Baby I'm Yours

Forbidden Billionaires #4

by Lili Valente

What to do when a bossy billionaire makes an aggressive bid to get you knocked up with his baby?
Say no, and return to your perfectly normal, baby-free life.

Or you could do what I did, sign the Bossy Jerk's illicit contract, and sell yourself into sexy servitude.

Clearly, mistakes were made...

Now I'm tangled up in a dizzying mixture of business and pleasure with Hunter Mendelssohn, the sexiest man to ever pull my hair while delivering multiple Os. This is supposed to be simple—He wants a very devoted, very pregnant fake fiancee to convince his dying mother their family line will live on. I want a baby with no baby-daddy in the picture, and Hunter has promised to vanish once his mother passes. If we abide by the contract, we both get what we want, no harm, no foul.

But nothing about being with Hunter is simple. Not our explosive chemistry. Not the irreplaceable way he makes me feel. And certainly not the way my heart melts every time I wake up cradled in his arms.

I’m falling hard for this damaged man, but when wounds from his past tear us apart, I’m sent running back to my small town with a secret.

A shocking secret that will change both our lives forever...

THE FORBIDDEN BILLIONAIRES series is
Take Me I'm Yours
Make Me Yours
Pretending I'm Yours
Baby I'm Yours

Genres: Romance

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Visit Lili at www.lilivalente.com

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She can't resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in Vermont with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

*Lili rarely visits this site as it is a site intended for readers, not authors. If you have questions, the best way to reach Lili is through her website contact form. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Kim Coenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat begint als een zakelijk contract, verandert al snel in iets veel gevaarlijkers…
Wanneer een dominante miljardair haar een onvoorstelbaar voorstel doet, zegt ze eerst nee. Tot ze tóch tekent en zichzelf verliest in een spel van macht, verlangen en verboden gevoelens.
Hunter Mendelssohn wil een perfecte schijnverloofde. Zij wil een kind, zonder complicaties. Simpel… toch? Maar hun allesverzengende chemie laat zich niet in regels vangen. En terwijl de grenzen vervagen, groeit het risico dat hun deal meer kost dan ze ooit hadden afgesproken.
Want sommige geheimen veranderen alles.

Mijn ervaring:
Wat een prikkelende, vermakelijke en verrassende romance, waarin een ogenschijnlijk zakelijke afspraak (niet realistisch, maar absoluut creatief bedacht) uitmondt in een emotioneel geladen liefdesverhaal. Lili Valente hanteert een toegankelijke, directe en sfeervolle schrijfstijl, vol emotie, humor en scherpe dialogen. Hierdoor ga je moeiteloos in het verhaal op. Ze voelt bovendien perfect aan wanneer ze moet vertragen om gevoelens en spanning extra ruimte te geven.

De personages vormen het kloppend hart van het verhaal. Hunter is meer dan de stereotype dominante miljardair; achter die façade schuilt duidelijk emotionele bagage. Alex is geen willoos personage, maar iemand die bewuste keuzes maakt, al zijn het niet altijd de juiste. Juist die imperfecties zorgen voor een geloofwaardige en psychologisch gelaagde dynamiek en een voelbaar spanningsveld.

Het verhaal heeft een sterke en doordachte opbouw. Lili Valente start met een intrigerende en opvallend zakelijke afspraak, die zich langzaam ontwikkelt tot een complex geheel waarin gevoelens, geheimen en het verleden samenkomen. Het tempo ligt prettig hoog, wat het boek verslavend en pakkend maakt. In het tweede deel ontstaat er meer ruimte voor emotionele diepgang. Thema’s als controle versus overgave, vertrouwen en de impact van het verleden komen duidelijk naar voren. Daarbij zet Lili Valente je aan het denken: is liefde eigenlijk wel te sturen of te plannen? Hoewel het einde enigszins voorspelbaar en verwacht was, heb ik enorm genoten van het verhaal, de sfeer en de emoties.

Baby, ik ben de jouwe is een meeslepende, gelaagde en pakkende romance die voldoende diepgang, een vlotte verhaallijn en sterke thema’s biedt om je van begin tot eind in zijn greep te houden. Toegankelijk geschreven, met veel sfeer, emotie, humor en scherpe dialogen. Voor iedere romance-liefhebber absoluut een aanrader.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Het is nog steeds gek, riskant en mogelijk een fout waar ik spijt van ga krijgen als er iets mis gaat, maar ik ben niet dom.”

Wat doe je als een bazige miljardair je dolgraag zwanger wil maken van zijn kind? Je zegt nee en keert terug naar je volkomen normale, babyloze leven. Of je doet wat ik heb gedaan: je tekent het clandestiene contract van die bazige eikel en verkoopt jezelf als sexy slavin. Dit zou eenvoudig moeten zijn: hij wil een zeer toegewijde, zeer zwangere nepverloofde om zijn stervende moeder ervan te overtuigen dat hun geslacht zal voortleven. Ik wil een baby zonder vader in beeld, en Hunter heeft beloofd te verdwijnen zodra zijn moeder overlijdt. Als we ons aan het contract houden, krijgen we allebei wat we willen, zonder enig gedoe. Maar niets aan het samenzijn met Hunter is eenvoudig. Niet onze explosieve chemie. Niet de unieke manier waarop hij me laat voelen. En zeker niet de manier waarop mijn hart smelt telkens als ik wakker word in zijn armen. Ik begin hard voor deze beschadigde man te vallen, maar wanneer wonden uit zijn verleden ons uit elkaar drijven, vlucht ik terug naar mijn stadje met een geheim.

Wat een heerlijk vermakelijk boek, lekker vlot geschreven en heerlijk vermakelijk. De wereldbuilding is prima van een klein beachstadje tot de grote stad New York heel netjes en goed omschrijven. Karakters komen goed tot hun recht, zowel de hoofdpersonen als de side karakters. Het voelt een beetje als je deel uitmaakt van hun vriendengroep. Het verhaal verloopt vlot zonder heel veel plottwist en precies genoeg, spanning, drama, humor en spice. Je zou er bijna rammelde eierstokken van krijgen 😉

Het verhaal krijgt van mij 3 sterren, het leest heerlijk weg maar het is wel een beetje cliché. Je ziet de afloop al bijna voor je. Ik heb er wel van genoten, als een heerlijk tussendoor je boekje na alle zware romantasy boeken.

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dank aan Sisters Press voor het ARC. Dit is een eerlijke, vrijwillige kijk op het verhaal.

Vonken tussen regels

Vanaf het moment dat Hunter in beeld komt, grijpt zijn blik je bij de keel en branden zijn woorden zacht in je gedachten. Elaina beweegt zich voort op een dunne lijn tussen verlangen en verstand, vastberaden om grip te krijgen op haar leven en haar toekomst. Het contract dat hen verbindt lijkt op papier simpel, maar de intensiteit tussen hen gloeit door de pagina’s en lijkt je bijna aan te raken.

Valente laat de chemie knetteren en het verhaal vlot voorbij vliegen. De scènes zijn warm, intens en page turning, waardoor de vonken van hun samenzijn bijna tastbaar worden. Toch blijft de emotionele kern vaak aan de oppervlakte. Waar de spanning in het begin meeslepend is, voelt het einde soms als een echo van wat had kunnen zijn. De keuzes van de personages zijn scherp en opvallend, maar raken zelden het diepste van hun innerlijke strijd.

Soms verlang je naar meer nuance in de groei van hun liefde naar iets dat echt blijft hangen. De romantiek is vurig, de sfeer zinderend, maar het hart klopt net even te snel zonder volledig mee te slepen. Voor liefhebbers van vurige scènes en klassieke tropes biedt deze roman momenten om van te genieten. Wie zoekt naar een intense emotionele reis met diepe lagen zal hier minder vinden.

second chance romance | contractzwangerschap | miljardair romance | geheime relatie | verboden liefde | sterke vrouwelijke hoofdrol | beschermende mannelijke hoofdrol | emotionele groei | familiebanden | passie en verlangen

[Kim Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rough start for me. While I was excited to read this one and sad at the same time since this is the last book in this series, Hunter took a while for me to like him. He’s a complete asshole in the beginning and has so much resentment built up in him from having a tough childhood that he thinks of marriage and kids as an abomination and not something he ever wants to do but he’ll do it in the name of making his mother happy as her dying wish though she never comes out and states this. He has this air of negativity as well as being guarded upon first meeting him and it sticks around until the middle of the book. I guess this is appropriate given the nature of the story and the amount of time it takes for him to open up to Elaina. When he realizes he wants more from Elaina and he shares some of his insecurities regarding relationships, this is when he grows on me. He expresses how feelings are hard to talk about and show but yet he has no problem acting like this with Elaina. She points this out beautifully, and while not mentioning herself directly, she just states that it’s because he hasn’t found the right woman yet to allow him to express his feelings in such a way, and anyone he’s been with hasn’t made it so effortlessly like it is with Elaina. The majority of the book focuses on Hunter’s struggles with expressing and showing emotions as well as letting his guard down. This includes realizing that not everyone needs to be shown his deal persona and he doesn’t have to mask his reactions and feelings all the time. Elaina basically helps him find the real Hunter beneath his calm facade and that he doesn’t have to be that way all the time. Hunter is different compared to the other billionaires in this series because those men weren’t afraid of feelings and were able to relax and let go around their women. They led with their heart and Hunter led with his trauma and treated everyone coldly. I can’t really analyze Elaina because she didn’t have emotion issues or was afraid to show her feelings. She protected her heart as long as she could until the attraction and connection between her and Hunter couldn’t be ignored and needed to be addressed. She didn’t want to bring it up, for fear that Hunter may shut down so when Hunter brought the talk to the surface, that’s when all bets were off. Aside from the complexity of their relationship being an interesting force and keeping me hooked, the times when Hunter and Elaina were intimate was a huge part of the book. It didn’t feel oversaturated and too much. Sometimes you get books that go too hard with the sex that it becomes meaningless, and I’ve said this a few times but this one didn’t do that even though that’s what drove this story. I found myself really enjoying Hunter and Elaina’s banter as well as deeper conversations they had and their chemistry was undeniable and intense. It was a bit crazy but you got into it even though there’s a mild kink that gets explored. Overall, I liked how this series ended and loved how this one kept me interested. I couldn’t put it down and now the series is over. I feel like this one just started but hoping we get more series from this author and great stories.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I devoured this book and it is my favorite in the series. “Baby I’m Yours” is a steamy, emotional and romantic age gap fake relationship that I devoured in one sitting.

Elaina is a bakery owner in Sea Breeze, Maine and has been watching all of her friends find her their happily ever afters and she wants her own. And when the surly billionaire she had a steamy weekend with comes to her with a proposition, she considers this is her sign. Hunter’s mother is dying from cancer and he wants to convince his mother that the family line will continue on. But Hunter is one hundred percent against any relationships so he has a contract drawn up to ensure that it’s all on paper. But as they spend time together, it’s clear that the chemistry they had all those weeks ago starts to mean more.

I loved Elaina and Hunter from the start and couldn’t put their story down. I loved that Elaina was a bakery owner that was also a cat cafe. She’s smart, passionate and has a drive for life. And when Hunter comes back into her life, she’s not afraid to give him some of his own medicine. Hunter is confident, smart and knows what he wants in life. I loved how close he was with his mom and how he wanted to give her dying wish. Elaina wasn’t afraid to tell Hunter how things would be when she was in his life and I loved how she would stand up for herself. The two had great chemistry and the steamy scenes were so good and some of the spiciest Lili has written. But these two connected on an emotional level I don’t think either of them was expecting. They truly cared for each other and built a solid relationship once Hunter got over his commitment issues. The ending was so sweet and I loved these two together.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the fourth book in the series and it can totally be read as a stand alone story.

26 year old Elaine is a great friend, but has had her trouble with men. She is now all by herself after the death of her father, having never known her father. She owns a bakery where she helps reheome cats and is a generous loving soul with her own sense of vintage style.

Hunter is in his early forties and has not been able to stop thinking about Elaine since they hooked up for a week a year ago. But now, with his mother on her last legs, he needs someone for a contract where they have a child that he does not want a part of. Elaine just so happens to want a child.

Toether the pair forge ahead, but its very quick to see that not only is the chemistry really hot between them, but that the also very quickly get the feels for each other.

But true love never does run smooth and with an obstacle in the way to test them, they falter and both end up unhappy and the pair collapse to their own worlds again. that is until forces have them together again and realising how much they missed each other.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and healing

I loved, loved this age gap, fake relationship super spicy romance. The witty banter, the big emotions, and the matching childhood trauma made this story and its relatable characters so good. Get ready to experience all the swoons, all the spice, and all the big emotions along with Elaina and Hunter. You’ll definitely finish the story with a happy heart. Elaina owns a bakery/cat cafe in small town Sea Breeze, Maine. She really wants a child but fears that her prospects are not good. Hunter is a billionaire venture capitalist whose mother is dying of cancer. Elaina and Hunter previously shared a very spicy no strings weekend after which he left without a goodbye. But he returns to town with a proposition. Elaina agrees to be his pregnant fake fiancée to make his dying mother happy. She gets a baby and a move to NYC where all her friends now live and he will be a totally absent father after his mother dies. Everyone wins. Until feelings make things scarier and potentially changeable. The journey to their HEA involved truth telling, leaps of faith, baggage unpacking and life course correction. This was my favorite book in this series.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart and heat – a winning combination…

