоловіки – найкращі!!!
p.s. сестру Соломона струснути б добряче, але спасибі, що трохи прийшла до тями.
5/5 ⭐️
Тессі справді потрібен був такий чоловік, як Соломон. випадкова вагітність принесла в їхні життя лише найкраще, а авторка змогла передати всі страхи і сумніви бездоганно. це жива і щира історія, яка викликала у мене абсолютний захват (і потік сліз). я знала, що у фіналі мене чекатимуть ще більше емоцій, але вибачте, я вже трохи стара для такого скла – тепер голова болить, після ночі сліз)))
алеееее тепер це моя улюблена історія з цим тропом. гірські чоловіки – найкращі!!!
p.s. сестру Соломона струснути б добряче, але спасибі, що трохи прийшла до тями.
5/5 ⭐️
July 23, 2023
tessie truelove ironically avoids finding true love. that is until a one-night stand with solomon wilder. when she discovers she is pregnant she vows to do it all by herself just as her mother did until wilder finds his way back into her life taking the second place booked on her babymoon. they decide to spend three days together to figure out how to raise their son and in the process realise their feelings for the other go beyond their co-parenting ideals.
this had pretty much everything you could want from a grumpy sunshine romance whereby the grump falls first. adorable, fun, and the right summer read.
this had pretty much everything you could want from a grumpy sunshine romance whereby the grump falls first. adorable, fun, and the right summer read.
December 16, 2023
maybe accidental pregnancy romances do deserve rights
So beautiful. Tessie and Solomon are so beautiful together and I adored reading their story. Just so so beautiful.
The only thing that annoyed me was how some of the descriptions they had for each other got repetitive at times, like how big he is contrary to her petite frame (i never want to see the word petite ever again) or how much he grunts and growls (what goes on with these men in romance books? why are they growling like animals all the time?), but these stopped being constantly mentioned at some point and I honestly loved this book too much to let it affect my rating (yes, I loved it that much).
So beautiful. Tessie and Solomon are so beautiful together and I adored reading their story. Just so so beautiful.
The only thing that annoyed me was how some of the descriptions they had for each other got repetitive at times, like how big he is contrary to her petite frame (i never want to see the word petite ever again) or how much he grunts and growls (what goes on with these men in romance books? why are they growling like animals all the time?), but these stopped being constantly mentioned at some point and I honestly loved this book too much to let it affect my rating (yes, I loved it that much).
December 31, 2024
"Porque ella es mucho más que una segunda oportunidad. Ella es su eternidad."
Tropes:
💙Grumpy x sunshine
💙Embarazo accidental
💙Aventura de una noche
💙Found family
Que historia más bonita, ligerita, sin tanto drama y te hace pasar un muy buen rato. Desde el inicio me atrapó.
Siendo sincera pensé que me iba a gustar menos, por el romance que se torna un poco apresurado, pero la verdad es que pasó a segundo plano porque los personajes me gustaron, ni siquiera me importó tanto que el desarrollo fuese rápido.
Tessie y Solomon, me gustaron bastante como pareja, desde el principio todo lo sentí tan natural entre ellos, a pesar del poco tiempo que llevaban sentí su química. Fueron personajes con personalidades diferentes pero se complementaban, y cada uno con su historia personal se hicieron bien el uno al otro. No ocurrió un drama tan exagerado entre ellos y lo agradecí un montón, eran tan comunicativos que todo ocurrió de una muy buena manera.
El final fue muy lindo. Me gustaria seguir leyendo algo más de la autora.
Tropes:
💙Grumpy x sunshine
💙Embarazo accidental
💙Aventura de una noche
💙Found family
Que historia más bonita, ligerita, sin tanto drama y te hace pasar un muy buen rato. Desde el inicio me atrapó.
Siendo sincera pensé que me iba a gustar menos, por el romance que se torna un poco apresurado, pero la verdad es que pasó a segundo plano porque los personajes me gustaron, ni siquiera me importó tanto que el desarrollo fuese rápido.
Tessie y Solomon, me gustaron bastante como pareja, desde el principio todo lo sentí tan natural entre ellos, a pesar del poco tiempo que llevaban sentí su química. Fueron personajes con personalidades diferentes pero se complementaban, y cada uno con su historia personal se hicieron bien el uno al otro. No ocurrió un drama tan exagerado entre ellos y lo agradecí un montón, eran tan comunicativos que todo ocurrió de una muy buena manera.
El final fue muy lindo. Me gustaria seguir leyendo algo más de la autora.
March 6, 2025
Overall Rating: 3/5
Meh... this was mid. Started off strong then it began to drag and then the "3rd act breakup" really solidified that this was just...an ok book. Audio narrators were great tho!
