Reluctantly Ever After

The Oops Baby Club #2

by Heather Ashley

I’ve been trying to beat Wren Callan for years.
Turns out, I had to marry her in Vegas and get her pregnant to finally win.

We were supposed to get a quickie divorce before anyone found out…

But I couldn’t sign the papers.

Now she’s carrying my baby and crashing in my spare room. We’ve gotten good at pretending like we’re just roommates who can’t stop f*cking.

She thinks I want to stay married to steal her company.

But the truth?

I want her in my bed.
I want her name inked on my ring finger.
I want a baby that looks just like her—so I never forget who wrecked me for anyone else.

Yeah, I want her last name next to mine on the goddamn mailbox.

She’s stubborn, brilliant, mouthy as hell—and I’m going to prove to her that this rivalry of ours?

It was always just foreplay.


Reluctantly Ever After is a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a brooding craft brewer hero and a ruthless CEO heroine who drinks her cream with a splash of coffee.

This is Kasen & Wren's story.

Tropes:
✓ Enemies to lovers
✓ Accidental Vegas marriage
✓ Surprise pregnancy
✓ Bisexual rep
✓ Forced proximity/roommates
✓ Grumpy/sunshine
✓ Protective alpha hero
✓ No third act breakup

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Rom Com, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Surprise Pregnancy

346 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

About the author

Hi! I’m Heather.

It’s great to meet you! I’m a socially-awkward introvert who loves love stories. I’m not awesome at singing or keeping my house clean, but I somehow find the time to obsessively read romance novels. I consider it one of my many talents.

In my opinion, you can never have too many books (or french fries…), messy buns are a girl’s best friend, and I’d probably die without my laptop. If I wasn’t over-committing myself to future stories or procrastinating to meet my deadlines, I’m not quite sure what I’d do with myself.

Be sure to find all sorts of sneak peeks and my more than likely cuss-word filled rantings over on the blog. Oh, and if you’re a fan of getting in the mood to read and connecting to the characters that way, check out the playlists that accompany each story in the “Playlists” tab.

Peace, love, and abs for days.

Reviews

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

We got a small taste of this couple at the end of book 1. Rivals to lovers hehe it starts with a bang waking up in Vegas married. And annoyed that they did something reckless. But both promise to get it fixed when they get back home. Well they didn't lol. And Wren ends up prego which tossed another problem in this mess. But Kasen has a plan they co-parent and put a hold on their hate for each other. All of the books is about them navigating parent/Pregnancy hood. From living together to wired craving and finally giving the relationship a go. So yeah it's the whole book with a sprinkle of the work drama.

I kinda wish the whole book wasn't about Pregnancy I wish it was a little and them being parents. We only saw a snip of it in the Epilogue.
So yeah.

No ow/om drama, no cheating, slight secondary character, Drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶.5


Slowinsta
Push away from both
Force proximity
Praise kink
Tiny edging
No condoms
Hea
Epilogue

[JenntheRDH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I love Heather Ashley - especially her dark romance books. Having said that, I am also loving this lighthearted series as well and could not put it down. I finished it in under 2 days :)
This was a fun, light hearted (for Heather Ashley!) sweet romance that definitely had several spicy scenes sprinkled throughout the book. I loved reading it.

I love the enemies to lovers trope, but I was most excited about NOT having a third act breakup.

This is an interconnected novel in the Oops Baby Club series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. I am ready for the 3rd book in this series!.

I did receive an advanced copy of this book, but am absolutely leaving my honest thoughts as the review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

*provided an ARC for an honest review*

This was a fun accidental pregnancy romance from Heather Ashley. A deviation from her dark romances, Reluctantly Ever After is the stand-alone second novel in the Oops Baby Club interconnected series.

I liked Wren’s feisty attitude, and Kasen’s determination to break down her walls. 4 stars because sometimes Wren’s stubbornness was tedious.

All in all, I enjoyed this as a quick palate cleanser!

[Kaylie Buziecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many modern romance books tend to be very cookie cutter and while this one included a couple cliches and big tropes, it felt totally unique. I was immediately drawn in by Wrens sarcasm so early on and surprisingly enjoyed the beer distribution/ brewery aspect. I didn’t know anything (or even care in the slightest) about the beer making process prior to reading but this author made it sound interesting. Crossing my fingers that if I get drunk in Vegas I’ll end up marrying a real life version of Kasen James. It’s possible right?? This book is warm, spicy, and easy to love. Be warned, you won’t want to put it down until it’s over so plan accordingly. Reluctantly Ever After was my introduction to Heather Ashley but it will not be my last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute

I really enjoyed the slow burn of these two getting to know each other beyond work even though it was obvious they had history that made them want each other.

The oops was … a sweet way that made them bound but also show how a man can step up and be all that a women wants, even if thinks she doesn’t need it.

[Callie Bernauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

docking a star bc why the hell did they name the baby SUMMIT

[Sally Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. I was hooked straightaway. Loved the FMC and MMC. It is important to me to like the main characters I am reading about and I did like Wren and Kasen very much. This is also my favourite trope - enemies to lovers and forced proximity. After a drunken one night stand with her business enemy, Wren finds herself pregnant. So in these circumstances, what happens in Vegas can't stay in Vegas and that's where the adventure starts for Wren and Kasen. A lovely easy read which I would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather Ashley's Reluctantly Ever After is a whip-smart, hilariously messy enemies-to-lovers romance that delivers spice, snark, and swoon in equal measure. If you love a chaotic Vegas wedding, razor-sharp banter, and two rivals trying to out-petty each other while low-key falling in love, buckle up—this one’s for you.

Wren Callan, a fiercely independent business owner, wakes up in Vegas married to her professional nemesis, Kasen James—a brooding, inked-up brewery owner she’s spent years hating (and maybe lowkey crushing on). What starts as an “oh-no-we-did-NOT” morning-after panic spiral quickly snowballs into a deliciously complicated entanglement neither of them saw coming.

The chemistry between Wren and Kasen is scorching from the jump. Their dynamic thrives on animosity, sarcasm, and unspoken desire, making their moments of accidental tenderness and mutual vulnerability hit even harder. Ashley crafts them with care: Wren is a boss-level heroine who’s built her beer distribution empire from the ground up, while Kasen is a grumpy softie in flannel who hides his wounded heart behind sarcasm and swagger. Together? Fireworks.

This isn’t just steam and sass, though. Underneath the chaos is a heartfelt journey about ambition, pride, miscommunication, and the fear of being seen. Ashley also weaves in strong supporting characters—like Wren’s loyal assistant Kieran and Kasen’s firecracker of a sister, Clover—who round out the story with humor and heart.

The “oops-we-got-married” setup is used to full effect, as Wren and Kasen try (and fail) to stay out of each other’s lives. Spoiler alert: they fail gloriously. And when real feelings sneak in through the cracks, the tension skyrockets.

Reluctantly Ever After is a hilarious, heart-melting slow-burn with spice, sass, and emotional stakes that keep you rooting for Wren and Kasen from chaotic beginning to sweet, satisfying end. If you love your love stories with bite and burn, this one’s a must-read.

Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 — Expect steamy, no-holds-barred scenes that toe the line between enemies and lovers with heat and heart. There’s dirty talk, push-pull tension, and some emotionally loaded intimacy that absolutely delivers.

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have been industry enemies for years. He believes in the purity of the craft brew experience and wants to control all aspects, including its placement. She runs a distributing firm that she started from the ground up and wants him to respect that she can bring things to the table that he can’t. They have chemistry, but so far it is only peak to irritate the other. However, when they are both at an industry event in Vegas, some tequila shots land them waking up naked in bed with a marriage certificate on the nightstand. Planning to go home and I know it quickly and quietly everything changes when she finds out the marriage certificate isn’t the only thing they took home from Vegas. Having both come from broken family homes they commit to be there together and co parent their child. And when she needs a place to stay moving her into his place is supposed to be temporary, but it quickly shows them all the things that could be. They slowly build a relationship while realizing they have been attracted to one another all along. The author does a good job with character development. These two are unique and immediately feel invested in their journey. This is the second book in a series, and while their individual romance is a complete standalone, his sister’s story with his best friend is the first book and I recommend you read it first only because they do appear in this one and you will get life updates as they go along. This is well written and feels like an original story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nazneen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐
This was such a cute and easy read!
Filled with a lot of fluff and spice, and barely any angst; it’s the perfect read when you have a lot going on or just want to read a really happy romance!

Kasen is such a keeper, always trying to push Wren away and get under her skin, but doesn’t realise how obvious he is being. Once the opportunity presents itself to be in Wren, he doesn’t hesitate and is all-in immediately!
Wren on the other hand, was raised with the saying that men do nothing but hold you back, so is a bit apprehensive going in. But this just makes Kasen chasing her all the more better!

I love how Kasen doesn’t hesitate a moment when Wren is craving something in the middle of the night or when he is concerned about her health! He is one of the sweetest and most caring MMCs I’ve read!

There is absolutely no OW/OM drama and no cheating of any kind.

Would definitely reread this book when I’m feeling down or want a book I can read without thinking too much.
I love that this will be a 6 book series, all with the pregnancy trope! Loved the first book and this one, and am positive I'll love the rest!

Fingers crossed, the next book will be Reed's!

[lu_betweenthecovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series was an absolute delight, and I was so ready to dive into Kaden and Wren's story. As a big fan of the pregnancy trope, I was completely invested from the start, and this book did not disappoint.
Wren is a fantastic heroine—strong, independent, and fierce—and I loved how she navigated her journey. Her strength was perfectly complemented by Kaden, a hero who looks like a bad boy on the outside but is a true golden retriever on the inside. He's incredibly sweet, protective, and loyal to the bone, making him the perfect match.
Just like the first book, I truly appreciated the lack of a "third-act breakup." It was so refreshing to see the characters communicate and grow together after they were forced to share a home. Their openness and honesty were key to their developing relationship, and it's a dynamic I genuinely love to see.
I’m already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book. After seeing his character in this story, I absolutely can't wait for Reed's turn.

[Readerofbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

What was good: the hero and heroine and their relationship + spicy scenes
What wasn’t so good: the plot beyond that - it was so over the top what they were doing with miller it seemed farcical. Also, absolutely no angst or drama between them - they were enemies off page, on page they’re lovers and quickly move to a non complicated relationship as expectant parents. There was so much the author could work with to bring some pain and longing into the story telling before they just went directly to the I love yous since she had some good tropes there. Also, her being bisexual added nothing to the story, her character or the overall plot so I don’t understand why that was added as ‘representation’
Summary: Overall breezy, uncomplicated, good one time read. Will read this author again. Wish there was some angst. Hoping the author doesn’t branch out in to writing side plots regarding corporate fraud and arbitrage as that’s not her forte

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Kasen and Wren's story. Wren is a total bada$$ in a male dominated industry and worked very hard to build her company. Kasen also built his company and even had to rebuild after a fire. Their banter is electric and they love pushing each other's buttons. I enjoyed how their relationship changed and they realized they didn't hate each other as much as they thought. I am now excited to read the first book about Clover and Banks. I can't wait for the next book with Reed and Navy.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reluctantly Ever After by Heather Ashley is the second book of The Oops Baby Club. I enjoyed reading Wren and Kasen's story. There is nothing like waking up in Vegas married to your rival and then find out you are pregnant. This book was lighthearted and spicy. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love kasen's willingness to fight for what he wants, damn he loves his pink very much and for a long time. A sweet, broody possessive protector and husband.
Wren completes his jagged edges this book was fun, sweet and very thrilling. Heather u've done a marvelous job on this one 🤭😍😘
Well done!!
I received an advanced copy of this book from books prout.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun! The characters just jump off the page and have a life of their own once you start reading. The side characters are almost even more fun! The way they both have denial on their feelings at first but yet can't end things. The back and forth smack talk makes you laugh out loud at times. Looking forward to the next in series!

[zoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good, but I got bored with the long chapters, there were unnecessary things, and it wasn't enjoyable. The characters were sweet, but the length of the story weighed heavily on my mind.
I truly don't understand how she could hate him so much, be pregnant with his baby, and then at the end of the book confess to loving him... It's silly. Enemies become lovers, I don't know, it seems to me as though they weren't even enemies, but rather someone she knew and fell in love with.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 21%
I have practically zero nice things to say about this book up to this stopping point. If this author decides to go back to her Savage Society of Emerald Hills series, hopefully with less feminist BS then this book had, then I'll definitely/happily read it. Otherwise no thanks.

[Nineette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasen and his pink queen bee

I enjoyed this couple and how they got to know each other better beside their business rivalry. Love how Kasen never protested when she send him on wild
Grocery runs.

[mrsplantagenet · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️s

❤️FMC was strong but not annoyingly stubborn
❤️ hot MMC who worshipped FMC (as it should be)
❤️ Definitely low angst
❤️ Interesting plot, creative start to the book
❤️ accidental pregnancy books are my jam, sue me, it was well done

10/10 recommend

[delusioanal | emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one ends and we get a little glimpse of this couple so I was excited for it, especially to get to know Kasen better after meeting him as Clovers brother. I just love a surprise pregnancy book and then to add the accidental marriage to the mix, I ate this up!!

Loved Wren how she thrived in a such a male dominated industry. Related to the way she struggled to lean on Kasen because she had been raised to never rely on a man. Getting to read her slowly let him in and let him take care of her and their child. The way he was immediately all in and doing everything in his power to please her.

My only complaints were the millennial humor and something about him being called “beanie boy” gave me the ICK. Plus, this being labeled as enemies to lovers feels wrong. More like rivals to lovers.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

very heavy on the 2010’s potland nostalgia #flannelsandcraftbeer

[ClaudiaR · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9 ⭐️

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Wren and Kasen story. This two started as not being so friendly. But with one night and a little nine months on his way it change of the way they felt for one another. And with reluctantly on their parts they got their ever after.

[Abby Idoux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Fairly typical.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is a sweetheart. While the story leaned more toward a predictable, Hallmark-style romance than I anticipated, it was still an ok read. The plot was extremely light, with a focus more on the sweet romantic elements than on storytelling.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two fight like cats in a bag as my grandma would say. So, of course, they are low key attracted to each other. The universe decides to throw a curveball at them when they are in Vegas for an industry thing. Getting drunk, getting married and celebrating said marriage looks like a disaster in the cold light of their hangover. When two pink lines completely blindsides Wren, she knows she has to tell Kasen, no matter how hard that is. This was definitely a slower burn story, they both have scars from their pasts that require a slower pace. The universe keeps putting them together and it was so fun watching their walls start to crumble. I hope we see more of them in future books, I didn't get enough of them as a full on couple and new parents. A very fun read, can't wait to see their friend Reed fall next!