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Baby Surprises #2

A Baby For Christmas

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Christmas in New York—it’s the most wonderful time of the year, right?

Shayla Zielinski doesn’t think so. Orphaned as a young child, her happy holiday memories are few and far between, and her usual tactic, come December time, is to hunker down and wait for the season of goodwill to blow over.

That is, until she meets Colton Cooper.

The gorgeous, Christmas-loving billionaire bursts into her life like a gleeful blizzard of holiday cheer. Shayla’s warned not to get involved; men like him don’t play by the rules—Santa suits or not—but it’s not long before he’s breaking down her Scrooge-like defenses. As the countdown to the holidays begins, he sets out to convince her that it’s possible to have a truly merry, very steamy Christmas!

No sooner has the New Year begun, however, the billionaire shows his true colors—only for Shayla to discover that their antics under the mistletoe had some very real consequences: she’s pregnant, with his baby!

Unwilling to stake her hopes on a man who’s already betrayed her, Shayla resolves to raise their baby on her own. It’s only months later that she discovers that there may be more to Colton’s betrayal than meets the eye…

Colton Cooper is going to get his Christmas surprise a year late. Can the two lovers reunite, and learn the true meaning of Christmas, after all?

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2018

436 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

Layla Valentine

211 books306 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,964 reviews173 followers
November 30, 2018

A Baby for Christmas wards off the chill and turns up the heat with a spoonful of sugar to balance everything out. Tis the season for goodwill, mistletoe and gift giving. Among all the happiness, there's always a hint of heartache. Shayla knows about the heartache, but she has yet to discover the happiness. Against the wonderland backdrop of New York, Cinderella is about to find her prince. Valentine and Rayner take all the best parts of romance and merge into a heartwarming masterpiece.


Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
December 4, 2018
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Shayla Zielinski and Colton Cooper. Shayla has no desire or need for the holidays. Maybe because she grew up in the foster care system and instead of being excited for Christmas she was wondering where she would be the following year. Colton is determined to get his new line out in record time. However there is more than that one look at Shayla and he knew he wanted to spend more time with her. Colton can't understand why she doesn't like the holidays but is determined to change her mind. Can these two find find their HEA or will it all go up in flames due to outside forces?

This is an amazing story. It does have its ups and downs that I really want to tell you about. However I don't want to ruin the story for any other readers. I will say this book will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Heidi.
4,325 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2018
This was a really good super sweet romance story. We have Shayla she is an amazing graphic artist and designer, And Colton he is a billionaire CEO of a technology firm. See Shayla she has no Christmas spirit at all and well Colton is the complete opposite he is full of the holiday spirit. Of course, with any good story, we have some twists keep them apart for a while, but they get together and I love how they do. A great holiday read.

4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2018
I gotta check but I am pretty sure I am new to each of these authors, so awesome when I find a Christmas read and newbie authors to me ... love that!! If you know anything about Beth ...she loves Christmas ... anything Christmas reads are her fave ... followed by mysteries and humor. I think we all want a romance in our lives ...they are so warm and cozy ...love this cover! love author combos ...and look forward to reading more from them both. way cool!! ( ;
87 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2018
Shayla and Colton have a hot and steamy chemistry between them. They have some problems to overcome. They work their way back to each other and have a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Justadele.
926 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2018
Now I went into this thinking this was going to be a little bit of a cheesy Christmas story which I was totally fine with, but wow this wasn't a little this was a never ending pot of fondue!
2,794 reviews40 followers
November 30, 2018
A Baby For Christmas - A Billionaire's New Baby Romance by Layla Valentine A Baby For Christmas - A Billionaire's New Baby Romance By: Holly Rayner & Layla Valentine
Will "A Baby For Christmas" Be Enough To Bring These Lovers Together?!
Just when she's learning about Christmas, someone comes in and Steals the Magic away...
This For works HARD to keep her apart from the Man who Stole her HEART...
Fortunately for her, her Man's determined too...
AND, he's insuring this Christmas they'll find each other Again...
Secrets, Lies, Betrayals, & Deceptions come out when he finally finds his lover again...
Is there gonna be a Second Chance for their Romance?!
Or, has the For spread too much Poison for Happiness to Flow?!
Will Christmas Magic save the Day, or will Deceptions keep the Lovers Apart?!
I was granted an ARC of Holly Rayner & Layla Valentine's "A Baby For Christmas - A Billionaire's New Baby Romance" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Joanne Carr.
754 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2018
I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts arc

