First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage. Just not necessarily in that order. . . . Braxton: I should probably be dead or in jail right now. Instead, thanks to some tough love, I worked my ass off and now I own a string of tattoo parlors throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yet the one thing I’ve always wanted—a family—still seems out of reach. When my best … seems out of reach. When my best friend gets married, I’m just hoping to blow off some steam with the super-hot maid of honor. But after Cara Thompson tracks me down to tell me she’s pregnant, she’s more surprised than I am when I tell her I’m all in.
Cara: For the first time in my life, I’m living for myself—not for my parents and their ridiculous expectations. I gave up on my MBA, dropped out of the Ivy League, and moved to Portland to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. And what’s the first thing I do? Get knocked up. For a tatted-up sex god, Braxton Henley seems way too eager to “be there for me.” Is this guy serious? Maybe. He sure is patient. Because he won’t back down until I admit what I know in my heart: that our one night stand might’ve led me to the one.
Praise for Knocked Up
“Stacey Lynn always knows how to perfectly balance sexy and sweet, and has a modern writing style that makes all of her stories feel fresh and fun.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne
“A broody alpha hero with heart . . . I fell madly in love with Braxton from the very first page. Prepare to pull an all-nighter with Knocked Up.”—USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy
“Knocked Up is secret-baby trope perfection! Loved the very sexy, overprotective Braxton. A great read!”—Wendy S. Marcus, author of All I Need Is You
“Braxton is your ultimate tattooed father-to-be—sweet and ever so sexy.”—Stina Lindenblatt, author of the Pushing Limits series
The steamy standalone novels in Stacey Lynn’s Crazy Love series can be read together or separately:
FAKE WIFE | KNOCKED UP
And don’t miss her passionate Fireside series:
HIS TO LOVE | HIS TO PROTECT | HIS TO CHERISH | HIS TO SEDUCE
This standalone ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
more
“Heart. Melt. Puddle. Floor.”
That’s exactly how I felt reading this heartwarming, amusing, sexy story. Several things attracted me to this story and convinced me to read it. The cover is awesome, but it doesn’t match the story, cuz Braxton is covered in tattoos, but it did get my attention. And the synopsis, cuz Braxton is covered in tattoos, that got my attention too. Yeah, I love hot guys with tattoos…sigh. And don’t worry, the author does such an excellent job of describing Braxton that you won’t need a cover to have that delicious image in your head.
I was first introduced to Cara as she’s lamenting over multiple pregnancy tests, all positive. The good girl had one lapse, an unforgettable one-night-stand, with the best man at her bestie’s wedding. She doesn’t regret said unforgettable night because it was unforgettable in a good way. But now it’s even more so since in about six months there will be a lifelong reminder. And once she tells her parents they won’t ever let her forget either. You can imagine how much she’s dreading having to notify her baby daddy, but she knows it’s something she must do. He deserves to know he’s going to be a father. Meeting her first and learning the result of the pregnancy test made it even more fun for me as I was able to feel like I was in on the whole big reveal. I was almost as nervous as she was when we made the trip to MadInk to break the news.
Feeling surprised is the understatement of the year when Cara shows up at Braxton’s tattoo parlor. After the way she bailed on him after their unforgettable one-night-stand, he never expected to see her again. Apparently she wanted to forget it, but he wasn’t so successful. That doesn’t mean he wants her to know that, which is why he pretends to not remember her. Moving forward, his internal dialogue is very amusing as he observes the effects of her pregnancy. He enjoys her hormonal moods, cravings, and physical changes. But he is wise, knowing when to keep his mouth shut. Well, at least sometimes. “I’d smile at her sass if she weren’t so damn angry she might twist off my balls.”
Have I intrigued you yet? Let’s not forget about the initial chemistry between these two. Not only were they unable to keep their hands to themselves at their best friend’s wedding. The hours of passion afterward is seared into their memory banks, stuck on replay. Yes, their reunion is awkward, but their lust has not died. Of course, you won’t be able to resist matchmaking as you read this amazing story. You will be sighing and melting into a puddle for sure. But it’s not as easy as you may think as you are mentally planning their baby shower and HEA.
Nope, there are lots of misunderstandings that make Knocked Up a journey rather than a sprint. Both characters are broken, and they are strangers to each other. They have painful pasts that make trusting difficult. After being let down so many times by their own families, it’s hard for them to see themselves as having that responsibility with their own child. Will her fear keep her from giving him a chance? Will she allow him to care for her like he wants to? Will either of them be able to convince the other that their one night together wasn’t the best thing to ever happen to them? Well, I can tell you that they didn’t have a chance of convincing me of that. I knew the series was called Crazy Love for a reason so I just held on and enjoyed the ride. I looking forward to my next trip. The line forms here…
4,5*
Before I start this review I need to say that I love love LOVE the name BRAXTON. It sounds so sexy…I could just picture him standing in front of me with his beautiful eyes and all that ink. *swoon*
This man is something else – I loved everything about him. Even when he was being an ass I still loved him. As for Cara; she was such a sweet and beautiful soul. At times I wanted to smack some sense into her. I hated her parents and after I read this I’m so grateful for mine. It was beautiful to see how their relationship progressed and how they slowly but surely fell in love.
I’m a huge fan of Stacey Lynn .She has became my one-click author. Every book I pick up I love it more than the one before it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
A broody alpha hero with heart . . . I fell madly in love with Braxton from the very first page. Prepare to pull an all-nighter with Knocked Up.
I laughed out loud and took some slow breathes to get the yummy parts. But such a great read.
Knocked Up is a fun and heart warming romance story that is easily devour able. It’s a story that seems like a one night stand turns into a pregnancy and forces two people to reunite but it’s more than that.
I think what I liked the most about Knocked Up how vulnerable Braxton was. He was so invested in Cara from the moment they hooked up, even if she didn’t know it. So when she tells him she’s pregnant, he’s all about it. Sure, he’s scared, which is more reason to love his vulnerability but he knows what he wants and he isn’t afraid to let it be knows. Oh and there’s the fact that he owns a multiple tattoo shops and is covered in ink. GIMME!
Both Cara and Braxton are now not only fighting their vulnerability of becoming first time parents but fighting the vulnerability of their feelings and how much they want each other. On the surface they might seems worlds apart but in reality, they are exactly the same and perfect for each other.
If you want a soon to be dad that will make your heart swoon then Knocked Up will certainly deliver that. If you like secret babies for a short amount of time and then the story of two people figuring that out together, then Knocked Up will deliver that too. Like I said, it’s just a fun and heart warming story. It’s a quick read that will leave you feeling light and happy.
~I’m a trembling shaking mess as I see tears fill his own eyes and there’s nothing we can say. Nothing we can say to each other because this sound . . . this glorious whooshing, galloping sound is the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in my entire life. “We made a baby.” A tear falls down Braxton’s cheek and he leans down, brushing his lips over my cheek, and his voice is so gruff, so broken and beautiful. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Cara.”~
This was the most BEAUTIFUL love story.
Let me start at the beginning. Braxton and Cara met at their mutual friends, actually best friends, wedding. They were immediately attracted to each other and had a wonderful night of sex. In the morning, Cara, who had never had a one night stand and didn’t know how to act, plus she didn’t want her feelings hurt by how he might push her away, did what her friends had always talked about that they did, she got up early, snuck out and disappeared. Left no note, number, nothing.
Six weeks later, Cara discovers she’s pregnant. She’s been with no one since Braxton, so she has no doubt he’s the father. This is all in a very brief introduction, what follows is Braxton finding out he’s a father. Cara being surprised by his reaction of wanting to be all in. Which really is so great, because Cara has no one, except her best friend. The story that follows is about two people getting to know each other, and it is the most BEAUTIFUL love story.
Braxton … I have to stop and comment on Braxton, he is the perfect book boyfriend!!!! He is PERFECT!!!!
This is such an emotional book. Braxton and Cara are two very different people, but it’s so beautiful how they come to love each other for those differences. They have their ups and downs, but it’s those ups and downs that help bring them closer together. Like I say, a BEAUTIFUL love story.
Don’t miss it!
First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage. Just not necessarily in that order. . . . This was a very simple story of a one night stand that produces a pregnancy, the story line was interesting but I found the characters immature and with not much chemistry between them. I did have this on audiobook and it didn’t help that the female narrators voice just didn’t work for her character and became pretty annoying after a while. All over this was a simple, sweet, predictable read.
This is one of the first series I have read all sorts of out of order! It’s really messing with my OCD tendencies. But you know what? It really didn’t matter. Each one of the books in this series can be a standalone. They contain the same characters, but each has its own unique story.
Knocked Up is the one-night stand that results in a pregnancy trope, but it’s got some fun twists. Braxton is absolutely perfect for Cara. Heck, he’s pretty much perfect! I really enjoyed this one. It’s quick and fun with wonderful characters and some appearances by previous characters you’ve already met.
Cara and Braxton met at a mutual friends wedding and sparks flew and after an incredible night together, Cara sneaks off in the morning. Only now she realizes that night left her with a little surprise. Now she has to go tell the guy. Braxton hasn’t forgotten Cara although they way she left kind of makes him wish he had but that has changed because he wants her and his baby. I absolutely love these characters. Both Cara and Braxton have been through so much in their lives they are exactly what each other needs. This is a fun read with just a little drama, some great characters, and one surprise baby.
I hereby declare Braxton as my ultimate book boyfriend! He’s sweet, he’s not opposed of being in a committed relationship, oh and when his one-night-stand Cara tells him she’s pregnant he totally steps up to the plate and does the right thing. Yep that makes him super sexy in my book.
Cara and Braxton’s story was a fun read that had me fanning my self because they were so hot together. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy the surprise pregnancy trope and if you have the option listen to the audiobook because the Narrators Pippa Jayne and John Lane did a fabulous job with bringing this story to life.
Happy Reading!!!
I enjoy the book a lot. I’m a fan of happy ever after – so this one is on the list of my favorites. Also, the story is light and funny and I love…love Braxton! 😉
A fun book to read. Well written and a great story!
I could not put this book down and has to get my hands on another of the books in the series.
Loved it
Knocked Up is secret-baby trope perfection! Loved the very sexy, overprotective Braxton. A great read!
Cara and Braxton were so different but so good together. Braxton owns a tattoo shop and has everything but he longs for a family. Cara is tired of doing what her parents want and is finding out who she wants to be in life. The two have a one night stand and Cara ends up pregnant. I loved Braxton, where are the men like him? A funny, wonderful read. I will be looking into more books by this author.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
This story of two opposites was an enjoyable and romantic read. We see each of them behaving outside their norms as they fall for one another. Their major argument was resolved too easily for my taste, but it was still a good read with happily ever after.
This book was beyond awful. Totally glad it was free. The female character acted like she was twelve.
Clichés are part of a good novel, it is undeniable. In some cases it becomes repetitive, monotonous. In others, if well used, it is what moves the plot, which makes the reader identify and sigh. Knocked Up uses the biggest cliché of all: a one night stand between a maid of honor and the best man. And it works brilliantly. The book can be funny and light and will make you embark on the plot, cheering for the couple, pitying in a few hours and above all, believing in the story.
The scenario is simple: Cara is the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding. Braxton is the best man. Many drinks later, the two spend the night together. The next morning, the bed only houses one person, since Cara ran away at dawn. A single affair, one night only. But we always carry a little souvenir at the end of weddings, do not we?
Cara is a 24-year-old who, from a very early age, faced the harsh truth that her parents do not care about her. Coming from a very wealthy family, order, status, and appearances are essential to them. Being an artist, she knows that her unsupported expectations do not make her happy, and after the death of her twin brother, she decides to throw everything up and take control of her life. Goodbye money and social standing. Welcome to the real world, where every penny counts and the rents are expensive.
Braxton had a difficult life. With all the factors pointing to him making bad choices, his chance to improve arises in the form of a gentleman older man, who will treat him as a son and will be responsible for teaching him values, the difference between right and wrong and will shape him in the man he became.
Two completely different and unlikely people to have something in common. But the beauty of life lies precisely in that sense: not everything is what it seems. They will find that they are more alike than they realize.
Some time after the night spent together, Cara discovers something that will transform her life: this adventure had consequences, she is pregnant. Despite the shock and determined to have the baby, all that remains is to tell the future father the news. And so begins the journey of these two characters in search of the happy ending.
Cara and Braxton are good characters. She is a strong woman, who goes in search of her goals, but inside she has a vulnerability, she has a lack of affection. Braxton now has a good financial condition, and is willing to take care of his son and Cara, and is extremely cute and passionate. The two need to find a way to understand each other, to try to make this new relationship work.
Some difficult situations are thrown in their way, and it is up to the two to seek strength and comfort in each other. Cara’s parents are despicable. Stella was the spoiled girl of the story, which did not provoke me empathy, on the contrary, I did not like her petty interference. Jenna and Dan were good additions, just like Graham. Lucy the dog, was the star of the show.
The book was well written, the characters are interesting and engaging, the reading flows naturally and there are bits of comedy and cuteness. Cliches are great storytellers, and here it gives all the necessary spicy to the book.
I loved it. Rare to read about a guy wanting a baby. It made the read more interesting. Give it a read, you won’t be disappointed.