All I want for Christmas... is a baby. But she's giving me her virginity as well...
It's no secret. I've wanted to be a dad for as long as I can remember. Needed an heir to my fortune. I ached for it. Burned with obsession. But now I ache for her. Lara. Our eyes met from across the room, and I knew she was the one. Curvy. Seductive. Innocent. But we live a thousand miles apart. So it's just one perfect night, and then we're done. Until I get a phone call... She's in trouble, and I'm a thousand miles away. But I'll do anything to save her. Now it's time to make this woman my wife. And the woman who'll bear my child. This Christmas I'll give her my heart. And she'll give me the gift I've always dreamed of.
This was one of those books that have several stories in it. I'll admit, I only read the first one since that is the story that "sold" me anyway. I really enjoyed it more than I expected to. A sweet semi-steamy Holiday story with a feisty and so-ugly-its-cute dog (a Chinese Crested). Just the thing to put me in a Christmassy mood!
Quick and cute Christmas story. It is an insta-love sorta story with an oopsy baby for a one night stand couple. But they quickly become friends to lovers. With a strange mystery involved. I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
This is not just a romance. They met, instant attraction, resulting in a pregnancy. She tells him, he is thrilled. They find they love each other, and want to be married. All with a light sprinkling of Scooby Doo Mystery. BUT, we are barely at the 19% point. So, do be afraid I have ruined it for you. Oh, no. It is at this point, the story abandons the 'romance' I had hoped for, ordered, expected, wanted, and paid for. Now, it's Scooby Dooby Doo all the way. I don't understand why romance writers feel romance is not good enough. Give me a good romance, over a bad mystery, everytime. I finally just gave up, and deleted it from my kindle.
Oh it was so easy to decide that this is a five star read as it is sweet with believable characters , Paul and Lara. What is extra nice, for a change, is that Paul is a really good guy not all inked up and with a womanising past and maybe a criminal record. He desperately wants a wife and family but he just hasn't met the 'right' woman yet. Whilst on business in Chicago he goes to a pub and meets the lovely Lara who owns the pub. The attraction between them is undeniable and they have a spectacular night of passion together. They decide to remain friends and keep in touch. They part and are getting on with their separate lives but still thinking of the other when Lara makes a discovery that will change both their lives. No spoilers from me. I did so enjoy reading this sweet romance with instant lust/attraction. The storyline was certainly believable and with such great characters as Paul and Lara who are the type of people that most of us would like as friends. Just good, honest people who are madly in love with one another. The passion is tastefully done and realistic and not gratuitous. This is one story that I will re-read as it gave me that 'feel good' factor whilst reading. The story flowed smoothly and was a real page turner. Tara Wylde and Holly Hart make a great team of authors.and I look forward to reading more books by them. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. I also got the book on KU. DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED.
I received this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review
I really like the dual writing that both Tara Wylde & Holly Hart join together. Adored both characters & the connection between the 2 main characters. There's New Bar Owner, (the Bar being an unusual one that has a 1920's feel about from everything from music, decor, clothing & drinks of whisky cocktails) Lara Reynolds & self made Billionaire Paul Sullivan. As soon as these 2 see each other, when he walks through the doors of her Bar The Blind Pig, (a different name for a bar I've ever heard. Love to know where the name comes from) they've got this instant HOT connection, that whilst he's Sat & talked all night & then after he stays behind, which she was either stupid for allowing a strange man stay with you on your own after hours, or the vibe of trustworthy he's beaming out must be like a beacon. Well Lara does what she's never ever fine before & that's having a one night stand. But heck Paul is such a different man, not like a lot of single billionaires you read about, as the 2 of them stay in touch & gets to know each other, which is so deep, that they both class each other as best friends, which heck is such a lucky thing, as they're going to NEED TO STICK TOGETHER. But we see there's more to come in the weeks ahead, though in the area of Where there's an area of apprehension, it's only a small part. It's a fantastic easy going love story with 2 great characters
Loved this book. Paul was in Chicago to go to a fertility clinic to find a surrogate for a baby but when the woman backs out at the last minute he goes into a bar to drown his sorrows. He makes conversation with the bartender all night and they have a spark between them is undeniable. Lara is a virgin and is instantly attracted to Paul but doesn't understand why it is so strong. After the bar closes for the night she asks him to stay and they up having earth-shattering sex. They spend the night together but Lara knows that he is leaving to go back to North Carolina the next day. Over the next couple months they text and Skype and become best friends. Then she sends him a text that there is a problem and when can he come back to Chicago. He tells her he is on his way. She does not know that he is very rich so when he arrives just a few hours later she is surprised. Then she just blurts out that she is pregnant. Also in this time someone has been vandalizing her bar and sending threatening texts but she didn't tell him. How does he react to finally becoming a dad? How will he react when he finds out that she didn't tell him about the threatening text messages? Will they be able to overcome everything and be together or will the people threatening her come between them? Who is doing the vandalizing and threatening and why?
The baby clause is only a short story about Lara and Paul who meet in her bar and build up a friendship after a one nighter. They're not living in the same state so when Lara texts him she needs to see him urgently, he simply charters a flight to get to Chicago fast. He'll find out that she's carrying his baby and he no longer needs to find a surrogate to fulfill his dreams. While they work out how their future should look like, the threats Lara receives on a daily basis bring some action into the story.
I didn't expect to have more than one book here but for a short time there's a second story "Dark Nights" about a Sarah who's ex-boyfriend hunts her until she finds a safe place to stay with Sam. Two strangers who happen to be attracted to one another.
I understand that they added a second story but a third "Keeping her" and a fourth "Daddy wanted"? I mean I payed for "The Baby Clause" but unfortunately it only lasted for as long as 22% of the book. With the second story it's not more than 29% and that's lame. While all the stories were nice to read, I wanted the title story to be a whole one.
This is a really good romance and well-deseres the 5 stars that I gave it. The authors gave us sufficient background to understand the motivations of our main two characters. There were a few steamy scenes and a few angsty ones as well. They didn't let 1000 miles get in the way of their romance.
Lara purchased an old sad looking former speak-easy and spends considerable amounts of money to refurbish the place. All the staff, including herself wear flapper-era outfits and serve hard liquor as they did during prohibition. All her energies go into making the place viable and eventually, a financial success, too. One night in walks a handsome stranger and sits at the bar. They immediately 'click'.
Not all is well on the home front as several problems arise. Paul Sullivan comes back to assist her and things develop rapidly between the two of them. Outside influences crop up. Neither one is being totally honest with the other. Of course once they own up to all that has happened, we get our HEA and an epilogue, too. That's the way to end a love story! 5 solid stars.
As my first read from these two authors, I can say I’m hooked! I not only loved but I adored this story. From Lara and her nice humor, Paul and his kind character to Atticus and his weird way of showing affection, I loved everything. The storyline went smoothly from their first steamy encounter to the consequences to face and then the built of their relationship. How two different characters with different pasts, different lives, from different cities can finally get together and love each other. Lara is funny, at the beginning of a business adventure but she never felt the sparks and sizzles a relationship can bring. Paul is a successful man, afraid that he will miss something so he is looking for a surrogate mother, but one evening he is drawn to Lara. Their one night of passion turns in a friendship and then more. But to fully become a whole entity, they will need to learn to live together and trust each other. To see how they will succeed in it, you will have to read it.
Lara owns the Blinking Pig a club setup like a Speakeasy from the 1920's era and she happens to be dressed in a flapper outfit working behind the bar when the door opens and a handsome man comes in and he seems unsure but she holds her breath and he makes his mind up to find a seat at the bar, their eyes meet and they both seem to realize their is something about the other that attracts them and she ask what he's drinking he wants her to surprise him he tells her his name is Paul Sullivan, they talk the night away until everyone even the employees are gone home . So they dance. This is their story they become best friends and talk and laugh and confine somethings to each other for the next 8 weeks before they see each other again.. Loved it , great holiday tale. Adult. I received a copy as a gift from the author. I am providing a review without obligation.
I love reading books like this one that leaves you saying WOW more than once as you read further into the story. By the time I reached chapter 15 I was literally bouncing in my recliner just reading this sweet love story.
Paul and Lara have an instant chemistry which leads to her giving up her most prized possession and still wanting more! Even though she has no idea what brought Paul into bar that night she discovers that she is giving him exactly what brought him to Chicago. But will they be able to be just friends while each of their hearts know they want more.
This book is so full of drama, deception, mystery, humor and discovery of a love so deep that an HEA is guaranteed. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book and suggest you grab a copy for yourself and happy reading.
Paul has always wanted a child but hasn’t found “the One” to make that happen. So, he decides to go with surrogacy. When that process hits a major snag, he pops into a little bar and there he sees Lara. Something about her calls to him and he knows that his life is going to change. Lara is realizing her dream of owning her own speak easy type bar. She’s making a good go of it and everything is wonderful except for the on-going nuisance of a vandal and some disgruntled person who keeps leaving angry texts. Then one night Paul walks into her gin joint and things won’t be the same again. I loved this story and the characters. They’re both so likable and the story has romance, a little suspense and humor.
The Baby Clause by Tara Wylde and Holly Hart a sublime five-star read. This pair write such a great story. I find some Christmas stories can be great but they can also be a bit predictable, I so glad to say this was the former and not the later as it was great. There was a freshness to the writing that was fresher that powder snow. There was a great structure to the story and the flow was great, it’s very natural and honest. Paul was someone I could have happily had drinks with, I’m sure I would have been admiring his butt also. Well done the pair of you on a job well done a great story everyone should enjoy.
When Lara owner of the Blind Pig, notices the out of towner as he steps into her bar, there is an instant connection between them. Different lives and cities separate them, but after one night of passion, they walked away friends- good friends. So, when Lara asks Paul for help weeks later, he comes right back to help her. He has no idea that what awaits him will be life-changing, and he may even learn to love other peoples pets- no matter how much fur they have! I really enjoyed this sweet, frustrating ( Seriously, I would have shaken Lara and had the dog pee on her!) funny, plot twisting, budding suspense tale! Fresh, outside the box Holiday themed romance added some spice to my day!
All I Want For Christmas Holly & Tara what a wonderful team. They have truly written a beautiful, heartfelt love story between Paul & Lara. I loved that the timeline was mostly set around Christmas. I immediately became enveloped in their mutual attraction. Their feelings grew exponentially after learning about Lara’s pregnancy. (No spoiler as you can grasp that from the title). An interesting twist emerges bringing fear & possible heartbreak. The tale ends with a HEA thank goodness. A definite Cheers! to this engaging story. (You’ll get this pun as you read) and to reading more from Holly & Tara. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This was a sweet with a side of steamy read. Paul is not your typical billionaire. He is very nice and doesn't sleep around, although he is gorgeous and wealthy. He really just wants to be a father and since he is not involved in a relationship, he is looking for a surrogate. He is in Chicago doing just that when he meets Lara at the bar she owns. Their attraction is instant. I loved how this story developed and what Paul was willing to do to make things work. There was also a bit of mystery and suspense which added a little "jump" to the story that I found enjoyable. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I absolutely adored this story, a lighthearted and entertaining read which had me intrigued and captivated from beginning to end. The storyline was a nice, easy read that flowed smoothly. I loved Paul and Lara who were both very sweet characters. Paul was a great guy, you couldn’t fault him at all and Lara was a honest and hard working woman. They had an undeniable connection and the chemistry between them was energetic and intense. This was a perfect Christmas read. A copy was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Paul who is wanting a child, but the women who is to carry his baby pulls out and he goes to Lara's bar and their eyes meet. They can't get enough of each other, but he has to leave and go home where his business is. They stay friends, but when Lara finds out she is pregnant, she calls him and he comes running. Will he be able to accept a child by Lara or will he run? Will he want to take the child away from her? Can Lara accept her feelings for Paul? Can they find mutual ground? What will Paul do when he finds out about the threats to Lara? I received an arc copy for my honest review.
The Baby Clause by Tara Wylde and Holly Hart The Baby Clause is the story of Paul and Lara. He is a rich businessman who wants a family and she is the owner of a tavern where he comes to drown his problems after a disappointment. These two have attraction between them from the start. They have a night of passion, but decide to stay friends only but keep in contact since they live so far apart. Soon Lara makes a surprising discovery. I hate to divulge spoilers so I will quit here. Suffice it to say, I really enjoyed this book! Tara Wylde and Holly Hart make an excellent team when they join forces and write.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and had a lot of chemistry. I was hooked from the very beginning Amazing story and wonderful writing! All characters are three-dimensional and believable. The storyline is intense, it's gripping in the best sense of the word. This book is great, a must-read. Lara and Paul were a great couple. Paul was such a great guy. Not like most of the alpha billionaires that seem to be out there. This was a great holiday read with a wonderful HEA!
***I voluntarily read this ARC to give an honest review***A great read with humor, hot love scenes, and intrigue! Paul has made a trip from N. Carolina to Chicago. His business fell through and he goes down the street from his hotel to a nice bar, owned by Lara. They instantly were attracted to each other. They have a one-night stand and remain friends. They text and Skype until Lara tells Paul she needs to see him right away. Turns out his business had been to meet with a surrogate mother and now Lara is preggers!
It was a nice book but I thought very slow going and drawn out. Paul and Lara had a one night stand but they kept in touch as friends and basically when she told him he stayed with her. But kind of throwing in there that as he met her he was looking for a surrogate was kind of pointless.
Not to mention all the threats Lara was getting they really just glazed over it most of the book and then at the end made a drama out of it. Seemed to not really fit in. It did have a happy ending with Lara and Paul getting married and having baby Carmen.
This story had it all, from a one night stand to friends then to lovers. Paul always wanted a baby and just when it was about to happen he walked into Lara’s bar and it changed everything. Paul & Lara became best friends and now are going to be parents. The connection is there and one night together changes their lives. Great read, likable characters especially Atticus.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book! It's a great holiday romance book with an interesting twist in the storyline and plenty of steamy passion. Paul has always wanted to be a dad and he's decided it's time. There's just one little wrinkle in his plan... Lara. I'm not going to spoil this one because it is just too good. The story flows really well and it's wonderfully romantic. 💕💗💕
So I read this in one sitting. Started it and didn’t move until it was finished. Then realized, oh crap, I had a bunch of stuff I was supposed to get done. I couldn’t put it down!! It was such a great read! I loved the characters and the storyline. It’s not often that you read about the guy wanting kids so badly and the lengths he’ll go to, to get the baby. A definite one click book!! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review! Oh wow! This book has of all. Love at first sight, a kidnap & Christmas cheer. Lara runs & owns a bar, Paul is upset when he walks in for a drink, he spots Lara & can't take his eyes off of her, they hit it off & make love when the bar closes. The story continues with their friendship by text, Skype & calls. If you want to know what happens next then you need to read the book!
Lara and Paul seemed made for each other from the beginning and the little accident that happens ensures that they can have their HEA. Loved Paul’s reaction to Lara’s wee dog - had me laughing out loud. The romance and the love and the steamy bits and the dangerous bits all linked together to give me a very enjoyable read. Thanks to Tara Wylde and Holly Hart for always delivering a story I want to read.
A great short romantic read. Paul is the man that we all dream about. He is strong, loving, caring, attentive and most of all, wants a baby! Lol. When he goes to Chicago to meet the surrogate that's supposed to bear his child, she backs out on him. Despondent and upset he goes to the bar across the street, The Blind Pig. Here he meets Lara and they click instantly. Sweet and endearing love story that's perfect at Christmas time. 4 wintry stars!!!!
The Baby Clause by Tara Wylde and Holly Hart is a sweet Christmas story ideal for the festive season. Paul ends up in a bar after a disappointing day. The surrogate mother has let him down and he wants to drink and forget for a day. But as soon as he enters the bar he is drawn to the Lara. This is a fantastic book filled with suspense, a steamy romance and a hairless dog. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
I absolutely love this story by Tara Wylde and Holly Hart! Paul wants nothing more to be father, and after a disappointment with a possible surrogate he takes a walk and enters Lara'a bar the Blind Pig and is instantly drawn to the beautiful owner. Little did they both know that that meeting would change their lives forever.