Alton's Secret Baby

The Promise They Made #2

by Iris Parker

When it comes to women, I only have two rules:
Never get attached.
Never call back.

It's not like I lie about it--they know what they're getting into.
They're thrilled to sleep with a hockey legend, even if it's just for one night.

It's a simple life, but a good one.
Or at least it was simple.
Until I met Jessie.
Until she was the one who never called back.

Then I see her again five months later.
Five months pregnant.
Doesn't matter.
She still looks amazing.
I still want her.
And now suddenly my life is a crazy, complicated mess.

But whatever past she's running away from--
Whatever lies she told out of necessity--
None of it matters.
All I want now is to make things right.
Because this time, it's not going to be just one weekend.
This time I'm never letting go.
______________________

If you like steamy passion, deep characters, and unexpected twists, you'll love Alton's Secret Baby. Nearly 300 pages of sizzling, standalone romance with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

350 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2018

About the author

A strawberry and cream junkie, culotte aficionado, and lover of cat-eye glasses, Iris lives in the Old World. She roasts her own coffee and still rides her bike everywhere—when she can be coaxed from her writer’s room in the attic, that is.

A shameless cat lady who somehow landed herself the best husband, she spins tales on her computer until the wee hours of the morning just to give her heroines what they deserve: the kind of love you only see in novels.

If you'd like to be notified of new releases and special sales and to sign up to Iris's ARC list, click here.

You can contact Iris at: author.iris.parker@gmail.com, or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received through Hidden Gems
this is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Just like in the first book the situation was a little far fetched. However, the characters were good. Alton is a successful hockey player that has it all. He is a winner, rich, good looking and loving the single life. He is not ready to settle down, or at least he does not think he is. When the opportunity presents itself, he is all in with no second thoughts. Jesse is a mother that will do anything for her child. She does not always make the best decisions. Desperate people do desperate things. Desperation, love, forgiveness and some emotional scenes make this a entertaining story. Alton is a good guy. He is unbelievably forgiving. He is a protective, sweet, and nice guy hiding behind a playboy persona. He made it easy to get past Jesse's duplicity/

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 Stars

Iris Parker’s ALTON’S SECRET BABY is a heartfelt addition to The Promises They Made series. Investigative journalist, Jessie Wilson, discovers the identity of her donor at a fertility Clinique: Boston Bruin, Alton Greene, the NHL’s most eligible bachelor. She tries to contact him to help save her son, Ezra, who is suffering from Leukemia. When she doesn’t hear back from him, she takes matters into her own hands. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

I was looking forward to reading Alton’s story since book one, DOMINICK’S SECRETE BABY. Ten years ago, Alton and Dominick made donations to Fairview Fertility Clinic. Now, they both encounter their children and their mothers. The reason why they made the donation is disclosed in this story. It was an admirable gesture.

Alton came off as brooding in book one. I really enjoyed discovering his character. He has many dimensions. His public persona is different from his true self. He is an amazing guy who underwent a difficult past.

I like Jessi. She had a lot of hardships. She is strong and intelligent. It is understandable why Jessi does the things she does in the story. As a mother, she will do anything to help save her child. I’m glad that Alton is open-minded and understanding.

The plot was original. I like how Jessi and Alton run into each other again after Atlantic City. A lot of interesting things happen in this novel, as well, as some valuable life lessons. Both characters need to heal from their pasts. They make a wonderful couple and family. The epilogue was great, I’m curious where Iris Parker will take it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Although this is the second book in the series you do not need to read the first, although it would help with the relationship between Alton and Dominic and you also get a feel of him as a character going into this book.

Holy Moly. This was an epic read that at one point had me completely in tears it was that emotional.

The author has again managed to weave a complicated story with so much emotional baggage and drama.

Even though Alton never wanted to be a father he takes the news so much better than you would think, especially when he finds that there is one ill and one on the way which was hoped to be a saviour baby.

Both characters have baggage, Alton manages to get over his without a problem, however it is Jessie that struggles to get over her past and her fear in order to get her happy ever after with Alton. A man who has shown strength, support and been there for her from the moment he finds out that he is a father.

At the end we get an epilogue a few years down the line from the perspective of Ezra and we get to see how happy the family is and how close as friends Dominic and his wife are with Alton and Jessie still.

