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Tennessee Tulanes #3
His Baby Proposal
Luke Tulane knew better than to touch Shelby Brookes. Much less spend the night with her. But when he returns to Tennessee for yet another brother’s wedding and discovers his little sister’s best friend pregnant with his child, he’s determined to make things right.
Luke is Shelby’s forever crush, but after witnessing her parents marry and split time and again, marriage isn’t on the agenda. Ever.
Luke is determined to marry the girl of his dreams... But how do you convince a woman whose past is so traumatized by family drama that marriage to him might be worth facing her worst fears?
TENNESSEE TULANES SERIES:
HER SNOWBOUND HERO
THE REBEL’S SECRET BARGAIN
HIS BABY PROPOSAL
THE DOCTOR’S NANNY
A HERO IN HIDING
THE STONE GAP MOUNTAIN SERIES:
THAT SOUTHERN SUMMER NIGHT
BLIND MAN’S BLUFF
HER UNWANTED PROTECTOR
REDEMPTION ROAD
THEIR SECRET SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS
OWEN’S RETURN
THE REDEEMING LOVE SERIES:
HER REDEEMING LOVE
HIS REDEEMING LOVE
REDEEMING US
MONTANA SKIES SERIES:
HER MONTANA COWBOY
HER COWBOY SHERIFF
PROTECTING THE SHERIFF’S DAUGHTER
COWBOY MEETS HIS MATCH
MONTANA CHRISTMAS
SECOND CHANCE HERO
OTHER BOOKS:
The Crash Before Christmas
Return to Eden
Luke is Shelby’s forever crush, but after witnessing her parents marry and split time and again, marriage isn’t on the agenda. Ever.
Luke is determined to marry the girl of his dreams... But how do you convince a woman whose past is so traumatized by family drama that marriage to him might be worth facing her worst fears?
TENNESSEE TULANES SERIES:
HER SNOWBOUND HERO
THE REBEL’S SECRET BARGAIN
HIS BABY PROPOSAL
THE DOCTOR’S NANNY
A HERO IN HIDING
THE STONE GAP MOUNTAIN SERIES:
THAT SOUTHERN SUMMER NIGHT
BLIND MAN’S BLUFF
HER UNWANTED PROTECTOR
REDEMPTION ROAD
THEIR SECRET SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS
OWEN’S RETURN
THE REDEEMING LOVE SERIES:
HER REDEEMING LOVE
HIS REDEEMING LOVE
REDEEMING US
MONTANA SKIES SERIES:
HER MONTANA COWBOY
HER COWBOY SHERIFF
PROTECTING THE SHERIFF’S DAUGHTER
COWBOY MEETS HIS MATCH
MONTANA CHRISTMAS
SECOND CHANCE HERO
OTHER BOOKS:
The Crash Before Christmas
Return to Eden
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2009
874 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Kay Stockham
32 books70 followersKay Lyons Stockham is an award-winning author of 25+ books published by Harlequin Enterprises, Berkley Publishing and Kindred Spirits Publishing. She has also been a Book Buyers Best, HOLT Medallion and RITA Award finalist with a million books in print.
For more information on Kay's work, please visit her website at http://www.kaystockham.com or find her at one of the following:
Kay Lyons Stockham, Author (FB)
@KayStockham (Twitter)
Kay Stockham (Authorgraph)
Kay Lyons Stockham (Pinterest)
For more information on Kay's work, please visit her website at http://www.kaystockham.com or find her at one of the following:
Kay Lyons Stockham, Author (FB)
@KayStockham (Twitter)
Kay Stockham (Authorgraph)
Kay Lyons Stockham (Pinterest)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 21, 2011
I don't like to read books that make me emotional or cry. I don't, and I avoid them if I can. That said, I don't regret reading this. Kay Stockham's books had been average or less for me, each new Tulane book I read getting lower and lower in the rating. This one, I give 3.5 stars - because it made me cry.
Shelby had a lot of baggage, and her troubled family background shaped the way she was and how she handled relationships. I liked it that although she was apparently beautiful (3 time beauty pageant winner), she had troublesome hives that popped up all over her body when she was stressed. She seemed like a real person, not some fantasy woman who was perfect in looks; had a made-up, superficial flaw; and who everyone loved because of her sweet personality. Shelby was not sweet. But because we spend so much time in her POV, I was able to understand her. The author really explored why Shelby couldn't trust relationships. Although I hated and got very frustrated with Shelby every time she was cruel to Luke who was so patient and kind, and refused to take the chance at love, as the author gently reminded us through Luke's POV, Shelby had cause.
