Sweet Surrender, Baby Surprise

Duke Brothers #2

by Kate Carlisle

Marriage and kids? Not for confirmed bachelor Cameron Duke. Then an affair with Julia Parrish changed everything. Once he discovered the pretty cupcake maker had borne him a son, Cameron's priorities did a complete turnaround. He would marry and give his child the Duke name. But he'd be keeping his heart.

A marriage of convenience? That wouldn't have been Julia's first choice. Yes, she had always craved Cameron, and becoming his wife could be sweet indeed. But once she said "I do," this new bride and mother realized she wanted more from her husband. She wanted love.

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Desire, Contemporary, Harlequin Romance, Silhouette

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

Golden Heart and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author Kate Carlisle spent over twenty years working in television production as an Associate Director for game and variety shows, including The Midnight Special, Solid Gold and The Gong Show. She traveled the world as a Dating Game chaperone and performed strange acts of silliness on The Gong Show. She also studied acting and singing, toiled in vineyards, collected books, joined a commune, sold fried chicken, modeled spring fashions and worked for a cruise ship line, but it was the year she spent in law school that finally drove her to begin writing fiction. It seemed the safest way to kill off her professors. Those professors are breathing easier now that Kate spends most of her time writing near the beach in Southern California where she lives with her perfect husband.

A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.

Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron had an awful childhood. His father was a violent man and he was beating both his child and wife nonstop. Eventually he killed his wife and then committed suicide. Cameron joined the Marines as a means to control his temper and his what he thinks as "violent nature." He has a short affair with Julia that results in pregnancy. When Julia finds out she tries to contact him but he wants nothing to do with her. That is until he finds out that little Jake is his son.

Both characters were amazing! Cameron was sexy, funny a wonderful dad and a great husband. I thought his denial to admit his feelings for Julia was kind of adorable. He is emotionally closed off but you can tell he is desperately in love with his wife but also desperately afraid of screwing it all up and hurting her.

Julia is feisty, strong and determined to break through Cameron's walls. Their baby Jake was just precious and I swooned at all the sweet Jake/Cameron moments! Plus the chemistry and passion between Julia and Cameron was off the charts.

Great book. I honestly didn't want to put it down the entire time I was reading it!

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I was privileged to receive an another ARC but this time one of Kate Carlisle's called "Sweet Surrender, Baby Surprise". This book was such a fast and easy read. It was well written and I finished it within 2 days of downloading it to my E-reader. Normally a good book doesn't take that long. But let's face it, I'm a mom of a hyper 9 year old know it all. LOL. So I have to read when he's in bed or in the train on my way to and from work. But once I was lured in I read half of the book each day.

So in this book you have your drop dead gorgeous bachelor and your beautiful single woman. They have an affair which resulted into a baby. But being your average commitment phobic man, he has his rules when it concerns dating. So to say that he freaked out when he found out he was a daddy is an understatement.

I really enjoyed the personalities of those of the main characters. Cameron is a sweet guy who is unaware of what he can accomplish in a relationship and Julia is a woman who owns her own business and doesn't need a man to take care of her or her son. They both want the same things in different ways. But which one gets to have it their way? Well you gotta read the book to find out.

If you're looking for a sweet love story, then this is your book. I love just about everything with Harlequin so I won't turn down any book of there's. So far so good. No disappoints here. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read,no major issues between the Cam-Julia,though Cam irritated me at first but later on he was a sweet caring good man.it was a sweet simple secret baby story,Enjoyed It.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

leído 21/09/2012

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cameron Duke returns to his hotel suite to find it occupied by Julia Parrish and her son Jake. Julia is claiming that Cameron is the father to baby Jake, but Cameron refuses to believe it without a paternity test.

Julia and Cameron spent an amazing weekend together that resulted in Jake. When Cameron’s mother meets Jake, she instantly knows that he is her grandchild, but Cameron takes a little more convincing. When Julia found out she was pregnant, she tried to contact Cameron but he refused to have any communication with her. He believed she had turned into an obsessive female who now was trying to cling to him for his money.

Once Cameron realizes that Jake is in fact his son, he proposes a marriage of convenience to Julia with the condition that there will never be any love between them. The marriage is only for Jake.

The chemistry between these two was apparent from chapter one. Cameron had been hurt in the past so he was not open to love. Even though he refused to label his feelings for Julia as love, it was obvious that he did love her. Both Julia and Cameron are very likable characters, that you find yourself wanting them to work it out and find happiness. The whole Duke family is great, and I really liked how they immediately welcomed Julia and her son into the fold as if they had been a part of it from the beginning.

I look forward to reading book three in the Duke Brothers series.

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet & fun read. It's the story of the 2 brother Duke, Cameron.
A secret baby plot, actually not so secret cuz Julia tried to tell Cameron but he just blocked her emails. Traumatized by his father's violence, and some relationship turned sour, Cameron doesn't do long term relationships. He doesn't do love. Or so he convinced himself. But it is so obvious to all around him, including the reader, that he fell in love with Julia.
As always, the Duke family brings more warmth & richness to the story. Funny banter between the brothers, not to mention their mom, Sally Duke, machine toons. We get to see Adam & Trish happiness after their marriage. Now, its Brandon Duke turn to be brought down by love. Can't wait to read his book.

[Josie]

I really disliked how this secret baby story played out. The hero didn't return the heroine's calls or emails because she seemed "obsessed", she went off and had his baby, brought the baby into the hero's penthouse and then still tried to keep it from him while they made out? Sorry, that just didn't seem realistic to me. Was he really that good in bed that she could immediately forget that he'd ignored her when she'd tried to inform him of her pregnancy? From that point on, I skimmed through the rest of the book. I loved the scenes with Jake, but so many times he was handed off to the grandmother so the hero and heroine could do stuff together - mostly argue. I won't be reading the last book in this series.

[Ladyacct · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the second installment on the Duke brothers.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What a nice surprise,” she said with a smile. She still held the bowl of frosting and scooped out a small spoonful. “Want a taste?”

“Yeah,” he growled. He grabbed the bowl and spoon and put them on the nearest desk. Then he clutched her upper arms, pulled her close and kissed her. He could taste the sweetness on her lips, her tongue, and wanted more. Wanted all of her. Here and now.”

I like how he just goes for what he wants. In this case, with these characters, it's not the same as being cocky, arrogant or whatever. It just makes him attractive.

“As Cameron picked up the phone, he rubbed his chest, recognizing the heavy feeling” When you fight something so hard, but feel like your life will fall apart if you don't just... go for it.
All those times he denied himself from loving Julia were heart-renching. Your gut tightens, and your heart stops for a second.

I started this book during the middle of the night and couldn't put it down.

*8/10 would recommend*

[ANYELYS OGANDO · Rating 3 out of 5]

Errores que pasan, cuando uno rompe sus propias reglas al momento de iniciar una relación.
Consecuencias que enfrentar por una acción que uno no consideró en su debido momento y la resistencia al cambio en cuestiones inherentes cuando se producen ciertas situaciones.

En resumen, esta novela trata de los daños que se provocan en nuestra niñez a causa de nuestros padres, que si uno no las enfrenta a tiempo de adultos podemos dañarle la vida a los demás; aunque esa no sea nuestra intención. También, muestra la resistencia al cambio ante situaciones supuestamente controladas, en este caso la existencia de un niño que no tenía la culpa de nada y que solo fue consecuencia de una metedura de patas como se dice coloquialmente.

El deseo se mantuvo a pesar del tiempo entre los protagonistas y demostraron que si las cosas se hablan del modo correcto, éstas tienen solución.

[Martina Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haber leído esto en físico fue bastante más entretenido que en teléfono... Era más lindo ver cómo se llevaban mal y después ella hacía galletitas y bom amor jajaja... Me gustó el echo de que se quisiera hacer cargo de su hijo incluso después de haber sido un patán como lo fue porque PORQUE NO LE LEYO LOS MENSAJES! QUE TANTO LE COSTABA AL BABOSO!! SE PERDIO CASI 1 AÑO DE LA VIDA DE SU HIJO!!!... ella bastante buena al casarse con él y dejarlo entrar en su vida... Y la señora de esta historia (la mamá de los chicos) muy sabía la vieja, por lo que sus consejos hasta a mí me llegaron... Un gusto haber podido comprar este libro en físico

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick contemporary romance...

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was free

[Brittany Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!! I loved this book!!!

[ൠSinful · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender romance with mass appeal.

Bestselling author Kate Carlisle's second romance is a cupcake for the soul. It's a traditional romance full of love, lust, flawed individuals, a fabulous family and all kinds of sweet treats.

Pastry Chef Julia Parrish's parents died when she was eight. With a trust fund to support her, she grew up lonely under the influence of nannies and the house staff. After a weekend tryst with sexy billionaire Cameron Duke, she learns she is pregnant. Cameron's refusal to return her calls or emails leaves her to raise their son on her own, which is just fine with her. When the two are set up for a not so accidental encounter by Cameron's mother, all that changes. Cameron wants his son, Jake, and Julia in his life. He promises her everything but love. The only problem is that love is the one thing she has always craved.

Cameron and Julia both had challenging childhoods that put up barriers to their happily ever after. Those backgrounds brought to the story the elements that intrigued me the most. How do you let go of your past and embrace the future?

Even in the midst of their own personal struggles to open up, the two found lust and without even knowing it, true love. All along the way, the chemistry was undeniable and the rompin' was rampant.

The pacing was slow and steady, in a good way. The journey to their bliss was a sweet and fulfilling ride. This is a mass market book with mass appeal. The perfect thing to grab as you jump on the airplane or sit by the pool. (Hey, I'm in Miami. It's always pool time here.) Or for all you northerners, it's perfect to snuggle up with in front of a fire.

I tend to like a little more tension. A little more drama. Maybe a wee bit more steam in the bedroom. In general, I like my books intense and unforgettably uncomfortable. This is so not uncomfortable. It is utterly comfortable and decadent, like Julia's pastries. Which is why I think I could recommend it to just about anyone. Like I said, mass appeal.

So, no matter where you will be spending this winter, I feel confident in recommending Sweet Surrender, Baby Surprise for a delicious, feel-good day of decadence. Enjoy!

[Gina Hott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Parrish wave up on Duke Cameron almost two years ago. Yes, they had that one fabulous weekend and he did say that when it was over he'd walk away and never look back, but she didn't realize how firmly he held that resolve. Julia had no idea that he wouldn't accept her calls or read her emails. She had no idea that she's be left to raise their child on her own.

Not to worry, though. Julia is a strong resilient woman - she handled it. Now, however, with a little help from a scheming mother they've ended up alone in a hotel room... well, not exactly alone and need to figure out how to be parents to their adorable son - if Cameron will ever get it through his thick skull that not everyone likes him for his money!
My Thoughts
I love a Kate Carlisle book. They're quick easy reads and I crave the story long after I've read them. There is just something about her stories that compel me to read them time after time. I'm sure that this one will be no different.

I know, the single mom making it on her own until a knight shows up to save her even though she really doesn't need him to is a bit of a cliqued plot but I was that mom so I love stories that remind me how happy I am that I'm with hubby because I love him and not because I need him - if you know what I mean. (Though don't try to explain it to him he wants to be needed...)

Anyway, this was a fun book that was quick and easy. Grab it for a bit of relaxation and some smiles.

[Dancer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron Duke is reminded of the passionate weekend he spent with Julia when she shows up unexpectedly in his hotel suite. He's also reminded of how trapped he felt. Cameron will never give his heart away, but his passion is another thing. He wants Julia and when she reveals that she gave birth to his son Jake, he wants Jake, too. Julia wants more than what Cameron is willing to give. Can she convince Cameron that love is not a bad thing?

This is the second book from the Duke men series by Kate Carlisle. In the first book, we met all three brothers, Adam, Cameron and Brandon who all had a rough childhood and were adopted by a wealthy and loving woman, Sally Duke. The first book was about Adam and how he found love. This is the story of Cameron. Cameron had a traumatic childhood when he witnessed his father beating his mother all in the name of "love". He has vowed not to love anyone that way, so he wouldn't end up hurting them like his father. So he has lived his life like a bachelor, never settling down and never looking back. I love forward to Brandon's story.

This is from the "Pregnancy and Passion" series.

[ѕєяєηιтι · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Carlisle - Julia ve Bebeği

2.Kardeşimiz Cameron ile Julia'nın hikayesi.

Cameron ve Julia yaklıaşık 2 yıl önce bir haftasonu geçiriyorlar adamımızın malum bir takım kuralları var evlenmek yok bi kere terkettinmi geri dönmek falan yok diye işte kız emeil falan atıyor ama geri dönmüyor ilk ayrıldıklarından sonra gelen diğer meilleride okumuyor kızda pes ediyor 2 yıl sonra oteldeki süitinde tekrar karşılaşıyor tabii kitabın ismindende anlaşılacağı gibi bir de bebek var ortada kız emeilleri söylemek için atmış ama beyimiz okuma zahmetine girmemiş başta dna testi falan istiyor ama çocuk onun belli kızıda istiyor böylece evlilikten kaçan adamımız kızımıza evlilik teklif ediyor ama sevdiğini kabul etmemekte kararlı herzamanki gibi..

[AnjaliC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hotness and Fun!

This is the second book in the Duke Brothers series and Kate Carlisle does it again! Every one of these brother's just makes such an impression on the reader as they care immensely for their family and love interests but also have their very strong personalities and characteristics. Here with the added baby boy and more matchmaking antics (or what they think is happening!), it is a fun read!

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was one part that raised my logical thinking, but otherwise it was a nice read.

I'll provide a better review at a later date.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute story.

[Kobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. maybe I have too many other books on my shelf, but at 22%, I am not seeing much to keep these 2 apart. gave it 3 stars because it is not poorly written.

[May ّمي · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heroine was right ..

the Hero should stand up to his wrong doings ..

Eventually it was a really nice book and nice relationship

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish such a great read

[Nihann~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5