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A Not So Immaculate Conception
“KNOCKED UP meets THE PROPOSAL in this guaranteed laugh-out-loud romantic comedy!”
Lacey Winters had a perfectly plotted life.
Then, she had the most toe-curling dream ever—only it wasn’t a dream. And the blurred image of the charming, hot guy she once considered a figment of her imagination, just became the poster boy of her worst nightmare when she finds herself pregnant with no clue who the mystery man is.
The reason for her foggy memory? A case of transient amnesia brought on by… well… only the most mind-blowing… she’d rather not say.
Nonetheless, her boss is not having it. Terrified of unemployment and with her ten-year plan up in smoke, Lacey does what any woman with more brains than curves would do. She announces her co-worker Zak Cooper is her fake husband, then begs him to play along—just until the private investigator can give her answers.
A set of unforeseen circumstances.
Fake kisses turned all too real.
And now she’s torn between a man she’s falling for and an unreliable list of potential fathers. With the delivery soon approaching, she must decide if life is better lived or planned.
**All intimate encounters in this novel are consensual**
Lacey Winters had a perfectly plotted life.
Then, she had the most toe-curling dream ever—only it wasn’t a dream. And the blurred image of the charming, hot guy she once considered a figment of her imagination, just became the poster boy of her worst nightmare when she finds herself pregnant with no clue who the mystery man is.
The reason for her foggy memory? A case of transient amnesia brought on by… well… only the most mind-blowing… she’d rather not say.
Nonetheless, her boss is not having it. Terrified of unemployment and with her ten-year plan up in smoke, Lacey does what any woman with more brains than curves would do. She announces her co-worker Zak Cooper is her fake husband, then begs him to play along—just until the private investigator can give her answers.
A set of unforeseen circumstances.
Fake kisses turned all too real.
And now she’s torn between a man she’s falling for and an unreliable list of potential fathers. With the delivery soon approaching, she must decide if life is better lived or planned.
**All intimate encounters in this novel are consensual**
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2019
58 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Estell
4 books84 followersCrystal spends her days caring for the sick as a registered nurse and her nights chasing happy ever afters. Somewhere in between she finds time to feed her kids, dogs, chickens, and Churro, the rabbit. When she's not tending her zoo, she finds pleasure--and sanity--in deep conversations, coffee, and coloring outside the lines.
Several years ago, she was diagnosed with two rare conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a Chiari Malformation, which led to multiple surgeries, including one on her brain. Shortly after, her then 7-year-old son had open heart surgery. It helped her realize life is short, and she should do what makes her happy.
Writing makes her happy.
If you’d like to learn more and stay up-to-date on all the new releases, go to:
https://estellsplace.com
You can also find her on the following social media sites:
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/estellsplace
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/estellsplace
GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/crystalestell
BOOKBUBS: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cryst...
Several years ago, she was diagnosed with two rare conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a Chiari Malformation, which led to multiple surgeries, including one on her brain. Shortly after, her then 7-year-old son had open heart surgery. It helped her realize life is short, and she should do what makes her happy.
Writing makes her happy.
If you’d like to learn more and stay up-to-date on all the new releases, go to:
https://estellsplace.com
You can also find her on the following social media sites:
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/estellsplace
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/estellsplace
GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/crystalestell
BOOKBUBS: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cryst...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 10, 2019
*Thank you to the author who provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Actual Rating: 4.0
Nine weeks ago, Lacey had a dream that she had the best sex ever, with a mystery man. Then she suddenly finds herself pregnant with no idea who the father is—and with the threat of unemployment looming over her because of this, Lacey panics and tells everyone that her coworker, Zak Cooper, is her husband. She needs him to play along just long enough for the private investigator to find out who the real father is. But when real feelings come into the mix, things start to get very complicated...
When they advertised this as a "laugh-out-loud romantic comedy," they weren't exaggerating. It's been a long time since I've felt so giddy over a book, and there were many scenes where I genuinely had to pause in my reading because I just needed a moment to laugh at how hilarious the situation was. The plot really read like I was watching a romantic comedy movie. There were definitely some instances where I had to suspend disbelief a little bit, but that's to be expected and the book was so hilarious that I had no problem with it.
Zak was undoubtedly my favorite character; he was honestly the most perfect, kind-hearted, and funny love interest, and there were so many times I wanted to reach out and shake Lacey for not appreciating him. Although the character development for Lacey was definitely there, I felt like for much of the book she was wishy-washy, which was a little frustrating. On the bright side, I liked how Zak balanced her out and always called her out for it.
The writing style was great and it contributed to how hilarious the story was. I really liked how the banter between Lacey and Zak was written as well. The funny dialogue between those two (and the private investigator) made up some of my favorite scenes. At the same time, the author was really good at writing heart-warming scenes, and I loved seeing a more intense, passionate side of the relationship between Zak and Lacey.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book for lovers of contemporary romance or chick-lit! If you're a fan of rom-com movies with fake relationships like The Proposal, I guarantee you'd enjoy this!
Actual Rating: 4.0
Nine weeks ago, Lacey had a dream that she had the best sex ever, with a mystery man. Then she suddenly finds herself pregnant with no idea who the father is—and with the threat of unemployment looming over her because of this, Lacey panics and tells everyone that her coworker, Zak Cooper, is her husband. She needs him to play along just long enough for the private investigator to find out who the real father is. But when real feelings come into the mix, things start to get very complicated...
When they advertised this as a "laugh-out-loud romantic comedy," they weren't exaggerating. It's been a long time since I've felt so giddy over a book, and there were many scenes where I genuinely had to pause in my reading because I just needed a moment to laugh at how hilarious the situation was. The plot really read like I was watching a romantic comedy movie. There were definitely some instances where I had to suspend disbelief a little bit, but that's to be expected and the book was so hilarious that I had no problem with it.
Zak was undoubtedly my favorite character; he was honestly the most perfect, kind-hearted, and funny love interest, and there were so many times I wanted to reach out and shake Lacey for not appreciating him. Although the character development for Lacey was definitely there, I felt like for much of the book she was wishy-washy, which was a little frustrating. On the bright side, I liked how Zak balanced her out and always called her out for it.
The writing style was great and it contributed to how hilarious the story was. I really liked how the banter between Lacey and Zak was written as well. The funny dialogue between those two (and the private investigator) made up some of my favorite scenes. At the same time, the author was really good at writing heart-warming scenes, and I loved seeing a more intense, passionate side of the relationship between Zak and Lacey.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book for lovers of contemporary romance or chick-lit! If you're a fan of rom-com movies with fake relationships like The Proposal, I guarantee you'd enjoy this!
June 11, 2019
I received an ARC copy for review.
This was a hilarious read. Starting from the plot, to the dialouges, to the hilariously messed up baby daddy candiadates this was one lively novel. Lacey and Zak had an amazing chemistery, although both can be a bit frustrating at times. For Lacey who plans everything, it is unbeleivable that she is pregnant and cannot remember who the father is, it is a rollercoaster ride of emotions on her journey to find the man who has fathered her baby. For Zak who is absoluety in love with Lacey, it is hard to believe that Lacey might not return his feelings when they obviously share such amazing chemistery.
I won't spoil the stroy too much except to say that this is one rollercoaster ride you want to be a part of. I do wish that there had been a bit of a longer epilouge because I felt like the book was wrapped up a little too fast after Lacey finds the father of her baby, but over all this was a good book, and written really well.
This was a hilarious read. Starting from the plot, to the dialouges, to the hilariously messed up baby daddy candiadates this was one lively novel. Lacey and Zak had an amazing chemistery, although both can be a bit frustrating at times. For Lacey who plans everything, it is unbeleivable that she is pregnant and cannot remember who the father is, it is a rollercoaster ride of emotions on her journey to find the man who has fathered her baby. For Zak who is absoluety in love with Lacey, it is hard to believe that Lacey might not return his feelings when they obviously share such amazing chemistery.
I won't spoil the stroy too much except to say that this is one rollercoaster ride you want to be a part of. I do wish that there had been a bit of a longer epilouge because I felt like the book was wrapped up a little too fast after Lacey finds the father of her baby, but over all this was a good book, and written really well.
June 24, 2019
A Not So Immaculate Conception by Crystal Estell is a romantic comedy about a woman named Lacey and her struggles with work. She finally gets a chance to be on the top project at her firm, only for her to get pregnant. Even worse, she doesn’t know who the father is. After having an orgasm that was so good she forgot, she hires a private investigator to find out who he is. She can’t ruin her image as a single mother so she asks a co-worker to pretend to be her husband. Lacey goes on a rollercoaster with being pregnant and trying to please everyone.
*RECEIVED AN ARC COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW*
2 stars. I understand that this is the author’s debut novel so there is obviously going to be imperfections. I really really wanted to like this book because the beginning was great and the cover is beautiful, but things don’t always work out. The book was really fast and has missing parts. I had to skim and skip some chapters because they were irrelevant to the plot. This book was also very predictable so I became uninterested once I knew who the baby daddy was.
The main character was so problematic. Lacey was annoying, needy, selfish, and stupid. She was trying to become this person she wasn't which can be relatable but she was doing too much. She hired a private investigator just to find her baby daddy when it was very clear he was right in front of her.
I absolutely loved the character, Doby. I feel like she should’ve been the main character because she was funny and seemed like she had her life together. If she got her own book, I would read that.
The ending is what made me give it another star. The way she expressed herself to Zak and the birth of the baby made me smile. The way she was explaining everything to him was like I felt how she truly felt.
Zak was so perfect and did everything for Lacey even though he barely got anything in return. I loved him and his character. I believe he deserved so much better.
I wouldn't recommend this though.
To read a more in-depth review, check my blog post: https://readingwkrissy.home.blog/2019...
*RECEIVED AN ARC COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW*
2 stars. I understand that this is the author’s debut novel so there is obviously going to be imperfections. I really really wanted to like this book because the beginning was great and the cover is beautiful, but things don’t always work out. The book was really fast and has missing parts. I had to skim and skip some chapters because they were irrelevant to the plot. This book was also very predictable so I became uninterested once I knew who the baby daddy was.
The main character was so problematic. Lacey was annoying, needy, selfish, and stupid. She was trying to become this person she wasn't which can be relatable but she was doing too much. She hired a private investigator just to find her baby daddy when it was very clear he was right in front of her.
I absolutely loved the character, Doby. I feel like she should’ve been the main character because she was funny and seemed like she had her life together. If she got her own book, I would read that.
The ending is what made me give it another star. The way she expressed herself to Zak and the birth of the baby made me smile. The way she was explaining everything to him was like I felt how she truly felt.
Zak was so perfect and did everything for Lacey even though he barely got anything in return. I loved him and his character. I believe he deserved so much better.
I wouldn't recommend this though.
To read a more in-depth review, check my blog post: https://readingwkrissy.home.blog/2019...
September 1, 2019
What a gorgeous book, I couldn't put this down! Every twist kept me on the edge of my seat desperate to know what was going to happen next.
I love the characters in this book, like Lacey I am a planner so instantly I liked her and felt like I could relate to her. Zac is amazing! I love him, I have the biggest crush on him- where do I get a real one? He's lovely, reliable and always there for Lacey.
The chemistry between the pair is evident from the very beginning. The dialogue between them enhances this and really shows the developing love story.
The plot of this book is fantastic. It's funny and cute with the right balance of humour and romance all thrown in. This book has made me laugh and want to cry all at the same time.
I'm always reluctant to try new authors, but seeing this book talked about on social media made me curious. The title is cute and the cover is eye catching so I had nothing to lose. I definitely do not regret it, this is a wonderful book which engaged me from the very start. I found it both interesting and easy to read.
This is my first read by Crystal Estell, but it definitely won't be the last. She is a fantastic author and this was a story that I easily got lost in. Reviewing this book is extremely easy to rate, it is most definitely a five star book; although I do wish I could give it more.
I love the characters in this book, like Lacey I am a planner so instantly I liked her and felt like I could relate to her. Zac is amazing! I love him, I have the biggest crush on him- where do I get a real one? He's lovely, reliable and always there for Lacey.
The chemistry between the pair is evident from the very beginning. The dialogue between them enhances this and really shows the developing love story.
The plot of this book is fantastic. It's funny and cute with the right balance of humour and romance all thrown in. This book has made me laugh and want to cry all at the same time.
I'm always reluctant to try new authors, but seeing this book talked about on social media made me curious. The title is cute and the cover is eye catching so I had nothing to lose. I definitely do not regret it, this is a wonderful book which engaged me from the very start. I found it both interesting and easy to read.
This is my first read by Crystal Estell, but it definitely won't be the last. She is a fantastic author and this was a story that I easily got lost in. Reviewing this book is extremely easy to rate, it is most definitely a five star book; although I do wish I could give it more.
