Tick Tock Goes The Baby Clock

by Julianna Morris

After 32 chaste, lonely years, Annie James longed for a man in her bed and a baby in her arms. And now that her biological clock was ticking loudly, she was hoping her pal Max Hunter could help her land a husband. But from their first "practice" good-night kiss, Annie found herself falling maddeningly in love with Max -- the most marriage-resistant man in town!

Marriage was out of the question for Max Hunter. Now he just had to convince sweet, lovable Annie that she'd make some lucky man a perfect bride just as she was. And if he could just let her out of his arms long enough, he might remember why that man couldn't be him!

Genres: Harlequin, Contemporary Romance

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

About the author

Julianna Morris has had over twenty books published and been a Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick. Her Harlequin SuperRomance novel, Jake's Greatest Risk, was a Romantic Times 2014 nominee for a Reviewer's Choice Best Book award. Julianna's books have been praised for their emotional content, humorous touches, and strong characters.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars! ~ Annie James missed out on boyfriends and dating as a teenager because she was busy taking care of her very ill father. And as time passed, and Annie took over her Dad's feed store, she seemed to be in a dating limbo. She's 32 now and her doctor has discovered cysts on her ovaries and she's warned her that Annie should have a child before the surgery to remove the cysts because later Annie may not be able to conceive. This is devastating news to Annie, so she enlists her best friend, former boy next door, Max Hunter to coach her in how to attract a man for marriage and fatherhood. Max is shocked by Annie's request but she's been his best friend forever and he wants her to be happy. But the thought of her dating the two new eligible bachelors in town, in her new sexy dresses has got him feeling very peculiar. After watching his parents repeatedly marry and divorce as if changing wallpaper, Max has sworn he'd never marry and have children. To him there is no HEA. So why does he suddenly want Annie only for himself?

This was a charming and often very funny story about the boy next door suddenly noticing the curves underneath all those tomboy clothes that the girl next door is wearing. I love Annie's spunk and determination, and though written sincerely, I thought she was a tad too naive. Max is comical in his discoveries about the Annie hiding under all those baggy clothes. Annie's quest for a man other than him, makes Max take stock of his life and come to terms with his fears. Though this is a charming fun read, the issues that make Annie and Max the people they are, aren't played to the full and I thought this one could have been emotionally more. This is a fun and very light read.

[Debby · Rating 1 out of 5]

She wants a baby. I don’t like ‘desperate in need of a baby’ stories. Because I think a woman’s life can be fulfilling without a baby.

And a HP in my opinion should be about the romance between a man and a woman. No unplanned pregnancies, no magic sperm, no miracle baby’s.

He is not pursuing her. The man is not in love and not in lust. Yes, he notices her breasts in the start of the book, but that goes for a lot of men who see an attractive woman. I want a man to be smitten and pursuing. This man isn’t.

She is 32 years old and a neighbour of his aunt. She asks him for his help in getting a man. That alone is cringe worthy and desperate.

It was just lame. DNF.

[Sandra Patiño · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh estuvo bonito, dentro del género muy bueno y entretenido, aunque lo de los 32 años de castidad no se los cree nadie jajajaj.

[Josie]

This was a DNF for me because the headswapping was frustrating and the dialogue didn't ring true to me.