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Buckhorn Brothers #5.5

A Buckhorn Baby

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A sizzling new Buckhorn Brothers novella from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

If there's one thing headstrong bookstore owner Amber Hudson knows, it's how to get what she wants. And what she wants most is for Noel Poet, the hottest firefighter in Buckhorn, Kentucky, to finally admit they have a future together. But when life throws her an unexpected curveball, Amber must face the fact that she's set her sights on something that could be out of reach forever.

Noel might be head over heels for Amber, but he has no intention of letting her call all the shots. He's determined to play Amber's game his own way—and remind her that some things are worth fighting for. Yet when Amber gets the shock of her life, games are the last thing on his mind. Because now it's time to prove that old demons are no match for the happy-ever-after that could be theirs…

Don't miss the other titles in the Buckhorn Brothers series, including Buckhorn Beginnings, Forever Buckhorn, The Buckhorn Legacy, Buckhorn Ever After in the All For You anthology, Back to Buckhorn, A Buckhorn Summer and A Buckhorn Bachelor.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2017

288 people are currently reading
625 people want to read

About the author

Lori Foster

419 books11.7k followers
Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

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5 stars
456 (39%)
4 stars
403 (35%)
3 stars
226 (19%)
2 stars
56 (4%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
February 9, 2018
A Buckhorn Baby was Lori Foster’s ninth book in the Buckhorn Brothers series. It was another short and sweet novella.

Amber Hudson had been a staple character in every offspring book so far. She was a meddler, mostly in a good way, giving the necessary“shove out of the nest” so to speak for some of our favorite recent couples. We knew she was hot for Noel, her brother Garret’s fellow fireman, but we didn’t know the extent to their flirting and/or relationship until now.

Noel Poet was a fairly new addition to Buckhorn, Kentucky. He was gorgeous, quiet, and although subtle, all alpha male. He was the perfect match for the vivacious and controlling Amber. They were a couple but he knew how to keep Amber guessing and in the chase.

A Buckhorn Baby was a quick read. It was fun at times but also emotional at other times. Foster brought in a few external twists and secrets to add some intrigue and depth without adding cliched drama. It was great to finally see the full dynamics of how Noel and Amber meshed.

Additionally, Foster included all of the family - both from the original series as well as the current offspring. The bonding, protectiveness, and commitment to each other continued to make a great backstory to the core storyline. We still have a few cousins left to explore and I’m not sure where Foster will take us next, but regardless, I’m looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,660 reviews222 followers
May 2, 2019
This delightful romance and Buckhorn novella about the Hudson family is perfectly balanced. This novella was a quick read or, for me, listen, and just wonderful.

Amber Hudson had been dating Noel Poet for several months and is looking for more of a commitment from the handsome, hot firefighter or, at the least, she wants to know how he feels about marriage and having children - eventually, of course. Amber has it all planned out. Well, you know how well that can go, right.

Noel is the first to throw a spammer in Amber's plans, then fate hands them a gift and forces them to make a fateful decision.
Profile Image for Christa.
901 reviews82 followers
Read
August 24, 2017
I'm not sure how to rate this book. I didn't realize it was a novella. So after I figured out I wasn't a super speed reader (it was on my kindle, no page numbers), I was a little disappointed. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, so the other characters who have clearly had a full length novel were not that important to me.

The writing wasn't bad, and there was a very funny momentat the start that had me laughing.

I'll probably read another book by the author, maybe the start of a series, not a novella at the end.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,210 reviews74 followers
August 26, 2021
Nosy and over-protective family members abound as Amber and Noel butt heads over their future while an unexpected, but sweet, addition to the family is melting hearts left and right. A Buckhorn Baby is a cute addition to the Buckhorn series..I just wish it was a full length story!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,247 reviews589 followers
May 3, 2018
Fast & Satisfying Read

I love revisiting Buckhorn and seeing past characters. I especially enjoyed Amber finally getting her HEA with Noel.

A Buckhorn Baby was a quick, sweet & sexy read.
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,146 reviews16 followers
June 8, 2017
Amber and Noel have been seeing each other casually for a while. Amber decides she wants more and tries to persuade Noel (I am being kind in saying persuade) that they could have more. She claims not to want marriage but even she knows she is lying. Noel doesn't like to be strong-armed by anyone, including Amber. She was kind of overbearing at times and didn't even own it. When Noel tells her how he feels about children, she immediately gets her hackles up and doesn't question as to why he feels that way. All she knew is that he wasn't on the same page as her and she didn't like it. Enter some devastating news about a close friend of hers and Amber is suddenly a parent to a 15-month-old girl, June. Amber claims to be strong and yet no one can hug her, etc. or she will breakdown which is ridiculous. Noel forces his way into her life when she returns and doesn't let her attitude or snarky behavior deter him. He doesn't know why he is compelled to help her, he just knows he is. He steps up in a big way and, instead of nurturing it, Amber comes up with excuses to push him away. I was sick of her by the end. Noel suffered PTSD and needed some help coming to grips with it. Amber didn't even consider asking him why he moved to their town, etc. She only thought of herself for most of this book and I was not okay with that. I did like how Noel stepped up and Amber's brother shed some light on what she needed to do with Noel. It was a shame a 27-year-old needed advice on how to ask her boyfriend personal questions. The ending was nice and June seemed like an adorable little girl. Wished there was a bit more of an ending.
Profile Image for Maura.
3,883 reviews113 followers
August 13, 2017
Amber, who has been more or less interfering in the love lives around Buckhorn for most of her life is involved with Noel Poet. They haven't declared their love or anything, but things seem to be going well and they have undeniable chemistry. But things get tense when Amber announces her brother's baby news and Noel's panicky reaction (at the thought of it being her own news) is noticed and a conversation about babies and the future ensues. Noel insists that he never wants children and Amber does, but before they can conclude the conversation, Amber is called away on an emergency and comes back the legal guardian of a 15 month old. She's standoffish and pushing Noel away, knowing he won't want anything to do with her now, but Noel isn't' giving up on Amber so quickly. He loves Amber and isn't about to let motherhood stand in his way...especially when baby June is attaching herself to his heart as well.

I'd almost forgot that Amber's story still needed to be told. I never cared much for Amber in previous stories, so I wasn't all that excited to pick up this one, but being the series completionist that I am, I had to. I was ambivalent about the story as well. I liked Noel, with his determination and ability to step up and admit that he was wrong pretty admirable. I don't know that his reasons were 100% believable what with his absolute certainty at never, ever, ever having kids. I found Amber a bit annoying and prone to incorrect assumptions without any discussion whatsoever. June Bug was adorable and watching Noel bond with her pretty much hits you in the feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sue.
344 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2021
5 Stars for Buckhorn Baby
I fell in love with this family from book one (Sawyer) and each book makes me love them even more.

Ms. Foster did a fantastic job with Amber and Noel. Without giving anything away but just saying, my heart just melted through the whole book. I can't tell you how perfect Amber's character was written. The bonus was getting to visit with the whole family.

Absolutely another amazing addition to The Buckhorn's. Thank you Ms. Foster for this family. With each new book, I go back and re-read them all again, and again.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
June 10, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, Amber has been the force behind this generations matches, not sure there was going to be someone that could stand up to her. Noel was good right up until he spilled his secret, which turns out was a deal breaker for Amber. I wasn't sure that I wanted him to be able to explain things away, turns out he had good reasons for why, but his actions were better than his words. I loved seeing him create a special bond, one that seemed to confuse even himself, but it was the right thing to do for all of them.
33 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2017
Lovely story

Loved this story! But Lori, you can't leave me hanging like this! I want to read more about Amber, Noel and June Bug. Please revisit them. Tell us about their wedding and how they grow together as a family.
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
June 13, 2017
It's been awfully long since we have been to Buckhorn

Seems like forever since I've read a Lori Foster book of an kind,and even longer for a Buckhorn book. Somethings change, but never the great writing style of Ms Foster. From the first page to the last, she be we let's down.
Profile Image for Nancy.
627 reviews89 followers
January 29, 2018
I didn't realize this was a novella, so I went in expecting a full length novel where I could get to know the two main characters. That didn't happen.
I thought I'd accidentally clicked further ahead in my kindle.
I don't know, I don't think I'll be reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,354 reviews46 followers
June 15, 2020
Sad plot that brings baby June into Ambers life.
Felt it was lacking discussion and romance between Amber and Noel.
Amber has been pretty much an interfering pest in previous books. She is forgiven by everyone as they have their HEA’s.
I never cared much for Amber in the previous stories, so I wasn't all that bothered about reading her book but I do like to finish a series.
I liked Noel and how he was able to stand up to Ambers machinations.
He was also able to admit he had been wrong in stating he didn’t want kids ever. I don't know that his reasoning was believable but I do think he was suffering PTSD.
These two were seeing each other, having sex and basically in a relationship, no matter how casual. But Amber had never asked Noel WHY he had transferred to their little town from a big city, makes me think they are shallow and not committed.
June the baby was completely adorable and watching Noel bond with her was so sweet.
2,682 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2020
It's 2 short again!! It is really good but it's also sad about what happened. But it was good as usual how the family pulled 2gether 2 help in any way possible. But it's kinda funny how he figured out her plan at the beginning and kinda worked it toward his benefit.
Profile Image for April.
Author 12 books69 followers
October 28, 2021
Amber finally gets her story and who better to be hooked up with than Noel, a new transplant from Louisville! Fun story with some heartbreak too. I enjoyed this as my afternoon read!
I read the paperback that I purchased directly from the author at her sponsored event in 2019.
6 reviews
November 24, 2023
predictable but good reading

It was a short sweet read. If you read the series you know a bit about Amber and Noel. The story drags you in even though like jump scares in scary movies you know what to expect. I enjoyed the story.
692 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2024
A Buckhorn Baby

I am reading this series out of order but it is fine. The relationships are easy to figure out and make no difference in the readability of the story. Amber and Noel dance around each other until a tragedy happens. Read the story! It has a happy ending!
Profile Image for Jessica.
164 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2020
2.5 This couple was worth a full length novel. Bummed they didn't get one
Profile Image for Anne.
202 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2021
Fun addition to see the first baby from Morgan /sawyer and gang find her own love!! Exciting and entertaining!
10 reviews
September 7, 2021
Hunky guys and strong women, whst more could you want in a story? Lori Foster has created a place that is a wonderful place to come and visit whether for a long stay or a short visit.
470 reviews
April 16, 2023
another great one

This story was originally and had updates on a great family with every day things happening in their life. Onto the next one ❤️.
Profile Image for Sandy.
325 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2023
Touching quick read. I thought Noel’s reasoning for not wanting kids wasn’t strong enough for a fire fighter. Otherwise the story was cute and a good addition to the Buckhorn series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nancy.
572 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2025
Nancy

Another fun story with great characters and storyline , too!
This is a fun series to read, and I really enjoyed getting to know the entire family Thanks
Profile Image for Megan.
666 reviews60 followers
June 1, 2017
I swear Lori Foster never disappoints me! These "benefit books" she has been doing each summer are always fun, and the profits go to such a great cause! Plus, who doesn't want more of those Buckhorn boys (and girls!)?

Amber Hudson is the daughter of Morgan and Misty from the original Buckhorn series. She is vivacious, outgoing, and constantly meddling in her family's business. As they all do to her. She owns a bookstore, and she's become quite the successful matchmaker for her brother and cousins. She's always the one in charge, in life, and in her relationships in the past, but all bets were off when she met Noel Poet a couple books ago. He's gotten under her skin in a major way, and she likes him there just fine. But, something huge changes in her life quickly, and she doesn't know if he wants to be there for her.