I really look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book - I actually adore the whole series so far - I have one complaint though and that is what transpired between Alton and Jessie - it's a HEA so clearly it wouldn't have affected the book but still, I had my problems with her and they carried throughout the book - I loved Alton though and he is a fun one to read, from his interview in the beginning and his actions throughout, ugh I just adore him!!!!!!!! I also enjoyed Ezra - granted this all stems with my issue from earlier but I couldn't take it out on him. A definite must read still!! I love secret babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Melanie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two wrongs don't make a right, much less a romance

I want to thank Hidden Gems for the ARC of Alton's Secret Baby, and this is my voluntary, independent and uncompensated review. Alton's Secret Baby should have been a first class five star read. It's a perfect take on second chance romance, on recovering from grief and loss, and on uniting broken families. Alton Green, the athlete-hero who inadvertently sires the heroine Jessie's two babies, is the perfect romantic hero - wealthy, handsome, successful, yes - but also principled, good-hearted, supportive, responsible, and great in the sack. Of course Jessie falls in love with him, and that's where the stars fell from my eyes, and from this review. Jessie is grieving the death of her husband and single parenting a five year old sone, now dying of leukemia. Her desperation over the situation is what leads to the next baby - and without plot spoilers, let's just say things get unreal, far-fetched, and Jessie doesn't show in the best light. She displays little good sense and emotional maturity, she deliberately conniving and deceptive for most of the novel. I didn't like her, despite feeling bad for her, and I was appalled at her choices. Alton does not feel the same, they end up at HEA, yadda, yadda. I blame my lukewarm reaction to the book on my distaste for Jessie's behavior, but this is my review and my own opinion - She's a scheming twit, and it's a three-star sad story no matter how it ended.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly emotional book to read. There were moments of sadness with what Ezra, Jessie and her mom were going through. There were moments where I had nothing but a smile on my face. Then there were moments where I knew exactly the emotional turmoil Jessie was going through. Confusion I think I can safely say a majority of people can identify with. Jessie Wilson is a fierce, independent woman who loved her son Ezra more than anything in the world. He was sick and needed help from a blood relative. Jessie did what she had to do to find out who Ezra's sperm donor was. Because she was an investigative journalist, she knew how to dig for information and get it. Alton Greene, infamous for being the playboy of the NHL was Ezra's donor. Alton did not do relationships, nor did he fall in love. He avoided both by having fun meaningless hookups. He gave the impression of that life was a party and he was enjoying himself. However, there was more to him than that but Jessie could not see past his public persona. Jessie tried to contact Alton to advise him that Ezra was his biological son and that he needed help from a blood relative. Her pleas fell on deaf ears. Jessie then decided on having a savior baby hoping that the baby would be a match for Ezra. In order to do that she would have to seduce Alton to get pregnant. Now I don't know how to feel about Jessie's actions, but I do understand her motives. I feel it was wrong to trick Alton the way she did. She did it for Ezra and never expected Alton to find out. She did not want money from him or his involvement in their lives. Unfortunately for her the baby was not a genetic match for Ezra. Despondent she did not know what to do. Then one day Alton was making his rounds at the hospital's pediatric oncology unit when he saw Jessie who was obviously pregnant. He went to Jessie to find out why she never returned his calls or texts and to find out if the baby was his. Jessie knew it was time to come clean and tell Alton the whole sorted truth. She felt he may never forgive her or understand her. But she was wrong. Alton did nothing but support her emotionally and was present for her when she was with Ezra. Not that he was not upset with what she had done but he took a moment to understand and he did. From that moment on he let her know she was no longer alone in her struggles, that he would be there for her and Ezra. He decided to get tested. The doctor confirmed he was a genetic match for Ezra. When Alton provided what Ezra needed, Ezra slowly began to improve. Thanks to Alton, he had saved Ezra's life. When the time came for Ezra to go home Alton realized they both needed time away to recover. He gave Jessie's mom a trip to the Caribbean and took her and Ezra to his lakefront property in the middle of nowhere by the Catskill mountains in upper New York. Once there, Jessie finally started to rest, sleep and eat better. Ezra too improved every day becoming the vibrant little boy he was before he got sick. Alton and Jessie now had the time to get to know each other. This terrified Jessie and she felt that love s*cked and it always ended. Alton wanted more than friendship with Jessie. But Jessie fought tooth and nail to stay away from Alton. What will happen to them? Will Alton succeed to win Jessie's heart? How will Ezra take it that Alton was his father? How will Jessie explain to Ezra, who was becoming attached to Alton, the reason they would live without him. And what about the baby? How will Alton take it that she did not want him to be apart of her and the children's lives? Jessie was being completely and emotionally self centered. She was only thinking of herself and her heart. She was not thinking of Alton and what he wanted and she was not thinking what was the best for the children. What a conundrum. An excellent read. Highly recommend.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that drew me to this story was it was about a hockey player and a secret baby. I though why not.

