Because of the Baby...

Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm #4

by Cat Schield

When proximity for the sake of the baby leads to passion…

Born prematurely during a devastating tornado, baby Grace is the littlest miracle in Royal, Texas. Now, with Grace's mother in a coma and her father missing, rancher Keaton Holt and nurse Lark Taylor must come together to care for their niece, putting aside a century-old family feud for the child's sake.

For these two, the road to forgiveness is paved with passion. Even as the family feud continues around them, Lark and Keaton forge a feverish bond. But what the tornado brought together it can tear apart as new revelations surface in the aftermath of the storm…

Be sure to read other scandalous stories from the Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm series, only from Harlequin® Desire!

STRANDED WITH THE RANCHER by USA TODAY bestseller Janice Maynard

SHELTERED BY THE MILLIONAIRE by USA TODAY bestseller Catherine Mann

PREGNANT BY THE TEXAN by USA TODAY bestseller Sara Orwig

HIS LOST AND FOUND FAMILY by Sarah M. Anderson

MORE THAN A CONVENIENT BRIDE by USA TODAY bestseller Michelle Celmer

FOR HIS BROTHER'S WIFE by USA TODAY bestseller Kathie DeNosky

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, Contemporary, Westerns, Medical, Category Romance

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 19, 2014

About the author

Cat Schield lives in Minnesota with her daughter, Emily, their Burmese cats and a Doberman puppy. Winner of the Romance Writers of America 2010 Golden Heart® for series contemporary romance, when she’s not writing sexy, romantic stories for Harlequin Desire, she can be found sailing with friends on the St. Croix River or more exotic locales like the Caribbean and Europe. Contact her at www.catschield.net.

Reviews

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was off and running from the beginning. Schield captured my attention with the rawness of her characters’ emotions and held me throughout with her wit with words and flair with vividly believable descriptions. Schield wove a fantastic story that combines happiness with loss in an unforgettable way. The entire situation broke my heart, but the families (or parts thereof) coming together was breathtaking. This is a novel that can easily be read over a weekend, in a day, or in a single sitting.

I fell in love with the main characters in this novel almost as soon as I met them. Caught up in circumstances beyond their control they try to do best by those that they love while remaining true to themselves. These likeable individuals easily carry the story forward with their personalities and convictions. I really appreciated the way that Schield built up the past between these individuals. The family histories put the entire story in perspective. It was amazing to see how some things can carry forward, and the allusion that not all may have been as accidental as it seemed definitely had me speculating.

Schield captured me heart and soul with this story. I was left with one question at the end, however. Where in the world is Jake? I guess I’ll have to continue the series to find out.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas Cattleman's Club is a book series written by different authors. I have enjoyed each of the books that I have read so far. I have not read them all, and have not read them in order. Cat Schield's did an amazing job writing, Because of the baby.

Royal Texas is picking up the pieces after a tornado turned the town upside down. Out of all the devastation, a miracle was born. Sky was 9 months pregnant when the tornado tore through. The doctor delivered baby Grace by c-section. Each day Grace is getting stronger, while her mom lies in a hospital bed in a coma. When it is time for Grace to go home, Her Aunt on her mother's side, and uncle on her dads side becomes a team to care for Grace. Some of the moments they shared together with baby grace warmed my heart, and left me smiling.
The two families has been fighting over land for century's. Lark's parents refuse to step up and help and be grandparents to Grace, but they criticize Lark for accepting Keaton's help. Lark is falling for Keaton, but her parents just thinks he is using her. The tension is high, and can be felt within the pages of the book. Lark is a nurse, and needs someone to watch Grace while she is at work. I loved the way Kenton stepped up, and learned how to care for a infant. Along the way Lark, and Grace became less like responsibilities, and more like the family he never knew he wanted. Will Lark's parents ruin the sparks with the bitterness they harbor or will two families become one?
This book pulled at my heart. I loved the suspense of the story, friendship that turned into much more, and the team work. This book had romance, a sweet baby girl, and a dog. In the end, I finished the book with a smile on my face.