So this is a insta-love/attraction, one night stand romance where Tessie goes on one last vacation to Mexico and Solomon crashes it hoping to be in her and their baby's life. I like that it wasn't a "jerk who left and now wants a second chance" type of book as poor Solomon really didn't know until Tessie was well into her pregnancy. As they spend more time together you can tell that they both want to be active parents and have a lot of issues.... like a lot... like so much that they need therapy.
They have so many issues that irl I doubt they would work. Like those videos of book couples who wouldn't make it they would be on the list unless they went to therapy. Cuz their kid isn't gonna do anything but highlight their insecurities.
However, I did like the characters. While they were annoying and stupid... they were still likeable to a point. Tessie isn't my favorite FMC but she knows how to get shit done. I like how she prioritized her baby and was getting a hang of the working mom thing. She was so passionate but she kept people at arms length so communication with her was... just... ugh... Her insecurities dragged the story soooooo much it just made me like the book less and less... especially when Solomon was doing everything she wanted AND THEN SOME! Man was literally an angel and I loved his character more than Tessie's. However, despite her annoying insecurities, she did have the most growth from being tight knit to taking risks and being vulnerable with herself and with Soloman.
As for Soloman... he's literally the sole reason for the 3 stars. Despite his atrocious cooking advice... (i.e. BEING A BAR CHEF.... BAR... who specializes in AMERICAN BAR food.... is giving critiques about pozole from 5 star MEXICAN hotel restaurant chef....) he was always trying to actively be a better father and partner. He wanted the communication (even while being a socially awkward individual) and was constantly putting her needs first as the mother of his child and his future partner. He was so closed off in the beginning and I was so happy that Tessie took him out of his shell.. He believed her from the minute they met and stook up for her against his jerk of a sister and friend. He's what men should strive to be as a father and as a partner fr. He should still go to therapy for the amount of anxiety he has tho... was lowkey annoying how overprotective he was.
One thing I will add onto this review is about Soloman's sister... because while she was a jerk she was standing by her bestie that passed away and I respect it... If my bestie passed away I would be bitter about the life that was taken from her and from us as a duo. I respect her but the situation Soloman was in.... she did a bit too much. Nevertheless, I understand her anguish.
Overall it was a cute story but I've read better pregnancy books.... Idk if I'll keep the physical copy I have but.. eh... I'll keep it for now and I'll see if I ever re-read it.
Meh... this was mid. Started off strong then it began to drag and then the "3rd act breakup" really solidified that this was just...an ok book. Audio narrators were great tho!
So this is a insta-love/attraction, one night stand romance where Tessie goes on one last vacation to Mexico and Solomon crashes it hoping to be in her and their baby's life. I like that it wasn't a "jerk who left and now wants a second chance" type of book as poor Solomon really didn't know until Tessie was well into her pregnancy. As they spend more time together you can tell that they both want to be active parents and have a lot of issues.... like a lot... like so much that they need therapy.
They have so many issues that irl I doubt they would work. Like those videos of book couples who wouldn't make it they would be on the list unless they went to therapy. Cuz their kid isn't gonna do anything but highlight their insecurities.
However, I did like the characters. While they were annoying and stupid... they were still likeable to a point. Tessie isn't my favorite FMC but she knows how to get shit done. I like how she prioritized her baby and was getting a hang of the working mom thing. She was so passionate but she kept people at arms length so communication with her was... just... ugh... Her insecurities dragged the story soooooo much it just made me like the book less and less... especially when Solomon was doing everything she wanted AND THEN SOME! Man was literally an angel and I loved his character more than Tessie's. However, despite her annoying insecurities, she did have the most growth from being tight knit to taking risks and being vulnerable with herself and with Soloman.
As for Soloman... he's literally the sole reason for the 3 stars. Despite his atrocious cooking advice... (i.e. BEING A BAR CHEF.... BAR... who specializes in AMERICAN BAR food.... is giving critiques about pozole from 5 star MEXICAN hotel restaurant chef....) he was always trying to actively be a better father and partner. He wanted the communication (even while being a socially awkward individual) and was constantly putting her needs first as the mother of his child and his future partner. He was so closed off in the beginning and I was so happy that Tessie took him out of his shell.. He believed her from the minute they met and stook up for her against his jerk of a sister and friend. He's what men should strive to be as a father and as a partner fr. He should still go to therapy for the amount of anxiety he has tho... was lowkey annoying how overprotective he was.
One thing I will add onto this review is about Soloman's sister... because while she was a jerk she was standing by her bestie that passed away and I respect it... If my bestie passed away I would be bitter about the life that was taken from her and from us as a duo. I respect her but the situation Soloman was in.... she did a bit too much. Nevertheless, I understand her anguish.
Overall it was a cute story but I've read better pregnancy books.... Idk if I'll keep the physical copy I have but.. eh... I'll keep it for now and I'll see if I ever re-read it.
June 2, 2024
(2.5)
Es entretenido y ligero, pero se me hizo que se enamoraron muy rápido y no hubo tanto desarrollo en ese sentido. Por lo general, amo este cliché, esta vez no fue el caso. Lo único que destaco es que tienen comunicación, entonces no hay drama innecesario.
Es entretenido y ligero, pero se me hizo que se enamoraron muy rápido y no hubo tanto desarrollo en ese sentido. Por lo general, amo este cliché, esta vez no fue el caso. Lo único que destaco es que tienen comunicación, entonces no hay drama innecesario.
no-way-jose
April 8, 2025No rating, DNF at 9%.
Besides the common complaint of this hero still being in love with his long deceased wife, my issue was the heroine.
Right from the beginning she’s described as a bitchy boss. Yells at her employees when they make little mistakes, she offers to buy her employees drinks after finishing a big project and they tell her to ‘get a life’ and walk away. Says a lot right there. I’ve had enough bitchy bosses in my lifetime, I certainly don’t want to read about one and root for her happy romantic ending.
Once she starts talking for the first time, I wasn’t impressed either. Came across as a snobby entitled bitch. Demanding wine in a backroads Tennessee dive bar that just had beer and liquor.
Then her and the hero have their first scene meeting each other. It was less than impressive, no romantic feels, just constant reference to the hero’s dead wife. After a few minutes they decide to leave the bar and go back to his hotel. I’m of course assuming to have sex (and get pregnant by accident?). Well, the chapter ended right there and the next chapter starts with it being 6 months later… and her yelling at employees/workers.
Nothing ruins a book faster for me than an unpleasant heroine. *delete*
Besides the common complaint of this hero still being in love with his long deceased wife, my issue was the heroine.
Right from the beginning she’s described as a bitchy boss. Yells at her employees when they make little mistakes, she offers to buy her employees drinks after finishing a big project and they tell her to ‘get a life’ and walk away. Says a lot right there. I’ve had enough bitchy bosses in my lifetime, I certainly don’t want to read about one and root for her happy romantic ending.
Once she starts talking for the first time, I wasn’t impressed either. Came across as a snobby entitled bitch. Demanding wine in a backroads Tennessee dive bar that just had beer and liquor.
Then her and the hero have their first scene meeting each other. It was less than impressive, no romantic feels, just constant reference to the hero’s dead wife. After a few minutes they decide to leave the bar and go back to his hotel. I’m of course assuming to have sex (and get pregnant by accident?). Well, the chapter ended right there and the next chapter starts with it being 6 months later… and her yelling at employees/workers.
Nothing ruins a book faster for me than an unpleasant heroine. *delete*
August 18, 2024
O lectură ușoară, previzibilă, plină de emoții. O călătorie spre vindecare în care pasageri sunt Tessie și Solomon.
Autoarea Ava Hunter m-a surprins cu o poveste frumoasă, care îți captează atenția de la început și până la sfârșit.
Un one night stand care se transformă într-un a life stand ca să zic așa.
Tessie este o tânără a cărei viață se reduce la muncă, un designer de interior care refuză să-și îngăduie să iubească, de teamă că va fi fin nou părăsită, având în vedere că toți cei pe care i-a iubit au părăsit-o...
Solomon pe de altă parte, este un tânăr văduv care și-a pierdut soția într-un accident de mașină și se învinovățește pentru faptul că nu a fost capabil să o protejeze.
Cei doi petrec o noapte pasională împreună, iar în ciuda tuturor precauțiilor, tânăra descoperă că a rămas însărcinată.
Mi-a plăcut povestea, modul lin și previzibil în care s-a desfășurat, emoțiile pe care autoarea le-a transmis cititorului.
Am apreciat că eroii noștri comunică unul cu celălalt, că sunt deschiși și sinceri. Cel mai mult mi-a plăcut modul în care se sprijină unul pe celălalt atunci când sunt asaltați de temeri și neîncredere în propriile persoane.
"Amor, bebe și alte belele" este o poveste romantică care te unge pe suflet!
Autoarea Ava Hunter m-a surprins cu o poveste frumoasă, care îți captează atenția de la început și până la sfârșit.
Un one night stand care se transformă într-un a life stand ca să zic așa.
Tessie este o tânără a cărei viață se reduce la muncă, un designer de interior care refuză să-și îngăduie să iubească, de teamă că va fi fin nou părăsită, având în vedere că toți cei pe care i-a iubit au părăsit-o...
Solomon pe de altă parte, este un tânăr văduv care și-a pierdut soția într-un accident de mașină și se învinovățește pentru faptul că nu a fost capabil să o protejeze.
Cei doi petrec o noapte pasională împreună, iar în ciuda tuturor precauțiilor, tânăra descoperă că a rămas însărcinată.
Mi-a plăcut povestea, modul lin și previzibil în care s-a desfășurat, emoțiile pe care autoarea le-a transmis cititorului.
Am apreciat că eroii noștri comunică unul cu celălalt, că sunt deschiși și sinceri. Cel mai mult mi-a plăcut modul în care se sprijină unul pe celălalt atunci când sunt asaltați de temeri și neîncredere în propriile persoane.
"Amor, bebe și alte belele" este o poveste romantică care te unge pe suflet!
August 28, 2024
O lectură tare amuzantă, sinceră și alertă. 🤌🏻
Mi-a plăcut cum a fost scrisă, inspirată din viața autoarei -s-a simțit că a pus și emoțiile ei în paginile cărții. :)
Personajele au fost PREA perfecte :)) apreciez că nu am avut nu știu ce drame cum ne-au obișnuit autorii de romance.
Vă las câteva pasaje ca să vă faceți o idee de cum e cartea 😄👀
“Sfinte Sisoie! Asta-i cel mai mare coșmar al meu. E doar un singur pat. Un singur pat, Solomon!”
„Obstacolele de pe drum sunt doar obstacole, Tessie, nu sunt gropi. Putem trece peste ele."
“Totul îi devine clar în minte în clipa aia. lubirea rămâne.
Ar putea pleca, ar putea să-i pună capăt sau ar putea să înfrunte lucrurile și să înțeleagă.
Mama i-a spus mereu sa găsească pe cineva care rămâne.
Care nu pleacă atunci când viata devine grea. Nici când se cearta.
Asta si-ar fi dorit mama pentru ea. Nu bani. Sau o carieră. Ci dragoste. Un bărbat care luptă pentru ea, care se luptă cu ea și nu pleacã, unul care îi umple sufletul cu pace, cu lumină și cu bucurie.
Și acela e Solomon.”
‘Nu ne vom duce viața cu „dar dacă". Vom trăi cu „și ce facem acum". „Ce facem mai departe." ‘
Mi-a plăcut cum a fost scrisă, inspirată din viața autoarei -s-a simțit că a pus și emoțiile ei în paginile cărții. :)
Personajele au fost PREA perfecte :)) apreciez că nu am avut nu știu ce drame cum ne-au obișnuit autorii de romance.
Vă las câteva pasaje ca să vă faceți o idee de cum e cartea 😄👀
“Sfinte Sisoie! Asta-i cel mai mare coșmar al meu. E doar un singur pat. Un singur pat, Solomon!”
„Obstacolele de pe drum sunt doar obstacole, Tessie, nu sunt gropi. Putem trece peste ele."
“Totul îi devine clar în minte în clipa aia. lubirea rămâne.
Ar putea pleca, ar putea să-i pună capăt sau ar putea să înfrunte lucrurile și să înțeleagă.
Mama i-a spus mereu sa găsească pe cineva care rămâne.
Care nu pleacă atunci când viata devine grea. Nici când se cearta.
Asta si-ar fi dorit mama pentru ea. Nu bani. Sau o carieră. Ci dragoste. Un bărbat care luptă pentru ea, care se luptă cu ea și nu pleacã, unul care îi umple sufletul cu pace, cu lumină și cu bucurie.
Și acela e Solomon.”
‘Nu ne vom duce viața cu „dar dacă". Vom trăi cu „și ce facem acum". „Ce facem mai departe." ‘
January 18, 2024
You want some laughs, spice and happy ending - you got it.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I so so so enjoyed this book. Tessie and Solomon’s story was so easy to read.
Second chance with life and love for Solomon and for Tessie finding better priorities other than career. Both hadn’t have easy beginnings but together they worked on their future.
I like that they put Little Bear first even tho, they weren’t sure what the other one wanted towards their relationship. They cared for each other and showed love but a little hesitant to say it out loud.
Howler and Evelyn - I would really like to read about them. Those two are really interesting individuals.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I so so so enjoyed this book. Tessie and Solomon’s story was so easy to read.
Second chance with life and love for Solomon and for Tessie finding better priorities other than career. Both hadn’t have easy beginnings but together they worked on their future.
I like that they put Little Bear first even tho, they weren’t sure what the other one wanted towards their relationship. They cared for each other and showed love but a little hesitant to say it out loud.
Howler and Evelyn - I would really like to read about them. Those two are really interesting individuals.
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