This baby’s not the only one in need of a cuddle… Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He’s in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister’s been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That’s the end of the bachelor lifestyle.Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all … owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant’s in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man…?
Must Love Babies Series:
Must Love Babies (Book 1)
I’ve Got You Babe (Book 2)
For Baby and Me (Book 3)
What People Are Saying about Lynnette Austin:
“A delightful, romantic story about dreams, family, and first love…”—Fresh Fiction for The Best Laid Wedding Plans
“An emotional story about a deep love, forgiveness and letting go.”—Keeper Bookshelf for Picture Perfect Wedding
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That cover?! Honestly, as soon as I saw it, I had to read this. What a book. It was hilarious watching Brant, a bachelor, take care of his baby nephew. He soon learned it was not as easy as mothers made it look. He had no idea how they did it. There were so many funny moments. Like when he was learning how to change a diaper and ruined 3 before he got one on right. Then there was the time he got peed on when he wasn’t fast enough. And sleep was a thing of the past. Some of his thoughts were hilarious. Like when he wondered how families had more than one child? Who had time or energy for sex?
Don’t get me wrong. This book wasn’t all laughs and giggles. The reason Brant was looking after his nephew was that his sister was in the hospital after she had been in a car accident. Even worse was that she had been drinking and driving so the accident was her fault. Having to go into rehab when she got out of the hospital meant Brant had the baby even longer. Brant was lucky Molly often helped him out with the baby. But when he wanted more than just her friendship, she wasn’t having it. No way was she getting into a relationship. She had a plan and she wasn’t messing it up for some man. Stupid woman. How could she pass up a chance to be with a gorgeous man who was good with babies?
This book was heartbreaking but had me chuckling, too. Definitely recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the dual POVs, that really helps me to understand the character. I totally fell in love with Jax. Who couldn’t fall for a seven month old baby! Of course, Brant was a very close second place! He has a heart of gold. I so hope his brothers’ get a story as well. They were a fantastic addition. I have to go back and read the prior books to get the stories of the other ladies.
This is the first book of Ms. Austin’s that I have read. If the other books are anything like this one, they will be highly anticipated. I loved the laughter and good-feeling that is book gave me.
It’s wedding season in Misty Bottom. The Wylder brothers are looking to relocate and Molly Stiles is hoping her “To-Do” List is coming to fruition. So far, so good. She’s 27, owns her own business, The Little White Dress, and plans on getting married in 3 years. The only problem, Brant Wylder makes her challenge everything about her list. Brant Wylder is a fixer. He and his two brothers not only fix cars, but they also do vehicle restorations. His family is in trouble, Brant to the rescue. The brothers are looking for a new location to set up shop, Brant goes looking for the perfect place.
Brant’s sister, Lainey, gets into a drunk driving accident and lands herself in the hospital. With the father out of the picture and Lainey in the hospital, someone will need to take her son, Jax. Brant to the rescue! Never having raised a child before, Brant and Jax are in for quite an experience. Fortunately, he’s in Misty Bottom and southern hospitality is a real thing. Practically an entire town is there to help, and the most important person is Molly. Brant has not only bonded with Jax, but he has developed feelings for Molly. The only thing in his way is her list. How can Brant make Molly see her list is holding her back? Will Molly realize too late she missed out on something great?
Must Love Babies had every element you love in a romance novel… an amazing hero, a sweet leading lady, an adorable baby, and a life lesson. Sometimes you have to live in the moment because not everything will go according to plan. Everything will happen when it needs to. Be spontaneous, don’t miss your shot! This is set up to be a series, and it looks like Brant’s older brother, Tucker, will be next. I can’t wait!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo –
Not your typical romance but I think it’s what I love most about it.
Brant and Molly are the cusp on something but before anything can happen, Brant gets a phone call that his sister is in the hospital and he’s on his way to check on her. Next thing he knows, he’s in charge of his seven-month-old nephew, Jax, while his sister, Lainey, is recovering from surgery following a drunk driving accident – which she caused.
Molly is skittish on a good day but getting involved with a man who doesn’t live in Misty Bottoms is not high on her list of priorities. After all, she’s learned that men leave – that’s what her father did, anyway.
However, Molly can’t resist Brant, the way he takes care of his nephew, the way he’s looking out for his sister, and the way he sweet talks her.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I’m highly invested in the town of Misty Bottoms and the Wylder family.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Must Love Babies (Must Love Babies #1) by Lynnette Austin to read and review.
I loved everything about this book and Lynette Austin is now one of my must-buy authors because of her delightful storytelling style. In addition to the two main characters, Brent and Molly, the highlight of the book is Brent’s 7 month old nephew, Jax. Many authors introduce a young infant to their story and proceed to write the rest of the book as though the child is off in another room most of the time. Ms. Austin made me fall in love with Jax through his facial expressions, his babbling baby talk and his man-to-man conversations with his Uncle Brent as well as his flirting with heroine, Molly, and every other person who interacts with him. Brent is a very capable uncle and I willingly admit that I fell in love with him just as much as he falls in love with Molly and the new town that he will soon be a part of. Great storytelling like this deserves every one of the stars in my 5 star rating. If I could, I would give it ten stars and that’s why I’m the newest member of the Lynette Austin fan club. You will love this book! I read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
What’s not to love above a single dad well this story gets even better when this confirmed bachelor steps up to take care of his sisters five month old little boy when she is involved in an accident could this be the end of his bachelor lifestyle. Molly Stiles is all about her business it’s what comes first until she sees that Brant needs some help with the baby that’s just arrived in his life. Molly and Brant have a history a meeting at a friends wedding was only meant to be fun neither of them were looking for a relationship but second time around things look very different for both of them. Will baby Jax bring these together forever…….
This is the first book I have read by Lynnette Austin but it won’t be the last, I loved her style of writing, I loved her characters and I just want more…..I can’t wait to read book 2 in this series but in the meantime I certainly will be checking out other books by this very talented author.
Loved it
It one of those stories you don’t want to put down. Brent and his brother’s had two things the were doing Misty Bottoms. Going to a wedding and looking at land to move their business too. But when Rick & Gavin left to go pick up a car, Brent was staying to look at spots. But when their sister was in accident Brent stood up to care of his nephew, Jax. Molly owns the bridal shop and is also friends with the bride. But something clicks between them.
I absolutely loved this book. It is a nice thick one that gives you tons of story to enjoy for days. The characters are engaging, the rough parts are real and what can be sexier than a guy learning the hard way how to take care of a baby? Even better…he wants to.
Brant and Molly are attracted to each other and engaging in a first kiss when Brant gets the news that his sister was in an accident and HE needs to get her baby. Circumstances make it necessary that he care for the baby for an unknown length of time. He has no idea what he’s doing. Molly is concerned about him and ends up helping with the baby. Things between her and Brant are doing their best to heat up, but it’s hard to manage with a baby in the same room.
This is a story about family. And love–family love and romantic love and the love you feel for a baby that isn’t yours just because they are so darn cute. It’s about hardship and hurdles and doing what’s right. The story was great and I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Brant myself. I’m so ready for the next book in the series!
To be honest, I had a hard time listening to this audiobook at first, and not because of the narrator. He was fantastic. He could change all the characters’ voices without sounding the same. Even the women voices didn’t sound badly.
The concept of the book was very sweet. I ended up liking Brant. There was a sexiness about him. He was a hard worker, kind, and down-to-earth. When he took the baby, then my heart swooned. He was easy to fall in love with, but he has some sexy brothers, too.
Molly was a nice girl, and also a hard worker. She did drive me crazy at times because she was wishy-washy with her relationship with Brant. I wanted to scream, “HE’S GREAT! TAKE HIM OR I WILL! Ha ha (I get into my books too much). Although, I can understand her hesitation because of the hurt in her past.
Ultimately, I really liked the book. I did laugh and shed a few tears. It’s my first experience with Lynnette’s books. It’s nice to read about some good ole’ small town people rather than the millionaire scene that are usually in romance books these days. I also like the fact that the book is pretty tame in the sexual parts. This is a book a younger person could read. There is also not much profanity, which is a plus for me.
The book cover caught my eye and I am so glad it did! Brandt is a perfect book boyfriend and Molly is adorable. Together they take care of his nephew after an unexpected accident puts that baby’s mother in the hospital. Brandt is a certified bachelor who is not prepared to take care of this baby but he doesn’t give up, which increases his hotness.
I loved Brandt and Molly as a couple. The book was well written and easy to get into. I cannot wait to read more of this series!
I should have loved this one. Hot guy taking care of a baby. What’s not to love, right? Sadly…lots. There was lots I didn’t love.
First of all, I need to say that there’s nothing at all wrong with the writing. There aren’t a ton of annoying typos, the dialogue all has a nice, natural flow to it, and the characters all are well fleshed out. And I actually liked Brant, the hero, quite a bit. He’s a stand-up guy who always goes above and beyond for his family.
Now, for what didn’t work for me…
Length:
I made it to about 50% of the story. That’s when I started thinking, damn, I’m at 50% of the story and NOTHING has happened yet in the way of romance. It’s just been a hot dude taking care of a baby and occasionally running into a woman he has the hots for. I was bored at this point in the story, and started to consider skimming. But you know what? Life’s too short to spend skimming books that are boring the crap out of me. So I stopped. Then I noticed that this book is 419 pages long. Jesus! 419 pages? That’s way too long. If the chapters about Brant taking care of the baby had been condensed, the book had a shot at keeping my attention, but at 419, I would’ve been really bitter had I stayed in it until the end. I’m SUPER glad I quit at 50%.
The heroine:
She has a list, y’all. If you’re a regular romance reader (or watcher of Hallmark and Lifetime Channel holiday romances), you know what I’m talking about. Molly, the heroine, has a list of things she wants to accomplish in her lifetime, and a timeframe that she wants to follow for each accomplishment. So, her list says that she shouldn’t be in a serious relationship until she’s 30, and darn it, she’s only 27, so OBVIOUSLY, she can’t get involved with Brant, because it’s just not time yet. (*rolls eyes so hard I have a headache that lasts two hours*) I’m sorry, but that is without a doubt, one of the DUMBEST reasons not to get involved with someone that I’ve ever heard, and I have no patience for that kind of jackassery.
And what’s worse is that Molly doesn’t even stick to her guns. She keeps flirting with Brant, and offering to help him take care of the baby, and cooking dinner for him. THEN she ends up pushing him away because of her stupid list (and past daddy issues, which is yet another annoying trope that I’d be happy to never run into again).
By the time I quit reading, I kind of wanted Molly to get hit by a bus so that the hero might have the opportunity to meet a GOOD heroine.
Hart of Dixie:
Did you guys watch Hart of Dixie? I’m not saying the author copied anything from the show because the plot lines were nothing alike, but I got a VERY Hart of Dixie feeling about the little town the story was set in. There were characters named Tansy and Cricket (just like in HoD), a wedding venue called Magnolia House (there was a character on HoD named Magnolia), someone called Jenni Beth (which reminded me of Anna Beth, another HoD character), and lots of little quirky small town side characters, just like HoD. And Brant reminded me a lot of Wade Kinsella from the show. Maybe that was just me, though…
Brant’s family sucks:
I feel like Brant’s family totally took advantage of him and left him in the lurch to care for his sister and Jax, the baby. Not ONE of them could show up to help him in any way? And they all just expected him to do it. He did everything without complaining because that’s the kind of guy he was, but the fact that his family so quickly threw him to the wolves, by himself, irked me.
So, long-story-short, I’ve certainly read worse books than this, but I guess I was just expecting more from a book with a hot guy and a baby on the cover. What’s the world coming to that I can’t trust a book with a hot guy and a baby on the cover?
Full disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the series titled Must Love Babies. From what I gather , it’s a spin off from a previous series by this author. I am new to her, so even though at times I felt I had missed some info from those books, I had no problems following the plot.
If you are looking for an action, suspense, full of sex story, this one is not for you. But , if you are looking for a sweet, touching, fairly mild sex, and romance, with a Southern town flavor, then this one is perfect.
The story belongs to Brant Wylder and Molly Stiles. Brant is in Misty Bottoms for a wedding. He and Molly had seen each other before at another wedding and when they meet again at this one, the attraction is obvious. But Brant receives a call and suddenly the confirmed bachelor, is in charge of his seven months nephew.
It’s touching to see this macho guy, over his head with the baby, but also very sweet.
While all this is going on, we get to meet his brothers, all hunky guys with a strong brotherly bond.
It’s a story about trust, or lack thereof, of goals in life that need to be adjusted. It’s also a story about how families can either be loving and supportive or secretive. How childhood experiences do in fact affect us as adults. But it’s also a story about hope and love.
For me it was a good 3.5 book but knowing the hard work that goes into writing, I am giving it a 4 star . I voluntarily read this copy for Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This book launches on June 5. I was lucky enough to get an early review copy and LOVED it. Fun, sweet, easy read. Love the characters. Lynnette Austin Must Love Babies
Brant Wylder fully embraces his bachelor lifestyle, he enjoys being free to roam and do has he pleases.. he doesn’t have responsibilities to tie him down, so why not right? But his days of freedom are about to take a hit because his sister has been involved in an accident, and she desperately needs his help caring for her little one. Which he has to admit is a little unsettling, since he doesn’t know the first thing about kids, but this might be as good as time as any to learn. One look into the face of his nephew and he instantly knows he’s doing the right thing, and the small relief of knowing it’s only a temporary situation until his sister is done with rehab and on the mend makes it seem a little easier. He never realized that coming to Misty Bottoms would change the entire course of his life, he came for a friends wedding, and to scout out a new location for business, and wound up finding a lot more than he bargained for!!
Molly Stiles life revolves around her bridal boutique, she thoroughly enjoys spending her days making brides dreams come true, but when it comes to her own love life there isn’t a happily ever after on the horizon. She has a few hang-ups when it comes to forever, and she isn’t willing to budge on her rules until everything on her list is checked off, and the stars are aligned perfectly. But she never anticipated a man quite like Brant to wander into her life, and once he does she has a hard time letting him go, he checks off quite a few of her boxes, but the timing of things is giving her fits, so she tries to put off his advances. But the man is too darn tempting, and as much as she tries to keep her feelings in check the more they try to get out of line…
Must Love Babies is a sweet little page turner that is certain to warm the hearts of readers; with it’s handsome caring hero and high-spirited independent heroine there is bound to be lots of fireworks and moments that will squeeze your heart, and curl your toes! This newest offering from Ms. Austin was not only a lot of fun to read, but it left me anxious to see what she has in store for some of the secondary characters that were introduced. I must say this was a promising start to a new series, and one I am certain is going to score some serious points with romance fans, I mean what is not to love about a single guy moving heaven and earth to make sure his nephew has a good life! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
4 Star review of Must Love Babies (Must Love Babies #1) by Lynette Austin
This was a new to me author and since I really loved the premise and as it was book one in a new series I jumped right in.
I do feel it might have led to a better understanding of this book if I had read her Magnolia Brides series first as there are numerous references to the three ladies from that series and so I felt lost on occasion.
When Brant Wylder’s sister is involved in an accident, he has to step in and look after his 5 month old nephew.
Having no clue, he is soon out of his element, when Molly Stiles steps in to help him.
This was a sweet romance which at times was an emotional roller coaster. The interaction between Brant and baby Jax melted my heart.
I really liked Brant but to be honest Molly annoyed me. Although she is independent she didn’t seem to be able to decide what or who she wants.
Somehow weddings seem to be a great place to meet your future spouse. Maybe it’s because there is so much love in the air. Maybe it’s just because there always seems to be lots of guests around the same age. In any event something special happened when bachelor Brant Wylder met bridal boutique owner Molly Styles at the wedding of their friends. A dance in the moonlight at Magnolia House,the unique wedding venue in Misty Bottoms, Georgia. So romantic – until Brant’s phone rings and he rushes off.
Brant Wylder is a confirmed bachelor. He and his two brothers Tucker and Gaven have a vintage car repair business, Wylder Rides. That takes up all Brant’s spare time. Right now the brothers are looking for a property in Misty Bottoms to expand their business. For Brant that gets put on hold when he takes on the care of his five-month-old nephew Jax when Jax’s mother is injured in an automobile accident.What a wake-up call! Brant knows nothing about taking care of a baby. Good thing Molly is willing to help.
Molly Styles just recently opened That Little White Dress Shop in Misty Bottoms. The shop is her dream come true. She has no time for men or a relationship. Her business comes first. Plus she made a plan when she was thirteen and so far she has faithfully stuck to it – all the way up to line 8; “Age 27 – Open my own business.” Here she is age 27 and she has her own bridal boutique just like she planned. Line 9 on her To-Do List tells her that from age 28-30 she must pour her soul into her business – thus really no time for a relationship. Sometimes the best laid plans go awry though. The attraction between Molly and Brant is strong. Who can resist?
Author Lynnette Austin does small town romance so well you can’t stop turning the pages until you get to that HEA. Once you get there you find yourself smiling widely and feeling awful darn good! I can’t wait to see what Lynnette Austin has in store for Brant’s two brothers, Tucker and Gaven
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
Brandt Wylder is in Misty Bottoms Georgia to attend a wedding and then search for a new location for Wyder Brothers car restoration. At the wedding, he meets Molly Stiles, owner of the local wedding dress boutique. Sparks fly between them, but before they can act on their attraction, Brandt receives a call that his sister has been in an accident, and his infant nephew has been dropped off by the babysitter at the hospital. Brandt rushes to the hospital to find out that his sister had been driving drunk. He arranges to take his nephew Jax and get his sister into rehab once she is healed. This is a cute fish out of water story. Brandt is a great guy, loving and a natural caretaker. Molly and the community helps him with taking care of adorable Jax. A couple of things kept this from being a five star read for me. Molly had this ridiculous timeline for her life, so she didn’t want to get involved with Brandt because it was three years too early. Also, this is a continuation of the authors previous series Magnolia Brides. While it isn’t necessary to read the prior books, it would help. This is a cute small town romance, with minimal conflict.