Pretend Daddy

by Lulu Pratt

I’m all about duty. To my country, my best buddy and now my little boy.

I’m a single dad to a little boy I never knew existed until I got home.
I don’t know anything about raising babies, the only thing I know is that I need a nanny.
That’s when Ashley walks into my life.
Her sweet curves and soft lips threaten to distract me, but I am duty-bound, I won’t cross the line.
At least until I can’t resist the way she looks at me any longer.
It’s more than the way she feels in my arms, it’s the way she’s making this house a home.
And then the rug is ripped out from underneath us.
Our pretend family is no more.
But I've never backed down from a fight.
I’m going to make us a forever family.

***Sizzling hot alpha romance full length novel with no cliffhangers, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after***

Genres: Romance

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2019

Reviews

[s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake learns he has a son that he didn’t know existed and now is a single dad. He needs a nanny to help out and hires Ashley. Soon sparks are flying between them. This is a fast-paced read with lots of drama and emotion. The characters have great chemistry and lots of layers. I was hooked from beginning to end on this entertaining read.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jake & Ashley's story. Wonderful characters. A little drama to keep you into this one...But loved it from the first few pages. Great read. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via an arc program.

[LaBlue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooze is NOT an attractive word!

This book is exactly what I like to read from Lulu Pratt. Her book “Baby’s First Christmas” introduced this author to me and I absolutely LOVED that book. The depth and perception of the characters was wonderfully written and I reread that book often.

So this book while not as deep in plot line it was almost on par with the above mentioned book and it’s what I love about some of LP’s stories. The everyday people living everyday lives but still finding a way to be good people, to themselves and to others, even with all the chaos that can sometimes derail our lives.

She has her characters usually making good choices no matter what. She shows how intricate falling in love can be. She shows that bad circumstances can sometimes be the best things that happen to you. And finally she shows maturity in how people can think and solve life’s problems. I just love this authors perspectives on the scenarios of life.

So my only complaint is the word “ooze”. LP used this word a few times as a descriptor during intimate moments. That word is not attractive. It is used for gross things, and it should NEVER be used in the context that LP was utilizing it. NEVER!!! Lol. Oh, and in one of the female leads thoughts in one scene LP wrote “broke blond”. That was mean and beneath the values of the female character she had written so far. It was judgmental and unflattering of the author and the female she had thinking it.

It was a very pleasant book and I recommend to those who like getting to know you romances with mild drama and leading to an earned HEA. Not just insta-love fluff.

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Journey to Love Is Not A Smooth Ride ♥🔥♥🔥

Hold onto your hearts because Ms Lulu Pratt has the power to steal it with this story. Jake is out of the service and back in the States to fulfill his promise to his best friend, Justin, lost to war. A one night stand dealing with grief with Anna Louise, Justin's sister, while home for the funeral gives Jake a two year old son he knew nothing about. Anna Louise is in a bad place with an addiction and in no shape to care for Jasper. With the hours he works Jake needs a nanny quick but has no idea how hard it is to find one. Ashley is forced to drop out of college because her ex scammed her out of her inheritance and she has no way to pay tuition. On the way out of school she grabs an ad for a nanny. Ashley and Jasper connect on their first meeting which will have a domino affect on all their lives. Ashley turns Jake's house into a home with little touches all around but the chemistry continues to build. Once they give into their attraction the line starts to blur for when Ashley is on duty or not. Jake is dealing with Anna Louise trying to get her the help she needs and getting custody of Jasper when paternity comes in question. Everything crumbles when Ashley is put in a dangerous situation when her best friends plan to get Ashley's money back from her ex backfires. Jake feels betrayed and lied to but walks away without learning the facts. A chance meeting could bring everything out in the open. Will Jake take this opportunity to learn the truth and give Ashley the chance to make his family whole?? Will Ashley give Jake another chance or is she too afraid he'll walk away again?? This amazing story will fill you with hope and love for Jake, Ashley and Jasper as they find their way to happiness through difficulties not of their choosing. The characters are as real as life and will leave footprints in your heart well after the end. Grab your copy and get lost in this soul searching journey. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy for my favorites collection. I'm all geared up and ready for Lulu's next story.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book. Not only was it about two people falling in love, it was also about the promises made between friends. Jake is a man who has just found out he has a son with the sister of his best friend, Justin, who he joined the Marines with. Both men made a promise. Justin would look after Jake's mom and Jake would look after Anna-Louise if neither made it back from battle. Well, Justin didn't make it back. One night Jake and Anna-Louise sought comfort from one another. Two years later Jake finds out he has a son. He also needs a nanny to help him with his son since Anna-Louise is in no condition to care for Jasper. Ashley is a young woman who has had a hard time ever since her father died. She has just been cheated out of money from her boyfriend who she broke up with after realizing she was never getting her money back. She has to drop out of school and find job. Ashley sees a posting for a nanny and soon finds herself carrying for Jasper and falling for Jake. This is a great story. There is a little drama in the form of Anna-Louise and her on going problems. Both Ashley and Jake find themselves falling in love with one another quickly and becoming a family. Ashley friend Catherine also adds to the drama when she decides she is going to find a way to get back the money Nathan has taken from Ashley. Ashley has no desire to go after Nathan. She is happy now. This is a well written story with a great HEA.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing his best friend Jake losing himself in his grief and sleeps with his dead friend's sister. He learns that they have a son a few years later and he steps in to take care of Jasper and get his son's mom the help she needs. However he knows that he can't do it on his own so he interviews for a nanny. Ashley has to take a break from school because of her finances so when she sees a posting about the nanny job she calls about it. Jake isn't so sure about Ashley but when he sees her with Jasper he knows that she is perfect. Ashley's friend won't let go of the revenge plot against Ashley's ex for the money he stole from her but Ashley has already moved on from it and put her mind on her new job. Sparks fly between her and Jake and they fight their attraction but soon they don't want to fight anymore. When things look like they are finally coming around for them their pasts come back to haunt them. Will Ashley's ex cause Jake to end things with her? Will Jasper's mom find a way to get Jasper back?

This is an emotional rollercoaster ride of a story. The chemistry between them is scorching hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this story to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Bad Boy Update.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar, Romantic, and an HEA!
Another great story by Lulu Pratt. She just keeps putting out five star Romance books that twinkle my toes.
This was a heartfelt storyline that could have easily made the natural mother into an ogre (which too many romance stories do imho), but the author did not. She didn’t arm Jake, the father of Jasper or Ashley, the Nanny. The author rose above and acknowledged the problem. Acknowledged the frustration of dealing with addiction. And, gave the natural mother credit when due. By doing this, this issue remained the undercurrent.
Ms Pratt is a wizard with the flow of her stories. They never get bogged down as her characters are strong enough in each chapter to carry on to the next chapter.
I’m recommending this book for the above reasons. And because the author’s body of work to date is strong and one that should not be overlooked. So, if you haven’t read one of her books yet now is the time to start. And if you have, continue on with this one.
I received this ARC from “Bad Boy Update” for my honest review so I’m leaving this for your consideration. Peace.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE HEART MELTING SIZZLER!!!
Be still my aching heart! This bad boy hooks you from the start and reels in for the duration. Lulu lays this baby out with such sincerity and finesse it will blow you away. Scenes, characters, location, dynamics and details are written with such realism there's no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play out propelling this baby to life colorfully. Twined and stretched to unbelievable limits as we witness all the heartbreak and drama. Pushing through all the trials and tribulations along with an intense storyline and swirling plot mixed with all those blazing emotions as they meld this jewel together piece by piece. Their personalities are well matched as the revelations and speculations blend and flow. Outstanding job Lulu, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this twisty turny story! Jake is keeping his promise to his best friend. Take care of his sister if he dies. He had no idea that would entail also taking care of her son, who she says is his! He knows he is in over his head and hires a nanny. Ashley is forced to leave college when her ex steals her savings. Being a nanny is not what she thought she would be doing, but Jake's little boy captures her heart. Jake's relationship with his sons mother is strained, to say the least, but Ashley is the ray of hope he didn't know he needed. They dance around their attraction, until they can't. Their life is happy until the everything changes, for both of them, and it will take everything Jake has inside to protect her, forgive her, and win her back. So good!

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet contemporary romance of a single Dad & the journey he has taken! Perfect book for single parents by DNA or adoption!

Is it just genetics that make a family of love? Jake was off to service & lost his best friend & consoling one another ends up with a surprise 2years later. A single Dad was part time to full time he is singing it. But as an actual parents aren't we all? The nanny Ashley goes through her own nightmare. Talk about fate..... This a great story of communication & trust and not running away before you listen and talk to one another. You also have to think about Nadler - sweetest boy ever. Has abandonment, death of a loved one, abuse, theft, violence and addition to alcohol & drugs. This also pushes you to fight for what you want! @my2cents_booklover

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc copy of this book.
I loved this book it was very well written and loved the characters. Jake and Ashley were perfect for each other, just took awhile to figure it out. Jake didn't find out he was a dad until he came back from being on tour. Now he's back state side and back to keep his promise to his best friend that pasted away, while on tour. The story becomes very interesting and is full of drama and has its ups and down. I loved the relationship Ashley had with Jake's mum that was so sweet. just really loved it. Another great book by Lulu Pratt. Highly recommend

[Lisa J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a military man who finds out he is a father of a toddler... and needs to take custody of Jasper because the mother needs help of her own.

He finds a nanny in Ashley, a student who trusted the wrong person and must now drop out to earn money. Jasper takes to her right away, and Jake finds it difficult to keep his own emotions platonic.

Lots of obstacles to overcome, but a great read with a full story.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a full length, joy to read, love story between Jake, war hero comes home to a surprise two-year-old, and Ashley, nanny and college drop out because her inheritance was stolen. But even though Anna-Louise named the boy after him, Jason, his middle name, could the boy not be his biological child? And how about best friend Katharine plotting all the time to get Ashley's money returned? Lots of things could and do go wrong, yet there's a lovely happy ending!

[Linda Kam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Brilliant again Lulu. Loved the storyline and loved all the characters.
I adored little Jasper and fell in love with Jake.
Loved the connection between Jake and Ashley.
They were so well suited to each other. I loved Ms Donna too. I loved the relationship Ashley and she had. I thought it wonderful reading about these characters coming together to become a complete and loving Family.
Yes...I needed the tissues again.
Thank you Lulu for another brilliant book.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel in love with the characters, they created a wonderful complicated love story filled with issues about family and self doubt. The twists and turns were great and honestly really refreshing. The story kept me reading more to find out what would happen next. I couldn’t put it down until the last word. I highly recommended it.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Jasper

Jake is home from serving in the marines, to find out he has a a 2 year old son. Ashley finds she needs a full time job. She sees and applies for a full time Nanny for Jake's son Jasper. This is their story and it's a different telling of what you'd expect from the title.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

I love Lulu's books as she always brings a refreshing twist to her stories. Her characters are real people and you want the best for them. But, be prepared to read the book in its entirety, you won't be able to help yourself!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good written story with enjoyable characters.

[Angel Mcduffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretend daddy left me believing in silver linings. It's about the good times and surviving the bad. It shows communication is paramount to a lasting relationship.

[booklover0228 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast easy read. All the characters were well written and blended well with the story line.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a bit to get into as there was a lot of descriptives but once I got into it I didn’t want to put it down. Little Jasper stole my heart!

[linda freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved the story.great love story

i love the story from the beginning.it was great romantic babysitter and his little boy.just a feel good story.will proba ly read it again