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Hawthorne Brothers #1

Billionaire's Baby Contract

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I shouldn’t have read my secretary’s diary,
In my defense, I didn’t know it WAS her diary at first.
But it made one thing clear…she wanted a baby,
And it just so happens—so did I.


The night I gave in,
The night I reached out and pulled her to me,
It wasn’t driven by my plan to ask her for a child,
It was two years of pure pent up desire.

For two years I’d watched shy, reserved Stella work for me,
She’s the only woman that I’ve let in my life,
The only woman who isn’t afraid to call me on my BS.
The only woman I want to be the mother of my child—but she deserves better.

I’ve spent my life taking over my father’s company,
I’m what some would call—married to my career.
But the fact is, I want my own heir to pass my business on to,
And she’s my perfect opportunity.

It’s simple:
No relationship obligations,
No financial obligations,
Just a baby.
Or so I thought…

Hiding my feelings for her and the diary confession I found is more than just a complication, About the time I feel like I’ve completely shot myself in the foot,
I find out, I’m not the only one hiding a secret.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2020

1279 people are currently reading
496 people want to read

About the author

Ashlee Price

74 books428 followers
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5 stars
359 (34%)
4 stars
305 (28%)
3 stars
274 (25%)
2 stars
93 (8%)
1 star
24 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
137 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2020
2.5 Stars

Based on the title and synopsis, I thought this would be about a contract for a baby (something like a fake fiancé/marriage trope) that results in falling in love. However, this was more of a workplace romance/ accidental baby with no mention of the contract until about 75% through and at that point Ethan is oblivious to Stella's feelings for him.

Stella's background left me with several questions. She has no living family and mentions that she knew she would lose her parents when she was young because they were older when they had her. Then she mentions they were 37 and 41 (I think) when she was born. That would just put them in their 60s if they were still alive which isn't that old to just die off. We're never even told how or why the died.

Then there's Stella, a 26 year old virgin. She moved across country for her job 2 years ago and works long hours so it's understandable she hasn't had time to meet anyone or date, but what was she doing before then? How did she make it that far in life without ever even being kissed?

Ethan only knows Stella is a virgin because he read her journal. Stella doesn't know that he knows and doesn't address this with him before having sex. This seems like something worth mentioning to someone.

Eventually Ethan and Stella have a falling out over the baby contract. She quits her job and returns to Seattle. She goes to her parents house to find that it is still for sale, including all their old furniture inside. As her parents only living relative, shouldn't she know this? I assume the house was left to her? And if it was taken by a bank or something, wouldn't she at least get the belongings inside? I guess this was necessary to get her to stay at a hotel so Ethan could easily track her down, but it seems like it could have been explained better.

Ethan does come for her and he simply tells her he's come to take her back. I don't recall an apology and Stella brushes off his idea. Then he tells her he loves her and all is forgiven. I would have liked to see more groveling.

Maybe I'm just nitpicking as I realize some of my issues with the book don't create any major plot holes, but I feel like it definitely could have been better.
Profile Image for In-Wonderland-world.
266 reviews23 followers
October 15, 2023
2,5🌟
Una historia entretenida entre un jefe y secretaria. Él es un millonario que hace poco heredó la empresa de su padre y siente que todos los ojos están puestos sobre él para ver cómo va a dirigir el gran legado que le dejaron. Por otro lado está Estella, una chica joven que ha trabajado mucho para llegar a ser la mejor en su puesto
Estos dos van a ir y venir, él la va a ver cómo un objeto hasta que de pronto la lamparita se prenda y se da cuenta que está enamorado de ella 🤦.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
August 30, 2020
This was a great story although I had a hard time with Ethan at times with his need to keep everything secret. You understand why but it doesn't take away from the reader wanting to throttle him. The chemistry between him and Stella is amazing and they both go through so much growth that it's also hard not to root for them.
Profile Image for ies.
1,553 reviews24 followers
June 15, 2021
ini tu tidak sesuai judulnya dan tidak sesuai summary di GR pokoknya, kesel gw... mereka dah bareng lumayan lama sampai masnya ngasih "baby contract" kr gak mau pisah sama mbaknya tp gak mau ngaku cinta.. pret lah!

gw kesel kwkwkwkwkwkwkw
Profile Image for Genxsis.
189 reviews220 followers
August 11, 2022
Tanto la sinopsis como el nombre de este libro me engañaron, porque dan a entender que la trama se basa en un contrato de conveniencia por un bebé y que el prota quiere un bebé. Pero no es así, al menos no hasta el 80% del libro. En cambio la trama se centra en un romance de Jefe/Secretaria que no es realmente lo que promete la sinopsis.

Sin embargo, no es un mal libro, sólo creo que si la sinopsis y el título no hicieran referencia a un contrato o a un bebé no me sentiría engañada y hasta habría disfrutado mejor de la lectura. Porque todo el tiempo estuve aguantando la anticipación de un embarazo, o de un contrato en la historia, que no llegó hasta casi el final.
Profile Image for Kiana.
310 reviews9 followers
October 23, 2020
2.5 stars. This wasn’t what I was expecting based on the synopsis. The baby contract wasn’t even mentioned until the end and by that time it just made me not like Ethan at all. Also, you can definitely get pregnant right after or even during your period. Why was this presented as a valid alternative to using protection? It is not. Overall an alright read, but I had issues with details towards the end.
Profile Image for Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf).
1,712 reviews100 followers
January 5, 2021
This is an office romance between a CEO and his secretary.

Ethan Hawthorne is a thirty-six-year-old CEO who has virtually no life outside of work is constantly pressured by his dad to produce an heir. Stella's life revolves around work and she might just work more than Ethan does. With no family and very few friends, Stella feels lonely and wants more from life.

Ethan and Stella have been attracted to one another since they started working together; however, both are unaware of the other's attraction.

Ethan accidentally gets a hold of Stella's diary and finds out her secrets. This leads to Stella accompanying Ethan on his business trip and their "romance" begins.

This book does mention a "baby contract" which adds to some conflict, however, simply put it's an office romance with a slight twist.

It was an enjoyable read and I will be looking out for the other books in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Madi Hayn.
16 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2020
Has good potential just not my thing

I liked the story line for the most part, but I just can’t get on board with the shame and tears that Stella brings up every time they are intimidate. I didn’t really feel any actually romance happen, it felt more cold. The sex scenes were good but the inner mind of Stella made me question the readiness of the character for such actions. It felt like she was 20 not 27. Not my favorite but also maybe it’s just not my cup of tea. I am also not the biggest fan of a virgin motif.
Profile Image for Julie Shugg.
81 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2021
Really disappointed in this book I am only giving it a 1/3 of a star but I am unable to show you . This book is terrible 😣 I don’t know why this author wrote a scene where her lead female character almost gets raped by the male lead and in less than five minutes later after defending herself she goes to bed with him Talk about your mix signals what kind of love is that sorry I just found it to disturbing I don’t know if I want to read this author again some editors need to have a serious talk with her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for acoustic book.
204 reviews16 followers
November 3, 2022
No me gusta juzgar un libro por su portada, de verdad que no. Pero es que este libro es fiel a lo que me imaginaba. Lo cogí en Kindle Unlimited de casualidad y no me ha podido gustar menos. Que horror, que aburrimiento de historia, de personajes y de todo. He saltado páginas continuamente, ni si quiera puede decirse que me lo he leído del todo. Pero he leído lo suficientemente para decir que no merece la pena.
1,476 reviews20 followers
August 30, 2020
A New Romance and a happier future together!
By sewsummore
Stella had been Ethan's Executive Assistant for two years, and during that time, they had worked well together but never had he asked her to accompany him on a business trip. Ethan had learned a lot more about his assistant after he had read her personal diary, her dreams to travel, and desire for a baby, even her sexual fantasies. Ethan knew he should never have opened the book but was helpless to resist the temptation to learn more about the woman he had come to know over the past several years. He felt he owed it to her to fulfill some of those wishes and decided that in future, he will ensure that she traveled with him on business. Stella was surprised when her boss told her he wanted her to accompany him to Zurich. The merger deal was essential to the company, and he help would be an advantage. It may have started as an act of kindness, but Ethan had not intended for their relationship to progress into something more personal, despite his attraction to Stella. However, once they crossed that line, it did not occur to them to stop. They both enjoyed their time together but that all came to an end when they returned home and Stella resigned admitting she had fallen in love with him. Their story doesn't end there, but you will have to read the book to discover what happened next. I enjoyed reading this book! The characters were people I could relate to, and the attraction between Stella and Ethan made the story come alive in my mind.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily read and honestly given my review of the this book.
Profile Image for emily.
615 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2021
Ugh! I am so disappointed with this book. I first read the summary for the second book in this series and was intrigued but I wanted to read in order so I read this one first and it was so disappointing that I'm tempted to not read the second book (I'm still going to read it because I've seen authors turn it around before and I'm hopeful!)

Why this book gets 2-stars (*minor spoilers):
-Neither Stella nor Ethan were likable characters
-Stella was a beautiful 26-year old virgin for no other reason I can understand other than the fact that it served Ethan's ego, lazy writing choice imo. On top of that, she literally had no life, she dedicated no time to pursue her interests, get hobbies, or do anything outside of her work life.
-Stella decided she was in love with Ethan early on in the book for what reason?!?!? It is unclear.
-Conversations that Stella had with her two work friends and Ethan had with his two brothers were plot repetition overload, like I just ended up skimming because they just regurgitated what I had just read
-Ethan needed his brothers to force him to realize his love for Stella and his response was "I suppose I do love her" TALK ABOUT PATHETIC, literally the least romantic discovery
-They were so vanilla in their conversations
-This book fell into the poor-communication-is-the-basis-of-conflict troupe
-The resolution was so unfulfilling... WHERE IS THE PASSION? THE STRUGGLE?
-No finesse with accidental pregnancy storyline, like so lazy

Yeah, not my favorite, I seriously was so tempted to DNF but I wanted to read the second book

❤️ : 1/5
🔥 : 3.5/5
944 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2020
From the moment you start the book until the end you are on the edge of your seat, captivated. This emotional but sweet boss/employee to lovers starts out with an instant connection and intense chemistry between Ethan and Stella, but Ethan manages to avoid and deny the attraction between them because he does not want his meddling father to win . Two years later Stella leave her journal at the office one day by accident and Ethan reads the dairy and whisks her off on a " work" trip to Switzerland where he seduces her and follows Stella's journal to seduce her and fulfill her dreams. Upon their return Ethan misses her and decides to use her other wish for a child and offers her a "baby contact" where she would have his baby in secret, not allowed to have relationships with other men for years ( nothing about him in the contract). Stella has to decide if she wants to be lonely, be his dirty secret for the rest of her life but have a child or walk away. Her decision will make both of them revalue their feelings.