Noel is a fireman, and he works with Amber's younger brother, Garrett. Noel's quiet, and intense, and he's made Amber chase him a bit, which she's never really had to do before. He knows just how to take charge with her, though he loves her strong personality. He is fairly new to the small town life, and he's a bit intimidated by her very large family, and how involved they are in each other's lives. He likes them all, and they seem to like him, but he's not sure how to really fit in with them. He and Amber have been keeping it pretty casual, and neither of them have discussed their feelings much yet, though they both have strong ones. But, something happens to put their relationship in high gear, and it is not really what I expected.

I really loved this story. I've loved Amber's sassy self since she was a kid in the original series, and even more so since these 2nd generation stories have been coming out. She needs somebody she can just be calm with, and Noel gives that to her. She also keeps him on his toes, and he seems to enjoy that too. They have a bit of a hard time seeing eye to eye on a few things, and it was so nice watching them work it out like adults instead of totally jumping to conclusions, and not communicating with each other. Even though this was a pretty big conflict of opinions, they worked to try to figure it out. Lori always does a great job with this type of conflict, and I love that.

Seeing all of the family as side characters again is also great fun, and I love revisiting the small town of Buckhorn, Kentucky. I look forward to each of these short and sweet benefit books, and I hope she continues on with them!
Profile Image for Jo Mock.
15 reviews
September 9, 2019
No great love than a child’s

This was a easy read and heart touching. Buckhorn characters are realistic ones. Sometimes I like a book that is not a “think” book.
Profile Image for Christine.
847 reviews18 followers
July 17, 2017
Pin the Tail on the Romance time! My TBR list is at 440 of 1489 books, so I spun the magic random number generator app to get book #548: A Buckhorn Baby by Lori Foster

Why Was This In My TBR:Got it on sale and it has been languishing in my TBR ever since

Is It Part of A Series: Amber is the daughter of Misty who is married to Sheriff Morgan Hudson (Morgan).

Rating: Short and sweet but this also felt rather phoned in. Everyone in Buckhorn knows that Amber and Noel are sleeping together and that Amber wants more of a relationship. Even Noel knows it but he is apparently super-commitment shy. That's fine but it was icky that Amber's brothers, dad, and uncle all menaced Noel about not committing more to Amber. It is not romantic or sexy when all the menfolk in your family are giving your guy side eye.

So, of course, Amber comes into custody of her best friend's baby and sure enough, adorable plot moppet June Bug is instantly attached to none other than kid-allergic Noel. The poor guy never stood a chance. But what irked me was that this never convinced me that Noel would have ever committed to Amber even if she had never become June's guardian in the first place. That is hardly a reassuring HEA.

2.75 stars
1,674 reviews43 followers
June 4, 2017
I gave this one 4 stars but really it's hard to rate a story that comes in at less than 100 pages. And really after being a major secondary character in so many of her cousins books in this series didn't Amber deserve a real book of her own? The cynic in me wants to believe Ms. Foster was just trying to go to the well one more time and capitalize on this now 17 year old series which has been very successful for her for a guaranteed pay out. I should know, since I've read every book in the series and loved each and every one. But while this story was far too brief it was very sweet. Ms. Foster managed to at least minimally bring back everyone of the extended Buckhorn family brood and give them a brief nod for old times sake. As someone with several adult children and even more grandchildren I can easily relate to the scene of the family Sunday picnics. We see a far more vulnerable but no less force to be reckoned with Amber. Noah is a stand up guy whose issue which creates the potential conflict in his relationship with Amber and the low key drama in this story is smoothly dealt with. Baby June is of course cute as a button. If you've loved the Buckhorn series as I have and you have an hour or so to kill you'll enjoy this brief trip bak to Buckhorn County.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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