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Colorado Grooms #2

The Rancher's Unexpected Baby

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Enjoy this warm Western romance from bestselling author Jill Lynn

He went from bachelor to daddy—overnight!

After his marriage ended, Gage Frasier vowed he’d never remarry or have children—but now he’s guardian of an orphaned baby boy. Thankfully, his friend’s sweet sister, Emma Wilder, offers to nanny while Gage seeks a more suitable family for the child. But soon, Gage finds himself bonding with his new son…and with Emma. Parenthood surprised Gage, but will love sneak up on him too?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope.

Experience more sweet romances in the Colorado Grooms

The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter

The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby

The Bull Rider’s Secret

Her Hidden Hope

Raising Honor

368 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2019

62 people are currently reading
229 people want to read

About the author

Jill Lynn

32 books463 followers
Jill Lynn Buteyn is a co-author of Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts, and the author of inspirational romances (as Jill Lynn). A recipient of the ACFW Genesis award for her fiction work, she has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.
Connect with her on social media or at Jill-Lynn.com.

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5 stars
116 (63%)
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48 (26%)
3 stars
15 (8%)
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2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,898 reviews208 followers
January 16, 2019
Once again, I found myself devoted to the characters that this author creates! The Rancher’s Unexpected baby is book two in the Colorado Grooms series, yet is definitely able to be read as a stand alone. And if you enjoy complex characters and heart-tugging scenes, I suggest you grab a copy of this book!

Every one of the main characters touched my heart in a different way. From Gage, a man who clearly had issues from his failed first marriage, to Emma, who had a beautiful and giving spirit, and finally to Hudson, the sweet baby who needed a loving home. I fell for these characters, and hard!

This story had so many sigh worthy moments. The sweetness with which baby Hudson was written felt so realistic, as did Gage’s feelings of fear and inadequacy, which kept him stuck and scared to love again. But Emma was a breath of fresh air to both of these guys, giving of herself even when her heart was breaking at times. Yes…I loved this story! It is one I know I will re-read someday…and sigh all over again…

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
485 reviews448 followers
June 7, 2019
I loved EVERYTHING about this book! The characters. The banter. The chemistry. *wags eyebrows*
It was all so perfect. *happy sigh*

Jill makes it so incredibly easy to fall in love with her heroes! They are all kinds of Hallmark perfect. They have flaws, but they also have great strengths and wonderful personalities. (The fact that they're hunks is just an added bonus 😉)

Gage is a strong character who is so full of love, but he believed his past broke his future. It took an adorable baby boy, a wonderful woman, and an incredible God to open his eyes so he could see that his future was so bright and beautiful.

Emma was an amazing character. She is sunshine and optimism, she sees the good in everyone and gives them all a chance. She was a fixer and a nurturer. I loved seeing her flourish throughout the story since she tried to slip through the cracks when the book first started.

I LOVED the Wilder crew in book 1, and I loved them even more in this book.

One major thing I enjoyed was the characters COMMUNICATED! Too many times people overreact, jump to conclusions and blow things out of proportion when it all could have been worked out if they had had a conversation. Not in this story. Yes there was "conflict", there always is, but the characters made sure to talk to each other and in the end it worked out.

This book had me laughing out loud! 😍 It was so good, I read it in one sitting. I'm so pumped for Mackenzie's story!
I rated it a 5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
3,966 reviews1,764 followers
January 22, 2019
That cover! Blissful sigh. Between gushing over the baby and swooning over the cowboy I'm romanticaliously discombobulated. What a toe-curling extravaganza of utter delight! And I'm giving myself a time out in the corner because after reading Jill Lynn's debut novel in 2015 I somehow missed 3 other novels before I got my act together and bought this one! I'm aghast and appalled and wholeheartedly ashamed of myself!

