Begging Baby

by Ansley B. Calloway

Getting into bed with the town’s favorite athlete was supposed to be my one night to let loose.

Instead I got knocked up.

I blame my grumpy, childhood best friend. He returned to our small town unexpectedly, insisting on staying in my tiny apartment together.

Even if there is only one bed.

I knew Ryan before he was Ryan Summers, Olympic hopeful, and small town celebrity. But he’s always gotten what he wants.

Until we both get something we weren’t expecting.

Those two pink lines.

Will we be able to keep our growing feelings— and hands, to ourselves while we prepare for our baby?

With my busy classroom and the town depending on me, my life is hectic enough. If I do open up… will he be able to handle the weight of the world on my shoulders?

Genres: Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[kaz ruby 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

the accidental pregnancy trope HATES to see me coming.

i loved this book so much, i hope the author plans more books in this series, i cannot get enough 😭😊🫶🤞

[jazbooksx · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSS I CANT WAITTTT

edit:
SPOILERS!!
5/5 ⭐️
2,75/5🌶️


spoiler free part:
This series (this is the third one) is an interconnected standalone series in a small town. Most of the men in this series play volleyball, which (i think) adds a lot of nice scenery and depth into the stories. I highly recommend this series, please read them in order as some aspects of this story can spoil things from the second book! Dual pov!
microtrope I love;
“I can do it”
“I know but let me help/do it for you”

SPOILER PART:

I was really waiting for reese and ryans story after reading book 1. I absolutely loved the two together and can we please have a moment for a book couple who actually know how to communicate 👏👏 I was so happy

Somehow I think the next book in this series is going to be about Will, and I’m here for it.


I loved this book because next to it being a romantic love story like so many out there, this one was different. For one, they’re professional volleyball players, which you don’t necessarily read a lot about; usually its ice hockey european football or American football! second of all the accidental pregnancy was done really well in my opinion. Usually this trope freaks me the f out but I loved how jt was done and how it was portrayed in the book. last but not least: the writing and pacing of this story is so quick and easy and you really fall in love with these characters from the first chapter! The characters from the books prior to this one come back in the perfect way after reading every epilogue!!

I will continue to buy and read anything Ansley B Calloway comes out with, as she is now an auto-buy author for me! 🫶🏼

[Cassandra’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 starts. 3rd part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I love a sports romance and loved that this wasn’t just another hockey one! The couples dynamic was spicy and kept you slightly on edge which I liked. You can go wrong with a close proximity friend to loved romance. Great book and I will be going back to read the others in the series to hopefully get a little more background on these two.

[Linds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book boyfriend goals 😭 I love when there’s a SMIDGE of angst, but they still communicate and take care of each other like well-adjusted adults too. The love story was beyond sweet, the spice was amazing and added so much to the couple’s chemistry, and overall I had such a good time with this one. The CUTEST series that is honestly one of my favorite small town series at this point <3

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 🌟

I loved the past two books that take place in this world Picking Peaches and Following Fox. This one is no different. We follow Reese and Ryan, two best friends that have never been more than just friends. Ryan is on leave from being a volleyball star while he waits for training to begin. In need of a place to stay, Reese lets him stay with her. While I am all for close proximity and friends to lovers, it needed more. There were moments it felt a little mundane and I think that is because we don’t get glimpses of there friendship in the past. Their feelings felt rushed even though they apparently had feeling prior to this. Overall it was a really good time and I would highly recommend it, just wished we had gotten more of their past sprinkled in.


Thank you to the author Ansley Calloway for the advanced reader copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hannah May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received that book as an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was cute! I did enjoy the character but I feel like it just went to quick, the book in itself and the whole unravel of their relationship. But other than that it was pretty good. I didn’t know going in that it was a volleyball sports romance so that was a bit of a shock

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who doesn’t like accidental pregnancy as much A GIRL WAS SAT!!!

God how i wish this was longer 😭 i need at least 200 more pages of them.

Ryan and Reese were so freaking cute! I’m such a sucker for a friends to lovers trope 🥹 the way they compliment each other and always have each other’s back was lovely.

One thing i adore from this book was seeing Nick, Charlotte, Georgia, Ashton, and my little girl Ruth how i missed them!!!

If you are looking for something sweet and short i highly recommend this interconnected series!!

Thank you Ansley for the lovely ARC and i can’t wait to see what else you have in store 🤍xx

[Emily Baughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish!!!! I adored the first 2 in the series and have been waiting for Reese and Ryan to get their story 😍😍 Ryan is the cutest character 🥺 can’t wait for book 4!

ARC reader ✨

[Amy Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute little romance, love this town and little stories of love. Quick easy read after the more intense fantasy of recent times ✨❤️

[Maddy Didjurgies · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars is genuinely generous. Not even the accidental pregnancy trope was enough to save this for me

[Shelby | shelbyandherbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

This just wasn’t for me. I felt like nothing happened, Reese and Ryan didn’t have a ton of chemistry, and there wasn’t really much tension between them. Also, Will was the only person in their friend group that actually acted like a good friend; it’s very possible I missed out on some dynamics because I didn’t read the first two books, but I love a good friend group and this didn’t do it for me.

[Jaycie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Ryan and Reese’s story from these series FOREVER, and now that I have I can say it was better than I imagined! These two are so head over heels for each other but just keep missing and the miscommunication between them is strong. I’m no booktoker but I know a good book when I read one, and this is a good book. It’s the perfect cutesy-small-town romance where the guy is down bad for the girl and she’s clueless about it.
(BTW: ARC reader, so that’s why my review is early 🫶)

[Alexis Coy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I found out I got to be an arc reader because I loved all of the other books in this series. This was definitely didn't disappoint. I wasn't my favorite in the series but I still loved Reese and Ryan.

Thank you for the arc!

[Rachel Bergie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOW THIS IS HOW YOU DO ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY! This series is such a comfort series! so cutesy. Loved every page! Definitely could never pick a favourite 🥺🥺🥰

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the last two books in the Rosewood series, so I was very excited to read about Reese and Ryan! I’m a sucker for the pregnancy trope, but add in best friends to lovers, small town, and pining… it was amazing! If you loved the last two books, then you’ll love Begging Baby❤️

[Laura De Abreu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik it was supposed to be a slow burn, but 95% in?

[Hope Mcpeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan, my dawg. ❤️‍🔥 I will forever eat up this series.

[Jillian Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the friends to lovers trope of Reese and Ryan but something fell flat for me on this one. I loved the first two of Ansley’s books and was hoping this one hit the same.

[Zoe O’Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨A R C R E V I E W✨
Title: Begging Baby
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I want to first say thank you to Ansley Calloway for the amazing opportunity of having the chance to read this book as an ARC! I’m so grateful! My review is made of entirely my own thoughts and opinions like always!

I loved this as my first introduction to Ansley’s writing! This was fast paced with a slow burn romance as they have to navigate their new journey towards parenthood!

I’m not usually into friends to lovers but I loved the progression of Reese and Ryan’s relationship, how it wasn’t rushed and you could see the connection between them and enjoy the process of their friendship before they become anything more!

I felt like the accidental pregnancy was quickly incorporated but definitely helped feelings become stronger and more apparent for these two! It brought them closer and more serious about what was in store for their future together and realising that they want it to be with each other!

I loved how Ryan was so protective of her, Reese is a people pleaser and so of course finds it hard to let people down and is willing to always help out even when she deserves a break. Ryan was perfect at helping her actually slow down and take it steady by looking after her and their baby.

There was a lovely friendship group that I enjoyed seeing! Side characters I believe always help make a story and their friends were perfect on helping them navigate and find their way through the process of becoming parents!

I adored the epilogue! It was the perfect way to end the book! I love love love an epilogue and this one definitely didn’t disappoint!

I managed to read this in one day so I’d say it’s an easy one to get through quickly but to also make sure to soak up and enjoy every moment along the way! Ryan and Reese were able to find their path together in this fast paced yet slow burn romance with the help of an accidental pregnancy bringing them to where they belong in their happy ending!

Begging Baby releases today, 22nd October!🩷

You can also find my review on my Bookstagram account: _romanticallybookish_ ☺️

[Mobo&#x1f338; · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 4.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I think this book has single handedly made me love the accidental pregnancy trope more! I mean if any of the MMC’s are as patient and loving as Ryan to his pregnant lover then sign me up!!!

Honestly this was such a good read, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. The friends to lovers and accidental trope got me intrigued and when reading their story, I was wondering how the author was going to let their relationship progress from this. It was a slow, very slow burn but so worth it at the end.