If there was ever an author who made me believe that a person's family background caused a real obstacle to the story's main relationship, it was this author - at least in this book. I totally believed it. As I tried to put myself in Shelby's shoes, I could imagine that I'd probably act much in the same way. In a way, I was able to relate to her.
It's been so long since I'd read a romance novel where I could identify with the heroine and she really stood out. This heroine was flawed all the way through, but how could I hate her? She was what her life had made her, and she was real.
Where the book really grabbed me was the scene that led to Shelby finally getting her emotions out there instead of repressing them. I've read books that made my eyes water, books that made me cry. I think this is the first book that made me want to bawl. The scene when Shelby finally lets her feelings go was so raw and emotional that I couldn't help but empathize deeply. And the ending? I'm so happy for the HEA. Luke and Shelby both deserve it.
Shelby had a lot of baggage, and her troubled family background shaped the way she was and how she handled relationships. I liked it that although she was apparently beautiful (3 time beauty pageant winner), she had troublesome hives that popped up all over her body when she was stressed. She seemed like a real person, not some fantasy woman who was perfect in looks; had a made-up, superficial flaw; and who everyone loved because of her sweet personality. Shelby was not sweet. But because we spend so much time in her POV, I was able to understand her. The author really explored why Shelby couldn't trust relationships. Although I hated and got very frustrated with Shelby every time she was cruel to Luke who was so patient and kind, and refused to take the chance at love, as the author gently reminded us through Luke's POV, Shelby had cause.
If there was ever an author who made me believe that a person's family background caused a real obstacle to the story's main relationship, it was this author - at least in this book. I totally believed it. As I tried to put myself in Shelby's shoes, I could imagine that I'd probably act much in the same way. In a way, I was able to relate to her.
It's been so long since I'd read a romance novel where I could identify with the heroine and she really stood out. This heroine was flawed all the way through, but how could I hate her? She was what her life had made her, and she was real.
Where the book really grabbed me was the scene that led to Shelby finally getting her emotions out there instead of repressing them. I've read books that made my eyes water, books that made me cry. I think this is the first book that made me want to bawl. The scene when Shelby finally lets her feelings go was so raw and emotional that I couldn't help but empathize deeply. And the ending? I'm so happy for the HEA. Luke and Shelby both deserve it.
September 12, 2014
I have to stop reading these books. They are infuriating and pointless. Why, why, why do I keep reading them? I can't even properly review this story because it was so god damn stupid that I get angry thinking about it.
You sleep with him once and then he guilts you into marrying him and you agree...because he's a nice guy? He just threatened to take your child away unless you marry him and you go oh well gee I guess? Are you serious?
Also. I swear to god this is a direct quote. "The thought of you carrying my baby turns me on."
Can you just not? Can you physically and literally just not? Just don't. Do not ever. Get the fuck out.
I just. I JUST.
You sleep with him once and then he guilts you into marrying him and you agree...because he's a nice guy? He just threatened to take your child away unless you marry him and you go oh well gee I guess? Are you serious?
Also. I swear to god this is a direct quote. "The thought of you carrying my baby turns me on."
Can you just not? Can you physically and literally just not? Just don't. Do not ever. Get the fuck out.
I just. I JUST.
January 12, 2012
Rating 2.5
This is the third in the Tulane series and about Nick's twin Luke, the intelligent computer programmer.
Months before Luke slept with his sister's best friend Shelby, on whom he had a crush on forever, she was the beauty queen to his nerd but Shelby has been avoiding him, sneaking out and not taking his calls and then she sneaks out of Nick's wedding, sick, he follows her and learns she is pregnant.
I didn't enjoy this book much because the heroine was such a pain, cruel and unreasonable, first off she didn't think she would get pregnant because of health problems and she has been affected her whole life by her parents on and off relationship and her mother's theatrics, then she learns that she is the daughter of another man, fine I get it we were supposed to understand her emotional problems but I hated the way she treated Luke, who was a great stand up guy. She acts like a baby avoiding his calls and what not and only when Luke threatens to take the baby away as a last resort she acts a bit better, marrying him but still behaving badly.
And her behavior continues throughout.
This is the third in the Tulane series and about Nick's twin Luke, the intelligent computer programmer.
Months before Luke slept with his sister's best friend Shelby, on whom he had a crush on forever, she was the beauty queen to his nerd but Shelby has been avoiding him, sneaking out and not taking his calls and then she sneaks out of Nick's wedding, sick, he follows her and learns she is pregnant.
I didn't enjoy this book much because the heroine was such a pain, cruel and unreasonable, first off she didn't think she would get pregnant because of health problems and she has been affected her whole life by her parents on and off relationship and her mother's theatrics, then she learns that she is the daughter of another man, fine I get it we were supposed to understand her emotional problems but I hated the way she treated Luke, who was a great stand up guy. She acts like a baby avoiding his calls and what not and only when Luke threatens to take the baby away as a last resort she acts a bit better, marrying him but still behaving badly.
And her behavior continues throughout.
February 22, 2021
Nahhh, too many issues that tick me off
It's okay to get rid of toxic people. It's okay to say, "no it's not fine." And Shelby is too problematic, she needs a therapist not a husband. She's one small kick away from spinning out completely at all times. And the only reason she doesn't run screaming into the night is denial. She drinks denial like other people drink alcohol. She thinks if she just pretends that it will just go away and leave her alone. Well, life doesn't work that way. Life will kick you harder and harder til it kills you or until you stop pretending.
It's okay to get rid of toxic people. It's okay to say, "no it's not fine." And Shelby is too problematic, she needs a therapist not a husband. She's one small kick away from spinning out completely at all times. And the only reason she doesn't run screaming into the night is denial. She drinks denial like other people drink alcohol. She thinks if she just pretends that it will just go away and leave her alone. Well, life doesn't work that way. Life will kick you harder and harder til it kills you or until you stop pretending.
April 10, 2021
Previously published as My Best Friends Brother by Kay Stockham, now with a new cover and title. This is the third book in the Tennessee Tulanes series, it's a contemporary romance with a best friends brother trope. The book is a short story full of angst and drama, among family mostly, dysfunction at its finest! Main female character (Shelby) needs mental help and the main male counterpart (Luke) has low self esteem and then finally, a break through with a HEA. Sorry, not a book I would recommend!
July 20, 2023
Incredibly frustrating
Shelby is completely unlikable, aside from being attractive I have no idea what Luke saw in her
Shelby is completely unlikable, aside from being attractive I have no idea what Luke saw in her
September 28, 2013
This is a book.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
August 3, 2023
It took me a while but I finally figured out why all of these characters were so familiar. His Baby Proposal is book three in the Tennessee Tulanes series by Kay Lyons Stockholm writing as Ivy James. I most definitely read the first two books written under the name Kay Stockholm. Since I have these on my Nook, the covers/titles/author have automatically updated and are listed under Ivy James. At any rate, this is a solid series.
His Baby Proposal is the BFF’s older brother trope. Luke and Shelby have crushed on one another most of their lives. Luke is a computer geek and the one least respected in his family. Shelby is the (very reluctant) beauty queen girl everyone wanted to date. To say she has some baggage is an understatement. A couple of months prior to the opening of His Baby Proposal, Luke was home for a family wedding when Shelby was given devastating news. She needed comfort and unconsciously turned to Luke. One thing led to another and here they are two months later. Luke is back in town for another family wedding and Shelby realizes the impossible has happened. You know where this is going….
His Baby Proposal is a quick, clean, entertaining story. There is a lot going on over a small timeframe in this one. I could have done with a little less of Shelby’s stubbornness, but overall this was easy to stay engaged in.
His Baby Proposal is the BFF’s older brother trope. Luke and Shelby have crushed on one another most of their lives. Luke is a computer geek and the one least respected in his family. Shelby is the (very reluctant) beauty queen girl everyone wanted to date. To say she has some baggage is an understatement. A couple of months prior to the opening of His Baby Proposal, Luke was home for a family wedding when Shelby was given devastating news. She needed comfort and unconsciously turned to Luke. One thing led to another and here they are two months later. Luke is back in town for another family wedding and Shelby realizes the impossible has happened. You know where this is going….
His Baby Proposal is a quick, clean, entertaining story. There is a lot going on over a small timeframe in this one. I could have done with a little less of Shelby’s stubbornness, but overall this was easy to stay engaged in.
