Secret Baby

House of Morgan #2

by Victoria Pinder

Drama seems to follow Victoria Morgan everywhere, but she’s determined to mend her past and reclaim what was so cruelly taken from her.

Colt Collins moved on after the affair that left him heartbroken. After finding the child he bore with his ex, and serving in the US Marines, he builds a new life with his daughter on the family farm. Now, set to marry a woman he knows he can trust, he comes face-to-face with the love that abandoned him and their daughter many years ago.

When Victoria returns to town to attend her father’s funeral, the truth about what happened to her daughter is revealed, leaving Victoria willing to do anything to be in her child’s life again, even if that brings her face-to-face with the man she hurt so long ago.

Is there forgiveness after all the lies, pain, and betrayal? Can the love Colt and Victoria once shared be rekindled? Will this family torn apart by a cruel act be reunited?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Second Chance

512 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2017

About the author

Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Progams for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is here, www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.

Reviews

[Mary McFarlane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book, a dead father, daughter coming back to live because of it all of this drama I was very excited for. Then I started to read and this was nothing to what I thought we were getting. I wanted more history of her crappy dad, more of them in high school together. I wanted a book that made sense when you read it and not have it going all over the place. I'm glad I got this for free because I would have been pissed if I paid for it

[Lynda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will start with a confession - I didn't finish this book. I don't do this often, normally I hold on and struggle through to the grim end, but I didn't even have the patience for that with this book. The tenses were constantly confused, and confusing, switching back and forth between past and present tense for no particular, nor logical reason. There were references to the past (I'm assuming that gets expounded upon further into the book than I got) that made no sense in the sentence and paragraph structure. Often these sentences needed to be reread several times and then it sort of made sense. I got the gist of what the author was trying to say - eventually - but it wasn't put together very well at all. The characters, their dialogues and their thoughts were very annoying right from the start and only worsened the more I read. Also, the characters reactions were very stilted, one dimensional and quite often didn't 'gel' with everything else in that sentence/paragraph. As I said earlier, I didn't finish the book but I did skip to the end and the story and characters still did not seem to have developed at all. I can't and won't recommend this book and will not be reading any more of this authors work.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Glad I didn’t pay for this one. Idea could have been good, but that’s about it. Worst editing ever - beyond annoying. Basic grammar like choosing the correct preposition should not be repeatedly ignored- for example, “different FROM” not “different than,” not “different to.” Bored WITH, not bored of. Preposition use is the worst of the recurrent problems. Then there’s the use of “oranges and oak” as a unique personal smell. 🍊🌳 Really? What exactly does oak smell like, and how does that relate to oranges? And, why has the term been used approximately twelve thousand times through out the book? Another favorite: lips that taste like rose petals. 🌹Yummy. And the best of the worst: succulent eyes. 😳👀 Say what? That particular descriptive word is meant for food, not eyes. All I can visualize is eyeballs popping open like grapes, juicy and, well, succulent. 🍇 Gag. I don’t think that’s what the author intended, especially since those eyes are succulent multiple times. Two stars for effort and idea, and because I plowed through it all the way to the end, but seriously, get an editor!

[BookSnuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Secret Baby” by Victoria Pinder is book number two in the “House of Morgan Book” series. This is Victoria “Vicki” Morgan and Colt Collins' story.

Vicki gave birth to a baby girl five years ago. She was told that her baby died. Vicki faked her death so that she could get out from under her dad's harsh control. Vicki surprised everyone when she showed up for her dad's funeral. But then Vicki and Colt were shocked when more secrets and lies come out.

I enjoyed this story. It is a sweet, heartwarming, and at times a heart-wrenching story where lies and deceit caused major consequences in Colt, Vicki, and their little girl’s lives. The reader could feel the different emotions that Colt and Vicki experienced in working through all the lies and secrets. Will Colt and Vicki find their happily ever after?

FYI, includes mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to get Victoria's story. book one talked about her a lot and left me wondering what her real story was. I feel bad for the House of Morgan. I liked how you could feel sympathetic towards both sides. I understood Vicki's need to be with her daughter and Colt's need to prove she would stick around. the story is so interesting and layered you keep reading to see what would happen. I just wish the conversations flowed more naturally. they felt stiff and stilted, sometimes incomplete. but I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy for review. this doesn't change my opinion.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤

I don't even know where to start. I met Colt in the first book because of his sister Alice. So I knew very little him. I knew that he had little girl Clara. I had a feeling who the mom was. So I wasn't as surprised as Vicki was. I really felt for her. She didn't even know her little girl was a live. Once everyone knew what happened both Colt and Vicki had to learn to trust each other again. I loved seeing them all as family. It was great to see what they all had to go through to get the ending they deserved. 🍊❤🍓

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story about the House of Morgan. Man their father may be dead but he is one of those men you'd like to raise from the dead so you could slowly kill him all over again, for the crap he put his family thru.

In this book we find out all the crap he put Victoria through...mainly telling her that her daughter died at birth. Thank heaven's for Colt. And that's all I can say so that I do not give this Very good storyline away!!

Looking forward to Peter's book.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ *stars REALLY
WHILE READING THIS STORY, WHICH TAKES PLACE IN FLORIDA, THEY TALKED ABOUT THE DEVESTATION OF HURRICANE ANDREW, THEY JUST DIDN’T KNOW WHAT WAS COMING IN 2017. THIS WAS A SWEET SIMPLE ROMANCE CUTE BUT KIND OF BLAND. ;}

[R.L. Ní Fhlionn]

I didn't get further than the first chapter before I knew this wasn't for me.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome story by Ms. Pinder. At times I struggled with strong feelings because of the loss Victoria had to deal with on her own. She remade herself into a better person yet so many damned her because of her family name and who her father was. There are 3 Morgan siblings, Vicky is the middle child and only girl. Her father was grooming her for a life he intended her to have no matter how she felt. Colt is a wonderful and strong man who served in the military. He raised his daughter from infancy with the help of his parents. There are strong emotions, misunderstandings and events that the author incorporates to bring the characters to life. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to Peter, the oldest brothers story. I received a complimentary copy of this book and freely gave my opinion.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
This book grabbed my attention the moment I started reading it and I had a very hard time putting it down. The author did an amazing job conveying Victoria and Colt's story. I loved everything about this book, even the very realistic portrayal of Clara, their child, who is outspoken and direct to the point. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading.
This is the second book in the series, but it can be read easily as a standalone (that's how I read it).

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down . What happens when your dad does something that breaks the man you loved and yourself up and he tells you something about the daughter you had that was a complete lie! What would you do if you both found out nothing was as it seemed but one is about to move on and the other just wants a second chance with the people they love. This is the problem Victoria Morgan faces when she goes back to her hometown for her father’s funeral and sees Colt Collins and their daughter. Will these two get a second chance or is it to late?

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom & Daughter Reunited

This is the second book in The House of Morgan series and I can honestly say that it has been a long time since I have completely despised a character. Holy crap I just want to bring that evil man back to life to kill him all over again! (brutal, I know but he deserves no sympathy). It grabs you right from the start and your heart goes every which way. I absolutely love how the child is protected and loved with nothing but her best interest involved. I am hooked on this series~

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of The House of Morgan by Victoria Pinder but my first read of her works. I am definitely going back to read book 1 now and probably read book 2 again. I enjoyed this book very much. The story is complicated, compelling and well written. The story flows and keeps you engage until the last page. I received an advanced reader copy and I am happy to tell you how much I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading all the books in the series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Colt and Victoria become one again. He's trying to build a new life for himself and his daughter, after his wife and mother of his child left. Then Victoria comes to town and now wants to be part of her daughter's life. Beautiful love story with drama thrown in. Great read. Received this book for a ARC and appreciate receiving it

[J. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the first word. It's a very quick read that keeps you hoping for a happy ending. Secret Baby is a book about secrets, lies, trust, friendship and re-building relationships. Victoria Pinder has hit a home-run with the House of Morgan books and I can't wait to read the next one. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced readers copy of this book.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. They all have secrets n when this one came out it shocked Vicki because she thought her baby was deceased. When she sees her daughter for the first time she is in shock. The book revealed secrets. Lies n true love

[NoraJLeSueur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it,great read!!!!!!!!!!

This book has a great storyline that most women can relate to, or even dread that something like this story could happen to someone that they know. I will be reading more by this author.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Received in exchange for an honest review**


As soon as I finished Secret Crush I knew I had to have Secret Baby. I instantly contacted Victoria and asked if it was possible and thank my lucky stars she said YES!

In this installment we follow Vicki - The come back from the dead Morgan and instantly in the first chapter we find our story... Vicki has a daughter.

She rushes to Alice's and Johns and comes face to face with the daughter she thought had died, Clara and the love of her teen life, Colt.

Thankfully Colt is the amazing guy he is and allows Vicki to explain her side of the story and also ease her in to her daughters life.

Things are going brilliantly until his fiancee, Belle shows up. Regardless of her attitude and me not liking her I do feel bad that she had to go through the events of seeing and knowing his childhood sweetheart is back and then he calls their wedding off. But I assume everything happens for a reason.

One thing I dreaded was that massive, dramatic, climactic event. These three didn't need that and luckily other than a minor, public event, nothing comes between them that can't be sorted and discussed like adults.

It says a lot too when I give myself a week to read a book and I finished 47% on the final night so it only took me 3 days... Had me hooked! Roll on Secret Bet.

[SandraD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Needs Work

This storyline had really great possibility but lacked depth. The writing style along with the flow of the story really needs to be addressed. There was no build up or really any angst. It was like the author would start moving towards what could turn into a great scene and then it would flop with no follow through. For instance when she goes to Colts with her box of proof of her story, you never experience the depth of the situation, he never goes through the box, you don't ever feel the emotion from her of what it would've felt like to lose a child, you don't see him begrudgingly believe or comfort her. Instead she shows up and says her short piece and he's pretty much like OK cool - wanna be a nanny?

[Lisa Ezzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many stumbling blocks must one love story suffer through?

This love story sure goes through a heap of them, at every turn. They’ve already been through plenty in the backstory before the book gets real.y good. Take a strong, successful and independent young woman who has managed to find a level of happy despite having none of her real dreams or wishes work out due to the manipulations of her overbearing father, reintroduce her to the love of her youthful life by accident. Watch how she manages to wisely put together everything she needs to finally get what she should have had from the beginning.

[Lucille Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Baby(The House of Morgan)

This was a story about a young lady who fell in love with her friend brother and got pregnant with by him and he didn't know it . He left town to go to the army . She had the baby and her father told her the baby was born dead but the child grandmother found out and got the baby and told the father and they were raising the baby until the mother found out that the baby didn't die. You have to get the book to find out what everyone went through to get to a happy ending ! This is a must read book . I really enjoyed reading this book 😋Go get your copy today .

[Brooke Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't normal review books, but this series is just so BAD that I had to! I finished the first book because the story line was good but the flow of the book and the quality of the writing is just awful. I read this book thinking maybe it was just a first book thing. Again, I finished it because the story line was good. But again, the writing was terrible. I don't know if this is the authors first series or what but I will not be finishing this series and for everyone else's sanity I hope they don't either!

[Sheila Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy of 5 stars, if it had better editing.

Secret Baby is the second book in the House of Morgan series. It is well-written, has great character development and excellent plot. This author will take you on a twisted route to reach the ultimate goal of a romance novel: the HEA ending. This novel was worthy of a 5 star rating, if the editing had been properly done. Due to the errors, I can only give it a 4 star rating.

[Amanda BikiBookworm Vermaak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets

A father deceived his daughter. How cruel. Vicky lost years of her daughter's life. Now she has to prove to the father of her little girl that she was not as deceitful as her own father. She acts as the nanny to get to know her baby girl. A fiance in the mix is A mess.
It's A bit of A choppy read, but
A sweet romance about 2nd chances with a HEA

[linda wooten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Secret Baby

This book had the potential to be a beautiful story of love, betrayal, and redemption, but it was disjointed, some things were left hanging such as the "Hudson's". Who were they and why did they "smoke" Vicki out? A good proofreader was needed to correct many mistakes. A hurricane does not suddenly appear without many days warnings among other things.

[Sandra Mayberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayal, misunderstanding, and time=broken hearts

This story has twists and turns, and air from a cruel father that changes the lives of two young people.. It's a good story and the main characters are basically good people that have to fight to overcome a malicious tyrannical father. Even after his death he leaves pain and ruin in his wake.

[Vivian · Rating 1 out of 5]

In order to rate a book, I have to select a star. Goodreads should allow negative stars. This would have gotten at least a -2. I couldn't get past the first chapter so; -1 for unbelievable content within the first two paragraphs and -1 for grammar errors starting on page 1.

I was looking for something light to read. I thought this would fit the bill. I WAS WRONG.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victoria faked her death after her baby died and disappeared for five years. Her father was wealthy and controlling but after he died she returned only to find out her baby had not died and that she was being raised by her ex-boyfriend and her baby's daddy. Vicky's dad was behind the plan. Vicky wants to be a part of her little girl's life, but Colt doesn't know if he can trust her.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that this story had a bit of harrowing drama but, if you have the same reaction, keep going. My anxiety was relieved in only a few pages. Also, if I had read this story first, I my not have fallen in love with Belle as I did in later stories. Again, I recommend that you hold tight to your heart.

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Wonderful characters.