Shayla didn’t like the holidays but her boss just loved them. They were going to a Christmas party thrown by Cooper-Ware. That’s where she meets the Colton Cooper the head of CooperWare. Shayla never was happy about the holidays since she grew up in the system so no real family especially at Christmas time. Cooper suggested that she goes to the Christmas party all the firm an contractors will be there. Colton goes and visits Shayla to make her enjoy Christmas he bought a tree, ornaments, mulled wine and cookie fixings. Colton also brought some mistletoe where Shayla and Colton kissed for the first time. Also another present he asked that she work for him. A couple days later she sees a new logo with her unicorn on it. Colton did not ask her first basically he stole her design. When he called her she in no uncertain terms not to call her again and she would never work for him. But, a month later she finds out she is pregnant with Colton’s baby and he has no idea. Her old boss Richie told her he reached out to Colton’s attorneys and they wrote back saying that Colton denies any paternity and to not bother to go any further. Colton goes and looks for Shayla even though at first she was hard to find. Shayla had just put Lucas to bed when she hears a knock on her door and it happened to be Colton. Things got sorted out between them and then they went to see Richie. Colton,Shayla and Lucas were going to his house for holiday dinner. Colton could not wait for them to meet his family. This was so the first time Shayla had a real family for Xmas. Shayla went to workforce Colton so she did not need to look for a job. Things progressed between the two of them until it came time for a final decision. Twist, Turns and Love.
Profile Image for Stacey Timmons .
640 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2018
I liked this story. It was a sweet and easy read. It's a soft romance, not really grittiness to it but I liked it all the same. Some parts where quite cheesy but if you like that kinda thing in a Christmas romance then this is the book for you.

Shayla is an old foster child, since she was 5yrs old and never really had a Christmas so she doesn't really like the holiday season. She's sub-contracted and starts work for a company called CooperWare. The CEO, Colton Cooper is a big fan of the holiday season and vows to change her mind over the season. They get to know each other better and one night they have a steamy night together and as a consequence, Shayla ends up pregnant. But something happens before she can tell him all about it.

Cooper is all cheer and smiles when the holiday season rolls around and this year is no different except he had Shayla to share it with. But unbeknownst to him things are about to turn sour.

To be honest this book was so predictable. I felt a little let down in the revelation when Colton found out he had a baby. It felt a little flat. Although, I did enjoy this story. I liked the easiness to it. Just what I wanted. But I will say that it needs another edit because there were missing words to sentences, the wrong name used at one point for Shayla. And Shayla telling Colton at the end that she's pregnant again, with twins, was silly because at that stage she really wouldn't have known it was twins. According to the time line (in the next epilogue, she was 8 months pregnant but only 7 months had passed) she would have literally just found out when she told him.

I would have given this book at least one more star if not for the timeline and the missing words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,298 reviews70 followers
November 30, 2018
Shayla grew up in homes after her parents died so she didn't get to enjoy the holidays like some with families. Her boss Richie is all about the holidays and calls her a grinch. They are heading to an important meeting and he warns her that he'll be doing all the talking even though its about her work. Colton is all about Christmas and celebrating it to its fullest. Colton is the account Shayla and her boss is trying to land. Colton can't get over how well Shayla's work is and tells them that if they can start soon they have his account. Upon learning about Shayla lack of holiday spirit Colton tries to help get her in the mood. Shayla is trying to keep things professional but its hard working so close to Colton. Things heat up between them however a misunderstanding separates them leaving Shayla to deal with a secret of her own. Will Colton and Shayla find their way back to each other?

This is a great holiday story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them was off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,286 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2018
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. Loved this story about Shayla and Colton. Great Christmas story that has enough spice and suspense to keep you turning the page. She's a young woman who had no family, her parents died when she was a little girl. He's the CEO of an up and coming tech company. She's working as a consultant on a VR design. She didn't like the holidays, but he is determined to make her see the good in in. Her boss Richie causes problems got them. Telling her that Colton is not a good guy and tries to convince her he stole her design. She's ticked, but finds out she's expecting and when she asks Richie for advice, he tells her not to let Colton know. Then proceeded to give her a document from his lawyer saying he won't accept the baby. Colton misses her and at Christmas decides to try and make it right. They find out Richie lied to both of them and confront him. They try to make their relationship work for Lucas. Great feel good ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,576 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2018
Shayla and Colton are just too different. With completely different lifestyles and upbringings that they, as a couple, just cannot work. But cupid thinks otherwise and seems determined to put them in each others paths and minds. Colton is particularly upset because Shayla doesn't enjoy Christmas at all! So he sets it as his mission to change her mind - especially under the mistletoe. But things go awry and consequences are set in motion that neither expected and they are now apart. What can bring these two passionate young lovers back together? Colton and Shayla were so easy to love and I loved the storyline. This is so well written by Layla Valentine and Holly Rayner. I think these two authors are a great combination for producing must have reads - especially when we 'hear' both POV as we do in this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Definitely Recommended
Profile Image for Jami.
511 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2018
Colton is a Christmas loving billionaire. Shayla was orphaned as a child and lacks good memories of the holiday. Shayla finds herself working for Colton at Christmas time and Colton is determined to give her the best Christmas ever.

But the new year dawns and Shayla finds herself betrayed by Colton. Heart broken and carrying the ultimate secret, Shayla is determined to move forward without Colton being a part of her life.

Then Shayla learns there is more going on than she realized. Maybe Colton has not betrayed her. Can she take a chance? Can and do they have a future together?

This is a well written, sweet story that keeps the pages turning using well developed, engaging characters. This one is worthy of adding to your holiday reading list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,531 reviews27 followers
December 4, 2018
Love both of these authors and when they join together you always have a wonderful read and this is no exception.

Colton Cooper is a billionaire who loves all things Christmas he is about to have meeting with Shayla and her boss which would be a huge cupe for her He is impressed by Shayla's work but doesn't understand her aversion to all things Christmas. Shayla had been orphaned at a young age and Christmas had no great memories for her. When Colton sets out to make this s christmas she won't forget he more than achieves his purpose after all she now has a lifelong reminder in her baby. When it looks like Colton has screwed her in life and business she thinks he isn't the man she thought he was but is there more going on than she realises. Will these two get back together and become the family they are meant to be You will need to read to see
Profile Image for Jessica CW.
1,036 reviews12 followers
December 6, 2018
Shayla is a strong independent and talented graphic designer who works closely with her boss Richie, so much so that their new client wants them to work inhouse til completion. 

Colton is a rich ceo of a school education materials company aiming to change learning with VR. He also loves Christmas and helps transform Shayla's view on it. 

One Christmas together changes their lives for good. And a second Christmas transforms even more. 

I liked their connection and the cuteness of this Christmas story, but Shayla was very naive about Richie- I just didn't get it. 
And Colton- what took you soo long...

A nice quick steamy read with a plot that flowed. I did feel the focus was more on Christmas then their budding relationship- but it didn't take away either.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,196 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2019
I couldn't put this book down and I was therefore thankful it was a length I could read in an evening. Shayla is a graphic designer and meets Colton, the CEO of a company that is hiring designers from her company for a project he has going. She grew up in foster care and he grew up in a family that went overboard with their Christmas celebrations. He manages to bring the spirit of Christmas to her as they spend a wonderful night together. Things go off track when she feels betrayed. Although the reader can figure out what has happened and what is happening, it is still worth going on the journey with the main characters. I loved Colton. He was sweet, sincere and a great guy. Shayla was a lovely character with a big heart, fantastic talent as an artist and an all around wonderful person. Their HEA is well deserved.
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,244 reviews9 followers
November 29, 2018
The ideal romantic holiday story!
A Baby for Christmas by Layla Valentine is perfection. There is so much that is right with this story. Sure I teared up a little when Shayla described her Christmases, or lack thereof growing up but it was worth it. I loved that a guy, Colton, was more geeky about Christmas than a woman and wasn't ashamed of it. I also loved the atmosphere the author created in this story, both in the city and out in the country, you could sense how quite the snow fall made everything. And baby Lucas? You just wanted to hug and smell that new baby smell. And the HEA? Yea, perfection. After all it's a Holiday Romance. This is a must read for not only the holidays but anytime. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Jessica.
9 reviews
December 11, 2018
Not impressed

This was cute overall, but it was too easy.....the "conflict" was anticlimactic & way too simple Colton wasn't the slightest bit (0%) mad Shayla hid his baby. Really?!?! A man ius 100% OK finding out hr has a 4mo and is then all "I love you let's go shipping" are you FREAKING KIDDING ME !?!?!? Wow....just wow !!! Coltin is either the most forgiving man ever or he has to be on zanix to level out his emotions.

This story was lacking any real emotions, it felt like the feelings between Shayla & Colton were so forced I felt absolutely ZERO chemistry between them!!!

So bummed I waste my money on this book, when the blurb sounded so good..... I'm not impressed by the author(s) & I most likely will NOT read their work again!
Profile Image for Bluejeanbby.
100 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2018
This was cute overall, but it was too easy.....the "conflict" was anticlimactic & way too simple Colton wasn't the slightest bit (0%) mad Shayla hid his baby. Really?!?! A man is 100% OK finding out he has a 4mo and is then all "I love you let's go shipping" are you FREAKING KIDDING ME !?!?!? Wow....just wow !!! Coltin is either the most forgiving man ever or he has to be on xanix to level out his emotions.

This story was lacking any real emotions, it felt like the feelings between Shayla & Colton were so forced I felt absolutely ZERO chemistry between them!!!

So bummed I waste my money on this book, when the blurb sounded so good..... I'm not impressed by the author(s) & I most likely will NOT read their work again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
854 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2018
Enjoyable Read

I certainly enjoyed this book by LalaValentine and Holly Rainer about Shayla a young, graphic designer and Colton, the businessman who hires her employer for a job. Shayla and Colton and drawn to each other as he fights to have her drop her objections to Christmas decorations and music. She’s not a grinch but inexperienced in the joy of Christmas since she was in the foster system from the time she was 5 years old. The two succumb to their incredible sexual chemistry, and later have a misunderstanding that drives them apart. This was an enjoyable read, although I felt that the meddling of her employer deserved a much more serious penalty for his illegal acts. On the whole, it is well worth reading.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
April 7, 2019
A really good Christmas romance.💞❤️️🎄💞

Shayla grew up in foster homes after losing her parents and learned early that Christmas was just another day for her. Colton, on the other hand, comes from a loving family who celebrates the holidays every year. When Colton meets Shayla and learns of her past, he goes all out to show the woman he is falling for what Christmas can be like. But neither of them counted on what her boss would do when he saw how close they were getting...💕💗🔥💕

This is one emotional second chance romance that could have easily gone horribly wrong if Colton and Shayla didn't feel as strongly for each other as they did. It will have you pulling for them and cheering for them.💓

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karina.
2,328 reviews13 followers
November 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this Holiday read. Shayla and Colton are one hot couple. This was such a page turner. The chemistry between them is so hot! They have a wonderful start to what looks to be a great professional and personal connection until both are blindsided by something they have no control or knowledge of. It leaves Shayla wondering if Colton truly betrayed her and Colton not understanding what happened. They eventually are able to find out that what happened was caused by another and are able to admit that neither has stopped thinking or caring about the other. I loved this story line and it is a well written book. The HEA was perfect!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Korkoi.
7,058 reviews31 followers
November 29, 2018
Check Everything Before Your Final Decision
by Korkoi

The instant chemistry between Colton and Shayla was evident right from the first time the met, but is seems her controlling jealous boss had other ideas about letting their relationship develop. The story is written so well that it actually comes alive and the roller-coaster of emotions I felt, was out of this world. There is drama, just the right balance of hot steamy scenes, lies, manipulation and a happy ending. If you have never read any books from this author, I suggest you start now, because this book is sizzling hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,456 reviews49 followers
November 30, 2018
This is a fantastic collaboration of these two authors and this is a wonderful read. Shayla has never had a good Christmas orphaned as a young child she has been in the foster care system for most of her childhood, so when Christmas comes around Shayla hides away until it’s all over. Colton lives a privileged life he’s a billionaire and he owns Cooperware a software company. Shayla goes to work for Colton there’s an instant attraction between them and after one night together Colton has left Shayla with an unexpected Christmas present. This is such a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
1,293 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2018
Colton is a fun loving billionaire who loves Christmas and Shayla was orphaned as a young child. Due to this fact she has a hard time enjoying Christmas who can blame her. One night under the mistletoe and Colton is breaking down her defenses. he Betrays her and this causes her heart break but she has one thing she decides to keep secret and She is determined to keep this secret until she finds out if there is more to Colton and his lies than she expected. Will this change their future, or are they destined to never rekindle what they had?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
329 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2018
It's hard to say too much without giving somethings away as Shayla is betrayed by someone she trusted.
Shayla meets Colton through a work related job with her boss Richie. Colton is a breath of fresh air& is very Xmas focused. However due to her childhood it doesn't have much meaning for her. She is likened to a grinch.
Of course this is all too good to be true & they part ways. Then comes the betrayal & it's not what you think!
Aw the two were so perfect for the other & with her little surprise she makes the most of her life.
A genuine feel god Xmas tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
333 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2018
Cute Christmas read

Cute story about Colton and Shayla. Shayla hates Christmas because of her childhood living in the foster system and Billionaire and CEO loves it. They meet when Shayla and her devious boss Richie contract to work for Colton during the holidays. Colton does everything to get Shayla into the Christmas spirit, even showing up at her place on Christmas which leads to to something more. When Colton asks Shayla to come work for him Richie lies to her and she tells Colton never to speak to her again...then she discovers she is pregnant. Worth the read to find how their HEA happens.
1,638 reviews15 followers
November 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Shayla and Colton met when she and her company were hired to do some graphics for Colton's company. Her boss, Richard, was extremely jealous of their close relationship and sabataged it at several times. His excuse was it was in her best interest. He even talked her out of telling him she was pregnant with Colton's child. Finally Colton couldn't stand to be apart from her anymore and started looking for her. A wonderful and touching reunion, esepecially his reaction to meeting his son for the first time. The book was very engaging and I culdn't put it down
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2018
A Fantastic Read! The storyline is exciting, engaging, emotionally deep, and beautifully written. It is packed with lies, selfishness, intrigue, and unexpected twists and turns. Some scenes will make you angry, some are heart-warming, and some will make you shake your head in resignation especially when it comes to the heroine’s naivety. Loveable characters - the chemistry between them is off the charts. A really enjoyable passionate read; strongly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,708 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2018
I have read a few books by Ms. Valentine but this is a first for me by Ms. Rayner. They make a good writing duo. This was a well written story and I enjoyed it. There were secrets and lies, twists and turns, and some steamy action. I liked Shayna and Colton together. They had some great chemistry between them. If you like a Christmas theme mixed into your second chance romance you're going to like this one.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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