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254 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2021
**Spoilers**
The fun-niest thing aboutBoris and CarrieArthur and Charlotte is the absolute lack of chemistry or affection and I wish Barnard hadn't made this a pregnancy trope because maybe then we might have seen an organic growth to the "love".
Arthur, our hero, was problematic from the very start. Forcing a kiss on a woman you met 5 seconds ago is not alpha. Using your clout to secure her a civil service job is corrupt and reminiscent of our current state of politics. Women hating on other women and competing for the affection of one bland man (Arthur) is hella problematic.
Undoubtedly, Barnard is a competent writer, however, her reliance on the tried and trusted tropes -the surprise pregnancy slash must marry to stave off gossip, likewise the evil ex GF and bitchy MIL- made this derived and bland.
Additionally, having pregnancy as the third main character is off-putting. Charlotte soiling herself in public twice was disgusting and not what I want to read about in what is supposedly a romantic setting.
Overall, I only finished it because the story was well written and it moved along briskly.
Whitehall Baby was such an enjoyable story, it was hilarious and easy to read.
Charlotte Bellswain is an excellent PA witht the dream of being a fashion designer, Arthur Ellison has worked really hard to become the Cabinet Secretary. They meet at a Whitehall event and in a whirlwind of passion they get a surprise pregnancy. This isn't the best circumstance to start a co-parenting relationship , will Charlotte and Arthur succeed in this new journey? Will they have a chance to fall in love?
Charlotte and Arthur couldn't be more different from each other, a bubbly woman the first and a serious workaholic the latter. I really liked our heroine with her artsy attitude and funny personality, on the contrary I didn't like Arthur most of the time but he has his moments and in the end I cheered for their happily ever after.
I love Laura Barnard writing style and humour, I couldn't get enough of her stories.
I recommend to read this book if you need a light-hearted read.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.