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Barnes Family #1
El bebé secreto del jugador (Romance en la Alfombra Roja nº 1)
He may be a player, but this stud’s not shooting blanks.
NICK
I'm nobody's baby daddy.
I don't care how many stunning women throw themselves at me,
looking to turn one hot night into an eighteen-year paycheck.
I've got way too much on the line to throw it away for one night of pleasure.
Ball is life, and basketball is my first priority.
I've got a championship to win.
But when I see her,
shaking those pom-poms on the sideline,
I’m transported back to childhood.
Reminded of the days before a fiery plane crash ripped our lives apart,
forcing us to grow up overnight.
Back then, Eden Evans stole my heart,
and this time, I might be ready to let her keep it.
EDEN
I have no interest in a man who comes with groupies.
With a rock legend for a father, I’ve seen the toll fame takes on a marriage.
The last thing I need is a guy with more Twitter followers than Justin Beiber.
So when Nick Barnes dribbles his way back into my life,
My heart and head go into battle.
I can't fight my desire for the sexy baller with his eight-pack abs
and panty-dropping charm.
And when that little stick shows an unmistakable plus sign,
suddenly, everything is on the line.
With a secret baby on the way, will Nick realize that having the home court advantage is what he's wanted all along?
This is a standalone romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers. Light on basketball and heavy on steamy romance, this first book featuring members of the Barnes family.
NICK
I'm nobody's baby daddy.
I don't care how many stunning women throw themselves at me,
looking to turn one hot night into an eighteen-year paycheck.
I've got way too much on the line to throw it away for one night of pleasure.
Ball is life, and basketball is my first priority.
I've got a championship to win.
But when I see her,
shaking those pom-poms on the sideline,
I’m transported back to childhood.
Reminded of the days before a fiery plane crash ripped our lives apart,
forcing us to grow up overnight.
Back then, Eden Evans stole my heart,
and this time, I might be ready to let her keep it.
EDEN
I have no interest in a man who comes with groupies.
With a rock legend for a father, I’ve seen the toll fame takes on a marriage.
The last thing I need is a guy with more Twitter followers than Justin Beiber.
So when Nick Barnes dribbles his way back into my life,
My heart and head go into battle.
I can't fight my desire for the sexy baller with his eight-pack abs
and panty-dropping charm.
And when that little stick shows an unmistakable plus sign,
suddenly, everything is on the line.
With a secret baby on the way, will Nick realize that having the home court advantage is what he's wanted all along?
This is a standalone romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers. Light on basketball and heavy on steamy romance, this first book featuring members of the Barnes family.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2016
724 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Normandie Alleman
49 books896 followersA former psychologist, Normandie has always been fascinated by human behavior. She loves writing quirky characters that are all too human. “I’m interested in the kind of relationships people have in real life. So I write about my characters’ messy, unpredictable, and inexplicable journeys to love.”
If there were another 5 hours in the day, Normandie would spend more time needle-pointing and playing with photography. Instead, she’s a Pinterest addict and sports junkie who’s crazy for Twitter and the color pink. She lives with a passel of children, her hunky husband, and a pet pig who loves Red Bull.
If there were another 5 hours in the day, Normandie would spend more time needle-pointing and playing with photography. Instead, she’s a Pinterest addict and sports junkie who’s crazy for Twitter and the color pink. She lives with a passel of children, her hunky husband, and a pet pig who loves Red Bull.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
July 15, 2016
I admit I went into this story comepletely blind. I didn't know what it was really about or what other books the author wrote but I the cover and the blurb convinced me to read it. When it comes to sports and...well...athletes I'm always kinda wary, since they tend to be either real assholes or as recent events (like Nick and Iggy's failed relationship) prove, not as faithful as one would want them to be. BUT in this story, Nick, proves he's an alright guy that knows what he wants and goes for it. And I loved that. Yes, there were times I wished he was more possessive of Eden but when you look at the whole situation from a different angle, you'd see that in real life that's exactly what would happen, so I can't blame him for his decisions. And neither can I blame Eden for hers. With the new addition to her family, her future plans have to be re-evaluated and that's what she does.
When it comes to the characters, I loved Eden's mom but loathed Nick's. Eden's mom is so supportive and down to earth, just like a real mother should be. Now, Nick's mother is the exact opposite of that. She has this reality show and for me it came across as she just used her children and basically they were her pawns. It didn't matter what Nick and his siblings wanted from life, no, what mattered most is that she got most out of it. And that's just disgusting. No mother should do that, not if she really did love her children. But in the end I'm glad she got what she deserved, especially after we found out what she did in the past to her and Eden's family.
I liked the plot. There were ups and downs and also some misunderstandings but nothing that couldn't be fixed. The only thing that bothered me was the ending. I really didn't like the style in which it was written. I wanted it to be more, more descriptions, more character involvement, just more...
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely recommend it!
Safety:
consider-later
June 24, 2016
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July 31, 2019
Nick and Eden families spent many years of their childhood together as their dads were members in a very famous rock band. When the men were tragically killed in a freak accident the families left behind parted ways and they never saw each other again.
Eden is now a very successful business owner and in her spare time she indulges in her passion for dancing as a cheerleader for Texas Scorpians. She is at the top end of the age scale in her cheer squad and she has to be on top of her fitness and eating regime to retain her place in the team. She doesn’t do this for the pay, more for her own fun.
Nick is a pro basketball player and not the only famous person in his family. His mother has capitalized on their fame with a Barnes family reality TV show. His younger siblings all have their own success in the entertainment industry, carefully managed and led by his mother – the ultimate stage mum. She also manages Nick’s career, often making decisions that infuriate him.
One of the things his mother has always drilled into him is safe sex, not to ever trust any woman. She believes they are all looking to get impregnated and riding the gravy train of Nick’s money for 18 years. He doesn’t live a celibate life but he is very careful about who he shares his intimacy with. This all changes when he sees Eden for the first time in years. He had a crush on her when they were young and now they are older the feelings are way more adult focused.
Eden has the same reaction as Nick but she is also weary of being with someone associated with fame. She saw how that affected her own parents marriage and she promised herself that wouldn’t happen to her. However, she cannot resist the charm that Nick Barnes is centering on her and pretty soon these two are inseparable, as much as pro basketballer with a busy schedule can be. Then to complicate things between them, his interfering mother and their respective careers – a positive pregnancy test adds a new layer to their blossoming relationship!
I listened to the audio version of this story and it was not too heavy on angst. If you enjoy second chance love stories then you will like this.
Eden is now a very successful business owner and in her spare time she indulges in her passion for dancing as a cheerleader for Texas Scorpians. She is at the top end of the age scale in her cheer squad and she has to be on top of her fitness and eating regime to retain her place in the team. She doesn’t do this for the pay, more for her own fun.
Nick is a pro basketball player and not the only famous person in his family. His mother has capitalized on their fame with a Barnes family reality TV show. His younger siblings all have their own success in the entertainment industry, carefully managed and led by his mother – the ultimate stage mum. She also manages Nick’s career, often making decisions that infuriate him.
One of the things his mother has always drilled into him is safe sex, not to ever trust any woman. She believes they are all looking to get impregnated and riding the gravy train of Nick’s money for 18 years. He doesn’t live a celibate life but he is very careful about who he shares his intimacy with. This all changes when he sees Eden for the first time in years. He had a crush on her when they were young and now they are older the feelings are way more adult focused.
Eden has the same reaction as Nick but she is also weary of being with someone associated with fame. She saw how that affected her own parents marriage and she promised herself that wouldn’t happen to her. However, she cannot resist the charm that Nick Barnes is centering on her and pretty soon these two are inseparable, as much as pro basketballer with a busy schedule can be. Then to complicate things between them, his interfering mother and their respective careers – a positive pregnancy test adds a new layer to their blossoming relationship!
I listened to the audio version of this story and it was not too heavy on angst. If you enjoy second chance love stories then you will like this.
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March 29, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2018)!💝
July 30, 2016
This was a great start to a new series by Normandie Alleman. The Barnes family is comprised of the Matriarch Lucinda who is also the Momager/Agent for all of the children, the Baller Nick, the Supermodel Dynassy, the twin Popstars Leo & Ivy. Lucinda's late husband (and father to all four kids) Ziggy was a 80's rocker that died in a plane crash several years earlier.
This first book in the series is based on the Baller ~ Nick. Nick is a player both on and off the court but when his personal assistant catches a women trying to keep his sperm (after a BJ without a condom) in order to impregnate herself he knows he has to change his ways.
Eden and Nick were childhood friends until their fathers died in a plane crash and her mother moved her to Texas. While Eden kept in touch with Dynassy (Nick's sister) she didn't stay in contact with Nick so Nick had no idea that they were living in the same area of Texas until he saw her cheering at a football game. But once he sees her all of his old feelings come raging back and he knows that he will stop at nothing until she is his again.
This story was so enjoyable to read, I loved the chemistry between Eden and Nick, the relationship he had with his sister, Dynassy, was so typical of a brother/sister relationship...you know where they want to kill one another one minute but didn't know what they would do without them the next, and his relationship with his mother/momager/agent was an interesting one. The only thing that really surprised me was the epilogue, it wasn't done in your typical fashion where it sets up the next book instead it was set up with the name of each of the major people in the book with a paragraph telling you a bit about what was happening with them. This was an interesting twist on things because it left Nick and Eden's story wide open for more development through each of the following books in the series.
Machine is up next and it's Dynassy Barnes story, she was a fun character in this book and I really look forward to seeing what her story will be.
This first book in the series is based on the Baller ~ Nick. Nick is a player both on and off the court but when his personal assistant catches a women trying to keep his sperm (after a BJ without a condom) in order to impregnate herself he knows he has to change his ways.
Eden and Nick were childhood friends until their fathers died in a plane crash and her mother moved her to Texas. While Eden kept in touch with Dynassy (Nick's sister) she didn't stay in contact with Nick so Nick had no idea that they were living in the same area of Texas until he saw her cheering at a football game. But once he sees her all of his old feelings come raging back and he knows that he will stop at nothing until she is his again.
This story was so enjoyable to read, I loved the chemistry between Eden and Nick, the relationship he had with his sister, Dynassy, was so typical of a brother/sister relationship...you know where they want to kill one another one minute but didn't know what they would do without them the next, and his relationship with his mother/momager/agent was an interesting one. The only thing that really surprised me was the epilogue, it wasn't done in your typical fashion where it sets up the next book instead it was set up with the name of each of the major people in the book with a paragraph telling you a bit about what was happening with them. This was an interesting twist on things because it left Nick and Eden's story wide open for more development through each of the following books in the series.
Machine is up next and it's Dynassy Barnes story, she was a fun character in this book and I really look forward to seeing what her story will be.
July 27, 2016
Title: The Baller's Secret Baby
Series: (Barnes Family, #1)
Author: Normandie Alleman
Genre: Adult Contemporary Sports Romance
Rating: 4.5-Stars
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Blog: HERE
► (Barnes Family, #1) The Baller's Secret Baby
book can be read as a standlalone
full review to come
Hero: ★★★★☆
Heroine: ★★★★☆
Romance: ★★★★☆
Sex: ★★★★☆
Plot: ★★★★☆
Dialogue: ★★★★☆
Writing: ★★★★★
PS: I was given a complementary copy of this book. But I do solemnly swear that I am up to...good. *wink* This is a fair, honest review and/or rating(s) of this book, pinky promise.
July 15, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we Eden Evans and Nick Barnes. Years before Nick and Eden's families had been inseparable. With both of their fathers playing in the same band they had always hung out together. Then tragedy hit and the entire band went down with the plane. Eden's mom moved them away shortly after the funeral and they haven't seen each other since. Eden however didn't take the separation lying down. She worked her butt off in school graduated early from high school and went to med school while there she developed and new device used in surgery's. This in turn made her a woman that could do anything she want and what she wanted was to cheer for the Texas Scorpions. So when Nick reaches out to her after all these years she is both suspicious and intrigued. Can her old friend really be back to get to know her again or is he just looking for his next hook up and she is in his sights?
Nick took those years hard after his dad died but he learned to channel it all into basketball and in the end it paid off. He is now a pro ball player who can have anyone woman he want with the snap of his fingers. He also has enough money to decide what he wants to do and where he wants to be. To bad his mother won't let him decide either thing. Nick's mother is a money managing, self deciding diva who runs all of her children's careers. Nick wants his own life and the first step he is taking to get that life is to reconnect with the one woman he has never forgotten, Eden. Can he convince her that he is there for more than a roll in the sheets or will she walk away again and he will loose her forever this time?
In this book we get a glimpse into a life of a possible famous person. We see how your life really isn't your own, the public always wants something from you. We also see what true friendship can do for those types of relationships. This book does have many twists and turns that will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
In this book we Eden Evans and Nick Barnes. Years before Nick and Eden's families had been inseparable. With both of their fathers playing in the same band they had always hung out together. Then tragedy hit and the entire band went down with the plane. Eden's mom moved them away shortly after the funeral and they haven't seen each other since. Eden however didn't take the separation lying down. She worked her butt off in school graduated early from high school and went to med school while there she developed and new device used in surgery's. This in turn made her a woman that could do anything she want and what she wanted was to cheer for the Texas Scorpions. So when Nick reaches out to her after all these years she is both suspicious and intrigued. Can her old friend really be back to get to know her again or is he just looking for his next hook up and she is in his sights?
Nick took those years hard after his dad died but he learned to channel it all into basketball and in the end it paid off. He is now a pro ball player who can have anyone woman he want with the snap of his fingers. He also has enough money to decide what he wants to do and where he wants to be. To bad his mother won't let him decide either thing. Nick's mother is a money managing, self deciding diva who runs all of her children's careers. Nick wants his own life and the first step he is taking to get that life is to reconnect with the one woman he has never forgotten, Eden. Can he convince her that he is there for more than a roll in the sheets or will she walk away again and he will loose her forever this time?
In this book we get a glimpse into a life of a possible famous person. We see how your life really isn't your own, the public always wants something from you. We also see what true friendship can do for those types of relationships. This book does have many twists and turns that will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
July 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Ahhh, Nick Barnes. He's a basketball player. Basketball is NOT my sport LOL However, I think I'd learn to like it for him (don't tell my daughter that though, she may be upset since she played high school basketball LOL). He was smart and kind and when his path reconnected with Eden, he knew what he wanted.
For Eden to have been so smart, her jumping to conclusions about Nick all the time kind of made me mad. I get where her heart was. It was hard growing up with a parent that wasn't always there and not always faithful, but I felt she should have trusted her heart a little more.
As for Nick's mom, Lucinda. I won't even go into why I don't like her. I should have guessed she'd be awful just from her name. Yes, I'm channeling my As the World Turns days LOL
*thanks to Give Me Books for sharing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
Ahhh, Nick Barnes. He's a basketball player. Basketball is NOT my sport LOL However, I think I'd learn to like it for him (don't tell my daughter that though, she may be upset since she played high school basketball LOL). He was smart and kind and when his path reconnected with Eden, he knew what he wanted.
For Eden to have been so smart, her jumping to conclusions about Nick all the time kind of made me mad. I get where her heart was. It was hard growing up with a parent that wasn't always there and not always faithful, but I felt she should have trusted her heart a little more.
As for Nick's mom, Lucinda. I won't even go into why I don't like her. I should have guessed she'd be awful just from her name. Yes, I'm channeling my As the World Turns days LOL
*thanks to Give Me Books for sharing a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
August 16, 2016
Disappointed??
Usually, I just star rate and move on to the next book. However, this warrants a comment or two. First, I liked the overall storyline, and may consider finishing the series.
Second, seriously DISAPPOINTED in the heroine character development. The author declares her to be a brilliant DOCTOR and then makes her sound like a complete idiot. For example, not knowing her cycle? Not knowing how pregnancy develops? The character reads baby books. Not practical. Medical students rotate through OB/GYN; so, she does know about this.
I will confess, I was disappointed to the point that I didn't even read the bonus books. I'm glad it was free with kindle unlimited.
Usually, I just star rate and move on to the next book. However, this warrants a comment or two. First, I liked the overall storyline, and may consider finishing the series.
Second, seriously DISAPPOINTED in the heroine character development. The author declares her to be a brilliant DOCTOR and then makes her sound like a complete idiot. For example, not knowing her cycle? Not knowing how pregnancy develops? The character reads baby books. Not practical. Medical students rotate through OB/GYN; so, she does know about this.
I will confess, I was disappointed to the point that I didn't even read the bonus books. I'm glad it was free with kindle unlimited.
July 24, 2016
Boring
July 23, 2016
The Baller’s Secret Baby was not at all what I expected. I’ve read a lot of these secret baby romances and other similar tropes and truthfully, the writing isn’t always good and the books seem rushed. Not the case with this one! I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
Eden and Nick have known each other all their lives, but after the simultaneous deaths of their fathers, they were separated. Eden’s mother moved her to Texas and Nick stayed in California with his mother and siblings. Now, Eden is a physician and a professional cheerleader for a professional football team. Nick is a professional basketball player, one of the top in the league. Nick sees her and old feelings are rekindled. He arranges a meeting and the two fall back into their previous feelings. After a night together, Eden ends up pregnant. She doesn’t tell Nick, because of his previous reputation as a player and she doesn’t want to mess with his career. Nick finds out due to his meddling sister and from there, they find their way back to each other.
I liked the characters. Nick was strong, but not alpha, romantic and fun. Eden was awkward, careful and sweet. Nick’s siblings are a hot mess, but hysterical and his mother? Lord his mother! She is a hoot.
This sweet book gives you a great story and a sweet, romantic happily-ever-after.
Eden and Nick have known each other all their lives, but after the simultaneous deaths of their fathers, they were separated. Eden’s mother moved her to Texas and Nick stayed in California with his mother and siblings. Now, Eden is a physician and a professional cheerleader for a professional football team. Nick is a professional basketball player, one of the top in the league. Nick sees her and old feelings are rekindled. He arranges a meeting and the two fall back into their previous feelings. After a night together, Eden ends up pregnant. She doesn’t tell Nick, because of his previous reputation as a player and she doesn’t want to mess with his career. Nick finds out due to his meddling sister and from there, they find their way back to each other.
I liked the characters. Nick was strong, but not alpha, romantic and fun. Eden was awkward, careful and sweet. Nick’s siblings are a hot mess, but hysterical and his mother? Lord his mother! She is a hoot.
This sweet book gives you a great story and a sweet, romantic happily-ever-after.
February 1, 2021
Aburrido, sin chispa, con errores y ella siendo una médica supuestamente brillante comete unos errores que 😦. Prescindible.
July 24, 2016
4.5 stars
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Nick is a famous basketball player and his mother, Lucinda manages his career.
He's learnt to be cautious with women, as most want to use him to get a massive payout.
Eden, is a doctor, and owns her medical supply business, selling a device she created which is used in surgical procedures. She's also a cheerleader for the Texas Scorpions. She's focused on her career and therefore, dating men is at the back of the list.
Nick and Eden were childhood friends but when their dads died, Eden and her mother moved away and neither kept in touch.
Nick can't believe his eyes when he sees Eden, cheering for the Scorpions. She's grown up to be beautiful and he wants to reconnect.
When they meet at a party, their attraction towards one another is undeniable but is Eden just another conquest for Nick?
Nick wants Eden but how will he show her he wants more than just sex.
Will a broken condom bring trouble their way?
This was a great book with an intriguing narrative. I couldn't stand Lucinda, I wanted to slap her lol - how can a mother be so selfish and controlling to never stop and think about her son's happiness?
I was laughing my head off in the beginning when Lucinda tells Nick about the last woman who gave him a blowjob:
"Well something happened and you left a little piece of yourself behind...your semen to be precise"
"I came in her mouth"
"Thank god for Calvin...."
"He intercepted the little bitch trying to hand off a cup full of your spunk to some motherfucker who was waiting outside....your dick is worth millions to these women".
"That's disgusting..."
Poor Nick has an embarrassing yet disgusting conversation with his mum. I found it dead funny yet it grossed me out at the same time. I loved Nick, he's a caring yet passionate. I liked his determination, and fighting spiriting to go after what he wanted.
I wasn't to keen Eden: she's selfish, immature and her lack of trust in Nick was unwarranted.
I would definitely recommend the book.
Review posted on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R30ZOLA...
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Nick is a famous basketball player and his mother, Lucinda manages his career.
He's learnt to be cautious with women, as most want to use him to get a massive payout.
Eden, is a doctor, and owns her medical supply business, selling a device she created which is used in surgical procedures. She's also a cheerleader for the Texas Scorpions. She's focused on her career and therefore, dating men is at the back of the list.
Nick and Eden were childhood friends but when their dads died, Eden and her mother moved away and neither kept in touch.
Nick can't believe his eyes when he sees Eden, cheering for the Scorpions. She's grown up to be beautiful and he wants to reconnect.
When they meet at a party, their attraction towards one another is undeniable but is Eden just another conquest for Nick?
Nick wants Eden but how will he show her he wants more than just sex.
Will a broken condom bring trouble their way?
This was a great book with an intriguing narrative. I couldn't stand Lucinda, I wanted to slap her lol - how can a mother be so selfish and controlling to never stop and think about her son's happiness?
I was laughing my head off in the beginning when Lucinda tells Nick about the last woman who gave him a blowjob:
"Well something happened and you left a little piece of yourself behind...your semen to be precise"
"I came in her mouth"
"Thank god for Calvin...."
"He intercepted the little bitch trying to hand off a cup full of your spunk to some motherfucker who was waiting outside....your dick is worth millions to these women".
"That's disgusting..."
Poor Nick has an embarrassing yet disgusting conversation with his mum. I found it dead funny yet it grossed me out at the same time. I loved Nick, he's a caring yet passionate. I liked his determination, and fighting spiriting to go after what he wanted.
I wasn't to keen Eden: she's selfish, immature and her lack of trust in Nick was unwarranted.
I would definitely recommend the book.
Review posted on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R30ZOLA...
July 20, 2016
When I first picked this book I was a little unsure if I would enjoy it, but as a fan of Normandie, I had to at least give it my undivided attention and open mind. But once I started, I couldn't put it down. Nick captured me from the start and slowly warmed his way to my heart. Unlike his controlling, overpowering mother, he was kind, sweet, down to Earth. He knew he didn't want to be like his mother, he wanted something more. His desire to succeed in his profession is his driving force, but deep down he wanted to find that special someone and have the family he always yearned for. The family he wished he had.
On an night out with friends, he sees someone from his past that steals his breath away. Getting to her has become his passion, because she is the one person that he always felt comfortable with. And now, years later, she is stunning, smart, and quite possibly his most trusted friend.
Eden was excited to reconnect with Nick. She always had a crush on him and the years have been good to him. He's filled out rather nicely and she longs to run her hands all over him. But he's a player and she's not one for a wham, bang, thank you ma'am. However, the more time she spends with him, the more she wants a future with him.
Of course, sometimes life throws you curve balls you didn't see coming. Eden has a secret, Nick gets traded, lies get told, and people stand in way. Can Nick and Eden work through all the issues and make a real start at a future? Or are they only ever to be a short term fling?
I really enjoyed getting to know Eden and Nick, inside and out. The passion that flows between the two radiates off the pages and into the reader. You are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and in the end, you can help but feel like you've been on a journey of self discovery towards true love.
The Barnes family is complicated and full of fascinating characters, I can't wait to see what will happen with this family in the future.
On an night out with friends, he sees someone from his past that steals his breath away. Getting to her has become his passion, because she is the one person that he always felt comfortable with. And now, years later, she is stunning, smart, and quite possibly his most trusted friend.
Eden was excited to reconnect with Nick. She always had a crush on him and the years have been good to him. He's filled out rather nicely and she longs to run her hands all over him. But he's a player and she's not one for a wham, bang, thank you ma'am. However, the more time she spends with him, the more she wants a future with him.
Of course, sometimes life throws you curve balls you didn't see coming. Eden has a secret, Nick gets traded, lies get told, and people stand in way. Can Nick and Eden work through all the issues and make a real start at a future? Or are they only ever to be a short term fling?
I really enjoyed getting to know Eden and Nick, inside and out. The passion that flows between the two radiates off the pages and into the reader. You are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and in the end, you can help but feel like you've been on a journey of self discovery towards true love.
The Barnes family is complicated and full of fascinating characters, I can't wait to see what will happen with this family in the future.
July 17, 2016
First of all, thanks to the author for giving me (again) the pleasure of reading her work, and congratulations on this book. The baller's secret baby is a nice piece of contemporary romance narrated in first person from both POV, male and female.
This is a wonderful, funny and romantic story. I enjoyed it a lot! There's some characters that deserve their own books, even though they aren't Barnes, lol. Nick and Eden are a great characters, the way the author developed every stage of the relationship between them feels real. The dynamic between Nick and Lucinda, his mom, is funny because she's so bossy and irritating, and he's so tired of her ways. Dinassy, one of Nick's sisters, is an amazing character as well. She's so naive about some things, also has a big heart. She cares a lot about her brother and about Eden, who's her best friend. I love her so much. Eden proved to be a strong woman, stubborn but strong. She discovered that the past don't have to define our future and that love is about trust too.
This is a wonderful, funny and romantic story. I enjoyed it a lot! There's some characters that deserve their own books, even though they aren't Barnes, lol. Nick and Eden are a great characters, the way the author developed every stage of the relationship between them feels real. The dynamic between Nick and Lucinda, his mom, is funny because she's so bossy and irritating, and he's so tired of her ways. Dinassy, one of Nick's sisters, is an amazing character as well. She's so naive about some things, also has a big heart. She cares a lot about her brother and about Eden, who's her best friend. I love her so much. Eden proved to be a strong woman, stubborn but strong. She discovered that the past don't have to define our future and that love is about trust too.
July 20, 2016
This is my first ever read by Normandie Alleman and left me with a sweet first love sort of romance. Our two leads grow up together but are separated due to one tragic event that moves Eden's family away. Years later, with both Eden and Nick now young, hot, and successful, a chance encounter has them brought together once again and with swoonworthy consequnces!! I have to say, I've always loved these young budding romances, where no matter through space and time, what's meant to be will always prevail no matter what. That to me, is Nick and Eden. Both never have forgotten each other and even after all these years have kept the other in the back of their minds.
A supr cute, steamy sports romance!!
A supr cute, steamy sports romance!!
July 21, 2016
I have been a long time fan of Normandie Alleman and this is another book to remind me of why. You get a little bit of everything with her every time. There is very steamy romance, suspense, plenty of drama, and sometimes redemption. This book reminded me of what it would be like for someone coming into Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The momager has all her kids on a very short leash. The only thing missing is Kaitlyn. I love that even though they exist, and you know they do, they don't take over Nick and Eden's story. I loved watching their love unfold and getting to go back and revisit when they first found each other as children. This is a great love story with a happy ending. I can't wait to see what the next Barnes family novel will bring.
June 22, 2019
In this book we are introduced to the Barnes family, but more closely with Nick Barnes. Nick Barnes is a professional basketball player who has girls trying to get a piece of his fortune. Just when Alleman has you thinking the baby is coming from one of the crazy fans, intro one of his long lost friends, Eden. Eden is a super smart and attractive doctor who owns a medical company and has no interest in Nick's money. She is driven and works hard to also be a cheerleader like she dreamed of so long ago. When the two reunite there is sparks flying. This would have been a quick no issue romance book though had they not both had issues involving their mothers. Read it to find out what those twists are.
July 23, 2016
I love this story. Nick is a high-ranking, famous basketball player, over-managed by his mother and he's had enough. He is still a good guy and works very hard to protect himself. Eden and he grew up together until tragedy caused Eden's mom to move her away just as they might have found more in each other. Nick discovers Eden and he are in the same town after he is transferred to a different team years later. They get together and sparks start to fly! Accidents happen and then Eden is tricked by Nick's mother. I love these kinds of stories where there is passion, love, second-guessing, and some mild suspense.
February 7, 2017
It was a sweet story, Nick being the famous basketball player and Eden the smart doc that can also dance and is a cheerleader c'mon how can they not fit together right? What makes their connection even better is the history behind the two. I enjoyed this book, we weren't left with any questions or cliffhangers. Throughout we do get a taste is the rest of the family members which can grow to become their own stories and learn more about them in detail and I like that aspect of it. I am very very happy with the conclusion to this book in particular, I was left with a big smile on my face.
July 23, 2016
I love this book! Such a great story...It's got the roller coaster and all the feels you crave in a book... Nick and Eden's story is so real you can help but fall for these characters.. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
February 6, 2017
Title: The Baller's Secret Baby
Author: Normandie Alleman
Series: Barnes Family series, Book 1
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 20th, 2016
Genre(s): Sports Romance
Page Count:202 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
I've been a fan of Normandie Alleman ever since she wrote her Webmaster series and I have to come out and say it: ever since, not once had she released a book that was remotely the same, which always makes her novels a thrill and a treat to read. In the Baller's Secret Babe, Nick and Eden have known each other since they were children, their fathers being in the same band and best friends. Having been raised almost together, they were incredibly closed and fell in love until tragedy struck and forced them to grow up faster than they should have and they left to go their own separate ways. While Nick became a professional basketball player with a healthy fan base, Eden graduated early to create an important piece of medical technology that allowed her to follow her dream to become a cheerleader once it was implemented. Just when things couldn't be any more complicated, the two meet once again and realize that their feelings are still there and never tapered off after all these years.
There are so many shocking elements in this novel that I was constantly let at the edge of me seat trying to guess what will happen and not wanting to wait until it actually happened - only to find out that I was no where's near the twists or the unexpected events, or if I was close, other elements shocked me thoroughly only to realize that I wanted more. From the shocking elements, to the plot twists, to the sexual chemistry and the easy way that the story flows, Normandie Alleman's the Baller's Secret Baby was truly a treat to read. Compared to all her previously released novels, this was an engaging read that had me realing from the emotional pulls and the many different elements that I enjoyed from cover to en from the drama, the romance, the realism, the climax and especially that one ending that you're hoping will come true and cross your fingers that you won't be disappointed. As I mentioned before, Normandie Alleman is one author that I've been following for quite some time and this latest release is more than worth the time to read!
Review Copy of Steadfast provided by the Author, Normandie Alleman for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Normandie Alleman
Series: Barnes Family series, Book 1
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 20th, 2016
Genre(s): Sports Romance
Page Count:202 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
He may be a player, but this stud’s not shooting blanks.
NICK
I'm nobody's baby daddy.
I don't care how many stunning women throw themselves at me,
looking to turn one hot night into an eighteen-year paycheck.
I've got way too much on the line to throw it away for one night of pleasure.
Ball is life, and basketball is my first priority.
I've got a championship to win.
But when I see that familiar face shaking her pom-poms on the sidelines,
I’m transported back to childhood,
Back to the days before a fiery plane crash ripped us apart,
forcing us to grow up overnight.
Those were the days when Eden Evans stole my heart.
This time, I might be ready to give it right back to her.
EDEN
I have no interest in a man who comes with groupies.
With a rock legend for a father, I’ve seen the toll fame takes on a marriage.
The last thing I need is a guy with more Twitter followers than Justin Beiber.
So when Nick Barnes dribbles his way back into my life,
my heart and head go into battle.
I can't fight my desire for the sexy baller with his eight-pack abs
and panty-dropping charm.
And when that little stick shows an unmistakable plus sign,
suddenly, everything is on the line.
With a secret baby on the way, will Nick realize that having the home court advantage is what he's wanted all along?
Review:
I've been a fan of Normandie Alleman ever since she wrote her Webmaster series and I have to come out and say it: ever since, not once had she released a book that was remotely the same, which always makes her novels a thrill and a treat to read. In the Baller's Secret Babe, Nick and Eden have known each other since they were children, their fathers being in the same band and best friends. Having been raised almost together, they were incredibly closed and fell in love until tragedy struck and forced them to grow up faster than they should have and they left to go their own separate ways. While Nick became a professional basketball player with a healthy fan base, Eden graduated early to create an important piece of medical technology that allowed her to follow her dream to become a cheerleader once it was implemented. Just when things couldn't be any more complicated, the two meet once again and realize that their feelings are still there and never tapered off after all these years.
There are so many shocking elements in this novel that I was constantly let at the edge of me seat trying to guess what will happen and not wanting to wait until it actually happened - only to find out that I was no where's near the twists or the unexpected events, or if I was close, other elements shocked me thoroughly only to realize that I wanted more. From the shocking elements, to the plot twists, to the sexual chemistry and the easy way that the story flows, Normandie Alleman's the Baller's Secret Baby was truly a treat to read. Compared to all her previously released novels, this was an engaging read that had me realing from the emotional pulls and the many different elements that I enjoyed from cover to en from the drama, the romance, the realism, the climax and especially that one ending that you're hoping will come true and cross your fingers that you won't be disappointed. As I mentioned before, Normandie Alleman is one author that I've been following for quite some time and this latest release is more than worth the time to read!
Review Copy of Steadfast provided by the Author, Normandie Alleman for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
July 20, 2016
GREAT READ!
Ticked all the boxes for me especially as a Sports Romance and I love a little baby-momma action in there as well...especially when its a secret!!!
Nick and Eden are childhood friends who have lost touch but never forgotten each other.
Nick is the epitome of a pro-athlete - money, women and fame but it doesn't seem to be anything he wants when he lays eyes on Eden again!
This book was a great read and one I would definitely recommend.
Nick ended up being a main character that was relatable and not a man-whore which was completely refreshing! Eden was afraid of what they may be and how it would end up for her but once she got past that it was so good!
I must admit it felt like things were racing along at a really quick pace throughout this one but that could have just been me rushing to get to the end to see how this story of two people destined to be together was going to end up!
**4.5 stars for a refreshing read in the sports romance genre**
Ticked all the boxes for me especially as a Sports Romance and I love a little baby-momma action in there as well...especially when its a secret!!!
Nick and Eden are childhood friends who have lost touch but never forgotten each other.
Nick is the epitome of a pro-athlete - money, women and fame but it doesn't seem to be anything he wants when he lays eyes on Eden again!
This book was a great read and one I would definitely recommend.
Nick ended up being a main character that was relatable and not a man-whore which was completely refreshing! Eden was afraid of what they may be and how it would end up for her but once she got past that it was so good!
I must admit it felt like things were racing along at a really quick pace throughout this one but that could have just been me rushing to get to the end to see how this story of two people destined to be together was going to end up!
**4.5 stars for a refreshing read in the sports romance genre**
July 20, 2016
I got this book for an honest review by the author and I found it to be a good, fun and sexy story.
http://thesecretworldofbooklovers.blo...
Eden is a beautiful young woman who has accomplished a lot in her young age and she seems content with how things are going for her.
Nick is this hotshot basketball player who has always been in the spotlight, but surprisingly he hasn't been affected by that on a deeper level, he is still a good guy.
When they reconnect, there isn't a second of doubt in my mind that they belong together, even though time has passed, they just work.
It is a beautiful love story with the necessary drama to be interesting and captivating.
I knew the mom would be a problem from the start, and I was rooting for them to beat her at her game !
The book has this cute factor based on the idea of two little kids who fall for each other, and then realize that this love was so much stronger that it stayed with them through their lives and now is their moment,
I Recommend.
http://thesecretworldofbooklovers.blo...
Eden is a beautiful young woman who has accomplished a lot in her young age and she seems content with how things are going for her.
Nick is this hotshot basketball player who has always been in the spotlight, but surprisingly he hasn't been affected by that on a deeper level, he is still a good guy.
When they reconnect, there isn't a second of doubt in my mind that they belong together, even though time has passed, they just work.
It is a beautiful love story with the necessary drama to be interesting and captivating.
I knew the mom would be a problem from the start, and I was rooting for them to beat her at her game !
The book has this cute factor based on the idea of two little kids who fall for each other, and then realize that this love was so much stronger that it stayed with them through their lives and now is their moment,
I Recommend.
February 1, 2021
Enjoyable read
Nick and Eden were great together. At times the plot was predictable but I still liked reading their story. They have reconnected after not seeing each other since they were teenagers. Nick recognizes Eden at a football game where she is cheerleading. He stalks her until he manages to invite her to a get together at his home. Things move too fast and it spooks her. Nick keeps pursuing her until they are finally a couple. His mom is his agent who has her own reality show. He doesn't want to be involved with the show and is trying to keep is relationship with Eden private from his mom. Outside forces interrupt their relationship before Eden can tell Nick her surprise. The longer they are apart, the harder it is for her to tell Nick her news. When he does find out, he is hurt and furious. They manage to work things out until his mom tries her hardest to ruin things between them. The epilogue was something different but satisfying.
Nick and Eden were great together. At times the plot was predictable but I still liked reading their story. They have reconnected after not seeing each other since they were teenagers. Nick recognizes Eden at a football game where she is cheerleading. He stalks her until he manages to invite her to a get together at his home. Things move too fast and it spooks her. Nick keeps pursuing her until they are finally a couple. His mom is his agent who has her own reality show. He doesn't want to be involved with the show and is trying to keep is relationship with Eden private from his mom. Outside forces interrupt their relationship before Eden can tell Nick her surprise. The longer they are apart, the harder it is for her to tell Nick her news. When he does find out, he is hurt and furious. They manage to work things out until his mom tries her hardest to ruin things between them. The epilogue was something different but satisfying.
July 20, 2016
What a great start to what looks like a great series, after reading this book I am definitely looking forward to more.
What a great story between two characters that were childhood friends separated by a tragic accident.
Nick The basketball player and he is definitely a player well until he see's his childhood best friend again Eden.
Eden is living her dream as a cheerleader she has no worries, she has a stable business and like i said she is living her dream.
The chemistry between the characters is hot and full on but they both hold back never fully committing to each other which does cause some conflict. Nick is scared and Eden wants a normal life, a life she did not have as a child.
This was a very fun, light read and is perfect for any occasion. It leads into more characters that I can't wait to meet! Roll on the rest of the Barnes family!
What a great story between two characters that were childhood friends separated by a tragic accident.
Nick The basketball player and he is definitely a player well until he see's his childhood best friend again Eden.
Eden is living her dream as a cheerleader she has no worries, she has a stable business and like i said she is living her dream.
The chemistry between the characters is hot and full on but they both hold back never fully committing to each other which does cause some conflict. Nick is scared and Eden wants a normal life, a life she did not have as a child.
This was a very fun, light read and is perfect for any occasion. It leads into more characters that I can't wait to meet! Roll on the rest of the Barnes family!
July 30, 2018
This is a review for the audiobook.
Nick has always wanted to play basketball and he is living the dream. His career is going perfectly when he sees the girl who he grew up with and always had a crush on, Eden Evans. Nick feels like he has met his soulmate with Eden, her beauty radiates and he knows he wants more with Eden. However life has a way of throwing hurdles in the way, will Nick and Eden be able to survive everything that is thrown in their way?
This was the type of book I have been looking for recently. I thought the story was fantastic and was routing for Nick and Eden. The audiobook version was perfect, I liked both the readers and felt completely pulled into the story. Anxious to see what happens to Nick's siblings, this looks to be a fantastic series to follow.
Nick has always wanted to play basketball and he is living the dream. His career is going perfectly when he sees the girl who he grew up with and always had a crush on, Eden Evans. Nick feels like he has met his soulmate with Eden, her beauty radiates and he knows he wants more with Eden. However life has a way of throwing hurdles in the way, will Nick and Eden be able to survive everything that is thrown in their way?
This was the type of book I have been looking for recently. I thought the story was fantastic and was routing for Nick and Eden. The audiobook version was perfect, I liked both the readers and felt completely pulled into the story. Anxious to see what happens to Nick's siblings, this looks to be a fantastic series to follow.
July 20, 2016
Great story about two people re connecting after years apart. Their dads were part of a rock band and everything was great between the families until one day is wasn’t and Eden’s mom picked her up and left the state to start over. Eden is scared, she saw what happened with her mother and father first hand with him cheating on her, can she trust Nick who’s a pro basketball player with temptations all around him? The sparks that fly between these too is wow!
Normadie wrote a beautiful story about two characters coming together after growing up together till Eden was 14. Loved this story, characters were great you could totally relate to them! 5 shiny stars for this one, and I can’t wait to read more from this author, pick up your copy today!
Normadie wrote a beautiful story about two characters coming together after growing up together till Eden was 14. Loved this story, characters were great you could totally relate to them! 5 shiny stars for this one, and I can’t wait to read more from this author, pick up your copy today!
July 21, 2016
Nick is an ambitious, star basketball player with a celebrity family headed by a ruthless, conniving Mother. Eden is an intellectual genius, a Doctor and a talented, dancing Texas Cheerleader. Nick & Eden shared a childhood history until ten years ago when both their fathers died in an accident. As Fate would have it, they reconnect one afternoon when Nick sees her perform her cheerleading routine at a game he "just happened" to attend. At this point, the reader is firmly attached to a wild ride of passion, of working through fears and insecurities born in past events and tangling with one interfering, manipulative matriarch. This exciting journey is amazing on several levels. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Five stars.
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