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Heroes of Fortune Valley #3

This Baby Business

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Strictly business…or is it?

Air force pilot Levi Lambert has seen plenty of danger—but his infant daughter might be the death of him. Fortunately, Levi's found the answer to his sleep-deprived prayers: his next-door neighbor! Carly Gilmore is willing to be his nanny…until a small white lie turns their arrangement from business to very personal.

The fake engagement was intended to keep Levi from losing custody of his baby girl, but is causing all sorts of new problems. Not only does Carly attract trouble like bees to honey, but there's the little matter of Levi's smokin'-hot attraction to her. The last thing he needs is to fall in love…

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

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About the author

Heatherly Bell

173 books625 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
October 9, 2017

3.5 stars

The concept of the book isn't anything new. A known playboy gets a one-night stand pregnant and now he ends up raising the baby on his own. There's a cute neighbor next door that he reaches out to and the rest is history.

That being said I did enjoy this rendition. Carly was the sweet helpful neighbor next door that happens to be somewhat of a baby expert. She knows she's in a rut and desperately wants to get back school. While she definitely wasn't looking for a new relationship she can't refuse Levi and his daughter Grace.

Levi is on his own with his daughter. Once he found out about Grace he knew what needed to be done. He became a devoted dad and a stand-up guy.
The bit of drama came from Mr and Mrs Lane , Grace's grandparents. They put up resistance when losing Grace and became a thorn for Levi but it wasn't anything over the top.

Levi and Carly had chemistry and were sweet together. They had to work out their understandings with each other but they were able to build a relationship in the end.

Profile Image for Jess Holden .
560 reviews10 followers
September 16, 2017
This Baby Business is the third book in the Hero's of Fortune Valley series by Heatherly Bell. I am yet to pick up a Heatherly Bell book that I do not absolutely adore. Levi and Carly get a little more than neighborly when the form a fake engagement to ensure the child they both have came to love so dearly stays in the care of Levi.

Levi is a pilot who left the air force to raise the baby girl he didn't know existed. Absolutely clueless and jumping into single fatherhood at full blown speed he needs a sitter as quick as he can find one. He could also use more help than he is willing to admit. So when he finds out his cute stuck up neighbor is a baby expert well he needs to convince her to come to his rescue.

Carly is a designer who took over her mother's website. The website is about being an expert on baby care. The dos and don'ts along with the best new products on the market. The only thing is she has no clue about babies. So when her hunky neighbor thrust an opportunity at her she must jump on it.

Carly and Levi are sweet, loving, and absolutely perfect for each other. I fell in love with the father that Levi is. I can also understand how it feels to get close to a child without realizing that child has gotten under your skin. This book is absolutely wonderful and I enjoyed my visit back to Fortune Valley.
Profile Image for Lisa (Remarkablylisa).
2,531 reviews1,815 followers
October 10, 2017
MY RATING: 3.5/5 STARS

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This Baby Business was the first novel by Heatherly Bell that I have read and it certainly will not be last. After being contacted by Heatherly on twitter to review, I must say I was a little bit skeptic. AND NOT BECAUSE IT WAS HEATHERLY. IT WAS SIMPLY BECAUSE...it came from Harlequin Super Romance.

So, I'm a major Harlequin reader. But I tend to read more from specific lines like Harlequin Presents, Blaze, or Desire because books from those lines follow this formula that I enjoy to read. I'm not that big of Super Romance novel reader so I'm entering this book with preconceived opinions.

But, I'm pretty sure it's all Heatherly's doing because it was not what I was expecting. Her writing was so easy to follow it felt like a chick-lit romance. It was also filled with some very funny punchlines that made me snort or giggle out of nowhere. And I enjoyed the dynamics between both characters.

Of course, how can we forget that this book focuses on babies. And their daddy's???? Hello!!! I am swooning because after I finished this one, I was fanning myself because there is nothing hotter than a daddy with his cute little baby. Okay, well. When the baby wasn't crying and yelling at the top of their lungs. LOL.

And did I mention that our resident hero and baby daddy is a pilot? I'm swooning again from just thinking of hot Levi is.

MY RECOMMENDATION

Overall, This Baby Business was a light fun read about two people building trust with each other and using each other to meet a certain goal. It was entertaining and fun to read. Please pick it up and read it now!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
June 28, 2023
This has been my week for emotional family dramas, apparently. Because, this book had them in spades. Carly’s aren’t quite as big and ‘in your face’ as the issues Levi’s facing, but they’re there, nonetheless. For me, this book felt like it was focused on persevering through the tough times. Carrying on when it feels like there’s no strength left to give. And, how to accept help gracefully even when you’re too independent for your own good. (I’m looking at both Levi and Carly with that last one.) I enjoyed watching this little family come together, sometimes in spite of themselves. I also really loved the cameo appearances from the previous leading characters. My fingers are crossed that we haven’t quite seen the last of Fortune.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Tash.
1,296 reviews106 followers
November 3, 2017
Reviewed @ Thoughts By Tash
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review

I’m sad to see this series end but This Baby Business was the perfect way to end this series. I love the trio of former air force pilots who have all found their way to Fortunate Valley for one reason or another and stayed . It’s a typical close knit town and I love how the airport has become a hub for things. There something in the water there.

Levi was always the one we were told about in passing, as the playboy would never quit the air force. He was a lifer until we learned about the recent events that changed his life. Now he is a hot single dad would make anyone swoon. However Levi isn’t interested really in that reputation His main priority is his infant daughter Grace who is causing a lot of trouble for him. She may be adorable but not at 2am in the morning when she can’t get to sleep, she isn’t .



Levi isn’t a too bad guy, it just his past as a playboy is causing havoc to his life . Now Matt calling him iceman basically describes his situation. He has created a barrier around things , not wanting to face that whilst he changed for the better. It may not be good enough. As his daughter’s maternal grandparents believes that he hasn’t changed are willing to fight for her. Poor guy, things aren’t happening the way he wants despite what he wishes .

And to top things off , his babysitter has run leaving him with another problem to add to his growing list of problems. He needs help fast to sort out his myriad of problems and luckily for him his next door neighbour Carly has all the answers .

Carly is a relucent blogger, yep there is such a thing. Shock horror as who doesn’t love blogging. She has been forced be a baby expert to help her family out. So when Levi her next door neighbour approaches to help him out. It is a match made in heaven. As Carly has sunk to all time low in her life and she knows she in a rut but doesn’t know what to do .

So their arrangement is a life saviour for both though neither of them expects what follows. As Bell decides to tempt a little fate and throw a twist into the story. A simple little lie , no biggie right .

Until everyone learns their lie and soon Grace isn’t not only important part of the arrangement anymore….

This Baby Business wasn’t anything less then I expected from Bell. Light hearted fun but with some heart. Both were sweet characters and wanted the best for Grace first. Their needs were secondary and this why I was enjoying the story so much. Carly wasn’t out problems as well . She accepted her life without want to change even though she missed it . She didn’t think she could do anything else and my heart hurt for her. Levi was the perfect guy for her even though he was a bit of loss as well what to do . He saw the potential in her and was willing to play along with her lie. As they had the right intentions and you couldn’t fault that right. It was a good way to end the series and I’m going to miss Fortune Valley.

For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Profile Image for Kate Vale.
Author 24 books83 followers
October 13, 2017
Guys always seem to have the cutest babies. In this tale, part of the Heroes of Fortune Valley Series, former Air Force pilot Levi Lambert is the guy and Grace is his baby. But Levi's in trouble. His third babysitter has quit without warning and he HAS to get to work. Bang on the neighbor's door. Hope she'll help him out, if only for a day. So that's what he does and he lucks out. Carly Gilmore, struggling to keep her late mother's web business (all about babies, how ironic!) afloat, agrees to take Grace in, even if her screams drive Carly nuts. Because she really doesn't know much about babies, although the clothes she likes to design are perfect for Grace to model. And guess, what? Those pictures send more business to the webpage, which may mean that Carly can keep it from going bankrupt.

In the process, however, she begins to feel things for Levi (and he for her) that neither expected. And when Grace's maternal grandparents show up, intent on taking the baby away from Levi, Carly says the first thing that comes to mind: that he's engaged and SHE'S the one keeping the baby so clean and well fed and clothed in the cutest duds ever.

How this all turns out is worth a weekend of tissues and nibbling on brownies with just a hint of mint. (Kind of like sex in chocolate.)
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
September 24, 2017
Levi & Carly have one thing in common - babies! Carly is trying to run her mother's business until she can sell it. Her mom ran RockYourBaby.com which gave baby advice & rated products. Levi is an ex-Air Force pilot busy raising a six month old daughter Grace alone. Grace was the result of a one night stand. When her mother died, she was being raised by her grandparents until Levi found out about her. Levi's babysitter flaked on him so he asked his neighbor, Carly to help out. The chemistry between the two of them was apparent from the beginning. They were pulled closer together when Carly told Grace's grandparents they were engaged. Could Levi get past her lie? Did they have any hopes of a life together?

Ms. Bell does a great job of giving her readers a fresh take on a single father raising his baby. The characters are very realistic & likable. Carly's struggle to run her mother's company is something the reader's can easily relate to. The interactions between Levi, Carly & the grandparents added an extra dimension & drama to the plot. The interactions between the grandparents shows how devastating grief can be. Another great read by Ms. Bell!
1,020 reviews13 followers
October 8, 2017
What do you get when you have one ex-Jet Jockey and one website faker? Now add one baby and what do you have? This Baby Business!

Levi Lambert and Carly Gilmore are neighbors. Levi has left his Air Force career to take custody of his daughter, Grace, the product of a one night stand, after her mother dies. Grace’s maternal grandparents had been raising her until Levi found out about his daughter, and would still like to be the ones taking care of her.

Carly’s mother died and left her a thriving web presence…about babies…something Carly has no knowledge of, and just wants to keep it afloat until she can sell it!

Levi needs a babysitter pronto and asks his neighbor Carly for help. Carly figures she can ‘learn’ something about babies by stepping up to help her neighbor, so becomes Grace’s nanny. She also happens to mention to Grace’s grandparents that she and Levi are a couple…

This book is a ton of fun, but it also touches on grief, single fatherhood, and parental guilt. Such a great story. Ms. Bell’s dialogue is spot on and you can cheer for this couple one minute and want to hit them on the head the next! A wonderful read. It is part of the Heroes of Fortune Valley series by Ms. Bell, but absolutely can be read as a stand-alone.

Profile Image for Heather Nobbs.
380 reviews
September 26, 2017
Loved this book! I loved Levi & Carly as a couple. Levi is a single dad of a 6 month old baby girl, Grace and when his babysitter cancels on him last minute he heads to his neighbor, Carly. She becomes his nanny until he can find a permanent one. Well Carly and Grace take well to each other. And Carly and Levi take really well to each other that he basically doesn’t look for a replacement. Levi has issues with Grace’s grandparents wanting her for them to raise that Carly in her efforts to help lets the grandmother believe that her and Levi are engaged. I like how both Carly & Levi have things in their pasts that make them afraid to trust or to believe in another person yet they are drawn to each other that they don’t let the chance of them getting hurt stand in their way. I really loved this book and you don’t necessarily need to read the other books in this series to enjoy this book. Although those books are great too!
1,323 reviews23 followers
September 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the story line as it was so interesting and funny that I didn't want the book to end. I really enjoyed the characters as they were fun and their reactions to situations were not what I thought would happen. Heatherly hit a home run with this Harlequin Super Romance!
Profile Image for Connie.
1,670 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it. While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior ones to fully enjoy this one. The prior characters do make multiple appearances. I have read the prior ones a couple of years ago when they were published earlier but I may have to go back and re-read them! This is told in a multiple POV format. I love reading from both of the main characters' POV. Getting a glimpse into their thoughts really help me to better understand and connect to them. It really makes for a more enjoyable read. Getting additional POVs really is like a cherry on top of a sundae!!! Carly has taken over her deceased mother's blog, RockYourBaby (how adorable is that name!) Her mother was a baby expert, Carly, not so much! She is flying by the seat of her pants. She needs to sell the blog to raise money for her father's therapy. The pressure in on. Carly seems to flounder day after day. Her dyslexia makes each post a struggle. She can't give up. Her brothers are counting on her to sell. Levi left his career in the Air Force to raise his daughter. He discovered that his one night stand produced a daughter after the woman passed away. Baby Grace is going through a crying stage. Levi falls in love with his daughter but finding someone to look after her while he works with his buddies as a charter pilot for their small airport. After a near sleepless night, the babysitter is late. Levi calls her to discover that she is out of town. Not only that but she quits! She recommends Levi's neighbor, Carly. Carly is NOT the baby whisperer that her mother was but helping the single father could help her as well. Win-win. This story is enchanting has some very hilarious moments along with some sexy times. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful story and the antics that the characters find themselves in.
Profile Image for J Lundsten.
967 reviews39 followers
September 20, 2017
This is such a great series! Levi desperately needs help with his infant daughter. Carly desperately needs experience with babies for the baby blog she inherited. They agree to help each other out but business quickly turns to pleasure when their attraction grows. I loved these two together! There were some hilarious baby incidents as well as a lot of fun, sexy banter. I am definitely forward to more from this author!
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,523 reviews46 followers
October 1, 2017
Sweet and sassy! An adorable baby is pretty irresistible ... especially when she comes with her own handsome daddy to complete the picture. Well developed characters who have a witty way of bantering with each other make for a fun read. There was a big of a drag to the plot in parts, but overall it was another fun visit to Fortune Valley! Always great to see past characters we've enjoyed in past books make an appearance.

Levi Lambert had to abandon his dream job as an air force pilot when he became the sole parent to the baby girl he never even knew he had. He's getting settled in at his buddy Stone's aviation company in Fortune, California doing day flights and getting to know his daughter. When a babysitting snafu leaves him in a pickle, he has to count on his snobby neighbor come to his rescue!

Carly Gilmore wasn't purposely being rude and not introducing herself to the new neighbor, she just has a lot going on in her life right now and is super busy trying to keep her head above water! When Levi finds himself needing help with his daughter, she figures it will help her out with some research for her job as well. When sparks start to fly between the two of them, will they ignore them and walk away or will this temporary situation turn into a future they never expected?
3,558 reviews40 followers
June 14, 2023
I absolutely loved this book.
This is book three of Ms. Bell’s series titled, Heroes of Fortune Valley and can be considered a stand alone
The plot centers around Levi Lambert, and Carly Gilmore. Levi has left a job he loves as an Air Force pilot when he finds out he’s a father. He discovers this after a woman he had a one nightstand, dies and he is determined to do anything for his baby girl . Carly, is trying to continue her deceased mother’s internet baby business . Something she really doesn’t want and feels she needs to sell.
Levi and Carly meet by accident when Levi runs to his neighbor’s house, Carly, because he needs a nanny. These two are great to watch. You will laugh out loud, at times want to cry for them, at others you’l want to give them a hug or a good shake !
All that said, this story is more than that. It’s a story about how dyslexia can affect a person’s self esteem. How cruel words can affect an individual to the point that they doubt themselves and their talent. How parents lack of attention, can affect a child to the point that they feel unloved and those they love leave them behind.
So, don’t hesitate to get this book. You will not regret it.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
2,263 reviews18 followers
July 1, 2023
I enjoyed this story. It’s fun, sweet and heartwarming. It will hook you in with its funny moments. It’s well written with characters you will love. I enjoyed the banter and the chemistry between the characters is sizzling. It’s an entertaining read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,219 reviews20 followers
April 29, 2025
Levi Lambert a Texas boy born and raised. You see his parents were out to save the children of the world. But neglected to remember that they had a child of their own. So, his grandpa raised him and he loved being around him, too. Then, when the time came he joined the Air Force he loved flying, planned his career around it, or would die a career pilot. You see he had never planned on a wife or children. He had seen firsthand how disappointing that could be for children and wouldn’t put them through it.

So imagine his surprise when he is notified that he has a child, the father of a baby girl. He told them that it was not possible, and took the test. And with 99.9% accuracy, he was her dad. So, he took custody of the most beautiful and sweetest baby girl ever, little Miss Grace. Until she opened her mouth and started screaming bloody murder, spit up, or started pooping everywhere. His life just took a wild turn. At first, he tried getting jobs as a pilot near the baby’s mom’s parents. When no jobs became available, he reached out to a friend.

He had started his new airline in San Francisco to see if he had any openings, and he did. Levi packed up his daughter and moved to California. Her grandparents were not happy but he had to make a living at what he knew and that was flying. Just about what felt like every day Grace’s grandfather said to bring her back to them to raise that she would be better off than with a single man. He ripped her away from who she knew best when in fact her mom had been estranged from Grace’s grandparents.

Then one morning at a time his sitter should have been there she called to say she was getting married in Tahoe. She wasn’t coming, so he went next door and asked the neighbor he had never formally met to watch her. The old babysitter did recommend her. Her name is Carly. “What’s that?” “A baby. Ever seen one before?” “I know what a baby is.” Her eyes narrowed, and she pointed. “Is that your baby?” “Yep. Mine.” “Oh, I see. You must have heard about me, then. But all the advice is on my website.

I’m thinking about adding Skype chats, but you’re a little too early for that.” “Excuse me?” “Isn’t that why you’re here? Would you like some advice? Is she not sleeping through the night? Colic? Do you want to know the best diaper to use?” “No. I’m fine. Okay, let’s start over. I’m Levi Lambert, your next-door neighbor.” “Carly Gilmore.” “I’m in a bind this morning. My sitter Annie, well, she ran off and got married yesterday and forgot to tell me about it. So…she’s not coming.” “Annie. Yeah. That was not a wise choice.”

“You’re telling me. I’m new in town, and one of my friends recommended her.” “Yes, she’s sweet but unreliable.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure how I can help you.” “Could you maybe just fill in for her today? I’m a pilot at Mcallister Charters, and I’m about to be late for a flight.” “Me? You want me to watch your baby?” “Don’t you hand out baby advice? So you have children, right?” “I…I know a lot about babies, yes, of course. I’m what you would call an expert.” “Wow. This is my lucky day.

If you could watch Grace just for a while, I’d be so grateful. I’ll try to come home early, too, right after my flight, if I can arrange it.” “B-but where’s her mother?” “She passed away.” “I’m so sorry.” “Thank you. It’s just the two of us.” “Well, okay. I can help you since I’m a baby expert and all. Plus, I don’t want you to think that I’m not neighborly, because I am. But just today.” “Thanks. I owe you one.” welcome to their meet cute. Just know things are not always what you think they are. While at work Levi finds out Carly’s mom was the true baby expert, and took over the business after her mom passed.

She was trying hard to save the business, but it is in ruins. He feels like he should run and save his daughter, but the elder lady who works with them says she is safe with Carly. However, he may need to vet his sitters or nanny much better in the future. Carly feels like Levi sold her a bill of goods when trying to get her to say, yes to babysitting Grace. Yes, she was quiet when he dropped her off, but the gloves came off once and her nap was over. All hell broke loose then. However, it sparked a plan in her mind on how she could save her business. He needed help, but so did she. They could help each other. Hold on this will be a fun ride for sure.
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
772 reviews9 followers
June 29, 2023
Levi Lambert was an Air Force pilot when he found out that he was a father to a beautiful little girl named Grace. Grace’s mother died in an accident, never told Levi, her one night stand that she was pregnant. Now he is out of the Air Force to raise his daughter. When his babysitter called to say she was getting married and will not be babysitting anymore. She told him to ask his neighbor, Carly Gilmore, a friend of hers because she’s the baby whisperer. Carly took over her mother’s business when she passed away. Carly has no idea what to do with babies. When Levi, her hot neighbor asked her to watch Grace she agrees. Maybe watching Grace may help her run the business. She has her mother’s blog to do, after all. All Carly wanted to be was a fashion designer. She left school when her heart was broken and didn’t finish her degree. When she gets the business back up to par, she and her family will sell it. He father needs the money for his rehabilitation. What can go wrong? Levi is having trouble with the Grace’s grandparents. They want custody. He’ll fight with all he has for his little girl. Grace and being a pilot is all he needs right now. The more time he’s with Carly the more he realizes that they have chemistry. Will they cross that line? Will she get her business back up so she can sell it? Levi looks forward to seeing Carly every day. He’s not sure that’s a good thing. He doesn’t want to get serious with anyone. Not even the beautiful, sexy Carly. What will Carly do after the sell? Will she go back to finish her courses? Will she be able to walk away from Levi and Grace with her heart in tact? The characters fight their attraction, their feelings and is determined not to fall in love. Wonderful characters. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review and I gave it voluntarily
772 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2025
2.5 stars. This book was just okay for me. I had to skim most of it to get through it. It wasn’t that engaging. There was insta lust and the two were kissing after only a handful of conversations and interactions. It was dual pov so we know exactly what both are thinking about everything that happens all the time, so no mystery there. They both like eachother the same amount at the same times. Their feelings for eachother are more lukewarm than passionate for most of the book until they all of the sudden decide they do actually love eachother at the very very end. There’s no tension, very little build up to the start of their relationship, no ‘will they or won’t they’, etc.

I liked both Carly and Levi well enough. Carly would have moments where she seemed to have a fun personality and would be cute but then she’d also have a lot more moments of being just bland or even uptight and un-fun. But overall they weren’t overly annoying or anything. They were fine.

I did not like when the book randomly jumped to Levi’s one night stand’s mom’s pov. That took me out of the story and just wasn’t necessary at all. It didn’t add anything to the story, but it took away from the natural flow. why do we need to hear first hand from her? We could have gotten everything from her through her interactions with Levi and Carly. I just could not figure out why as an author you would throw in one background characters pov randomly throughout the story. And yeah, Irene and her husband played a part in the plot and conflict, but even their part was resolved very easily. Irene just had to threaten divorce and then her husband relented everything and she forgave him instantly and everyone was happy. So it wasn’t all that deep, not enough to get her pov.

Overall it was just okay.
Profile Image for Jenene.
148 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2017
Air force pilot Levi Lambert has seen plenty of danger—but his infant daughter might be the death of him. Fortunately, Levi's found the answer to his sleep-deprived prayers: his next-door neighbor! Carly Gilmore is willing to be his nanny…until a small white lie turns their arrangement from business to very personal.

Levi is a pilot who thought the air force and women were his only future. Unforeseen circumstances throws him into a stationary life as a single father. He has went through several nannies and finds himself in a bind one morning after his latest nanny stands him up. Fortunately Carly is next door neighbor is a baby expert considering she continued her moms baby blog.

Carly is in over her head trying to get her moms blog more sponsors so the business can be sold. She was supposed to be a designer, but bad choices had her running home a year before finishing school . Even with her moms baby bible Carly cannot figure out what products to recommend and how to efficiently write the blog. When Levi knocks on her door holding his baby girl she seizes the opportunity to try to get a better understanding of babies.

These to have an instant connection they are sure is only because they are attracted to each other. Carly feels the pressure to sell the business to help cover her fathers bills. Levi is feeling the pressure from his daughters grandparents and is starting to question if he is cut out for fatherhood. Together they learn to navigate taking care of a child, grandparents and life choices. Between friends, bosses. adopted pets and steamy sex this book was hard to put down.

I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,141 reviews55 followers
September 7, 2023
This Baby Business
By: Heatherly Bell
Narrated by: Kimberly Austin
Series: Heroes of Fortune Valley, Book 3

Heatherly Bell pens another wonderful story in her Heroes of Fortune Valley. I cannot resist a good single dad romance, and this one pushes all the right buttons! Levi recently found out he was a father to baby Grace, and her mother was killed leaving him as the custodial parent. Not only does he have a job that travels, but he has no idea how to take care of a baby! Slowly getting into a routine, he is ready to go to work when his babysitter cancels. He can't just not go fly the plane! So what does he do? Knocks on the next door neighbor's door, leaving Grace in the capable hands of Carly. After all, Carly is a baby expert since she owns a baby blog and review company! But what he doesn't know is Carly inherited the monstrosity from her mom, and while has good instincts is almost as clueless as he is. But between the two, they begin a routine.But life is never easy, and Grace's grandparents are trying to take her away. What should Levi do? Now our story really begins and it's so much fun! A fake fiance, an undeniable chemistry, trust issues, baby fashion, good friends, you name it, it's in this fun and loving story! I really enjoyed the plot, and was rooting for Carly and Levi the whole time! Plus there is a dog! This makes it even better. It's a great addition to the series and complete entertainment.

Kimberly Austin is the story teller for this one, and she is fabulous. She is able to switch between characters with ease, and has the perfect baby noises! I loved her performance and will be watching for more from her.
Profile Image for Becky.
3,431 reviews142 followers
October 19, 2017
Such a sweet story!

I haven't read the first two stories in this series ( Breaking Emily's Rules and Airman to the Rescue )--yet!--but that didn't keep me from enjoying the heck out of This Baby Business. I liked Levi and Carly quite a bit, and found it easy to root for them, both for what they individually wanted and needed and for them together as a couple--which was a bit tricky when it seemed that those wants and needs were going to keep them apart. They have some fantastic secondary character-BFFs and co-workers who help get them through things (please tell me Carly's friends are getting stories? Please?) and (finally!) manage to figure out their own issues and make just the right kind of compromises in the end, giving us an ending that made me all warm and gooey inside.

(And good news--just when it seemed baby Grace and rescue dog Digger were little more than super cute plot moppets, they did something that made them seem more real and saved the day. Watch for Digger's ideas of where he belongs in Levi's house--because it's just so gosh darn cute!)

Books 1 and 2 are now sitting in my TBR pile, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books from this author!

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
745 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and our main characters – Levi, Grace, Carly, and Digger who was a fun addition to the story. Both Levi and Carly have a lot going on with holding off horrible grandparents and trying to save her deceased mother’s company. I’m glad Levi and Carly joined forces to help each other but unfortunately this is when the lies start and once that happens, they keep digging a deeper hole with keeping up with their ‘stories’ that all it takes is one misstep and everything comes crashing down. I’m impressed that they kept it together especially when the not so nice grandparents came to town and we find out things about the grandfather and his motives that were just for show and that turns into a whole situation that Levi and Carly have to try to figure out and deal with. I loved that we saw our friends from the previous book and they’re trying to help keep all the balls in the air for these two. I really appreciated when Levi took the initiative to help out Carly’s dad and that made a huge difference in his life however when Carly gets offered the opportunity of a lifetime and it’s something she’s really wanted to do, what will happen to their ‘fake’ relationship or is it really ‘fake’ anymore especially when feelings have developed between them even though they don’t want to admit that. I liked how everything fell into place for not just Carly and Levi but the grandparents as well and they weren’t as horrible as they started out to be. The ending was wonderful and loved the update on Carly’s opportunity. Great book!
Profile Image for Gata Leitora / Cat reader.
593 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2017
Levi was an Air Force pilot who had to move away after discovering that he had a daughter and that her mother, a girl he had a one night stand, had died. When moving to the quiet town of Fortune, he tries to create a family atmosphere for his baby by creating bonds with the community and at work but can not handle any nanny. Wanting to be an exemplary and present parent, he find in Carly, his neighbor the solution to his problems…. or would this meeting be creating a bigger problem for him?
With a light writing and full of romanticism, the writer presents the love story of two suffering people and how approaching them along with the sweet and crying Grace will help them overcome their traumas and conquer their dreams.
I love stories with babies and fake engagements and I love how the point of conflict resolves and how Carly finds the strength she needs within herself to face her problems head-on without resorting to lies. I loved the remarkable presence of Grace's grandmother who arrives to give a good turn-around in history.
A great read and perfect for romantics who always need to heal hangover from readings.
4/5 stars
58 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Meet Levi, a new dad who didn’t know he was a dad, trying to get his head and life around caring for his new daughter after her mother died. His sitter has quit without noice and he is in a big jam. On the advice of said former sitter, he asks his neighbor to watch the baby for him.

Now meet Carly, a woman who is trying to keep her late mothers baby product review business alive after her death. She takes the baby thinking it will give her some much needed experience for the website as she knows nothing of handling a baby.

Both Levi and Carly learn along the way how to handle the ups an downs of baby parenting and are doing quite well when the parents of the baby’s biological mother enter and make noises about trying to get the baby back. Through all this, Levi and Carly fall hard for each other, although they both try to deny it, and finally come to the conclusion that they are meant to be together.
Profile Image for Jayne Wheatley.
645 reviews12 followers
November 19, 2024
Levi was a military guy until he found out he was a father to a 6mth baby girl who’s mother was just killed, he left the military as a puppet and worked at his friends airport so he could raise his daughter.
After his babysitter flaked on him he seeks help from his neighbour Carly, a resident baby expert, except she's actually not, that was her mother.
carly has taken over her mums business after her death because her father was too depressed after his loss from losing his wife, and her brothers are too busy so she’s trying to sell the business and run it until a sale.
Levi thinks he is fighting for custody of the daughter he didn't know about, with the babies grandad and trying to hold down a job.
Carly net the grandparents and they assumed her lucky ring was a. Engagement ring so she let them think it so they are stuck in a fake engagement which becomes a fake engagement with benefits and eventually a real relationship and a hea ending arrises
2,748 reviews128 followers
July 1, 2023
Pilot Levi Lambert finds out he’s a father when he’s notified after his baby’s mother’s death. When his nanny skips out on him, he convinces his neighbor, Carly Gilmore, to give him a hand, at least for the day. Carly’s got her hands full with her late mother’s baby expertise site, and taking care of little Grace changes her perspective but fast!

THIS BABY BUSINESS by Heatherly Bell is loosely connected to BREAKING EMILY’S RULES but stands well alone. Levi and Carly have some past emotional scars to overcome and some tricky present concerns to manage. When they come to recognize that they’re truly better together, they’re able to move their relationship forward with their willingness to be truthful and vulnerable with each other.

Heatherly Bell excels at small-town romance, and This Baby Business fits that to a T.

WtR Oct 1, 2017
Profile Image for Sharon S.
994 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2023
This is a fun book with plenty of complicated twists.
Cute story which shows that a misunderstanding can sometimes lead to life answers.
Levi is former Air Force and a single dad. Grace is his six month old daughter from a one night stand whose mother died recently, now he’s trying to figure out all the baby stuff.
Carly lives next door and is a “baby expert“. When Levi’s sitter doesn’t show he asks her to watch Grace so he can get to work.
The grandparents are trying to take Grace away from Levi, and Carly gives the impression that they are engaged. Will Levi be upset or happy?
*Adult situations and language.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Jodi.
309 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2023
Levi Lambert has left the Air Force after discovering that he has baby daughter, Grace, whose mother passed away in an auto accident. He finds himself in Fortune, CA flying for his friend’s charter airline business. After some unexpected babysitter mishaps, he happens to find out his neighbor, Carly Gilmore, is a baby “expert.” She is really trying to save her deceased mom’s online business. Out of desperation, Carly agrees to become Grace’s babysitter so she can learn and help her website thrive. Grace’s grandparents want to raise Grace, but Levi will not lose his daughter to them. Can Levi and Carly work together so Levi can keep his daughter? Will Levi and Carly get their own happy ever after?
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
657 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2023
Can they make it work?
A really enjoyable story about two people both requiring help with their own set of problems.
One desperately needing a babysitter and the other needing assistance with her business to bring it back to the profitable business it used to be.
This story had it all, a cute baby, a sexy ex Air Force pilot, his gorgeous next door neighbour coming to his rescue and disgruntled grandparents.
Add in some steamy scenes, some untruths and feelings start to blur between the two.
I got attached to the characters in this novel and loved the storyline.
Also really enjoyed the narration, it flowed beautifully and made for easy listening.
Would definitely recommend this book and audiobook.
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