The Heiress's Pregnancy Surprise

Heirs to an Empire #2

by Donna Alward

A VIP assignment…

…an unexpected consequence!

Former SAS officer Jacob Wolfe’s latest job, as aristocrat Charlotte Pemberton’s bodyguard, is pushing him to his limits. Never one to step over the line, he’s determined to ignore their intense connection. Until a single dance leads to a forbidden kiss…and Jacob is tempted to break all his rules. But when their resulting night together has an unexpected consequence, Jacob finds himself with a whole new assignment—daddy!

From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

Heirs to an Empire

Book 1: Scandal and the Runaway Bride

Book 2: The Heiress’s Pregnancy Surprise

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2021

About the author

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.

Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read.

Jacob Wolfe, retired SAS officer now owner of a security company, accepts to be Heiress Charlotte Pamberton's bodyguard during the New York fashion week. Charlotte, is the PR of her family's fashion company, Aurora Inc., she has the responsibility for the success of the fashion week so she reluctantly agreeds to be followed by a bodyguard to protect her from the threats she got in the previous months.
They are from worlds apart but they are instantly attracted from each other, Jacob strictly refuses to act on their phisical chemistry it when he is on duty even if sleeping under the same roof with Charlotte is really challenging. Will they survive spending the week together without any hitch?

I really liked to follow Jacob and Charlotte's journey, their blooming friendship warmed my heart and it was really refreshing to read but I would have liked to read more about the pregnancy beause I'm nosy like that.

This was the first time I've read a book written by Donna Alward and I'm sure I'm going to read more because I've devoured The Heiress's Pregnancy Surprise in record time.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Pemberton does not want a bodyguard on her first outing representing the family business alone, but her mother insists, and so she is stuck with Jacob Wolfe. Jacob would rather be on holiday than babysit a spoiled heiress, but as he gets to know Charlotte, he quickly realises she is more than he gave her credit for.

This is a story in two parts - the first, a classic girl-meets-bodyguard, and the second - well, take a look at the title. Surprise!

I liked how this book handled consent - both around alcohol and power dynamics, though Jacob does point out he's technically not her employee, he's her mother's. What I really loved, however, was that Charlotte was extremely competent and Jacob is openly impressed by her despite knowing nothing about the fashion industry.

It's light and lovely and has just the right amount of angst and self-reflection. I have no hesitation in giving this five stars.

I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

[Tim Covell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite of this series. While the heroine is a heiress, she's hard at work in this story, and the hero is a relatively ordinary guy. As a bodyguard to the rich and famous, and head of his own security firm, he's not exactly blue-collar, but he's not in her world either, so the romantic and relationship hesitation is well-grounded. A suspense subplot (there's a reason for the bodyguard) helps keep the tension strong in the earlier part of the story, before other complications kick in.

Surprise baby stories often alert readers to that plot point in the title, as in this case, and with that given away, the baby usually turns up early in the story. That's not the case here - we get the developing romance that surprise baby stories often miss. We also get significant sexual tension - when's that baby happening?

Surprise baby stories also dance around the issue of abortion. If it's mentioned in a nod to realism, it's usually dismissed quickly. Here, the issue is highlighted by making it a chapter ending hook, and a little discussion follows. The heroine has considered it, and the hero mentions that he would support her decision either way. It's a minor thing, but I appreciated that the characters discussed this, and in a reasonable manner. It's one of many great details that make this book an enjoyable read.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
Miniseries
Heirs to an Empire (Book #2)

[Danielle Amor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Mills and Boon and these books from the True Love series are simply divine.

This book was a short story, a quick read, but had a great storyline. What was different with this one is that it was truly romantic, and only a little sex just lots of sizzle. Jacob was a dream!

I haven’t read the initial Heirs to an Empire book, but will definitely look out for that!

Would definitely recommend this book!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob is a successful personal security consultant always strictly professional since he lost someone, important to him. Charlotte keeps under the radar, no scandal no trouble but has she sacrificed herself remaining out of the limelight?

This is a gentle romance which grows through mutual respect and proximity. Both need to heal from past emotional experiences. A passionate encounter forces them to consider the future. The characters are easy to like and relatable and the situations they encounter believable. This is a lovely romance with a positive ending.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book. Charlotte runs PR for her family's fashion business, Aurora, Inc., and is also in charge of this year's Fashion Week presence in New York. She's excited but nervous, also and determined to do an outstanding job. However, having a bodyguard tagging along just because of a few strange emails was not part of her plan, especially one so physically appealing to her.

Former SAS officer Jacob owns a security company that specializes in protecting VIPs. He's spent enough time around the rich and famous that they don't impress him. The last place Jacob wants to be is babysitting some spoiled socialite when he could have been on his first vacation in years. It would help if she weren't so beautiful, but he can remain strictly professional and keep his mind on the job.

