Unexpected Daddy

by Gemma Brocato

This short novella was previously published as part of the 12 Nights of Christmas Anthology, which is no longer available.

She let him go to pursue his dreams without telling him she was pregnant. Five years later, he’s back in town and her secret’s out. Can they get over past hurts to seize a future for their small family?

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2019

About the author

Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a fortune from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to 'Dear Author', were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:

Braden Morningstar, outstanding centerfielder, cover-model sexy. Man-whore, according to the tabloids. There was a reason they called him Morning After Morningstar.

My Review:

I enjoyed this sweet and steamy second chance romance for previous high school sweethearts. A villainous meddlesome mother was to blame for the previous failure, which is a highly relatable villain in my experience ;) Gemma Brocato always provides an engaging storyline with gasp-worthy sizzle and a satisfying HEA.

[Ruby Papciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of Christmas extends to more than just typical presents. Five years is a long time to be without the one person that truly completes you. Though the circumstances for being apart include a truly despicable and meddlesome mother. Though she had her reasons and in her heart she may have believed she was doing the right thing. But in terms of love, everything will work out in the end. And it certainly does for Braden and Harper with a bonus sweet little 5 yr old Kai.
Ms. Broccato is a genius at bringing a sweet romance to life. This short story deserves more than just 5 stars. I absolutely loved it, and would definitely recommend it to my friends.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, quick read with the perfect happy ending! College sweethearts Harper and Braden allow another’s bitterness to drive them apart. 5 years later, Harper returns home after her mother’s death, with Braden’s son in tow. The sparks are still there and Christmas miracles do happen.

[Linda Cotter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute story. My only critique is that I wish it was longer. With an adorable premise and fun characters, I can't wait to read more of the stories in this anthology!

[Teresa Fordice · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this is a wonderful short story to get you ready for the upcoming holiday season - it just seemed so real to me with the weather and the emotional feelings that were so well written!

[RomanceReader1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story.

This is a new to me author.

The story is short, and although Braden and Harper got their HEA I was left with questions…..