[Monica Cardoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, heart-warming read where two families need to learn how to forgive how to become one family and help support each other.

Wow, I totally feel in love with the characters in this story. I loved how real the story felt and the emotions I felt while reading it. I know that there were parts where I wanted to strangle her parents and maybe even his father for their behavior. I totally understand the feud that maybe the parents had but that didn’t mean that their children were part of it plus it was so long ago that they needed to brush it under the bridge. Both families lost a child but when the miracle baby was born their families should have bonded together to take care of her. There was one question that I kept finding myself asking and that was where in the darn was Jake. When was he going to find out that Skye and Grace needed him? But before that question can be answered Keaton and Lark need a happily ever after.

Lark Marie Taylor was an exceptional woman, she was smart but she did have one regret and that was fighting with her sister about her choosing the man she loved over her family. There is only one thing that Lark needed to understand and that was it was not Skye’s feud and she and Jake were in love. She and Skye are like night and day. Lark was the studious, shy type of girl while Skye was the one that their mother dolled up. She was the popular girl and the one who became the homecoming queen while Lark stayed home reading. Lark’s parents didn’t notice her but when Skye left with Jake it was her that was on their side and told Skye what she thought and how she could leave with the enemy. Even though she did this it didn’t make her any closer to her family and now that Skye was in coma it made her see things differently. Plus did she really know what happened between her parents and Skye.

Keaton Holt lost almost everything in the tornado that passed through Royal almost 3 months ago. When he found out that Skye had been one of the victims of the tornado and had had his brother’s baby early he knew what he needed to do. He tried everything he could to reach out to his brother but there was no luck. When he tried calling the place where Jake worked he was told that Jake didn’t have a brother and it hurt him. He knew what he needed to do in order to see his niece and that was to do a DNA test but not because he didn’t believe it was his brother’s baby but he wanted proof for the Taylor family. He had noticed Lark when she was in high school even though there was a three year age difference between and when I found out that he had stalkish behavior it was somewhat cute. There was a nice swimming hole in the property that their families disputed and that’s where he had seen her. There was something about her but he never approached her. Now he found himself offering to help her with Grace when she went home. He was willing to keep her in his cabin while Lark worked but because of her preemie age it was best to stay at Lark’s home.

Having Keaton in her home was not something that she wanted. She was used to having her own space and he was invading her privacy but she did need the help. Lark had to admit that it was nice to have someone there to talk to about what to do when Grace would not stop crying or when she needed sleep because she had just worked a twelve hour shift at the hospital. Keaton did everything possible to learn what babies needed so that meant that the internet was his bestfriend. I do have to say that he was a very determined man. I couldn’t stop laughing when he researched and did everything possible to make Grace stop crying but come on new parents don’t know everything about baby’s so there will be lots of trial and errors. As time passed the chemistry between them was evident and it was only a matter before it exploded. But the only problem was how it was going to affect their relationship with their parents. I never knew that one little piece of paper could destroy what had been built between two people that obviously loved one another.

Because of the Baby was beautifully written. I was totally smitten when Lark feel in love with an Aussie Shepard named Nicki and how Nicki reacted seeing Grace for the first time and also Grace meeting Nicki for the first time. I could not stop smiling that was just too sweet. But then sadness overtook me when Lark would sit in Skye’s room and talked to her about what was going on with her life and of course Grace’s. I really don’t know how I would react if I was in her situation but I have to hand it to her she was a very strong woman. I know that there were a few times that I would think that Lark would breakdown that she would shatter in any moment but she handled herself beautifully no matter the circumstance maybe not so much in the end. Lark and Keaton were similar they were both studious when they were in school and they were both quiet kids. It was amazing that they hadn’t interacted before the birth of Grace but then again there was the family feud. There was a scene that I couldn’t help but to let the tears fall from my eyes and that was when there was a sign that Skye could be waking up. There was hope for Lark and in turn hope that she would be able to hold and care for her baby girl.

I totally recommend this read to all readers. This read is paced perfectly and be prepared you might need a kleenex or two. The characters are well developed and this story had a perfect ending for the next book His Lost and Found Family which is Jake’s and Skye’s book. The storyline is captivating and I was pulled from the very beginning and believe me I didn’t want for it to end. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Schield’s books.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with an enemies to lovers theme. Keaton and Lark's families have been feuding over a piece of land for more than a hundred years. Because of it, when Keaton's brother Jake fell in love with Lark's sister Skye, they left Royal rather than deal with their families' attitudes. The day of the tornado, pregnant Skye was found unconscious in her car. Her baby, Grace, was born prematurely, and Skye has been in a coma for the last three months. The baby's father is missing, so when it's time for baby Grace to leave the hospital, Lark takes custody of her.

As a nurse, Lark has spent a lot of time with little Grace, and is determined to do the best she can for her. Keaton is also determined to do what he can for his brother's child until Jake can be found. Lark and Keaton decide to put aside the family conflict and work together to take care of the baby. Lark has always been the shy, quiet sister, overshadowed by her sister's more outgoing nature. Over the past four years she has regretted not supporting her sister when she chose love over her family, and wants to be able to tell Skye that. When it's time to bring Grace home, Keaton insists on helping and feels that the best way to do that is to move in with Lark. She isn't too sure at first, but does agree that she needs help.

Keaton's ranch sustained a lot of damage from the tornado, so he is heavily involved in taking care of that. He also helps with some of the damage to the town hall. Knowing that Grace is his brother's child, he is determined to have a part in her care. He has also been trying to track down his brother to let him know what happened. He is more than willing to put the feud aside to help care for Grace.

I loved Lark and Keaton together. He is pretty sweet in his determination to help care for Grace and how hands on he wants to be. Lark has been the only family member caring for her and is reluctant to give up any control, but the first day home shows her that she does need the help. I loved the way that Keaton went to the internet to search for way to deal with a crying baby, and how he and Lark worked together to figure it out. I loved Keaton's patience with Lark's attitude, and how he did what was needed anyway. I enjoyed how they started out with a truce for Grace's sake, then proceeded on to friendship as they got to know each better. There were many ways they were alike. Living so closely together they also discovered an intense attraction to each other. Lark tried to fight it at the beginning, remembering the havoc from Jake and Skye's relationship, and not wanting to go through the same thing. But it was too strong to ignore and it wasn't long before she and Keaton were heavily involved. She was still worried about the reaction if and when her parents find out.

Once they were involved, both Lark and Keaton found themselves mostly ignoring the feud. Their feelings for each other deepen and both realize that what they have is special. Keaton's care for her gives her a confidence in herself that she never had before, and eventually the courage to stand up for what she wants. When Keaton finds something that's going to set the feud on its ear, his first thoughts are about how it will affect his relationship with Lark. What ends up happening is painful for her at first, but her own sense of who she is makes everything turn out right in the end. I loved Keaton's support of Lark, and what he did at the end.

I liked seeing how baby Grace helped heal things with Keaton's family. His parents' visit to the baby went really well, and I liked seeing his mother and how nice she was with Lark. On the other side, Lark's parents were a real piece of work. Their selfishness and unwillingness to do anything with Grace really bothered Lark. They were also really nasty about Lark allowing Keaton to help her. I really liked seeing Lark's visits to Skye and how she talked to her about Grace. The hope is always there that Skye will wake up soon.

[Amanda R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the book in exchange of an honest review!

I love going back to Royal. You just feel at home there. Every author writing for the TCC (Texas Cattleman's Club) series catches the feeling of Royal with each book. No exception here, and this time we get to see the families affected by the storm rather than just the people themselves. We met Larks sister in the first book, Stranded by the Rancher, just as she was leaving Beth Andrew's farm after picking out a pumpkin.

Lark is a nurse and she's now working in the ICU so she can be close to her sister, Skye, that's been in a coma since the tornado. Now though she has to accept responsibility for Grace, her sisters baby that she had prematurely when the tornado hit. So Lark is taking care of her sisters baby and working to get her sister back. On top of all of that shes dealing with Keaton Holt. The Holts and the Taylors have been feuding for forever and it seems baby Grace is a mixture of the both of them and it makes Lark and Keaton call a truce.

Keaton will do anything to make sure that his brother's baby is taken care of. He knows that if Jake knew the awful that had gone on he would be there to help with Grace and Skye. He just has to get Lark to agree to let him in. After the DNA testing proves that he is related to the baby, Lark reluctantly lets him in, and boy does she ever! He moves in to her house so that Grace can get the best care possible from both of them.

When things start to heat up between the two of them is when Lark tries to push him away. He's a Holt, everything they do has a reason behind it, she wouldn't put it past him to fake being attracted to her to gain something. Or would he?

I really enjoyed reading Lark and Keaton's story. They were willing to put aside family differences to make a life for Grace. To make sure she could be healthy. Her parents were awful people, I really wish they would of just went away and stayed. Fantastic book and I can't wait to read the next one!! Check out this series and leave all the authors love in the form of a review.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of the Baby is Cat Schield’s contribution to The Texas Cattleman Club: After the Storm series. I’ve read every book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club series over the years and Because of the Baby was a fantastic addition to the series. The story picks up after a devastating tornado hits the town. One of the blessings that resulted from the storm was the birth of baby Grace daughter to Skye Taylor. Skye is the estranged sister of Lark Taylor who is a nurse at the hospital and is not only watching over her niece’s care in the NICU but also overseeing her sister’s care in the ICU. Her sister has been in a coma since the tornado and no one truly knows who the father of her child is. They believe it is Jake Holt’s but his brother Keaton can’t reach him. He and Skye had left town four years earlier because of their relationship and her parents refusal to put an old dispute to bed. Keaton wants to help with her care but Lark isn’t too sure about it. After discovering that Jake is most likely Grace’s father, Keaton moves in with Lark to help care for her. This book is filled with emotion and a family’s desire to put the past behind them. We see a couple struggling to make a bad situation turn into one filled with love, hope and forgiveness. I was captured by Keaton and Lark’s desire to take care of Grace and enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and not allow past differences to interfere. This is a continuity romance but I was able to easily follow the storyline. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book as I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. I’d like to disclose that I received an advanced copy of Because of the Baby in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Reads by Starburst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of the Baby… by Cat Schield is a well written romance about finding love in the most unlikely places. Keaton and Lark are united for a common goal and despite all the oppositions and complications due to their century-old family feud, they stick together for their niece and ultimately find love together.

The romance was gradual and therefore quite believable. The main characters have a good chemistry which makes their story enjoyable. Lark is a likable heroine because she went against her family for Grace and did not get carried away in the feud. Keaton too is adorable because of the way he really cared for both Grace and Lark. I loved the way he took his share of responsibility.

Overall, Because of the Baby… by Cat Schield is a well written romance with adorable characters and an enjoyable story line which does not fail to leave you with a happy feeling in the end.Read More

[Mitali Madhusmita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I just absolutely loved this book ,the characters,storyline everything.first I bought book 6,when I started reading it ,Martin and park jumped out so I bought this book and now I am going to read book 6 i.e Jake and skye's story. I recommend 120% to everyone,go read the book.

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a change of pace with my books and this one came up when I was looking. The book was good. I enjoyed the story however I didn't realize it was book 4 and probably wouldn't have cared if they hadn't left so much hanging at the end. Now to go and figure out how to get my questions answered.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't love these books about linked families that are spread over multiple books when you can't get closure. Also the next book is written by someone else so who knows if it'll match the tone of this book...

[Mattie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, but wouldn't want to re-read. Np.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because of the Baby...(Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm #4)" by Cat Schield is a continuation of the series and can be read as a series or alone. Very enjoyable, fast read.

Little baby Grace was born as a premie due to her Mother Skye being caught in the Tornado that hit the town of Royal, TX. Lark Taylor, Skye's sister,comes in to take care of Grace while the baby's Mother is still in a coma. Keaton Holt is Uncle to baby Grace and he is standing in for his brother who seems to be AWOL. Everything is good, and things should be normal but that is not to be. Seems like the Taylor's and the Holt's have been feuding for years over a land squabble.

You'll read about Lark and Keaton. How their families become involved, or not, in baby Grace's life. Also, what about Skye? What is going to happen if she doesn't come out of her coma? Read and find out for yourself.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid continuation of the After the Storm series. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to getting more of the story in the rest of the books.

Lark Taylor and Keaton Holt must put their family feud aside in order to care for their niece, preemie baby Grace. Lark's sister and Keaton's brother ran off together four years ago, and no one has heard from them since. Skye Taylor remains in a coma after the tornado struck, Jake Holt is nowhere to be found, and someone has to take care of Grace.

While she knows it's probably just a case of close quarters making strange bedfellows, Lark can't help but be attracted to Keaton. The only problem is there's still a century-old feud between their families over land and water rights. Will she also be disowned by her family if she decides the love of a good man is more important than family loyalty?

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Cat Schield's "Because of the baby" is part of the Texas Cattleman's Club - After the Storm series. This book kept me turning pages as Lark Taylor and Keaton Holt learned to put aside their family feud to take care of their preemie new born baby niece, Grace, due to Grace's mother, Larks's sister being in a coma and her Dad, Keaton's brother missing. Their respective families feuding didn't help matters either. I loved how the main characters and the secondary characters came to life as the story flowed.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! So why didn't I give it a higher rating? I think I just wanted more. It just wasn't enough to be satisfying. The writing was good, the characters were well written, but I wanted a little more. It was perfect for a Saturday afternoon when I had a couple hours free to read. I have already purchased the next story in the series because I want to find out what happened to his brother and her sister.


Disclaimer: I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The opinions I expressed are entirely my own.

[Wendy Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Because of the baby works as part of the After the Storm series or as a stand alone. I do think you feel more for the whole town reading all the books. This one is sexy,emotional, and sigh worthy. I have loved the whole series and can't wait to read the next book. This is ones fans will love.

[Crystal Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of baby is one of my favorite tropes. Enemy to lovers. You will fall in love with Cat's characters and root for them to make it happen. I couldn't stop reading because I had so much emotional stake in their fictional relationship!

[Mem · Rating 5 out of 5]

D2348 Jan15 Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm, Lark Taylor and Keaton Holt put their family's despite over 2,000 acres aside to care for their premature niece. Her mother, Skye, is in the hospital ICU in a drug induced coma. Keaton has an investigator looking for his missing brother.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Lark and Keaton were so unselfish to give their love and care to their niece and put aside the family feud. I wish there was more to the story to explain how the future unfolds. If Jake was ever found? If Skye recovered? If the families finally got along We were left hanging.

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm

[Nan Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulling for this couple from the first meeting. Ms. Schield has crafted another extremely satisfying romance! Can't wait for her next book!

[Shannon Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent story... definitely a cliffhanger. waiting to know if Skye wakes up and where is Jake.

[Mandy Saial · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 200 page tearjerker of a sweet romance .I will have to read more from the Texas Cattleman's Club: After the Storm series.

[Michelle Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. Both main characters had you falling in love with them and their family history from the beginning.

[Nothing Like A Good Book!!!! wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

just loved it...