She wants a baby…he wants a familyFirefighter and paramedic Tierney Ashton has always been a bold adventurer, but at thirty-four she longs to embark on a new adventure—motherhood. But who will be the father? Although financially challenging, a sperm bank appears to be her best option. That is, until she shares her dream with her long-time pal, Brendan Flaherty.Government analyst and world … analyst and world traveler Brendan Flaherty returns home to River’s Edge to help out at his family’s thriving winery and his brother’s new community theater. He also plans to finally achieve his lifelong goal of writing a novel. But when Tierney shares her wish, Bren offers to be her baby daddy—with one condition. Marriage.
It seems like a perfect contract, but will love get in the way?
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The fourth book in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series another great,well written story in this series. This is Firefighter and paramedic Tierney Ashton, and her best friend Government analyst and world traveller Brendan Flaherty’s story. The story had me smiling as I read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
‘The Baby Contract‘ is the fourth title in the ‘Four Irish Brothers Winery‘ series, and the final single Flaherty brother will find his unique love – after a few complications, that is. I have enjoyed this series so much. And although I prefer to read a series in order whenever possible, I also know that’s not always an option. Each book could stand on its own, but together they tell another story of a loving family as each brother finds his future happy ending. No matter how you read this series, please do take the chance on Bren and Tee – they are an amazing couple.
Tierney Ashton (Tee) and Brendan Flaherty (Bren) have known each other for decades. Tee’s brother was Bren’s best friend before his death. After years of working a government job that often took him abroad, Bren has made the choice to come home, to help with the family winery, write that novel he knows he has in him, and to find a different path. If it was his hope to find a relationship like his brothers found one day, then his dream of a family would come true, if not well he’d deal.
Tee is an independent woman capable of handling two stressful jobs, one being the Assistant Firechief. She’s not afraid of hard work but there is something missing in her life. She wants a baby, a family, and if that isn’t happening the usual way with a loving partner, well then, she’ll take an alternative route. Neither expected that perfect partner to have been right in front of them for years – but Bren wants marriage, not just to be her baby’s father. With the intention of love having nothing to do with this arrangement, they will sign that baby contract that Tee wants… and then the fireworks explode.
There are delightful, and frustrating twists and turns in ‘The Baby Contract‘ for Bren and Tee. Often I got a laugh out loud moment, and other times I wanted to strangle someone else for their actions or words. But through it all, it was the relationship that started out as friendship and grew into something more between these two that grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. They are believable, realistic, funny, and how I was rooting for them to find their happy ending. I have enjoyed the ‘Four Irish Brothers Winery‘ series so much, and I’m wishing there were more brothers to visit with… but who knows what the future holds. If you haven’t yet met the Flaherty brothers then you’re missing out on some sweet, sizzling romance, laughter, a few tears, and always happy ever afters. I would not hesitate to recommend any or all of these stories.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
This was an interesting story and it stands alone though its book 4 in a series. It stars two friends who are living now in the same town but who have lost someone they had loved.
Mikey was Tierneys beloved older brother who died in the military and he was also Brens best friend. The two are brought together over Tierneys wish for a baby.
The story was well written and I actually liked all the characters but I did not feel the attraction between T and Bren. There are also a lot of characters in this story and having not read this series before at times I was confused.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a part of the Four Irish Brothers Winery series and is as terrific as the others. She wants to have a baby. Her best friend volunteers but there is a catch-marry him. When love grows between them, it threatens their deal. Plus, there is outside turmoil brewing that has to be dealt with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This latest installment of this much loved series about four brothers that are close, and are determined to make their family winery prosper, belongs to the last unattached Flaherty brother, Brendan/Bren Flaherty..
Bren works for the government and in his latest return home from overseas travels, is rethinking his life. He yearns to settle, find a wife and have a family.
Tierney Ashton was the little sister of his deceased best friend and has always been close to Bren. She’s now the town’s assistant chief firefighter and a paramedic. She too is thinking of making some changes in her life. Above all, she wants to have a child and is considering a sperm bank.
Imagine her surprise when Bren suggests he can help be the baby’s dad. It would fulfill both their desires. That leads to the “baby contract”.
But what happens when feelings develop? Will it create problems if only one of them is in love? Will they end up splitting after the baby is conceived? And what about their families and their reactions?
This was an engaging story . I specially appreciated the fact that they were both in their 30s, mature, with careers and willing to take a chance in live and love.
I will miss the brothers and though this is a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series. I am glad I did, since I got the chance to “meet” the four brothers.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
She wants a baby. He wants a wife.
Tierney Ashton and Brendan Flaherty have been friends since they were kids, but never thought about each other romantically, even when they were older. When Tierney decides she wants a baby and plans to use artificial insemination, Brendan decides he will be the donor. But Brendan wants to marry Tierney and raise the child together. So, a contract is made and a quickie wedding by the justice of the peace is done. Next up, baby making. Will the plan fizzle out and ruin their friendship or take it in an entirely different direction?
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It might be a trope that has been done many times, but the author made this book so much more interesting with the backgrounds of the characters. There were even some tense moments near the end of the story that had me on the edge of my seat. This book is a great addition to the Four Irish Brothers Winery series. I also enjoyed catching up with the other family members and seeing how their relationships had grown.
Accidental baby is a very popular genre but this book is the exact opposite. The baby is planned. When Tierney is ready for a baby, she looks at a sperm bank, ready to to start her life. It’s a very “I’m an independent woman who don’t need no man” situation. The problem is, there is a man. His name is Brendan and he was her brother’s best friend. After the brother died serving his country, Brendan honors his friend by taking care Tierney, like a brother would. Too bad when he looks at her, he no longer sees his friend’s kid sister.
So what does he do, he suggests they get married and have the baby together. WHAT? Are you kidding me? That’s possibly the craziest idea I’ve ever seen in a romance novel. And yet, it works.
Tierney isn’t a standard damsel in distress and I think that’s why I liked her so much. She is a powerful character and loves fiercely. I relate to her so much and can’t quite go into all the details as to why without getting crazy personal. Read this book, you won’t regret getting the baby contract
Author Nan Reinhardt has given us yet another wonderful read that kept me flipping the pages of the book from the front until it ended and I wished i simply had more. This was one of those books that I loved from the start. A best friends, to lovers to souls mates…it has all the feel goods one could want in a great read. Firefighter Tierney Ashton is strong yet feminine who is the last of her friends to be single and she feels the clock ticking. Brendan Flaherty is her best friend and was her brothers best friend as well before he died in the war. Brendan has returned home to his grandfather’s cabin in River’s Edge, Indiana which happens to be part of the winery land. I enjoyed being about to fall in love with this couple as they moved their life and not only that, I was reminded of why I love love to take a trio to River’s Edge and visit the Flaherty’s Winery. This family has so much going for them and so much love to share. The Four Irish Brother’s Winery series is one of the most enjoyable reads.
I Review as a thank you to the author for gifting us her words.
A second chance romance set in a small town. The Baby Contract gives the friends to lover’s story a different twist. Interesting characters; both the main characters as well as secondary characters. A good story/series that focuses around a family of four brothers as they make their way back home to help with the family winery. This story is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, though I have enjoyed all four books in the series and recommend all of them.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book number four in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series in exchange for my review.
Book is so descriptive of a women’s longing for a baby to fill her empty arms and warm her empty heart , but oh how Brendan steps up with the perfect plan to make Tierney’s dream come true, the baby contract between friends zinged it’s way right to my heart.
My advice, do not miss this one.
The Baby Contract is the upcoming fourth book in Nan Reinhardt’s The Irish Brothers Winery series. Most people would agree… love, marriage, baby… it seems simple. Not so much for Tierney Ashton and Brendan Flaherty, especially when the order is confused. They’ve been best friends for decades. Tee’s deceased brother Mike and Bren were best buddies growing up. Tee was the ever-present in-the-way baby sister. That’s all changed… Tee is 34, Assistant Fire Chief of River’s Edge, and determined to conceive a baby using a nearby sperm bank. Brendan can not agree with Tee’s pregnancy plan.
Brendan, in awe of his brothers’ loving families, desires a wife and kids of his own. When Brendan convinces Tee to commit to a joint marriage contract, their issues seem resolved… for a split second. Then everything falls apart besides Tee’s and Bren’s mutual feelings. Tee’s father hates their arrangement, Tee’s firefighting and EMT job is not compatible with pregnancy, no one in town understands their unexpected marriage, Tee’s father suffers extreme medical issues, and Bren is almost taken hostage or hurt while overseas. Will Tee and Bren discover more than lust? Will they become a happily married couple? Will they conceive and raise a baby?
This is another beautiful Nan Reinhardt story. The usual cast of River’s Edge citizens make this a delightful book. The story is well crafted, and logically sound, but many of the story’s twists and turns are totally unexpected. The Four Irish Brothers Winery series is a wonderful series of four distinct books. Each story stands alone, but collectively they comprise one of Tule’s best written series. I hope to read many more stories set in River’s Edge, Indiana. The Flaherty family is a high benchmark to enjoy.
I loved this book. I was surprised, and happily so, with the direction it went. Tierney and Brendan are protagonists you care about. Nan Reinhardt’s voice gets better with every successive book, and I’m looking forward to whatever adventure she has in the works for us next.
One of the things I love best about reading is when a book surprises me in a pleasant way. The Baby Contract certainly did that! When I first started reading, I thought it was simply another rehash of some standard tropes. But fabulous author Nan Reinhardt added twists I never saw coming, characters I fell in love with, and a realistic and heart-warming love story. I stayed up until 2 am to finish the book, which is all you need to know about how good it is. Highly recommended.
Strong Heroine Becomes Wishy-Washy
Something about this book just didn’t ring true for me. Yes, I know it’s fiction. But I still think characters should remain true to themselves (even if they have a growth arc). That didn’t happen in this story. The hero and heroine are best friends before the idea of the “baby contract” comes in. (By the way, I would have loved to see the hammering out of that contract; we were just told about it later.) The heroine is a very self-assured early 30s woman who has triumphed in her career in a male-dominated field (as a firefighter). What she hasn’t been able to accomplish includes a long-term romantic relationship with a man and even basic care of herself. She is very career driven. Yet, her biological clock is ticking, and she desperately wants to be a mother. She’s been researching sperm banks as her preferred alternative. When she tells her best male friend, who happens to be her deceased brother’s best friend, he goes ballistic for some reason that I still don’t understand and instead offers himself as her baby’s father so long as they marry and attempt a true relationship.
One thing that seemed strange to me about this book is the way her friends and family reacted to the sperm donor possibility. They all thought it was so wrong and for the same reasons. They each questioned if she was currently in a relationship and could go that route instead. Given what they would have known of her track record, it seems like that would be a worse choice. Honestly, if any of these people wanted to have issues with her being a parent, they should have focused on her seeming inability to even care for herself, as we first meet her when she crashes and falls asleep on the floor after a hard night of firefighting and she has nothing to eat in the house when she wakes up (which we find out later is normal for her). Her father’s reaction to each step of the process seemed far too melodramatic for a man of his age. But where I thought she did not remain true to herself was in her interactions with the hero. She comes across as such a strong lady, and they are good friends at the start of this. But as soon as they fall into this other kind of relationship, she becomes wishy-washy and emotional. It just didn’t seem true to what she was before. And she seemed to keep circling the same arguments and issues; it got repetitive. I was looking forward to the story from its description, but it ended up disappointing me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I fell in love with Brenden from the very beginning. It took awhile for me to love Tierney but in the end, I liked her too. Brenden was just so tender-hearted, sweet, compassionate, fun and nerdy! He finds out his childhood friend, Tierney, desperately wants a baby (she feels her biological clock is ticking and sees no boyfriend or husband in sight!) and is willing to go to a sperm back to make it happen. Of course all her friends and family are shocked but Tierney is determined. She is a firefighter so they all feel she is not thinking about the dangers of her job. Brenden, however, thinks of another way – marrying her. He’s always wanted a wife and family and this seems like the perfect way. People have married for less, he thinks! I just loved the way Brenden treated Tee (Tierney). He was so committed to her and is “all in” after they get married. Tee is a little flighty about the whole thing at first and Brenden is so patient with her.
I fell in love with the Flaherty family from the first book! This was a wonderful family and I wish this wasn’t the last book. I will miss them! All the brothers were fantastic guys and I loved the closeness of them. It was great to see guys be so bonded and “there” for each other.
I’m a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, so when I read the blurb, I said ‘yes’ to reading and reviewing faster than the speed of light. 🙂 The Baby Contract was my first book by Nan Reinhardt so I have not read the other three installments in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series. That said, I’m quite interested in Brendan’s brothers, so I will be adding the books to my TBR.
Brendan and Tierney’s journey was quite interesting to me. They had known each other their whole lives, so when Bren found out that Tee wanted to go to a sperm bank to get pregnant, he stepped up and made her an offer. He was willing to be her baby daddy, but they’d have to get married and do it the “traditional” way. He also wanted to be more than just the donor, he wanted to be a father. After some convincing, Tee gave in. Understandably, their surprise marriage came as a bit of a shock to their families.
Despite things starting off as a means to an end, Bren still wanted to give Tee the best of the best, which made him quite swoon-worthy. He went out of his way to ensure that Tee got everything she deserved and made their marriage as real as any other. It was honestly fun seeing their relationship evolve. Things weren’t easy for Tee and Bren, though, and their HEA didn’t come without a few hiccups along the way.
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story, definitely check The Baby Contract out. I know I’m glad I did.
I quiet liked how I was unsure of Tierney and Bond aka Brendan’s relationship as they were too, you get to see them wade through their feelings they themselves are going through but also about each other and what they really want in life. My heart ached for Tierney with the whole dynamic between her and her father and then the scene in the shop their may have caused a tear or two, while I thought Brendan had an amazing family his brothers are an absolute hoot and there for him and nudge him when needed. This is actually the first in this series I have read but will be going back to read the first three as I loved the characters so much!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed revisiting the Flaherty brothers.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Four Irish Brothers Winery
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
I’m sorry to see the book series come to an end and and say goodbye to the Flaherty Brothers Sean,Conor,Aiden,Brendan and this close knit town of River’s Edge.I can’t wait to read her next book series.
The Baby Contract by Nan Reinhardt
She wants a baby…he wants a family
Firefighter and paramedic Tierney Ashton has always been a bold adventurer, but at thirty-four she longs to embark on a new adventure—motherhood. But who will be the father? Although financially challenging, a sperm bank appears to be her best option. That is, until she shares her dream with her long-time pal, Brendan Flaherty.
Government analyst and world traveler Brendan Flaherty returns home to River’s Edge to help out at his family’s thriving winery and his brother’s new community theater. He also plans to finally achieve his lifelong goal of writing a novel. But when Tierney shares her wish, Bren offers to be her baby daddy—with one condition. Marriage.
It seems like a perfect contract, but will love get in the way?
This is Tierney Ashton and Brendan Flaherty ‘s story.
Tierney Ashton dragged up the steps to her apartment on the third floor of the old Macintosh mansion, dropped her duffle, jacket, and scarf on the floor of the foyer, and plopped down next to them. After unlacing her boots, she pulled them off and tossed them aside before yanking off her heavy socks and rubbing her aching and rather stinky feet. Too tired to even stand up and stumble to bed, she dropped back onto the living room carpet and using her duffle as a pillow and her jacket as a blanket, curled up on her side and fell promptly to sleep.
She awoke, blinking and sore, and focused bleary eyes on the smart watch on her wrist, which at the moment told her how many steps she’d gotten in in the last twenty-four hours—thirty-six thousand and change—but not the time. She tapped it.
Seven thirty-four. Okay. But a.m. or p.m.?
Done at last! Brendan Flaherty stood in the center of the tiny space and gave a satisfied huff. It was only one room, but he’d managed to turn the old cabin on the ridge behind Four Irish Brothers Winery’s west vineyard into a cozy refuge. The perfect place to write his novel, which he’d barely touched since he’d arrived back in River’s Edge. Scanning the large single room, he nodded, appreciating how well he and Ben, the carpenter, had fit all his needs into less than seven hundred square feet.
The renovation had been more complicated than he’d expected, mostly because he’d been called back to Washington, DC, several times over the last year and a half and had to keep stopping mid-project. He was still on call for the State Department in DC, but he was officially classified as a remote worker on leave, so he was home to stay.
The cabin had fascinated him since boyhood, when he and his brothers and their friends would play in it. At least until the day the floor gave way and Da locked the door of the old place and told them to stay out. Because Bren was no pioneer and had no intention of roughing it, updates were mandatory.
I highly recommend reading.
The Baby Contract by Nan Reinhardt is a 5 star book.
“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.”
Nan’s Books with Tule:
A Small Town Christmas
Four Irish Brothers Winery
Meant to Be
Four Irish Brothers Winery
Christmas with You
Four Irish Brothers Winery
The Baby Contract
Four Irish Brothers Winery