Baby's Daddy

by Aubrey Wright

Mr. Tall, Dark, and Cocky is my baby's daddy. He's finally back after all these years. He just doesn't know he has a daughter.

He didn't know I was pregnant when he left our small town. Neither did I.
But it doesn't change the fact that he's a prick. A 6'5" rock-hard prick with soul-piercing eyes.
And a stare that says, "I take what the f*ck I want."

My heart is more guarded than Fort Knox. I was prepared to tell him to shove those sexy eyes where the sun doesn't shine.
Until I saw him talking to our daughter. His giant hands holding her small ones.
The way he smiled at her like only a father could.

My heart is broken, but there's room for him in it. Maybe he'll stay once he knows the truth?
Maybe he will love both of us...

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Adult

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2019

Reviews

[Erika ♥OwlwaysReading♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of the H (WARNING: Manwhore), but somehow Aubrey Wright got me to really enjoy this one. Props to Liv for sticking up for herself, and not pretending everything was "ok".

“I’m trying to understand your exalted sense of entitlement,” she said. “Do you think you’re God?” She laughed as she said the three-letter word. “What makes you think you’re entitled to some ultimate level of impartiality by others? Guess what? Life screws you, Jax. And no one owes you any sort of explanation.”

Liv not being a doormat and being brutally honest with Jax is what made this angsty book work.

Secret baby trope ✅

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a weird book for me to read I did end up enjoying Jax, Liv and Anna’s journey to their HEA but I was worried that Jax wasn’t going to be a redeemable character. And is I am honest I still wasn’t a hundred percent happy about his conduct or how he had behaved in the past but I was routing for them to find their way back to one another. I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Liv has spent the past ten years raising her daughter and making a life building a successful business for herself in her home town after the man she was hopelessly in love with broke her heart. And now he is back hiding from his playboy lifestyle. As much as she tries to keep away from him she is still drawn to her first love but she has been keeping a secret from him for over ten years, her daughter is also his daughter, after he dumped her at the airport after they had spent the night together she didn’t want him to let her daughter down too but now the big NFL star is back in town will she be able to keep her secret and will she be able to keep her heart safe from the only man that ever mattered?

Jax is back in his worst nightmare his hometown hiding from the press after his house was involved in a drugs raid, not that he was even there but being the NFL’s biggest playboy makes anything he does news, but hiding the house of his father that is filled with mouldy food and a microwave that has seen better days was not how he thought this would play out. Jax is used to being able to have any woman that he wants but when he sees the woman living next door to his dad is the woman he walked away from but has never really forgotten can he really stay and see how much she hates him for the way he discarded her? One thing that Jax knows is that his feelings for Liv are way more complicated than he ever comprehended. Realising that the place he feels the most like he belongs and is home is besides Liv can he convince her that he is worth taking a chance on or did he lose his one and only chance at love and a home ten years ago and how will he handle having a preteen daughter he knew nothing about?

Jax isnt a character you can empathise with easily and I hated his attitude to women would have like Liv to make him work more for her love but they were meant to be and I liked the relationship that they had with Jax’s Dad. I would recommend this book it’s a great quick read. 3.8 * from me.

[beth m · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage

I didn’t finish this book got about 30-ish % done and asked myself why I’d waste time reading something so crappy. The male and female leads sucked. All around. Both are immature, flighty, and just disappointing.

Male is forced to go back to his old town to weather out a scandal he wasn’t even a part of . When he was 18 and running off to college he broke up with his girlfriend his “high school sweetheart“ right before getting on the plane after spending “6 hours in bed prior” . He made a comment that he had left that crappy town and he had a pick of any of the women on campus, and basically was a man-slut. So he goes his way and she goes hers but she finds out she’s pregnant goes through it all by herself. He comes home thinks she’s with someone else and this is the part I don’t get: he lets himself in to his old friend’s Dad’s house. A friend he never kept in touch with, and then finds out Liv lives there... he mistakenly thinks she’s with his old best friend and she has a kid with him. He’s then so bored at his dads place which is next door he sees her on the back porch smoking cigarettes he then pulls out a joint and they are smoking it together?!????? 🧐 like what? Liv is supposed to be this strong independent woman trying to not lead on that she had his kid and she’s smoking pot, his pot? I mean this is a clear indication that he’s not in any frame of mind to parent a kid. And her too!! I mean she’s single parenting and getting high on the back porch. Classy. Then he’s like a petulant kid, enters her car and won’t get out so they can talk. Idk this book was just so horrible.

Top it off with how many times he’s like “you sure she’s mine” because she’s not into sports... I mean come the heck on get over yourself. There were a few other things that made me a bit nutty but this book was just junk. If I had bought this I’d be livid.

I guess I am just into books where the man isn’t a jerk, steps up to the plate, and acts like a helpmate instead of a lazy piece. It’s hard to believe the male is supposed to be some pro footballer when he’s indulging in pot smoking and who else knows.

[Regan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crap. So shallow. Really dislike the heroine. Don't read

[⇝ b ⇝ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've had really bad luck lately. This wasn't great. It was rushed etc.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right now as I write this part of the review for this book, I’m sick and tired of these repeating phrases, he’ll be leaving soon, it’ll be like last time, he dumped me, he leave me.... and so on. They are in their 30s and truthfully they act and talk like their still teenagers. He wants her body but nothing more, he wants to know is daughter but doesn’t want to be a dad, if their is actually talking involved he panics. Both Liv and Jax are immature Around each other. Liv still resents Jax for the words he said at the airport and his actions since. Jax calls his hometown ‘$h!thole’ he don’t care about his dad, town or anyone else in this town including Liv...

Now I’m domes with it and really Jax doesn’t ‘grow up’ until the last 3 chapters and realize he’s a grown man with a 10 year old daughter and woman he’s loved but hidden from and a dad that was as messed up as him. It took the media to find out about Anna and kissing another woman to figure out who he was meant to be.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A storm that's been ten years in the making is about to wreak havoc with one explosive secret. Aubrey Wright always delivers. Baby's Daddy has plenty of ugly cry moments, but it also has it's hand in some serious uphill battles. Jax and Liv are hard to wrap your heart around. What was once a strong friendship, blossomed into young love and found it's way into adult heartache. Far from pretty, the mess that they left unfinished has led them to a standoff ten years later, where their ugly past could destroy more than just foolish pride. Wright exposes love at it's worst, heartache at it's best and every emotion in between.

[Briana Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SMOKING HOT. Shew, I have to cool off after reading this one. 😅 Jax and Liv’s connection and chemistry was literally off the charts. I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I loved reading the transformation take place in Jax throughout this book. The book was written very well. Fast paced but not so much so that it feels rushed. I mean, they couldn’t deny their chemistry more than a couple of times before something was bound to happen. And boy, when it did, it was FIRE. 🔥 I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait to read more by this author!

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - These two do their best to put the fun into dysfunctional but that is only the tip of the iceberg. The chemistry between Liv and Jax is filled with passion...which is often revealed in anger or lust. Aubrey did a great job writing this second (and third) chance. It's a fun read with frustrating characters who are sassy, cocky, and full of love... and other stuff.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the absolute best story. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Everything I like to read about and more. Such a great story I will read again and again. A keeper!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not a fan of the "get pregnant by the love of your life and don't tell him" trope. I also didn't connect with these characters. I thought much of Liv's anger was of her own doing, and Jax was just an ass.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Proud_book_nerd (Josie) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story I've read over and over...

Reading as many books as I have it's hard to find new concepts. While the writing was decent (could have used another editing, found several errors myself), the chemistry substantial and a good HEA. I just wasn't surprised by anything and was a bit bored.

[Becca Akins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't read a "second chance romance with baby" romance before. I liked this one enough to be interested in picking up books with similar plots in the future but overall this wasn't anything to write home about.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
I hated the immature, selfish main characters and couldn't continue reading their childish thoughts and actions. Sorry.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little heartwarming story

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of either character. The story was ok.

[Rooted In Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main characters are soo frustrating....the story was soo messed up at a point. More than halfway through and they didn't know what they want but they just wanna fuck!!! There's soooo mant misunderstandings and they are just creating more....one just loooves to assume things won't clear them and throw them on the other person and another just looves hiding everything...they just won't communicate even after saying we should communicate more... the main point where is the child??? They are just angry fucking eachother there is noo bonding with the child no sweet moments and OMG he's her father after 11 years he just came and became a father like no Bonding communicating or anything even in the end u can't find her properly just some glimpses....it wasn't my cup of tea!

[Yan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was half-hearted to read this book because of the reviews but I’m happy I gave it a chance. It was a well-written story on second chance at love and personal healing. I admit I was bothered by Liv’s anger towards Jax, but I understood along the way how she had harbored such resentment. Main takeaway from this book: give forgiveness when it’s due and communicate even when you don’t want to. My favorite parts were Jax’ transformation and the ending! This is the first book of Aubrey that I’ve read and won’t be the last. 😊

[Malena90 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped at 14%. The h is supossed to be a single mother, a grown, independent woman, but she is acting like a brainless teenager. That scene at the stairs outside- no, just no.
And H? Hahahha. Jackass.
I've read enough to know I would not like the main characters, and it's the reason enough for me to put this book down and not pick it up again.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Read this in a day. This was a cute book the main character liv got me going lol. It’s a god book of choice if your looking for a quick read and some good entertainment. Gonna go check out the next book in this series.

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The female character in this was just too annoying and constantly picking fights, everything was his fault and she just acted like a brat. Over half the book is them fighting. Just be warned, I liked the premise but Liv just irritated me so much I almost didn’t finish reading.

[Ela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get that into it. I like the premise though.

[Phoenixsneha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
I don't know why I picked this book. I mean I was expecting something different. Hated both the main lead. Well glad the people who enjoyed it but this book is not my cup of tea.

[Anna Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[larissa || uma plebeia poeta · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

poorly written and kind of cringe… it wasn’t for me.

[Jasleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly it was an ok read I felt like the guy didn’t really care about his daughter too much and mostly cared abt the girl. Like they showed no scenes of the daughter and him connecting

[Valeria · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 35%
I don't know if I am the problem or it is the book. I don't feel connection between me and the characters. I feel pised at everyone. Especially at Jaks.

[Alis Renzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, non ricordo un tubo di questo libro a parte la scena del fotografo in casa. E il finale...

jax deve nascondersi dalla stampa perché ci sono stati problemi in casa sua mentre lui era fuori città.
Ana era la sua ragazza al liceo, e vive ancora nella loro città natale dove lui torna per nascondersi.
Ana ha un segreto però... una bellissima bambina che gli ricorda molto Jax.
Quando viene a scoprire che la piccolina è sua, lui decide di riprendersi ciò che è suo. La sua Famiglia!

Una lettura romantica, senza fronzoli.
La sola cosa che mi ha dato fastidio è la velocità con la quale i due personaggi si rimettono insieme e decidono di ricreare la famigliola felice. Avrei preferito che Ana e Jax se la prendessero comodo per conoscersi, e far abituare la piccola alla notizia.

La relazione con il padre di Jax invece mi è mancata davvero tanto. Volevo più scene padre-figlio. ma non fa nulla, quella che c'è basta e ci da una piccola idea di quello che è successo.

Una lettura facile e con pochi drammi.

[Breanna Kretzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can she learn to trust enough to give a second chance? (Warning: SPOILERS inside)

This book is fantastic! It is a page turner and might make you shed a tear or two. If you don't want any spoilers then stop reading here! I try not to post spoilers in my reviews but I just have too much to say about this book to promise that.

"You've always been all mine."

That's the ending of the story, since you know it's a HEA that's hardly a spoiler but since it can be said by or to both of them I find it fitting. By no means was this an easy HEA, it wasn't instantly admitting they still loved each other and fall into bed. It wasn't see my daughter and family just clicks together right away. It wasn't even a run into each other and it's like no time has passed at all. No, Aubrey Wright makes it a long, drawn out process that pays out so good. You may want to reach into the book and shake a character or two.

Jax is a renowned playboy, he's a rich football player and is forced into hiding because of a scandal. He could easily get himself out of it but that would mean telling the truth and admitting how messed-up he is. He's ashamed of being in therapy. When his mother left on his 18th birthday it scared him. Up until that point he thought things were great, suddenly with her gone he feels like anyone at anytime could just up and leave him, so he closes himself off. The only person he lets see anything real is Liv and he even pushes her away. When he leaves for college he doesn't care that Liv's mom has just been diagnosed with cancer, he doesn't think about how Liv has stood by him for everything, he says goodbye without even looking back. No wonder neither Liv nor his father told him he was going to be a daddy. You come into this book realizing that Jax is a giant jerk, as you read you'll actually understand why he made certain choices and even begin to sympathize with him.

Liv found out she was pregnant right after getting dumped at the airport when Jax was leaving. She doesn't have time to dwell on anything though because her mom is sick and she's going to have a baby. Liv is a super strong and empowered female character in this story. Not only has she overcome many so much but she's thrived in business. She has her bakery and her daughter Anna, what more does she need? Even after more than 10 years she's still hung up on Jax, so him showing up next door at his dad's place is a shock. As they keep running into each other and getting closer I really appreciate how hard it was for her to trust Jax. He had plans to go back to Seattle so I understood her reasoning of not letting Anna know Jax was her dad. I was surprised at how easily Jax agreed not to tell her, even when he wanted to spend more time with her. I think that was a big part of why Liv let him back in.

You can feel their chemistry even before either gave into it. You will want this HEA more and more as you see Jax transform back into the caring person he once was. Being loved helps him so much more than therapy did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.