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Daddy by Default
Derek Webster's world gets turned upside down when his nineteen-year-old pregnant sister, Ashlynn, is injured in a car accident. The doctors manage to save the infant, but Ashlynn succumbs to her injures. Derek becomes guardian to his nephew and discovers it leaves him little or no time to socialize.
Chance Richards is at the top of his game. He has a job he loves and a loving family. The only thing he lacks is a serious relationship. He meets Derek, a young man with a gorgeous soul and a six-month old baby. The two of them may be happy together, or Chance's fears and vulnerabilities about the future can put an end to them before their relationship starts.
Chance Richards is at the top of his game. He has a job he loves and a loving family. The only thing he lacks is a serious relationship. He meets Derek, a young man with a gorgeous soul and a six-month old baby. The two of them may be happy together, or Chance's fears and vulnerabilities about the future can put an end to them before their relationship starts.
94 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2016
13 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Bailey
121 books58 followersShawn Bailey hails from New Orleans, LA, where she works as a programmer and help desk administrator. Shawn loves mangas and anime. Her current hobbies are watching Japanese and Korean dramas, when she has the spare time. She’s also trying to learn to speak and read both Japanese and Korean. She’s also into Korean pop music and can often be found with her MP3 player attached to her head. Shawn is single and enjoying the heck out it.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 30, 2017
Daddy by Default by Shawn Bailey is a super emotional read I just could not stop reading. I loved the characters and the super sweet ending to this story.
Derek when we first meet him is at his lowest point in his life. His sister and her fiance have been in a car crash. They both do not make it, but his sister's unborn baby does make it. Derek only has his sister, his parents are dead. His sister's fiance has not family either. So Derek becomes a father. He is 24 years old and has no idea of what to do. But he knows this, he will be the best father he can to the little one left behind.
Chance happens to catch Derek playing with the little one in the park about six months later. He takes a picture of the happy moment and that leads to getting to know Derek. Derek is not forth coming with everything about himself at first. Chance seems almost too good to be true, he is sweet, kind, and just loves talking and being around Derek. He doesn't seem to mind the little one either.
I loved the ordinary feel to this book. It is not over the top, but done just right. I like the super sweet ending to this one too. This is the kind of story you read for a feel good kind of story. For me this one is a must read for anyone who loves to fall in love.
Five Shooting Stars
Derek when we first meet him is at his lowest point in his life. His sister and her fiance have been in a car crash. They both do not make it, but his sister's unborn baby does make it. Derek only has his sister, his parents are dead. His sister's fiance has not family either. So Derek becomes a father. He is 24 years old and has no idea of what to do. But he knows this, he will be the best father he can to the little one left behind.
Chance happens to catch Derek playing with the little one in the park about six months later. He takes a picture of the happy moment and that leads to getting to know Derek. Derek is not forth coming with everything about himself at first. Chance seems almost too good to be true, he is sweet, kind, and just loves talking and being around Derek. He doesn't seem to mind the little one either.
I loved the ordinary feel to this book. It is not over the top, but done just right. I like the super sweet ending to this one too. This is the kind of story you read for a feel good kind of story. For me this one is a must read for anyone who loves to fall in love.
Five Shooting Stars
June 15, 2019
‘Daddy by Default’ is a story about dealing with the unexpected. In Derek’s case it is the death of his parents, followed by that of the younger sister he raised, and ending up becoming the guardian of her baby, Jason, the only one to survive the accident. For Chance it is the realization that his bachelor lifestyle may not be what is going to make him happy for the rest of his life and that having kids may be exactly what he wants. Neither Derek nor Chance is hurting financially, but both of them are in dire need of a partner who understands and accepts them just the way they are. This story is about their unexpected meeting, surprising courtship, and joint decisions about the right way forward. It’s gentle, peaceful, yet very real in the way these two men deal with the cards life has dealt them.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 26, 2019
‘Daddy by Default’ is a story about dealing with the unexpected. In Derek’s case it is the death of his parents, followed by that of the younger sister he raised, and ending up becoming the guardian of her baby, Jason, the only one to survive the accident. For Chance it is the realization that his bachelor lifestyle may not be what is going to make him happy for the rest of his life and that having kids may be exactly what he wants. Neither Derek nor Chance is hurting financially, but both of them are in dire need of a partner who understands and accepts them just the way they are. This story is about their unexpected meeting, surprising courtship, and joint decisions about the right way forward. It’s gentle, peaceful, yet very real in the way these two men deal with the cards life has dealt them.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 6, 2017
This is gonna be one of those harsh, slightly harsh kind of reviews...
It was OK...maybe? Nothing outstanding. Matter of fact I felt like it was along the lines of a childish rendition of the big boys.....
There's no romance. Within a short period of time (non shifter book!) they've both decided that they are in love with each other. The problem is I didn't feel like there was enough to justify that. And Chance's attitude towards settling down kind of contradicts is later statement to Derek that he wants a family. He wasn't real sure he was ready to 'settle down' and I caught some attitude from him when Derek wasn't able to do what he wanted.
And their first sexual encounter felt impersonal. The next encounter we glimpse (a year later) is much the same. Plus, really feel the lack of romance when Derek is complaining about being late for work when he's getting boned.
It was OK...maybe? Nothing outstanding. Matter of fact I felt like it was along the lines of a childish rendition of the big boys.....
There's no romance. Within a short period of time (non shifter book!) they've both decided that they are in love with each other. The problem is I didn't feel like there was enough to justify that. And Chance's attitude towards settling down kind of contradicts is later statement to Derek that he wants a family. He wasn't real sure he was ready to 'settle down' and I caught some attitude from him when Derek wasn't able to do what he wanted.
And their first sexual encounter felt impersonal. The next encounter we glimpse (a year later) is much the same. Plus, really feel the lack of romance when Derek is complaining about being late for work when he's getting boned.
February 7, 2017
The writing in this book was cringe worthy and glaringly bad after having read a well written book in The Impossible Boy. There were many parts of the plot that I just didn't find credible. The guys were likeable enough but the chemistry was sorely missing.
June 21, 2016
I loved this cute story with baby Jaden and uncle Derek. Love is Love. *sighs* I forgot to add Chance, the hot photographer and the one that sees more than a rich man. Derek has Jaden to think about and he won't open up his heart to someone that doesn't see that going out and partying aren't in Derek's style anymore. HEA.
June 21, 2016
I enjoyed this cute quick read. It was a combination of a sad story and an uplifting HEA. The ending did seem a bit rushed, but overall a nice read.
May 29, 2022
Derek was too good to be true, forgive his cheating boyfriend and be friends with his ex new lover. His ex, Matthew was not only cheating asshole but made a suggestion for Derek to be back with him and his new lover. What? I just can't believe Matthew's gut and I felt sorry for Matthew's new lover.
For Chance, I doubted him at first because his indecisive action but it turned out great in the end.
For Chance, I doubted him at first because his indecisive action but it turned out great in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2017
Could have been longer and I could have done without the author using the word hindquarters during a sex scene!! Ewwww.. Wish it was a longer book
June 28, 2016
Are you someone who loves stories featuring men with babies? Then you are sure to enjoy this new story by Shawn Bailey. A young man with a great deal of responsibility, meets a carefree man who spends his lengthy leisure time with his friends, most often at their favorite dance club. Many questions and concerns arise not only between the two, but with their family and friends.
Derek Webster's young adulthood was wrenched from him when his parents were killed when he was only 18 years of age, he ended up raising his 13 year old sister. He never imagined he would suffer another such tragic loss in just a few years. A horrible traffic accident led to him becoming the guardian of his newborn nephew Jaden, at the request of his dying now 19 year old sister. Without any family on the baby's Father's side, Derek was left all alone to raise the baby.
Several months later photographer, Chance Richards sees a gorgeous young man doting on a young baby, while out in the park. He approaches them after taking a picture. Derek learns the photographer works for a Baby Magazine and is eager not only to take additional photos, but write an article about Derek and his adorable nephew. With each feeling a pulse of attraction, Derek asks Chance to dinner at his home, to take more pictures, and conduct an interview with Derek.
Chance is shocked by where Derek lives and the fact that he has servants. Still he is surprised at how down to earth Derek is, and how extremely busy with work he is. Even though their mutual attraction begins to germinate, Chance is surprised by how reticent Derek is and backs off. He soon learns that Derek's priorities are his nephew and work. His social life is non existent.
Chance remedies that with a Park Date with baby Jayden invited. Derek brings a great deal of baby paraphernalia along with a stuffed picnic basket care of the cook. Derek really enjoys himself, until Chance expresses how much he likes spending time going out with friends, especially to clubs. They had been getting on famously. Derek is once again disappointed. He's looking for someone less interested in hanging out with friends and more engaged in young family-oriented activities.
Is Derek really giving Chance an opportunity to prove himself or is he making assumptions based on past experiences? Derek is lonely though overwhelmed by responsibilities at home and work. His staff who witnessed his daily exhaustion, but determination to be a good father, want a good man who would help ease Derek's burdens, make sure he has fun, and relieve some work stress - the old fashion way. They are more like family, since Derek only has one man, Marshall Brown an attorney and former lover as his only friend, albeit an overprotective one. Who feels the need to overreact and investigate anyone who shows interest in Derek.
On the other hand Chance is surprised by how strong his attraction to Derek is. Enough to mention the young father to both his friends and large family. Most of his friends are appalled at the thought of not only being tied down, but especially being saddled with a kid. There still is too much fun to be had. Is he really prepared to give up so much to be with Derek and Jayden? Chance has three generations of family who want him happy. He's been a great uncle to his nieces and nephews and Jaden is a sweet baby. But is Chance willing to commit the next eighteen years? His Mom especially wants him to settle down, but other family members tell him not to string along a man who is carrying enough weight on his shoulders without a future broken heart.
Chance has a lot to think about. But he wants to find out could there be more between me and Derek? Chance persists even when Derek seemingly blows him off. It is Chance's determination, patience, and ignoring Derek's obviously anxious angry words, at a time of fierce anxiety that cements their relationship. Now comes the time for introductions to friends, colleagues, and family. All see how the two look at each other. How considerate of each, the other is. How Chance is with Jaden. There is definitely a chance for a Happily Ever After when love, family, friends, and trust our combined.
Derek Webster's young adulthood was wrenched from him when his parents were killed when he was only 18 years of age, he ended up raising his 13 year old sister. He never imagined he would suffer another such tragic loss in just a few years. A horrible traffic accident led to him becoming the guardian of his newborn nephew Jaden, at the request of his dying now 19 year old sister. Without any family on the baby's Father's side, Derek was left all alone to raise the baby.
Several months later photographer, Chance Richards sees a gorgeous young man doting on a young baby, while out in the park. He approaches them after taking a picture. Derek learns the photographer works for a Baby Magazine and is eager not only to take additional photos, but write an article about Derek and his adorable nephew. With each feeling a pulse of attraction, Derek asks Chance to dinner at his home, to take more pictures, and conduct an interview with Derek.
Chance is shocked by where Derek lives and the fact that he has servants. Still he is surprised at how down to earth Derek is, and how extremely busy with work he is. Even though their mutual attraction begins to germinate, Chance is surprised by how reticent Derek is and backs off. He soon learns that Derek's priorities are his nephew and work. His social life is non existent.
Chance remedies that with a Park Date with baby Jayden invited. Derek brings a great deal of baby paraphernalia along with a stuffed picnic basket care of the cook. Derek really enjoys himself, until Chance expresses how much he likes spending time going out with friends, especially to clubs. They had been getting on famously. Derek is once again disappointed. He's looking for someone less interested in hanging out with friends and more engaged in young family-oriented activities.
Is Derek really giving Chance an opportunity to prove himself or is he making assumptions based on past experiences? Derek is lonely though overwhelmed by responsibilities at home and work. His staff who witnessed his daily exhaustion, but determination to be a good father, want a good man who would help ease Derek's burdens, make sure he has fun, and relieve some work stress - the old fashion way. They are more like family, since Derek only has one man, Marshall Brown an attorney and former lover as his only friend, albeit an overprotective one. Who feels the need to overreact and investigate anyone who shows interest in Derek.
On the other hand Chance is surprised by how strong his attraction to Derek is. Enough to mention the young father to both his friends and large family. Most of his friends are appalled at the thought of not only being tied down, but especially being saddled with a kid. There still is too much fun to be had. Is he really prepared to give up so much to be with Derek and Jayden? Chance has three generations of family who want him happy. He's been a great uncle to his nieces and nephews and Jaden is a sweet baby. But is Chance willing to commit the next eighteen years? His Mom especially wants him to settle down, but other family members tell him not to string along a man who is carrying enough weight on his shoulders without a future broken heart.
Chance has a lot to think about. But he wants to find out could there be more between me and Derek? Chance persists even when Derek seemingly blows him off. It is Chance's determination, patience, and ignoring Derek's obviously anxious angry words, at a time of fierce anxiety that cements their relationship. Now comes the time for introductions to friends, colleagues, and family. All see how the two look at each other. How considerate of each, the other is. How Chance is with Jaden. There is definitely a chance for a Happily Ever After when love, family, friends, and trust our combined.
July 7, 2016
This is cute story of two strong men who are both in a place when they are ready for more. Derek has had to grow up quickly and be responsible. First for his sister when his parents died and then again when he is left with her child upon her own death. It's a lot for a young man to go through on top of running a big company but he's up to the challenge and is even thriving.
Chance is enjoying his work and his life. He likes hanging with friends but also knows there might be more.
As these two men begin to know each other they both discover more about themselves and what they want out of life.
It's great to see two men who are strong and ready to take care of themselves but recognize life can be better when shared.
Chance is enjoying his work and his life. He likes hanging with friends but also knows there might be more.
As these two men begin to know each other they both discover more about themselves and what they want out of life.
It's great to see two men who are strong and ready to take care of themselves but recognize life can be better when shared.
July 16, 2016
according to my ereader I made it through 32.6%before it was deleted. way to much tragic crap to deal with dead sister, her fiancée being daddy by reason of your little sister us dead. you have raised her since both your parents were murdered in a robbery......nope could not sacrifice any more brain cells....
October 31, 2016
3.5*
This is a super cute little read!
Derek's life has been changed with the death of his parents and then several years later his sister is in a fatal car accident. The unborn baby is saved and Derek has a newborn to care for.
Chance is the photographer that meets Derek in the park and a slow steady courtship begins. A good story!
This is a super cute little read!
Derek's life has been changed with the death of his parents and then several years later his sister is in a fatal car accident. The unborn baby is saved and Derek has a newborn to care for.
Chance is the photographer that meets Derek in the park and a slow steady courtship begins. A good story!
June 18, 2016
Just a little to rushed.
I liked this book from this author but it was just a little to rushed for me particularly towards the end. Although this book was okay I just wish there was more to it.
I liked this book from this author but it was just a little to rushed for me particularly towards the end. Although this book was okay I just wish there was more to it.
June 26, 2016
This was a rare dnf for me. The dialog was so stilted. And I got tired of Jadan being referred to as "the baby" and being brought in and taken away by the nanny. The story was very rushed, but I probably could have dealt with that if the prose had been more realistic. I quit at 44%
September 1, 2016
A lovely slow burning, family oriented drama involving Derek and Chance, a newly orphaned baby and the potential to be a family. Trust issues get in the way a bit, but it was a truly engaging and page turning story.
June 22, 2016
I am a fan of Shawn bailey and this book was good but felt just a little rushed
July 10, 2016
A nice read for a couple of summer afternoons. Shawn Bailey is one of my favorite authors and I always like books with children :).
July 4, 2016
Loved it.
May 8, 2021
Bit abrupt and story line not really developed much
July 9, 2016
2.5 stars
July 16, 2016
Short & Sweet
I really enjoyed this book, although it was short it was really very sweet to read I just wish there was more
I really enjoyed this book, although it was short it was really very sweet to read I just wish there was more
January 30, 2019
Beautiful story
It was but sweet.
I love ❤️ the family values and the warmth they show to each other. Thank you
It was but sweet.
I love ❤️ the family values and the warmth they show to each other. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews