Just One Time

Beaumont Creek #1

by Samantha Baca

There are worse things than turning forty.

However, I can’t seem to evade my worry of my biological clock, and my fear that time is running out. I’ve always wanted to be a mother, and with each passing day, there is a greater chance that might be a dream of mine that will never come true.

And if the clock isn’t loud enough— my controlling and overly judgmental mom is. Her snide comments never go unsaid and her numerous failed attempts at setting me up with any new bachelors in town are enough to spur small town gossip for months at a time. Never mind the fact that she tried to set me up with Old Man Bucky down the street from her— the frail but sweet widow who walks with a cane and has grandchildren my age.

But this isn’t about my mom or her obsessive need to see me settle down and pop out the grand babies she so desperately wants. This is about the emptiness that has lingered inside of me for so long that I worry I will never fill it.

I have a lot to be thankful for in my life. I’m in good health. I run a successful cafe that I inherited from my grandparents and an incredibly handsome best friend who is willing to help make my dream of becoming a mother come true.

It may not be the most conventional way to start a family, but there is no one that I trust more. Besides, we agreed that it would only happen once. Regardless of the outcome, we walk away with our friendship intact. I know this is crossing the line of friendship, but this is my one shot. It’s one night.

What could possibly go wrong?

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Amazon, Small Town Romance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2022

About the author

Samantha lives in the southwest with her husband and two children, where she enjoys writing, drinking iced coffee, and watching the greatest show of all time—Friends. With over 30 books published, Samantha enjoys writing across several different genres, from steamy romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedies. She also has a sweet spot for holiday stories, so grab a blanket and get ready to binge some of the sweetest—yet spicy—holiday romance your heart can handle!

Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:

Facebook Reader Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29457...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamant...

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/author_samantha...

Webpage:
www.samanthabaca.com

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/authorsamant...

Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/RQAYK9/Sama...

Reviews

[Joni Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hott!! Just One Time is never enough, with me at least lol.. Nate and Abby had been best of friends since they was 7 years old!!
Abby biological clock was ticking way to loudly that all she thought about was becoming a mom, but didn't know what to do. She talked with her doctor about different ways as she was single with no guy in sight or mind. When she had talk with her sister about it and Nate's name was brought up, Abby had loved him most of her life but didn't want to cross or blur the lines of the friendship.. But sometimes, you have to do things to get what u want.. This book is scorching hot!! Samantha you out did yourself with this one and I can't wait to read the others..

[The Love Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just One Time is a best friends to lovers, pregnancy romance set in the small town of Beaumont Creek. Abby and Nate have been besties since they were kids. Now both are 40, with Abby owning a bakery and Nate being a firefighter. Abby really wants a baby. She jokingly proposed that Nate be her sperm donor, but he wants to do things the old fashioned way. One thing leads to another and Abby ends up pregnant. The story shows her and Nate growing closer throughout the pregnancy, along with their meddling families wondering what their relationship really is as Abby’s due date comes closer.

Overall, I really liked the premise of the story. However, the writing was very cringey to me and some scenes/chapters needed to be fleshed out a lot more. I loved Abby and Nate’s chemistry but their smex scenes were a bit lackluster. Also, the third act breakup was the type of miscommunication that makes me scream where one person sees something, overreacts/misinterprets what they saw, and there’s no convo for weeks to break the ice. They’d had great conversations when they had conflict throughout the story so the miscommunication was annoying at that point.

I do want to read the next book when it releases because I was very intrigued by Abby’s sister, Jane. It’ll be an older woman, single mom story between her and Nate’s friend, Capshaw.

TROPES: friends to lovers/parents; pregnancy (seen throughout the story); small town; firefighter H; close-knit (ish) family

TRIGGER WARNINGS: n/a

[Samantha Baca]

Just One Time is live!!!

Grab the fire extinguisher because this one is hot, hot, HOT 🥵

🎂Best friends to lovers
🎂Small town
🎂40th birthday
🎂Just one time- we all know what that means 😘
🎂Super steamy

𝐼 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑠𝑚, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐴𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑑, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛.

Grab your copy of Just One Time for only $2.99 (for a limited time)

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3w2Gc5b
Apple: https://bit.ly/3w3h3ay
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Price will increase to $4.99 on 8/5 and the book will be moved into KindleUnlimited and removed from Apple, Nook, and Kobo so be sure to grab your copies before then!

[claire - clairesbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super cute childhood friends to lovers where Abby, who just turned the big 4-0, feels her biological clock ticking away and is worried about the cost of IVF treatments and questions that come with sperm donation. Determined to become a mother, and at the urging of her sister, Abby asks Nate (her best friend) to donate his sperm since she knows all about him and his family history already. Once Nate agrees to Abby's idea, they lay down the rule - just one time. 