Ryan and Reese really cared for each other and you could see how much their friendship played a big part. They were two different people with Ryan being his grumpy and a bit non challant self and Reese being all butterflies and sunshine. However this actually helped their relationship, because Reese got Ryan to care and be around his friends more and Ryan got Reese to think more about herself than always helping others. They were just perfect as friends and then as lovers. Their communication was so good and nothing was really just left in the air to cause issues. As they say, some of the good relationships start from being friends (just my saying🥹 but it really showed in this book).

Ryan was just so perfect. Like this man had a lot of patience and time for Reese and was just ready to do anything to have her as his and start a proper family. He literally didn’t want her doing anything because she was already doing enough by growing a little human (his words literally).

The slow burn was killing me, I mean like we were 76% in and Reese was still scared of showing some of her feelings to Ryan. A bit understandable because being friends that long, it would be scary to think that could all end if they got together.


I loved the found family in this. All their friends rooting for them knowingly and just being there when they needed help or get togethers was lovely to see. I would have really loved to keep reading more about them, especially when Reese went into labor the first time. I could just imagine the panic Ryan would possibly go through😂.

A big thank you to the author and Literary Lane for the arc!

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I studied every inch of his face, not because I didn’t know it, but because it was rare to see him so open like this. It was like reading my favourite book from an entirely new perspective“

I really enjoyed this book, it was a well-paced, sweet, and lovable read that perfectly fit what I was looking for. The storyline was charming, and I especially appreciated how it tied into the rest of the series. The continuity between books made the world feel familiar and comforting, and the characters’ relationships continued to develop.
One of the highlights for me was the connection between the characters. Their interactions felt genuine and heartwarming, making the book a wholesome and delightful experience. The romance was fluffy cute, and easy to follow.
That being said, I did feel that there were a few unnecessary conversations that didn’t add much to the plot. At times, these slowed the momentum a bit, but overall, the book still flowed well and kept its sweet, lighthearted charm.
If you’re looking for an easy, adorable romance with lovable characters and a strong connection to the rest of the series, I highly recommend this one. It’s a comforting escape and a wonderful addition to the series! Thank you so much for the ARC, it was a great experience, can’t wait for more books by this author. For me all in all a 3.5 ⭐️ star read

[bookiishreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Begging Baby e-ARC by Ansley B Calloway — ★ ★ ★.5

Tropes 🌷
- friends-to-lovers
- accidental pregnancy
- one bed
- grumpy x sunshine

“Even though we were halfway across town. I suddenly felt like I was home. Reese was my home.” — Ryan

This was such a short and sweet read! Ryan and Reese have been friends forever, and they’re both in denial about their feelings after being apart for so long. Things were super awkward between them at first, especially since this is a friends-to-lovers story. It was like one step forward, two steps back. I was a little thrown off at the start, but once I got into it, I ended up really enjoying it! 💖

I loved how the book focused on their friendship and this also reminded me that it’s totally okay to help others, but you’ve got to take care of yourself too. 🫂

It has an accidental pregnancy trope, so if that’s not your thing, you might want to skip it. I personally loved it since I’m a fan of that trope, but to each their own! 💞

I’d still recommend this book if you’re into friends-to-lovers, slow burn, one bed, and forced proximity tropes! 🛌

[Giulia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly idk
I wanted to love this book so bad because the author is the nicest and I loved her first two books but this one was a miss for me.

First of all, I like a well executed pregnancy trope but I felt like it happened at a weird time during the book, too soon or too late ? Like I felt maybe the author wanted to create some sort of build up btw the characters but I didn’t feel like they were bff, they felt like strangers and I couldn’t get attached to Ryan bc of how closed off he was, even in his own POV.

Reese was a total doormat with everyone but was fighting Ryan every step of the way, she was being a bitch to him as if by being pregnant excuses that attitude. And the moment she realized she was pregnant was definitely underwhelming. She realizes at 2/3 months of pregnancy bc of drinking ginger tea to help with her nausea but idk ? Your period darling ???

The book pictured all of the previous characters as shitty friends, and I thought it was weird. It felt like it was Ryan and Reese against the world but not in a good way, it was them against their friends.

[Becca ₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ﾟ. · Rating 3 out of 5]

overall, i am a lover of a friends to lovers trope with a sprinkle of unexpected pregnancy. i thought the writing was pretty good and that the concept was solid.

it is a quick read, which i usually like. however, i think the plot could've been more fleshed out if the pacing was slower. it was hard to like ryan or reese because i felt like i didn't know either of them. it was like reese was alone and suddenly she wasn't and all of the traits i wanted to know about her weren't there, same for ryan. it was also hard to like reese because she turned into such a bitch. i get it, pregnancy hormones but some of it just felt like she was being a bitch to be a bitch.

chapter 23 almost made me drop the book. it was the same conversation with every single friend of reese's. why am i reading "i need a favor. make sure reese isn't stressed while im gone. she's already stressed enough." 5 different times. it was unnecessary. so please, in the future, remove stuff like this 😭 it did not help progress the plot, it just increased the word count.

[lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

(PSA: In return for an honest review, I was very lucky to have been sent an arc for this book)

This book was a 4⭐️ primarily for the vibes and because I basically finished it all in one sitting, something I haven’t been able to do in a while.

This surprised me big time. I’m not usually the biggest fan of fast-paced romances because I go feral for a slow burn. I also didn’t think I was into the accidental pregnancy trope (apart from Reckless by Elsie Silver *chefs kiss*). But wowza, this was so so cute !!!

I loved the found family and I need to go back and read Picking Peaches and Following Fox ASAP!

Reese and Ryan are so real, their messy miscommunication while trying to be there for each other because they don’t want to lose their friendship but are secretly not so secretly in love with each other? Loved it 🫶🏼

Also bonus points for the cameo of a character called Lily (might be a little biased but that’s a pretty cool name 😉)

[Payton Caudillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*
This is my first book by Ansley and it won’t be my last. This was such a short and cute friends to lovers book. The writing was great and the story kept me entertained. However with that being said it felt repetitive. I also didn’t enjoy how the main characters seemed to be moving forward then all of a sudden they were moving back to friends. Ryan was easy to love except I just wish he would have been honest with Reese about his feeling. Reese was a very relatable character. This book is a great example of sometimes you can’t do everything on your own and it’s okay to ask for help. The ending felt rushed. I wish it was longer. Overall I enjoyed this book and still recommend if you want a short and sweet accidental pregnancy book!
Thank you to the author for letting me read this arc 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Sophie Hutchins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No one else mattered much, until Reese got pregnant. She changed everything.”

A sweet story about best friends to coparents to lovers.

This book is one serious slow burn. Yes they have some fun in the beginning, but after that it takes them a long time to get out of their own way to fess up to how they feel about one another.

Ryan isn’t very good at using his words, but he shows how much he cares about her through every little action he does, from the very beginning. And he does even find the words to tell her, and he’s pretty damn sweet when he wants to be.

Reese is the overly nice, wants to help everyone as much as she can girl. I loved how she grew and realised leaning on someone to help her isn’t the worse thing in the world. She was genuinely sweet.

The epilogue was really sweet, tooth rooting sweet.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

“I’m begging, baby, hear me this once, when I say I only want you.”

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ yet another sweet small town romance from Ansley Calloway! The world she’s created in this series has been so cozy and easy to get lost in while reading. Despite all of the books being 200-250 pages, they transport you to the small town and make you feel like you’re apart of this little volleyball loving family.

I have been so excited for Ryan and Reese’s story since they were first introduced and mentioned how they were best friends in the first book. Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Begging Baby does it so well. I mean, the letters?! Beautiful and the perfect touch to show how long Ryan has loved her.

While I don’t always love an accidental pregnancy, I think this was the perfect way to bring Ryan and Reese together. I think at this point, I’ll read anything Ansley Calloway writes.

Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Nathalie Aviles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5💫
Thank you to Ansley Calloway for the arc! I absolutely loved the first two books and those give you a just enough of a peek into Reese and Ryans friendship/relationship that when I finished the second book I was SEARCHING because I knew the third just had to be their story. Like the first two, its just a cutesy small town romance, with the MMC being so dreamy you get sad its not real life🥲 I love that it has a *good* predictability and it’s gonna give you serotonin when they (end up together). To Ansley Calloway, thank you for your female written men, setting the bar insanely high for men in real life! 💗

[_ifrahreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @LiteraryLane and Ansely B Colloway for giving me the opportunity to arc read, appreciate it!

This story follows two best friends, Ryan and Reese who are so down bad for each other but don’t wish to admit it. I love how Ryan cared for Reese so much, was always there for her when work was too hard and helped her out so much. When Reese found out that she was expecting she was so afraid to tell Ryan, but Ryan being the man he is cares for her so deeply and takes care if her so well. 💖

My favourite scenes were when he came to her workplace and helped her get her work done and when he surprised her with their new house it was just so adorable. 💖