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Alaskan Oil Barons #1
The Baby Claim
USA TODAY bestselling author
From a family feud…to a one-night stand ending in heartbreak.
Now will these rivals get a second chance at love?
Rugged oil tycoon Broderick has avoided temptation for years. But an abandoned baby forces him back into his ex-lover’s world. He needs Glenna. For the child, for himself…for untangling the ties that bind their families. For discovering who the baby’s father really is. But will their passion survive the truth?
An Alaskan Oil Baron Novel
Passion and turmoil abound in the lives of the Alaskan Oil Barons!
Two rival families are bound by marriage beneath the icy Northern sky—
and torn apart by the secrets that have fed the fires of their feud for decades!
Nothing is as it seems.
Join the Steeles and the Mikkelsons as they unravel the past and create an empire!
The Baby Claim
The Double Deal
The Love Child
The Twin Birthright
The Second Chance
The Rancher’s Seduction
The Billionaire Renegade
Collect all the stories in the Alaskan Oil Barons series!
From a family feud…to a one-night stand ending in heartbreak.
Now will these rivals get a second chance at love?
Rugged oil tycoon Broderick has avoided temptation for years. But an abandoned baby forces him back into his ex-lover’s world. He needs Glenna. For the child, for himself…for untangling the ties that bind their families. For discovering who the baby’s father really is. But will their passion survive the truth?
An Alaskan Oil Baron Novel
Passion and turmoil abound in the lives of the Alaskan Oil Barons!
Two rival families are bound by marriage beneath the icy Northern sky—
and torn apart by the secrets that have fed the fires of their feud for decades!
Nothing is as it seems.
Join the Steeles and the Mikkelsons as they unravel the past and create an empire!
The Baby Claim
The Double Deal
The Love Child
The Twin Birthright
The Second Chance
The Rancher’s Seduction
The Billionaire Renegade
Collect all the stories in the Alaskan Oil Barons series!
216 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2018
About the author
Catherine Mann
598 books1,126 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann and RITA Award winner, Catherine writes contemporary romance for Berkley, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Tule. With over 75 books released in more than twenty countries, she has also celebrated six RITA finals, an RT Reviewer’s Award finalist, three Maggie Award of Excellence finals and a Bookseller’s Best win. After years moving around the country bringing up four children, Catherine has settled in her home state of South Carolina with her real-life hero husband. The nest didn’t stay empty long though as Catherine is active in animal rescue, and also volunteers with area service dog and pet therapy organizations. Catherine enjoys hearing from her readers and can be found online frequently through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. http://catherinemann.com
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April 24, 2018
The Baby Claim is book one in the Alaskan Oil Barons series by Catherine Mann. I won this book in a giveaway.
The Mikkelsons and the Steeles were sort of like the Hatfields and the McCoys of Alaska. Both families were tycoons in the oil industry and for as long as they could remember had been in a constant battle over dominance of the industry.
Broderick Steele and Glenna Mikkelson had always felt a sort of attraction between them. When they were in college working on a project together, they finally gave in to that attraction for one glorious weekend. But then they walked away, knowing their families would never approve. Broderick stayed single and being the oldest child, was on track to take over for his father at some point. Glenna married and loved her husband, but he had passed away. Now a widow, she was also on track to take over for her mother at some point.
Even though Broderick and Glenna occasionally saw each other at events, they kept their distance, that low hum of chemistry always there in the back ground. Now, Broderick is forced to go to see Glenna at her office when he has received notice of some very strange stock movements. It seems that Glenna has received the same reports.
Thus begins some very shocking changes in the lives of the Steeles and the Mikkelsons. Big changes are on their horizon. As they are trying to deal with everything new, something else is dropped into their lives, literally. An abandoned baby is found that allegedly has ties to one of them. Who is not yet known. But until the truth is uncovered, it is decided that Broderick and Glenna should take the baby to a remote cabin of his family’s until they get some answers.
As Broderick and Glenna bond with the baby, that old attraction between them is as strong as ever. Could now finally be the right time for them?
“Her body wanted him…but her mind rebelled.”
This was such a sweet story. You couldn’t help but to care about these two families. I especially liked Broderick’s dad and Glenna’s Mom. Both Broderick and Glenna had been through so much in their lives, both had suffered loss. And it is understandable that Glenna had some trust issues. But it was so obvious that together, they just fit. That they found everything they had been missing for so long. Of course, though, what is obvious to me took these characters a little longer to figure out. This was a quick, enjoyable read. The next book in the series is The Double Deal, which is Broderick’s sister, Naomi’s story.
May 12, 2019
I picked this up with the intention of getting a feel for the Harlequin Desire line. I'm hoping it was a poor choice of start. The thing with this is that there's a lot to love on the wish-fulfillment side and Mann gives a really fun twist on the Romeo & Juliet feuding families trope by having the heads of the family be the ones who break the feud—by falling in love. So her mother and his father are discovered "in flagrante" and announce that the feud is over. Bummer for the main characters because they chose not to pursue a thing they had in college due to family loyalty. This is great conflict but then add that they're both acting as CFO for their respective companies so the pending merger also means that one of them is out of a job. This is fantastic conflict.
Which means the whole baby plot is stupid, unnecessary, and a blaring intrusion in an already short story (Desire books are aimed at ~50k words). I quit shortly after the baby shows up because the part of the story I care least about is taking forefront. I'll probably give another Desire story a shot, but ouch, this was an unfortunate start. I'm assigning two stars in recognition of a brilliant setup that really perked me up to discover.
Which means the whole baby plot is stupid, unnecessary, and a blaring intrusion in an already short story (Desire books are aimed at ~50k words). I quit shortly after the baby shows up because the part of the story I care least about is taking forefront. I'll probably give another Desire story a shot, but ouch, this was an unfortunate start. I'm assigning two stars in recognition of a brilliant setup that really perked me up to discover.
November 8, 2018
The plot - Broderick & Glenna come from two competing oil companies in Alaska who have been feuding for years. While in college, the MCs had a brief fling. It is never mentioned how old they are or how long it is been, but it seems to be a few yrs because they are suppose to be the same age and H is supposedly "greying" so I assume mid to late 30's/40's.
Shortly after the MCs "fling", Glenna meets and falls deeply in love with her husband, Grant, who when the book opens we learned he died a year ago. Up until the very end, she is constantly mourning her great "love" and sprouting how much she misses him and how much she loved him even though he cheated on her twice in her marriage. So that immediately put me off.
Then we have the Hero, Broderick, who is a manwhore. Why? Because his mother and younger sister had died years ago in a plane crash and he can't do commitment. (so lame!).
Then we have another romance happening at the same time between former enemies, the H's Father with the h's Mother. Yep, the two have secretly been sexing things up and in love and want to merge both companies which doesn't sit well with their kids.
So while all this is playing out, a woman who the H had slept with, leaves her baby girl with both MC's and a note that the baby's father is either Broderick or Glenna's husband Grant.
Glenna is immediately attached to the baby and wants her because she may be her husband's kid. Since she couldn't have kids with her husband, she is okay that this kid may be his because she will have a piece of him and finally be a mother. ( Ummm....in what universe would any sane woman be okay with a cheating husband and accept his bastard????). She did say that the 1st time her husband cheated, she told him that she would forgive him but never again, yet she never hesitates to accept the baby even though she knows he cheated on her again.
As the story progresses, the MC's hook up, then they break up for a short time because it turns out that the baby is actually her husband's and the Hero wanted it so much to be his. But all is forgiven with an ILY and the end..
That is the whole story. Sorry for the spoilers, but I cannot lie when I do not like a book or when the writing is so bad as this one was for sure! There was absolutely NO chemistry or romance between the MC's and the whole story line was all over the place.
Shortly after the MCs "fling", Glenna meets and falls deeply in love with her husband, Grant, who when the book opens we learned he died a year ago. Up until the very end, she is constantly mourning her great "love" and sprouting how much she misses him and how much she loved him even though he cheated on her twice in her marriage. So that immediately put me off.
Then we have the Hero, Broderick, who is a manwhore. Why? Because his mother and younger sister had died years ago in a plane crash and he can't do commitment. (so lame!).
Then we have another romance happening at the same time between former enemies, the H's Father with the h's Mother. Yep, the two have secretly been sexing things up and in love and want to merge both companies which doesn't sit well with their kids.
So while all this is playing out, a woman who the H had slept with, leaves her baby girl with both MC's and a note that the baby's father is either Broderick or Glenna's husband Grant.
Glenna is immediately attached to the baby and wants her because she may be her husband's kid. Since she couldn't have kids with her husband, she is okay that this kid may be his because she will have a piece of him and finally be a mother. ( Ummm....in what universe would any sane woman be okay with a cheating husband and accept his bastard????). She did say that the 1st time her husband cheated, she told him that she would forgive him but never again, yet she never hesitates to accept the baby even though she knows he cheated on her again.
As the story progresses, the MC's hook up, then they break up for a short time because it turns out that the baby is actually her husband's and the Hero wanted it so much to be his. But all is forgiven with an ILY and the end..
That is the whole story. Sorry for the spoilers, but I cannot lie when I do not like a book or when the writing is so bad as this one was for sure! There was absolutely NO chemistry or romance between the MC's and the whole story line was all over the place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2018
WOW! This is one of those books where I honestly didn't know what to expect. I knew somehow there would be a HEA but I didn't know just how they'd get there. The characters are well written and engaging. The story-line is fast paced and intriguing. I have to say that this one for me was fresh and new, an interesting take on the "who's the baby's father" story. I recommend you pick up THE BABY CLAIM if you are looking a wonderfully written engaging story about two people finding a way in a world that keeps throwing up road blocks. Broderick and Glenna not only have to deal with the fact there is a baby to take care of, one that will change their lives forever but they also have to deal with a decades old Family Feud, a changing business, and family secrets that leave them questioning their whole lives. I loved the whole family dynamics of this story, not just the family feud but also the way that feud lead to a change in future both planned out. This story will have you smiling, sighing, crying just a little, and so eager to read more about the family you'll be pre-ordering the next books and eagerly awaiting their arrival. Ms. Mann has always been a master at weaving stories that leave you with a lot to think about but with a feeling that life is somehow better for having read this story. I highly recommend THE BABY CLAIM to everyone! Especially if you love outstanding stories, great characters, and families that leave you eager for more.
January 25, 2018
Happy to say that I recently finished this & I’m excited to share my completely honest review in exchange for getting this advanced copy! I’ve read Catherine previously so I know that I already enjoy her work BUT this one REALLY good ... maybe extra good because it’s set in Alaska & Catherine did a marvelous job of describing the region. The whole story was quick to start & I just loved all the initial chemistry between Broderick & Glenna because you immediately learn the basis for the the whole story/series ! Not only do we get to explore the fact that these two have a past history, I LOVED the other big storyline going on which involves a remarkable SEASONED romance that has plenty to do with a whole lot of binding family Issues! This first book in this Oil Baron series really does paint quite the picture of a whole cast of future Characters that will be featured later BUT I found it to be absolutely amazing how well this story flowed given the amount of family members & truly authentic deep rooted family loyalties at play! YES there’s an amazing HEA , but I found this little gem to be quite the emotional read given surprising twists & poignant pivotal conversations near the end. Excellent & so looking forward to more in her series !
January 26, 2018
What? Feuding families aren't feuding anymore? The Steeles and Mikklesons are major rivals in the oil business in Alaska. But major changes are in progress. What's happening and what changes are going on are what readers will enjoy finding out in Catherine Mann's book, the Baby Claim, Book #1 in her Alaskan Oil Baron series.
Catherine Mann has plotted out an entertaining, well-written storyline with lots of sweet, yet hot romance, some surprises and a Happily Ever After which is just perfect! I enjoyed meeting the members of the Steele and Mikkleson families and particularly liked reading about Glenna Mikkleson-Powers and Broderick Steele and their second chance at happiness. The attraction between the two was hot and their love was inevitable. This is a fun, sweet romance that I'm really glad I read.
Catherine Mann has plotted out an entertaining, well-written storyline with lots of sweet, yet hot romance, some surprises and a Happily Ever After which is just perfect! I enjoyed meeting the members of the Steele and Mikkleson families and particularly liked reading about Glenna Mikkleson-Powers and Broderick Steele and their second chance at happiness. The attraction between the two was hot and their love was inevitable. This is a fun, sweet romance that I'm really glad I read.
January 27, 2018
The Baby Claim is set in Alaska where you can find got romances, suspense with twists and surprises. The story without giving too much away are about two families that have been feuding between them.
Broderick Steele and Glenna have a brief world wind romance back in college, but ended suddenly years ago. Until they meet again where they don't have a choice, but to rekindle the old flame not just for themselves? But for the families. Watch how the sparked fly between them.
I highly recommend this Series. You will feel like your with them. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you Catherine Mann for doing such an incredible job writing as usual.
Broderick Steele and Glenna have a brief world wind romance back in college, but ended suddenly years ago. Until they meet again where they don't have a choice, but to rekindle the old flame not just for themselves? But for the families. Watch how the sparked fly between them.
I highly recommend this Series. You will feel like your with them. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you Catherine Mann for doing such an incredible job writing as usual.
January 19, 2018
The Baby Claim is modern day Romeo and Juliet with a few twist and turns. It is also the first book in the series Alaskan Oil Barons by Catherine Mann. Broderick and Glenna have history but are also enemies in the oil Baron industry. One has to come out on top and it can't be both of them.
Yet a baby thrown in the mix innocent and helpless yet needing the two of them to take care of it. That could spell disaster. The family feud keeps them from having a civil conversation yet they both want to do what's best for everyone involved.
I loved this one and can not wait to get my hands on the next in the series.
Yet a baby thrown in the mix innocent and helpless yet needing the two of them to take care of it. That could spell disaster. The family feud keeps them from having a civil conversation yet they both want to do what's best for everyone involved.
I loved this one and can not wait to get my hands on the next in the series.
March 13, 2018
"Theoretically, they should never have cross paths. But their feuding families' constant battle over dominance of the oil industry kept Glenna and Broderick in each other's social circles."
"Their gazes held and the air crackled. She remembered the feeling all too well from their Romeo-and-Juliet fling in college."
Lovers for a short time years ago and rival in business, the first pages set the tone for a nemesis chemistry between our two protagonists. But there's more than one surprises that await them. And once they realize there's strength in numbers, there'll not only have changes at work but in the way they see each other too. They don't deny the attraction but there's no mixing business with pleasure. Kissing under the northern lights was certainly not part of the plan nor playing house with an abandoned baby who might be his or connected to her.
A story set in Alaska is always a delight for me. I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and so happy to know there's others in the Alaskan Oil Barons series. It wasn't my first read by this author so I don't know why I wasn't sure I would like this novel. It could have been more passionated between Glenna and Broderick but it doesn't mean I didn't appreciate watching them moved from being nemesis to allies who care about each other and can't resist the pull of seduction.
I love hearing how authors find inspiration for their stories. That's what is so cool about Harlequin's books; most of the time, there's a preface where the author talk to us about it.
"Their gazes held and the air crackled. She remembered the feeling all too well from their Romeo-and-Juliet fling in college."
Lovers for a short time years ago and rival in business, the first pages set the tone for a nemesis chemistry between our two protagonists. But there's more than one surprises that await them. And once they realize there's strength in numbers, there'll not only have changes at work but in the way they see each other too. They don't deny the attraction but there's no mixing business with pleasure. Kissing under the northern lights was certainly not part of the plan nor playing house with an abandoned baby who might be his or connected to her.
A story set in Alaska is always a delight for me. I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and so happy to know there's others in the Alaskan Oil Barons series. It wasn't my first read by this author so I don't know why I wasn't sure I would like this novel. It could have been more passionated between Glenna and Broderick but it doesn't mean I didn't appreciate watching them moved from being nemesis to allies who care about each other and can't resist the pull of seduction.
I love hearing how authors find inspiration for their stories. That's what is so cool about Harlequin's books; most of the time, there's a preface where the author talk to us about it.
January 29, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
Can the infamous feud between the Steele's and the Mikkelson's actually be mended? Circumstances beyond their control have Broderick and Glenna stepping in to bridge the gap between their siblings as business discussions lead to more when a baby is abandoned in front of them. Whose baby is it? And what will the possibilities bring to these two families? There were a few places that I think could have been built up more to give a more complete love story, but overall this was a fast-paced, fun kick-off to this new series and gave us not only the background of our main characters, but also a good foundation for the siblings stories to come in the future books. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more!
Broderick Steele has lusted after Glenna since back in their college days when they stole a magical weekend away from their life-long family feud. He's tried his best to steer clear of her temptation as they both went on to become big-wigs in their competitive family businesses in the Alaskan oil industry, but with the shock-wave that has just hit both of their families, close-quarters are unavoidable.
Glenna Mikkelson-Powers has lost a lot in recent years and when the baby of her dreams winds up plopped into her lap, she won't let anything stand in the way of making sure she's safe and cared for while her paternity is figured out. With Broderick right by her side, they bond over this adorable tyke and dream of the what-ifs from their past fondness for each other. Can their family feud truly be on it's way to being over? And does that mean the feelings they have hidden from their minds for all of these years can finally be free to fly?
Can the infamous feud between the Steele's and the Mikkelson's actually be mended? Circumstances beyond their control have Broderick and Glenna stepping in to bridge the gap between their siblings as business discussions lead to more when a baby is abandoned in front of them. Whose baby is it? And what will the possibilities bring to these two families? There were a few places that I think could have been built up more to give a more complete love story, but overall this was a fast-paced, fun kick-off to this new series and gave us not only the background of our main characters, but also a good foundation for the siblings stories to come in the future books. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more!
Broderick Steele has lusted after Glenna since back in their college days when they stole a magical weekend away from their life-long family feud. He's tried his best to steer clear of her temptation as they both went on to become big-wigs in their competitive family businesses in the Alaskan oil industry, but with the shock-wave that has just hit both of their families, close-quarters are unavoidable.
Glenna Mikkelson-Powers has lost a lot in recent years and when the baby of her dreams winds up plopped into her lap, she won't let anything stand in the way of making sure she's safe and cared for while her paternity is figured out. With Broderick right by her side, they bond over this adorable tyke and dream of the what-ifs from their past fondness for each other. Can their family feud truly be on it's way to being over? And does that mean the feelings they have hidden from their minds for all of these years can finally be free to fly?
January 15, 2018
I keep hearing rumors that Harlequin is changing their Desire line, especially in light of the demise of Blaze. Catherine Mann’s latest, The Baby Claim, is one of the new more edgy Desires. I am a longtime fan of Mann’s and this book drew me in from the beginning. It felt more like one of her full length novels as opposed to one of her category. The slow build between the hero and heroine is given time to play out over the course of the story, as opposed to when the formula dictates. If you weren’t paying attention to the cover, you wouldn’t even track that is this a Desire book. This is the first in a sprawling oil family. If this is book one, I can’t wait to see where we go from here.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
February 4, 2018
Review to follow
January 17, 2018
Without giving spoilers away, you all really need to get this book. Catherine does not write a bad book. This is different, fast paced, lots of fun, and honestly, I am really looking forward to the next one in this series to see where it goes. Start it early enough though, because it is one of them, once you start it, you do not want to put it down.
December 31, 2017
Great read!! While a little confusing to start, it quickly kept me enthralled with twists you wouldn't expect. I totally enjoyed it and look forward to reading about the rest of the Steele/Mikkelson clans.
March 21, 2018
The Baby Claim by Catherine Mann
Enticing. A good word for the pull of attraction that Broderick and Glenna feel for each other.
A delightful contemporary romance set in Alaska amid the cold and beautiful wilderness and the northern lights. A family feud brought down by two pairs of lovers and a baby in need of parenting.
Broderick is enamored with Glenna and has been for years. She’s the one that got away. I liked this about him from the beginning. That he didn’t realize the depth of why was a bit disappointing but the awakening moment was endearing.
The baby and the puppy could have been cloying but the emotional focus was more on the couple and their pasts. In the end, the merging of the families and the love was sweet and satisfying.
Enticing. A good word for the pull of attraction that Broderick and Glenna feel for each other.
A delightful contemporary romance set in Alaska amid the cold and beautiful wilderness and the northern lights. A family feud brought down by two pairs of lovers and a baby in need of parenting.
Broderick is enamored with Glenna and has been for years. She’s the one that got away. I liked this about him from the beginning. That he didn’t realize the depth of why was a bit disappointing but the awakening moment was endearing.
The baby and the puppy could have been cloying but the emotional focus was more on the couple and their pasts. In the end, the merging of the families and the love was sweet and satisfying.
January 17, 2018
Let’s just get right to the point here.... I Totally Loved This Book!!
I’ve followed Cathy for many years, and think I have read everything she’s written... when she gave me an ARC of this book.... I was so excited... it is everything I want in a book...and more... I was taken in, right from the beginning.... it grabbed my interest that fast,...
I have to be honest.... I had no real interest in reading about Oil Barons... or Alaska..... And I certainly never thought I would want to take a trip to Alaska, but now I do... her description of Alaska is just beautiful... I love reading a book that makes me feel like this is a place I want to be....(only ... I’m a southern girl... don’t know if I could handle that cold...LOL)
And the story line with the oil companies is very interesting... I was pleased....
The Alaskan Oil Barons is full of some pretty interesting people... I love the matriarch and patriarch of the two oil baron families... (Jeannie Mikkelson and Jack Steele)...(oh just wait til you meet them... it’s awesome...LOL).... when they announce to their adult children that they are in love and getting married... and that the two oil companies will merge together... well... no one takes it well... they were raised to not trust each other’s families at all...and probably with good reason....
The book starts with that... and goes on to tell the store of the two oldest children.... Broderick Steele... and Gleena Mikkelson-Powers...... could the college flame they once felt be reignighted? Do they even dare try? The connection is definitely still alive.... but then.... a baby has been found... and everything in their lives have suddenly changed even more....
Every path Catherine takes you on in this book, leads you to want to know more....
I am eager to read the whole series.... and I know I won’t be disappointed... this book is just the beginning... and I love it!
Thank you Catherine Mann for opening me up to new interest.... new possibilities.... and a new story!!
I’ve followed Cathy for many years, and think I have read everything she’s written... when she gave me an ARC of this book.... I was so excited... it is everything I want in a book...and more... I was taken in, right from the beginning.... it grabbed my interest that fast,...
I have to be honest.... I had no real interest in reading about Oil Barons... or Alaska..... And I certainly never thought I would want to take a trip to Alaska, but now I do... her description of Alaska is just beautiful... I love reading a book that makes me feel like this is a place I want to be....(only ... I’m a southern girl... don’t know if I could handle that cold...LOL)
And the story line with the oil companies is very interesting... I was pleased....
The Alaskan Oil Barons is full of some pretty interesting people... I love the matriarch and patriarch of the two oil baron families... (Jeannie Mikkelson and Jack Steele)...(oh just wait til you meet them... it’s awesome...LOL).... when they announce to their adult children that they are in love and getting married... and that the two oil companies will merge together... well... no one takes it well... they were raised to not trust each other’s families at all...and probably with good reason....
The book starts with that... and goes on to tell the store of the two oldest children.... Broderick Steele... and Gleena Mikkelson-Powers...... could the college flame they once felt be reignighted? Do they even dare try? The connection is definitely still alive.... but then.... a baby has been found... and everything in their lives have suddenly changed even more....
Every path Catherine takes you on in this book, leads you to want to know more....
I am eager to read the whole series.... and I know I won’t be disappointed... this book is just the beginning... and I love it!
Thank you Catherine Mann for opening me up to new interest.... new possibilities.... and a new story!!
January 15, 2018
I first met Catherine Mann through her writing and my reading. She is a Rita Award writer so knowing and expecting her writing to be above the cut is a given. Her latest book, The Baby Claim is set in Alaska.
I was given an ARC for an honest review ~
It has been awhile since I read one of Mann’s books but her smooth transition into a world of high flying but yet down to earth characters are met head on where even the sensualness of the nap of rug draws you into the twists of plot quickly.
This book is a new series, where only the Alaskan Tundra is frozen. Broderick and Glenna must try to rekindle a love lost for the sake of more than themselves. Giving away the plot is never found in my reviews. You must experience the journey through her writing. It is for pre-sale now at this link- The Baby Claim
I was given an ARC for an honest review ~
It has been awhile since I read one of Mann’s books but her smooth transition into a world of high flying but yet down to earth characters are met head on where even the sensualness of the nap of rug draws you into the twists of plot quickly.
This book is a new series, where only the Alaskan Tundra is frozen. Broderick and Glenna must try to rekindle a love lost for the sake of more than themselves. Giving away the plot is never found in my reviews. You must experience the journey through her writing. It is for pre-sale now at this link- The Baby Claim
December 26, 2017
“The Baby Claim” introduces us to Catherine Mann’s new series, Alaskan Oil Barons, and features Broderick Steele and Glenna Mikkelson-Powers.
Both Broderick and Glenna come from families dominate in the oil industry. They have been rivals for many years until they discover their parents’ involvement and are now tasked to financially merge their companies. Add in a baby with questionable paternity and Broderick and Glenna have to go to a secluded cabin to put all the pieces together.
Awareness is palpable between the two. Broderick has continued to want Glenna in his life ever since their weekend tryst when they were in college. Because of their families, Glenna had walked out on him and later married someone else. Now widowed, Glenna is forced to come to terms with her late husband’s betrayal and her reignited attraction to Broderick.
Time together – and with a baby – they both have to look within to be able to move forward.
“The Baby Claim” is about two strong-willed people who are rivals in business and are bound by love for each other and bound by their love for a baby.
Ms. Mann has made this reader curious about the upcoming books in the Alaskan Oil Barons series.
Both Broderick and Glenna come from families dominate in the oil industry. They have been rivals for many years until they discover their parents’ involvement and are now tasked to financially merge their companies. Add in a baby with questionable paternity and Broderick and Glenna have to go to a secluded cabin to put all the pieces together.
Awareness is palpable between the two. Broderick has continued to want Glenna in his life ever since their weekend tryst when they were in college. Because of their families, Glenna had walked out on him and later married someone else. Now widowed, Glenna is forced to come to terms with her late husband’s betrayal and her reignited attraction to Broderick.
Time together – and with a baby – they both have to look within to be able to move forward.
“The Baby Claim” is about two strong-willed people who are rivals in business and are bound by love for each other and bound by their love for a baby.
Ms. Mann has made this reader curious about the upcoming books in the Alaskan Oil Barons series.
February 8, 2018
I couldn't put this book down!! Great start to what I expect will be an outstanding series!
March 2, 2018
This is a good story with a good, realistic ending. The Baby Claim is the first book in a series, set in Alaska, by CM. I don't read many Harliquin books anymore but Catherine is one of my favorite authors so I make an exception for her books. I would recommend her books and I will continue to read this series.
July 9, 2020
This book could have been so much better with a little tweaking. The characters were never really developed, the h is unrealistic in so many small subtle ways that she basically becomes a complete Mary Sue, the H is boring, there are way too many plot points going on, and frankly the whole thing was a mess.
I think, had the author taken some time to go over this story and focus it, give in one plot instead of far too many, it would have been far, far better than it ended up being.
However, this wasn't the first book in the series I read, I actually started with book# 5, The Second Chance, and thoroughly enjoyed that so I'll give the other books in this series a chance and hope that the reason this book flopped with me was more that this one started the series and the author hadn't yet had time to fully develop everything and the stories will continue to get better the further along in the series I get.
I think, had the author taken some time to go over this story and focus it, give in one plot instead of far too many, it would have been far, far better than it ended up being.
However, this wasn't the first book in the series I read, I actually started with book# 5, The Second Chance, and thoroughly enjoyed that so I'll give the other books in this series a chance and hope that the reason this book flopped with me was more that this one started the series and the author hadn't yet had time to fully develop everything and the stories will continue to get better the further along in the series I get.
September 29, 2021
[review written on September 2nd]
(read in french, under the title « Deux ennemis pour un empire »)
There's everything in this book : perceivable attraction between the main couple, well-developed sub-characters, gorgeous landscapes and a cute puppy.
Tying two big families together is never easy, especially when their members grew up hating the other side. Add a story with an abandoned baby of uncertain origin and boom, you got a perfect excuse to send Broderick and Glenna to a remote cabin in the Alaskan wilderness. You won't care if it feels too easy, it WORKS. We have Alaska, northern lights, caribou stew and a hero using his brains to not scare away the woman he wants to seduce. And let's not forget the side-story of Jeannie and Jack, the older couple, who have to deal with the chaos their relationship created, and as well share some incredibly cute moments. If the novel focuses on Broderick and Glenna, their parents' romance is absolutely not rushed and we're also told enough about each family's members to discover them at the same time than the main characters.
And all of that in a bit more than 200 pages.
There's really not much to complain about in this book : the storytelling flows smoothly without slow-downs, and apart the quarrel scenes seeming to come out the blue, everything feels logical.
But even if it's not flawless, it's still a very, very, VERY GOOD, loveable reading !
(read in french, under the title « Deux ennemis pour un empire »)
There's everything in this book : perceivable attraction between the main couple, well-developed sub-characters, gorgeous landscapes and a cute puppy.
Tying two big families together is never easy, especially when their members grew up hating the other side. Add a story with an abandoned baby of uncertain origin and boom, you got a perfect excuse to send Broderick and Glenna to a remote cabin in the Alaskan wilderness. You won't care if it feels too easy, it WORKS. We have Alaska, northern lights, caribou stew and a hero using his brains to not scare away the woman he wants to seduce. And let's not forget the side-story of Jeannie and Jack, the older couple, who have to deal with the chaos their relationship created, and as well share some incredibly cute moments. If the novel focuses on Broderick and Glenna, their parents' romance is absolutely not rushed and we're also told enough about each family's members to discover them at the same time than the main characters.
And all of that in a bit more than 200 pages.
There's really not much to complain about in this book : the storytelling flows smoothly without slow-downs, and apart the quarrel scenes seeming to come out the blue, everything feels logical.
But even if it's not flawless, it's still a very, very, VERY GOOD, loveable reading !
April 13, 2019
The Steele's and the Mikkelsons families are wealthy and are enemies. Jack Steele and Jeannie Mikkelson both lost their spouses to death. They start having an affair behind the adult children backs. Broderick and Glenna had a brief love affair in college without letting the families know they had a fling. Glenna was married her husband and her had some issues in their marriage and he dieds. Broderick goes to Glenna office to discuss paper he received. They both go to her mother's office and find the both parents of the families in a situation they couldn't believe. Then one day a baby with note is dropped off and Broderick Or Glenna deceased husband could be the father sine they both slept with the child's mother. The rest of the story kept me on my end of seat.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, families who are enemies trying to get along and want to enjoy the rest of story to find out how they can put both sides at peace.
I can't wait to read the next book in the Alaskan Oil Baron's series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, families who are enemies trying to get along and want to enjoy the rest of story to find out how they can put both sides at peace.
I can't wait to read the next book in the Alaskan Oil Baron's series.
January 7, 2018
Received this in advance to give my honest review :)
I love that BOTH characters are smart independent career people. The story is pretty fast paced and doesn’t drag. A nice contemporary romance that makes you smile! Give it a try.. and remember... it’s part of a series so there will be MORE! 💕💕 Lol
Don’t think below is a spoiler due to the title... but maybe don’t read below if you are worried?
PS... I read a couple other reviews where they were concerned with someone not accepting a baby due to circumstances.... I understand... but personally would never hold it against an innocent child... and didn’t feel that aspect spoiled the feel of the story at all. :)
I love that BOTH characters are smart independent career people. The story is pretty fast paced and doesn’t drag. A nice contemporary romance that makes you smile! Give it a try.. and remember... it’s part of a series so there will be MORE! 💕💕 Lol
Don’t think below is a spoiler due to the title... but maybe don’t read below if you are worried?
PS... I read a couple other reviews where they were concerned with someone not accepting a baby due to circumstances.... I understand... but personally would never hold it against an innocent child... and didn’t feel that aspect spoiled the feel of the story at all. :)
January 25, 2019
The Baby Claim
They had once been lovers back 8n college. But because of bad blood between their families they never had more. Now years later they were brought together by two things. One was a baby. The other is another won't spoil it here. Suffice it to say that this story has the main characters plot plus a bonus plot line. The Baby was dropped of with a note. That the mother didn't know who the father was. Broderick or her dead husband. Now it gets interesting. And a tad complicated. I enjoyed reading books by Catherine Mann in the past. This was another winner.
They had once been lovers back 8n college. But because of bad blood between their families they never had more. Now years later they were brought together by two things. One was a baby. The other is another won't spoil it here. Suffice it to say that this story has the main characters plot plus a bonus plot line. The Baby was dropped of with a note. That the mother didn't know who the father was. Broderick or her dead husband. Now it gets interesting. And a tad complicated. I enjoyed reading books by Catherine Mann in the past. This was another winner.
November 25, 2019
An Alaskan adventure sets the stage for this baby daddy romance. A second chance story with one hiccup, an unexpected delivery and the father is one of two men but the heroine, Glenna isn't the mom.
What will happen when these two reconnect and deal with a few family surprises? Will Glenna finally be able to be a mom like she always wanted?
Will Broderick make the same mistakes again?
Grab your parka and head to Alaska to find out.
What will happen when these two reconnect and deal with a few family surprises? Will Glenna finally be able to be a mom like she always wanted?
Will Broderick make the same mistakes again?
Grab your parka and head to Alaska to find out.
April 27, 2018
Book Club. 3.5 Stars
December 22, 2018
Makes you feel good
This story gives you a good feeling has a great story line e and has a good ending. A feel good story.
This story gives you a good feeling has a great story line e and has a good ending. A feel good story.
July 20, 2019
2.5 stars
July 21, 2021
Good book i enjoyed it.
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