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Accidental Fate
When Leo Sommers opens the door to his record store, the last thing he expects to find is a screaming baby--a baby that he fathered. Flung into parenthood, he struggles to care for the one week old. Until he literary crashes into his savior. Erin Miles gets out of her car to trade insurance details with the man who has rear-ended her car and receives more than she expected. Instantly, she's drawn to the tattooed, exhausted man holding the squalling bundle. She sees how much Leo loves his son and offers help. Erin's patient and gentle caring for Leo and Joe soon develops into something far more than either of them had expected. Caught up in a whirlwind romance, they are on the cusp of exploring their new relationship, when reality hits them in the face. Can Leo admit his growing feelings for Erin, and make them a family?
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2011
28 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Stacie
15 books407 followersM. A. Stacie is never without a book or her eReader. A voracious reader, with a love of sexy, yet angst ridden novels, she loves getting lost in new worlds. Her need to write did not grip her until after her second son was born, when her previous rambles became fully fledged stories.
She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Along with running, knitting, and listening to loud music. However, she is yet to work out how to do them all at the same time.
M. A. Stacie lives in the UK with her husband and three sons.
She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Along with running, knitting, and listening to loud music. However, she is yet to work out how to do them all at the same time.
M. A. Stacie lives in the UK with her husband and three sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 1, 2011
**Edited review**
Please note that the opinion in this review is MY OWN. There is a good chance it will differ from yours. We all have different expectations when reading a book and those expectations influence how we feel after reading.
This is a short story/novella. The cover is beautifully done. The artwork on the subject's arm is very interesting. I would have liked to see an explanation for the character's choice of tattoo because it is quite unusual.
At novella length (it took me less than 2 hours to finish), the characters seem to drown in the sexual situations and thus don't get the chance to fully develop. That's, in my opinion, a detriment not only to the story but also to the characters themselves. I would have liked to learn more about Leo, find out more about Erin, and what makes them tick.
Leo is a single man living above his store who finds a baby on his doorstep one morning, a baby he knows nothing about. A note tells him the mother is a one-night stand that should never have happened. He can barely remember her. Frazzled as he is, taking care of a newborn, he has a fender-bender with Erin, a hairdresser (?), who becomes involved quickly, coming by to bring food and clothes and whatnots for the little guy and starts to fall for Leo. The UST is awesome and Ms. Stacie describes it very well, but I wish they had taken a bit more time before taking off their clothes. The actual erotic scenes are wonderfully written and make this one hot read.
It's a wonderful premise but I wish the author had expanded on the story. It all feels rushed. About 1/3 of the book is taken up with sexual situations and that left me to wonder if they forget about Joe, the baby, while all that sexing is going on. He seems to sleep through a lot of the moaning and stuff yet Erin can hear Leo talk to Joe through paper-thin walls? Yes, the sex is hot and all, but distracts from the developing romance and the real-life issues that face them.
There was one situation where Erin cuts his hair that left me confused. It seemed to me that Leo took off his shirt when she started cutting but then shortly thereafter while kissing, she is described as fisting his shirt. That's either a plothole or I read that wrong.
(Sorry, I'm a details whore)
What REALLY bothered me was Leo's reaction to the baby-mamma showing up at the apartment. He seemed to almost want to convince her to care about the baby, which she clearly didn't. I didn't understand his reasoning. Based on what we found out about her at this point, I'm disgusted with her. What kind of mother drops off her baby with the daddy (who knows nothing about her pregnancy) and leaves without any contact information, not even making sure that he was found? Apparently, Carlie has issues with drugs and selfishness, and while that may be the case, I am left to wonder why Leo would want that kind of person in his son's life? My reaction upon finding the baby on my doorstep would have been to contact an attorney before the mother (if you can call her that) even showed up and have paperwork at the ready to make her relinquish all parental rights.
Leo is a good guy in a bad situation and Erin is a good woman who cares about him and his son very much. You can tell that from the glimpses you get of them in this novella. Joe will have a good life with the two of them, that much is clear. The small future view provided by the epilogue tells us as much.
It is not an easy task to flesh out characters in a short story and it is a credit to the author that she succeeded in making me care about the protagonists.
This was a valid effort and I liked the results. Very solid three stars. Absolutely worth the time spent reading.
Congratulations, Ms. Stacie. Nicely done. I look forward to more of your writing.
Please note that the opinion in this review is MY OWN. There is a good chance it will differ from yours. We all have different expectations when reading a book and those expectations influence how we feel after reading.
This is a short story/novella. The cover is beautifully done. The artwork on the subject's arm is very interesting. I would have liked to see an explanation for the character's choice of tattoo because it is quite unusual.
At novella length (it took me less than 2 hours to finish), the characters seem to drown in the sexual situations and thus don't get the chance to fully develop. That's, in my opinion, a detriment not only to the story but also to the characters themselves. I would have liked to learn more about Leo, find out more about Erin, and what makes them tick.
Leo is a single man living above his store who finds a baby on his doorstep one morning, a baby he knows nothing about. A note tells him the mother is a one-night stand that should never have happened. He can barely remember her. Frazzled as he is, taking care of a newborn, he has a fender-bender with Erin, a hairdresser (?), who becomes involved quickly, coming by to bring food and clothes and whatnots for the little guy and starts to fall for Leo. The UST is awesome and Ms. Stacie describes it very well, but I wish they had taken a bit more time before taking off their clothes. The actual erotic scenes are wonderfully written and make this one hot read.
It's a wonderful premise but I wish the author had expanded on the story. It all feels rushed. About 1/3 of the book is taken up with sexual situations and that left me to wonder if they forget about Joe, the baby, while all that sexing is going on. He seems to sleep through a lot of the moaning and stuff yet Erin can hear Leo talk to Joe through paper-thin walls? Yes, the sex is hot and all, but distracts from the developing romance and the real-life issues that face them.
There was one situation where Erin cuts his hair that left me confused. It seemed to me that Leo took off his shirt when she started cutting but then shortly thereafter while kissing, she is described as fisting his shirt. That's either a plothole or I read that wrong.
(Sorry, I'm a details whore)
What REALLY bothered me was Leo's reaction to the baby-mamma showing up at the apartment. He seemed to almost want to convince her to care about the baby, which she clearly didn't. I didn't understand his reasoning. Based on what we found out about her at this point, I'm disgusted with her. What kind of mother drops off her baby with the daddy (who knows nothing about her pregnancy) and leaves without any contact information, not even making sure that he was found? Apparently, Carlie has issues with drugs and selfishness, and while that may be the case, I am left to wonder why Leo would want that kind of person in his son's life? My reaction upon finding the baby on my doorstep would have been to contact an attorney before the mother (if you can call her that) even showed up and have paperwork at the ready to make her relinquish all parental rights.
Leo is a good guy in a bad situation and Erin is a good woman who cares about him and his son very much. You can tell that from the glimpses you get of them in this novella. Joe will have a good life with the two of them, that much is clear. The small future view provided by the epilogue tells us as much.
It is not an easy task to flesh out characters in a short story and it is a credit to the author that she succeeded in making me care about the protagonists.
This was a valid effort and I liked the results. Very solid three stars. Absolutely worth the time spent reading.
Congratulations, Ms. Stacie. Nicely done. I look forward to more of your writing.
August 24, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. Having read some of Stacie's previous work I was enthusiastic to spend more time with characters she'd created.
Unfortunately, I just felt this didn't deliver. I wanted to know more about who Erin and Leo were. I felt the story pacing was a bit rushed and the erotica within the book was quite extensive. That is to say it was well written, I just would have preferred a little less detail around the sex and more character development.
It's my understanding this was originally written as a short story; it's a shame that, in being published as a stand alone piece, Stacie—for whatever reason—didn't flesh this out a little.
Unfortunately, I just felt this didn't deliver. I wanted to know more about who Erin and Leo were. I felt the story pacing was a bit rushed and the erotica within the book was quite extensive. That is to say it was well written, I just would have preferred a little less detail around the sex and more character development.
It's my understanding this was originally written as a short story; it's a shame that, in being published as a stand alone piece, Stacie—for whatever reason—didn't flesh this out a little.
November 3, 2011
Short but straight to the point story that I loved. Leo is just so swoon worthy. A tatted up single dad who admits that raising a child single handedly is one of the most hardest things to do, is going to win me over right from the very first page. Erin is a hero in my eyes. She crashed (literally) into Leo's life and taught him that its ok to be stressed, but also how to calm down and see things for how they are. She taught him how to be a dad. Yes Leo loves his son with his whole heart, but he lacked the skills of being a parent. Erin taught him, nourished him and moulded him into not just being a good dad, but an amazing dad.
I can completely sympathise with Leo wanting Carlie to be a part of his sons life. Yes I hate everything that she is and what she's done. But I felt such a connection to Leo, almost like he was a male version of myself. Raising my children alone and wanting nothing more than their father to even acknowledge them, but realising that it may never happen, hurts. Not hurt in the way that it effects me. But hurts in the fact that it will hurt my children more. So with Leo calling with updates on his son to his wayard mother Carlie, I can completely understand that, he's doing everything right. That way he'll never have guilt and when his son asks questions when he's older, Leo can tell him... I did everything I could!
A beautiful story about finding a life you never thought you wanted, but Love. Finding a woman who will become your rock and your everything. But more about finding that the love of a child is one of the most unbreakable bonds there ever could be.
I can completely sympathise with Leo wanting Carlie to be a part of his sons life. Yes I hate everything that she is and what she's done. But I felt such a connection to Leo, almost like he was a male version of myself. Raising my children alone and wanting nothing more than their father to even acknowledge them, but realising that it may never happen, hurts. Not hurt in the way that it effects me. But hurts in the fact that it will hurt my children more. So with Leo calling with updates on his son to his wayard mother Carlie, I can completely understand that, he's doing everything right. That way he'll never have guilt and when his son asks questions when he's older, Leo can tell him... I did everything I could!
A beautiful story about finding a life you never thought you wanted, but Love. Finding a woman who will become your rock and your everything. But more about finding that the love of a child is one of the most unbreakable bonds there ever could be.
March 7, 2012
Just about everything in this short story made my heart melt! First, the cover is simply irresistible! The book summary was intriguing enough for me to want to learn how this tattooed man deals with being thrust into fatherhood when a one-night stand, who he didn't know was pregnant all these months, leaves his baby on his doorstep.
I absolutely loved all the parts that included baby Joe, especially when Leo was holding and comforting him! Leo, bless his heart, wants to do his best for his son. You have to love a hero like that! Yes, Erin and Leo's relationship turns steamy quickly, but not before they spend some days together and build up to their first kiss. They have a few hot & spicy moments in various locations around Leo's apartment, and all I'm gonna say is that Ms. Stacie knows how to write them!
If I were to point out anything negative, it would be that I wanted to know more about the unique puzzle tattoo on Leo's arm. I also really wanted this story to just keep going well after the epilogue! :)
In the end, I found this story to not only be emotional and sexy enough to make my ovaries quiver, but heartwarming as well that my eyes welled up at one point. Definitely a novella worth reading!
I absolutely loved all the parts that included baby Joe, especially when Leo was holding and comforting him! Leo, bless his heart, wants to do his best for his son. You have to love a hero like that! Yes, Erin and Leo's relationship turns steamy quickly, but not before they spend some days together and build up to their first kiss. They have a few hot & spicy moments in various locations around Leo's apartment, and all I'm gonna say is that Ms. Stacie knows how to write them!
If I were to point out anything negative, it would be that I wanted to know more about the unique puzzle tattoo on Leo's arm. I also really wanted this story to just keep going well after the epilogue! :)
In the end, I found this story to not only be emotional and sexy enough to make my ovaries quiver, but heartwarming as well that my eyes welled up at one point. Definitely a novella worth reading!
September 28, 2011
A real feel good story (ultimately) from my favorite author. Ms Stacie has a knack of making her characters real yet never cliched. Their trials and successes reflect issues many of us may have experienced if only secondhand, but it is so nice to see them win through to their happiness. It gives you hope.
November 2, 2011
This was a very exciting read!
Leo is so sweet with his son, and sooooooo hot with his tattoo's I fell in love with him right away!!
With a couple of hours to spare while the kids are in school this is a perfect way to warm up a cold day :)
Leo is so sweet with his son, and sooooooo hot with his tattoo's I fell in love with him right away!!
With a couple of hours to spare while the kids are in school this is a perfect way to warm up a cold day :)
November 2, 2011
I didn't want it to end...
May 16, 2017
This book was really just meh. It was so short and I didn't really like the characters. I was also confused on how when Joes Mom comes back, why is Leo so insistent that she leaving him to raise Joe "alone"? I felt that he was completely disregarding Erin, who had done a lot for him and joe. Other than that the book was ok I guess. Kind boring really.
January 28, 2012
I love seeing the most unlikely man with a baby, who doesn't? You know, the kind of man who looks tough and rugged on the outside...who looks like he would rather do just about anything other than deal with a baby. That man is your hero in ACCIDENTAL FATE and you can't help but love the person he is and the father he becomes.
Up until the day Leo Sommers walked in to find a screaming baby on his doorstep, he was living the life of a single and carefree bachelor. Leo had no attachments and made no apologies to the women he allowed into his life - they were welcome for one night only and that was it. That all changed when baby Joe - his baby, came crashing into his life screaming and crying. With the baby's mother nowhere to be found, Leo's lack of know-how in the baby department rapidly beats him down and exhaustion kicks in. That is when an angel in the form of Erin Miles enters the picture and is happy to help Leo find his way...to fatherhood and in her pants!
ACCIDENTAL FATE packs a powerful and emotional story into a quick read. It is a feel good story that has you cheering for the former bad boy all the way to the end.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
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Up until the day Leo Sommers walked in to find a screaming baby on his doorstep, he was living the life of a single and carefree bachelor. Leo had no attachments and made no apologies to the women he allowed into his life - they were welcome for one night only and that was it. That all changed when baby Joe - his baby, came crashing into his life screaming and crying. With the baby's mother nowhere to be found, Leo's lack of know-how in the baby department rapidly beats him down and exhaustion kicks in. That is when an angel in the form of Erin Miles enters the picture and is happy to help Leo find his way...to fatherhood and in her pants!
ACCIDENTAL FATE packs a powerful and emotional story into a quick read. It is a feel good story that has you cheering for the former bad boy all the way to the end.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic eBook Exchange
November 3, 2011
The UST in the beginning of this book is enough to bring down a horse. There's no sex happening to these characters until we're more than halfway through the story! After reading some other reviews, you'd think they were at it like rabbits as of page two or something. Not really.
Given the length of the story, it's easy to get caught up in the characters and miss out on some key elements. First of, this story spans at least a month in time before you reach the epilogue. They hook up a few times, but it's not often and there's nothing weird about it.
When Joe's real mom pop's by the story, it's clear that Leo is angry with her, and in no way is he interested in handing the kid over back to her. He's just trying to rattle her cage and make her take an interest in the kid. No matter how crappy a parent is, the other parent will always want the crappy parent to take an interest.
To some this review may read like a reply to another review on here, and maybe it sort of is. Saying that, I should also say that I'm kinda biased when it comes to this author... :D
Still doesn't stop me from pointing out that there were some typos and errors. And some things I would have worded differently.
But having said all that, I'm kind of glad this book has gotten some pretty strong reactions out of people. It just means that Ms Stacie has the power to rattle people and make them take notice. And it's exactly what the doctor ordered. ;)
Given the length of the story, it's easy to get caught up in the characters and miss out on some key elements. First of, this story spans at least a month in time before you reach the epilogue. They hook up a few times, but it's not often and there's nothing weird about it.
When Joe's real mom pop's by the story, it's clear that Leo is angry with her, and in no way is he interested in handing the kid over back to her. He's just trying to rattle her cage and make her take an interest in the kid. No matter how crappy a parent is, the other parent will always want the crappy parent to take an interest.
To some this review may read like a reply to another review on here, and maybe it sort of is. Saying that, I should also say that I'm kinda biased when it comes to this author... :D
Still doesn't stop me from pointing out that there were some typos and errors. And some things I would have worded differently.
But having said all that, I'm kind of glad this book has gotten some pretty strong reactions out of people. It just means that Ms Stacie has the power to rattle people and make them take notice. And it's exactly what the doctor ordered. ;)
November 10, 2011
This was a great short story. Sweet and easy to read. I will admit though to wanting more. I wanted to know more about Leo and Erin. I would have liked to have seen more character development in this story. How did Leo end up as the father of a baby? What was his life like before baby Joe appeared? What was the meaning behind the intriguing tattoo on his arm? What about Erin? What was her back story?
I was also a little confused about Carlie & why Leo was trying to convince her to be part of Joe's life. She'd made it perfectly clear that she didn't want to be a mother. That she was happy with her life the way it was, travelling around with her boyfriend's band & partying. If I had been Leo I would have been doing everything possible to make sure that she had no part in my son's life. Doing something to make sure that if Carlie changed her mind, she would have no way of getting Joe back.
Having said that I really liked Leo & Erin's relationship. They were good with each other I just would have liked to get to know them better.
I was also a little confused about Carlie & why Leo was trying to convince her to be part of Joe's life. She'd made it perfectly clear that she didn't want to be a mother. That she was happy with her life the way it was, travelling around with her boyfriend's band & partying. If I had been Leo I would have been doing everything possible to make sure that she had no part in my son's life. Doing something to make sure that if Carlie changed her mind, she would have no way of getting Joe back.
Having said that I really liked Leo & Erin's relationship. They were good with each other I just would have liked to get to know them better.
November 2, 2011
*Fans self* wow there’s some heat in here!!! I do have a penchant for a tattooed bod’ and M.A never fails to deliver there!! Leo is every girls dream man, sexy, inked, firm body, messy hair, loves music and he has a heart! His vulnerability and struggle with his new found son only adds to his appeal.
The chemistry between the pair is hard to ignore and it’s not long before we see the full power of that attraction………..the sex is hot and steamy leaving little to the imagination.
My only gripe and what stops me giving this 5* is that it feels rushed, I know it was planned as a short story but it really could have been bulked out, expanded and easily turned into a full length novel. Half of me feels robbed of time with the happy couple and baby Joe. I wanted more, I needed more! I just feel it could have been…should have been more in depth…….but for a short story it was excellently written and if you want a hot quick read this is the one to pick.
The chemistry between the pair is hard to ignore and it’s not long before we see the full power of that attraction………..the sex is hot and steamy leaving little to the imagination.
My only gripe and what stops me giving this 5* is that it feels rushed, I know it was planned as a short story but it really could have been bulked out, expanded and easily turned into a full length novel. Half of me feels robbed of time with the happy couple and baby Joe. I wanted more, I needed more! I just feel it could have been…should have been more in depth…….but for a short story it was excellently written and if you want a hot quick read this is the one to pick.
May 25, 2014
This was actually well-written, and I do feel a little guilty about giving it one star, but, I didn't like it. (My personal preference - you may well love it!) What really concerned me was the fact that Leo had not even realised his 'girlfriend' was pregnant - a one-night stand.
SO the immediate question is: HOW does he know the baby is his?? That is the first thing I would ask!
And then the 'mother' turns up, and I have no idea why. She just appeared, said she didn't want the baby and then left. So why?
There was no conflict, no real story. Just a crying baby and .....sex.
Disappointing.
SO the immediate question is: HOW does he know the baby is his?? That is the first thing I would ask!
And then the 'mother' turns up, and I have no idea why. She just appeared, said she didn't want the baby and then left. So why?
There was no conflict, no real story. Just a crying baby and .....sex.
Disappointing.
December 25, 2014
No estaba de humor para leer un libro largo o muy profundo, queria una historia corta y sin muchas complicaciones cuando vi este libro en un blog y decidi descargarlo.
No esperaba demasiado de la historia al tener tan pocas paginas ( menos de 60 )pero aun asi me parecio demasiado simple, soso y rapido.
De un momento a otro, los protagonistas se " aman " y solo hacia una semana que se conocian, ademas me parecio que su relacion fue demasiado forzada e irreal.
No entiendo la finalidad de escribir esta clase de historias, que le costaba a la autora desarrollar un poco mas a los personajes y la trama??
me parecio que el " libro " era un quiero y no puedo!
1.5 Estrella!
November 11, 2016
Who picked this book after falling for the cover? My first book by M.A. Stacie, but definitely not my last.
This was a quick fast read, with Erin and Leo as lead characters. I loved how Leo though did not have a clue about parenthood, took his responsibility for his child seriously and wanted to be the best for his child ... His chance meeting with Erin and their hot chemistry was a sight to watch!
If you want to read a quick story about a reformed bad body and some steam to keep you hooked, with all the elements of drama that makes your day, Accidental Fate is a good pick. On a day when I did not have time for a long read but wanted to get away for a while, this book gave me that!
This was a quick fast read, with Erin and Leo as lead characters. I loved how Leo though did not have a clue about parenthood, took his responsibility for his child seriously and wanted to be the best for his child ... His chance meeting with Erin and their hot chemistry was a sight to watch!
If you want to read a quick story about a reformed bad body and some steam to keep you hooked, with all the elements of drama that makes your day, Accidental Fate is a good pick. On a day when I did not have time for a long read but wanted to get away for a while, this book gave me that!
October 31, 2011
I received this as an E-ARC , Accidental Fate is out on Nov 1st
When you read this short story you'd better have a glass of water and a cooling towel to hand as its hot ..with a capital H x
Who can resist a tattooed man, a baby and a ebony haired woman? Not me thats for sure!
How many of us have put our baby in the car seat for a quick ride to soothe them to sleep?....well thats how this story begins.....
Throw in a deranged ex , a gum chewing assistant and hot ,wild sex and you have a fab story.
Go download the story , put the kettle on , get you feet up and enjoy ;)
When you read this short story you'd better have a glass of water and a cooling towel to hand as its hot ..with a capital H x
Who can resist a tattooed man, a baby and a ebony haired woman? Not me thats for sure!
How many of us have put our baby in the car seat for a quick ride to soothe them to sleep?....well thats how this story begins.....
Throw in a deranged ex , a gum chewing assistant and hot ,wild sex and you have a fab story.
Go download the story , put the kettle on , get you feet up and enjoy ;)
November 8, 2011
Cute little story!!!
Leo just found out he had a month-old son, Joe, when he opened his front door. You're going to fall in love with Leo and Joe.
I wanted more of these characters: more time with Erin and Leo, more time to see what the future holds for them. Will there be some "sequel" for Accidental Fate, Mrs. Stacie?
Leo just found out he had a month-old son, Joe, when he opened his front door. You're going to fall in love with Leo and Joe.
I wanted more of these characters: more time with Erin and Leo, more time to see what the future holds for them. Will there be some "sequel" for Accidental Fate, Mrs. Stacie?
August 10, 2016
Fue corto, pero muy lindo. Me gusto la valentía de Leo y adore como Erin ayudo a superar todo este confuso momento, cuando te deja a tu hijo en la puerta de tu casa sin saber que es tuyo, no es mi favorito pero es un libro muy rápido de leer y te sube el animo.
August 11, 2012
I thought this was a cute book. My only complaint would be the length. I thought it could have been longer to develop the characters and story alittle more. Overall a good read:)
August 9, 2017
This was a really sweet story. It is a novella and moves pretty quickly but, the characters are fun and the relationship between them feels genuine. A fun way to pass an afternoon.
November 27, 2017
I just want more too short love books with babies and/or toddlers in it so more please
August 4, 2018
If it where longer and went slower, this would have been a good book, as it is, it's rushed, moving way too fast for my comfort.
March 13, 2019
Very fast and short
Great writing, great author. I feel like the book could have been much longer. Would have loved an update on what they were both doing 11 months later
Great writing, great author. I feel like the book could have been much longer. Would have loved an update on what they were both doing 11 months later
November 4, 2020
OK read
Was an interesting but guessable love story. Enjoyed the read regardless. But if sexual content but nothing too hot or heavy.
Was an interesting but guessable love story. Enjoyed the read regardless. But if sexual content but nothing too hot or heavy.
January 29, 2012
Review originally posted on Feb 9, 2012 on Hands and Home Blog: http://www.handsandhome.ca/2012/02/ac...
Accidental Fate is a steamy and quick read about the most unlikely bad-boy turned father. Leo was a carefree 26 year old who balked at the word commitment until an infant was left on his doorstep with a note calling him daddy. Leo struggled with raising his son until an unlikely encounter brought a woman into his life who would not only help him learn to be a father, but believe he was worth loving as well.
Accidental Fate is a novella that spans a period of about a month with an epilogue taking place 11 months later. The intense relationship between Leo and Erin is hot and definitely moves quickly. I had a difficult time believing their intensity at first because of the sheer speed that it developed, but as the story moved on their romance felt more authentic and any doubts that I had were quickly pushed aside. I could see their emotional and physical draw to each other and the chemistry was definitely there.
M.A. Stacie has a gift for incorporating seemingly small details that help breathe life into her characters. Some of my favorite scenes from this story were the ones that gave subtle glimpses into the personalities of these characters.
“Hi”, she said softly, chuckling at the astonished look on Leo’s face as he spun to face her. Joe snuggled in his arms while he tried to clean up the spilled soup on the floor. The baby was red-faced, his tiny hands clenched tight. Leo spluttered, rocking the baby and sweeping a cloth across the floor with his foot.”
Here is a man who is clearly overwhelmed but trying to do his best. It would have been so easy to have the baby wailing in his bassinet while Leo cleaned up the mess, but the fact that he was rocking the baby in his arms says so much. Even though he is overwhelmed and doesn’t know what he is doing, he clearly cares about this child and is capable of loving with his whole heart – I think this was the moment that I became completely sold on Leo.
While we are speaking of gifts let’s take a moment and recognize M.A. Stacie’s ability to turn up the heat in any room in the span of just a few pages. *sigh* There are a few love scenes that might have you running for a cold shower. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! ;)
Because of the length of the story I felt as though I didn’t get to know these characters well enough. I know he was a guy with a heart of gold who loved his son and in this way I saw a glimpse of Leo the father but I would have liked to see more about Leo the man. There is enough going on plot wise and in terms of romance that Accidental Fate could have been a phenomenal full length novel. I was invested enough in these characters that I desperately want to read more and am not reading for their stories to end just yet! To me this is a sign of a great storyteller! I’m not pointing out a fault in the novella, on the contrary actually. I loved the story so much that I didn’t want it to end so quickly.
If you are looking for a sexy romance and an absolutely swoon-worthy bad boy turned father-with-an-edge than Accidental Fate should definitely be your next read.
I received a review copy of Accidental Fate from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Accidental Fate is a steamy and quick read about the most unlikely bad-boy turned father. Leo was a carefree 26 year old who balked at the word commitment until an infant was left on his doorstep with a note calling him daddy. Leo struggled with raising his son until an unlikely encounter brought a woman into his life who would not only help him learn to be a father, but believe he was worth loving as well.
Accidental Fate is a novella that spans a period of about a month with an epilogue taking place 11 months later. The intense relationship between Leo and Erin is hot and definitely moves quickly. I had a difficult time believing their intensity at first because of the sheer speed that it developed, but as the story moved on their romance felt more authentic and any doubts that I had were quickly pushed aside. I could see their emotional and physical draw to each other and the chemistry was definitely there.
M.A. Stacie has a gift for incorporating seemingly small details that help breathe life into her characters. Some of my favorite scenes from this story were the ones that gave subtle glimpses into the personalities of these characters.
“Hi”, she said softly, chuckling at the astonished look on Leo’s face as he spun to face her. Joe snuggled in his arms while he tried to clean up the spilled soup on the floor. The baby was red-faced, his tiny hands clenched tight. Leo spluttered, rocking the baby and sweeping a cloth across the floor with his foot.”
Here is a man who is clearly overwhelmed but trying to do his best. It would have been so easy to have the baby wailing in his bassinet while Leo cleaned up the mess, but the fact that he was rocking the baby in his arms says so much. Even though he is overwhelmed and doesn’t know what he is doing, he clearly cares about this child and is capable of loving with his whole heart – I think this was the moment that I became completely sold on Leo.
While we are speaking of gifts let’s take a moment and recognize M.A. Stacie’s ability to turn up the heat in any room in the span of just a few pages. *sigh* There are a few love scenes that might have you running for a cold shower. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! ;)
Because of the length of the story I felt as though I didn’t get to know these characters well enough. I know he was a guy with a heart of gold who loved his son and in this way I saw a glimpse of Leo the father but I would have liked to see more about Leo the man. There is enough going on plot wise and in terms of romance that Accidental Fate could have been a phenomenal full length novel. I was invested enough in these characters that I desperately want to read more and am not reading for their stories to end just yet! To me this is a sign of a great storyteller! I’m not pointing out a fault in the novella, on the contrary actually. I loved the story so much that I didn’t want it to end so quickly.
If you are looking for a sexy romance and an absolutely swoon-worthy bad boy turned father-with-an-edge than Accidental Fate should definitely be your next read.
I received a review copy of Accidental Fate from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 2, 2012
Review found on http://passionforpages.blogspot.ca/20...
My complaint with this story? It was too damn short! I didn’t realize it was a novella (I know, I know) until I got it. But still I loved it!
Leo is young, single (tattooed!) and suddenly finds himself with a baby that was dropped off on his doorstep with a note and a hundred bucks to welcome him into fatherhood. Erin is the woman he rear ends in a parking lot, who quietens baby Joe and later follows him home and, well, never leaves. Okay, she leaves, but she’s never gone long.
I really liked for a change that the attention was focused on a single father rather than the overplayed single mother routine. There are so few stories that have the father as the one who is dealing with everything alone that it’s a very nice change of pace when a little gem like this comes along. And I really, really loved that it was Erin who came along and saved Leo and not the other way around.
My only problem with the story was the character of Carlie – Joe’s bio mom and the bitch who dropped him off without so much as a fleeting thought. I understand why she was introduced in the story, but honestly, I don’t think the character had any real meaning. She wasn’t necessary. It was just a look at a woman who didn’t care. We didn’t need to see that. We already got that she didn’t care when she dumped her child like yesterday’s trash.
Leo’s reaction to her showing up bugged me as well. He was so much more patient and almost understanding towards Carlie that it drove me nuts. I wanted to scream at him for basically telling her she would always have a place in Joe’s life because that’s pretty much what his actions were saying when he told her he’d always keep her informed of what was going on. No. No. No. NO. This bitch didn’t want her child. You know what you do when that happens? When she makes it perfectly clear that she doesn’t want anything to do with the little person she gave birth to, you take it to court, you have her parental rights taken away and you rid the innocent baby of the witch. Yes, that’s what you do.
Aside from that, I thought the story was lovely. Maybe a little rushed with the romantic side of things, but hey, it’s a novella apparently.
My complaint with this story? It was too damn short! I didn’t realize it was a novella (I know, I know) until I got it. But still I loved it!
Leo is young, single (tattooed!) and suddenly finds himself with a baby that was dropped off on his doorstep with a note and a hundred bucks to welcome him into fatherhood. Erin is the woman he rear ends in a parking lot, who quietens baby Joe and later follows him home and, well, never leaves. Okay, she leaves, but she’s never gone long.
I really liked for a change that the attention was focused on a single father rather than the overplayed single mother routine. There are so few stories that have the father as the one who is dealing with everything alone that it’s a very nice change of pace when a little gem like this comes along. And I really, really loved that it was Erin who came along and saved Leo and not the other way around.
My only problem with the story was the character of Carlie – Joe’s bio mom and the bitch who dropped him off without so much as a fleeting thought. I understand why she was introduced in the story, but honestly, I don’t think the character had any real meaning. She wasn’t necessary. It was just a look at a woman who didn’t care. We didn’t need to see that. We already got that she didn’t care when she dumped her child like yesterday’s trash.
Leo’s reaction to her showing up bugged me as well. He was so much more patient and almost understanding towards Carlie that it drove me nuts. I wanted to scream at him for basically telling her she would always have a place in Joe’s life because that’s pretty much what his actions were saying when he told her he’d always keep her informed of what was going on. No. No. No. NO. This bitch didn’t want her child. You know what you do when that happens? When she makes it perfectly clear that she doesn’t want anything to do with the little person she gave birth to, you take it to court, you have her parental rights taken away and you rid the innocent baby of the witch. Yes, that’s what you do.
Aside from that, I thought the story was lovely. Maybe a little rushed with the romantic side of things, but hey, it’s a novella apparently.
August 2, 2013
I was torn between a 3-star and a 4-star rating; 3-star won out, for two reasons.
All in all, it was a good, quick read.
All in all, it was a good, quick read.
August 17, 2016
le doy 1.5 por que lo terminé.
cuando leí el resumen, la sinopsis, pensé que esa era una historia para mi, que seria romantica y divertida... Pero no encontré historia ya que se desenvuelve de una forma absurda... En mi humilde opinion este relato no tuvo sentido, los personajes no estan bien desarrollados y el protagonista no es un hombre al que yo le daría una segunda mirada por mas atractivo que sea. El personaje masculino, el protagonista para mi fué como imagino que es tratar conmigo cuando tengo el periodo; todo, TODO, me da ganas de llorar, me pongo un poco bipolar asi como digo una cosa digo la otra y estoy insegura todo el día por que me siento fea... bueno, asi es este señor.
No lo recomiendo (el libro ni al protagonista) y me recomiendo a mi misma no volver a leerlo jamás.
Quería una historia ligera antes de comenzar otro libro de Stephen King ya que por derecha soy romantica y queria algo que me endulzara el alma antes de ir por más del señor King, pero bueno fue un mal encuentro y a veces pasa, asi como a veces encuentras un libro al que no le tienes fé y te enamora.
cuando leí el resumen, la sinopsis, pensé que esa era una historia para mi, que seria romantica y divertida... Pero no encontré historia ya que se desenvuelve de una forma absurda... En mi humilde opinion este relato no tuvo sentido, los personajes no estan bien desarrollados y el protagonista no es un hombre al que yo le daría una segunda mirada por mas atractivo que sea. El personaje masculino, el protagonista para mi fué como imagino que es tratar conmigo cuando tengo el periodo; todo, TODO, me da ganas de llorar, me pongo un poco bipolar asi como digo una cosa digo la otra y estoy insegura todo el día por que me siento fea... bueno, asi es este señor.
No lo recomiendo (el libro ni al protagonista) y me recomiendo a mi misma no volver a leerlo jamás.
Quería una historia ligera antes de comenzar otro libro de Stephen King ya que por derecha soy romantica y queria algo que me endulzara el alma antes de ir por más del señor King, pero bueno fue un mal encuentro y a veces pasa, asi como a veces encuentras un libro al que no le tienes fé y te enamora.
February 12, 2014
This was cute.
I wished it would have been longer.
I always check the lengh of books before I buy them so I knew what to expect, but still... after reading it I really wished it was longer.
I read this book about a year ago and I can still remember it very clearly.. thats the good part of short stories :)
I loved it. Sometimes I repeat reading it.
Leo is hot. Leo is even hotter when he is with Baby Joe.
The mother left the Baby infront of Leos door and just left. Leo is completly overwhelmed by the whole situation.
He meets Erin, who made it her goal to take take care of them. Leo is amazed about how easily Erin seems to be able to calm his son down, when all the Eaby is doing seems to be screaming.
Since Erin, Leo gets his life back in line. Erin helps taking care of the Baby and of course, Leo falls in love with Erin.
I really liked the book. Its easy to read and easy to love.
I wished it would have been longer.
I always check the lengh of books before I buy them so I knew what to expect, but still... after reading it I really wished it was longer.
I read this book about a year ago and I can still remember it very clearly.. thats the good part of short stories :)
I loved it. Sometimes I repeat reading it.
Leo is hot. Leo is even hotter when he is with Baby Joe.
The mother left the Baby infront of Leos door and just left. Leo is completly overwhelmed by the whole situation.
He meets Erin, who made it her goal to take take care of them. Leo is amazed about how easily Erin seems to be able to calm his son down, when all the Eaby is doing seems to be screaming.
Since Erin, Leo gets his life back in line. Erin helps taking care of the Baby and of course, Leo falls in love with Erin.
I really liked the book. Its easy to read and easy to love.
April 3, 2015
I'm seriously swooning right now!!! I think it's the MOST heart-warming book i have ever read! <3
My words are really failing now so i can express what i'm feeling right this moment!
And even i had the suitable words, where should i begin? From Leo, from Erin or from the adorable baby Joe of this story? :)
But i have already said above, i'm speechless! So, the only way to understand my thoughts -although right now i'm only feelings!-, you HAVE TO read this book!
NOTE: what loses in pages, makes up in emotions!! TRUST ME!! <3
M. A. Stacie as for you, the only thing i have to say is: RESPECT! you wrote an amazingly sweet story about two people and a half ( ;) ) who found in the end their heaven!! :) i really never stopped crying and grinning like a fool during my reading!
My words are really failing now so i can express what i'm feeling right this moment!
And even i had the suitable words, where should i begin? From Leo, from Erin or from the adorable baby Joe of this story? :)
But i have already said above, i'm speechless! So, the only way to understand my thoughts -although right now i'm only feelings!-, you HAVE TO read this book!
NOTE: what loses in pages, makes up in emotions!! TRUST ME!! <3
M. A. Stacie as for you, the only thing i have to say is: RESPECT! you wrote an amazingly sweet story about two people and a half ( ;) ) who found in the end their heaven!! :) i really never stopped crying and grinning like a fool during my reading!
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