I loved watching the development of the relationship between Jacob and Charlotte. Jacob quickly realizes that Charlotte is no high-maintenance society girl. I loved watching his opinion of her change as he sees how hard she works. Jacob also sees past the confident façade and picks up on the occasional insecurity. He's impressed with her wit and intelligence and more than happy to lend his support when she needs it. I loved his actions when they ran into her ex. It's about that time when Jacob realizes that she has more of an effect on him than he expected, which worries him.

Charlotte begins to see that there is more to Jacob than muscles and protection. His presence at her side made a huge difference to her confidence, especially when she received another threat. I loved how he gave her the boost she needed to step outside her comfort zone and shine on her own merits. The attraction that flared between them took her by surprise. I loved how he was there to support her when disaster happened.

When the threat against Charlotte ended, that left Jacob at loose ends. He no longer had a purpose but was reluctant to leave, nor was Charlotte ready for him to go. I loved how she talked him into staying and taking her to the party that night as a friend and not her bodyguard. A dance led to a kiss led to giving in to their attraction. I loved that both were honest with each other about their expectations. Neither wanted a relationship. Charlotte has significant trust issues and doesn't want to let anyone that close. Jacob still feels guilt from the end of his last relationship. When they parted ways at the end of the trip, neither expected to see the other again.

I loved seeing how, despite their stated expectations, neither Jacob nor Charlotte wanted to end things. However, neither could see a way to make it work. Jacob fixates on the differences in their lives, while Charlotte only sees that they live in two different countries. But when Charlotte discovers she's pregnant, she knows she has to tell him in person.

Jacob's happiness at Charlotte's unexpected arrival worried him. Unable to forget her or put their time together behind him, seeing her again makes his longing for her even worse. To say that he was stunned at her news would be an understatement. While Charlotte expresses her ability and willingness to bring up the baby on her own, Jacob's insistence on being part of the baby's life makes her happy. I liked their determination to have a frank discussion on how to co-parent effectively. When Charlotte invites him to the family home for the weekend for further talks, Jacob is wary of what to expect. The arrival of Charlotte's older brother (the earl!) adds unexpected complications. I loved the interactions between Jacob and Stephen and Charlotte's frustration with them both. The private conversation between the two men was eye-opening for Jacob and clarified some things for him.

The conversation between Jacob and Charlotte the next morning was heartbreaking, as she allowed her fears to push Jacob away. It didn't take long for her to realize what she'd done, but a while longer to get up the courage to do something about it. I loved her return to England and seeing her face Jacob. In an emotional scene, they were both fully open and shared their hopes and fears. I loved their solution and how easy it was for them to do once they'd dealt with their issues. The epilogue was beautiful.

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what I absolutely love about romances? The happy ever after. Okay, not all romances have it, and sometimes it's a matter of perspective. Still I loved the books that in the end I'm happy and relaxed. This book did that.

We have a bodyguard and an heiress. What could go wrong? Well, nothing! I mean, in terms of the amazing way Donna Alward wrote the story and the characters. Nothing wrong there. Now, again, a matter of perspective for the characters. A lot of surprises for them in this story, that some would see as wrong things happening or not going according to plan. For a reader though... fun and lovely!

Speaking of characters... Jacob and Charlotte, love the names. Also... Loved their interactions, the way it wasn't just about the attraction. There was friendship and a building up of their relationship, which I appreciate. There were aspects that made me connect with them, from their thoughts and attitudes, to their personalities that made them feel real and relatable in some ways.

Overall, I loved the story and I may check Donna Alward's other books because I enjoyed the way she told the story and the characters she presented. I want to see what other tales of romance she has for us.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Donna Alward for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Sue Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful short story by Donna Alward!!!
He’s a retired SAS officer turned bodyguard, she is a sister to an Earl and is the PR of her family's fashion company, Aurora Inc. They are worlds apart. But you can’t beat the chemistry and as with all relationships, honesty and compromise rule.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhh, Jacob stole my heart! Charlotte was so very deep, too, and I loved their story.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love blossoms in the most surprising and unexpected of ways for a buttoned-up bodyguard and a free-spirited socialite in Donna Alward’s irresistible new contemporary romance, The Heiress’s Pregnancy Surprise.

As a member of the Pemberton family, Charlotte has grown up in the spotlight. The entire clan has long been of interest to tabloids and society magazines and Charlotte has grown used to the unforgiving glare of the paparazzi’s lenses. Being in the public eye often means having admirers and detractors in equal measure, so when she starts receiving less than friendly messages, Charlotte isn’t too perturbed. After all, there is never anything too sinister and threatening in them and she is sure that whoever is sending them will grow bored and leave her alone eventually. But her family aren’t so sure about that and with an upcoming trip to New York for fashion week, the Pembertons hire a bodyguard to protect Charlotte. At twenty-eight years old, Charlotte is used to taking care of herself and looking after her own interests so she isn’t exactly best pleased to have someone shadowing her every move – especially as Jacob Wolfe happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous bodyguard she is instantly drawn to.

Former SAS officer Jacob Wolfe runs a company that specialises in security for VIPs, so he isn’t easily impressed by wealth, luxury and prestige. In his line of work, he has been to his fair share of glitzy parties in splendid locations, so he isn’t expecting his latest job to offer much in the way of distraction – until he claps eyes on his client, Charlotte Pemberton. Beautiful and intelligent Charlotte has awakened feelings deep within him which have been buried for a very long time, but Jacob vows to keep things strictly professional between the two of them and to keep his mind on the job at hand – until he realises that resisting Charlotte will prove easier said than done!

As Jacob and Charlotte find themselves getting closer and closer with each passing day, giving into temptation quickly becomes inevitable. When a dance leads to a red-hot night together, Jacob and Charlotte think that they have got their attraction to one another out of their systems – until Charlotte finds out that she is carrying Jacob’s baby! As the thought of spending the rest of his life without the woman he has come to love and his child by his side becomes completely and utterly unbearable, will Jacob find the courage to admit the truth about what he really feels for Charlotte? Or will his fears and insecurities end up costing him this unexpected chance at happiness?

A beautifully written contemporary romance from an outstanding storyteller, The Heiress’s Pregnancy’s Surprise is a poignant, nuanced and warm-hearted tale that sparkles with delightful charm, compelling emotional drama and searing intensity. Jacob and Charlotte are two wonderful characters I fell in love with from the moment they appeared on the page and their love story is one that tugs at the heartstrings, makes you smile and will keep you reading all through the night.

A captivating romance that is exceptional from beginning to end, The Heiress’s Pregnancy Surprise is a spellbinding tale you will not want to miss.

[Emma Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Jacob Wolfe and Charlotte Pemberton, two people who couldn’t be more different. One a ex-SAS and the other works PR in their families fashion empire. This story is told over 16 chapters filled with chemistry and intrigue.
One thing that is clear from the beginning is the chemistry these two characters have between them. Sometimes the chemistry is simmering below the surface and other times it is clear as day right in front of them. Add to that the fact that the descriptions are so amazing, to the point the reader will be able to visualise the scenes.
Charlotte and Jacob do tend to make assumptions about the other, and to the readers delight they will love finding out how wrong or right these assumptions are. This book also offers a refreshing twist. In regards to who is more open and who is more on guard with their feelings. This twist really makes the end of the book even more interesting.
Charlotte’s family is mentioned throughout this book and it really intrigued the reader. The mentions leave the reader wanting to know more about them especially as their is hints that their own stories will be interesting.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and was delighted to find out that it is the 2nd book in the ‘Heirs to an Empire’ series. The first story is about Charlotte’s brother and the third story is about her sister. I hope Donna has more planned because this reader certainly loved this book. I will be buying the rest of this series.

[Charland Garvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series of books and am sorry there won't be more in this particular series. Lots of things happen that have interesting and different twists. It really has been an enjoyable and fun read.

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

When one night only results in more than bargained for.
 
Charlotte Pemberton is ready to shine. She is part of a fashion family business and is ready to show what she is capable of. But when there are threats, the family takes no further risks and hire a bodyguard.
Former SAS officer Jacob Wolfe latest assignment is protect VIP aristocrat Charlotte. He is used of keeping his distance and emotions out of the way, but both do not expect to have such an intense connection.
When one dance leads to a kiss and even more, there are consequences nobody could have foreseen.
 
In my modest opinion, I think the title is a too big giveaway… you know what the result of that one night will be, while it actually only takes place past halfway the book.
I thought “it” would happen earlier and that there would be more struggles with the unexpected news.
But anyway, I found this a lovely story to read.
 
Charlotte may have all the luxury and money anyone could dream of, but I found it easy to relate with her. Not because of the money (I wish!!! 🤣) but because deep down, she is just a young insecure woman like us. She knows what she is doing, but sometimes she is afraid to show her true colours.
Of course she doesn’t show this, and can be rather resolute, especially when the family business is concerned. But even if now she wants to stand in the spotlights, she only shows what is expected from her and not what she truly is.
 
Jacob is everything I expected from a bodyguard. He is focused on the job, and does not take any risks. But the more time he spends with Charlotte, we see this other side of him. He sees more behind any façade, and is gently pushing Charlotte to show the world how she truly is.
 
Both Charlotte and Jacob are very strong characters, bound to clash. And whenever that happens, on more than one occasion, I was having so much fun! 
Yet even if they are so different, the attraction is also very obvious. And the clashing is just the prelude to finally giving in.
 
I found this a story not only about attractions and about the consequences. But also about how despite big differences, people are perfect to each other. The right person takes you out of your shell, sees you just how you are.
And even if there are unexpected consequences after one night of passion, people can surprise you in a beautiful way, by opening their hearts and souls.
 

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year I decided to broaden my reading and read books out of my comfort zone. Thankfully this wasn’t a gushy romance so it wasn’t an extreme change. I actually really enjoyed this book, it was a quick read but I just loved the story of Charlotte and Jacob. The friendship that formed and blossomed was so heart warming and when you find a connection they had it’s very hard to resist.

Thank you to RachelRandomResources for letting me take part in the blog tour for this book.