In the beginning of the book you meet Jessie, an investigative journalist with some sort of secret agenda to get close to Alton Greene, player for the Boston Bruins. Alton Greene is a womanizing playboy. After convincing the station she is working for to help her win a date with Alton at a yearly bachelor auction the team hosts, Jessie gets close to Alton to complete her plan.

As the story goes on you find out that Jessie's son, Ezra is sick with cancer and needs a transplant in order to save his life. Also, Ezra in Alton's son thanks to sperm he donated when he was eighteen, so Jessie got herself pregnant again with another baby of Alton in order to save her son.

After she finds out that the new babies blood is not a match for Ezra she thinks all hope is lost until she runs into Alton again. After crying and apologizing about everything, Alton gets to meet his dying son. After seeing the boys grave condition he offers to have himself checked to see if he is a match. Thankfully he is and they do the transplant to save young Ezra.

After Ezra gets a clean bill of health Alton takes Ezra and Jessie up to a secluded cabin he has in hopes of letting both of them rest and get back to their old selfs. While there Jessie and Alton's relationship grows, and Alton realizes how much he loves her. Jessie, who is too scared to love lets him know it is just a fling.

Once their second child, Chloe is born Jessie takes off leaving Alton again. Until one of Alton's teammates comes and opens her eyes to how much she's throwing away by hiding from love. In the end Jessie and Alton end up overcoming their own personal demons and learn to love one another openly.

A Hidden Gem copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to The Promise They Made series. After reading “Dominick’s Secret Baby”, book #1 in the series (a must read too), I was so hoping for Alton’s story and this is everything I hoped for and more. Alton Greene, NHL hockey player and Dominick’s best friend, enjoys every aspect of his life. He loves women and makes sure that they know he is not ready to commit to any one woman. At a red-carpet event, Alton is interviewed by Jessie Wilson, an investigative reporter. Alton feels an attraction to Jessie and when she expresses an interest in him he is expecting a brief affair and they will part friends. He has no idea that Jessie has an ulterior motive that will upset his life in more ways than one. Jessie’s son is seriously ill and she needs something from Alton that may save her son’s life. I love the way Alton steps up and becomes the man that Jessie did not expect. This story has everything you could ask for, attraction, romance, heartbreak and Jessie’s young son, Ezra, who is fighting for his life. You definitely could read this book without having read the first one, as there is not a lot of backstory about the first book, but more concentration on Jessie & Alton. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful characters trying to get over the fact that loving someone has caused them so much pain in the past. He had a bad childhood and never wanted a family because of it. She has loved and lost much in her life and is basically against loving anyone again for fear of losing more. After one night together, he knew his opinion was changing. Her, not so much, even with everything he's done to try to make her see reason. Her fear is greater than the desire to fall in love again.

His character has a playboy reputation. She hasn't been with a man for almost a decade. He's a professional hockey player. She's a journalist. He's perfectly content to be a bachelor for life. She's a single mom to a sick child.

I always enjoy books when the big bad alpha male shows us his sweet side (especially when there's children involved,) and this book did not disappoint. In my opinion, he was the star of the show. While she had a lot on her plate, and you felt sympathy for her, he was the on who carried the story.

Although there was a lot of emotions going on between the characters, and some heavier subject matter, the read itself wasn't too dark. It had enough lightness thrown in to balance it out. There is plenty of sexual content, making this suitable for mature readers.

I enjoyed the special epilogue. It was really cute! ;)

*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really good, not as good as book 1 but both characters are decent and the author gives them depth. They are also both are so burdened down with lost love and sadness that it clouds the happiness of finding love. They are totally connected but lack any semblance of communication skills because they are so determined for things to stay the way things are, she is a journalist and is actually worst then the "player" lol, its just not healthy to keep all that stuff bottled up especially when someone shows you that in spite of all the drama, I am here for you. Needless to say their journey is a roller-coaster, emotionally and a struggle for them because of their independence and pride. Realistic example of the damage overthinking can do and the difference between someone forgiving you and you forgiving yourself. Thumbs up to Alton!!! It's pretty fast-paced up until the author throws a shocking twist in the mix, lol. Enjoyed it!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet well written story with some dramatic parts. The characters are quite complicated because they suffered in their past : They think that love sucks and they have to escape any love relation.
Jessie is a journalist specialized in investigation and politic, but for now, she’s working on a celebrity event because she has one goal : seduce a NFL hockey player, Alton, because she needs a baby to save her son from cancer, and, she discovered that the anonym sperm donnor she had used, was him.
After one night, she disappears. He tries to find her, but it’s only 5 months later that he meets her again before her meeting with her son’s doctor. And that how he discovers her pregnancy. She explain why she acted like that, but she has just learned that the baby won’t be a match to save her brother. She finds herself pregnant and alone.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed Iris Parker’s Alton's Secret Baby (The Promise They Made, Volume 2). It’s leads, Jessie and Alton, had beautiful chemistry despite Jessie’s best efforts (for perfectly understandable reasons) to resist it. Alton is, frankly almost too perfect but towards the end of the story we find out enough to put it all in context and humanize him. Jessie is incredibly strong but horribly damaged emotionally but that too works out in a way that makes a HEA work perfectly. This is one well written and well plotted story with great characters. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.

[CharmaineW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems
If you loved Dominick’s Baby well this is just as good.
Jesse, a freelance writer has know love and heartache all in a short period of time but now she is a woman on a mission. She has to see Alton , a famous pro Hockey player . She will do whatever it takes to be with him. Alton doesn’t trust easy but there is something about Jesse. After a hot weekend she disappears, but why!!!!! Now 5 months later he sees her by acccident and she is definitely pregnant.
A heartbreaking story at times. Two people drawn together by fate . Lots of emotions, secrets, and big decisions to be made. Finding love is hard but sometimes keeping it is a struggle. Jesse and Alton don’t have it easy but when the time is right...oh boy, it is so worthwhile. Loved catching up with Dominick too.

[Sarah ~Book Addict~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie takes drastic action to save her extremely ill son. When Alton, his biological father, ignored the fertility clinics attempts to inform him of his son’s condition and need of his help, Jessie takes matters into her own hands, desperate to help her son no matter what it takes.
This was so much more than I was expecting.. It’s a very emotional read on several levels Both MC have pain from the past shaping their lives. They’ve both been through so much. I really enjoyed this book and got invested in it quickly. After finishing this book, I had to get Dominick’s story which is book one and immediately bought it. I highly recommend this.
~ARC via Hidden Gems. This is my honest, voluntary review.~

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a mother would so for her child!

Reporter Jessie Wilson has been trying to get ahold of hockey star Alton Greene and he’s been ignoring her emails and calls because of her son Ezra is very sick and Alton was the sperm donor. He thinks the letters from the sperm bank that he and his best friend donated to a long time ago are about their computer security breach so he just threw them away without reading any of them. Jessie and Alton spend a weekend together after she wins a date with him and the next time he sees her, he finds out that she is pregnant.

Jessie just wants the heal Ezra and Alton never though he would have a family after is rough childhood but Iris Parker has tied it all together with a bow!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alton’s Secret Baby by Iris Parker is a 4.5 star read.
Alton is a famous hockey player in the NHL, he has a bit of a reputation as a player, but that all changes when he meets Jessie a reporter who wants to do a story on him and he find himself opening up to her in ways he never has before.
Jessie works as a reporter, who is also a single mother to a child fighting cancer she will do anything it takes to save her son which is why she must get an interview with NHL star Alton.
This story was really good, it was about 2 people just trying to get through life, afraid of opening up to anyone and finds my in each other something they weren’t even looking for.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent contemporary hockey romance. Alton is a star on the Boston Bruin's hockey team. He meets and is interviewed by Jessie. As she understands it that Alton may have risen from poverty but he refused to respond to the hospital's letters to help her son. Jessie ends up spending a weekend with him in Atlantic City and she sees he's not the monster she thought. Her son is ill from Leukaemia and Alton knows nothing about him. The story has many ups and downs as well as surprises. I received a complementary copy of this book via Hidden Gems and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Parker.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a wonderful romance. This woman has really been put through the wringer when it comes to the ones she loves. She has the real "momma bear" attitude that will make her do whatever is necessary to protect her family. Even if she has to put her own happiness aside.

Alton has had his share of misery. He does everything in his power to protect his heart. What happen is this story is heartwarming and extreme all at the same time. I loved this story, even as I cried through parts of it. It really is a must read.

I am now very anxious to read about Dominick's Secret Baby.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read ♥ Dominick's Secret Baby ♥ then you've already met Alton and you know his views on women, relationships, and love. Alton has his world turned upside down in this book when he meets Jessie, a reporter with a secret and an ulterior motive. When he uncovers all of Jessie's secrets, he discovers that the promise of love outweighs the pain that love could bring with it, but can he convince Jessie of that? The story is emotional and engaging. I really cared about these characters. The writing is great and I can't wait to read more by this author. 4.5 stars.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really liked the premise. By the time I was a third of the way into the story, I began to get the feels. I can’t fault Jessie for what she did to try to save her son. I felt like her character was genuine, willing to cross the line for her son, yet still feeling guilty about it. I loved how Alton responded to everything that was thrown at him! The growth that his character went through was great. I didn’t realize at first that there was a related book to this one, but now it’s on my TBR list.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Promise They Made Series and features Alton. Alton is the best friend of Dominick that we met in the first book. The story of Jessie and Alton is heartwarming an emotional. Lots of twists and surprises. Alton turns out to be more than Jessie thought and it's wonderful how he stepped to help his son. This is another story about the Fertility Clinic donors. I read this copy via Hidden Gems and voluntarily chose to write a review. A great read with likeable characters and an HEA.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alton is the NHL's most eligible bachelor but that's not why Jessie wants to be in his bed. She's looking for a way to save her son. Alton turns out to not be the man Jessie thought...he's actually nice but she can't stray from her path. I will admit that there were several times I wasn't sure I liked Jessie despite understanding her need as a mother to save Ezra. Definitely plan on reading book one in this series.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book from Hidden Gems which I am voluntarily reviewing*

[Corrinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it had a mixture of everything in it, love, hope, tragedy, fear I was expecting more about sports but it didn't matter it was a good book without it. The only thing was a bit hard to digest was Altons too easy forgiveness, but everyone reacts differently and as said was other things going on. I liked the epilogue it was different in who it focuses on, a good read. I would like to read his best friends story Dominick. I would of liked A bit more background on Altons and Dominicks backgrounds maybe in another book? I voluntary reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read an arc in exchange for a honest review...the book follows the relationship between Alton, playboy hockey player and Jessie, a single mom and tv reporter. I was a little confused in the beginning, I did not realize it was the second book in the series. A little more background on Jessie would of been helpful.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. I really liked Alton and felt he kept the story going. Jessie was okay but I got annoyed with her a few times. The premise was good and the story was well written. Overall, I enjoyed it.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Kimkbries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie would do anything to save her son. Alton was living the dream as a professional athlete. No commitments for him. Two people brought together for different reasons. The connection was instant and strong. They met on a lie. Can they get past it and build a future? I was a huge fan of Alton. Was frustrated at times by Jessie. Together their story was sweet and I enjoyed their journey.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read but I wasn't fond of the female character and her decisions. It had a good storyline, I liked the male character and thought he was great. This is a second chance romance that deals with grief and loss. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read. The storyline is well-crafted, steamy, intriguing, has descriptive characters but the heroine almost spoiled the story for me with her manipulation of the H even though I could relate to her dilemma. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really got into Jessie & Alton's story. It felt at times like I was right there. And it was an emotional roller coaster at times. So different then I expected. Can't wait for more of this series. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.