The author does an amazing job with the characters by building growth and maturity. The chemistry was sizzling, mixed with emotions, humor and very entertaining. An absolute must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
972 reviews11 followers
August 28, 2020
Charming romance. This was such a sweet novel about two people, naturally, the girl works for the guy. Other than turning it into a cliche, the author managed to create a charming story about the protagonists, who both try to convince themselves that their feelings are merely superficial and avoid facing their own emotions. There is such warmth and empathy between them as well as a natural closeness. The fact that they are soulmates comes across so evidently across the pages. She is desperate for a baby and he wants to please his father by producing an heir to their business empire. Ethan doesn't want to give up being with Stella after returning from their business trip to Switzerland and comes up with a hair-brain baby contract to Stella, not fully appreciating the gravity and logistics of such a situation. Her refusal complicates his nicely imagined way forward but Stella quitting and leaving the city forces Ethan to re-evaluate his feelings. The entire story was very well handled by the author, along with good writing style, language and good editing. I would whole-heartedly recommend this romantic, witty at times and steamy love story and yes, there is a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
August 30, 2020
WOW – Love these two! This is about Ethan and Stella. Ethan is at a party where everyone is congratulating him as his father if finally retiring and made him CEO. Well his father is also bugging him to settle down and start a family, but he has no time for that. His father ends up introducing him to Stella, but he gets the wrong idea and immediately states that he will not be sleeping with her. Stella happens to be a virgin but also his new assistant that his father hired for him. Well the story travels on to two years of them working together before he runs across her journal and decides to read it. This is where the story takes off as Stella has no family and feels lonely but also thinks her boss is HOT, so Ethan decides from that moment on to always protect her, but who protects him and his feelings from her especially as his little brother saw something and tries to play out to part of be flirtatious with her. Oh, this was a good story. Love the brothers, especially Asher as he loves to push everyone’s buttons, but Ryker is the quitter one and keeps to himself. So, who is the next book going to be about?????

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
August 30, 2020
Stella and Ethan have an uncomfortable introduction due to a misunderstanding, but two years later that misunderstanding might become a reality. Stella is at home writing in her journal when she suddenly realizes that she forgot to arrange something for her boss, Ethan's upcoming trip. Stella shoves everything into her bag and rushes back to the office, to complete the task. Upon arrival, Stella realizes that she grabbed her journal and brought it by mistake. Ethan comes out of his office just as she is fixing to put her journal away and Stella winds up shoving it under a pile of papers on the top of her desk. Unfortunately or fortunately Ethan happens to find the journal. Will the resulting events be a blessing or a curse? Will Ethan and Stella have a future together or will events keep them apart? How much will outside forces influence their future? Read this office romance and you will enjoy finding out the answers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews362 followers
August 30, 2020
Ethan has worked hard, focusing on his job because he knew he would take over his father’s business one day. Now he has become CEO of the company. Stella had recently been hired by his father as Ethan's executive assistant. Ethan and Stella were attracted to each other, but took no action on it.

When working late one night, Ethan read something in a journal that turns out to be Stella’s, where she had written about wanting a child, and things slowly changed between them. But add in some meddling brothers and the pressures mount. A baby contract to spell out the terms of their secret activities does not go over well. Is Ethan finally ready to tell her how he feels? Or is he willing to lose her and the family they could have together?

This was a good story that I enjoyed. The story line was good, appropriately frustrating for the reason when the guy doesn’t “get it”, and finally giving us hope that maybe this time around, he will. Grab your copy and see if there is a future waiting patiently for them.
Profile Image for Brogan.
127 reviews
June 10, 2021
Billionaire’s Baby Contract (Hawthorne Brothers #1) by Ashlee Price Review ♡
5✨
4🌶

This book was such a good read! I loved Ethan and Stella’s relationship and how they couldn’t keep away from each other in the end. Ethan was concerned because she was his secretary and listened to his brothers when they said to stop sleeping with her but Ethan couldn’t deny their connection in the end.

I liked how in the end his brothers supported him when they realised he really loved Stella and wanted to marry her but I wish they didn’t intervene in the first place and I also wish that Ethan didn’t back down so easily and give up on Stella so quickly after sleeping with her all because his whole life has been his business.

I do wish Ethan wasn’t so cold and dismissive of Stella in the beginning but I feel like he was protecting himself or his company because it was his life. It was annoying because Stella didn’t have any family or many friends and developed feelings for him quickly but couldn’t figure out if he felt the same because he was so hot and cold all the time. But I am so glad Ethan came to his senses and professed his love for Stella and they got their happy ending!! I loved how when he came to his senses, he went all in wanting babies and marriage, they are just so cute together!

This is the first book of Ashlee Price that I have read but I think I am already in love! I know I will be continuing on with the Hawthorne Brother’s series and I can’t wait to see what happens with Asher and Ryker! Ashlee Price is an excellent author that everyone should check out! She will not disappoint!
11.6k reviews49 followers
September 29, 2020
Office Romance

Billionaire's Baby Contract is the first book in the Hawthorne Brothers series by Ashlee Price. This is the story of Ethan and Stella. I am on the fence about this book as the story-line is not exactly what I expected it to be. This is an office romance between Ethan and Stella. He is the new CEO of the family company, after taking it over from his father. Stella is his new Executive Assistant and was hired by Ethan's father. They are attracted to each other but nothing happens until it starts to change between them and then it is two years later. Let's just say that the "baby contract" does not come up until much further into the book. Ethan and Stella do have a lot of chemistry once they give in to it. Overall I thought this was a good story and it introduces the other characters in the series and lays out the family and organization for the other books.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Susan Anderson.
1,033 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2020
This book is the first in a great new series featuring the Hawthorne Brothers. We meet Ethan Hawthorne, CEO of his father's company, and Stella his assistant who has been working for the demanding Ethan for 2 years. Stella however, has had a crush on Ethan ever since she started working for him. Ethan is driven by not disappointing his father - who not only watches Ethan, but is also wanting a grandchild. One night Ethan is working late and he finds something interesting regarding Stella, and everything changes after that. Ethan finally lets his guard down and has "fun" with Stella. However, because they work together, they must keep things quiet. And when Ethan's brothers get involved, it doesn't go well. Will they get their HEA? You must read this to find out. I highly recommend this new series. I did receive an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for JesNo.
278 reviews
April 7, 2023
Stella & Ethan
🔥🔥🔥🧡

Stella ha Sido la asistente de Ethan desde que este ascendió al cargo de CEO, por lo que han desarrollado una buena relación pero solamente estrictamente laboral.
Pero ambos han sentido una atracción por el, pero se niegan a reconocerlo a ellos mismo, y muchos más reconocerlo al otro.

Pero esto cambia inevitablemente cunado Ethan Lee el diario de Stella, dónde admite que le gusta Ethan, y que quisiera viajar con el en sus viajes de negocios.

Por lo que Ethan decide llevarla a su próximo viaje a Grecia, y en tal viaje, las líneas profesionales comienzan a borrarse.

Pero cuando el viaje acabe, su relación también tendrá que acabar

Es un buen libro, aunque a mí patecer tiene alguno enredos un poco ¿Evitables e innecesario?, Y también un poco insta-love, en un libro no tan corto. Pero buen libro para pasar el rato.

JM.❣️
1,896 reviews9 followers
September 2, 2020
Ashlee sets the stage for Ethan to either lose or gain everything he wants
Ethan’s promotion to CEO of his family’s company comes with a new executive assistant, Stella that he can’t take his eyes off. They both bide by the rules of avoiding workplace romances until Ethan discovers Stella’s hidden fantasies. With a deal to close in Switzerland, Ethan takes Stella with him to work and play between the sheets. But when they return to the office, Ethan thinks he has the perfect solution for them to spend time together. Stella is a strong-minded woman who tells Ethan off. But will all work and no play, make Ethan a dull boy; so will Ethan redeem himself in front of Stella? You’ll chuckle and rant about Ethan’s brothers interactions and meddling.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,515 reviews15 followers
October 15, 2020
This was a cute read. Ethan and Stella’s story just flowed. Stella becomes his new assistant and is perfect when it comes to her job. These two both have a crush on each other, but never go beyond a work relationship. That is, until Ethan reads Stella’s journal. Now he wants to cross all those lines, even though he knows he shouldn’t. Read what happens when they go on a business trip to beautiful Switzerland. I loved how sweet Ethan was to Stella and even though they try to deny it, they have a unbreakable connection and their chemistry is off the charts. I just couldn’t put this down until I finished it. I loved the story and the characters. His brothers were great and Asher had me laughing so much.
205 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2021
Can I give it two scores??

The writing style and editing was 4 stars. Not to slow not to dense of a read. Read it in 1 day. I liked the characters even the brothers. Which we all know the next books will be about.

The story and plot is a weak 2 stars. The title mentions a baby contact. We don't hear of said contract until over 70% through the book. It was the topic of two chapters then it was gone. Did not feel the goosebumbs love between the two main characters. I like steam in my books as the next person but that was most of the book. I found myself skimming those pages looking for a plot.

Although I liked the authors style I am not sure if I will keep reading the series.
1,654 reviews8 followers
August 17, 2020
This is Book 1 of the Hawthorne Brothers Series

This is the story of Ethan & Stella. Ethan has just become the CEO of his father's company. Stella was just hired by Ethan's father to become Ethan's executive assistant. Then we go forward to two years later. As it goes, they are both tired of fighting the attraction between them. It grows every day. Ethan is really clueless to his true feelings for Stella. Stella, on the other hand, falls in love with Ethan. The emotions run high, and so does the doubt. There are a lot of tears and sadness, but also happiness throughout. There is love and a happy ending. I'm looking forward to the next Hawthorne Brothers book.
193 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2020
If you enjoy office romances then you will most likely enjoy this book. It's got your typical alpha male with the shy employee thing going on in it. One of the things I like about this book is the way that the main character found out what the girl was looking for when he accidentally comes across her diary and decides to read it. I think that the problems found in the book are more common than most think as we tend to hide our feelings in order to protect ourselves and I liked how the author dealt with them.

Overall it was a quick enjoyable read. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,104 reviews31 followers
August 30, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a wonderful way to start a new series, book 1 in the Hawthorne Brothers series, it can be read as a standalone story. No cliffhangers.

Stella is Ethan Hawthornes assistant and they have definitely noticed each other over the years and when Stella accidentally leaves her personal journal at the office, Ethan learns even more about the quiet beauty.

This is a well-written office romance that is filled with plenty of drama and emotion. I really liked both Ethan and Stella, incredibly likable characters. Loved their HEA.
250 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2020
Not what I thought

This writers style is different then most and honestly it's a little off putting! The characters are not really likeable and the male character is overly aggressive in one part and it really is a mood killer! It made him hard to like and I just couldn't get behind the imagery for the rest. To much talking in their heads too!! Just not as great as it could have been. Will give the next book a try but if the characters are the same I will probably not continue this series.....to many other things to read that are better.
Profile Image for Julie Sherman.
1,465 reviews23 followers
March 17, 2021
Stella and Ethan

This book was a slow burn with a great story and written well. Its my first book by this author and I happy I took a chance.
Ethan is a CEO out to prove him self and doesn't have time for anything including a relationship. His blindness to the people around him come to a personal assistant to enlighten him.
Stella is Ethan's personal assistant and she has a crush on her boss but tries to ignore her feelings until she takes a chance during a trip.
These two stumble through a relationship with the a consequence that can't be ignored.
Profile Image for Gianina Diaz (gianina.books).
502 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2022
3.5/5
Ethan acaba de convertirse en el director general de la empresa de su padre.
Stella acaba de ser contratada por el padre de Ethan para convertirse en la asistente ejecutiva. Pasan dos años y a medida que avanza el tiempo ambos están cansados ​​de luchar contra la atracción entre ellos.
Ethan no tiene ni idea de sus verdaderos sentimientos por Stella. Stella, por otro lado, se enamora de Ethan. Las emociones se disparan, y también la duda. Hay muchas lágrimas y tristeza, pero también felicidad en todo momento.
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