I love starting a new series. I love getting to know the characters, their quirks, what makes them tick, and I love even more guessing who is going to be the center of attention in the next book 😄 I'm definitely looking forward to book 2!

LOVED: Abby's relationship with her sister and how she supported her while she was having problems with her ex.

AWW: The photo albums. And Abby's parents at the end of the book.

FAVE QUOTE: So you want to do like a turkey-baster type thing?

BEST SPICY SCENE: In the bath at the cabin. Or in Nate's shower.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You love a small town, friends to lovers, low drama, lots of laughs and strong family vibes.

[Addicted2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book until the end. The whole kiss and make up was just wrong. Nate up and leaving for the entire last month of the pregnancy without talking to Abby made me angry! Pregnancy is hard and he had seen that during the rest of the pregnancy. Then he leaves while lying to her about following his dreams. They both should have said something during that argument because yes, they were both at fault. But she had no idea what he saw. What he did by leaving and refusing to talk to her made her last month terrible. Then she's just like, oops we both made mistakes, let's kiss and make up while she's in labor.
Nope! I got angry with my husband for hitting potholes while driving to the hospital and he had been nothing but wonderful during the whole pregnancy. Abby's anger was spot-on, the rest absolutely not. It ruined the whole book for me.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just turned 40, Abby is feeling like time is running out. She has not found the man to capture her heart and share the white picket fence, plus kids with. After talking to her doctor she realizes that she could still achieve one dream, have a baby. When her best friend Nate offers to be the donor, she is not sure what to think but decides who better to do this with. What happens though when they both navigate Abby being pregnant and not communicating with one another one what each other truly wants?

This was a great start to new series. I thought a bit angsty at times but then I think it would be hard to to switch from being best friends into another level neither considered. If you like friends to lovers story this is one to pick up.

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miscommunication is awful

The age range picked for the characters didn't match the story. If they were thirty it would have worked. Forty for women is different, a pregnancy is automatically a high risk pregnancy. The chances of getting pregnant without help are greatly reduced. Some women can sail through it but, doctors warn you about everything that can go wrong.
The rest of the book doesn't work because they don't act like adults. Forty is the start of adultier adults. There is very little time for bs, anywhere in your life. The concern you felt for looking foolish has morphed into a willingness to have uncomfortable conversations. Yeah, this book was a fail for me.

[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[SookandBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

 Just One Time is a dual POV friends-to-lovers romance. After turning 40, Abby is struggling to let go of her dream of becoming a mother. She opens up to her best friend, Nate, about how she’s feeling, and he offers to help her get pregnant. Things quickly shift in their relationship, but neither is willing to admit to their changing feelings, each afraid that the other will shoot them down. After all, it was just supposed to be once!

This was a cute read and an interesting idea, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I liked both Abby and Nate, and love a friends-to-lovers story because there is so much foundation of love to build off of. I struggled a little with Nate being in his 40s and making major decisions based on incorrect assumptions that could be cleared up with the bare minimum of communication, and with Abby not pushing for a conversation when it was clearly needed. I’m interested in checking out some other books by this author. This one wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I’d like to explore some of her other books and series! 

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of humor, angst, family, a good mix of side characters, and a steamy connection between two best friends. Abby and Nate have been best friends since they were 7 years old and so it only makes sense that when she makes the decision she wants to have a baby that she would tell Nate. The surprise comes in when he offers to be the father. And thus begins the dance between these two as they struggle with the feelings of love that they have for each other but are afraid to admit. There was a point where I wanted to lock these two up in a room and tell them to really talk to each other. But then, we would have missed out on a lot that happened between them. I'm so looking forward to reading Jane's story.

[SaviLeeLind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had every bit the sweet Romantic hometown/ best friends to lovers feel. I loved it all from start to finish and my heart had many swoon worthy moments.
Abby was sweet and relatable. You wanted her happy ending. Nate brought the steam and touch of jealousy all the while being handsome and sweet. When he offers to help with her baby dreams they find that once was not enough and maybe there could be more. Question is will they find their way before it’s too late!

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

This was such a sweet story, I do love a friend's to lovers take and this was a great example of that. Abby and Nate were so good together I just kept willing them to talk to each other! They had such great chemistry together and I loved the way he doted on, and took care of her.

[Harriet Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! Such a great book- emotional, sexual full of love and more possibilities than you first imagined- love can make everything seem better

[Laura Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than ACOTAR

[Marebare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book was messy. So many things happened and it just felt chaotic. Nate was a really good best friend. He was willing to impregnate Abby so she could live out her dream. She was really messy. She started dating the guy her mom set her up with then she found out she was pregnant. She felt jealous when he spoke to another woman. He seemed like a nice guy but then he dipped when he found out she was pregnant. I was sad bcs we didn't get to see that happen. She just tells Nate that they broke up and that's it that's all. But then her childhood sweetheart comes back into town after 20 years and Nate catches them kissing. Instead of being a sound adult and talking it out, he takes a job in a town that's three hours away. Kinda stupid and inconsiderate considering that he was planning on raising his daughter alongside Abby and helping her out when needed. But bro just upped and left. He didn't even fight for it. That was annoying. Her mom was also annoying at the start but I'm glad she left for a good chunk of the book. And when she did come back, she was a changed woman. Slay. Her sister's ex-husband is an ass and she really needs to give Nate's coworker a chance. Would I read their book? Probably not if it's just as messy as this one, but I'm lowkey curious.

Overall, it was an ok book. Chaotic is definitely how I would describe it. Nate and Abby do literally all the couple things together but don't put a label on it. The second another guy comes in, Abby leaves Nate side (ok it's not as bad as I'm describing it but it's noticeable). They're 40 years old but I feel like their maturity puts them in their 20s. The one thing that really kept me going is the short chapters. That kept my attention and made it really easy to move forward and read it. Everything was fast-paced so I liked that.

[Denice Leong · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book from this author and I truly like the premise of a girl turning 40 wanting to have a baby since the clock was ticking. This is such a real thing among many woman. Now whether that have a smoking hot firefighter bestie at their disposal willing to step in is of course where the fiction comes in. But alas, Nate is a ridiculous sweet, loving, thoughtful bestie who would do anything for Abby, the girl he has loved since they were 7. What I appreciated about this story was that once Abby declared this is what she wanted and Nate said he would do it that they literally did it that night. The story covers her entire pregnancy and how they are best friends and lovers but not in a relationship.

Things I loved
-There is a lot of spice and fun bedroom experiments.
-Abby’s sister and Capshaw’s chemistry plus when Capshaw comforted her son
-The teasing between Nate and Abby


Things that were a bit off for me
-The Just One Time title and theme of this was a little odd since originally they thought they’d have sex one time but clearly that wasn’t the case and really did they think they’d get knocked up after one try?
-The fact that they tell each other everything and can read each other so well but couldn’t officially decide to talk about being together in a relationship and that was the main conflict made me want to shake them. Like they know when the other is lying but they could t figure out that the other person loved loved them? Also not talking about it especially since they were both in their 40s
-The misunderstanding that lead him to flee again really they didn’t try to figure that out sooner? Glad there was a HEAT but ugh that part hurt.

Still recommend for a quick spicy read.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town, best friends to lovers romance was so hot! Abby and Nate have been friends since they were 7 years old and now at forty Abby’s biological clock and her chance at motherhood are ticking. She makes the decision to have a baby and when she tells Nate he offers to be the father!

Their journey from best friends to lovers to parents is hilarious, relatable, and there is an amazing group of supportive friends and family. Abby and Nate were so cute together and their chemistry was explosive! The writing, humor, and pacing was well done and I know anytime I read one of Samantha Baca’s books I’m going to have a great time!

I’m looking forward to the rest of the Beaumont Creek series!

Braylee Spade is a new to me narrator and I really enjoyed their work!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s rare when I have to suspend belief during a story involving 40 year olds, but there’s a first for everything. Abby wants a baby and has zero prospects until her best friend, Nate, offers himself up. His condition; they make it the natural way. They are 40. How was there no discussion of geriatric pregnancies? Because that’s where we’re at at this point. But whatever, it happens. Now I get to read about pregnancy farts and the how-to’s of anal sex (during the same “session”). This story felt a little wattpad-ish. I didn’t hate it, but I think it could’ve been worked through a bit more to make it feel complete.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet

This book was very sweet. The main characters drove me nuts. I hate it when characters cause their own problems because they don’t communicate!!! It’s a personal pet peeve.
It just didn’t feel fully fleshed out. Sometimes there was too much description other times not enough. It dragged in some places then was rushed in others. Sometimes there was a time shift that was confusing and it took a minute to understand.

It’s odd because I almost connected best with h the supporting characters.
I read a lot so at this point I’m getting quite picky. This book was good. Not great. Some will absolutely love it though so absolutely give it a try!!

[AnneMarie Davee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Friends to More ❤️🍼🧯💙

Nate and Abby have been best friends fur most of their lives, so becoming parents together is just another part that works for them.

The story was sweet, and a good example of why communication is so important. They were both good characters who are family and town minded. Nice HEA.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

No amount of love can redeem such horrendous communication. A singular conversation at the beginning of the book where the main characters talked out their feelings would have made this book so much better.

[Katy Van Maaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was once again sucked into this love story! I can’t wait to read Jane’s story next!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this best friends to lovers story. It was chalked full of funny moments and heart warming ones too. There is no way you won’t fall in love with Abby and Nate.

[Sequoia Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the cutest books I've read recently. I couldn't put it down. Loved their dynamic!!

[Gina Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 2.5 story would have been over at 50% if they had just talked to each other

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love everything about this book. Finally a woman in her forties. Falls for best friend. Just a great small town romance. Loved the spice as well.

[Wormy Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet small town story

This was a fabulous read! I'm a sucker for a friends to lovers, and this story hit the spot! Abby and Nate are so cute and I really loved their story.

[Raegan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great premise. Poor execution.

[Lerato · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like she entertained way too many guys while having relations with the hero. She was feeling sparks left right and center.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ve just celebrated your fortieth birthday and all you get from your mother is... “Be careful, dear; you wouldn’t want to exert yourself trying to blow all of those candles out. Then she paused and laughed when she said, better yet, maybe that would help land a man.” Seriously? Her own mother. Depression was setting in. She had even cut her long hair, hoping it would help her get out of the rut. Nope, it didn't help. Here, she was a successful businesswoman and a fantastic baker. Her business was thriving. She’s had her best friend since she was seven and some mean boy on the playground stole her fruit snacks. Not only did he pull her skirt up for everyone to see her days of the week underwear. Nate Wilson had bravely stepped in and defended her. They have been together ever since. Abby served this couple coffee and tea the beautiful pregnant woman, who took them smiled at her husband with a dazzling smile. Once they were out the door Abby let out a breath she had been holding uttering lucky bitch, what she thought was under her breath.

The only thing she forgot Nate was still there, perched on the end of the counter, drinking his black coffee out of a ceramic mug because he insisted that it tasted better. “Why’s she so lucky?” “Come on, Abby, what’s up?��� “Nothing.” “Earth to Abby.” “I forgot that you were still sitting there.” “I’m always here, and I hear everything.” “What does she have that you don’t?” “I don’t know,” I snorted. “Everything? A gorgeous husband who obviously adores her. A baby on the way. A body that will probably bounce back to model status the second she shoots that thing out of her overly perfect vagina that won’t endure any damage during delivery and will have her husband begging for another baby the second he sees it.” “You got all of that from the few minutes they were in here to order coffee?” “Just because she has those things doesn’t mean that she’s lucky.” “I know.” “Is this because you just turned forty?” “There’s nothing wrong with getting older.” “Really?

Because I’m pretty sure that my eggs are all shriveling up and dying inside, along with my chances of finding someone I love and want to settle down and start a family with. It’s not like Beaumont Creek has many eligible bachelors my age coming to town and looking to sweep the local barista off of her tired, swollen feet.” “It will happen, Abby.” “How do you know?” Then she tells him all about the whole blowing out her candle's fiasco. Nate’s brows pull together. “She thinks I should advertise that I’m good at blowing things,” she blurted out. “Well, are you?” he asked. “Nate!” “I mean if we’re going to start advertising that, we should at least make sure it’s true.” “I am not answering that, and shame on you for asking.” “Can’t blame me for trying,” he laughed. “I was just trying to be a good best friend and get on board with project Abby Blows. I don’t think we should get into any more detail,” he joked. “People might be taken aback by that. You want to start slowly and ease them in.” “Are we still talking about the same thing?” she laughed.

“Because now it’s starting to sound a bit like directions.” Another blush flashed across his face, and she felt satisfied that she was able to get to him. Witty banter was their thing, but he was usually the one who could get her to shut up by embarrassing her first, so she was truly enjoying this newfound victory. He tells her the right guys are out there. She has to be patient. “Easy for you to say,” she sighed. “You have women practically throwing their panties at the hottest firefighter in Beaumont Creek. You don’t have any problem getting dates, let alone finding a woman who wants you to put a baby in them.” They’re either as old as my mother or too young and need a fake ID to get liquor at the liquor store. “Well, at least you’re still hot.” “That’s mostly because I’m running in and out of fires.” “And you have men who want you.” “And yet neither of us wants the ones who want us,” she replied cheekily. Something flashed across Nate’s face, but it was gone before she could tell what it was.

See just how heavy and different, as well as, deeply personal their lives are about to become. Because their truths about the true love they carry for each other will be tested and revealed in nine months. So sit back and enjoy the fun banter, as I did.