March 2, 2021
Crossing the Line by Kay Lyons, book three in her Taming the Tulanes series, is a small town story with lots of drama, people feeling like outsiders of their own family, and insecurity. After receiving some bad news, Shelby has a sizzling one night stand with Luke, the last time he was in town for a brother’s wedding. Shelby is Luke’s sister’s best friend and has crushed on Luke on and off over the years; although Luke has crushed on her too. That one night leads to unexpected consequences; but Shelby keeps pushing Luke away; due to her dysfunctional and difficult family background. Shelby is set in her ways and quite stubborn, unwilling to give Luke a chance until she does. When tragedy strikes, Shelby and Luke learn much about themselves, their desires, and whether or not they will continue to have a future together.
Ms. Lyons wrote an enjoyable romance that may or may not be a stand alone; lots of conversations had me feeling like I was missing parts of what was going on or the history behind it. This story had magnetic attraction, a caring but meddling family, and charming secondary characters helping Shelby and Luke get their happily ever after. I recommend Crossing the Line to other readers. 3.5/5
Ms. Lyons wrote an enjoyable romance that may or may not be a stand alone; lots of conversations had me feeling like I was missing parts of what was going on or the history behind it. This story had magnetic attraction, a caring but meddling family, and charming secondary characters helping Shelby and Luke get their happily ever after. I recommend Crossing the Line to other readers. 3.5/5
July 10, 2023
Wow I absolutely loved this book but I have to say, it was so emotional. Shelby’s emotions were so heavy my chest hurt. An author that can convey emotion that well is rare. Luke was amazing, he lightened the book and made me root for their love. Shelby is a mess, her childhood has scarred her and made her act like a robot. Inside she’s a seething cauldron but what other people see is a cold emotionless woman. I love the “Steel Magnolias” vibe this book had going for it. The story has depth, the characters feel real and I was totally engrossed in their story. My one complaint, I needed more at the end. Their story was so emotional and gut wrenching but the ending was abrupt even though it was a HEA. What happened next? A baby? Shelby getting used to being loved and not so untrusting? Ivy James, if you read these, please write a little epilogue to give me closure lol.
November 11, 2021
Crossing the Line was a very sweet and emotional book from start to finish. I found myself tearing up a few times at the heartbreaking events and Luke's sweet personality.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was Shelby. I understood where she was coming from when she had so much baggage created from her parents' drama. But she just wasn't a likeable character and she only made me frustrated. Luke deserved better. I think I might have liked Shelby and the book more if there was an epilogue to show their relationship in the future, which would ease some of the frustration I felt.
Overall, the book was sweet, emotional, and easy to read. I'll possibly read more of this author in the future.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was Shelby. I understood where she was coming from when she had so much baggage created from her parents' drama. But she just wasn't a likeable character and she only made me frustrated. Luke deserved better. I think I might have liked Shelby and the book more if there was an epilogue to show their relationship in the future, which would ease some of the frustration I felt.
Overall, the book was sweet, emotional, and easy to read. I'll possibly read more of this author in the future.
August 21, 2023
The fact that Shelby basically put all the blame on herself, never saw Luke’s point of view or took his feelings into consideration for over half of the book just pissed me off. Obviously there was nothing wrong with her not wanting to get married immediately or just for the sake of the baby (especially since the Tulane’s didn’t really give her another reasonable option - but come to think of it she didn’t give Luke any options at all). She was selfish up to the last few pages and I think Luke deserved better.
Anyways, It was a quick read and I didn’t hate it. I just wish Shelby gave in a little bit earlier than the last few pages. She tried for a couple days in the middle, but that really wasn’t enough.
Anyways, It was a quick read and I didn’t hate it. I just wish Shelby gave in a little bit earlier than the last few pages. She tried for a couple days in the middle, but that really wasn’t enough.
April 18, 2022
Being stubborn goes both ways ❤️🎮🍼💙
This is the third book I’ve read in this series. The hardest part of Shelby’s and Luke’s story is I didn’t like her for about 90% of the book. Sure, it was easy to see where she was coming from, but Luke was a good man, and she was just too stubborn for her own good.
It’s a good example of how parents can influence their kids and the choices they make.
Good for Luke and him sticking to his choices. And for getting his HEA.
This is the third book I’ve read in this series. The hardest part of Shelby’s and Luke’s story is I didn’t like her for about 90% of the book. Sure, it was easy to see where she was coming from, but Luke was a good man, and she was just too stubborn for her own good.
It’s a good example of how parents can influence their kids and the choices they make.
Good for Luke and him sticking to his choices. And for getting his HEA.
February 19, 2021
Too unhappy and sad for me.
What a sad story.
Things got okay at the very end, but then the story was over. Suddenly. Would have liked some good feelings to counter all the unhappiness. Like another chapter and an epilogue.
It's a good story but I wouldn't ever want to read another one like it.
What a sad story.
Things got okay at the very end, but then the story was over. Suddenly. Would have liked some good feelings to counter all the unhappiness. Like another chapter and an epilogue.
It's a good story but I wouldn't ever want to read another one like it.
March 24, 2021
Love, Grief and Growing up
Luke had loved Shelby for years. She had a messed up childhood, her mother and father married and remarried on a regular basis. This books makes you cry and wonder at the stupidity of her parents for failing to realize what they were doing to her with all of their drama.
Luke had loved Shelby for years. She had a messed up childhood, her mother and father married and remarried on a regular basis. This books makes you cry and wonder at the stupidity of her parents for failing to realize what they were doing to her with all of their drama.
July 16, 2023
Grab your tissues—you’re definitely going to need a bunch!
Get this book now! It’s an incredible read with all the feels and possibilities you could hope for. The storyline is fantastic; the characters are amazing; the plot really keeps you flipping those pages; and the HEA is totally killer. Don’t miss this one!
Get this book now! It’s an incredible read with all the feels and possibilities you could hope for. The storyline is fantastic; the characters are amazing; the plot really keeps you flipping those pages; and the HEA is totally killer. Don’t miss this one!
October 28, 2020
Serious Romance
Can a baby marriage survive a tragedy? That’s the basic story here. Shelby and Luke’s one night stand between friends leads to discoveries about themselves, their families and how they view marriage.
Can a baby marriage survive a tragedy? That’s the basic story here. Shelby and Luke’s one night stand between friends leads to discoveries about themselves, their families and how they view marriage.
April 29, 2021
Made me cry
Totally clean with no graphic sex scenes but it’s easy to feel the sizzle between the H and the h.
Luke was an absolute doll but Shelby was not the most engaging character... I found myself getting impatient with her.
Totally clean with no graphic sex scenes but it’s easy to feel the sizzle between the H and the h.
Luke was an absolute doll but Shelby was not the most engaging character... I found myself getting impatient with her.
August 15, 2021
Love? Marriage?
Engrossing novel about a mistake, a pregnancy, many complications from a distinction am parenting. Love and a miscarriage threaten their marriage but love wins out.
Engrossing novel about a mistake, a pregnancy, many complications from a distinction am parenting. Love and a miscarriage threaten their marriage but love wins out.
July 29, 2023
sweet
Sometimes you can’t see what’s just in front of you. This was a good story of what life hey really wanted but didn’t think they deserved it or didn’t think it could possibly be this great.
Sometimes you can’t see what’s just in front of you. This was a good story of what life hey really wanted but didn’t think they deserved it or didn’t think it could possibly be this great.
August 11, 2023
Family secrets
This was an amazing story of two families that you will not be able to forget. Two insecure individuals from different families that you will fall in love with. Do not want to give this story away.
This was an amazing story of two families that you will not be able to forget. Two insecure individuals from different families that you will fall in love with. Do not want to give this story away.
February 23, 2021
A good story about family dynamics and how they affect relationships. This story is packed with emotion. Interesting characters and unusual circumstances keep you invested in the book.
March 1, 2021
All the above
This is one of those stories that can pull you. It emotional, draining and so moving. If you have ever lost something so important to you. Read this book. Its good.
This is one of those stories that can pull you. It emotional, draining and so moving. If you have ever lost something so important to you. Read this book. Its good.
March 3, 2021
Another middle of the night read. Not my favourite but readable at 4am when you cannot sleep.
March 9, 2021
Lots of angst!
to be is not easy. Lots of drama and soul searching along the way. Will they live happy ever after?
to be is not easy. Lots of drama and soul searching along the way. Will they live happy ever after?
March 23, 2021
Didn’t finish it. Not my cup of tea
April 4, 2021
One of my favorites. Loved this. Cute and a little nail-biting but loved it
June 13, 2021
Great book
I enjoyed reading this book and you have the relationships evolved. I had a happy ending and that's what I like and I'm book.
I enjoyed reading this book and you have the relationships evolved. I had a happy ending and that's what I like and I'm book.
July 8, 2021
I liked this book, the main character is very stubborn and I wasn’t too sure about the whole “You are pregnant we MUST get married” situation but the character development is very well done
August 24, 2021
Rated 3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews