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CLAIMING HIS BABY
AN OFFICER... AND NOT A GENTLEMAN. After months of communicating long-distance, Audrey Williams’ boyfriend, Daniel, has finally come to visit her. He’s a Marine officer serving in the Middle East. He’s the embodiment of her fairy tale Tall, dashing, heroic, a modern-day knight, the man she’s been waiting for all her life. He's her one and only true love. Finally, she will have her own happy ending! When Major Zak Underwood’s twin brother, Daniel, is killed in action in the Middle East, a part of him dies, too. All he wants is to go back to the war zone and spill more enemy blood. But his brother has left him a letter asking him to do one important to deliver the sad news to Daniel’s fiancee in person. The truth is, he doesn’t care about his brother’s very young girlfriend. He always thought Daniel was nuts for falling in love with a woman he hadn’t met in person. But he can’t say no to a dead man’s last wish. So here he is now, face to face with Daniel’s fiancee. Her face lights up in the most breathtaking smile he’s ever seen in his life. When she throws herself into his arms and shyly plants a sweet kiss on his lips, he forgets what he’s come here for. And when she calls him ‘Danny’ in this breathy voice, her eyes awash with emotion and so much love… he doesn’t correct her. God forgive him, but he wants to take his brother’s place. __________________________________________________________________________ This is a STAND-ALONE novel with a very alpha hero and an innocent but feisty heroine. When they meet, it’s INSTA-LOVE with a twist, lots of hot action between the sheets and a baby, to boot! Did I say hot action? Yeah, like exploding-kindle kinda hot. If you’re allergic to cream, cheese and cherries, steer clear of this one. But if you want to have some sugar rush and high-blood-pressure hotness all the way to a bangin’ HEA, dive in!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2016
37 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 10, 2017
5 ++ EMOTIONAL STARS
Arabelle Rae has does it again.
She just knows how to write about powerful emotions, and she has a way of making the characters come to life. They feel real, and as a result, I feel for them.
When the hero or heroine were grieving, I was too.
Also, I loved that the hero was strong but he could cry. Hell, even when she was killing him with her words, he was amazing considerate and understanding.
I just loved Zak!
At first he was all about the corps and his brother.
"I had one other love, and it always came first. Unfortunately. My love for my brother. My twin brother who was full-on obsessing about a woman he hadn’t even met."
However, after his brother dies and he is confronted with the heroine and they share a kiss, his priorities quickly change.
"So sweet. So fucking good. This was the kiss that innocent young boys and lonely men dreamed of. All-consuming. Transforming. I felt like layers of desert filth were melting away from my body, from my soul, exposing me. The real me."
The heroine described him as
"He was the embodiment of my fairy tale fantasies. Dashing, heroic, a modern-day knight. I was glad I’d waited for someone like him. It was all worth it."
He was a fantastic hero and my new book husband.
Also, It was so refreshingly unexpected the way he would take her orders from her in bed! It was a very very nice change of pace. Actually, they took turns.
It was a very balanced sexual relationship with loads of smoking hot sex scenes and some tender loving making.
For me, this book had it all!
It was emotional.
With both of the two MC's receiving letters from beyond the grave. This just ripped your heart out.
Also, the way the hero and heroine reacted to his death.
Not to mention, when the heroine find out the truth.
"Audrey, I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”
"Haven’t you done enough?! Get out!”
"Please, forgive me. I love you.”
"I don’t love you! I love Danny!”
She could have just killed me. God, that hurt.
God, her words just ripped the heart out of me. She had every right to be mad but in her blind grief, she was truly cruel.
Yes, for once the woman does not roll over and accepts a simple one line apology. She is making him work for it.
YOU GO GIRL! Just not too hard, Please!
It was extremely hot.
"Taste how delicious you are.” She sighed and licked my lips “Oh, Zak.” “Now, I want my cock balls deep in your tight pussy.”
“You belong to me now. Me. Remember my face. Every part of me. Me, Audrey!”
"Yes. Please, Zak, give me a baby. I want your baby.”
My cum burned in my balls. I’d give it all to her, make her pregnant with my seed.
And it was funny!
I was laughing between emotional and sex scenes.
"Uhm, you’re very, very hard, officer, and it’s definitely not an underwood,” she commented with a straight face, gliding her hands along the length of my shaft.
I chuckled. She was so quick-witted.
They had a chemistry and found humour in their everyday situation.
To me, their humour was just so unexpected!
JUST LOVED EVERY FREAKING MINUTE OF THIS BOOK!
It even had an EPIC EPILOGUE.
Worth a read and a reread.
I am keeping this one.
I know, right?
It's such a shocker...NOT REALLY.
You will not be disappointed if you read this one.
I would recommend it to anyone!
Without a doubt, I will be reading more from this author.
Arabella Rae, this is your second book and you have knocked it out of the park again!
BRAVO!
I will be anxiously awaiting for your next published work.
For me, your books are FANTASTICALLY REAL RAW AND PASSIONATE.
Arabelle Rae has does it again.
She just knows how to write about powerful emotions, and she has a way of making the characters come to life. They feel real, and as a result, I feel for them.
When the hero or heroine were grieving, I was too.
Also, I loved that the hero was strong but he could cry. Hell, even when she was killing him with her words, he was amazing considerate and understanding.
I just loved Zak!
At first he was all about the corps and his brother.
"I had one other love, and it always came first. Unfortunately. My love for my brother. My twin brother who was full-on obsessing about a woman he hadn’t even met."
However, after his brother dies and he is confronted with the heroine and they share a kiss, his priorities quickly change.
"So sweet. So fucking good. This was the kiss that innocent young boys and lonely men dreamed of. All-consuming. Transforming. I felt like layers of desert filth were melting away from my body, from my soul, exposing me. The real me."
The heroine described him as
"He was the embodiment of my fairy tale fantasies. Dashing, heroic, a modern-day knight. I was glad I’d waited for someone like him. It was all worth it."
He was a fantastic hero and my new book husband.
Also, It was so refreshingly unexpected the way he would take her orders from her in bed! It was a very very nice change of pace. Actually, they took turns.
It was a very balanced sexual relationship with loads of smoking hot sex scenes and some tender loving making.
For me, this book had it all!
It was emotional.
With both of the two MC's receiving letters from beyond the grave. This just ripped your heart out.
Also, the way the hero and heroine reacted to his death.
Not to mention, when the heroine find out the truth.
"Audrey, I’m sorry. God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”
"Haven’t you done enough?! Get out!”
"Please, forgive me. I love you.”
"I don’t love you! I love Danny!”
She could have just killed me. God, that hurt.
God, her words just ripped the heart out of me. She had every right to be mad but in her blind grief, she was truly cruel.
Yes, for once the woman does not roll over and accepts a simple one line apology. She is making him work for it.
YOU GO GIRL! Just not too hard, Please!
It was extremely hot.
"Taste how delicious you are.” She sighed and licked my lips “Oh, Zak.” “Now, I want my cock balls deep in your tight pussy.”
“You belong to me now. Me. Remember my face. Every part of me. Me, Audrey!”
"Yes. Please, Zak, give me a baby. I want your baby.”
My cum burned in my balls. I’d give it all to her, make her pregnant with my seed.
And it was funny!
I was laughing between emotional and sex scenes.
"Uhm, you’re very, very hard, officer, and it’s definitely not an underwood,” she commented with a straight face, gliding her hands along the length of my shaft.
I chuckled. She was so quick-witted.
They had a chemistry and found humour in their everyday situation.
To me, their humour was just so unexpected!
JUST LOVED EVERY FREAKING MINUTE OF THIS BOOK!
It even had an EPIC EPILOGUE.
Worth a read and a reread.
I am keeping this one.
I know, right?
It's such a shocker...NOT REALLY.
You will not be disappointed if you read this one.
I would recommend it to anyone!
Without a doubt, I will be reading more from this author.
Arabella Rae, this is your second book and you have knocked it out of the park again!
BRAVO!
I will be anxiously awaiting for your next published work.
For me, your books are FANTASTICALLY REAL RAW AND PASSIONATE.
December 23, 2016
4.5 'Life works in mysterious ways' Stars
Review to follow...
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Review to follow...
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
December 24, 2016
I adore a pure innocent heroine and an alpha possessive hero so I loved this book. I loved the steamy love scenes and the virginal heroine and the crazy in love hero. What I didn't like was heroine's reaction to hearing the truth. She said some cruel words to Zac and I'm not sure I forgive her! But other than that I couldn't put this book down. I cried so many times!
dnf
December 23, 2016I try not to write reviews on books I haven't finished unless there is a pretty good reason... I could have used this heads up, so here's a warning for anyone else who may want to know this information before jumping into the book.
Safety Spoilers
Cheating?
short answer
long answer
Violence?
short answer
long answer
HEA?
I thought this would be (at worst) one of those 'fall in love with a soldier's brother' type of romances like the movies Pearl Harbor or Brothers... which I'm not really a fan of that type of dynamic anyway. I simply have yet to see it done in a really compelling way. At the same time, I understand that people bond over mutual loss.
That being said, this is a whole different level of...
Safety Spoilers
Cheating?
short answer
long answer
Violence?
short answer
long answer
HEA?
I thought this would be (at worst) one of those 'fall in love with a soldier's brother' type of romances like the movies Pearl Harbor or Brothers... which I'm not really a fan of that type of dynamic anyway. I simply have yet to see it done in a really compelling way. At the same time, I understand that people bond over mutual loss.
That being said, this is a whole different level of...
December 28, 2016
*** since there are two copies of this book on GR, and I was like where did my review disappear.. here it is!***
Pretty frekkin effing AWESOME!
I really really loved this one!
Daniel is in love with his pen pal Audrey. His twin brother Zak is skeptical.
When Daniel dies in war, and Zak goes back to deliver news to his online "fiancé"; he is left spellbound and takes Daniel's place by not telling her the truth.
Soon he wooes and marries her as "Zak", and when she finds out their world explodes.
So many feels with this one. I really enjoyed the chemistry and super hot sex scenes.
The only reason it's not a five star is because I really wanted Audrey to feel more for Zak. I felt she had way more feelings for Daniel, and her sudden love for Zak didn't convince me.(I'm sure she did fall in love, I wanted to read about it too- because all we read was Daniel Daniel throughout most of the book)
Safe read
4.5/5
Pretty frekkin effing AWESOME!
I really really loved this one!
Daniel is in love with his pen pal Audrey. His twin brother Zak is skeptical.
When Daniel dies in war, and Zak goes back to deliver news to his online "fiancé"; he is left spellbound and takes Daniel's place by not telling her the truth.
Soon he wooes and marries her as "Zak", and when she finds out their world explodes.
So many feels with this one. I really enjoyed the chemistry and super hot sex scenes.
The only reason it's not a five star is because I really wanted Audrey to feel more for Zak. I felt she had way more feelings for Daniel, and her sudden love for Zak didn't convince me.(I'm sure she did fall in love, I wanted to read about it too- because all we read was Daniel Daniel throughout most of the book)
Safe read
4.5/5
January 5, 2022
Oh wow, this was emotional 😥
December 20, 2021
4.5 stars
1st time author
Ok this was Intense!!! and i want more !!
1st time author
Ok this was Intense!!! and i want more !!
December 21, 2021
Wow. This really was pretty intense. And I’ve to add a first of its kind in my history of insta lust safe reads.
The h is a long-dist mail order girlfriend for a man recruited in Iraq. He longs to retire and run to his gf with a proposal so they can have their HEA. Things turn out pretty darn sour and the H has to clean up this mega mess. The H who is this man’s brother and identical twin. I was stumped by the situation..
This isn’t a long read but it certainly is an indulgent one. I loathed how the H takes advantage of what life situation is handed to him but I’d say he was most likely gutted himself and didn’t know how best to deal with anything. And so he does what a man could. He reaches out what his heart calls him to.
First time reading from this writer. I’m excited to see if I can find some other great ones! Recommend.
The h is a long-dist mail order girlfriend for a man recruited in Iraq. He longs to retire and run to his gf with a proposal so they can have their HEA. Things turn out pretty darn sour and the H has to clean up this mega mess. The H who is this man’s brother and identical twin. I was stumped by the situation..
This isn’t a long read but it certainly is an indulgent one. I loathed how the H takes advantage of what life situation is handed to him but I’d say he was most likely gutted himself and didn’t know how best to deal with anything. And so he does what a man could. He reaches out what his heart calls him to.
First time reading from this writer. I’m excited to see if I can find some other great ones! Recommend.
February 11, 2017
Well, that's behind me. Thank god. I seriously wanted to kill myself while reading this book. Or maybe not myself - killing the main ""hero"" would definitely bring me more satisfaction.
It was so bad I just couldn't bring myself to give even the two stars that is usually my minimum, beause really, I cannot support this book even with that "for the effort" star. Now, what was wrong with this book, you ask? I raise you a better question: what wasn't?
Let's do a check. You know, like the ones you do when you pack for vacation.
> was the hero a dick?
I'd say not telling the heroine her boyfriend was dead and then proceeding to pretend he was him definitely qualified. Especially since he was his brother, so check Now, I'm not saying - yes, it was in the blurb. What the blurb doesn't tell you, though is that the hero never tells her himself and she has to find out from his mother in 80 % of the book. Beautiful, right?
> was the hero a rapist?
Well, let's see, he slept with her when she thought he was someone else. You can can put it in the same box as sleeping with someone without the condom you both agreed on (or let's imagine, I dunno, I'm not saying a villain, but I'm also not saying it's not a villain - a character who, I don't know, has the magical ability to transform into people... now imagine this person putting on the face of someone's boyfriend and sleeping with them while they think he's actually their boyfriend. Rape, right? No supernatural element present here, but definitely basically the same thing). And let's not forget about that scene where she screamed at him to let her go and yet he was all like "I can feel she wants me haha" sure, there was no sex at that time, but he still touched her when she didn't want to be touched, so check
> was the hero saying things that made me want to puke?
Jesus, his goddamn "omg daniel do something so that I don't do this thing" attitude just pissed me off... Like dude, your dead brother has no power here. this is all on you. Also the whole thing with not telling her who he was - she had to find out from someone else. Don't tell me he just had no way of saying it to her, this was a deliberate action on his part not to tell her. So what that he "didn't want to ruin her happiness"?? that was not up to him to decide what she should and shouldn't know. Also, this beautiful sentence "She wouldn't be so cold-hearted as to divorce me when there is a child within our marriage" - but it's completely okay for him to be so cold-hearted as to pretend to be the man she loved? check
> was the hero doing things that made me want to puke?
Well... let's see... he married the heroine, got her with kid, so that he could have "leverage" on her when she finally did find out... you know who has leverages in relationships? abusers. check
> was the heroine kinda stupid?
he didn't remember she was a virgin and she doesn't even stop and think about how that's kinda weird... I mean, jesus. check
> was there a female in the heroine's life present so that she could tell heroine how she should forgive the hero for the shit he did?
I seriously hate this one. Why do the authors feel the need to do this. Zak went to Audrey's aunt, told her all what he did and the aunt's just like "oh dear... we gotta get you back together"?? I mean what... that fucker does not need her support. Audrey does. Jesus (I swear, this book might just make me find god with how many jesuses I'm throwing around here). check
> was there a completely stupid "omg zak is actually the love of my life" moment of revelation at the end?
Unfortunately check . I actually loved the heroine the first few pages after what she found out, because she was uncompromising, stopped taking any of his shit. But then they separated for a while and suddenly she was all like "omg there's a big hole in my heart... omg Zak was actually so, so generous and wonderful human being and I can't let my child grow up without a father!!" two things: no, he's the most selfish prick I've ever had the "pleasure" to read about in books. And I'm counting the villains. And two: yes, you absolutely can have your kid grow up without a father. You shouldn't put your justification, your needs on hold just because "the kid needs a father". The kid would have a father. Does not mean you have to suffer through life with him. (Not saying she was suffering, of course, the author wrapped everything with a pretty neat bow at the end - lol - but definitely a good life advice, especially when you have a support system thanks to which you don't need the prick)
> was there a complete disregard of the hero's brother's life?
Oh man... that is a big fat check with a cherry on top. Honestly, what the author did with this - The brother, Daniel, sends his identical twin, Zak, to comfort his fiancé. The first thing Zak does is he sleeps with her (okay, maybe third. After kissing her twice.). Now, he's racked with guilt, right, who wouldn't be! Except... Zak doesn't stop there, no. He decides to claim Audrey as his, wanting to completely obliterate his brother from her memory - ah, the sibling's love, huh? And then at the end, the author makes it seem as if the brother was actually playing matchmaker and this is what he wanted from the start. Like, that's what the hero and heroine came to. Like, no. Absolutely not. But, well, in the end, the author just managed to make Zak into a loving brother (lol, I'd kill my sister if she did what Zak did, I'm not even kidding) who just... loves... his brother... so... very... much... and just honors his memory... by banging his fiancé under the false pretenses that he is, in fact, Daniel. Ah yes. Loves his brother so much. Sure.
Okay, rant over. I'm going to go puke now.
(p.s. What I have to say, so that this isn't just completely negative, I was really disappointed with this, because I actually liked Rae's first book and her writing is actually pretty good. But this was just such a miss for me, so on top of a really shitty story, there's a big disappointment in it, too)
It was so bad I just couldn't bring myself to give even the two stars that is usually my minimum, beause really, I cannot support this book even with that "for the effort" star. Now, what was wrong with this book, you ask? I raise you a better question: what wasn't?
Let's do a check. You know, like the ones you do when you pack for vacation.
> was the hero a dick?
I'd say not telling the heroine her boyfriend was dead and then proceeding to pretend he was him definitely qualified. Especially since he was his brother, so check Now, I'm not saying - yes, it was in the blurb. What the blurb doesn't tell you, though is that the hero never tells her himself and she has to find out from his mother in 80 % of the book. Beautiful, right?
> was the hero a rapist?
Well, let's see, he slept with her when she thought he was someone else. You can can put it in the same box as sleeping with someone without the condom you both agreed on (or let's imagine, I dunno, I'm not saying a villain, but I'm also not saying it's not a villain - a character who, I don't know, has the magical ability to transform into people... now imagine this person putting on the face of someone's boyfriend and sleeping with them while they think he's actually their boyfriend. Rape, right? No supernatural element present here, but definitely basically the same thing). And let's not forget about that scene where she screamed at him to let her go and yet he was all like "I can feel she wants me haha" sure, there was no sex at that time, but he still touched her when she didn't want to be touched, so check
> was the hero saying things that made me want to puke?
Jesus, his goddamn "omg daniel do something so that I don't do this thing" attitude just pissed me off... Like dude, your dead brother has no power here. this is all on you. Also the whole thing with not telling her who he was - she had to find out from someone else. Don't tell me he just had no way of saying it to her, this was a deliberate action on his part not to tell her. So what that he "didn't want to ruin her happiness"?? that was not up to him to decide what she should and shouldn't know. Also, this beautiful sentence "She wouldn't be so cold-hearted as to divorce me when there is a child within our marriage" - but it's completely okay for him to be so cold-hearted as to pretend to be the man she loved? check
> was the hero doing things that made me want to puke?
Well... let's see... he married the heroine, got her with kid, so that he could have "leverage" on her when she finally did find out... you know who has leverages in relationships? abusers. check
> was the heroine kinda stupid?
he didn't remember she was a virgin and she doesn't even stop and think about how that's kinda weird... I mean, jesus. check
> was there a female in the heroine's life present so that she could tell heroine how she should forgive the hero for the shit he did?
I seriously hate this one. Why do the authors feel the need to do this. Zak went to Audrey's aunt, told her all what he did and the aunt's just like "oh dear... we gotta get you back together"?? I mean what... that fucker does not need her support. Audrey does. Jesus (I swear, this book might just make me find god with how many jesuses I'm throwing around here). check
> was there a completely stupid "omg zak is actually the love of my life" moment of revelation at the end?
Unfortunately check . I actually loved the heroine the first few pages after what she found out, because she was uncompromising, stopped taking any of his shit. But then they separated for a while and suddenly she was all like "omg there's a big hole in my heart... omg Zak was actually so, so generous and wonderful human being and I can't let my child grow up without a father!!" two things: no, he's the most selfish prick I've ever had the "pleasure" to read about in books. And I'm counting the villains. And two: yes, you absolutely can have your kid grow up without a father. You shouldn't put your justification, your needs on hold just because "the kid needs a father". The kid would have a father. Does not mean you have to suffer through life with him. (Not saying she was suffering, of course, the author wrapped everything with a pretty neat bow at the end - lol - but definitely a good life advice, especially when you have a support system thanks to which you don't need the prick)
> was there a complete disregard of the hero's brother's life?
Oh man... that is a big fat check with a cherry on top. Honestly, what the author did with this - The brother, Daniel, sends his identical twin, Zak, to comfort his fiancé. The first thing Zak does is he sleeps with her (okay, maybe third. After kissing her twice.). Now, he's racked with guilt, right, who wouldn't be! Except... Zak doesn't stop there, no. He decides to claim Audrey as his, wanting to completely obliterate his brother from her memory - ah, the sibling's love, huh? And then at the end, the author makes it seem as if the brother was actually playing matchmaker and this is what he wanted from the start. Like, that's what the hero and heroine came to. Like, no. Absolutely not. But, well, in the end, the author just managed to make Zak into a loving brother (lol, I'd kill my sister if she did what Zak did, I'm not even kidding) who just... loves... his brother... so... very... much... and just honors his memory... by banging his fiancé under the false pretenses that he is, in fact, Daniel. Ah yes. Loves his brother so much. Sure.
Okay, rant over. I'm going to go puke now.
(p.s. What I have to say, so that this isn't just completely negative, I was really disappointed with this, because I actually liked Rae's first book and her writing is actually pretty good. But this was just such a miss for me, so on top of a really shitty story, there's a big disappointment in it, too)
February 7, 2017
This book hit a nerve. Hard.
I didn't care for the heroine at all and I hated the hero. And I mean, HATED. It was pure hatred. I can't even remember a character I hated so much. He reeked of cowardice, dishonesty and deception. And those are not the traits I like in heroes who are presented as good and caring people.
I'm going to sum it up. And write some thoughts that helped me "process" this book.
And we were supposed to love this hero? Hell to the no!
I didn't care for the heroine at all and I hated the hero. And I mean, HATED. It was pure hatred. I can't even remember a character I hated so much. He reeked of cowardice, dishonesty and deception. And those are not the traits I like in heroes who are presented as good and caring people.
I'm going to sum it up. And write some thoughts that helped me "process" this book.
And we were supposed to love this hero? Hell to the no!
Read
December 18, 2018It was just not right for me.
He lied, he lied, he lied.
He betrayed his brother IMO.
If only he had told her the truth from the beginning...
And such lines as
Pride is the ultimate detriment to happiness
are quite the opposite of my nature.
He lied, he lied, he lied.
He betrayed his brother IMO.
If only he had told her the truth from the beginning...
And such lines as
Pride is the ultimate detriment to happiness
are quite the opposite of my nature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2016
Pretty frekkin effing AWESOME!
I really really loved this one!
Daniel is in love with his pen pal Audrey. His twin brother Zak is skeptical.
When Daniel dies in war, and Zak goes back to deliver news to his online "fiancé"; he is left spellbound and takes Daniel's place by not telling her the truth.
Soon he wooes and marries her as "Zak", and when she finds out their world explodes.
So many feels with this one. I really enjoyed the chemistry and super hot sex scenes.
The only reason it's not a five star is because I really wanted Audrey to feel more for Zak. I felt she had way more feelings for Daniel, and her sudden love for Zak didn't convince me.(I'm sure she did fall in love, I wanted to read about it too- because all we read was Daniel Daniel throughout most of the book)
Safe read
4.5/5
I really really loved this one!
Daniel is in love with his pen pal Audrey. His twin brother Zak is skeptical.
When Daniel dies in war, and Zak goes back to deliver news to his online "fiancé"; he is left spellbound and takes Daniel's place by not telling her the truth.
Soon he wooes and marries her as "Zak", and when she finds out their world explodes.
So many feels with this one. I really enjoyed the chemistry and super hot sex scenes.
The only reason it's not a five star is because I really wanted Audrey to feel more for Zak. I felt she had way more feelings for Daniel, and her sudden love for Zak didn't convince me.(I'm sure she did fall in love, I wanted to read about it too- because all we read was Daniel Daniel throughout most of the book)
Safe read
4.5/5
February 19, 2017
4/5
Hot military insta love romance. Safe read!!
Was not huge fan of the plot, the whole taking the twin brothers identity thing... but regardless it was a really great book!!
A little to much push and pull for me ( though it was totally understandable considering the situation).
For me personally I'm one of those readers that likes "the one and only true love". So like both characters have never loved anyone else in their lives until they met each other......
But over all... I read in one sitting!!! And at the end of the day a hot alpha Insta love book that is safe is all I can ask for.
I will definitely check out her other book, and her future ones as well!!
Hot military insta love romance. Safe read!!
Was not huge fan of the plot, the whole taking the twin brothers identity thing... but regardless it was a really great book!!
A little to much push and pull for me ( though it was totally understandable considering the situation).
For me personally I'm one of those readers that likes "the one and only true love". So like both characters have never loved anyone else in their lives until they met each other......
But over all... I read in one sitting!!! And at the end of the day a hot alpha Insta love book that is safe is all I can ask for.
I will definitely check out her other book, and her future ones as well!!
December 27, 2021
Umm........nawww.......
I REALLY wanna love it.
But can't.
That whole Daniel fiasco was like that........that small grain of rice that gets stuck in your teeth, and after you have devoured the WHOLE delicious food........it STILL annoys you.
🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
Check out Chitra's review(spoiler included)-
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
June 14, 2020
3.5 stars
January 5, 2017
From the moment I had seen this cover and then blurb , I was blown away.! The storyline and the characters were amazing . It starts with two twin brothers named Zak and Daniel who are soldiers . They have seen some crazy shit and have done some crazy stuff as well .
It all starts when the heroine sends a care package to solider's and would you guess who she got , she got one of the brothers named Daniel . These two hit it off and start a relationship through letters and it then escalates to more .
Then a tragedy happens and we are hit with a huge rush of emotions , that made me a blubbering mess .
Zak the twin brother to Daniel is then sent to inform Audrey of what has happens . Let's just say when Zak sees her , he wants her . Zak plays along and pretends to be Daniel .
Things escalate real quickly and I am sure your thinking why hasn't he told her , what is going to happen when she finds out ? To find out you need to read this book . You will not be disappointed . This book was amazing and I love what this authors creates .
Get reading ladies !!
It all starts when the heroine sends a care package to solider's and would you guess who she got , she got one of the brothers named Daniel . These two hit it off and start a relationship through letters and it then escalates to more .
Then a tragedy happens and we are hit with a huge rush of emotions , that made me a blubbering mess .
Zak the twin brother to Daniel is then sent to inform Audrey of what has happens . Let's just say when Zak sees her , he wants her . Zak plays along and pretends to be Daniel .
Things escalate real quickly and I am sure your thinking why hasn't he told her , what is going to happen when she finds out ? To find out you need to read this book . You will not be disappointed . This book was amazing and I love what this authors creates .
Get reading ladies !!
January 6, 2017
"Claiming His Baby" A Modern Day Knight Novel" by author Arabella Rae.
My Rating: 5+++ Stars
From reading the synopsis I knew this book would be amazing, packed full of emotions. Boy oh boy did I cry! There were several moments in the book that caused my tears. And, there were several moments that made me smile. "Claiming His Baby" had all the "feels" I look for in that "perfect" novel. This is Arabella's second novel. I really liked the first, "Guarding His Baby." However, "Claiming His Baby" was even better.
Zak Underwood and Audrey Williams.....
Zak is military; a decorated marine currently on active duty overseas. Zak's twin brother, Daniel is as well. Zak and Daniel are as close as twins could be and more. Their love for each other was touching. They would unconditionally do anything for each other. Daniel met a woman through mail. When Audrey sent a care package to a random soldier, Daniel was the lucky recipient. Daniel and Audrey became close and actually fell in love without ever actually meeting in person. They got engaged and planned to spend their lives together. Daniel was only three months away from retirement when the unthinkable happened.
After reading a letter he found in Daniel's back pack, Zak takes a short leave and flies to where Audrey lives. To where she is waiting for Daniel. At his brother's request, Zak will tell Audrey that Daniel is gone. He will console her then be on his way. But when Zak sees Audrey for the first time, something strange and confusing awakens inside of him. Audrey is so happy to see him, obviously believing he is Daniel. Zak doesn't want to correct her. Especially after she kisses him. Zak realizes he wants Audrey to look at him with the same love and devotion she obviously has for "Daniel."
I don't want to give away the rest of the story. I will say that you will experience a rollercoaster of emotions. My heart absolutely broke for both Audrey and Zak. I chewed my nails waiting for the moment Audrey learns of Zak's deception. That moment? It was poignant and tragic and I was definitely freaking out!
Despite Zak's dishonestly, I understood why he did what he did. Also, I truly believe Zak and Audrey getting together was intervention from Heaven. From Daniel. I felt Daniel's presence many times throughout the book. So many tears.... This novel was written so well.
If I had a complaint about this book, it would be that I wish it were longer. I didn't want it to end. Even after the epilogue, I needed more.
Awesome 5 Stars!!! I totally recommend this book. It's one you won't want to miss out on. Arabella Rae is definitely an author to watch.
One of the happiest endings I ever read.
Total book boyfriend...Zak... <3
My Rating: 5+++ Stars
From reading the synopsis I knew this book would be amazing, packed full of emotions. Boy oh boy did I cry! There were several moments in the book that caused my tears. And, there were several moments that made me smile. "Claiming His Baby" had all the "feels" I look for in that "perfect" novel. This is Arabella's second novel. I really liked the first, "Guarding His Baby." However, "Claiming His Baby" was even better.
Zak Underwood and Audrey Williams.....
Zak is military; a decorated marine currently on active duty overseas. Zak's twin brother, Daniel is as well. Zak and Daniel are as close as twins could be and more. Their love for each other was touching. They would unconditionally do anything for each other. Daniel met a woman through mail. When Audrey sent a care package to a random soldier, Daniel was the lucky recipient. Daniel and Audrey became close and actually fell in love without ever actually meeting in person. They got engaged and planned to spend their lives together. Daniel was only three months away from retirement when the unthinkable happened.
After reading a letter he found in Daniel's back pack, Zak takes a short leave and flies to where Audrey lives. To where she is waiting for Daniel. At his brother's request, Zak will tell Audrey that Daniel is gone. He will console her then be on his way. But when Zak sees Audrey for the first time, something strange and confusing awakens inside of him. Audrey is so happy to see him, obviously believing he is Daniel. Zak doesn't want to correct her. Especially after she kisses him. Zak realizes he wants Audrey to look at him with the same love and devotion she obviously has for "Daniel."
I don't want to give away the rest of the story. I will say that you will experience a rollercoaster of emotions. My heart absolutely broke for both Audrey and Zak. I chewed my nails waiting for the moment Audrey learns of Zak's deception. That moment? It was poignant and tragic and I was definitely freaking out!
Despite Zak's dishonestly, I understood why he did what he did. Also, I truly believe Zak and Audrey getting together was intervention from Heaven. From Daniel. I felt Daniel's presence many times throughout the book. So many tears.... This novel was written so well.
If I had a complaint about this book, it would be that I wish it were longer. I didn't want it to end. Even after the epilogue, I needed more.
Awesome 5 Stars!!! I totally recommend this book. It's one you won't want to miss out on. Arabella Rae is definitely an author to watch.
One of the happiest endings I ever read.
Total book boyfriend...Zak... <3
January 30, 2017
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: h is 23 and H is 39
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
Quite surprised with the storyline and how it all worked out. I would've thought that Audrey would've been mad at him a lot longer but I guess sex helps.
Ages of H and h: h is 23 and H is 39
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
My Thoughts
Quite surprised with the storyline and how it all worked out. I would've thought that Audrey would've been mad at him a lot longer but I guess sex helps.
January 4, 2017
2.5 stars. Not much on page relationship development between Hero and heroine. A lot of telling, off page, and time gaps. Sex wasn't that steamy. Great break up, reuniting, and epilogue. Wonderful intertwined relationship between identical twin brothers.
August 27, 2017
Loved this book! I understand this may not be everyone's cup of tea bc of the hero's actions (doesn't tell the heroine about his brother's death) but idk I loved this book. I devoured this book in one sitting. Can't wait to read more from this author.
December 4, 2025
Plot twist: The "claiming" in the title refers to claiming his dead brother’s entire life? I was DONE.
August 10, 2023
4 stars
wow, that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was conflicted at first with my own feelings for Daniel and the heroine, the twin brother who pasted away did seem like a wonderful person who deserved loved and who did genuinely love the heroine in return. It was hard to get that part not gonna lie. The hero however (Zak) was definitely a bit harder to love at first, he was douchy and mean but then would fight himself to make the heroine happy despite everything that was going on. It was a bitter sweet story, i did want more from the epilogue and everything that happened AFTER the drama, like seeing sweet moments and bit more chapters of there happily ever after. Just a really good story and this one, surprisingly was religious friendly, typically authors of romances like these ones aren’t very kind when it comes to talks of religion. it was refreshing to see a heroine who is (presumably) religious and isn’t made out to be a hypocrite. This whole story was just really nice and refreshing, a good romance, a good grovel/redemption arc, well written and rounded characters. just amazing.
Virgin heroine that cares deeply and truly for saving herself. ex manwhore hero who grows up after meeting the heroine
slow insta/insta?
age gap
military
angst
misunderstanding
om drama (heroine was in love with the hero’s brother at first, a lot of arguments and development because this) slight ow drama? (a woman was i think fitting with the hero? i wasn’t sure wether she was being nice or flirty but the hero didn’t pay any kind to her, he was just being polite i think?)
no protection (but the consent was quite dubious since the heroine THOUGHT she was sleeping with the hero’s brother)
HOT
slight stalking
time skips (a month, a week, and a few days all scattered around)
gets married early on
grovel
cry
heartbreak
second chances
bittersweet
safe
hea
epilogue w/kid and labor (plans to have more kids)
spicy lvl 4/5
WANTED MORE 😭
wish was longer
(good but wouldn’t read again NOT BECAUSE I DONT LIKE IT but because idk if i can put myself through a bittersweet story like this)
wow, that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I was conflicted at first with my own feelings for Daniel and the heroine, the twin brother who pasted away did seem like a wonderful person who deserved loved and who did genuinely love the heroine in return. It was hard to get that part not gonna lie. The hero however (Zak) was definitely a bit harder to love at first, he was douchy and mean but then would fight himself to make the heroine happy despite everything that was going on. It was a bitter sweet story, i did want more from the epilogue and everything that happened AFTER the drama, like seeing sweet moments and bit more chapters of there happily ever after. Just a really good story and this one, surprisingly was religious friendly, typically authors of romances like these ones aren’t very kind when it comes to talks of religion. it was refreshing to see a heroine who is (presumably) religious and isn’t made out to be a hypocrite. This whole story was just really nice and refreshing, a good romance, a good grovel/redemption arc, well written and rounded characters. just amazing.
Virgin heroine that cares deeply and truly for saving herself. ex manwhore hero who grows up after meeting the heroine
slow insta/insta?
age gap
military
angst
misunderstanding
om drama (heroine was in love with the hero’s brother at first, a lot of arguments and development because this) slight ow drama? (a woman was i think fitting with the hero? i wasn’t sure wether she was being nice or flirty but the hero didn’t pay any kind to her, he was just being polite i think?)
no protection (but the consent was quite dubious since the heroine THOUGHT she was sleeping with the hero’s brother)
HOT
slight stalking
time skips (a month, a week, and a few days all scattered around)
gets married early on
grovel
cry
heartbreak
second chances
bittersweet
safe
hea
epilogue w/kid and labor (plans to have more kids)
spicy lvl 4/5
WANTED MORE 😭
wish was longer
(good but wouldn’t read again NOT BECAUSE I DONT LIKE IT but because idk if i can put myself through a bittersweet story like this)
December 24, 2016
I've been waiting to read this story with biting impatience! It. Is. Gorgeous.
The first two chapters are devoted to Zak's life as a professional soldier, his missions in Iraq and all the mental and physical circumstances of such a life. He's committed to the cause, yet his love for his twin brother pulses through every page. So when tragedy severs their bond, you can feel the devastation.
This man is in such a tragic state of mind that it's not hard to understand and forgive him when he reacts to Audrey the first time he sees her with all guilty, passionate, selfish possessiveness.
It's scene after scene of heart-pounding sweetness and need on both parts. And then he commits the unthinkable sin and betrays his brother, and OMG, it's insanely hot and rough and primal! I'm blushing form head to toes :-D
He experiences many new and intense things, and even though he's deceiving poor, in-love-Audrey, it's so exciting the way it all happens. Until the truth explodes in the middle of their bliss...
Oh, that splitting pain was in full force in every word and every struggle of both Zak and Audrey. He wants to gain her love back and she's mourning the life she thought she had and the lies he's inflicted on her. It's amazing to read and feel. It's dramatic love at its finest.
I enjoyed the previous novel by this author, but this one is so much more emotional and deeper as well as being equally hot and sensual. It's a story about changing your life, letting go of past dreams to fulfill new ones with the person you love, it's about true love and second chances born out of loss and meaningful growth. I love the sexy part, of course, which only punctuates the provocative premise of this soldier who learns to love wholeheartedly thanks to a brother and a good woman. Perfect.
It seems that the author has more great ideas coming our way, and I can't wait to read all of them!
The first two chapters are devoted to Zak's life as a professional soldier, his missions in Iraq and all the mental and physical circumstances of such a life. He's committed to the cause, yet his love for his twin brother pulses through every page. So when tragedy severs their bond, you can feel the devastation.
This man is in such a tragic state of mind that it's not hard to understand and forgive him when he reacts to Audrey the first time he sees her with all guilty, passionate, selfish possessiveness.
It's scene after scene of heart-pounding sweetness and need on both parts. And then he commits the unthinkable sin and betrays his brother, and OMG, it's insanely hot and rough and primal! I'm blushing form head to toes :-D
He experiences many new and intense things, and even though he's deceiving poor, in-love-Audrey, it's so exciting the way it all happens. Until the truth explodes in the middle of their bliss...
Oh, that splitting pain was in full force in every word and every struggle of both Zak and Audrey. He wants to gain her love back and she's mourning the life she thought she had and the lies he's inflicted on her. It's amazing to read and feel. It's dramatic love at its finest.
I enjoyed the previous novel by this author, but this one is so much more emotional and deeper as well as being equally hot and sensual. It's a story about changing your life, letting go of past dreams to fulfill new ones with the person you love, it's about true love and second chances born out of loss and meaningful growth. I love the sexy part, of course, which only punctuates the provocative premise of this soldier who learns to love wholeheartedly thanks to a brother and a good woman. Perfect.
It seems that the author has more great ideas coming our way, and I can't wait to read all of them!
June 19, 2025
3.6 ⭐
Este libro fue una grata sorpresa, entre sin esperar nada y salí con una historia que me sacó un par de lágrimas.
Daniel es un cacho pan aparece apenas en el libro pero cuando aparece me hizo realmente lamentar que estuviera muerto, era un buen chico y el mejor casamentero.
Zak es un hombre que me conflictua porque y alerta de spoiler Pero no todo es malo en él realmente no parte desde un lugar malo, ella los confunde y él se ve incapaz de sacarla de su error pero creo que con él la frase que más aplica es la de "El camino al infierno está pavimentado de buenas intenciones".
Aún así no negaré que aprecie el final feliz entre él y Audrey y que al final el deseo de Daniel de una u otra forma de pudiera cumplir con su hermano retirado y su mujer feliz.
Tópicos
Guerra de Vietnam, Solados, Muerte, Mentira/Confusión, Superar una pérdida, Happily Ever After, Embarazo, Breeding kink, Dirty Talk
Este libro fue una grata sorpresa, entre sin esperar nada y salí con una historia que me sacó un par de lágrimas.
Daniel es un cacho pan aparece apenas en el libro pero cuando aparece me hizo realmente lamentar que estuviera muerto, era un buen chico y el mejor casamentero.
Zak es un hombre que me conflictua porque y alerta de spoiler Pero no todo es malo en él realmente no parte desde un lugar malo, ella los confunde y él se ve incapaz de sacarla de su error pero creo que con él la frase que más aplica es la de "El camino al infierno está pavimentado de buenas intenciones".
Aún así no negaré que aprecie el final feliz entre él y Audrey y que al final el deseo de Daniel de una u otra forma de pudiera cumplir con su hermano retirado y su mujer feliz.
Tópicos
Guerra de Vietnam, Solados, Muerte, Mentira/Confusión, Superar una pérdida, Happily Ever After, Embarazo, Breeding kink, Dirty Talk
June 10, 2023
Danny es un militar . Audrey es la chica con la que se habla.
Tienen todo un futuro planeado, boda, bebés una nueva vida
Pero no todo es color de rosa en una guerra. Pronto el hermano gemelo de Danny se ve envuelto en el último deseo de su amado hermano
Las palabras de Daniel me perseguían.
Cuando me encuentre con Dios, y realmente espero que lo haga porque sé que siempre he sido un buen tipo en mi corazón, le diré que te de más tiempo para que hagas las cosas correctas dentro de ti
mismo antes de que él te reclame de nuevo. Tengo plena fe en ti, Zak. Sé lo que realmente eres por dentro.
Daniel, perdóname. Sé que lo harás. Me amas más. Yo sé eso. Tengo la sensación de que querías que esto sucediera, y ahora aquí estoy, tan pronto me he enamorado y tan profundo, y tengo miedo.
Ayúdame. Pídele a Dios que la haga amarme también.
Tienen todo un futuro planeado, boda, bebés una nueva vida
Pero no todo es color de rosa en una guerra. Pronto el hermano gemelo de Danny se ve envuelto en el último deseo de su amado hermano
Las palabras de Daniel me perseguían.
Cuando me encuentre con Dios, y realmente espero que lo haga porque sé que siempre he sido un buen tipo en mi corazón, le diré que te de más tiempo para que hagas las cosas correctas dentro de ti
mismo antes de que él te reclame de nuevo. Tengo plena fe en ti, Zak. Sé lo que realmente eres por dentro.
Daniel, perdóname. Sé que lo harás. Me amas más. Yo sé eso. Tengo la sensación de que querías que esto sucediera, y ahora aquí estoy, tan pronto me he enamorado y tan profundo, y tengo miedo.
Ayúdame. Pídele a Dios que la haga amarme también.
December 24, 2016
I'm wondering who I can bribe on GR to give us an option for more than five stars, because this book deserves more! This was my second read by Arabella and I have I say that I am firmly attached to her books. This one especially. This wasn't your typical run of the mill instalove book. This story had depth and so much emotion. I have to admit I cried during a few parts of this book. That's how touching it was. On the other hand the hotness factor was off the charts! The hero went beyond the normal to keep this woman...and all it took was one kiss and he couldn't turn back. *swoon* I could really get behind more books like this from Arabella...I was getting pretty bored with the usual Ott instalove so this was like a breath of fresh air!
July 19, 2017
mmm.. amos a los militares; obvio mientras que no sean Venezolanos; eso ni su mama lo quiere. Bueno respecto al libro; no es un gran libro, pero me gusto bastante; demasiado. Son eso libros de niño que te gusta leer sin importar la edad y lo que piense lo demas porque son libros que ya saben lo que al final va a suceder pero igual lo lee porque te encanta.
Arabella Rae es una gran escritora, disfruto bastante su historia, y lo que me encanta de ella que son corta y tienen un final feliz.
Arabella Rae es una gran escritora, disfruto bastante su historia, y lo que me encanta de ella que son corta y tienen un final feliz.
October 7, 2017
The story started as a little bit an action thingy and I’m somehow kinda lost at first as I’m not much into action stuff but it was enough to somehow give me a view of how the character was in to. From being the soldier that brotherly and ofcourse how the hero meet the heroine.. I like how the hero shows his soft side despite his naturally manly character.. it’s not to gayish.just right..drama and a lot of sexy stuff...
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