She’s pregnant with another man’s baby.He’s now the father to his little niece.A sexy romance with all the feels!Single Mom-To-Be Rule #1: watch out for those horny hormones. Oops. After a childhood of bouncing from one foster home to another and a series of failed relationships, I’ve taken matters into my own hands when it comes to starting a family. Or rather, someone else’s hand. And a … family.
Or rather, someone else’s hand. And a plastic cup.
I’d rather be a single mom than be let down again, and I’m definitely not looking for a baby daddy. That includes sexy workaholic game designer Wes Chiasson, thank you very much.
***
My software company has been my number one, two, and three priorities. But that all changes when I suddenly become the guardian of my three-year-old niece. Now my world has turned topsy-turvy with princesses and little-girl tea parties.
When Hannah Morrell needs a place to stay after the pipes in her apartment burst, I invite her to move in with my niece and me. Hannah is a pediatric nurse, and given my situation, who could ask for a better roommate?
Sounds easy. Right?
It is—until emotions get tossed into the mix. Because if there’s one thing history has taught Hannah, it’s that the people who’ve gained her love can’t be trusted.
And now I have to put my heart on the line to prove otherwise.
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I’ve been in love with this series since the first book, and that love has only grow story after story. Decidedly by Chance was as great as the other books in the series, and it also became my favorite. Let me explain…
I do love books with smart and strong heroins. Women capable of taking life by the horns and say “fuck it! I’m getting what I want”. Hannah is that kind of woman. She’s a single lady who wants to start a family but was tired to wait for Mr. Right and decided to used artificial fertilization to get pregnant.
I also love charming, sweet and witty heroes. Like Wes. He may, or may not, have a perfect body, but his heart is pure gold. And he’s not one of those guys running away from love. When he realized he was in love with Hannah, he started this plan to win her over… and dude, I was sure it would work, because I was already in love with him.
Decidedly by Chance isn’t just a romantic comedy, is also a tale about love, friendship and family. All kinds of family. The ones you’re born into and those you choose. This is a great read, fresh, funny, sweet and romantic, with amazing characters and lots of surprises. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
In Decidedly by Chance, Wes Chiasson is dealing with some major changes in his life. After a death in his family, he’s become the guardian of his young niece. Everything has been put on hold — his career, his sex life, everything — except for those feelings toward one of their group of friends, Hannah.
Hannah Morrell has firmly taken her life into her own hands, deciding that she doesn’t really need a man to start her own family, something she really hasn’t had. She doesn’t really have time for a man, but some sex would do her good since she’s at that stage in her pregnancy. She’s attracted to Wes, but she’s also cautious because of his circumstances. If she does have a man in her life, it needs to be someone she’s certain won’t leave her. With Hannah’s trust issues, this won’t exactly be easy.
When circumstances bring Wes and Hannah together, both of them find out that their friendship is strong enough to handle the feelings they have for each other. But Hannah is still hesitant and it will take all of their friends to convince them both just what a great thing they have with each other.
This is a great addition to this series. A sweet friends to lovers story that will warm your heart, as it did mine.
4.5 Heartwarming, Steamy Stars!
I loved this friends to lovers romance. It was heartwarming, hilarious, sweet, and very sexy! Wes and Hannah have known each other for years, having mutual friends. They have been attracted to each other, but never thought it would go anywhere. Hannah grew up in the foster care system and has always craved love and a family. She is in a place in her life when she decides to have a baby and make a family of her own. Her meet cute with Wes, after not seeing him for months, is so awkward and hilarious. Wes had suffered a tragic loss and is the guardian of his adorable three-year-old niece, Everly. Wes and Hannah reconnect, and find they have so much more in common now. But Hannah is used to people walking away from her and won’t allow herself to fall for this charming, kind and sexy man and his sweet niece. Wes always avoided relationships, but this silly, strong, and beautiful woman, sneaked into his heart and he was determined to convince her he would never leave. I had so much fun reading this charming, exhilarating and steamy story. There were so many hilarious situations, heartwarming moments, and steamy, sexy moments as well. This story had it all, interesting characters, witty banter, and steamy love scenes, all in a multilayered story. I love this series and can’t wait for more from By the Bay!
A cute friends to lovers/single parent read, Decidedly by Chance he all sorts of sortable sweetness going on. I loved that this wasn’t your typical single parent trope, there are no ex’s supportive or bitter to be found here. Just two people with huge hearts loving their children whether born of their body or their hearts.
While there’s definitely some emotional history, and that does play a part, I also enjoyed that there was always a lightness that kept things sweet (even when steamy ) in Wes and Hannah’s story. Their slow build from friends to more was filled with so much heart melting goodness and swoon it honestly didn’t even feel like a slow burn to me. And that’s when you know a slow burn has been done right!
This was my first book by Stina Lindenblatt and I really enjoyed it. Single parent romances are one of my favorite tropes to read so I had to have this as soon as I read the blurb!
I loved these characters! Hannah and Wes are both single parents, Hannah has chosen to be a single mom and Wes has had his single fatherhood thrust upon him, and just all around great characters. Hannah is so fiercely independent and Wes was just a a sweetheart as he floundered his way through being a new parent.
The connection between the two MCs was strong, but what I loved the most were the undertones of family and friendship that carried throughout the book.
Stina Lindenblatt writes an emotional, heartfelt story about single parenthood, friendship, and love. Add to that great chemistry and tons of feels and this is a great book for anyone who enjoys this trope.
I received a review copy before release for an honest review.
This is a long awaited book and is #5 in the series. It is fantastic and absolutely worth the wait. This story features Hannah who is the pediatric nurse who was a foster kid with her bestie Emma and Wes the best friend of Hannah’s bestie, Emmas husband Travis.
This story starts in Decidedly with Love and continues in this story. I had read that book but re-read it before this so I could remember what had happened and I recommend you read that book first. Can this book stand alone? Yep absolutely but a lot happens between these two in Decidedly with Love and we meet both characters then. There is a also a lot with Emma and Travis in this book so its a great intro to the two supporting characters.
In this story our heroine Hannah is pregnant (by sperm donor, so no baby daddy drama) and no one but Emma knows. Wes is now a single dad to his niece as his brother and SIL have died in a car accident. Wes was once a man around town, with no desire to settle down but now he is a single dad to his young niece who is 3.
They run into each other outside their doctors office and that’s how they start spending time together. Wes has always had a thing for Hannah but she goes thru men very fast and so he was happy being her friend so he has a place in her life. Because of their friendship they start hanging out together and for most of the book they have a solid friendship.
Wes wants more but he has to try and get Hannah to want more as well and Hannah has some really huge issues that makes her fear no man will ever stick around for her. This is really Wes’s story and he has a huge battle to get Hannah to let them be more.
At times I wanted to shake Hannah and tell her to just enjoy Wes because Wes stole this book. He is such an awesome character and I think he is my absolute favorite in this entire series. He is patient and loving and has such a wonderful heart. Hannah is very lucky and this book is about her opening her eyes and seeing that Wes has always been there for her.
Wow!!! An amazing 5 star story that I read on a slow night at work. It was so entertaining, it kept me from falling asleep during my night shift. I loved every minute of this story.
Hannah is pregnant. She got pregnant but not the traditional way. She never expected to meet someone. Wes is raising his young niece. He’s helping his pregnant friend out. Guess what happens?
This was a sweet and highly addicting story that made me swoon. A solid page turning entertaining story. Original storyline with amazing characters. Bottomline this is a must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
I finally had a chance to read one of the author’s books as I have her on my TBR list for a while now.
This story is the fifth in the series but I think it can be easily read as a stand-alone.
I loved the idea of a single mother by choice and how she found love in an unexpected way. All the ups and downs that a couple are going through when these situations are coming in their way, are very real and it made for a great story.
Looking forward to more books by the author.
So happy that Stina gave Wes a book. Loved how he was there for Hannah. Their story was sweet and sexy, with just the right amount of serious moments. Everly was the cutest little sidekick. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
I did not start at the beginning and now I have to do so since there were couples that were in here and situations and characters that were mentioned that made me feel that I would get more if I had started from the beginning. This is Hannah and Wes’s book. Wes has had a crush on Hannah since the beginning and now he is in charge of his niece since his brother and sister in law passed away, that part and his interactions with his niece brought tears to your eyes. He is not sure if he is ready or if he even wants a relationship with Hannah and so he goes back in forth with that and then there is Hannah she had a tough up-bringing so she feels like no man would stick around for a baby that is not his even though said baby is from a turkey baster (author) not an actual man. After Wes fully commits himself to this relationship he goes full force in proving that he is there for Hannah and the baby..
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
This is book 5 in the By the Bay series but I can vouch for this book as a stand-alone because I haven’t as yet read the previous books and I loved everything about this book, now where to start with my review.
Wes Chiasson’s life has been turned upside down the pervious workaholic finds himself as the sole guardian of his 3 year niece after the death of her parents. He now needs to spend time with an adorable little girl who doesn’t really understand why her parents aren’t coming back.
Hannah Morrell has decided the time is right for her to start a family, she is a paediatric nurse who was brought up in the foster care system so a family is one of the most important things in her life.
Wes and Hannah are friends and when she needs somewhere to stay Wes doesn’t think twice about offering his spare room but what happens when feelings come into play……
This book has all the feels you want, it will touch you on so many different levels and at time times my heart broke for Wes, Hannah and Everly. The chemistry between Wes and Hannah is intense and the banter they share flowed so naturally but as always a child stole the show for me as she tugged on my heartstrings with her innocent statements. A beautifully written story about friendship and love with wonderful characters and I will certainly be looking at the previous books in this series.
Decidedly by Chance is a feel-good love story. There was emotion, plenty of frustration and a few laughs to keep me entertained and rooting for Wes, Hannah and little Everly.
I loved the characters in this story, the side characters, especially Everly, added another layer. The leading man Wes is a sexy and confident guy and although hot, in no way is he a player. Hannah is an intelligent and strong heroine. Both characters have found themselves in circumstances in which they are single parents; or in Hannah’s case, a single parent to be. A romance between the two has complications.
Decidedly by Chance is part of a series of standalone novels, each book focusing on a different couple. This was my first time reading this author and I feel my reading enjoyment wasn’t hindered by starting at book five in the series.
The storyline of Decidedly by Chance is predictable. Hannah’s reservations based on her history are valid, but I felt that the author reminded the reader of her past and explained her reservations too often. I was also frustrated by Hannah’s realisations happening at the eleventh hour. Although I would have liked an added twist to the story, I did enjoy this book and would read more by this author.
How does the saying go?
First come friends.
Then comes pregnancy (without a dad in the picture).
Then comes moving in together.
Then comes being friends with benefits.
Then comes love.
Then comes a first date.
Right?
Hannah & Wes end up moving in together after her apartment gets flooded & she has nowhere to stay. Wes is trying to raise his 3 year old niece named Everly, & his feelings for Hannah become even more complicated when he realizes that she’s pregnant.
It was predictable, but still great to read.
Hannah and Wes have friends in common and have known each other for two years. He is now guardian to his niece and she is pregnant. He offers his spare bedroom while she is looking for a new place to rent.
Together they create a loving and warm environment for young Everly and the future ‘little bean’. Hannah, however, has many emotional obstacles to overcome.
This was my first experience reading this author’s work and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a sweet, heartwarming read with likeable characters and adorable kids. It can be read as a standalone because I didn’t read the other books in this series and had no problem, but on the other hand, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books and gotten to know the other characters. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
This is an enjoyable and slightly emotional read. The characters are well developed and their feelings are tangible. If you are in the mood for a romance that twists and turns in many directions, then pick up a copy of Decidedly By Chance.
This is the fifth book from the By the Bay series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. However, books 1-4 are definitely worth reading.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
5 STARS for Decidedly by Chance – author Stina Lindenblatt
ARC received from the author & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way.
Love – love – LOVED this BOOK !! There is “no chance “ you will not love this as well as it’s not your typical romance !
Wes & Hannah take a lot of detours – one way streets & sharp hairpin turns to find their HEA. In the same circle of friends these two have had some chemistry building for sometime but never acted on it having somewhat decided to remain strictly in the “friend zone “
Former playboy & workaholic Wes is seeking to adopt his 3 year old ( adorable ) niece after his brother & sister in law are killed in a tragic accident. Hannah’s past being raised in the foster care system leaves her with the lasting impression that she can only rely on herself and love is not something given freely – it’s just something she never experienced as a child.
This book had everything I look for in a great romantic read …
Amazing ( yet somewhat flawed ) characters
Sizzling chemistry
Laugh out loud humor & some really great dialog
Awesome secondary characters
Terrific plot
Of course an awesome HEA
I loved that Wes realized Hannah was “the one “ before she was aware of it herself & was willing to prove to her he would be in their relationship for the long haul.
This author writes amazing heartfelt stories & I can’t wait to check out more of her backlist.
Great read – highly recommend this book & author !!!
I think this was my favorite of the series. I am such a sucker for surrogate parents and I have been waiting to read Hannah’s story. So to have them combined was an awesome combo.
Hannah had such a miserable childhood and she came through it all so tough but not too jaded except for when it comes to love. And really who could blame her after all the times she had been let down.
And Wes was perfect for her. He has been quietly in the background of the previous books. And the more I got to know him the more I liked him. And his niece was just adorable. I loved that he was so invested in looking after her.
The whole thing was just sweet and I loved seeing Wes falling in love with Hannah and her little bean. And Everley making everyone fall in love with her. And the epilogue was just the icing on the cupcake.
This is a sweet book. It’s always great to read about this group of friends and the children and older women were a fun addition.
3.5 stars
In Decidedly by Chance, Wes becomes a parent through a tragic, unfortunate event. He may not have made the choice to parent his young niece but despite foibles, he’s embracing his new role in precious Everly’s life. She’s a precocious three year old who still doesn’t know what this new life means but she and Uncle Wes are figuring it out together.
After growing up neglected and abandoned, Hannah grew up in the system. It’s shaped her into a person always guarding against allowing herself to be loved out of fear of losing it. After pushing away every man who she dates, she has made the choice to be a parent on her own. Getting close to Wes and his three year old niece has been incredible but she can’t trust it and must strike out on her own.
While the storyline was unique and intriguing, and I thoroughly enjoyed Wes and Everly and the other characters, I had difficulty connecting to Hannah’s character. She often felt one dimensional despite having a backstory full of conflict and angst. The book felt like it took ages for these two to address their attraction and even longer to act on it, then suddenly everything came together with a nice, neat bow. Great story, just lacked a little something for me.
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog