A mind-blowing kiss, a phone call he never thought he wanted… Ally is about to fall in love. Twice.Ally gets by on his looks. Avoiding responsibility and not tackling his dyslexia is second nature to him, but there’s one rule he’s stuck by: ignoring Scarlet Storm. Until a chance encounter in a hotel leads to an unstoppable kiss. Then shocking news turns his life upside down: A tiny newborn … his life upside down: A tiny newborn needs him.
Scarlet knows what she wants. She has long lusted after her teenage crush—her beautiful brother-in-law. When their passionate encounter is interrupted by news of a child he has fathered, all hopes of a hookup go out the window. Maybe it’s for the best, as she’s poised to take her career overseas.
Claiming the child and becoming a worthy father will take everything Ally’s got, but he won’t stop there. He wants Scarlet too. Yet a split-second decision will endanger his life, and the two people he loves the most could be lost to him forever.
This steamy and heart-warming standalone story is the fifth and final novel in the hugely popular Marry the Scot series. Read how the youngest McRae brother gets his happily ever after.
Buy this single parent contemporary Scottish romance now!
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Finally Ally’s story and it’s such a sweet story. Ally learns he has a baby and steps up to do whatever necessary. These stories have strong family connections. Scarlett has had a crush towards Ally for years. There is a dash of suspense that pulls the story together nicely. This story has you rooting for love and family bonding.
Absolutely loved this story!
“Scarlet, smart and gorgeous as she was, eclipsed everything. She always had. I’d wanted this or too long.”
Alasdair AKA Ally McRae is working hard to hit the big time in a job that will make him big money. His severe dyslexia has him believing that he’s not cut out for anything more. A chance meeting with his beautiful sister-in-law, Scarlet Storm, has them giving into an attraction that’s been present since the moment they met as teenagers. However, the sudden shocking news that he is possibly a father to a newborn baby blindsides him and has him hotfooting it home to the Highlands.
“This feeling, this heat, this beautiful man’s full attention on me, was unlike anything I’d experienced before.”
Scarlet has always liked Ally – as a person and as a her fantasy crush. One little kiss has all sorts of possibilities opening between them, however, life is determined to throw plenty of obstacles in their way.
Ally and Scarlet were so gorgeous and so natural together. Their chemistry was absolutely electric, and their connection warmed my heart and had me rooting for them all the way. I loved the McRae family dynamics and also Scarlet’s own close relationship with her parents and sister. So much happens in this story and it seems that Ally and Scarlet’s paths would never converge. However, the author brings everything to a wonderful, fulfilling conclusion!
Overall Grade:
What gives you purpose? What guides you, helping you find your path? In the Marry the Scot’s world, Callum, the oldest McRae, seems to be the one who guides everyone. Until he can’t. But what do you do with your struggle with a devastating learning disability? What happens when your family, to a certain extent, enable you to not effectively handle your learning disability? What is there for your future? In Jolie Vines’s newest book, Oh Baby, to a certain degree, this is the youngest McRae brother’s plight.
Alaistair McRae has, for lack of a better word, been a bit of a flibbertigibbet through much of his life. You can rely on him in the earlier books of the Marry the Scot’s series to bring the humor and the adventure to the page. If you’ve read the series, you’ve seen him seek to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers when it comes to women, seen him almost die during a competition that goes awry, seen him struggle with his horrific dyslexia causing his brothers, namely his twin, to take his place for anything written, and you’ve seen him “cut up”, act brash, and keep his older brother “on his toes.” If you could give Alastair “Ally” McRae any superlative, it would be “most irresponsible McRae brother.”
Yet, Vines crafts a story for him that shows an Ally who is forced into “adulting” and who does it beautifully. In her newest book, Oh Baby, Ally finds out that he is the father of a baby. He isn’t made aware of the baby until after she is born, and he “moves mountains” to become her father. In the midst of challenging the courts and a “family member” of the birth mother, Ally begins a relationship with Scarlet Storm, Mathilde’s younger sister (Mathilde is Callum’s wife – their story is the first book in the series). These two situations, along with a serious life-changing incident in his life, conspire to grow Ally into the man he is always meant to be. I have said it previously in my reviews of the books in this series that a particular brother was “now” my favorite. But honestly, Ally McRae is my favorite, and I think Jolie Vines intended it that way.
First and foremost, Ally is the dirtiest McRae brother. I don’t usually comment on the $exual prowess of a particular character in my reviews, but Ally is a dirty talker and a dirty doer. He will curl your toes in the best of ways. Together, Scarlet and Ally are combustible. It adds some lightning to this story.
Secondly, like his brothers, Ally loves big. Yet in this story, that love isn’t just towards his heroine. And quite frankly, Scarlet is worth his love. It’s what I love about all of the books in this series. The heroes never vacillate in their love for the heroine. Any angst in these stories comes with the storyline or a threat to the family (that is the most usual). In Oh Baby, what makes Ally special and elevated above the other heroes in the series is his love for his daughter. The moment of their meeting will twist your heart and wrench tears from your eyes. Vines crafts moments between him and his daughter that are palpable and heart-rending. He could very well allow others to raise her, but he takes on his responsibility like a mantle. And that struggle, his battle, beyond his adoration of Scarlet, is the best part of this book. You feel his anguish when he’s separated from his daughter, and you become angered when it is threatened. Vines’s words twist you up and make you feel Ally’s pain. As such, Ally’s “big love” is the center, the core, of this book.
Additionally, Ally’s journey, I think, is the most profound of the brothers. In my questions at the beginning of this review, we see his challenges. What is Ally’s purpose? How does he overcome his disability to provide stability for his daughter, for Scarlet? If Ally’s big love is the core of this book, his journey is the vessel to illustrate it. Vines’s articulation of Ally’s growth is central to understanding his story. The only other character competing for his level of growth is James (from the second book), but, honestly, I think Ally has him beat. And I love that. I appreciate that Vines gives us the most complicated character last, and it illustrates her growth as a storyteller. Finding his place in the McRae family and firmly rooting himself in adulthood is necessary for Ally, and this is done so well in Oh Baby.
I don’t want to be remiss in discussing Scarlet. Like Ally, she has undergone a drastic change from the first book of the series until now, having gone to college and begun pursuing her career. Yet, like Ally, she experiences changes that you don’t expect at the beginning. Watching her advocate vehemently for Ally is one of the highlights of their story. Together, they are magic, and it was bittersweet in the book’s finality.
Honestly, I finished this book a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been sitting on this review simply because I hate to see the Marry the Scots books end. Jolie Vines has hinted to the 2.0 version, the next generation. There is a part of me that hopes for it because I will miss this clan dearly. Yet, there is another part of me that needs to let them go, let them live their happily-ever-afters in my mind. Jolie Vines’s writing has grown so much from Storm the Castle until now with Oh Baby. Thanks to her masterful characterization and storytelling, along with her delicious heroes, she has brought a new voice to the world of romance. You really should read this series. It definitely won’t disappoint you.
A good way to end this family’s saga. Ally’s troubles dealing with instant fatherhood, guilt for not staying in touch, and guilt for desiring happiness kept this story moving along. Scarlet was a wonder in what she was willing to do with her life and for her future. There were moments that had me wiping away the tears to continue reading as well as many moments of fun interactions between the entire McRae clan. Thank you for this series.
I received an ARC of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
5 CRANKY STARS
This has been one of my favorite series. This book sees the last of the McRae brothers married. I love the way the author describes the Highlands of Scotland with the family estates and green rolling hills and lochs. She describes all of these characters as fun loving, family oriented young men. Their trials and tribulations are relatable and realistic. They have lived a rough life and yet, still manage to pull themselves up into proud successful men. Even the women in their lives have not had it easy.
In this book, Ally is the last one to marry. He has been a playboy/ professional model since high school. I like that the author has introduced a gorgeous, not so perfect man into this. Throughout the series we have heard about his dyslexia and how it has affected his life. At 24, he still cannot read, but has a special app on his phone to help him. This becomes a very important fact as he fights for custody of his baby. With so many people suffering from this affliction, it’s good to see the way his family rallies around him. Hopefully, this will help reduce the stigma for those who in real life suffer.
There is so much more to this story, but it would be giving away too much to explain. This author is amazing in the way she handles unusual difficulties and heartaches. She makes everyone know that it doesn’t matter how you look, how much money you have, or what disabilities you suffer from, we are all alike. Thank you for a wonderful series.
Oh Baby by Jolie Vines is book 5 in the Marry the Scot Series. This is the story of Ally and Scarlet. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Scarlet has had a crush on Ally for awhile but now she learns of his child and unsure what to think. Ally is one of the McRae brothers but Ally has tried to live a life free of responsibilities because he is covering for his dyslexia. But then Ally learns he has a child and he goes forward to claim the child and to start to take on responsibility that he has been running from. Ally feels that Scarlet is one of those things he has been running from that he doesn’t want to do so now.
Enjoyed their story.
Super end to a gripping series! Oh, the lengths they’ll go to for a wee babby
September 22, 2019
Format: Paperback
I loved this story, with its drama, romance and sense of urgency, but then I’ve felt that way about every book I’ve read in this series! Yes, there are some very steamy times between young business intern Scarlet and model-handsome Ally, but my favorite parts relate to Ally’s fight for his child and to turn his life around after fate deals him a crippling blow that ends his career. Scarlet figures centrally in his trials and tribulations in both a good and bad way. Apart from the baddies that no good drama could do without, Author Jolie Vines has created an ensemble of likable characters, most of them closely related, and a plot with some fine twists and troubles for them to overcome. With or without the heated scenes it would be a great, well-written story that I highly recommend.
I have read all but one of the books in this series. I would recommend reading the others since most of the characters are carry-overs from book to book, but this could be read as a standalone. It has no cliffhanger and reunites all the main protagonists in the series for a final joyous event. Too bad there are no more brothers for sequels; the Scots are all taken!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
This was one of the most amazing books I’ve read and an awesome conclusion to this series. Ally is su a playboy. He’s gorgeous, has an exciting career as a model and can have almost any girl he wants. Who is Ally-the real Ally? Is he capable of making the decisions necessary in order to become the man he needs to be?
Jolie Vines writes incredible books of Scottish highlanders and has a way of creating heroes and heroines you fall in love with. One of the best things about her books is the way she weaves the lives of the characters throughout the books. Suspense? Oh, yeah! The twists and turns just keep on coming! By the time you finish one book, you can’t wait for the next. You will not be disappointed!
Oh Baby (Marry the Scot #5) by Jolie Vines is a contemporary romance told in first person, dual POV and concludes the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading the other books first to get the best experience. Each story is beautifully written, very entertaining, and you’ll get to know all the characters as they continue to reappear in subsequent books. Besides, how could you go wrong with a series full of sexy Scots? You can’t!
Gorgeous model and playboy, Ally, has always been a little reckless, but he has still managed to responsibly ignore his sexy sister-in-law, Scarlet, despite her not so subtle interest over the years. That is until a chance meeting leads to a passionate kiss and everything between them changes.
When Ally receives news that he’s fathered a child, his world is turned upside down. He’s determined to do whatever it takes to gain custody and be the best father possible, and he wants Scarlet to be right there with him as part of his new family. But Scarlet is on the cusp of making all her business dreams come true, and that may require relocation overseas.
Will Ally be able to prove himself as a responsible caretaker? Will he win custody of his baby girl? And what will happen between Scarlet and Ally? Will she be forced to choose between dreams? Between business and love?
As a fan of the series, I couldn’t wait to read Ally’s story, and I was not at all disappointed! I loved Scarlet and Ally together. They were perfectly matched and made a great team as they fought to overcome many challenges. I also loved catching up with all the other characters in the series. The story was heartwarming, romantic, and super-steamy! A perfect ending to the Marry the Scot series!
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
What a beautiful conclusion to the Marry the Scot series! I had no idea what to expect when starting this book.
Ally is the most reckless and carefree of the McRae brothers and all of a sudden he has a baby. I didn’t know how it would work.. if it would work. But, my God, Vines did it wonderfully. My emotions were all over the place in this novel. The obstacles that he faces and overcomes is awe-inspiring.
Not to mention Scarlet Storm. Again, I didn’t know how it would work with Ally. She wants to succeed in the business world and spur her career towards bigger and better things. Our hero, on the other hand, is trying to figure out the family life. Vines didn’t disappoint in this aspect either (not that I ever doubted her). This couple is determined to get what they want out of life… a relationship with each other included. The best way to describe Ally and Scarlet? “‘I love you!’ she yelled, the sound bouncing off the surrounding hills and the loch’s surface. From the seat opposite her, I threw my head back and yelled. ‘I love you, too, Scarlet Storm!'” Their love is one that once recognized, refused to be held back.
You don’t want to miss Oh, Baby. You don’t want to miss any of the Marry the Scot novels. If you haven’t started them, you need to! Ally’s story can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading the other books in the series first to get the best experience possible!
Warning – this book is HOT!! Oooooh – that scene on the stairs! ‘Bout lit my panties on FIRE!
Yeah, Ally brings all the heat and then some. But there’s also an amazing story here, one of redemption, family ties, and surviving horrible tragedies. Ally is the last of the single McRae brothers, and his delightful sister-in-law, Scarlet, is finally within reach.
I can’t tell you much about the plot without giving away spoilers, but let me assure you it’s practically a Trope Soup! We’ve got a secret baby, fake engagement, childhood friends, overprotective older brother, near-death experience, court battle, corporate shenanigans, and more. I don’t know how the author did it, but it all fits together seamlessly and works perfectly to build an indestructible relationship between two of my favorite people from this series.
The epilogue was gloriously celebratory. Callum’s speech brought tears to my eyes. For fans of the series, rest assured that the gang’s all here, not just at the end but throughout the entire story as well. This story brilliantly takes the entire cast full-circle from the first book, and I couldn’t love it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book is incredible! Amazing characters, powerful emotions, family, drama and steamy hot romance. The depth of characters and the story makes this book so amazing. Once you start reading you don’t want to put the book down. I love the characters! Ally shows such strength, courage and determination. I love Ally and Scarlet together. They have so much love and strength throughout many difficulties and challenges. The ending of the book is perfect. This book is a wonderful conclusion to the series with all of the family together. I love Oh Baby!
OH BABY is the perfect conclusion to this contemporary Scottish series. I’ve been waiting for Ally’s book – and Vines did not disappoint! Ally and Scarlet are perfect together, and I loved how they changed and stepped up to the challenges that life threw at them. It was also great to see the entire family together – this was a great way to wrap up everyone’s stories. I can’t wait to read Vines’ next story!
Wow oh wow
I wanted Ally’s book after reading storm the castle and it did not disappoint.
The bond between the twins shines through (as with picture this).
The chemistry between Ally and Scarlet is off the charts and they finally get their HEA – having to navigate some bumps in the road x
This is my favourite Marry the Scott book – Jolie saves the best til last
I’m in book heaven! Ally and Scar’s story was so unexpected, so delicately nuanced, and so perfectly crafted, and I’m simply in awe.
Watching Ally the joker become Ally the responsible dad was compelling. I also loved how Scarlet went from single minded regarding business to opening her heart to wider possibilities. I firmly believe she changed based on shifts in her own heart and mind (rather than simply changing to accommodate someone else). It was wonderful to watch.
These Scots have been a delight and I’m more than a little sorry the series is done. I’ll miss all of them…until I start on the spin-off series.
Oh Baby! indeed.
I am a big softy when it comes to a romance.
I love to get lost in someone else’s story and I love it when authors can move me to tears. Jolie did just that with this book. At one point I was a blubbering wreck. The scene that got me right in the feels is such a beautiful, raw and honest depiction of a first meeting with a child. I wanted to reach into the pages and just hug the life out of the guy. There are only 3 books I’ve read in my life that made me cry real sobbing tears, so well done Jolie.
The world-building in this series is exceptional and I absolutely love, once again, the headstrong female lead in Scarlet. She is fabulous. She was only 14 when we first met her and I think we all knew when Ally was told to not to mess with that that’s exactly what was going to happen.
Scarlet is an absolute badass at points in this book and I was so glad she had Ally’s back. I would also like to say that I totally fell in love with Scarlet and Mathilda’s dad. What a sweetheart he turned out to be.
This book was a perfect end to this series and I’m so glad I found Jolie’s books. She is an absolute master of words and worlds and I can’t wait to read the next generation of McRae’s books now. x