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Baby for the Bad Boy: A Forbidden Second Chance Romance
303 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 4, 2026
ARC honest review…
I had the opportunity to have an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it; however, I don’t feel the blurb I read for the book really fit the story.
I loved the mystery/thriller aspect of the story, the developing second chance romance between Cole and Brynn, and the story as a whole was pretty swell.
Some of the timing/age reference really confused me and didn’t make sense and there was a little repetition in scenes and words…
With that being said, I’d still recommend the book and give it 4 stars.
I had the opportunity to have an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it; however, I don’t feel the blurb I read for the book really fit the story.
I loved the mystery/thriller aspect of the story, the developing second chance romance between Cole and Brynn, and the story as a whole was pretty swell.
Some of the timing/age reference really confused me and didn’t make sense and there was a little repetition in scenes and words…
With that being said, I’d still recommend the book and give it 4 stars.
March 1, 2026
Heartwarming second chance romance with surprise pregnancy 🤰🏻
4⭐️ 2🌶️ REVIEW: 📖 BABY FOR THE BAD BOY 📖 by Gia Hartley ✨ This is my third book by Gia Hartley, and I love that I know her books will have strong heroines and protective ‘I’ll burn the world down’ heroes. This is my favorite book so far because it has my favorite tropes - second chance and surprise pregnancy 🤰🏻. We get tension, angst, pining, dual POV, and flashbacks to their past. Everything they never dared to want finally is in reach. The ending was so, so good. Touched my heart. ❤️ And the Epilogue was beautiful. Chefs kiss 🤌🏻
Brynn Archer is back in her hometown after losing her job and fiancé in New York. Her grandmother passed away and left Brynn the town’s Community Center. It’s falling apart but her nana’s last wish was for Brynn to make it matter. Cole Garrett is the construction manager. She hasn’t seen him in 10 years, not since he left her without an explanation. Cole was in prison for 5 years (he took the fall to clear his father’s debts). She feels everything deeply but hides her fear with a sharp tongue and an ‘I don’t need anyone’ attitude. He doesn’t think he’s good for her - not then, and not now. The town thought he was trash. He keeps her at arm’s length to protect her. He’s always felt alone - like he isn’t allowed to have someone or something good in his life. 🥺 Finally he lets himself be happy and knows he deserves to be loved.
❤️ He talks to her belly 🫠
❤️ He reads pregnancy 🤰🏻 books 📚 🥹
Favorite quotes:
This girl. This impossible, beautiful, brave girl. She saw all my broken pieces and wanted me anyway. I didn't deserve her. I knew that.
Because that's what you do when someone threatens the only person who ever made you want to be better than your worst day. You stand guard. Even if she never knows you're there.
And now I'm standing in her grandmother's building, aching for her like the last ten years never happened, knowing I should stay away and completely unable to do it.
"I love you. I have loved you every single day for ten years. In that cell. In my truck. In my dreams. Every day, Brynn. Every single day."
"Mine. Say it again."
"Yours. I'm yours, Cole. I've always been yours.”
I would burn the world down for this woman. Would lay down my life without a second thought.
I think about everything that led to this moment. The prison. The parole. The years of believing I didn't deserve anything good. And now here I am --- free, in love, home.
"I love you. You know that, right?"
"I know."
"Good. Don't forget it."
"Never."
Read this if you like:
*Second chance romance
*Forbidden
*Surprise pregnancy
*Brother’s best friend
*Forced proximity
*It’s always been you
Content warning: prison, childhood trauma
Does Gray, Brynn’s brother, have a book? Will he get a book? I’m thinking with Brynn’s friend, Avery. 🤔
4⭐️ 2🌶️ REVIEW: 📖 BABY FOR THE BAD BOY 📖 by Gia Hartley ✨ This is my third book by Gia Hartley, and I love that I know her books will have strong heroines and protective ‘I’ll burn the world down’ heroes. This is my favorite book so far because it has my favorite tropes - second chance and surprise pregnancy 🤰🏻. We get tension, angst, pining, dual POV, and flashbacks to their past. Everything they never dared to want finally is in reach. The ending was so, so good. Touched my heart. ❤️ And the Epilogue was beautiful. Chefs kiss 🤌🏻
Brynn Archer is back in her hometown after losing her job and fiancé in New York. Her grandmother passed away and left Brynn the town’s Community Center. It’s falling apart but her nana’s last wish was for Brynn to make it matter. Cole Garrett is the construction manager. She hasn’t seen him in 10 years, not since he left her without an explanation. Cole was in prison for 5 years (he took the fall to clear his father’s debts). She feels everything deeply but hides her fear with a sharp tongue and an ‘I don’t need anyone’ attitude. He doesn’t think he’s good for her - not then, and not now. The town thought he was trash. He keeps her at arm’s length to protect her. He’s always felt alone - like he isn’t allowed to have someone or something good in his life. 🥺 Finally he lets himself be happy and knows he deserves to be loved.
❤️ He talks to her belly 🫠
❤️ He reads pregnancy 🤰🏻 books 📚 🥹
Favorite quotes:
This girl. This impossible, beautiful, brave girl. She saw all my broken pieces and wanted me anyway. I didn't deserve her. I knew that.
Because that's what you do when someone threatens the only person who ever made you want to be better than your worst day. You stand guard. Even if she never knows you're there.
And now I'm standing in her grandmother's building, aching for her like the last ten years never happened, knowing I should stay away and completely unable to do it.
"I love you. I have loved you every single day for ten years. In that cell. In my truck. In my dreams. Every day, Brynn. Every single day."
"Mine. Say it again."
"Yours. I'm yours, Cole. I've always been yours.”
I would burn the world down for this woman. Would lay down my life without a second thought.
I think about everything that led to this moment. The prison. The parole. The years of believing I didn't deserve anything good. And now here I am --- free, in love, home.
"I love you. You know that, right?"
"I know."
"Good. Don't forget it."
"Never."
Read this if you like:
*Second chance romance
*Forbidden
*Surprise pregnancy
*Brother’s best friend
*Forced proximity
*It’s always been you
Content warning: prison, childhood trauma
Does Gray, Brynn’s brother, have a book? Will he get a book? I’m thinking with Brynn’s friend, Avery. 🤔
February 15, 2026
I really enjoyed the story of Cole and Brynn. From their beginning as teenagers to getting reacquainted later. Their story is one of growth and sweet second chances.
After a night together, Brynn wakes to find Cole gone and a two word note on a Post It. She spends the next decade trying to rebuild from that heartbreak.
Cole left Brynn to try and save his father. But he ended up in trouble and spent five years in jail as a result.
Now they are working together, rebuilding the community center Brynn's grandmother left to her. Together they overcome a lot, their own uncertainty and self doubt, and outsiders who don't want them to succeed.
Gia Hartley writes a book that you will not regret reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After a night together, Brynn wakes to find Cole gone and a two word note on a Post It. She spends the next decade trying to rebuild from that heartbreak.
Cole left Brynn to try and save his father. But he ended up in trouble and spent five years in jail as a result.
Now they are working together, rebuilding the community center Brynn's grandmother left to her. Together they overcome a lot, their own uncertainty and self doubt, and outsiders who don't want them to succeed.
Gia Hartley writes a book that you will not regret reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2026
I am obsessed with Miss Hartley's books.
I am devouring one after the other, and she does not disappoint!
The plot is amazing, the deapth of the characters so well written you feel like you've known these people your whole life! It's like reading about your friends! The side characters are just as well developed as the main characters (Ricky makes you want to reach into the book and give him some dinner and a hug, poor boy; and Gray? I need his book ASAP)
Cole is perfection, and Brynn is a strong FMC that never backs down from a fight.
I loved this book.
I am devouring one after the other, and she does not disappoint!
The plot is amazing, the deapth of the characters so well written you feel like you've known these people your whole life! It's like reading about your friends! The side characters are just as well developed as the main characters (Ricky makes you want to reach into the book and give him some dinner and a hug, poor boy; and Gray? I need his book ASAP)
Cole is perfection, and Brynn is a strong FMC that never backs down from a fight.
I loved this book.
February 7, 2026
Beautiful book! Cole was broken at the beginning, but I fell in love with him quickly. He loved her fiercely and with all of his heart. I smiled and cried at some of those tender moments. The ending was perfect.
March 23, 2026
Wow Brynn and Cole are strong and amazing characters, They get a second chance after ten years, This is filled with drama, and lies but strong chemistry still after ten years and lies, I really loved this one,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
Big, BIG Feels and swoon had my heart aching viciously even as I fell completely in love with Cole and Brynn. Their story is swoony, tragic, heart melting and very moving.
February 20, 2026
unworthy or hopeful
Brynn and Cole, what will become of them, fighting for her Nana’s legacy. Will they get it done, will their friendship become more. Read this wonderful read.
Brynn and Cole, what will become of them, fighting for her Nana’s legacy. Will they get it done, will their friendship become more. Read this wonderful read.
August 22, 2026
This is my second book from this author and I have really enjoyed it as well. A great story line and enjoyable characters.
I’m looking forward to to the next!
I’m looking forward to to the next!
February 18, 2026
This story had my emotions all over the place. From happy to sad to extremely angry. It pretty much covered them all. I really enjoyed getting to know both Cole and Brynn. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I couldn't help but root for them to get their HEA. This book has action, romance, unconditional love and heart breaking betrayal. The most gut wrenching part of the story is summed up in one sentence, I wish I had answered the phone. It absolutely broke my heart. I did loved Cole's humor!! This is an amazing story that takes you from broken to amazing love. I highly recommend.
February 8, 2026
Baby for the Bad Boy is an emotional, second‑chance romance with heart, heat, and real stakes. Cole is a compelling redemption hero—an ex‑con fighting to rebuild his life—and Brynn is a strong, determined heroine trying to save her grandmother’s community center while confronting a past she never truly escaped. Their long‑simmering connection and unresolved history add depth and tension to every interaction.
The story blends romance with suspense, social issues, and genuine emotional weight, especially in its portrayal of trauma and healing after incarceration. While some dialogue felt repetitive and the darker elements weren’t entirely my personal taste, the book is well written, engaging, and delivers a satisfying HEA. If you enjoy forbidden second‑chance romance with danger, redemption, and steam, this one is worth the read.
The story blends romance with suspense, social issues, and genuine emotional weight, especially in its portrayal of trauma and healing after incarceration. While some dialogue felt repetitive and the darker elements weren’t entirely my personal taste, the book is well written, engaging, and delivers a satisfying HEA. If you enjoy forbidden second‑chance romance with danger, redemption, and steam, this one is worth the read.
February 5, 2026
A beautiful story overall, just with a rough start for me and Brynn - I did not vibe with her in the beginning and thought she felt a little flat. However by a quarter of the way into the story? Brynn had grown on me. Loved the dynamic between Brynn and Cole from the start.
My heart was breaking hearing Cole’s story, especially when Ricky came into the story as well. Tears everywhere!!!
Thought the backstory with Cole and Romain was very interesting and fun to read. My favorite POVs were Cole’s!
Really loved how Brynn’s grandmother was incorporated and still felt like a “main character” despite her passing.
The initial sex scene was very sweet and tender; I’m glad it didn’t happen right away. Felt like perfect timing.
Overall a relatively quick and easy, but still fun and interesting, read.
My heart was breaking hearing Cole’s story, especially when Ricky came into the story as well. Tears everywhere!!!
Thought the backstory with Cole and Romain was very interesting and fun to read. My favorite POVs were Cole’s!
Really loved how Brynn’s grandmother was incorporated and still felt like a “main character” despite her passing.
The initial sex scene was very sweet and tender; I’m glad it didn’t happen right away. Felt like perfect timing.
Overall a relatively quick and easy, but still fun and interesting, read.
February 3, 2026
Love that was declared as teenagers! Scandal strikes within the family and he gets caught up defending her family. Does he miss his chance? Will they find their way back to one another?
"I'm done chasing you. I'm done waiting for you to decide if I'm worth the risk. If you want me — really want me — then you're going to have to actually choose me. Not halfway. Not when it's convenient. All the way. And if you can't do that, then we're done.’
Will they get their happily ever after?
I enjoyed this book! It was romance, spice and mystery all in one. It had a great storyline. The characters had great banter. Everything you want in a good read!
"I'm done chasing you. I'm done waiting for you to decide if I'm worth the risk. If you want me — really want me — then you're going to have to actually choose me. Not halfway. Not when it's convenient. All the way. And if you can't do that, then we're done.’
Will they get their happily ever after?
I enjoyed this book! It was romance, spice and mystery all in one. It had a great storyline. The characters had great banter. Everything you want in a good read!
February 4, 2026
Bad boys, second chance lovers, small town romance all blend together seamlessly in this well written book. And in some suspense and intrigue and you got a book that you can’t put down and characters who wish you knew in real life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and look forward to reading more of this author’s works!
January 31, 2026
What a marvelous adventure that Brynn and Cole are about to take you on
when you start to read this hard to put down best friend's little sister romance book right here. EEEK I was really excited to see that Gia had a new romance book out and boy oh boy what a marvelous job she did creating this 5/5-star book. There is something sexy about the way the man on the cover is looking at you it's like he can see right into your soul. I can't recommend this book enough because OMG it's one HOT and STEAMY read with some surprises I loved.
when you start to read this hard to put down best friend's little sister romance book right here. EEEK I was really excited to see that Gia had a new romance book out and boy oh boy what a marvelous job she did creating this 5/5-star book. There is something sexy about the way the man on the cover is looking at you it's like he can see right into your soul. I can't recommend this book enough because OMG it's one HOT and STEAMY read with some surprises I loved.
February 2, 2026
This was an ARC I received and a new author for me. This book had all the feels and emotions along with lots of chemistry and love. The MFC was strong and the MMC was not afraid of showing his emotions or sharing his heart. Plot was mysterious and very well executed. Will def read more of this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews