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The Baby Saga #5

His Lullaby Baby

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Nothing ever happens by accident.

Ex-combat search and rescue officer Toby McClain had seen all aspects of humanity in his ten years of service until friendly fire took him out of action. But bitterness was something Toby could never do. He was alive. He had his family and, after being ambushed by a door, he had his eyes on the sexy new innkeeper.

Adelaide Nixon had felt the burn of love once already. It was a mistake that cost her six years of her life. It was a punishment she never wanted to feel again, especially when there were two little people who depended on her to keep them safe. The last thing she wanted or needed was the attention of a guy whose family kept the gossip mills turning.

But no secret ever stays hidden in a place like Willow Creek. Even as Toby breaks through Addy’s walls, a new threat comes to town, leaving her no choice but to put more than her heart in Toby’s hands and trust him not to destroy her.

438 pages, Unknown Binding

First published September 28, 2015

14 people are currently reading
330 people want to read

About the author

Airicka Phoenix

64 books1,835 followers
Airicka Phoenix is a multi genre author of dark contemporary & dangerous paranormal romance starring sassy female leads and sexy alpha heroes.

For more on Airicka visit: www.airickaphoenix.com

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5 stars
150 (48%)
4 stars
109 (35%)
3 stars
36 (11%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for rj.
740 reviews344 followers
November 10, 2015
Holy cow. I feel like I deserve an award for finishing this and not DNFing, lol. This was sooooo long!! A good chunk could have been cut off and it would've been much better.

So, this is about Addy who is hiding out in a small town with her two children from her abusive ex. In comes Toby and he starts worming his way into their hearts. The three stars are solely for Toby and her 2 children, who were beyond adorable, especially little Hanna. Addy just drove me crazy! Toby was nothing but a freaking Saint with the way he was so patient and loving with her. It takes her forever to finally open up to him.

Then there's the fact that this is a ridiculously long book in which barely anything happens -__-

Oh and I fucking hated Beth and her judgmental ass. Now I have another reason to never read her book.
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,255 reviews515 followers
January 7, 2021
Spoilers ahead, 3* with a bump because I'm ALL about devoted H's in 2021

Unfortunately I've already started a book I'd been looking forward too so I'm going to short change this review lol.

I enjoyed this one very much but it's clear that it was dragged out and it got a bit frustrating. I spent much of the book waiting for Addy to reveal her past
Toby was another fantastic H, kudos to this author for delivering devoted Heroes.
The kids, especially Hanna were my favourites in this book
I didn't like Beth's judgemental bs



No cheating
h had a very heartbreaking backstory and was on the run from her scumbag ex who returned and attacked her



*****Am I drunk or was Damon's sister called Charlotte in the previous book but she was named Rosie here??? Did the editor and beta readers fall asleep or am I crazy???
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
October 4, 2017
I don't have the words to properly describe my love for this entire series. This author has a direct hotline to my romance loving heart. Simply loyal characters and plots that are so emotional and satisfying that I just couldn't put them down .
And to add that this author has the best alpha heros ever.

I'm kinda sad this series is over but so thankful I was lucky to discover it


Totally safe read
Slow burn with epic burn when it started.
Profile Image for French Press Bookworm Blog.
948 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2018
I loved the build of this story. It was instant but also a bit of slow burn since our H didn’t immediately get to the heart of things. My only complaint is at times it did feel like it dragged. I wanted more time with the couple sharing moments and sweet words. I also felt like the words I want you... got kinda old hearing. But I did enjoy this one ❤️
27 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2015
Loved this. Cant wait to see if Airicka does any on the children's stories :-)
Profile Image for Anaïs.
436 reviews35 followers
February 14, 2016
This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books

2.5 out of 5 Stars

His Lullaby Baby is the story of Toby McClain, another character from the McClain clan, which readers of the Baby Saga will already know a little about, as he is the son of Beth and Cole McClain. Toby is back in his hometown of Willow Creek as he has been accidentally shot in the army and suffers from severe pain in his hip. Soon, he meets inn-owner Addy Nixon and her 2 children, and is absolutely enthralled by her – to the point that he offers to help her with repairs for her inn in exchange. While the attraction between the two is very noticeable, Addy’s past prevents her from getting to close to Toby.

His Lullaby Baby (what a weird and unrelated title – let it be said) is Book 5 in the Baby Saga which seems to just go on from generation to generation. It also mean that there’s always a huge family history behind all characters and that makes the whole picture quite complicated. While the author does her best to explain how all the characters are related (or not related…) it still gets quite confusing some times, especially since this book encompasses 3 generations.

I’ve read every single book in this saga and must say that with every book, the author gets more polished in terms of writing style and vocabulary. The storylines also become more polished and less flat; and the characters become less impulsive. And in His Lullaby Baby , the story definitely has several angles which make it enjoyably complex, and the characters have more mystery to them (even characters which you thought you knew, like Toby’s mother Beth).

However, one of the things which totally did not work for me in this book was the pace. It was horrendously slow. The plot took AGES to unfold and it feels like it was always sidetracked by something (namely: antics from the rest of the ever-present McClain clan). It was great to see all those characters again, but at times it was just too much.

There was such a huge buildup where the plot was concerned, and when the shoe finally dropped, it wasn’t such a huge thing. There was maybe also a lot of unnecessary drama. And same thing goes for the relationship between Toby and Addy: huge tension buildup, and poor execution which happens VERY late in the book (if you get my meaning).

So all in all, while this could have been a great story, I just spent most of my time on this book in a totally bored state, so I can’t really recommend it…

   



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Profile Image for Sienna Logan (Lost to Books).
1,063 reviews20 followers
October 23, 2015
Actual rating 4.5

I have no idea what it is about this series that has captivated me and kept me coming back for more. In theory I should hate it because of the kid angle. I'm not a fan of small towns who are up in everyone's business, young children, and relationships between parents. However, in this series each book is more endearing than the next and so I've been excited to read His Lullaby Baby.

Just like all of the other books in this series it held my interest and had me unable to put it down. It was a cute read that although has its tough moments, was mostly a heartwarming read of a woman overcoming her past and learning to love.

I admired Addy. Although her past is a little predictable, she's a hard character not to like--and so were her kids. Their little family was isolated until Toby enters their life and turns it upside down. I like that even then she still wanted to do things for herself and not take advantage of him or his family.

Similarly, I enjoyed reading Toby's persistence. He slowly broke down Addy's walls and gained her trust. Just like all of the other guys in his family he had a good heart and was an all round good guy. I will admit it took me until around 20% to remember who he was. The McClain's family tree is confusing as hell, but I got there in the end...I think. Just don't ask me to explain it, you're on your own for that.

As for the story, it's a heartwarming read. Some of it is predictable, but it's a gentle book that I got swept up in. The whole life of the town, closeness of the family, and tightness of the relationships drew me in.

Overall another great instalment. If you like sweet reads you'll want to check this series out.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,917 reviews17 followers
October 24, 2015
It's little bit slow, since u know what the lines r, u just wait when the time Addy spoke the true to Toby, how she end her marriage with the bad guy. U just keep waiting.

It's little bit unexpected that Beth wasn't being nice in the story, because she is mother wants her son all the best n thought about Addy was not the good for Toby.

The rest just like the same, pushing Calla, The old men r still nice n sweet.
Profile Image for Chelsea Fulbright.
27 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2020
Good story, bad editing

I want to start with saying I really enjoyed this book and series. I liked getting to read a grown up Toby after meeting him in Damon and Willas book. It was really hard to get past the name inconsistencies, misspelled words, etc. I would definitely rate the book higher if those weren't there.
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,859 reviews31 followers
October 25, 2015

description









" You enthral me, enchant me, absolutely mesmerize and infuriate me"

I received His Lullaby Baby by Airicka Phoenix in exchange for an honest review. This is my 5 amazingly, brilliant star review for this story. I truly and immensely enjoyed this book. It was very funny, sweet and loving. It had everything to make it an outstanding story. Strong family bonding, it was very funny, there was even a little suspense and some mild action towards the end. Some parts of the story were heart breaking and even deals with some tough subjects. One of my favourite part of this book was the kids. Hannah is so adorable. The author focuses a lot on family.

Toby is a an injured war veteran who literally gets knocked on his butt by Addy. Airicka created a very humorous character with this one. She had me laughing out loud numerous times for the better part of the story. Toby is a fun , loving, joyful kind of guy who falls for Addy and her kids. He will do anything in order to protect them and keep them at harms way.
Addy is a "sweet" loving mother of 2 children. She's hiding from her past. Toby is her future. Together they will deal with her demons. The progression of their relationship was slow and steady and I appreciated that. I don't like rush.

I loved this book very much. It's highly entertaining and addictive. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down for very long. This book grabbed me and didn't let go until the very last page. The author created remarkable characters that will be hard to forget. The writing, the pace and the plot was well thought out. I love this series and it as heart. I love the real emotions I feel while reading this book even though they are fictional.

I strongly recommend this book. For better enjoyment, I would recommend reading the entire series in order. It's still a standalone but all of the characters from the preceding books come back and play major parts in this one. There is so much that happens in the first books that sets this story up. Although it could be read alone and as an HEA. Her previous titles are worth your time and money. I hope to see more of this series in the future.
Profile Image for Ann-Marie.
20 reviews
October 20, 2015
I really loved this series. I first came across His Forever Baby I think last year or the start of this new year. I read it in a day. I seriously loved it. Months passed and I decided it was time to re-read His Forever Baby then found out their was a second book! Bye Bye Baby was the second book that instantly became my favorite book of all times. I've read it about 6 times now.

I thought after that it was over but little did I know this was slowly becoming a five book series. Thank god!! And once I found out it was about the second generation McClain I knew I was in for a ride of my life.

Each book had it's own story that all came down to a family who loved unconditionally. You didn't have to be apart of their family to be loved that way. Damon, Jared, Beth, Lily, Rosie, and now Addy and her kids where bought into the McClain family as if they were always apart of the family. It was as if they were born to be loved by the two McClain brothers.

I know this review should be about this current book, which features our last McClain man Toby. Their so much to say about Toby. We knew he was a special person from Always Your Baby, but it was so small that you might have missed his presence. I didn't but I know others have. His love for his family and then Addy is so similar to his father Cole's love for Beth.

Not to give any spoilers but I really was mad at Beth for a really long time reading this book. At one point I even throw my phone down and said "I hate you so much, Beth!" I took a five minute break from reading. She wasn't the same woman I related to so closely in Bye Bye Baby. No more spoilers. I'm still a little hurt by her but still love her.

Addy is pretty strong. It's pretty amazing the things she live though and how she cared for her family. Sean my god I loved him. I had a good laugh with his interaction with Toby. I definitely love Hanna and Toby interaction he always seem to just go wherever her little mind went. Even though Addy was strong and honestly seemed unbroken Toby slowly started loving her and then you really saw her weak side. She really went though hell and back on her own. lt was only when Toby was literally hit by Addy that she really started to live again.

Overall this series is a must read. At this time all the books are 99 cents. Spend the $5 for all the books. Trust me you will not regret it.
Profile Image for Kimberly Schaaf.
126 reviews23 followers
October 16, 2015
The feelings that I have toward the McClain clan are some of the most intense I have ever felt towards a “book” family. So, when Airicka announced that His Lullaby Baby would be the last installment in the Baby Saga, I was a cluster of emotions. Excited, Anxious, Happy, Sad…you name it and this book took me through it.

His Lullaby Baby is Toby McClain’s story. Toby is the youngest brother of Calla (Be My Baby) and Damon McClain (Always Yours, Baby). Honorably discharged from the military after being accidently shot by one of his fellow officers, Toby is a wanderer in the town of Willow Creek. Partially living out of the home of his parents, Beth and Cole from Bye- Bye Baby, but mostly crashing on the couch in the apartment of his best friend Mark’s. Toby is desperately trying to heal both physically and mentally from what he endured in combat.

A chance encounter with a beautiful stranger in town turns Toby’s world upside down. Introducing Abby Nixon. The elusive new owner of the local bed and breakfast literally knocks Toby off of his feet the first time they met. The connection that they both feel is super intense and one that neither of them can forget.

Long-story short, Toby works his way into the life and home of Abby and her two children, Sean and Hanna. Honestly, two of the most memorable child supporting characters that Ms. Phoenix has ever written. I absolutely fell in love with both of them.

Abby has a past that I wouldn’t wish on any person. Letting Toby become a part of her world takes not only time, but strong emotional effort for Addy.

I don’t want to give too much away, but let me just say, this book has the perfect balance of unbelievable characters, engaging story-line, book boyfriend hotness (both new and revisited by the rest of the McClain clan), and steam. A bit less risqué than some of the other books in the Baby Saga, but still enough to keep you begging for more.

While I am super sad to see the end of an era with His Lullaby Baby, I am anxiously awaiting what new and amazing stories and characters Ms. Phoenix has in store. Enjoy this amazing capstone to a fabulous series. The McClain family is one that will hold a special place in my heart always.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
October 31, 2015
I love Airicka Phoenix's writing, and there's not a book that I have read of hers that hasn't captivated me from the very beginning. His Lullaby Baby is not exception, as I LOVED it!

Ex-combat search and rescue officer, Toby McClain is home after a friendly fire injury that had him retiring too early. He's not bitter, although he does have some feelings about not working. One day, he gets hit by the door by the sexy new innkeeper, and all of a sudden his life takes on an exciting new path. Adelaide Nixon has demons from a past relationship that has cost her 6 years of her life. She refuses to be put in the situation ever again, so she's not dating anyone. As Toby breaks through her walls, and she's starting to trust him, her past comes up to bite her again. Will Addy be able to trust Toby enough to put her heart in his hands. and to protect her?

This is an awesome and emotional story. Character development is fantastic, with great secondaries that are easy to love as well. The well written, emotional storyline, flows effortlessly. Airicka Phoenix does an amazing job adding in well placed humor, that had me laughing quite a bit. Her talented writing style hooked me from the beginning, without letting go until I finished the book. Toby and Addy's chemistry is always on the edge of exploding which led to some SMOKIN HOT sexy scenes. Add in the suspense that kept my heart pounding, makes this book a 5 Star read for me. I'll always be waiting to read new books by this author as she's AWESOME, so I happily HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Mignon Mykel.
Author 87 books686 followers
November 19, 2015
4.5 / 5 stars

I had an opportunity to read a review copy of the title, but Impatient Imogene over here needed to buy it. Couldn't wait. Because while I loved the idea of the parents having books and then their kids having books, it was Damon's interactions with kid brother, Toby, that really had my heart going, and if there was one book I was dying to read, it was Toby's.

And pairing Toby with a single mom of not one, but two kiddos? Gosh, I loved this book.

Toby came home from war and he has some battle scars, internal and external. He does a really good job of staying positive and keeping his hurts to himself, though. He first meets Addy when she runs him down with a door -- and then when he's given nieces-and-nephews-to-riding-lessons duty, he encounters her again. Toby is definitely his brother's brother; signing up for riding lessons meant for children had me chuckling. Addy's son? Not so much (chuckling).

I loved Addy and I loved her kids -- Hanna was a doll. I loved that Sean knew some of the McClain's, and watching him fall into the family dynamics was great. I loved how accepting they ended up being.

I'm very said to see this series end. It was greatly written and the characters all felt extremely real. Kudos, Airicka, for a series well done. I can't wait to see what else you bring forward!
Profile Image for Marie.
256 reviews177 followers
April 30, 2016
4.5Stars
Toby McClain is home after a friendly fire injury has forced him to retire. Although he is not bitter about it he would of course much rather be working. Then he gets hit, literally, by the new innkeeper and things change. Adelaide had a relationship that was less than desirable so she has sworn off men. Just when Toby breaks through to Addy her past comes back to bite them in behind.

This was a very interesting read and the characters were well written. I enjoyed that all of the emotions possible were in this book including humor. The chemistry was off the charts and led to some very intense sex scenes. I was very pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Toby was the perfect alpha male while Addy had a strength about her that you could feel coming right off the pages. Abby's children were simply adorable as well.

This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link:.

A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Profile Image for Lilliana.
53 reviews46 followers
September 25, 2016
Airika wrote an amazing book, and I loved every second of it. Reading about Toby from the moment he was introduced, it was great to get to know the character more and see what an amazing man he is. From beginning to end we watch the characters develop and grow, and just like the other books, we have a way to relate to them. Addy’s story is dark and painful, and was something I could relate almost completely relate to. Hearing her story and seeing the strength she held through the book, even after the climactic moment, gave me hope, The McClain family stole my heart and I’m sad to see such a great series end. Willow Creek sounds like such a great place to live and I enjoyed feeling like I was part of it through all these books. I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and how the author chose to end the series. It all started with Sloan and Lily, and now Toby and Addy end it all with such an amazing heartfelt story. There is so much re-read value to these books, and I plan to do just that. I hope you’ll all give this, and all the other books a chance! I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
Profile Image for Nanette Bradford.
237 reviews19 followers
Read
October 20, 2015
In my opinion everything airicka phoenix writes is out of the park awesome. This series end is bittersweet but Toby and addys story is so worth the heartbreak.
If you've read this series you've already fallen in love witht the McClains. Their family is an oddity but the strength and love they have for each other is what holds them all together. Reading about them has made me want to be part of their family. Toby is the youngest and the last to leave the nest. I felt a bit dirty thinking how sexy this ex special forces Toby is. I mean damn.. He's built, he's tall, and he's got killer eyes. Bonus points... He's a man that takes care of his woman.. Who wouldn't think thats sexy? Toby and Addy both have their hidden demons to battle but with the McClains on their side how can they lose? Suspense, love, tears, a full package wraps up this series that will leave you begging Airicka for more. I tried believe me I tried.
824 reviews9 followers
October 27, 2015
This book will have you going through a whole round of emotions. You will cry, laugh, get angry, and try and survive the drama! This is the story of Toby and Addy and it is the perfect one to bring the series to a close. The McClains are a family that you would love to be a part of and if you weren't lucky to be part of them then just to hang out with them would be special. I loved that we were able to get glimpses of the family members from previous books and they all add to this story. The characters are each written so very well, from the main characters to the child characters. Addy is a special character to me because of her history and what she has come through and how she dealt with it. Great ending to a great series!
Profile Image for Kim Ginsberg.
Author 3 books29 followers
November 21, 2015
Toby McClain is back from being injured in the military. He gets his wits knocked out of him in more ways than one by one Addy Nixon. Addy has taken over the Inn near town and also gives horse riding lessons for extra money. They meet again when Toby is asked by Calla and Willa to take their kids for their lessons. Toby is surprised to find Addy there and tries like hell to get her to say yes to a date. Little does he know that Addy's past is dark and her secrets will come back to swallow them all if they let it. Find out how this saga ends in this awesome read!!!
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
October 19, 2015

Toby is such a sweetheart and he knows how to relieve tension, "the tension that had appeared along his jaw softened. His mouth bowed. “I wear my socks to bed and scratch myself at the dinner table.” He has a way with words, “now that I’ve been inside you,” he hissed into her ear while he pounded into her. “I am going to eff you every chance I get.” I love this series, the characters are always so lovable, and entertaining.
Profile Image for Stacy Dow.
326 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2015
Perfecting Ending For A Great Series

The last of The Baby Saga books was such a joy to read I struggled to put it down to get off the train. I loved the speed at which the story developed, Toby and Addy were such great leading characters, and it was great to catch up with some old favourites as well.
Profile Image for L.L. Hunter.
Author 105 books301 followers
October 26, 2015
This is the final instalment of the Baby Saga, and i think it's the best one yet! Toby and Addy are so cute. I like learning about Addy's past which was just horrible. But the thing I know about these books is there is always a happy ending. I'm sad to say goodbye to one my favourite literary families. If you haven't checked out these books, I urge you to right now!
Profile Image for Kelly w/ BOOKS to LUST BY.
71 reviews3 followers
Read
December 2, 2015
5 Stars

A must read from this author. Toby and Addy are amazing. Toby is all hot alpha and Addy is so sweet and shy. Together they are a perfect team.
* contains triggers for emotional abuse but is written in a way that makes the reader realize that anything can be overcome with love.
Profile Image for Tracy Lundy-Munn.
1,483 reviews
July 22, 2016
His Lullaby Baby is the fifth book in the Baby Saga series by Airicka Phoenix. Again, another solid book that has my attention from beginning to end. The characters were solid and well developed. Loved the depth, emotion and chemistry in both of the characters and storyline. Looking forward to more books by this author!!!
Profile Image for Virna.
3,175 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2016
So I read a little and stop until I finnish this, I did not care for the book, why is a cheesy drama story. I also thought the suspense part of the plot dropped in way too late and probably wasn't a necessary development but was mildly interesting and occasionally dragged. The character were ok. The only spot on was the relationship with her future mother in law.
Profile Image for Kathy.
56 reviews
November 1, 2015
I couldn't put this book down!

Loved this book. Airicka Phoenix has done it again. She transforms the story until you are a part of it. I couldn't put this book down. I had to see if Addy got her HEA. Read it and see.
Profile Image for Yasmin Vasquez.
1,154 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2015
Good

I enjoyed this book, I knew Toby was going to turn into a good strong man. I knew the woman that captured his heart was gonna be somebody worth saving. Addy never what hit her when she crashed into Toby then he crashed into her life.


Profile Image for Kelly w/ BOOKS to LUST BY.
71 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2015
A must read from this author. Toby and Addy are amazing. Toby is all hot alpha and Addy is so sweet and shy. Together they are a perfect team.
* contains triggers for emotional abuse but is written in a way that makes the reader realize that anything can be overcome with love.
Profile Image for Tina.
291 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2015
I absolutely loved this series!! I hate to see it end.
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