Just like Hunter and Elaina. I’ve been jonesing for Elaina’s story – who can resist a smart-as-a-whip, confident woman with witty dialogue to spare. And Hunter? Who wouldn’t want to heal all his emotional wounds while soothing other things as well…

Hunter had one woman in his life and when his mother wanted only one thing, he knew he had to get it for her. It helped that the sparks between him and Elaina were off the charts spectacular – in and out of bed – and she wanted a baby on her own terms. A match made in heaven, if only they could both keep emotions out of the equation…

"If she gets anywhere near your cookie, I'm challenging her to pistols at dawn."

Oh, how I loved how Hunter and Elaina connected. The dialogue between them was saucy and had me smiling goofily throughout their story. Well, when I wasn’t knocked over by the chemistry between them – talk about saucy! Ping, ping, ping all the goodness that had me reading this in one can’t miss sitting.

*I happily reviewed this story

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the trope where the baby is arranged along with a marriage or engagement, because it adds a level of tension and spice I just adore as they try and usually succeed to get pregnant. Elaina and Hunter have amazing chemistry especially when the book starts they have already had a weekend together but now neither wants anything more than that weekend...well until Hunter asks to have a baby with Elaina. Now that's an opener for a book and I was hooked, especially because Hunter does not want to see her or the baby once it's born.

Elaina is getting baby fever and was raised by a single mom so she considers this and then eventually accepts but quickly falls in love with Hunter as they spend time together and try for a baby, but Hunter is still dead set on his plan to not be a father or husband. When he finally breaks his thought process, a major life event happens and it sets him back.

I loved this book, it was so spicy, they had great chemistry, and the emotional rollercoaster provided by this book had me hooked from start to finish!

[KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my fave billionaire, but this was a steamy one!

Hunter and Elaina have met before and shared a steamy few days together before Hunter just walked away.

Now he is back and gives Elaina a proposal that could help fulfill her life's dreams. Pretend to be his fake fiancee who is trying to really get pregnant to carry on his family's bloodline from the last wish of his dying mother. Say whaaaa??!!?

Elaina agrees and moves to NYC under "cloak and dagger" to fulfill said wish. But of course things don't go as planned, feelings develop which is terrifying and a secret comes between them that pushes them apart.

At this point, Hunter was NOT a good person as his damaged childhood takes hold. So Elaina slinks back home to Maine to live on her own.

But of course, fate intervenes in several ways, but you'll have to read to find out as I don't want to give it away.

It was an entertaining read even if it wasn't my fave of the series.

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Let me love you until you aren’t broken.”

Baby, I’m Yours was book four in the Forbidden Billionaires series and it was my favorite. Hunter and Elaina’s story was fun and swoony while also being angsty and emotional. Their push and pull relationship was at times difficult and heartbreaking but full of so much light and love as well. My heart broke for them both at times, but I loved watching them overcome their obstacles.

Elaina was outspoken and sassy and she complemented Hunter’s seriousness and bossiness perfectly. Their flirty, snarky banter and explosive chemistry was pure fire. Both of them had painful issues that they had to work through in order to fully let down their guards to one another. Elaina’s strong, consistent understanding and support helped Hunter to heal his heart and to become the vulnerable, sweet man that was capable of showing how he felt. I absolutely loved this poignant and emotional story.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaina's friends are all getting married and leaving her behind. As a business owner, and losing her mother, Elaina believes she's not the marrying type. Especially after her smoking hot time with Hunter, that ended up him leaving with no reason given. She's done! However, life has other plans for her and Hunter. There he is in all his glory, looking hotter than a man should, at her friend's wedding and claiming that's he's been looking for her. After, what he did she doesn't care what he wants.....until she does.

Hunter's mom is dying from cancer and Hunter wants to give her a grandchild before she passes. He approaches Elaina about a fake relationship, and a baby. He will give her money to raise the child, but he doesn't want any part of raising it. Elaina may be crazy, but she accepts his proposal and the contract is signed.

Great story, with wonderful characters! Twists and turns, that left me very happy!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this one because Elaina loves cats as much as I do. I would so work at her cat cafe in a heart beat! I could also see myself easily being BFFs with her. She is my kind of people. I love the cat she adopted! Now Hunter he gives off billionaire arrogant vibes. I wasn't too sure of him in the beginning, but man did he capture my heart. Getting his backstory explained everything. I love the back and forth between Hunter and Elaina. It's their form of foreplay pushing each other's buttons. Their chemistry burns HOT! Now with the arrangement they make it would have been a hard no for me because of who Elaina couldn't take with her, but it puts these two on a path neither saw coming. Hearts weren't supposed to get involved, but those pesky little things want what they want. A really enjoyable book. The last chapter is what these two so deserved!

[Tami Talbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby I’m Yours is the newest release from one of my go-to authors, Lily Valente—and, as always, she delivers an unforgettable tale of finding love when it’s least expected.

Hunter has convinced himself that love and family just aren’t in the cards for him. But when he meets Elaine, something shifts. Despite the age difference between them, their connection feels natural, seamless—like they were meant to be. As they spend more time together, their bond deepens, and they’re finally able to acknowledge the powerful feelings growing between them and the fact that they truly belong together.

Once again, Lily Valente enchants us with a beautiful story of love found in the most unexpected way. Her talent for creating heartfelt, memorable characters and emotionally rich stories continues to shine—leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I loved this story of Hunter and Elaina! They had a hot weekend a year ago, then he left without a word. Now he's back with a proposition. A fake engagement and A baby, then he'll be out of the picture. Elaina agrees knowing she wants a baby and to get out of Maine and closer to her friends in New York. But their chemistry is fire and feelings develop on both sides. Then Elaina gets put in an impossible position by Hunter's mother. Things look grim but they work out in the end. I love these two together. They really are made for each other. I love this book and series! I highly recommend!

[Rundee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written well and engaging, the sex was too magic dongy but still hot because of the well written build up.

BUT in the third act he really messed up, like big time and it was completely glossed over. Zero grovel and a simple "I'm sorry".
I would have preferred that to have been at 6 months pregnant and him groveling and being scared that he isn't allowed to be at the birth.
And not a 5 minutes discussion after leaving her alone for the whole pregnancy and behaving like an asshole before...
Before that conflict he was great though.
The billionaire story line was utter nonsense off course as usual in every billionaire story ever.
(E.g. he has a 3 bedroom apartment, lol.)

[Davy · Rating 1 out of 5]

His mom saying "I'm so happy my son has found someone, now let me tell you this secret that will blow up the relationship" 💀 then she breaks the contract...THEN doesn't tell him about the babies.. MORE secrets and lies...Elaina is not worth a damn lol and her death to billionaires rants make her sound deranged especially when she also complains about the amount offered to her in the contract 💀
It should gave been more of a double grovel and I hate when h's refuse money because it shows they would deprive their child of a college fund etc just to be petty... awful parent mindset

[Maggie May · Rating 1 out of 5]

SP: Busqué este libro por MESES. No lo podía encontrar en ningún lado. Este mes contraté Kindle Unlimited y estaba ahí. Le tenía altas esperanzas a la historia, era distinta y me llamó la atención.
Pero no tenían química, ellos eran una contradicción andante con ellos mismos y había insta-love.
Lo que terminó de hartarme fue que dejó a su gato, al que consideraba su hijo, en el pueblo y ella se mudó al otro lado del país. Quién hace eso?!
EN: I had been wanting to read this book for MONTHS. I couldn't find it anywhere, but this month I bought the Kindle Unlimited subscription and there it was.
I had high hopes for this story. What a waste! The plot was unusual and it caught my eye.
But the lack of chemistry, the personality contradictions, and the insta-love were a big nope for me. The nail in the coffin was that she left her cat behind while she moved to the other side of the country! Like, who does that? Besides, she said the cat was her baby.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lili Valente delivers another addictive and steamy read with "Baby I'm Yours"! Elaina and Hunter's fake-fiancée arrangement sizzles with chemistry, but their growing connection is what truly captivates. Witty banter, emotional depth, and a satisfying romance make this a winner. If you love age-gap and forbidden romance, grab this one!

#LiliValente #BabyImYours #ForbiddenBillionaires #RomanceBooks #SteamyReads

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fake fiancee love story with some baby making fun!! I loved Elaina and Hunter together. Both have the same past issues with family..both raised by single mothers and have difficulties with having a solid relationship!! I loved the journey this couple had to go through to get to their HEA!! This series is fabulous and a must read!! Grab your copy today and enjoy!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Hunter a bit hard to like for most of this book and seeing as his relationship with Elaina was based on a lie, it was a bit rich of him to blame Elaina for keeping something from him, but when things were going well for this couple they went very well! After the obligatory angst the ending was satisfying.

[Lauren Lascola-Lesczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter and Elaina had such an emotionally charged story I was here for every word of it!
I loved how they had a push/pull relationship filled with sexy flirting and witty banter. They kept each other on their toes. And this cover....lawdddddddd I love it!

[Lacee Kietzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

The banter in this book was so good! I honestly loved the back and forth between the two and the FML was witty sarcastic and so dang sweet!
The plot was great, the premise for it was a little out there but I think the author wrote it really well!

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in the Forbidden Billionaires series. It’s a very good age-gap romance. It has a very entertaining plot and I loved the banter! I loved Hunter and Elaina’s emotional dynamics. Such an engaging and enjoyable story.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzle and love

2 very mismatched people find their way to each other. Their arrangement and contract is interesting and work until it doesn't.
I loved the HEA. It was a sweet ending.

[Amy Lourens]

The spice and language were more than I prefer to read but I didn't mind the story overall.

[Tracy Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the ending to this series. I’m glad to see this happy ending. I also love that these rich guys didn’t flaunt their wealth like some books do.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable.

Can't recall if this is my first book by this author but I'm obsessed. I loved this story. It had the perfect mix of everything for me.

And I'm greedy; I would've loved an extended epilogue just to experience Hunter as an active father- with actions/dialogue included. But the ending I got will have to suffice.

Siiiigh.

I can definitely see me re-reading this

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Hunter Mendelssohn is smart, sexy, and rich as sin, but he has a ton of baggage and I wanted to kick his sexy older man butt for a good portion of this book. On the other hand, I absolutely adore Elaina Murphy, because she is one tough cookie who has also been through a lot, and emerged as a strong, successful woman willing to take a chance. All that being said, these two are absolutely perfect for each other, and I couldn't have loved their story more.

Age gap doesn't always work for me, but I do love a man that knows what he wants. Ultimately, Hunter wants to make sure that his mom, the person that has always been there for him, is happy and I love their relationship. I also appreciate that Elaina, though younger, is not afraid to speak up for herself, or to show Hunter how to find the fun in life, which is something that he has been sorely lacking. Seeing them evolve, and their appreciation of each other in their shared life, makes for a very enjoyable read.

Catching up with the most supportive friend group from the previous books and meeting Hunter's mom, the best lady ever, made for some real feels, and brought everything together very nicely. The sweet wrap-up is just perfect for Elaina and Hunter, and is the ultimate HEA. ❤️

[marleen persoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝Wat een One night stand was, wordt plots iets heel anders. Hunter is op zoek naar een vrouw die een tijdje zijn vriendin wil zijn en nog belangrijker hem een kind kan bieden. Alles met een contract en in de kleine lettertjes staat duidelijk dat hij geen rol, buiten financieel wil spelen rond “het kind”
Elaina is door hem erg gecharmeerd, zeker als ze verneemt dat hij dit speciaal voor zijn zieke moeder wil doen. Ze tekent het contract omdat ze hoopt dat ze hem
kan laten veranderen en verliefd kan laten worden op haar. Want haar hart klopt wel sterk voor hem…
Het verhaal laat twee erg uiteenlopende personages zien, die elkaar aantrekken, maar toch elk hun issues en gereserveerdheid hebben. Hij rijk, meedogenloos, rond de 40 en doelgericht. Zij zorgzaam, dierenvriend, ondernemend, retrostijl, begin 20 en een sociaal beestje.
De passie tussen hen is hun gezamenlijke binding, waar geen remming of contract op/of tussen staat.
Lili Valente creëert weer erg creatief haar personages, hier draait het verhaal voornamelijk op. Toch miste ik deze keer wat body aan het verhaallijn concept. De leugens waren voor mij net niet overtuigend genoeg. Hierdoor zakte de leesflow tegen het einde wat in en werden de laatste hoofdstukken iets te snel uitgewerkt. Voor mij had Hunter echt wel wat moeten werken om de liefde van haar terug te verdienen.
Want Elaina bleef altijd wie ze was en dat waardeerde ik enorm in haar.

3,5 ster

@missp_her_books_read