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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The first time Braxton and Cara met – chemistry was already explosive. The only thing was, Cara escaped before Braxton could do something about it. Now, she struts back into his life and gave him the biggest surprise of his life, telling him she’s pregnant with his child.
Braxton is easy to like. Rags to riches, he knows how to value money and family which what he has always wanted. A family that he can call his own. So when Cara came knocking down telling him she was pregnant, there was a slight excitement to it, at the same time he was more wary. Cara was out of his league. But it won’t stop him to be there for her or for the baby.
Cara was born privilege. But now, she was enjoying her life. She might have a very small apartment in a not-so-impressive neighborhood, but she was happy. She wanted to be an artist and to prove herself. But then, life has other plans. She got knocked up.
It wasn’t an easy adjustment – Braxton has his doubts, and Cara just wanted to be loved as well and for Braxton to lover her and not just the baby that they made. It took several mishaps and misunderstanding, but they finally made through the journey.
I looooveeee this book! It is sweet, steamy, with enough drama to pinch your hearts and well-paced that everything was perfectly laid out.
Stacey Lynn has written a lovely Swoon-worthy stared read with Knocked Up. She has given us a great storyline with that flowed flawlessly and characters you love as soon as you meet them in Cara and Braxton.
I simply loved every word of this and enjoyed watching Cara and Braxton’s relationship blossom as they attempt to get to know each other and navigate through an unplanned pregnancy. Braxton’s reaction to Cara’s bombshell was so sweet, there was no panic just acceptance and determination to make the girl that had been on his mind and was now in front of him again, his.
Only small criticism I have is that the cover and that as Braxton is covered in Tattoo’s the guy on the cover has blank skin (he is hot though).
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a welcome breath of fresh air after the last book I read! It was light and quick and just what I was looking for. The characters were distinct and dynamic and the whole story moved nicely. I didn’t have much emotion invested into them but I did what to know how it all wrapped up. It was a great palate cleanser.
I am disappointed with the missed opportunity for the cover. Braxton is this built, scruffy dude covered in tattoos. The cover would have been WAY more compelling had it utilised that description more.
It’s not a spoiler if you can tell, just by the title, this funny, sweet and a little angsty romance is about an accidental pregnancy. The Main characters, Braxton and Cara, were basically strangers when they shared a night together; they were part of the wedding party, bridesmaid and best man, at their best friend’s wedding. Told in alternating POV, which I’m a big fan of, Knocked Up is the second book in the Crazy Love series. It’s fast paced, funny and cute at times and the backstory they share had me teary eyed. Nothing makes my heart melt more than this trope, and I loved this story!
Cara Thompson discovers she’s pregnant two months after her best friend, Jenna. got married. She had been the Maid of Honor and the groom, Dan, had asked best friend, Braxton, to be his his Best Man. She knows without a doubt it’s his baby; at twenty-four years she’d only had 3 relationships and had never had a one night stand. It had been the most memorable night she’d ever had; he had been incredible, too bad she’d snuck out while he was sleeping. So many of her friends had described the morning after and she had no desire to go through that.
She’d been so proud of herself for proving her independence from her controlling wealthy parents and living on her own, after dropping out of law school, to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. Her brother, Jimmy, had convinced her to live her life the way she wanted to. Yes, her apartment was in the worst part of Portland, on the fifth floor, and she was working at an art gallery, but she knew she was a disappointment to her parents, no matter what she did. And now she knew she had to tell Braxton he was going to be a father, and he could be involved in the baby’s life, if he chose to.
Braxton Henley never dreamt, as a young child, he’d be living the life he has. He’s the owner of a successful tattoo parlor, Madink, and lives in a penthouse apartment in one of the most exclusive areas of Portland. Especially after his horrible early start and childhood; it got better after meeting Dan, at nine years-old, and at thirteen, Irvin, the man who saved him from a becoming a juvenile delinquent and who made him the man he is today.
When Cara, the beautiful woman he spent the most amazing night with two months ago comes into Madink looking for him he pretends he doesn’t recoginze her. He’s still upset that Jenna’s friend felt she had been slumming with him, after spending the night with him and sneaking out without a thank you, much less a phone number. What he never expected was to have her drop a bombshell that he was going to be a dad.
“I’m determined to show her exactly the kind of beautiful and selfless woman I believe she is.”
When Braxton tells Cara he’s all in and wants to be involved in everything having to do with the baby, she’s a little skeptical at first. When he proves he means everything, including her, she’s not sure if she can trust him. Braxton has his work cut out for him.
“I figured falling in love with a woman would feel more like parasailing, happening softly and brilliantly, like you know everything in the world is right. It feels like plummeting to my death, skydiving without a parachute.”
Both Braxton and Cara have too many issues that have them guarding their hearts, and when they slowly start to confide and trust each other, something happens to that confirms Cara’s worst fear.
Thank you for showing me that the words you told me about treasuring me were just a bunch of bullshit, just like every other man I’ve ever known, except for Jimmy. Thank you for showing me who you really are now, before I was in too deep to get out.
What happens when your one-night stand becomes so much more?
Wow, what an amazingly sweet and sexy book! Cara and Braxton’s journey is full of twists and turns, showing you what happens when people jump to conclusions without knowing everything.
Their chemistry is on fire! Seeing big, bad Braxton being so sweet and caring will definitely make you swoon!
Emotional, heartfelt, sexy and a tad quirky, this book will take hold of your heart immediately! An absolute MUST READ!!! 5 STARS!
I loved the first book in this series, Fake Wife, so I was excited for Knocked Up. It did not disappoint. Who doesn’t love a surprise pregnancy from a one-night-stand romance?? (That’s a rhetorical question.) Braxton is pretty darn dreamy. He steps up to the plate when Cara ends up pregnant, and he falls for her hard. He’s sweet, sexy and caring. They, of course, have some issues to work through, but Stacey Lynn doesn’t add any unnecessary drama and ensures this romance is sigh-worthy, steamy and entertaining.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
From beginning to end, I was completely sucked into Braxton and Cara’s story!
After meeting at their best friends’ wedding, one wild night leads to some pretty big consequences for these two. Oops-baby books can be hit or miss for me but I absolutely loved this book. Watching Braxton and Cara try to navigate becoming parents while also getting to know each other was both hilarious and sometimes overwhelming. They come from completely different backgrounds and these differences made their budding relationship a minefield at times but it was so entertaining watching them grow.
This book can be read completely separate from Fake Wife since there wasn’t any overlap in the stories that I noticed but Fake Wife is just as fantastic as Knocked Up. I am really looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series!!
4 Tattooed stars for an accidental baby romance.
Knocked Up is book 2 in the ‘Crazy Love’ series by Stacey Lynn. It features Cara Thompson and Braxton Henley, the best friends of Dan and Jenna, the main characters from Fake Wife, the first book in the series. After a one night stand following Dan and Jenna’s wedding, Cara, leaves Braxton’s bed thinking that will be it.
Six weeks later and she’s left with more than a regretful memory. She’s been knocked up and she’s all alone. She knows she can’t raise her baby by herself. It’s time to contact the dad.
Braxton wasn’t ever expecting to see Cara again, but when she tells him her news he’s stunned, but more than willing to step up to the plate. He had felt a connection to Cara during their one night together and had hoped to continue seeing her, now he’s getting the chance. He just needs to make Cara see how good they can be together.
Cara had the hots for Braxton from the moment she set eyes on him weeks ago, but thought it was just the emotions from the wedding. Now, she has to decide if she can see a future with the tatted hottie who’d starred in all he nightly dreams.
This was a fun, quick read and I really liked it. I’d have liked some of the loose ends to have been tied up, but all in all, another lovely, satisfying read from Stacey Lynn.
Love Braxton and Cara. They may not have had much of long history between them but the love is evident. Cara may have found herself knocked up but it doesn’t stop her from being the independent woman that she is. Braxton is the hot tattooed one night stand. He is amazing. I love how he is all in with the pregnancy. They were meant to be even though there are some that might not think so. The love is real and is heart warming. Knocked Up warmed my heart and I absolutely loved every minute of this one.
Fun and lighthearted, Knocked Up was the story of Braxton and Cara. The two meet when their best friends get married, and things get carried away as they are swept away by each other.
Braxton is a tough and determined guy. He’s been through a lot and persevered through it all. He’s stubborn and hardheaded at times, but even that comes out swoon. Cara is a strong woman. She and Braxton fit each other well. She’s determined to make it on her own.
Overall, Knocked Up was a great, fast read. The characters are easy to get lost with as they navigate a crazy new situation together, and try to mesh two very different lives together. Knocked Up is book two of the Crazy Love series, but can be read perfectly on its own.
*4.5 Star Review*
OMG! Knocked Up is a funny rom-com by Stacey Lynn that will have you hooked from page one!! These two deserve a good head slap –at times.
Cara and Braxton had a two night stand at their best friends’ wedding. Cara, never having a one/two night stand before, leaves before Braxton wakes. Braxton is a player but boy does he love Cara. When Cara walked out he was madder then heck and buried himself in work and women. Weeks later when Cara shows up at his tattoo parlor to tell him she is knocked up, things get interesting.
I really cannot say more without ruining this for everyone. You want laughter? You want sweet? You want the characters to have idiot moments? Read. Read. Read.
4.5 stars
Review by Elizabeth, Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog
If you are gonna have a baby just make sure you do it with the right partner. If it is an oops at least make sure the man or woman you choose is the one you can not stop thinking about and compare the rest to them. It’s pretty good that Braxton can’t stop thinking about Cara because when she comes with the news of a baby on the way, he doesn’t think twice about wanting her with him and not missing a thing. Even when she is determined to be independent and do things on her own. She has been treated like she is an inconvenience and a burden and that is exactly what she expects of Braxton. After all, now she sees him taking care of her as an obligation. He will show her how much he feels for her, how much he cares about her and how good he can be to her. Even when he has to jump from restaurant to restaurant for cravings. In this story both characters come from different worlds and some have the misconception that they are not a good fit together but they are wrong. Looks don’t determine how the character, personality and soul develops. He is sweet to her and attentive. Their interactions are HOT and strong at the same time because they build a trust and a bond that would be hard for others to find. All because they take a deeper look into each other.
Although this is a similar plot line to a few books I have read, this was well written with characters who are likable enough to keep me reading and see how it all turns out for them. Cara and Braxton have great chemistry and Braxton is just so sweet. Everything may not always be lollipops and unicorns but they work through it. Braxton really steps up for Cara when she needs him and is everything you want in a book hero, sexy and sweet and dependable.
I give this read 3.5 stars.
This was a cute, sexy read with a little emotional edge to it as well. But for me it had some plot holes. Things that were mentioned that were never brought up again. And the cover didn’t do the character justice in this book. Not even close to the way Braxton is described in the book. I’m a fan of Stacey Lynn’s books. Even though this wasn’t a favorite for me I will continue to read he books.
I really enjoyed Braxton and Cara’s accidental baby story. I loved how protective Braxton was over Cara from the first time she comes back into his life. I love how even when Cara has doubts, he waits her out and shows her how much she means to him as well as the baby. He wants them both in his life.
There were times in the book where I felt like things moved quickly and parts were glossed over, but it was such a good story with great characters that really complimented each other nicely. I loved watching Braxton work with Cara and giving her the choice to be with him and move in with him. He didn’t want to push anything since he wanted her to make those choices on her own.
I loved the supporting characters in this story as well. They all played pivotal roles in Braxton and Cara’s relationship. Such an unconventional family, but perfect for this group. I hope that Graham and Luca get a story!
So this was my first read from the author but definitely not the last. I absolutely loved this book! I was sucked in right away. It was written amazingly well! The characters were very well developed and it gives enough back story so you feel like you really know them.
It is about Cara and Braxton, who hook up at their best friend’s wedding, and she obviously gets Knocked Up.
Cara is just now trying to live HER life instead of a life others want her to live.
Braxton is a tattoo artist, business man who has no intention of starting anything serious!
But their chemistry throughout this book , feels like it literally jumps off the pages!
I also love the fact that they both fight for what they want.
Stacey really knows how to give us a true romantic comedy!
Knocked Up is the story of Cara and Braxton. What a wild ride it is.
An epic one night stand (or weekend) with consequences, you know from the title what it is!
The humor in the story is fantastic. The dialogue is smart, funny and quick! This book was a real page turner, just waiting to see what was coming next.
Cara is trying hard to branch out on her own when she finds out she is pregnant. But she does the right thing and tells Braxton he is her baby daddy. She is such a lovely character. She tries to handle things with grace, she truly does, but it never quite happens that way!
Braxton, oh whew! What a hero! He is everything you want in a romantic, alpha book boyfriend. He wants a family, he wants Cara and the things he does just proves it.
No story is complete with a bit of angst and Stacey does so brilliantly. But the chemistry between Cara and Braxton is epic and holds true!
Another fantastic story from Stacey! I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next! This is another must read from her!
Final Score – 5 Stars!
Knocked Up is superbly written with a wide gambit of emotions pouring off each and every page. The characters and overall tone of the book are wondrous and world building. How can two people who appear to be complete opposites end up together? Can you change one’s perception of what it takes to build a loving relationship? The answer is – YES. And this book does that.
Braxton and Cara are far from perfect and that’s fine. No one said trying to make a relationship wouldn’t be without difficulties and this book does not sugar coat that. Instead, it dives into just what it takes to make one really work. The realism of that fact was not lost on me. It was truly a partnership I began to see and eventfully a strong connection between them was formed.
They clashed, but their desire to work at fixing their issues endeared them to me. Of course that was coupled with their red HAWT chemistry, which they never lacked, but a true relationship cannot be built on that foundation alone. Braxton & Cara’s story is both charming and romantic, yet realistic.
I’ve been hooked on this author for a while and when I found out she was coming out with a new series, I just had to sign up – plot unknown. This book was excellent, well though out and memorable. I series am DYING until the next release of this series.
Do you have any idea how bad I want to squee right now? DO YOU?! Knocked Up is so sweet, so cute, so heartwarming I feel like I could explode into a mess of glitter and cotton candy. That sounded way less icky in my head. Whatever. This book is awesome sauce and left me feeling all kinds of warm and fuzzy happy. Stacey Lynn took so many things I love and wrapped them up in the perfect package that is this book.
Surprise pregnancy
Sexy Tattooed alpha
Sexy tattooed alpha who is also exceptionally swoony and sweet
Did I mention he fosters puppies (OMG SQUEEEEEEEEEEE)
Ok so I’m a lotta bit in love with Braxton. Like A LOT a lot. I’m not sure what I expected from the blurb, but I was not expecting the level of incredible this man is. He swept me off my feet and made every other book boyfriend look bad standing next to him. His bad boy exterior is hiding a man with a heart of gold that loves with everything he has. I’m completely jealous of Cara despite the fact I also adored her.
The perfect person for Braxton, Cara is a total sweetheart. Strong, independent, and striving to be more than what her parents expect her to be. I related to her on so many levels while reading this. From the all day sickness (MAN, I feel you sister) to falling hard and fast for Braxton. I floved these two!
3.5 Stars (rounded up to 4 for review purposes)
Braxton and Cara are the best friends of the two ,sin characters from the first Crazy Love book. We met them there and what was in theory a meaningless no strings attached hookup, turns into something much more complicated when Cara discovers she is pregnant. Braxton is all in for the strings that news brings since he has always wanted a family. Cara is perplexed by his willingness to be a dad. Shouldn’t someone that sexy and with all those tattoos be desperate to remain single and unencumbered? Surely another shoe will be dropping, except the only thing he seems to be waiting in is Cara to realize that one night stand was the start of her future – a future meant to be with Braxton.
On paper, I thought I would really love this book and while I did enjoyed it, I much prefer book one. There was some drama that felt unneeded and a few story inconsistencies that I got hung up on. I liked Cara and Braxton together, but they never quite had that special connection I look for in my couples. I think this will be an enjoyable read for anyone wanting a romance that isn’t too complicated or heavy, but book one is my favorite in this standalone series still.