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.
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I give this story 4.5 stars. I loved the story and loved the characters. I felt like their connections, their hesitations, reactions and their conflicts were realistic and valid. Cara is adorable and Braxton is an amazingly sweet and supportive book boyfriend (except for that one scene where he is NOT).
Normally I would round the rating up to a 5 star but for this one I am so annoyed by the irrelevant cover photo that I just can’t do it. I am annoyed because it feels like a blatant attempt to manipulate readers to buy this book just based on the man-chest cover photo. In this book Braxton is described as being heavily tattooed (knuckles to throat, his back and down both sides of his ribs) with black hair (dark as night) and olive skin. To me that sounds NOTHING like the gentleman in the photo on the front of this book. I understand that it’s hard to get a stock photo that matches an author’s vision perfectly but this one looks like someone just randomly chose a pic of a cute couple with a shirtless man (because man chest covers sell books) and created a beautiful cover…. with no regard for the actual book. I would gladly purchase this book (as I have other titles by Stacey Lynn) for the story that it contains but please don’t judge this book by it’s cover.
I read an ARC of this book but then purchased a copy as well. I really like the story but I am still annoyed by the cover.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Oh! My! Goodness! These two were great together! From the first page, I was into their story and couldn’t hardly put it down.
Braxton and Cara had the perfect night together and thought that would be it…surprise! Now they had to deal with figuring out how to parent together as virtual strangers.
I loved how even though Braxton was hurt and even on the verge of angry, he still took care of Cara and handled her with care. I liked how Cara was independent, but also recognized how good it was that Braxton wanted to help. The story was told from both points of view which gave me the opportunity to better understand what was happening from their perspectives.
It wasn’t all about the present with this story either. Delving into their pasts really made the characters that much more real and that much more interesting. I laughed, cried and rejoiced with them as I read. I couldn’t ask for a better story and group of characters!!
I really enjoy this author’s books and this one was no exception.
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
4.5 stars
Ms. Lynn never disappoints. I first discovered her with the Fireside Series and have been a fan ever since.
In Knocked Up, she brings us Braxton and Cara. This story has it all: the angst, the love, all the feels!! My heart broke for Cara and was amazed by Braxton.
This is a must read!!!!
Reviewed by: Dana D.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Cara got pregnant from an one night stand.
Now she just needed to tell Braxton and be done w/ it.
What do you know ?
Braxton actually wants the baby.
Now let’s see if these 2 will give this relationship a chance.
The storytelling + the character’s build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
So good…5 stars!
Knocked Up is another winner for Stacey Lynn. Cara and Braxton lock eyes at their best friends, Jenna and Dan’s wedding. One night of passion results in a bit of a bump. Well, baby bump and six weeks later Cara confronts Braxton about the unexpected news.
Braxton Henley is tattooed, muscled, and handsome who grew up poor. Though he may look dark and menacing, and absolutely delicious, he has a big generous heart. The owner of his own tattoo parlor, MadInk, Braxton knows all too well that women look to him for sexual excitement, and not the real man he is. He thought Cara might be the passionate woman he was looking for on the one night they shared, but a miscommunication separates them.
Cara Thompson never expected to see Braxton again. But she does the right thing sharing the news. Now that she’s left her rich, judgemental parents, Cara promised her twin to finally live for herself. I love how Cara and Braxton come together and work through the hurdles.
I loved every word which made this story such an enjoyable read. It has a wonderful blend of conflict, great characters, steam and romance. All in all, Knocked Up is a heartwarming romance with a sigh-worthy ending. I received an advance reader copy from Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed this book.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo –
Loved this book. It goes to show you that nothing in life goes exactly as planned, but that doesn’t mean that life can’t work out.
Cara wasn’t ready to be a mother, but that didn’t matter when the test turned out positive. When she told Braxton, he didn’t hesitate to step up and be the man she wanted him to be. Not only that, he’s the man she needs him to be.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Knocked Up (Crazy Love #2) by Stacey Lynn to read and review.
This book was so enjoyable to read. The book starts with the heroine already knocked up, as the title says. Then we get to enjoy how the couple get to really know each other and develop a relation.
Cara met Braxton at her best friend Jenna’s wedding. Braxton is Jenna’s husband’s best friend. So this is the classic case of the best man and the maid of honor getting it on. They spent a great weekend together, had stellar sex, and then Cara fled before Braxton woke up. Six weeks later, Cara is doing pregnancy test kits and finding out she’s pregnant.
One month after this she has gathered up bravado to face Braxton and tell him the news. The surprise was that he not only accepted the pregnancy but he also wanted to be involved in every aspect of it, and he also wanted to help Cara with any issues she may have.
The rest of the book deals with Cara and Braxton getting to know each other in another sense than the biblical they already had. Cara is revealed as the insecure woman who was constantly rejected by her parents, ignored until she dropped out of law school, moved away from home and took a job in an art gallery. She tried following her parent’s expectations but she knew she would never get their love and approval. Now she’s getting to know and like herself and she’s enjoying life. The thing Braxton likes best about her is her laugh, so free and happy. Braxton looks like a scowling big thug, but underneath all that tatted exterior is a kind and generous man.
Braxton comes from the slums of the city, he had a mentor who helped for him into the man he was, helped get him away from the slum and the gangs and sent him to college to study art. When his mentor died, Braxton inherited a lot of money from this guy and he was able to set up tattoo parlors around the city. He is living a successful life, but he still has reservations about not coming from the same rich and privileged background that Cara did.
It’s very surprising that this book has a very narrow scope and yet it was so entertaining and enjoyable to read. I credit the author’s talent in writing a heartwarming story that flows so bright. We live Braxton and Cara’s life as the pregnancy progresses and they go through the process of knowing each other, liking each other and develop feelings for each other. Every once in a while their insecurities in themselves and each other arise, Cara’s parents intervene to add a dark note to the story, Braxton assistant and business partner is a constant reminder that they come from a different background and instills more doubts into Braxton’s mind. There was not one instant where this story lagged and got slow. It had great pace and great dialogues, and a lot of heart.
I have been debating for a few weeks whether I wanted to read Knocked Up. It is the type of book that I generally enjoy, but there was something holding me back. I’m not sure why, and I am so glad that I went with it- I loved it!
Cara and Braxton meet at their friends’ wedding, and spend one night together. A month later, she finds out that she is pregnant. Cara is not really in the financial shape to raise a child, but knows that she wants this baby, and also knows that she needs to tell Braxton. He didn’t have the best upbringing, but knows that he wants to help raise this child. They decide to give a relationship a chance, while also deciding that they will do this together.
I really liked the characters. I really felt like the characters had dimension and depth, and I cared about what happened with them. I definitely recommend Knocked Up!
Straight talking, sexy and oh so fun! They might have started out as just a fling, but watching Braxton and Cara tiptoe their way though getting to know each other and deciding if they can make a relationship work is really fun. They’re both strong-minded people, but both want that person who will make them their everything. Enjoyed it!
Wouldn’t you know it! She finally decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy her first one-night stand after her best friend’s wedding … and she winds up pregnant! Cara Thompson certainly wasn’t planning on being a mom at this time in her life. She recently walked away from her parents stringent expectations, dropped out of college and is now pursuing her artistic dreams. She has to admit though, she’s excited about this baby.
Tattoo shop owner Braxton Henley isn’t shy about the fact that he enjoys women. When he sets out to have a wicked night with the gorgeous bridesmaid at his best friend’s wedding, he certainly doesn’t expect her to show up at his shop a few weeks later to tell him he’s going to be a daddy. He can tell that he doesn’t fit into her hoity toity world, but he’s not going to walk away from the one thing he’s always wanted … a family!
Great characters with a happy ending.
~4.5 STARS~
Knocked Up is the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. It’s the love story of two people who do everything backwards…baby then dating!!!