June 24, 2020
Man, this story drove me crazy
I read it to the end, but I struggled along the way. I found it frustrating that this overly emotional ordeal had to take 9 months when a 2 minute conversation could have solved everything. I know it was supposed to be funny, but the aggravation and frustration really tempered a lot of the humor for me. Lacey lived in near constant angst through the book and treated dreamy, super wonderful Zak horribly that I could have 😢 for him. Her level of insecurity with believing his love and pushing him away was too much. I still loved him so much, that it saved the book for me. A really attractive heartwarming hero. The frustration with the premise and Lacey's character is almost worth subtracting 2 starts, but benefit to the author--4 star book.
I read it to the end, but I struggled along the way. I found it frustrating that this overly emotional ordeal had to take 9 months when a 2 minute conversation could have solved everything. I know it was supposed to be funny, but the aggravation and frustration really tempered a lot of the humor for me. Lacey lived in near constant angst through the book and treated dreamy, super wonderful Zak horribly that I could have 😢 for him. Her level of insecurity with believing his love and pushing him away was too much. I still loved him so much, that it saved the book for me. A really attractive heartwarming hero. The frustration with the premise and Lacey's character is almost worth subtracting 2 starts, but benefit to the author--4 star book.
June 29, 2019
I. Loved. This. Book. I laughed more than I thought possible. Lacey's character was the perfect fit for the plot--the over-the-top, workaholic with her whole life planned out suddenly becomes an unwed pregnant mother vying for a contract for The Sanctity of Marriage Coalition, thus forcing her into a fake marriage with her co-worker and best friend Zak, who's been head over heels in love with her for years, but she's too work obsessed to notice. And the ending! Loved it the most. This book is a must read!
June 10, 2019
I received an ARC copy for review. This book is both funny and heart-felt at the same time. Lots of parts made me laugh. I like the chemistry between Lacey and Zak, although Lacey can be uptight sometimes, which is part of the story line. She is like the person who wants her whole life to be perfect but then things keep happening to her that she can’t control. I won’t spoil the ending, but it was great!
August 2, 2019
Funny moments butlong
If you can believe that an orgasm can be so powerful as to give you amnesia and leave you pregnant, then continue with this story. It had its funny moments with a list of suspects for the baby daddy and how they were "eliminated", but it dragged on too long. It was so obvious and she was in such denial, that I wanted to give up, but hung on until the end. So a sweet HEA, but a lot of work to get there.
If you can believe that an orgasm can be so powerful as to give you amnesia and leave you pregnant, then continue with this story. It had its funny moments with a list of suspects for the baby daddy and how they were "eliminated", but it dragged on too long. It was so obvious and she was in such denial, that I wanted to give up, but hung on until the end. So a sweet HEA, but a lot of work to get there.
October 13, 2019
I absolutely loved this fabulous story about Zack and Lacey I willed them to work it out from the very beginning! Zak is the perfect book boyfriend! Crystal tells a witty and engaging story that will leave you hooked and desperate to read on! This was a first from this author for me but it definitely won’t be my last! I cannot wait to see what comes next! Beautiful story- works highly recommended
March 12, 2020
I’m usually a fan of the classics and I almost never read anything from the modern age let alone a romantic comedy so when this book was recommended to me by a friend I was skeptical to say the least so I was completely caught off guard by how much I enjoyed this book!! Great characters great character development and a story that leaves you rooting for the protagonist all the way to the end!! If you want a fun read that always keeps you guessing than this is the book for you!
June 18, 2019
Whilst I wasn’t blown away with this book, it was still an okay read. It should have been more of a funny situation as Lacey try to determine who the baby daddy was, but it ended up being quite dry instead and fell flat for me.
I didn’t warm to Lacey at all, I found her to be hard headed, fixed on rules and wishy washy in her behavior with Zak, but I guess that’s what the author was going for with that situation, if that's the case then yes a complete win. After roping him into her white lie after having suffered sex amnesia and suddenly pregnant, with her being a daddy’s girl and afraid to beak his heart Zak decides to go along with it.
What follows is situation where she gives no leeway as he tries to get closer to her, and drops hints like there is no tomorrow about their relationship. Zak was lovely bloke, heads over heels in love and willing to do almost anything for Lacey.
Will she finally get her head on straight before the baby comes, or will her lies take over and her mad dash with the PI that she hired lead her into danger?
I reviewed a copy of this book given by the author, all comments and feelings are my own.
I didn’t warm to Lacey at all, I found her to be hard headed, fixed on rules and wishy washy in her behavior with Zak, but I guess that’s what the author was going for with that situation, if that's the case then yes a complete win. After roping him into her white lie after having suffered sex amnesia and suddenly pregnant, with her being a daddy’s girl and afraid to beak his heart Zak decides to go along with it.
What follows is situation where she gives no leeway as he tries to get closer to her, and drops hints like there is no tomorrow about their relationship. Zak was lovely bloke, heads over heels in love and willing to do almost anything for Lacey.
Will she finally get her head on straight before the baby comes, or will her lies take over and her mad dash with the PI that she hired lead her into danger?
I reviewed a copy of this book given by the author, all comments and feelings are my own.
June 22, 2019
This book was such a treasure to read. It was witty, comical, sweet, romantic and suspenseful. I couldn't put it down! Many novels are too cheesy, too unrealistic, too much. This book was perfect in many ways. The main characters were like real people that anyone could relate to. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2019
Fun read
The book was so frustrating. Not only for the reader but for Zak. After you read this book I am sure you will agree that Lacey is a nut case. Her 'plans' , controlling, not listening and especially not hearing. Even with all of her shenanigans I enjoyed the read. Enjoy all.
The book was so frustrating. Not only for the reader but for Zak. After you read this book I am sure you will agree that Lacey is a nut case. Her 'plans' , controlling, not listening and especially not hearing. Even with all of her shenanigans I enjoyed the read. Enjoy all.
June 11, 2019
**I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review** 4.75 I enjoyed it! The chemistry between the characters felt genuine and not forced [which I love!] I hate too quick or forced romances. I laughed throughout the entire book.
June 28, 2019
Silly
Lacey is just so neurotic that she’s making me dizzy. As for Zak, loving someone is fine but being a doormat isn’t. I also disliked the usual they can only be happy in a small town with the kids in the backyard. A lot of us love living in the city with children
Lacey is just so neurotic that she’s making me dizzy. As for Zak, loving someone is fine but being a doormat isn’t. I also disliked the usual they can only be happy in a small town with the kids in the backyard. A lot of us love living in the city with children
January 29, 2020
Good
It was a good read, a little far fetched for me. Lacey was supposed to have no memory of having sex with Zak, I got frustrated because he didn't just tell her! But for the most part it was enjoyable.
It was a good read, a little far fetched for me. Lacey was supposed to have no memory of having sex with Zak, I got frustrated because he didn't just tell her! But for the most part it was enjoyable.
June 30, 2020
Sweet and heartwarming
Enjoyed reading this is completely a chick flick only in book form. It's very cute. Sweet, and lighthearted. Can't help to love all the characters. Just a adorable happy ending love story with a few twists. Recommended
Enjoyed reading this is completely a chick flick only in book form. It's very cute. Sweet, and lighthearted. Can't help to love all the characters. Just a adorable happy ending love story with a few twists. Recommended
April 25, 2024
A Not S Immaculate Conception: Crystal Estell
I just loved this story and it wss easy to adore the two main characters. At times I thought they would never get together and finally find out the truth about how their son was conceived. A delightful story with a happy ending. 🤗
I just loved this story and it wss easy to adore the two main characters. At times I thought they would never get together and finally find out the truth about how their son was conceived. A delightful story with a happy ending. 🤗
December 3, 2019
A sweet romantic comedy. It is amazing, but these kind of things do happen. You'll have to read more to find out what I am talking about.
December 14, 2019
Good read but knew the answer all along, she just had problems.
August 18, 2020
Cute. Awkward. Stilted. Randomly placed and LOL sex scenes.
Wouldn't have minded if it was a bit longer in order to delve into more family dynamics.
Wouldn't have minded if it was a bit longer in order to delve into more family dynamics.
June 8, 2021
A very great read while on deployment. Also for us veterans, the book fits right into the cargo pocket.
June 17, 2019
I received an ARC of this book for review. Hilarious, emotional and suspenseful right from the start. Full of unpredictable turns that leave you totally engaged. I love how the author adds just enough detail, but not to much to bore you. Lacey and Zak, the main characters give you a ride of emotions with their attractive, ideal, young business personas. They add just enough messy, unconventional baby daddy drama with their love that keeps you hanging on page after page. A must read for anyone looking for a not so traditional love story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews