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Brady Family #5

by Lainey Davis

Meet the Brady family. They're brilliant, brooding and barreling into relationships whether they like it or not.

Orla Brady is tired of people asking her how hard it is to be a woman in engineering. Her career is the least of her worries. Dealing with her family and personal relationships? That’s the hard part.

She turns to a one-night-stand to tune it all out for a bit. The fling blows her mind, but leaves her with unexpected consequences.

Walton Henry Sheffield, III, can’t do anything right. Not according to his family, anyway. Everything about him threatens the family brand. He’s spent a lifetime building a slimy shell to try and deflect his parents’ heartless jabs, until he meets the one woman who calls him out for acting fake.

A family crisis turns Walt’s world upside-down and he almost forgets that passionate romp with Orla. By the time they meet again, he’s a different person and she’s carrying a huge secret.

Can Orla learn to communicate her feelings and build a meaningful relationship? Can Walt shed the hurt from his past to become the man he needs to be?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2021

Reviews

[Kate McMurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fling-to-forever, secret-baby romance

Orla and Walt are both 25 years old. They initially meet at her cousin's wedding, when his sleazy-tycoon father orders Walt to schmooze with Orla because she is the daughter of an important business connection. In self-defense at this degrading role his father has placed him in countless times, which invariably involves such women propositioning him, because he is young and handsome and wealthy, Walt immediately slides into a familiar role he has perfected, as a not-too-bright, smarmy playboy. It usually works like a charm to repel women from hitting on him, and he is utterly shocked when Orla takes him up on his apparent offer of hot, no-strings sex and drags him off to her nearby hotel room. Walt is equally surprised that he doesn't mind her full-throttle assault on his virtue, because Orla is not only gorgeous, but absolutely without the pompous pretense that is so much a part of his world. It has been ages since Walt has had sex with anyone and, in spite of his looks and privileged background, he has little self-confidence in general, and particularly in the bedroom. Before this steamy encounter with Orla, he was not convinced that he had ever sexually satisfied a woman. But he finds himself so in tune with Orla that, with astounding ease, he is able to deliver the two orgasms she has cheekily demanded of him. Unfortunately, in a weird turn of events, the string of her IUD painfully stabs him and breaks the condom he is wearing. But at that moment, it doesn't occur to either of them there might be life-altering consequences.

Everything about the setup for this romance is completely unique. I'm typically not a fan of either popular romance trope that gets the action going in this story, a one-night stand that leads to love and a secret baby. I'm also not usually attracted to any romance plot that involves a "poor little rich kid." But what makes this improbable melange hold together for me personally is Walt. He is a totally adorable, cinnamon-roll hero, and his growth journey throughout this novel is so poignant that it frequently brought me to tears.

Orla is such a dynamic Alpha heroine, if Walt were any less wonderful, she would have completely overshadowed him in this story. As it is, however, he is so amazing that, at times, he actually overshadows her.

Finally, this novel is so well written, with the romantic protagonists, Orla and Walt, so obviously made for each other, I completely believed in their well motivated and well deserved HEA.

I experienced this novel as an audiobook that I checked out from Hoopla. Both the female and male narrators do full justice to this heart-rending story.

[Kelly Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny and appealing characters, I loved this book!

[Lainey Davis]

Readers adore the transformation of Walt from scumbag to hawt mailman.

Also available via audio, narrated by Tom Taylorson and Carly Robins

Direct from me: https://payhip.com/b/LENDz
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Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/audiobo...
Audibe: https://www.audible.com/pd/Current-Au...

[Autumn Swartzendruber · Rating 4 out of 5]

So real!

This was the realest relationship I have ever read about in a romance novel. I am astounded and pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend it.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (5/22/2022)! 🎁

[Read 4 Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: " Your feelings are valid. You have every right to feel whatever you feel. You aren't exaggerating. you aren't being too sensitive. You aren't being dramatic. You're hurting. And that's okay." Welcome back dear readers, dropping now is review of an engaging and mind-bending story I read recently. Orla, she is stuck with what people had to say about her life and career, also she is always troubled by relationships and family stuff. In between of this she meets Walton, now what's real joyful to read is the characteristics of the two and their chemistry with each other. Walton is calm on the other hand Orla is fierce both are struggling to fit in and light up a spark in between them. A beautiful story full from daily life struggle, romance, family discussions, two prime amazing characters which are really engaging and uunforgettable. The readers will experience their bonding their struggles to make things better, the complications, the secrets and the union. Turn the pages to read this superb and highly engaging story with well performing characters.

📚A really fantastic story, well woven with all the situations and scenarios. Author is wonderful, I loved the storytelling and the characters are so good and joyful. Walton is my favourite for sure because he has always been humble and calm which is not only amazing in the story but also a great thing to take inspiration from and his profession is super entertaining. I have shared this book to a lot friends and many of them who finished reading have given positive feedback. A big big round of applause for the author's creativity and sublime narration, the plot is engaging and the story is phenomenal. The cover of the book is cool, I'm pretty sure the young readers will love this.

📚I would recommend you all to read this well presented life story. This is perfect for the people of every age group, a must read for all the young readers, there is a lot to laugh, inspire and enjoy. Make this your leisure time read and share it with your friends to double the joy. Hurry up, grab your copies now.

[Kia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING –4 stars

RECOMMENDED FOR: those that like a strong heroine/surprise baby

First my usual points:

- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone but part of a series. I suspect it’s best enjoyed in order but (suspect) it is not necessary.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me

BOOK:
- Contemporary romance/surprise baby
- 1st person with dual POV

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
· Writing Quality: 4 stars a little too much detail for me which sometimes distracted me from the story
· Story ingredient: 5 stars
· Ease of reading/Pace: 4 stars
· Plot strength: 4 stars
· Steam Level: 4 stars
· Uniqueness Factor: 5 stars

Notes/Opinion (personal):
This was a new author to me. Accidental/secret baby is my favorite troupe. I did enjoy the story overall. I enjoyed Walt's journey the most - his growth, his discovery of who he is and what he enjoyed was refreshing. I was not that impressed with Orla - she was a bit too 'empowered female' for my taste. When I read characters that seem to be a bit over the top in their traits, it's a bit of a turn-off for me. I did enjoy the inclusion of the rescue bunny (and the author's own experience of same); I am a firm believer in animal rescue so that story line really drew me in.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orla Brady & Walt's relationship, seems to have everything. Sensuality's, chaos, meddling parent, issue with trust & independence. Let's not forget an accidently pregnancy. Orla Brady & Walt meet @ Orla's family members wedding.
Walt has been ordered to attend this event by his crook of a father to put on the charm at this wedding. See he has business with the Brady dynasty & Walt's father wants him to put the moves on the only daughter of the clan.
Walt's father is a typical get rich scheme slime ball who squanders other people out of their money. Which is what has happened with an bakery venture that Olra Brady was investing in.
Walt comes from the typical phony wealthy upper-class family. His family has never shown him & even his sister Bella real love & affection gowning up. He was just taught to use his looks, charm for his own selfish, needs. Walt has never been able to be allowed to follow his own goals or dreams. To his father he is a failure which is why he has been called Trip. Which he absolutely hates.

Orla, is to busy focused on her school finish her degree & take the Engineer exam. She is tired of her father & siblings telling her what her life and career should be. Though after the death of her mother. She has always had issues with men & commitment. She doesn't want to be hurt losing someone she loves. This is when she runs into Walt at the wedding. He comes off cocky, arrogant but hot as hell. Because they both seem to have had an issue with their father's at this wedding. Orla demands that they go & have sex. The go for the night of their lives. To unfortunately happen to break her IUD. Though she doesn't think anything will happen. Boy is she wrong 5 weeks later being sick. When her FOOF friends convivence her to go to the doctor. She realizes its not the stomach flu, but much bigger than that.
Now she is panicking, she doesn't know where to contact with the father. She has to tell her own father she got knocked up. What will he think? How will this affect my plans for my career & the exam? What have I done? What she finds out is that her father is very supportive of her mistake. He doesn't believe his grandchild is a mistake, but he is concerned about her career how it will affect her part in the Brady company? He has offered her his home. Since her father has gotten a girlfriend & will be right across the street from her during & after the pregnancy to help out.

Walt is now responsible for taking care of the estate & what is left of the funds. Unfortuan6tly it's not much since his dad swindled people. He puts his mom on a short & trying to keep her a the lifestyle she was use too.
During this time of family crisis Walt becomes an Mail assistant & he actually loves it. What he doesn't realize is that he will be bumping into the woman he has been thinking about for the last six months. He is the temporary carrier on her block. He cannot believe that he sees her name on mail. She cannot believe the one night stand & the father of her baby is on her door step delivering mail. But Orla knows that her hormones find him even better looking now that he is in shopping from his job.
When Walt informs Orla about the death of his father. She is willing to have coffee with him to discuss their scars of their dead parent. This friendship leads to more that they both want by don't know where they stand with one another. Especially when one is keeping a huge secret from

Walt is nothing like his alter ego that his dad wanted him to be in the public eye. He is humble, caring, kind & is willing to help the neighbors on his routes. Of course every breathing grandma & single woman find him a dream.
Walt is what I people call a hero, but to me he is real MAN! He knows he cannot live the superficial life that his father wanted. He never liked using people. SO he decides to get a job & that may seem beneath him to others. But to him, he has accomplished, & is helping others.
He turned into such an appealing hero by the end. Lets' face it the adorable bunny parenting! I makes all the women love Walt even more!! Walt learn how to care about others, and the meaning of unconditional & soulmate love.
When he finds a sick rabbit on his front lawn. He decides to get help from one of the people on his route. She informs him that he is very ill but needs to take him to her vet that is part of this bunny shelter that they run.
Walt is now being a parent to his pet rabbit Pudding that has a heart condition. He is happy with his life. Stays away from his mother when possible due to believes that she should still be in the same social circles when her husband was alive. The truth is Walt's mother didn't have a clue how or what his corrupt father did. So she cannot understand why she cannot spend, or travel like she did when her husband was alive.
Walt finally feels that his life is worth something. HIs job, pet & maybe his friendship with the soon to mom Orla. Who he happens to find attractive. SO when the ladies who organize the bunny shelter put on a fundraiser. They want Walt to come in his sexy mail carrier uniform & read out the bingo cards.
Since having a few conversations with Orla & she has not mentioned that she has a boyfriend. He invites her to the fundraiser. Of course the ladies love her.
Orla seeing Walt in this environment, life she starts to believe that maybe he would be a good father to her child. How will Walt react when he finds out the truth about the baby being his? What about his mother? What does she do to possibly destroy the relationship that Orla & Walt have together?

This novel is an amazing story plot. It deals with growing up & being inspired & feeling good about your dreams, profession & making something of your life. IT also shows how love can grow from superficial, to friendship to unconditional & of course true romantic love.
I highly recommend these book with these to different emotional characters. They different dynamics are what make the couple work.
Let's not forget their are some great love scenes, they might be sexy, but you can feel the characters chemistry & love.
The bonus scene was a typical sexy fantasy for Orla & Watt. What could you ask more from these to feisty characters. The shock that Watt's mom was holding Brady family dinner was just as hilarious.

[Pat Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally unprepared for adulthood

Walt came from a wealthy upper-class family where affection was never shown. His father demanded that he turn on his smarmy charm to get what he wanted. She hated that immediately, but some unexpected big changes soon after one spectacular event changed everything. Bad was turned to good. The story is erotic, very openly immoral, with some role reversal. I detested the blasphemy! The couple did everything backwards, suffering the consequences with insecurity. The two main protagonists had both lost a parent, which meant they both had to learn how to cope without role models. Both found warmth and acceptance from bunny foster mothers. He had no idea how to earn a living, despite his fancy education, so he became a mailman. Light entertainment.

[Mae Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one so much. Orla was such a badass heroine, you couldn't help but root for her from the very first page. And Walt was one of those heroes who really grows on you as the book goes on. His slow character arc was so spot-on and perfect. He turned into such an appealing hero by the end. I especially loved the storyline with him finding a bunny! It was the PERFECT thing to help Walt succeed at something, to learn about caring for others, and learn to love. I also loved that he was a mailman. What a fun, different job for a romance hero. This was such a fresh, funny, sweet book. I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to going back and reading all of Lainey Davis's books now!

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orla and Walton have a lot in common in that they stand out in a crowd. For Walton, his parents think he is useless, and he tries hard to paint on a Teflon coating over his feelings, so their barbs slide off. Meeting Orla opened him up to possibilities and when their one-night left Orla with a lasting present. Now Orla is finding her way around coming to terms with carrying a life and how to move forward. Orla has a problem communicating her feelings. When she and Walton connect again will she be able to open up to him and will it lead them toward a path to happily ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orla & Walton

Walton has been raised to schmooze and get deals completed. Going with his dad to a clients wedding, he spots Orla. He thinks she’s beautiful but his dad tells him to attract her. He tries to hit on her but she’s not interested in his lame lines. She does think he’s super hot so she asks for a quickie. 😂

Hooking up then leaving separately to the wedding, they both think that’s the last of it. Until Walt’s dad dies unexpectedly and he finds out they’re broke. He now has to get a job to survive. He becomes a mailman.

Orla is on track to get her engineering license and has huge plans within her family’s company. Until she sees 2 pink lines.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Tally Vivarais · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ONLY SECRET BABY BOOK I WILL EVER ACTUALLY ENDORSE.

This book was amazing. I love that she did actually consider an abortion. Like, genuinely and it was treated with absolutely no stigma and understanding from everyone INCLUDING HER DOCTOR? She ended up keeping the baby since she has such an amazing support network and a decent networth to boot.

She was more than content to go in alone since the baby daddy was an absolute douche but then his family falls from grace and in a weird turn of events, becomes a bun-dad and mailman. She meets him again and without his aristocratic mask, could he be a good father?

[Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was browsing the free books and came across this one. The blurb pulled me in and once I started reading I was hooked after the first few pages. I fell in love with not only Orla, Walt, the entire Brady family, Pudding, the rabbit ladies, and Mark the mailman, I also fell in love with Lainey Davis. This was the first book I read by this author and it’s safe to say I’m now hooked. I need the rest of the books in this series and I need all the FOOF ladies too! You found a new reader in me Lainey.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice relationship building here! While I don’t always love the surprise pregnancy trope, it works here. I really enjoy this world of family, friends and found family/friends who support each other. Lainey Davis has again built a sweet and realistic relationship with this book. There’s steam and sweetness and you’re definitely rooting for this couple to figure things out. I would say start with the beginning of Brady’s stories, the characters are so intertwined- it’s just more enjoyable to “know” them all!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orly is the sole female Brady living in a world of men, working in a field dominated by males. I love this universe that Lainey Davis has created. It was great to see the blue-collar world of Pittsburg with mail carriers and rabbit rescues... I love that Wally was opening cat food cans for his customers and became an adult taking care of his rabbit, Pudding. Serving others is the best builder of character in my opinion.

Funny beginning, believable multi-dimensional leads, strong supporting characters and rich world building. Highly recommend this series by Lainey Davis.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was another big Brady family novel full of crazy family members and laughter. I like how Walt and Orla both have childhoods that were lacking in some way and how it affected them as adults. I enjoyed their chemistry and also the timeline of how they grew to like each other. I have to say, Walt seems so understanding-my type of man. Although, Nicole is definitely my favorite family member. More of the Bradys!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you realize your new mailman is your hot one-night stand…and the father of your baby?
Orla's and Walt's story is fun, hectic, realistic, with the Brady's we love and the quirkiness that defines the family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orla is a strong woman that guards her heart close. Walt is a man that has a big heart. When a night of hot passion and fire lead to an unexpected connection. Walt does what he can to get past Orla walls to prove his love.

This sweet romance is one with a delightful twist that make it fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mikhaila Polak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable romance to read, full of surprising details that made it more relatable and believable. The struggles of balance between work and family, the desire to not repeat our parents mistakes, and the joy in finding a support system were all themes that struck me as realistic and down to earth. Yet the characters were unique, making the story interesting and keeping me reading.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting characters

This is not your typical romance novel. Flawed characters who together create a sum much larger than the individual parts. It was an interesting experience to see how they grew and matured together, while learning to love each other and their rescue bunny.

[Becky Rendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Brady family

This is my first foray into the Bradys and it was fun. You don't need to read the previous books to appreciate the family dynamics but it might help to keep everyone straight.

Current is a cute, feel good read. Orla is a boss lady baby electrical engineer. She's got a lot on her plate and a surprise bun in the oven.

[BookLover23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. There were some parts that didn’t work for me but the good things outweighed the bad. I liked how supportive Orla’s family was and I liked that she had her own career and ambitions. I also liked that we got to see the entire pregnancy journey and the development of the characters.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman out of men's comfort zone. An electrical engineer who is surrounded by men, is used to wearing flannel, a tool belt & hard hat. Harassed by her family to date, have a family etc. The mailman (former arrogant jerk) will help turn the tides for her but will be be enough?

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked?
Orla is an engineer.
She’s down for a hook up. Maybe not so much the consequences.
She’s a typical engineer and compartmentalizes.

It’s a bit of a gender bender, with Walton a hot mess, emotional and needy. He’s got a lot of growing up to do.

Liked.

[Casey Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to this series and family of building gurus.
Family can be tough to deal with at times, yet no excuse for crazy decision making to escape them. They’ll have your back most of the time, no matter what circumstance you may find yourself in.

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed this book, I love how the storyline flowed, how it was written with such emotion and detail I honestly just fell into the book.
Great main characters, loved the girls club and the rescue group ladies.
Overall a great read .

[Laurie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey Davis’s latest release is a great read! I loved this book, The Storyline and The Characters. Can’t wait to read her next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline kept me entertained throughout the pages with this surprise baby made it worth reading. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and sparks flew.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A.B. Shepherd]

DNF: 27%

Walt/Wally/Trip is a twenty-something man who has been coddled and brought up to believe he's useless his entire life.

I'm sure this book will go on to show his growth, but I prefer to read about alpha males so I'm just going to leave this here.