Cara is the last woman you would expect to have a one-night stand, but she does at her best friend’s wedding with a man who is so completely different from her. She thinks she will never see him again, even though she would LOVE to. However, she gets more than she ever bargained for…a baby on the way!
“…life wouldn’t be life if it didn’t throw you a curveball every once in a while.”
Life has just thrown both Braxton and Cara a major curveball! I really like both characters. Stacey Lynn did such a great job of making both of them so relatable and loveable. She did that by giving her readers a look into both of their pasts and how that helped make them the people they were in the present.
Cara grew up with wealthy parents, but she was always seen as a “distraction and annoyance.” Her parents really were clueless and completely unfeeling. However, she had an amazing relationship with her brother, and that is what helped her step out of living her life for her parents and finally taking a chance to live a life that made her happy. Braxton was a big source of support for her.
Braxton grew up very differently than Cara…not a lot of money. However, he had a man in his life who was always there and helped shape him into the great man he is. Braxton really is a great man. Of course, he is gorgeous, but it’s who he is on the inside that drew me to him. Instead of running from his responsibility, he ran towards it. Not only does he want his baby, but he wants Cara too. He is willing to pull out all the stops to get her.
There is a bit of misunderstandings and miscommunication between them that cause some angst, but it doesn’t overwhelm the underlying storyline. I so enjoyed watching these virtual strangers get to know each other and learning how to be parents together, all while falling in love with one another!
Quick and easy sexy accidental pregnancy story. Ashley @ White Hot Reads
What happens when the only time ever you try a fling? You get pregnant! Cara and Braxton are the maid of honor and best man at their best friend’s wedding and when the fun of the weekend ends there is a souvenir. Both of these characters have past that make them have trust issues but can the baby they have created together create a family of two wounded hearts. This is a great quick read with true emotional and family stress. Loved reading this book and can’t wait to read more of Stacey Lynn.
This book by the amazing Stacey Lynn knocked me a solid. Stacey Lynn is undoubtedly one the best Romance Alpha writes out there today
Boy does this book start of with a bang. Every word then scene and chapter keeps you engrossed.
Braxton is such an amazing Hero. Though because of a little misunderstanding in the beginning he acts like a jerk, even through him being a jerk, he behaves in so many right ways that you instantly fall in love with him.
Cara does drop such a Huge Bomb and she is damn lucky he took the news well and didn’t accuse her of lying or all the usual statements thrown to ladies when they find themselves in these positions. She really hit the jackpot when it comes to Braxton. Main reason is this Guy is such a lovable, kind and caring kinda guy. She couldn’t have found a better guy to be with in a situation like this….
These two come from really shitty backgrounds but you will be so proud of the adults they have worked hard to become.
I have to mention how much I hate Cara’s parents. They are Right Way Jackass’s…
This book has the best of everything. Dialogue, banter, chemistry, Fucking Superb Writing and the most amazing Sex Scenes.
There won’t be a chance for you to get bored and Gaurentee you will read this book in one sitting.
Enjoy!!!!
No one expects to become pregnant from a one-night-stand, especially when protection is used. But Cara finds herself in that exact situation. What she knows of the guy she slept with is positive. Whether that translates into an interested baby daddy? She’s afraid that her unexpected news will not be well-received. After a rough beginning Cara and Braxton get reacquainted and grow something between them that meant they wouldn’t just have a good co-parenting situation, but a relationship that was meant for deeper, more connected togetherness. Their passion was not just intense, but there was tenderness and the shedding of emotional walls that really grabbed my attention.
This story had its emotional ups and downs. I can’t say I was charmed by Braxton’s version of honesty, but it was definitely honest. From the point that he committed himself to Cara, though, I could see just what kind of man he was and I loved him. Like I said, his confessions about the time between the wedding and when she showed back up in his life didn’t endear me to him but his earnestness and tenderness toward her from their second-meeting all the way to the end drew me in and kept me rooting for him. I was predicting that the big dramatic moment between the couple would come from Cara and while she did have a small part in it, she was unaware of it at the time. Instead, it was from Braxton. The groveling gets huge, huge points from me here. I love a good grovel. I supported Cara and her decision to distance herself but I also felt that she was reacting on an emotional level instead of one that was clear-headed while hurt, if that makes sense. Overall, the story was so great. I enjoyed the characters, the steam, the tenderness, and the ending was absolutely perfect.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. I liked how it started with Cara having to make a big decision and how things go from there. It was nice to see how she handled herself and her inner dialogue. Braxton was just such a good guy from the beginning trying to do the right thing but also letting his alpha side slip out when he wanted things to go a particular way. I liked the slow burn of the build up between the two main characters, it had me anticipating their next move. Great start to my summer reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
First let me say the cover does not match this book. I don’t know any pregnant women that can hop on a man’s back for a piggy back ride. LOL But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. What’s different is the Hero in the story is a tattoo artist and has several on his body but this guy on the cover does not. Don’t let it keep you from reading the story though. It’s a good one.
Knocked up from a one night stand. It happens. Probably more frequently than we would suspect, don’t you think? Cara and Braxton get together after their best friends wedding and oops! Though assumptions on both of their parts keep the two of them apart for a bit until Cara has to tell Braxton she’s expecting.
Y’all know what assuming makes you, right? HA! So these two must get their acts together and in doing so they start to build a relationship. There’s a few complications and of course quick judgments. It’s not just by these two though, their secondary characters are jerks. Well all but one.
Overall this book was quick to read and the romance between Braxton and Cara is sweet. Not sappy but sweet. I enjoyed reading their story. You should add this to your list for sure.
Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn is one of those cute and entertaining reads that was just fun to read. It was fast paced, sweet, and charming. What’s not to love when you have a hero that steps up to the plate and doesn’t run away from his one night stand and informs him that he will be a father. I honestly love the simplicity of the story as readers get to see a connection unfold as Cara and Braxton discover there is more than just a baby linking them but also love. So if you are looking for a fun summer read then I would recommend you to one-click this book now.
3.5 stars
Knocked Up is exactly what it sounds like. A fun, flirty romance with an accidental pregnancy gone right! Say that again!?! An accidental pregnancy turned love story. These two couldn’t project the image of opposites more than if they were in the dictionary. But we all know appearances can be deceiving. Money doesn’t buy happiness. And my personal favorite- men suck! Okay, so it’s only said once, but she totally meant it.
Get carried away with Braxton and Cara. What’s the worst that could happen? An eight pound surprise!?!
4 Stars
Knocked Up may be the second title in the Crazy Love series, but I haven’t read the previous title and didn’t feel lost in any way. Knocked Up is a charming, sweet accidental pregnancy story.
Braxton is an endearing, brooding, tattooed alpha. A savvy business man, he’s just as determined in his private life to go after what he wants as he is in business. He’s kind, generous, talented , loving and loyal and the he’s not going to let the one thing missing from his life slip through his fingers.
Cara is independent, honest, hard-working and level headed. Despite the connection and chemistry this pair share she makes Braxton work to gain her affections.
This pair both have demons they need to obliterate before they can find a happy ever after in each other’s arms.
Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn is book Two in the Crazy Love series. This is the story of Braxton and Cara.
Braxton owns tattoo parlors and is now successful in his choice of career but things were not always that way. Always wanting a family but it never came to be. Now he is out his best friends wedding and thinks to sleep with the maid of honor, Cara. They had a hot encounter but Cara finds out later that the night has left her expecting a child. Cara parents were very strict with her but working toward doing what she wants lead her to the night of passion. Thinking that when she tells Braxton that he won’t be there for her she is surprised that he seems to want to be. Braxton thought the morning after that Cara was just slumming it with him the way she reacted to him. Sow when she comes into MadInk he first acted like he didn’t know her but when he found out she was having his kid he dropped that attitude.
Both really has a preconception of the other during and after that night. So besides watching them handing the pregnancy it was great seeing how they learned about each other….looks don’t tell your story..actions do.
Loved it!