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The Forresters #1
The Secret Baby Bargain
From a USA Today–bestselling author, a wealthy CEO discovers he has fathered a child with his former lover and demands she marry him for his son’s sake.Jake Marriot had always been clear about the terms of his relationships—no marriage, no babies. So when Ashleigh Forrester found out she was pregnant with his child, she ran!But Jake’s back. The billionaire has returned to convince Ashleigh that she belongs in his bed. But when he meets her little boy, the resemblance is too obvious to ignore. Jake no longer wants her as his mistress . . . but he’ll buy her as his wife. . . .
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2006
68 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Milburne
1,167 books394 followersI grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and knew I was going to marry on our second date! After marrying a year later, we moved to Scotland with our six week old baby so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. After the birth of our second son we came back to Australia to settle in Tasmania.
I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I used to write from instinct rather than a specific plan, but now, so many books later I find a loose plan doesn't go astray. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase or a what if question and I'm away.
Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ writers is to write, write, and write even more. Carry a notebook at all times and jot down ideas. And like any other activity the more you do, the more it feels comfortable.
I hope you enjoy my stories and look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 22, 2018
This is a secret baby story with a hero who has such a dark backstory that it overshadowed every other element in the story. Trigger Warnings - child abuse, animal abuse.
The twenty year-old heroine left the hero in England when she was four months pregnant. They had been living together for two years and the heroine knew the hero would never marry her and he didn't want children. The final straw was when he didn't defend himself against her accusations of cheating.
It's four and half years later and the hero is in Australia to clear out the family house after his father's funeral. He looks up the heroine, who by now is "engaged" to her boss, an antiques dealer. The hero wants to get together with the heroine again. The heroine is still attracted, but doesn't want to tell the hero about his son. The hero forces the issue by having the heroine go through his family stuff so her boss's company can sell it.
We gradually find out that the hero was abused as a child and that's why he never wanted to marry or have children. There is a really awful detail with his dog and hero digging up the garden to find her grave.
This one was too heavy for me to really enjoy.
The twenty year-old heroine left the hero in England when she was four months pregnant. They had been living together for two years and the heroine knew the hero would never marry her and he didn't want children. The final straw was when he didn't defend himself against her accusations of cheating.
It's four and half years later and the hero is in Australia to clear out the family house after his father's funeral. He looks up the heroine, who by now is "engaged" to her boss, an antiques dealer. The hero wants to get together with the heroine again. The heroine is still attracted, but doesn't want to tell the hero about his son. The hero forces the issue by having the heroine go through his family stuff so her boss's company can sell it.
We gradually find out that the hero was abused as a child and that's why he never wanted to marry or have children. There is a really awful detail with his dog and hero digging up the garden to find her grave.
This one was too heavy for me to really enjoy.
March 25, 2019
Hero was really messed up. On the other hand, after the violent childhood, he was quite sane actually. In fact heroine had some issues. It was understandable, she was hurt but firstly, after she learned about his father's genetic personality disorder, she still ignored the birth control. This was just idiotic. However, there was a second and more important reason why I didn’ t like h:
‘I have never laid a rough hand on you and you damn well know it,’ he ground out.
‘Yet,’ she goaded him recklessly.
His mouth tightened into a harsh line of contempt. ‘I see what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to push me into being the sort of man my father was. But you can’t do it, Ashleigh. I am not going to do it. You can goad me all you like, throw whatever names and insults my way you want, but nothing will make me sink to that level. Nothing.’
Heroine had no right to say these words, that was so mean.
Anyway, H didn’ t agree with me and they had HEA.
‘I have never laid a rough hand on you and you damn well know it,’ he ground out.
‘Yet,’ she goaded him recklessly.
His mouth tightened into a harsh line of contempt. ‘I see what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to push me into being the sort of man my father was. But you can’t do it, Ashleigh. I am not going to do it. You can goad me all you like, throw whatever names and insults my way you want, but nothing will make me sink to that level. Nothing.’
Heroine had no right to say these words, that was so mean.
Anyway, H didn’ t agree with me and they had HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2017
That was so sad and heartbreaking. My heart broke for the hero and I even cried a few times because his son's love for him was so emotional and touching. What an adorable toddler. Great couple, great chemistry and what a sweet HEA. Heroine was a virgin and celibate during separation so totally safe for me :)
April 2, 2012
Very disappointing read...The book started off great, but then took a bad nose dive. It's sad because, Ashley actually comes off very strong in the beginning having left Jake 4 years earlier because she was pregnant with his child. Jake was adamant that he didn't want marriage or children. Ashley ran back to her family so afraid that he would force her into terminating the pregnancy. She picked up her life, raised her son and is about to marry another man. She appears strong, happy and caring.
But then everything changes and Ashley turns into the consummate spineless heroine. After four years, Jake is back in her life having come to close out the estate of his recently deceased father. He contacts Ashley to see if they can resume a short liaison while he wraps things up. Of course, even after all that has happened, Ashley can't help but melt when she sees Jake and every time he touches her, she aches for him. Huh?
When Jake finds out he is a father (bombshell accidentally dropped by the twit sister) he demands that they marry. And this is where the book really goes haywire. Of course, Ashley can't really say no......so she just kind of mopes around while everyone else in the family is celebrating the so called engagement. Huh?
So how do parents and two sisters who are very close actually want her to marry this loser who has done nothing but break her heart. For two parents who were loving and supporting through the book, their reaction was totally out of character and ridiculous. As a parent, they should have been running the man out of their home, not cracking open champagne.
Yikes this book may turn me off HP's for awhile.
But then everything changes and Ashley turns into the consummate spineless heroine. After four years, Jake is back in her life having come to close out the estate of his recently deceased father. He contacts Ashley to see if they can resume a short liaison while he wraps things up. Of course, even after all that has happened, Ashley can't help but melt when she sees Jake and every time he touches her, she aches for him. Huh?
When Jake finds out he is a father (bombshell accidentally dropped by the twit sister) he demands that they marry. And this is where the book really goes haywire. Of course, Ashley can't really say no......so she just kind of mopes around while everyone else in the family is celebrating the so called engagement. Huh?
So how do parents and two sisters who are very close actually want her to marry this loser who has done nothing but break her heart. For two parents who were loving and supporting through the book, their reaction was totally out of character and ridiculous. As a parent, they should have been running the man out of their home, not cracking open champagne.
Yikes this book may turn me off HP's for awhile.
October 28, 2014
Leona's review does a great job on the story and how flawed it is, so I won't repeat.
Here's one plot aspect that was original, finding a brand new way to repulse me. We get to enjoy "hero" Jake's thoughts hoping heroine hasn't been with anyone else since their 2 year relationship, while he happily reflects on how he's replaced heroine "numerous times" over the 4.5 years since they split with many subsequent lovers...which is supposed to impress us because they haven't "affected" him like heroine did. Big whoop. He didn't love her...the "romance" was not very romantic. (in fact, she of course hasn't slept with anyone else in spite of nearly being engaged).
then she has a cut on her finger and this guy who just reflected on being promiscuous SUCKS HER BLOODY FINGER into his mouth. How sweet...NOT. One cold sore or bleeding gum from his morning floss job and she's screwed. I didn't see him present her with medical tests...that's assault, she gets to risk STDs and doesn't even get an orgasm out of it??? I could barely focus on his self-righteousness over the secret baby (she thought he didn't want children...just because he told her repeatedly that he never wanted children?). This author has some good ones, but also a lot of stories where heroine is just not that special to hero...maybe he has warm feelings for the mother of his child, but doesn't ever love her truly and deeply. I just do not believe that this guy will be faithful...
Here's one plot aspect that was original, finding a brand new way to repulse me. We get to enjoy "hero" Jake's thoughts hoping heroine hasn't been with anyone else since their 2 year relationship, while he happily reflects on how he's replaced heroine "numerous times" over the 4.5 years since they split with many subsequent lovers...which is supposed to impress us because they haven't "affected" him like heroine did. Big whoop. He didn't love her...the "romance" was not very romantic. (in fact, she of course hasn't slept with anyone else in spite of nearly being engaged).
then she has a cut on her finger and this guy who just reflected on being promiscuous SUCKS HER BLOODY FINGER into his mouth. How sweet...NOT. One cold sore or bleeding gum from his morning floss job and she's screwed. I didn't see him present her with medical tests...that's assault, she gets to risk STDs and doesn't even get an orgasm out of it??? I could barely focus on his self-righteousness over the secret baby (she thought he didn't want children...just because he told her repeatedly that he never wanted children?). This author has some good ones, but also a lot of stories where heroine is just not that special to hero...maybe he has warm feelings for the mother of his child, but doesn't ever love her truly and deeply. I just do not believe that this guy will be faithful...
July 19, 2011
Poor girl, it's a wonder she could stand up what with not having a backbone and all. He railroaded her. There were places where he accused her of stuff that she totally had a rebuttal for but she just agreed with him, 'yes, you're right, I should be ashamed that I kept your child from you even though you went ballistic at the mere thought of having kids.' And then when he decides to marry her, her family totally takes his side. I don't care how handsome he was or how lame the other guy was. You stand behind what your sister/daughter wants.
September 27, 2022
Update
September 24th/2022
I need to reread/skim the book... What I remember the most was that the son was so cute (ñ_ñ)
_______________________
First reading: 2012
September 24th/2022
I need to reread/skim the book... What I remember the most was that the son was so cute (ñ_ñ)
_______________________
First reading: 2012
September 10, 2018
Maybe I've read too many "secret baby" HQ recently, but this just didn't have any "zing" to it.
One of the things I didn't like was that Ashleigh was looked down on because her childhood was so happy. In addition, Jake made fun of Ashleigh's fiance, Howard, because Howard's faith was strong & that meant that he chose not to even attempt to have sex with her. Yes, I know that HQP's are all about sex, but to make fun of someone because they follow their beliefs like that is wrong.
That said, the part where Lachlan is asking about his "daddy" just about tore my heart out:
‘He doesn’t know about you,’ she said, deciding the truth was safer in the long run. ‘Why not?’ She couldn’t meet his eyes. Was this how it was going to be for the rest of her life, guilt keeping her from looking at eyes that were the mirror image of his father’s? ‘I couldn’t tell him…’ she said at last. ‘Why not, Mummy?’ She closed her eyes and counted to five before opening them again. ‘Because he never wanted to be a daddy.’ ‘But I want a daddy,’ he said, his big dark eyes tugging at Ashleigh’s heartstrings. ‘Do you think if I met him and asked him he would change his mind?’ She looked down at the tiny up-tilted face and smiled in spite of her pain. ‘I just know he would. But you can’t meet him, sweetie.’ ‘Why?’ She hugged him close, not sure how to answer. ‘Mummy?’ ‘Mmm?’ She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from falling apart. ‘I still love my daddy even if he doesn’t want to see me,’ he said solemnly. Ashleigh felt as if someone had just stomped on her heart.
and then when father & son meet:
Ashleigh swallowed the lump of anguish in her throat. ‘Yes… Jake is your daddy.’ Lachlan’s smooth little brow furrowed in confusion. ‘But you told me he didn’t want to ever know about me.’ ‘I know…but that was before and now…’ She couldn’t finish the sentence as her emotions took over. She bit her lip and straightened, turning away to try to pull herself together. ‘Lachlan…’ Jake stepped into the breach with an outstretched hand. ‘I am very pleased to meet you.’
and
‘Daddy?’ Ashleigh felt her breath lock in her throat and, before she could stop herself, she turned her head so she could see into the room to where Jake was standing looking down at his little son lying in the narrow bed. ‘Yes?’ Jake asked. Lachlan’s fingers began to fidget with the hem of his racing car sheet, his eyes not quite able to meet his father’s. ‘Have you changed your mind about wanting to be a daddy?’ It seemed a very long time before Jake answered, Ashleigh thought, her heart thumping heavily as she counted the seconds. ‘I’ve changed my mind about a lot of things, Lachlan,’ he said at last.
************
Re-read 9/10/2018- Upgraded it to 3*'s because knowing Jake's background, I can understand more what his problem was and how much he had to overcome before he could say "I love you" to Ashleigh.
One of the things I didn't like was that Ashleigh was looked down on because her childhood was so happy. In addition, Jake made fun of Ashleigh's fiance, Howard, because Howard's faith was strong & that meant that he chose not to even attempt to have sex with her. Yes, I know that HQP's are all about sex, but to make fun of someone because they follow their beliefs like that is wrong.
That said, the part where Lachlan is asking about his "daddy" just about tore my heart out:
‘He doesn’t know about you,’ she said, deciding the truth was safer in the long run. ‘Why not?’ She couldn’t meet his eyes. Was this how it was going to be for the rest of her life, guilt keeping her from looking at eyes that were the mirror image of his father’s? ‘I couldn’t tell him…’ she said at last. ‘Why not, Mummy?’ She closed her eyes and counted to five before opening them again. ‘Because he never wanted to be a daddy.’ ‘But I want a daddy,’ he said, his big dark eyes tugging at Ashleigh’s heartstrings. ‘Do you think if I met him and asked him he would change his mind?’ She looked down at the tiny up-tilted face and smiled in spite of her pain. ‘I just know he would. But you can’t meet him, sweetie.’ ‘Why?’ She hugged him close, not sure how to answer. ‘Mummy?’ ‘Mmm?’ She bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from falling apart. ‘I still love my daddy even if he doesn’t want to see me,’ he said solemnly. Ashleigh felt as if someone had just stomped on her heart.
and then when father & son meet:
Ashleigh swallowed the lump of anguish in her throat. ‘Yes… Jake is your daddy.’ Lachlan’s smooth little brow furrowed in confusion. ‘But you told me he didn’t want to ever know about me.’ ‘I know…but that was before and now…’ She couldn’t finish the sentence as her emotions took over. She bit her lip and straightened, turning away to try to pull herself together. ‘Lachlan…’ Jake stepped into the breach with an outstretched hand. ‘I am very pleased to meet you.’
and
‘Daddy?’ Ashleigh felt her breath lock in her throat and, before she could stop herself, she turned her head so she could see into the room to where Jake was standing looking down at his little son lying in the narrow bed. ‘Yes?’ Jake asked. Lachlan’s fingers began to fidget with the hem of his racing car sheet, his eyes not quite able to meet his father’s. ‘Have you changed your mind about wanting to be a daddy?’ It seemed a very long time before Jake answered, Ashleigh thought, her heart thumping heavily as she counted the seconds. ‘I’ve changed my mind about a lot of things, Lachlan,’ he said at last.
************
Re-read 9/10/2018- Upgraded it to 3*'s because knowing Jake's background, I can understand more what his problem was and how much he had to overcome before he could say "I love you" to Ashleigh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2012
This novel starts off so strong. I was proud of the heroine, she left the hero because she was pregnant and knew he'd ask her to terminate the pregnancy. Then all of a sudden the hero comes back and she's some weak victim that is being pushed into getting married, etc. I was kind of dumbfounded by this and it ruined the novel a bit. Other than the first bit, I felt no emotional connection to the characters.
December 16, 2010
This book was destined for 3 stars until the very last paragraph. Foul! Talk about wrapping things up with a big ole bow at the end!!
Secret baby of uber alpha, idiotic yet seriously damaged male is an adorabl4 year old whose dialogue makes the reading the book worth the pain the reader will experience (the plot AND the storyline) within.
Secret baby of uber alpha, idiotic yet seriously damaged male is an adorabl4 year old whose dialogue makes the reading the book worth the pain the reader will experience (the plot AND the storyline) within.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
The Secret Baby Bargain
4 Stars
4 Years ago, Jack Marriot and Ashley Forrester had a passionate affair with the understanding that there would be no long term commitment and no children. Thus, upon learning of her pregnancy, Ashley returned home to Australia. Now, Jack is back and Ashley will have to decide whether to tell him of their child.
This is my second Melanie Milburne book and it has the same tropes as The Marciano Love-Child but without the vile hero and spineless heroine - See my 2 Star review .
Jack is the antithesis of Alessandro Marciano. Yes, he wants Ashley back but rather than resorting to sexual harassment and blackmail, he makes a concerted effort to make amends and clearly regrets his past actions.
Likewise, Ashley has the backbone that Scarlett Fitzpatrick was sorely missing. She stands up to Jack at every turn and does not melt into a puddle of mush when he touches her.
Overall, a charming second chances romance and the next book focuses on Ashley's younger sister.
4 Stars
4 Years ago, Jack Marriot and Ashley Forrester had a passionate affair with the understanding that there would be no long term commitment and no children. Thus, upon learning of her pregnancy, Ashley returned home to Australia. Now, Jack is back and Ashley will have to decide whether to tell him of their child.
This is my second Melanie Milburne book and it has the same tropes as The Marciano Love-Child but without the vile hero and spineless heroine - See my 2 Star review .
Jack is the antithesis of Alessandro Marciano. Yes, he wants Ashley back but rather than resorting to sexual harassment and blackmail, he makes a concerted effort to make amends and clearly regrets his past actions.
Likewise, Ashley has the backbone that Scarlett Fitzpatrick was sorely missing. She stands up to Jack at every turn and does not melt into a puddle of mush when he touches her.
Overall, a charming second chances romance and the next book focuses on Ashley's younger sister.
May 9, 2011
The plot goes as Ash met Jake when she was 20 and lived with him as his lover for 2 years,from start Jake made it very clear he did'nt want children nor marriage so when Ash come to know she was pregnant she was scared and sure that if she told Jake then surely he will drag her to nearest abortion clinic and terminate the pregnancy irrespective weather she wanted to keep the baby or not also there were other issues like Jake always shutting her off,he also lied to her about many things which led to bitter seperation
its being 4 and half years Ash has left Jake started her life she has adorable son who is a replica of Jake and he is a great kid and he is being loved by everyone around him his grand parents and aunties and is a happy child ,the starts here with Ash's mother is very disturbed informs her Jake is back and wants to meet her and from there again starts their story
Jake is back cause he wants to be Ash and this time he is a changed man,it is revealed how Jake had a abusive childhood,he was beaten by his father for anything,he was abused from the age of 3 till 16 cause 2 days prior to his 16 birthday he had a final fight with his father he vowed never ever to see him alive again and abides by it now he is here to bury his father and sort the estates and sell the contents of the house in which he was abused and wants to start a fresh
the story was good but there were few things i disliked a lot,Jake blackmailing Ash to marry him,Ash is shown as a strong woman but when it comes to Jake she is worse then a doormat keeps falling in bed with him every now n then,also it is revealed later how Jake slept with Ash for the first time he made Ash drink alcohol he knew when takes even 2 drinks she is such a state she does'nt knows what's happening around her so he made her drink and took advantage of her(in my eyes it is rape)
Ash's family supports her and loves her and has always being for her when ever she was upset or something bad happened,even through her pregnancy and taking care of her son was so good to read,the bond between the 3 sisters were good also it was shown Ash does'nt takes the support of her family for granted
Good read
its being 4 and half years Ash has left Jake started her life she has adorable son who is a replica of Jake and he is a great kid and he is being loved by everyone around him his grand parents and aunties and is a happy child ,the starts here with Ash's mother is very disturbed informs her Jake is back and wants to meet her and from there again starts their story
Jake is back cause he wants to be Ash and this time he is a changed man,it is revealed how Jake had a abusive childhood,he was beaten by his father for anything,he was abused from the age of 3 till 16 cause 2 days prior to his 16 birthday he had a final fight with his father he vowed never ever to see him alive again and abides by it now he is here to bury his father and sort the estates and sell the contents of the house in which he was abused and wants to start a fresh
the story was good but there were few things i disliked a lot,Jake blackmailing Ash to marry him,Ash is shown as a strong woman but when it comes to Jake she is worse then a doormat keeps falling in bed with him every now n then,also it is revealed later how Jake slept with Ash for the first time he made Ash drink alcohol he knew when takes even 2 drinks she is such a state she does'nt knows what's happening around her so he made her drink and took advantage of her(in my eyes it is rape)
Ash's family supports her and loves her and has always being for her when ever she was upset or something bad happened,even through her pregnancy and taking care of her son was so good to read,the bond between the 3 sisters were good also it was shown Ash does'nt takes the support of her family for granted
Good read
November 28, 2018
2 stars because I'm feeling generous
March 22, 2019
قرأتها بعنوان اجمل الاسرار
من ترجمة منتدى روايتي
رواية جميله ومسليه ومليئة بالرومانسية
من ترجمة منتدى روايتي
رواية جميله ومسليه ومليئة بالرومانسية
September 9, 2025
My pet peeve - second chance romances where the hero is not celibate during separation but the Heroine is obviously still hung up on the Hero and/or carrying a torch for him.
And I read this book twice because .. I am a sucker for Seekrit Baby stories.
And I read this book twice because .. I am a sucker for Seekrit Baby stories.
December 18, 2008
couldn't put it down..
May 6, 2017
Leído el 24/10/2011
11.EN SU CAMA
¡Había comprado a la madre de su hijo!
Jake Marriott siempre había dejado muy claro lo que quería de una relación: nada de matrimonio di de bebés. Así que la joven e inocente Ashleigh Forrester decidió huir en cuanto descubrió que estaba embarazada de cuatro meses.
Pero el millonario había vuelto a Sidney a saldar algunas cuentas del pasado y volver a poner a Ashleigh en el lugar en el que debía estar... en su cama. Sin embargo, cuando se encontró con el pequeño y vio el sorprendente parecido, cambió de idea; ya no quería que Ashleigh fuera su amante... si no su esposa.
11.EN SU CAMA
¡Había comprado a la madre de su hijo!
Jake Marriott siempre había dejado muy claro lo que quería de una relación: nada de matrimonio di de bebés. Así que la joven e inocente Ashleigh Forrester decidió huir en cuanto descubrió que estaba embarazada de cuatro meses.
Pero el millonario había vuelto a Sidney a saldar algunas cuentas del pasado y volver a poner a Ashleigh en el lugar en el que debía estar... en su cama. Sin embargo, cuando se encontró con el pequeño y vio el sorprendente parecido, cambió de idea; ya no quería que Ashleigh fuera su amante... si no su esposa.
July 23, 2019
The kid wasn’t a baby. The hero was dumb and blind. Heroine put all her happiness into the hero’s basket and can’t be happy without him, even though she’s got a job, fiancé, family, and son. Nope she’s been miserable for the last 4 years, great. Hero’s reason IS very sensible, but washed away on the last page cause who cares? I’d say skip.
April 14, 2019
Borderline boring
Well, I did finish it...but I skimmed a lot of it. I also have to mention that the female lead was completely unlikable. She acted childish and stupid almost the entire book. I found her very annoying. Not the best book.
Well, I did finish it...but I skimmed a lot of it. I also have to mention that the female lead was completely unlikable. She acted childish and stupid almost the entire book. I found her very annoying. Not the best book.
January 6, 2018
not enough romance for me and too much emphasis on the abuse of the hero as a child for it to be heartwarming
October 24, 2020
Great book
April 4, 2021
No tengo suficiente intent ahora, luego la escribo
Pero pars ser corta de alguna manera tuvo un buen ritmo
Pero pars ser corta de alguna manera tuvo un buen ritmo
October 23, 2022
Of course, love wins again.
March 25, 2023
The tension And all was great, even if the hero was a jerk at times, i still forgive him. I was definitely hooked on this book.
November 4, 2025
"Londyński spadek"
September 9, 2020
Eu deveria estar cansada de tantos livros de romance, mas confesso que eles continuam sendo meu ponto fraco. Coração Vazio veio como uma promoção da Amazon e uma sinopse insinuante: aquela velha história garota encontra garoto, garoto é imaturo demais, garota engravida e some porque ele nunca aceitaria a gravidez. Mas eu gosto de uma boa história clichê, então este nem é o ponto dessa review.
Acho que o que mais me incomodou na coisa toda foi o final apressado. Uma hora eles estavam brigando como gato e rato, com toda aquela tensão sexual acumulada, o dilema "conto-ou-não-conto-que-temos-um-filho-juntos" e do nada o rapaz já está forçando a mocinha a um casamento não consentido, que apesar de não querer, ela não faz nenhum, repito, nenhum esforço para desfazer.
Acho que quando leio um romance que já começa em angst, eu espero que a razão para que os protagonistas não fiquem juntos seja satisfatória, até o climax onde esta razão deixa de ser uma razão e tudo se resolve. Mas o problema aqui é que esse climax não acontece de fato, apenas parece que do nada, o protagonista dá um 180 nas suas convicções pessoais e resolve ir de solteiro cobiçado a noivo neurótico.
Eu não sei. Talvez mais umas poucas vinte páginas e esse desenvolvimento me soasse mais convincente. Ou talvez eu apenas esteja amargurada demais para um romance tão simples.
Talvez esse seja o ponto. É um romance simples. E só.
Acho que o que mais me incomodou na coisa toda foi o final apressado. Uma hora eles estavam brigando como gato e rato, com toda aquela tensão sexual acumulada, o dilema "conto-ou-não-conto-que-temos-um-filho-juntos" e do nada o rapaz já está forçando a mocinha a um casamento não consentido, que apesar de não querer, ela não faz nenhum, repito, nenhum esforço para desfazer.
Acho que quando leio um romance que já começa em angst, eu espero que a razão para que os protagonistas não fiquem juntos seja satisfatória, até o climax onde esta razão deixa de ser uma razão e tudo se resolve. Mas o problema aqui é que esse climax não acontece de fato, apenas parece que do nada, o protagonista dá um 180 nas suas convicções pessoais e resolve ir de solteiro cobiçado a noivo neurótico.
Eu não sei. Talvez mais umas poucas vinte páginas e esse desenvolvimento me soasse mais convincente. Ou talvez eu apenas esteja amargurada demais para um romance tão simples.
Talvez esse seja o ponto. É um romance simples. E só.
October 20, 2015
Kinda have lots of emotions while reading this book. I do dislike Jake when he appear in the book. His actions, his words. It's like why the hell Ash must meet up with him after 4 years? And does he expect she's waiting for him back home when he come back to Sydney? I was like.. Want to smack him. Then comes Ash. Who's fighting the urge of want and don't want to inform him about Lachlan. Then another character comes into the picture is Howard. I don't think that he loves Ash. He like her but not love. Cos he doesn't even want to fight for her. He totally can give her up to Jake. I was like '....'. Speechless.
Then Jake history start to unfold. About his unwillingness of commitment and children. Then I kinda pity him. But that doesn't make any excuses for him. That doesn't makes any excuse for the way how he treated Ash in the earlier stage. But whatever it is, the story will end with love conquers all.
Then Jake history start to unfold. About his unwillingness of commitment and children. Then I kinda pity him. But that doesn't make any excuses for him. That doesn't makes any excuse for the way how he treated Ash in the earlier stage. But whatever it is, the story will end with love conquers all.
June 24, 2010
Because of his past childhood, Jake Marriot never wanted children. So after coming back into Ashleigh Forrester life 4 1/2 years later he was shocked to learn she had a son. A son that is the spitting image of him. So here starts his courtship to try to get Ashleigh to marry him. Something she always dreamed of him asking her. But she can't help but think he's asking her for the wrong reasons. Can Jake move on from his past and embrace his waiting family?
June 4, 2021
Jake Marriot had always been clear about the terms of his relationships--no marriage, no babies. So when Ashleigh Forrester found out she was pregnant with his child, she ran! But Jake's back. The billionaire has returned to convince Ashleigh that she belongs in his bed. But when he meets her little boy, the resemblance is too obvious to ignore. Jake no longer wants her as his mistress...but he'll buy her as his wife..
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June 24, 2015dis is rubbish can't open d book to read pls help
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