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The Perfect Surrogate
Can she risk everything for a deal that sounds too good to be true?
Impoverished, widowed single mom Carrie Pace thinks that her five-year run of terrible luck has finally come to an end when she is hired to be a surrogate for a wealthy pair of Hollywood A-listers.
The deal: live on their property, all expenses paid, until she has borne and weaned a child for them. At the end of that time, she will receive $500,000 with which to restart her life. It sounds too good to be true...and unfortunately, it is.
Problems start when Carrie and her son move into a cottage on the property and she begins treatment under the couple’s fertility doctor. She soon learns that her new job comes with some catches she never expected.
The child she’s soon carrying has a controlling biological mother and a biological father with a wandering eye pointed at his surrogate.
As Carrie gets nearer to her due date, things take a sinister turn. When she discovers the truth, can she save herself, her son, and the unborn child from the mortal danger that masquerades as friend?
Impoverished, widowed single mom Carrie Pace thinks that her five-year run of terrible luck has finally come to an end when she is hired to be a surrogate for a wealthy pair of Hollywood A-listers.
The deal: live on their property, all expenses paid, until she has borne and weaned a child for them. At the end of that time, she will receive $500,000 with which to restart her life. It sounds too good to be true...and unfortunately, it is.
Problems start when Carrie and her son move into a cottage on the property and she begins treatment under the couple’s fertility doctor. She soon learns that her new job comes with some catches she never expected.
The child she’s soon carrying has a controlling biological mother and a biological father with a wandering eye pointed at his surrogate.
As Carrie gets nearer to her due date, things take a sinister turn. When she discovers the truth, can she save herself, her son, and the unborn child from the mortal danger that masquerades as friend?
- GenresThriller
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2022
567 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books370 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 9, 2022
This is a really strange, oddly written story.
It’s just so unrealistic but I was fascinated by its terribleness that I did read to the end. Some of the wording was just odd. I had to check the publishing date as it seems so old fashioned. Instead of writing ‘she said’ or ‘Alanna said’ it was ‘The famous actress said’ or ‘How the famous actress behaved’, as if we might forget suddenly that the character was a famous actress, it went on and on. The scenes where the famous actor was suggestive and came on to Carrie all the time were ridiculous. No one would act or talk like that it was just silly. It’s one thing to make him out to be egotistical and sex mad but the writing made him sound like he was about 15!
One sentence read ‘That sounded pretty good and dandy..’, who talks or thinks like that? sounds like something from the 1950s.
There was no depth to the story, no suspense, the characters were all completely extreme…the bit at the end with the pond was awful, contrived, and so obvious, as was the reason Alanna knew what Carrie was doing all the time. I read it hoping that it would get better, but by the last quarter I was skimming through cringing at the dialogue. I don’t recommend it.
It’s just so unrealistic but I was fascinated by its terribleness that I did read to the end. Some of the wording was just odd. I had to check the publishing date as it seems so old fashioned. Instead of writing ‘she said’ or ‘Alanna said’ it was ‘The famous actress said’ or ‘How the famous actress behaved’, as if we might forget suddenly that the character was a famous actress, it went on and on. The scenes where the famous actor was suggestive and came on to Carrie all the time were ridiculous. No one would act or talk like that it was just silly. It’s one thing to make him out to be egotistical and sex mad but the writing made him sound like he was about 15!
One sentence read ‘That sounded pretty good and dandy..’, who talks or thinks like that? sounds like something from the 1950s.
There was no depth to the story, no suspense, the characters were all completely extreme…the bit at the end with the pond was awful, contrived, and so obvious, as was the reason Alanna knew what Carrie was doing all the time. I read it hoping that it would get better, but by the last quarter I was skimming through cringing at the dialogue. I don’t recommend it.
October 18, 2022
Sooooo badly written. Overly descriptive to the point of patronising the reader. Skimmed through most of it. Utterly far-fetched plot, with unbelievable characters. Forced myself to read until the end but it got no better. Just got more unbelievable, and just plain silly. Won’t be seeking this author out again. Hated it lol.
September 15, 2022
It was a good storyline, but a bit unrealistic. A lot of errors, which I found a bit distracting. I struggled to finish the book to see if it got better. It didn't. I don't recommend this one. I really wanted to like it though.
May 13, 2022
I'm not sure what I thought I expected when I picked this book up. It's a gentle introduction to Carrie and her son Benny and the struggle that is their life. Carrie is offered the opportunity to become a surrogate mother for a famous actor and actress. Carrie decides that doing this will her the opportunity she needs to provide a better life for her and Benny. It's only when she has moved into a cottage in the grounds of their property that she begins to realise just what she has let herself in for. Her life is now controlled by Alanna whilst Alanna's husband, Sterling, tries to get Alanna to have sex with him. As time goes on, Alanna's controlling ways spiral whilst Sterlings'attentions also get out of hand and Carrie realises that somehow she must get away, along with the couples unborn child. There are quite a few twists and turns, some of which you will see coming but a couple you wont. Very enjoyable book which kept me turning pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2022
This book is so silly. 🤪🤣🤦♀️
February 11, 2024
Awful people setting up an innocent person. Story moves along but not a thriller with twists and turns, more like writing for a soap opera
September 21, 2024
Have you ever been so desperate you’d do literally anything to improve your situation? Carrie finds herself in this situation, desperate to improve her son’s life through surrogacy. I thought this was very realistic and compelling, I can only imagine the lengths a mother would go for her child! The same could be reasoned for Alanna. It was clear from the beginning Alanna was overly controlling and obsessive but maybe she was just a dedicated mother. I definitely thought Sterling was the crazy one, but Alanna really came out of nowhere! I loved the ending. It found justice for everyone while being realistic to the storyline.
Spoilers below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Carrie: I felt like Carrie was all over the place especially towards the middle to end of the book. She started out wanting to please Alanna & Sterling to trying to run away and plotting how to obtain custody of baby Victoria. To be fair, the mental strain of her situation probably made her less than rational. The attempted sexual assault scene was horrifying and I couldn’t imagine the toll that would take! Not to mention being locked in the basement by Alanna! So crazy. MAJOR plot twist finding out Carrie is carrying her & sterling’s baby since Alanna is infertile. I was infuriated and disgusted. Both at Alanna & sterling as well as the doctor who went against his oath for money. Absolutely disgusting! What a twist but heart breaking for Carrie.
Alanna & Sterling: it seemed pretty obvious that everything is not what it seems with these rich, famous, lavish movie stars. I guess Carrie was blinded by her need for a socioeconomic improvement and stability for herself and her son, which is understandable. I didn’t find it all that crazy that Sterling and Alanna were on bad terms with constant explosive fights. Alanna’s willingness to put up with Sterling ogling Carrie at OB/GYN appointments, constant flirtation with any woman around and drunken behavior was surprising. Sterling did get what was coming to him in the end. On top of the first twist, I found it shocking that Alanna and Sterling were drugging Mrs. Gould for TEN years!!! That was crazy! Not all that surprising considering their other behaviors, but crazy they were successful for so long. Thankfully Carrie was able to do the right thing and help Mrs. Gould out of a horrible situation.
Overall, I liked the twist and turns through the book even if some of the characters were slightly annoying. A great ending with justice for the characters and peace for Carrie!
Spoilers below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Carrie: I felt like Carrie was all over the place especially towards the middle to end of the book. She started out wanting to please Alanna & Sterling to trying to run away and plotting how to obtain custody of baby Victoria. To be fair, the mental strain of her situation probably made her less than rational. The attempted sexual assault scene was horrifying and I couldn’t imagine the toll that would take! Not to mention being locked in the basement by Alanna! So crazy. MAJOR plot twist finding out Carrie is carrying her & sterling’s baby since Alanna is infertile. I was infuriated and disgusted. Both at Alanna & sterling as well as the doctor who went against his oath for money. Absolutely disgusting! What a twist but heart breaking for Carrie.
Alanna & Sterling: it seemed pretty obvious that everything is not what it seems with these rich, famous, lavish movie stars. I guess Carrie was blinded by her need for a socioeconomic improvement and stability for herself and her son, which is understandable. I didn’t find it all that crazy that Sterling and Alanna were on bad terms with constant explosive fights. Alanna’s willingness to put up with Sterling ogling Carrie at OB/GYN appointments, constant flirtation with any woman around and drunken behavior was surprising. Sterling did get what was coming to him in the end. On top of the first twist, I found it shocking that Alanna and Sterling were drugging Mrs. Gould for TEN years!!! That was crazy! Not all that surprising considering their other behaviors, but crazy they were successful for so long. Thankfully Carrie was able to do the right thing and help Mrs. Gould out of a horrible situation.
Overall, I liked the twist and turns through the book even if some of the characters were slightly annoying. A great ending with justice for the characters and peace for Carrie!
April 22, 2023
I have a lot to say about this book! I read the reviews on the book on amazon and and thought “ oh shoot, it’s going to be bad.” as a lot of reviews were negative BUT to my surprise i actually enjoyed this book to an extent as i didn’t guess all of the twist and turns (spoiler; most of them are easy to guess) and that made it good but lordy, the character Carrie was unbelievably annoying and she really irritated me throughout the WHILE book, she loved saying she would do anything for her child but before finding out the DEEP stuff that justify her wanting to leave, it left me thinking omg just stay put, you’re a struggling single mother, the money will do you good! She tried running away halfway through the pregnancy and it felt bleh… like you waited and managed to hold out this long so a few more months won’t hurt now finishing the book, i don’t blame her. My issue with the book is that the other characters fell flat while others had so my backstory and life to them. The husband for example? he seemed to be a unnecessary character just placed there to be a perv and to be the person who would later be killed off.. so many backstories that could’ve been talked about more such as the affair between maggie and the husband, i guess you can put everything in a book but it would’ve beaten having to read carrie being upset about something every 20 seconds..I could literally carry on and on about my issues with the book but the main problem was the typos honestly, i HATE reading a book full of typos even with all of my issues with book, i enjoyed but i wouldn’t read again so that’s that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2022
Can she risk everything for a deal that sounds too good to be true?Impoverished, widowed single mom Carrie Pace thinks that her five-year run of terrible luck has finally come to an end when she is hired to be a surrogate for a wealthy pair of Hollywood A-listers.
The deal: live on their property, all expenses paid, until she has borne and weaned a child for them. At the end of that time, she will receive $500,000 with which to restart her life. It sounds too good to be true...and unfortunately, it is.
Problems start when Carrie and her son move into a cottage on the property and she begins treatment under the couple’s fertility doctor. She soon learns that her new job comes with some catches she never expected.
The child she’s soon carrying has a controlling biological mother and a biological father with a wandering eye pointed at his surrogate.
As Carrie gets nearer to her due date, things take a sinister turn. When she discovers the truth, can she save herself, her son, and the unborn child from the mortal danger that masquerades as friend?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
The deal: live on their property, all expenses paid, until she has borne and weaned a child for them. At the end of that time, she will receive $500,000 with which to restart her life. It sounds too good to be true...and unfortunately, it is.
Problems start when Carrie and her son move into a cottage on the property and she begins treatment under the couple’s fertility doctor. She soon learns that her new job comes with some catches she never expected.
The child she’s soon carrying has a controlling biological mother and a biological father with a wandering eye pointed at his surrogate.
As Carrie gets nearer to her due date, things take a sinister turn. When she discovers the truth, can she save herself, her son, and the unborn child from the mortal danger that masquerades as friend?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 20, 2022
Very suspenseful page turner. It kept me on edge worried about Carrie and her son through every chapter. Having been in her shoes worried about how you are going to take care of your family, I can fully understand why she would take the offer they made her. I mean, one year of your life for a service that should have been very easy for her. Just goes to show, you should always be sure of what you are walking into before you get there and definitely be careful of what you are signing and read every word before you sign! Some people are not what they seem to be and show to the world either. This book shows that clearly! Always trust your gut feelings about people.
In my opinion, Cole Baxter is an amazing writer and I fully recommend you check his books out! Reading this I could feel every emotion and terror that Carrie had and felt in my head. Not a lot of authors can do that for me. I love reading books where I feel like I can relate to the character and immerse myself in the story. Very well written book.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review**
In my opinion, Cole Baxter is an amazing writer and I fully recommend you check his books out! Reading this I could feel every emotion and terror that Carrie had and felt in my head. Not a lot of authors can do that for me. I love reading books where I feel like I can relate to the character and immerse myself in the story. Very well written book.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review**
May 21, 2022
The Perfect Surrogate is a suspenseful psychological thriller and once again with every twist and turn that happened, I was completely captivated. The writing is well done and the characters are interesting and believable. This story is packed with danger, intrigue, suspense, and crazy unexpected twists. Once I started reading The Perfect Surrogate I didn't put it down until the last page. I do love this author's writing and this book is a perfect example of how twistedly captivating and fabulous his writing is. I recommend this book and this author to everyone who loves suspenseful psychological thrillers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 8, 2022
Cole Baxter does it again with another gripping psychological thriller! The characters were very well written and the storyline had me questioning everything. There were a few points were the book seemed a little too far fetched but over all it was a great read.
It really makes you think about what you would do to protect the ones you love and if something seems too good to be true, just how bad it can be.
I would definitely recommend this book and author to anyone looking for a uniquely written thriller that will have you hooked until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It really makes you think about what you would do to protect the ones you love and if something seems too good to be true, just how bad it can be.
I would definitely recommend this book and author to anyone looking for a uniquely written thriller that will have you hooked until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2022
Cole Baxter does it again! He delivers another thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat while touching heart in so many ways. This one will literally scare the bejeezus out of you!
The storyline is absolutely incredible; the characters will have you questioning everything—both good and bad; the plot twists and turns are off the charts; and once again, an HEA is questionable.You must read this book…it’s amazing. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and absolutely could not put it down!) ❤️❤️
The storyline is absolutely incredible; the characters will have you questioning everything—both good and bad; the plot twists and turns are off the charts; and once again, an HEA is questionable.You must read this book…it’s amazing. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and absolutely could not put it down!) ❤️❤️
May 28, 2022
Couldn't stop reading
I saw this book on Facebook and I immediately purchased the book. This book held my attention and I was so wrapped in the book and before I knew it I finished the book. I highly recommend anything written by Cole Baxter.I'm so happy I decided to read this book; Mr. Baxter is a writer that grabs the readers attention from the beginning. The plot flows well and doesn't get bogged down with details. I don't want to ruin the book for anyone, I don't want to give a really detailed review.
I saw this book on Facebook and I immediately purchased the book. This book held my attention and I was so wrapped in the book and before I knew it I finished the book. I highly recommend anything written by Cole Baxter.I'm so happy I decided to read this book; Mr. Baxter is a writer that grabs the readers attention from the beginning. The plot flows well and doesn't get bogged down with details. I don't want to ruin the book for anyone, I don't want to give a really detailed review.
May 17, 2022
sometimes an opportunity that seems too good to be true turns out to be untrue.
A surrogate hoping for a comfortable and well paid way out if debt finds herself on s twisted struggle of life and death - gor herself and for her baby and older son.
can they all extract themselves from these hazards alive and intact?
action packed psychological thriller and drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A surrogate hoping for a comfortable and well paid way out if debt finds herself on s twisted struggle of life and death - gor herself and for her baby and older son.
can they all extract themselves from these hazards alive and intact?
action packed psychological thriller and drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2024
I really do not understand how this book has this high of a rating!!! Like what?
This book had zero twists. Zero. I knew every single thing that happened. Very obvious.
PLUS... if you're going to write a book about surrogacy, you might want to get the science correct. Implantation 5 days after the start of her period??? Hahahahah, omg.
Ridiculous.
Don't waste your time. Please. I beg of you.
Zero stars!
This book had zero twists. Zero. I knew every single thing that happened. Very obvious.
PLUS... if you're going to write a book about surrogacy, you might want to get the science correct. Implantation 5 days after the start of her period??? Hahahahah, omg.
Ridiculous.
Don't waste your time. Please. I beg of you.
Zero stars!
May 13, 2022
The Perfect Surrogate has a very thrilling plot that will keep you enthralled. It’s an emotional page turner full of suspense and drama. I thought I had it figured out, until I didn’t! This is a must-read thriller that you will be thinking about long after the story ends. *this honest, voluntary review is based on a complimentary copy from BookSprout*
May 28, 2022
FAST AND GREAT READ!
I have loved all of Cole Baxter’s books, so it was no surprise that I loved this one as well. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I don’t have pretty words like all other commenters do, but I still like to comment when I find a book like this, that is an easy read and a has a great storyline. Thank you, Mr. Baxter, for making it a pleasure to read.
I have loved all of Cole Baxter’s books, so it was no surprise that I loved this one as well. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I don’t have pretty words like all other commenters do, but I still like to comment when I find a book like this, that is an easy read and a has a great storyline. Thank you, Mr. Baxter, for making it a pleasure to read.
May 31, 2022
What a ride
Enjoyed this book! Easy to see how a young single.mother could get caught up in a.situation where she believed she was doing something so good! Fertility issues are real and though dealt with a little.differently still.shining light on the issue! Great read Mr. Baxter!
Enjoyed this book! Easy to see how a young single.mother could get caught up in a.situation where she believed she was doing something so good! Fertility issues are real and though dealt with a little.differently still.shining light on the issue! Great read Mr. Baxter!
May 12, 2022
ARC Review For honest review .after the death of Carrie pace's husband. Her and her son Benjamin fell on hard times, but when a offer to be a surrogate is offered to her and will help she takes it . So let me tell ya this story is just wow .10 stars of twist and suspense .
May 20, 2022
What is family
What would you do to protect the ones you love? Would you punish them? If so how would you punish them? This is an excellent book that will have you asking yourself these questions
What would you do to protect the ones you love? Would you punish them? If so how would you punish them? This is an excellent book that will have you asking yourself these questions
June 9, 2022
This book is probably 3.5/5. Generally enjoyed it but found it pretty far fetched in places & disappointed there was no real twist in it. Really liked the characters of Carrie & Benny their relationship was adorable. Worth a read though
March 9, 2023
A Very Shocking Gripping Book!!
So many dark secrets, deceit, twists and turns, murder, scandals, and suspense makes this a riveting book!! A real page turning jaw dropping book with a shocking twist at the end!! I would definitely recommend it!!
So many dark secrets, deceit, twists and turns, murder, scandals, and suspense makes this a riveting book!! A real page turning jaw dropping book with a shocking twist at the end!! I would definitely recommend it!!
February 23, 2024
Well done!
Even though I knew from the beginning it had to turn out well, the many twists and turns and challenges were very daunting for poor Carrie. I think it is the best of the surrogate books I have read.
Even though I knew from the beginning it had to turn out well, the many twists and turns and challenges were very daunting for poor Carrie. I think it is the best of the surrogate books I have read.
December 19, 2024
What a book
This book had me on edge from page one. The darkness and mystery that unvolves from this story is great.
I could not put it down. I loved every part of the book. And it was so twisted that it was not easy to know the outcome. So good.
This book had me on edge from page one. The darkness and mystery that unvolves from this story is great.
I could not put it down. I loved every part of the book. And it was so twisted that it was not easy to know the outcome. So good.
February 26, 2025
BRAVO COLE BAXTER. BRAVO! I very much enjoyed this book. It has a really great ending. I had the pleasure of reading, Trust a Stranger, Prime Suspect, Her Simple Request, The Night Nurse, The doctors’s Secret, Did he do it and Follow You. This so far is my favorite.
May 26, 2022
Brilliant book from start to finish. Had be hooked and struggled to put it down! I loved the ending, perfectly wrapped everything up and gave it the happy ending it deserved!
June 2, 2022
Awesome book! I read it in one sitting. The story was interesting, and believable. I actually expect this could happen in real life. I highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2022
This was a good book although it was pretty predictable
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July 18, 2022What a nail biting book! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews