Bred Under Contract: Baby Breeder

by Ember Davis

AVA
I hired Joshua to do a job for the company I run. The contract is very specific about the scope of work and doesn’t include anything about him wanting me. Still, he gives me the opportunity to get something I’ve always wanted—a baby.

There isn’t anything in the contract about him making me fall in love with him either. Joshua seduces me with words as he whispers dirty things in my ear. There’s something primal in his eyes when he says he wants to breed me, but that doesn’t mean we’re forever.

The more he says and the longer he looks at me like I belong to him, the harder it is to resist him. This is not the contract I signed, but maybe it’s the one I need.

JOSHUA
I’ve seen my sister, Aspen, and my best friend, Liam, in their happy lives and I’ve let them be, thinking it wasn’t for me. I was wrong. The moment I meet Ava, I know she’s the only woman I’m going to need for the rest of my life.

The contract signed between our companies is just about the IT work she needs done, but what is between us won’t be over when the job is done. I’m going to plant my baby in her and watch it grow. The thought of having a baby makes her eyes light up, but she doesn’t realize I’m part of the deal too.

I’m going to make Ava mine and then I’m never letting her go; her or our baby. We have a contract, and I won’t let her break it.

*18+ If you like alpha heroes and an insta-love story that is sweet and spicy but isn’t necessarily simple, then this is for you. No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. It is a standalone but is related to my Denver Family series (Banks Ink., Suburban Outcasts and Higgins Security). Meet Joshua in Off Limits (Stranger Shoot Series Book 1).*


This August, sixteen of your favorite romance authors are joining forces to bring you stories all about making babies. Whether it’s a primal, biological need or something else driving these men to breed the women they love, what is guaranteed is these stories are going to be hot and messy. Every happily ever after doesn’t have to have babies, but these men want nothing less than their women round and glowing.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

97 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Ember Davis loves alpha heroes with a range of emotions, but a strong sense of how to take care of their women. She loves her heroines from all walks of life, just like her heroes, and she wants them to be real and relatable. Her heroines tend to be sassy, opinionated and smart.

Ember is a stay at home mom of two who recently refound her love of books and all things romance and is so glad that she did. She’s always been creative, but writing and creating stories that she would love to read satisfies the dreams she had as a little girl. She loves butterflies, the color purple and enjoying time with her family.

Pssst, it’s totally a pen name, but everything above is 100% true.

Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ember.A.Davis

Find her on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ember.a.davis/

Reviews

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had I known beforehand that this was a younger man/older woman trope, I wouldn't have picked it up because those don't usually work for me. I found Ava to be stiff AF and super dry. Joshua carried this whole book and relationship and it made this short book feel like it wouldn't end.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is a power CEO that worked hard to be at the top of her company. But now she feels like it's maybe too late to get her HEA with husband and kids... Well that changed as soon as Joshua sees Ava for the first time. He is instantly in love and obsessed and when he sees the sperm bank brochures all bets are off 🤣 This was a hot Instalove story with a H that wants to breed his woman and give her everything that she might need🥰🥰 Instalove, older woman /younger man, sweet,steamy, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama 😍😍😍😍

[Soma · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Age gape YM/OW instant love romance.

IT consultant Joshua has never believed in love at first site. Ava is getting close to forty, she is CEO of a company. She expected she would have a family by now but she has not really put in any effort to find a special someone.
I loved how hard Joshua had to work at getting Ava to trust him and all the little ways he went out of his day to make her happy.

[Readwithnikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava is the CEO; she has been preoccupied with creating her empire and is now 38 years old, single, and childless.
She is debating visiting the sperm bank when  Joshua, 31, co-owner of a tech company to work with Ava's business.
And by chance, they fall in love right away. Joshua is furious when he learns that Ava is planning to visit a sperm bank to get pregnant because he wants to be the one to get her pregnant.

I admire Ava's alpha female qualities and Joshua's willingness to express and act upon his emotions. I definitely connected with that because the characters were so well complemented by one another, which gave the romance connection a genuine feel.

I laughed at him going after Ava without giving her a chance to second-guess her choice. Like, girl, it's too late to wonder what you got into because the guy was on a mission from the beginning. He is also very bold, which caused Ava to soften around him.

Joshua might appear to some people to be an extreme Alpha.

(In addition, I had to keep telling myself not to critique it like a 300+ page book.)

So, I'll only highlight a few warning signs.

- No testing was done prior to implementing this plan.
- The fact that they waited until Ava became pregnant before talking about the crucial issues.
- The lack of getting to know each other outside of the sex/getting pregnant.
- The actual family planning came after I love you' s and confirmed pregnancy.

Sidenote: I'm thinking Joshua might have stalker tendencies.

Quotes:
“I need you and your hot cum.”

“Fuck,” “When you talk about my seed, it makes my cock even harder. ”I love hearing you beg for me. Such a powerful woman at my mercy.”

“Don’t you dare Mr. Goodwin me. Not when I know how it feels for your sweet cunt to be wrapped around my cock.”

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

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book.
Ava is the kind of character that we women like to see.
The kind of works hard for what she wants. She doesn't rely on others to get to where she wants. She worked hard for her position and won't allow anyone to demean her or look down on her because of how she's lived her life.
But there's the one thing that Ava wants that's been pushed to the back burner for so long now that she's worried she'll miss her time. She's ready for a baby. She wants the unconditional love a kid can give her and she's ready for a family.
She's content to go the donor route and go about this adventure as a single mother. At least she was until Joshua walked in and offered her everything she's wanted. But is it too good to be true?

I loved the Joshua wasn't intimidated by Ava and her take charge attitude. He understood that she has to be in charge when it comes to her career, but when it comes to herself and homelife Joshua can take charge and care for Ava in the way only a man in love can.

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

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is the CEO of a large company and she is 38 years old. She has decided she wants a child and feels time is running out so is checking into sperm donors to pick a father for her child. Ava's company has hired Joshua, an IT expert, to go over the IT portion to make sure that is it running as smooth as possible and to correct any issues he may find. The minute Joshua meets Ava he takes one look at her and realizes she is it for him. And when he finds out that Ava wants a child he wants to be the man who gives her that child. Joshua has his work cut out for him to make Ava realize that he wants to not just be the father to her child but to be there for Ava forever. This is a well written over the top love story. Joshua and Ava are great together. There are great steamy scenes and the chemistry between Joshua and Ava is hot. They are well developed characters and you feel for them. This is also an older woman younger man love story which I absolutely love. Great love story.

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

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Ava is a 38 year old CEO who is ready to have a baby. Work has been her focus for many years, she doesn’t have time for a man but does want to start a family. She’s been looking into sperm banks to help her achieve her goal.
Joshua’s tech company has been hired to do an audit of Ava’s IT department. Her first meeting with him is a surprise, their is attraction and chemistry between the two. Ava is a few years older than him and tries to keep things professional but Joshua is ready for more and his banter is heavy with innuendos and intent of his interest in her.
When he finds out she is looking for a sperm donor he offers up himself as a candidate to be her baby daddy. Ava would like to keep things impersonal but Joshua let’s her know they will be doing things in a very personal way, no test tubes and specimen cups, they were going to make their baby the old fashion way, sex.
Ava is a little hesitant at first but their attraction is strong and soon they are in full baby making mode. A little bump in the road when Ava worries that he will eventually leave her for a younger woman but he reassures her, I love yous, a proposal, and epilogue seven moths later with a baby girl. And bonus downloadable epilogue with Joshua convincing Ava for another baby.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found them difficult to like

This is not a favourite for me within the Banks Ink World, I found both Ava and Joshua difficult to like. We first met Joshua in the Stranger Shoot series, when his sister fell for his business partner, he was an obnoxious ass who made their lives hell. Here he is more of an arrogant and inappropriate ass and, for me, he didn't redeem himself - I found him a little creepy with his inappropriateness.
On the flip side Ava is a workaholic, a control freak and can be very abrupt...she doesn't have great people skills. I cannot make my mind up if this is a defense, to protect herself, or if she is just rude.
Whilst I didn't click with either character, this is still well written and their journey is a dirty but sweet one as they are welcomed into the Banks Ink World and the Denver Family.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is getting close to forty, she is CEO of a company. She expected she would have a family by now but she has not really put in any effort to find a special someone. When Joshua comes in to do a specific job, she does the expect the flirting and the heat he makes her feel.

Joshua always thought it was ridiculous when his sister, Aspen and his business partner, Liam claimed the love at first site, that all changes when he meets Ava. He knows she is the only one for him. She wants a baby, and he has no problem helping her with that.

He will do whatever needs to been done to make Ava his. This is steamy story, with wonderful characters.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Davis has once again given a great, quick read about love at first sight. Joshua and Ava are brought together for work and Joshua falls hard and fast for his Ava. Ava is feeling her baby making years are coming to an end and when Joshua finds out how Ava feels he decides to assist Ava with her predicament and therefore hoping to tie Ava to him forever. Their romance is quick but very passionate and they are both head over heels in love especially when Ava discovers she is pregnant. A beautiful story of two people who fall in love and are meant to be together and have their HEA. Loved the characters and Joshua and Ava were a fun couple to get to know.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jenn Theis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Joshua and Ava. Joshua is an IT consultant who signs a contract to do an assessment of the IT department at Ava's company. It's love at first sight for him and she comes around pretty quickly.

At first, I wasn't connecting with these characters, but the more the story developed, the more I was able to feel their chemistry. After I finished this one, I went back and re-read Off Limits. If you haven't read Off-Limits, check that one out first because it gives you a better understanding of Joshua. After Off-Limits, I didn't like him much, but I'm glad he got his own story and HEA.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is a strong successful woman at the top of her career and has almost everything she could want. As the years have passed by, having a child with someone seemed to be a fleeting dream, so Ava has decided to take matters into her own hand.

Joshua was hired by Ava's company to check and making suggestions on their systems, but the moment he walked into Ava's office his Alpha side wants to show her what he can give.


Ava and Joshua's fast read will have you melting as you get lost in the pages. Joshua works to break down Ava's walk and gives her want she want. Amazing story from start to finish.

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

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava, the female lead, has is looking to hire Joshua, the male lead, and his company to do some IT work for her company. On meeting, they’re struck by mutual attraction but he does technically work for her. When he finds out she wants a baby, he’s more than ready to offer help and to turn that help into a longterm relationship.

This short story is dual POV, well written, and a cute and steamy tale of relaxing boundaries and making an unexpected lifetime bargain with great benefits. I enjoyed the relationship development and how Joshua was willing to wait for Ava to be ready for what he was offering.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Baby Breeder love story for Ava and Joshua. I loved how 31 year old Joshua thought he could have 38 year old Ava if he wanted, but Ava is a hard headed business woman that will eat Joshua alive and keep on moving. However Joshua soon comes to realize this woman doesn't fall for his flirting in the way others have. I loved how hard Joshua had to work at getting Ava to trust him and all the little ways he went out of his day to make her happy. Soon Ava falls hard for the pesky I.T. guy and they find a true love and friendship together. I loved this love story.

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

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Joshua knew that Ava was The One immediately. She is going to take a little convincing but he offers to give her the world. I thought that this was a steamy yet still really sweet romance. There is a lot of push and pull between them. I liked how Joshua planned to show her that he respected all aspects of her personality. I wasn't sure how this series was going to go, but I thought that Ava and Joshua had a nice balance of high heat and touching moments.

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

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is a CEO that has put her career first and now wishes she had a family to go home to at night. Joshua is an IT consultant that as soon as he sees Ava, he wants her. He starts bringing her coffee and a pastry every morning and happens to see brochures about a sperm clinic on her desk one time. Its all he needs put go after what he wants. Can he convince her to take a chance with him?

This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story. It's a book that any book lover would enjoy.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava (h38), a company CEO, has been thinking about where she is in life and is considering having a baby on her own. Joshua (H31), co-owner of a tech company, has been temporarily contracted by Ava's company to do some work for them. It's instant attraction between and when Joshua finds out that Ava wants a child, he's more than happy to help out, though he plans on being much more than the biological father of her child. He has plans to be her one and only forever. A sweet OWYM instalove with two strong, supportive individuals.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava hires Joshua to do some IT work for her company. Their connection is instantaneous. Joshua wants Ava to be his forever but she is worried she is older. The pay doesn’t matter to Joshua. When he finds out she wants a baby, he’s happy to give that to her but he plans to be much more than just the biological father. Joshua doesn’t give up and works hard to gain Ava’s love and trust. Sweet, steamy with amazing chemistry and a lovely HEA. Really enjoyable story.

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75-4 stars.

When Joshua falls, he certainly falls hard and goes all out to get the woman he wants. I enjoyed the strong characters in this and the way Joshua accepted Ava, understood her and supported her. I liked seeing the strong and vulnerable sides to Ava and that by opening herself up to Joshua and what he was offering gave her her dreams and a whole lot more. The story was a little OTT in places but it entertained me and held my interest.

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

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book starting with the insta love factor and continuing to the HEA. This book is a great combination of romance steamy insta love with a nice side dish of spice to really keep the readers enthralled!! I couldn’t put this book down from the moment I picked it up. I loved the whole book experience from the exciting and wonderful characters to the fantastic world building!! Great job Ember Davis. 👍.

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

[Kathyjacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of a whole series of br33ding books by different authors. In this one Ava is an accomplished career woman who is 38 and a strong heroine. She wanted a family but it never happened for her. Joshua is 31 so there is a respectable reverse age gap of 7 years. After his sister finds love he wants a family as well. This was a short and fun read that was a perfect pallet cleanser for all of the dark stuff I normally read. It’s over the top and instant love but that was great for the mood I was in. For a short , quick, fun read this hit the spot.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember does it again...she never disappoints. Another amazing story with amazing characters. Ava and Josh catch your attention from the very beginning. Ava has focused on her career, it's paid off since she's the CEO of the company but is realizing she wants someone to share it with. Josh comes in for a specific job and Ava doesn't expect the feelings she has towards him and Josh is determined to get what he wants...and that's Ava! Great story!!!.

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

[Rowena · Rating 4 out of 5]

An age gap instant love romance must read.

An age gap instant love romance must read. Joshua has never believed in love at first sight, but from the first meeting with Ava he changed his mind and heart. Joshua is the IT consultant that will be working closely with Ava and when he finds out that she wants a baby he insists that he will be the man for the job. As he shows her how she deserve to be treated, the wall she has up slowly cracks. What happens next is a enjoyable steamy yet sweet romance story with likable characters and a HEA that you will be cheering for.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua knew when He entered the office that Ava was going to be his. The attraction was so overwhelming that he had to take a step back once he envisioned her being round with their child. Is this love? Definitely.. Good storyline. Especially since specially since Joshua got to witness his sister falling in love with his best friend. But that's not in this book this book. No cliffhanger. Realistic situations.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava has always put her career before everything else but now she's getting older and wants a child. Ava hired Joshua as an IT consultant but from the moment they meet sparks ignite and Joshua is determined to win Ava's heart and give her a baby too. This is a reverse age gap romance with steam and likable characters that had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. Bred Under Contract is book one and a great start to the multi-author Baby Breeder series and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This got me in the feels just a little bit. Ava spent so much time focused on her career, has she missed the chance for a family? With no man in her life, she contemplates getting a sperm donor. That is, until, Joshua walks into her office. There to work out a contract, Joshua never thought love at first sight was real. Now he owes his business partner and his sister an apology. Such a sweet romance!

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book with Ava and Joshua together with their great connection and chemistry. Ava has been busy with her work life but now she wants a baby. Josh wants Ava as soon as he sees her and he wants to be the only man that Ava gets pregnant by. These two a have a little bit of a bumpy road but these two get a really sweet HEA.

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

[Priscilla Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Joshua's relationship started professionally. Ava hired his company. But the professional part lasted five minutes because Joshua fell in love at first sight. Ava was determined to be a mother and was going to do an in vitro fertilization. But when Josua found out about Ava's plans, it was just another motivation to conquer the woman of his dreams. A beautiful story capable of melting hearts.

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

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. I loved how tough Ava was but how Josh just blew right through that. He saw her, shook her hand and knew she was his. I think their age difference was downplayed nicely and handled really well. I remember thinking as I read that I would have all the same thoughts as Ava in her situation. Great start to this series for me.

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

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit

Ava and Joshua were so good together... I loved this one. Every book I read from this author is just really, really good. Ava was so convinced that her biological clock was ticking and she needed to get moving. Artificial insemination was the logical step, right? Joshua wholeheartedly disagrees and volunteers himself for the cause! This relationship is off and running... I loved these two. Highly recommend it!