One drunken night changes everything for college besties Dominic Chase and Cassie Domenici as a simple slip-up turns into something neither of them knows how to handle.
Chase has been secretly in love with Cassie for what feels like forever, but she's been avoiding him and he's sure she regrets their night together...
Cassie is pregnant and desperately needs her best friend, but she refuses to baby-trap him. Chase needs to want it, to want her before she'll consider letting down her walls...
As well-meaning and self-interested friends intervene, misunderstandings mount up. Will Cassie and Chase ever get on the same page or will their secret baby stay a secret forever? Can these two besties figure out how to navigate their new reality without losing each other in the process?
Secret Baby on Campus is a steamy introspective novella about miscommunication and assumptions, love that can't be denied, and the bumpy road from friendship to so much more. Best Friends, Friends to Lovers, College Campus, Unexpected Pregnancy, Secret Crush, Fake-Dating, Misunderstandings, Emotional Growth. Open-Door Spice, Cursing, Anxiety, Pregnancy, Mentions of Abortion.
Maggie writes short, steamy and spicy romances featuring all your favorite tropes. Whether you love alphas, cinnamon rolls, curvy heroines, holidays, enemies to lovers, small towns, big cities, secret babies, or something in between, Maggie is probably working on something spicy for you right now. And of course, all her quick-reads come with an HEA guarantee!
Secret baby on campus is a story about Cassie & Dominic and their confused and messed up life, friendship and relationship. Though they assume, misconstrue and run away from each other, they soon find their way back to each other. But...can they have a HEA?
I found the story was a somewhat fast read, like the characters were ranting about their life on campus and their feelings. Though slightly confused a bit, but it was an okay read. Some college students can generally be confusing and unsure of their life and emotions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Best Friends to Lovers: A Realistic Look at Messed-Up Feelings
The "best friends to lovers" trope is a beloved one in fiction. We root for the awkward glances, the unspoken tension, and the eventual realization that true love was right there all along. But reality, as we all know, rarely follows the predictable path of a rom-com. And that's precisely what makes some stories so compelling – their unflinching portrayal of the messiness that arises when feelings are ignored, assumed, and ultimately, misunderstood.
What resonated with me the most was its grounded depiction of everyday life. There are no grand gestures or dramatic monologues, just the quiet anxieties, the lingering doubts, and the missed opportunities that often define real-life relationships.
The story throws a spotlight on the very human tendency to assume the other person doesn't reciprocate our feelings. This assumption, fueled by fear of rejection or a desire to maintain the status quo, can lead to suppressed emotions and ultimately, significant heartache. This narrative doesn't shy away from the painful consequences of such inaction, reminding us that sometimes, the biggest obstacle to love isn't external circumstances, but our own internal barriers.
The complexities of forgiveness are also explored, particularly through the character of Maddie. I don't know if I could have been as forgiving in Cas's position.
Ultimately, the story serves as a powerful reminder that clear communication and honest self-reflection are crucial for navigating the intricate landscape of love and friendship.
Best friend romance. Cassie is a young and beautiful student. She has always been able to count on her best friend Chase, so to avoid risking her friendship with him, she has never confessed her feelings to him. One night when they were both drinking, they end up sleeping together. When Cassie wakes up, she thinks about confessing her feelings to Chase. But Chase has already left and spends several hours not talking to her, only to see him spending a lot of time with another girl. Chase is Cassie's best friend and has a huge crush on her. After crossing the line with her, he is afraid of losing her and prefers to act as if nothing happened and ends up seeking advice from another friend of Cassie's. Will Chase manage not to be clumsy and win Cassie back, or will he run away when he learns Cassie's little secret….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to confess that I was interested in this book because of the description that say the book is a steamy best friend's secret baby college novella. It has 3 of my favorite tropes so how it can go wrong, right? I'm wrong...
Da**, I have read this kind of young adult romance for so long but this book makes me feel frustrated the most.
Both Cassie and Dom have been in love with each other like forever but both of them have been in panic mode after their one night together. The problem will be solved easily if they talk to each other but nope, they choose to talk to their other friends and Cassie's girl friend is not a good friend I will give you this. The whole story is so messy and I want to put my kindle down so many times. But DNF a book isn't my style so I have to skim reading the book through the end. I hate to give the book lower than 3 stars but this book will be the second book I give 1 star though. I'm sorry.
Overall an adorable couple who finally in the end find one another regardless of everything in their path.
His friend is the only one that matters in this entire book. He's literally telling him to go talk to her and get the answers and understanding. And he's being a stubborn dude, believing he can't make the first move. Mostly this book is just a bunch of misunderstandings and confusion trapped in a very obviously college relationship.
Their final ending, the wrap up is beautiful but it took the entire book of them just basically dancing around one another to get there and it could have been wrapped up quicker. With maybe a bit more insight into their relationship and how they shaped themseves as a couple and family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secret Baby On Campus by Maggie Mavens is a fast-paced read that takes us on a journey with best friends Cassie and Chase, who decide one night to push beyond the boundaries of friendship. In the aftermath of their decision, awkward encounters ensue, and a few weeks later, Cassie finds herself facing an unexpected pregnancy, grappling with how to break the news to Chase. Cue the misunderstandings, assumptions, and emotional hurdles as they navigate their evolving relationship.
With plenty of heart and humor, this story kept me engaged as Cassie and Chase work through their feelings and find their way back to each other. A sweet and satisfying tale with a happily-ever-after ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secret Baby on Campus: A Steamy Best-Friend's Secret Baby College Novella Book 4 of Harken Valley Maggie Mavens
Amazing book. Well written and developed. Great characters, Chase and Cassie, chemistry and story.
"Secret Baby on Campus is a steamy introspective novella about miscommunication and assumptions, love that can't be denied, and the bumpy road from friendship to so much more. Tropes: Best Friends, Friends to Lovers, College Campus, Unexpected Pregnancy, Secret Crush, Fake-Dating, Misunderstandings, Emotional Growth. TW: Open-Door Spice, Cursing, Anxiety, Pregnancy, Mentions of Abortion.".
I loved reading Cassie and Chase’s story in Secret baby on campus by Maggie Mavens. Cassie and Chase have been friends for years and even went to the same collage but one night of partying changes everything. When Cassie finds out she’s pregnant she doesn’t know what to do she doesn’t want to loose her best friend. Chase is determined to be there for her no matter what. As they deal with the pregnancy they both realize that they have secretly had feelings for each other for a long time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is about Chase and Cass, two best friends at college who are madly in love but never tell each other. It’s about their assumptions, and of course they are wrong assumptions. But it is so well written, steamy, wonderful characters who do get their act together and I loved it. Great happy ending too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chase and Cassie are best friends in college. One steamy night later and their friendship is on the line. This sweet story of two friends who are perfect for each other but too afraid to act on it is full of twists and turns. So many what if's and overthinking that you think they'll never find their way. These two crazy friends finally admit their feelings and get their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie and Chase are best friends. One night, they decide to take it past friendship. Then they don't know how to react around each other. Then Cassie finds out she's pregnant, and she doesn't know how to tell him. There's a lot of miscommunication in this book between the MC's.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first read by this author, and it won't be the last! I loved the main characters and the angst. I recommend this book to anyone who likes friends-to-lovers and secret baby romances. After all, who doesn't love a secret baby romance?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not used to such short stories… the characters struggle with the usual communication issues and it takes a long period of time for them to recognise the truth is what is needed. A realistic short story….. enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secret Baby On Campus, by Maggie Mavens was an entertaining quick read. It could be classified as a coming of age Romance story. I appreciated each character's thought processes and actions being inline with their age, and thus making the Story believable..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While reading this book I felt like the voice and mindset of the characters were pretty immature for 21 year olds. I had a harder time getting into it and I found myself skipping most sections and not missing much of anything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a short read. This is Chase and Cassie's story. What happens when you get drunk and you and your bestie go past friends line? What happens when you become pregant? What feelings will come out love or lost freindship?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a too fast paced book and I couldn’t connect with the characters I did not finish this and I couldn’t I’m only giving this two stars because of the best friend in the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the was this book started and got right into the plot of the story. Things got a little murky with the whole Maddie situation. I'm still not sure how I feel about that but I loved Cassie and Dom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed secret baby on campus which was Chase and Cassie’s story. It was an engaging and entertaining read. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.
Some of my favorite tropes are best friends to lovers, secret baby, and college romance and, while this story has all three, it missed its mark for me. I don’t know why some authors think they have to make their main female characters hard asses with snarky mouths to show that they’re strong women. Of course, they’re always covering up deep pain but it got a bit old, fast. It took me a while to warm up to her. The main male character, Chase, and the supporting characters were all very likable, and the story was engaging. I do think it dragged a bit in places but, overall I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.