Love, love, love this heroine. I've fallen under the spell of 'the Emma Effect' just like Gage has. It's impossible not to. She's sunshiny optimism to his cynical pessimism. Her passion for life and capacity to love knows no bounds and when she sets her sights on helping someone --- well, best to back out of the way and let her get on with it! And she's harbored a full-blown crush for her brother's best friend for a while now. I grew more and more besotted over Gage right along with her.

Because, hello, cowboy! With a past that's made him bitter. Caused him to doubt his capacity to love but noble enough to honor a friend's impossible request which makes him guardian of baby boy. And -- be still my heart -- the gift he gives Emma at the end! Thud -- that's me swooning so hard I bounced off my fainting couch!

Laughter and tears and the sweet thrill of romance make The Rancher's Unexpected Baby an astonishingly not-to-be-missed-go-out-and-buy-it-now kind of read! :-)
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews275 followers
January 11, 2019
'It's not a me promise, it's a God one. He works things together for good. Even the kind of mountains that don't appear climbable.'

When divorced rancher Gage Frasier discovers an agreement he made to be a guardian for a friend's baby turns into instant fatherhood, he is thrown into a panic. Gage believes children should be raised in a home with both a mother and father and has decided he never wants to be married again, much less be a father. He must find a home for this baby. When Emma Wilde, sister of another friend, offers to help him out with the baby, he agrees to allow her to help but just until he finds someone to take the baby. Gage feels completely overwhelmed and has no idea how to take care of a baby. But as things progress, how can Gage resist adorable 9 month old Hudson and the feelings he has unexpectedly begun to have for sweet Emma? Our plans don't always agree with the plans God has for us. Will these two allow God's plans to be brought to fruition? Or will they insist on having their own way?

Jill Lynn has written a very readable book, great plot, wonderful characters and a great spiritual lesson. It was delightful and I finished it in one day. Recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
518 reviews
January 16, 2019
I know I am in for a treat when I pick up a Jill Lynn book! She is such a good writer. I really enjoy the humor she adds to her stories. I have loved every one of her books.

I enjoyed everything about this story! Emma is my favorite character. When she’s on the page, you can’t help but feel happy. She is so positive, sweet, giving, and she loves to read!! She’s one of those people that you want to be more like. She is the perfect match for Gage, who is letting his past interfere with his future. He gives her this gift towards the end of the book that just melted this book lover’s heart and the epilogue - so good! And the baby? Adorable!!
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,658 reviews
September 21, 2022
I have been working my way through Jill's books that I have missed since I discovered her a few books in. This one was charming! An adorable baby and two main characters that you can't help but like made for a great read. Really loved this one!
Profile Image for Becky of Becky's Bookshelves .
738 reviews105 followers
December 20, 2018
The Unexpected Baby by Jill Lynn is a delightful read. The only problem I had with the book was the more I read the book. . . the closer it came to being finished. Which really is not a problem, but I was very sad when the story was over. The book drew me in to the hero’s ranch and the story of Gage Frasier and Emma Wilder.

Jill is such a wonderful writer. The Unexpected Baby has romantic tension, loveable characters, and is just plain fun to read. The story starts when Gage becomes the Guardian of Hudson, who was left to him by his friend Zeke after he was killed in a plane crash. He needs a babysitter and asks Emma for her help. She loves children and falls in love with Hudson. She also really likes Gage, and our hope is that his heart changes and they fall in love. But, he has vowed to never love again.

I highly recommend The Unexpected Baby by Jill Lynn. Jill never disappoints and you will be glad you had the opportunity to read such a sweet story.
I was given the book by the publisher and not required to write a review.
Profile Image for Melony.
Author 3 books163 followers
January 7, 2019
The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby by Jill Lynn did not disappoint, in fact, I think it might just be my favorite one of hers. Hudson definitely steals the show but so do the other characters. I read this book in one sitting and could not get enough.

Emma and Gage battle out their differences and I loved the interaction between them and Hudson. It’s not easy to give a baby character and personality at such a young age, but Jill Lynn pulls it off really well.

We see some of the characters from The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter and it’s lovely to catch up with them. I look forward to more from this ranching family.
Profile Image for Alessandra Hightower.
24 reviews
December 11, 2018
Excellent writing. I got really caught up with Gage and Emma, and read quickly to make sure the ending was on point! :)
Profile Image for Leslie.
302 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2019
The Rancher's Unexpected Baby is the second book in Jill Lynn's Colorado Grooms series. Reading the initial book, The Rancher's Surprise Daughter, is not necessary to enjoy her newest book but does help to fill in background information on the characters which enhances the story.

Jill Lynn provides good character development which allows readers to see the growth in the characters over the course of the story. This quality, along with likeable characters ,helps to set the book apart and keep the reader engaged. The plot is straightforward with no surprises, but the reader wants to see how the expected happy ending will be achieved. I hoep that author Jill Lynn will continue this series with the final unmarried sibling and allow us a peek into this couple's lives as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book The Rancher's Unexpected Baby from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,357 reviews38 followers
May 28, 2020
This is the 1st book I read by Jill Lynn. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. This book's storyline made me laugh 😂. I loved ❤ the Christian theme in this story. I loved ❤ Gage's character. I loved ❤ Emma's character. I loved ❤ Hudson, he's adorable. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job. Ms. Lynn.
3 reviews
January 16, 2019
The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby by Jill Lynn
The Rancher's Unexpected Baby (Colorado Grooms) by Jill Lynn

This is the second book in Jill Lynn’s Colorado Grooms series. I took this book with me on a ski vacation to Breckenridge, Colorado and while you don’t need to be in Colorado to visualize the beautiful scenery that Jill describes, as the setting for this book, it was awe inspiring. This is the type of book that after you finish you feel like you were there. And legitimately I actually felt like I knew these people! If you are looking for a book that will encourage you, make you laugh, make you teary and let you walk away with a smile, then this is the book you will want to read.

Gage, our rancher, carries a lot of baggage from a broken marriage and sees his failures as his identity making sure he doesn’t deserve any type of a happy ending. He has buried himself into ranching. After a death of a close friend, he is chosen as the guardian for a beautiful baby boy, Hudson. Not knowing how to balance his ranch and watching the baby he seeks the help of Emma, his best friend’s sister. Emma, is our heroine! She’s not your typical leading lady of a ranch romance, but her mini-cooper, her optimism in seeing the world and her love of baby Hudson make her the best friend you wish you had. The connection these two characters have is undeniable and with a baby added into the mix and you will be delighted! God weaves their stories and struggles together and shows that His plan in your life isn’t what you always plan, it’s better! And sometimes what we think we deserve isn’t what God has in store for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
3 reviews
January 16, 2019
This is the second book in Jill Lynn’s Colorado Grooms series. I took this book with me on a ski vacation to Breckenridge, Colorado and while you don’t need to be in Colorado to visualize the beautiful scenery that Jill describes, as the setting for this book, it was awe inspiring. This is the type of book that after you finish you feel like you were there. And legitimately I actually felt like I knew these people! If you are looking for a book that will encourage you, make you laugh, make you teary and let you walk away with a smile, then this is the book you will want to read.

Gage, our rancher, carries a lot of baggage from a broken marriage and sees his failures as his identity making sure he doesn’t deserve any type of a happy ending. He has buried himself into ranching. After a death of a close friend, he is chosen as the guardian for a beautiful baby boy, Hudson. Not knowing how to balance his ranch and watching the baby he seeks the help of Emma, his best friend’s sister. Emma, is our heroine! She’s not your typical leading lady of a ranch romance, but her mini-cooper, her optimism in seeing the world and her love of baby Hudson make her the best friend you wish you had. The connection these two characters have is undeniable and with a baby added into the mix and you will be delighted! God weaves their stories and struggles together and shows that His plan in your life isn’t what you always plan, it’s better! And sometimes what we think we deserve isn’t what God has in store for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jaquelyn Scroggie.
383 reviews5 followers
January 17, 2019
If the author alone doesn’t cause you to pick up this book I know the cover will. Jill Lynn has a way of drawing me and making me fall in love with the characters from the very beginning. Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous rancher and a handsome baby? Once I got this book in my hands, I couldn’t wait to snuggle under a blanket and dig in. I was dying to learn more about Gage and what makes him who he is. I first met both him and Emma in The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed that story as well, but it isn’t necessary in order to understand this one. That being said, it was so much fun to read, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next Colorado Grooms series. I loved every moment I spent with the Wilders and at Gage’s Ranch.

I couldn’t imagine suddenly gaining custody of someone else’s baby, and that being your first experience as a parent. I don’t blame Gage for freaking out, and who better to help him then Emma, the person all kids love? It doesn’t hurt that she is generous to a fault either. Problems tend to arise when people want different things, and Gage and Emma can’t agree on what is best for baby Hudson. I loved being able to watch the characters grow and develop, and would love to have friends like them in my life. Both characters had experiences in their past that caused them to think lower of themselves than they should. I know we can all relate to that. Love is a risk, but it’s worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance. I received a copy of this book and was in no way obligated to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
158 reviews
January 16, 2019
The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby is book two in author Jill Lynn’s Colorado Grooms series. Although part of a series, The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

This book really tugs on the heartstrings and that tug comes in the form of a baby boy, Hudson, who with the recent death of his father has now been left in the care of his father’s best friend. When Gage learns that he has been named as Hudson's guardian, he decides that the best solution is to find a suitable family to adopt Hudson. But, when Emma, his best friend’s sister, offers to help in the interim will she be able to convince Gage that he is ultimately the best choice for Hudson?

If you love stories that draw you in and make you feel every emotion in the book, then The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby is a must read!

* I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but was not required to leave a review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
December 26, 2018
The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby ( Colorado Groom #2 )
By: Jill Lynn
The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby is book two in Colorado Groom Series. This can be read as a stand a lone with no problems. I absolutely loved this story . I was drawn in at the start and could not put it down. The stories is well written with lovable characters. This is Gage and Emma’s story. Gage marriage ended, an unexpected baby and Gage is made guardian. Gage does not want any children. Gage friend’s sister, Emma, loves children. Can she help Gage take care of little Hudson till he can find another home for him? How can you take care of a baby and not fall in love with him? Is Emma asking to be hurt since Gage has vowed to never fall in love again? What will happen to little baby Hudson?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
5 reviews
January 13, 2019
And Jill Lynn has done it once again. She has made this reader fall in love with the characters in her newest novel, The Rancher's Unexpected Baby. I think Emma (our female protagonist) is SO patient, SO giving, SO others focused that she is supposed to be a bit annoying, but I LOVED her. I loved her for Gage. Gage, having been through a divorce after his wife had been heartlessly unfaithful to him, really needed someone like Emma to restore the beauty (and sometimes messy purpose) of marriage.
I absolutely loved the romantic moments that Emma and Gage unexpectedly share as they care for sweet little orphaned Hudson.
As usual, you get to the end of the book longing for more to read on the love story of Emma and Gage as they figure out life with Hudson. If only Jill could give us updates on them every once in awhile. ;)
Profile Image for Jill Skolrud.
6 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2019
What a wonderful, fun book. This is the second on the Colorado Grooms series but is definitely a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first book but there is enough back story given that a reader does not have to first read that book (but you should!).
The entire surprise of discovering you are appointed as a guardian for your best friend's baby was handled excellently. Gage was very real and you could tell his struggle was also very real. I so enjoyed how Emma immediately love this child who was suddenly in her life.
The real-life lesson of forgiveness, including forgiving ourselves, was an important aspect of this book with some interesting twists and turns.
It was a quick, clean read and I definitely recommend this book.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
937 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2019
A cowboy and a baby—what an irresistible combination! Jill Lynn’s newest book, The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby was a delight to read. The lovable cast of characters captured my heart from the first. Emma Wilder is so sunny and giving that everyone can’t help but love her. Gage Frasier is broken and hurting, but is tasked with being a guardian to his deceased friend’s infant son, Hudson. Of course, Hudson is adorable and endearing, and no one can resist him for long.

The tender messages of forgiveness—of self and others—and of hope and faith bring an added dimension to the story. If you’re looking for a feel-good, clean, uplifting book, this is it. I’m definitely looking forward to more stories by this author. 4 ½ stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rachel DeVaughn.
1,098 reviews32 followers
February 5, 2019
Sweet story of two childhood friends thrown together to parent an orphaned baby. Quick afternoon read, clean Christian romance.

I loved Emma's personality and her love for children, family and life. Such a bright, happy character-totally made me smile! I loved reading how she and Gage worked together and demonstrated the importance of love, sacrifice, and family.

Sweet, feel good story with interesting characters and steady story line. I really enjoyed it!

I received a copy of this ebook complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books48 followers
December 19, 2018
This was such a good book! My favorite character is Emma, who wouldn’t want to be around someone who makes you smile. Emma is a happy and loving character, she just makes the reader want to step into her character. I was so drawn into this story from the very beginning, I couldn’t put it down. Gage had baggage and couldn’t move forward to love anyone, but only God can know the plans he has for Gage. This story will make your heart soar! I can’t wait to read more of Jill Lynn’s books.

Profile Image for Heidi.
Author 50 books528 followers
February 3, 2019
So much to love about this latest book in Jill Lynn's Colorado Grooms series: adorable baby, super swoon-worthy cowboy hero and a heroine who made me laugh out loud. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was incredibly delightful as well. I devoured this one because I couldn't wait to see what happened. Jill Lynn has a unique voice and I love the way it shines through in her characters. Her books make me laugh and yet always leave me with a deeper message to ponder. Nicely done, Jill!
Profile Image for Donna Griffin.
198 reviews
January 15, 2019
This was a good quick read. I enjoyed the characters and watching them find their happiness. Both of them dealing with failed past relationships. When a child shows up unexpectedly for Gage, how can he raise it by himself. Emma volunteers to help until he can make other arrangements. Little do they know what is about to happen. I look forward to hearing from these two again.
Profile Image for Jennifer Edwards.
61 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2019
Jill is an amazing writer and didn’t disappoint with this book. From the very first it had me captivated and I couldn’t put it down. Jill has a way of making you feel like you are right there as the story is unfolding and keeps you turning the pages! I read this in one day because I just couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, clean, captivating story!!!
Profile Image for Karli.
196 reviews
June 27, 2022
This book was amazing! The writing was wonderful, and the bond that grew between Gage and Emma was so beyond beautiful. The love connection that grows between the two of them and Hudson is wonderfully written and spaced out in a way that you can’t put it down, but doesn’t drag on. I would love for a sequel to this, and to see where Emma and Gage’s relationship goes and how Hudson grows!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeanette Revie.
136 reviews4 followers
October 1, 2019
Perfect

I have enjoyed every book of Jill Lynn's I've read so far. So comical and provoking and honest. Sure we know the happy ending will be there, but the journey each time is fresh and beautiful. People fall in love every day, but each story is unique. Just like Jill Lynn's stories. Bravo, Ms. Lynn, bravo!
Profile Image for Elaine Applebury.
727 reviews5 followers
April 1, 2019
I enjoyed the story of Gage "inheriting" his best friend's baby, Hudson. A sweet story of Emily working to convince Gage not to give Hudson away to another family, but that he has the best home for him.
Profile Image for Hayley’s Reads.
372 reviews41 followers
February 11, 2019
Not much of an HQ reader, but I adored this book. It was a lovely, easy, feel-good read with bouts of humor sprinkled in. My kind of read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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