This was a great book. Ups and downs. Will she tell him? When will she tell him? And how will he react? All questions that went through my mind throughout this book. I really enjoyed reading this story about Kelsey and Aaron and how one night changed their life forever.

They thought one night was all they had until fate stepped in and gave them a glimpse at forever. Aaron and Kelsey are thrown together by chance. A bachelorette party, a missing bride and a friendly favor have these two strangers breaking their own rules and giving in to desire. How could they have known that one night would leave a lasting impression on the course of their lives. The Secret Baby aims for tempting and ekes out hilarious. Harper puts a sexy twist on an oops kind of romance and scores a winning hand.

It should be no surprise to myself that I would enjoy this one! Leddy always pulls me into her stories. The characters and dialogue in this story were highly enjoyable to read. I think it’s a great book for this summer, take it to the pool, the beach or on the plane!

I enjoyed Aaron & Kelsey’s story and going on their journey. Aaron & Kelsey had some great banter. I feel like something was missing, but overall I enjoyed the book.

I look forward to more by Leddy Harper.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

This was my first book by Leddy Harper and it's always a good sign when halfway through the book I start checking out what else the author has written. There were moments, before I hit that 50%, when I wasn't sure if I was liking this book. Two things that were grating on me were the way the two main characters met (it seemed contrived) and their personalities (he was coming off a bit weak and she seemed whiney). Usually, this would be the kiss of death, but I kept on reading because there were moments interspersed when I was genuinely laughing out loud and moments that were endearing. The characters started growing on me, Aaron seemed less "weak" and more sweet and all around good guy, the guy you may not expect in a traditional romance novel, but would totally want in real life. Then I started getting Kelsey's point of view a bit more, what seemed like whining now looked more like defense mechanisms. By the second half of the book, I was solidly rooting for their relationship to succeed.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars!

I read an ARC of the prequel book to this one earlier this year and I liked it, but I didn't love it as much as I was expecting to! I was intrigued by this book though, so requested an ARC and started reading it as soon as I had come back from my holiday! After reading this book, I can say that I felt the same way about it as the prequel book and I can be honest and say that I actually enjoyed this book more than the prequel book! I felt like I was more invested in the plot and what was going to happen next for the characters! The plot of this book was easy to understand and I sort of knew what was going to happen because of the synopsis and the title of the book lol! The plot did develop at a nice pace and it was interesting and slightly different to what I was expecting! I enjoyed it though and felt like there was more to it than the plot to the prequel book! This book was left at the perfect ending for the characters too! The characters were also amazing and made the plot that bit better! Kelsey was the main female character, and in this book she went through a lot and had some tough decisions to make! I felt like Kelsey tried her best in this book to deal with her changing circumstances! I also felt for her because she did feel like she was picked on by her family and they didn't understand that it hurt Kelsey! I was also able to connect with Kelsey in this book and she did try and tell her love interest what was going on, but things kept getting in the way! Aaron was the main male character and love interest of Kelsey! Aaron worked hard in this book and he had a respectable job and had done well for himself! He also seemed like a nice guy! Aaron also had a reason for doing the things that he did and the choices that he made and he could always justify his reasons! It was also easy to see that Aaron had deep feelings for Kelsey, but he felt betrayed by her and it took a while for him to realise that she had her reasons for not telling him! I loved that this book was written from both Kelsey and Aaron's point of views! I was hoping that it was going to be because the prequel book written from dual point of view, so I'm really happy that this one was too! The synopsis also gives the impression that it's going to be written from dual point of view! It helped me connect and understand Kelsey and Aaron more and it allowed for more things to happen in the plot, especially as the main characters didn't spend every minute of the plot together and went through some situations on their own! I'm not sure if there's going to be another sort of prequel book to this one, but I would read it if one does release! I also still have quite a few of this author's other books to read, so I cant wait to check them out and see if there's some that sound interesting! I also love the cover for this book a lot! It suits the feel of the book and I love that this cover matches the cover for the prequel book! The cover image is very cute too and the models suit the characters of Kelsey and Aaron! Big thank you to Montlake Romance for an ARC of The (Secret) Baby!

This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed this and I am a big fan of the secret baby trope. I would definitely recommend this read.

My first experience reading this author's work was the first book in this standalone series, The (Half) Truth, and while I enjoyed that one, I liked this one even more. There's a few lessons to be learned from both of these books and she does it very well -- this one is "never make assumptions." I really liked Aaron's character -- he was a thoughtful, compassionate, sweet guy and I really felt for him throughout this book. Kelsey, on the other hand, whom we met in the first book, kind of frustrated me in the beginning but then she redeemed herself and I liked watching her grow up and mature. I think what I liked the best in both books is the crazy, nutty family that really has each other's backs -- refreshing and enjoyable! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Super cute, fun and easy to read! I really enjoyed this book. The (Secret) Baby was such a good rom com. I loved the characters and the connection between them. Kelsey and Aaron were so much fun together. Their banter made the story. Leddy Harper gave us the best meet cute with these two. Even though I really enjoyed Kelsey and Aaron's story, I will say, their lack of communication was a tad too much and too frustrating by the end. I wanted to shake them while yelling "talk to each other."

That being said, I'd still highly recommend picking The (Secret) Baby up. If you're looking for a quick sweet read, this one is for you. I loved my first Leddy Harper book -The (Half) Truth- so much, I was scared The (Secret) Baby wouldn't hold up. Fortunately, I had nothing to worry about.

Pretty much everything you need to know to make a decision about picking up The (Secret) Baby is up in the Cover Description.

For me, The (Secret) Baby was an enjoyable romp with characters I’d love to know who are dealing with life and a few deeper issues. Kelsey was completely messed over by a former boyfriend (and I can’t say more than that because of possible spoilers) and she has vowed to never, ever trust another man again. Oh, they’re good for the occasional fling but nothing serious. Right up until she discovered who the “not really a male stripper” was that she’d spent the most incredible night with – and also created a baby with.

Both Aaron and Kelsey are likable characters who have to wade through the secrets each were holding onto in order to get to their happy ever after. It’s quite the journey to get there, yet I enjoyed the trip very much. Although it’s going to be out of order, The (Secret) Baby had me downloading The (Half) Truth in order to get another interesting couple’s story. I had fun, and that’s the entire point of Romance.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. 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 book is rom-com, brother's best friend, secret baby deliciousness!

The start of this book - I couldn't make this up to be so funny and unexpected if I tried. I was hooked! So many well thought out and well written aspects to this story. These characters are great, relatable and had me rooting for them from the start. The familly dynamic on Kelsey's side - mygoodness it was like a reunion playing out in my head as I read the witty banter and interactions. Brilliant, creative and entraining in every way!

Kelsey has been burned in the past and hardened to love. However she is independent, strong and determined. Aaron is handsome, successful and just too nice. Everyone believes his playboy type persona that is far from who is truly is.

These two share a wicked, unforgettable night together and had no idea who the other person really was. When introductions are made and truths revealed - everything is shaken up. Kelsey has a secret - and the more she tries to find the right time to come clean - the more she second guesses herself.

When the reveal is made - will these two overcome their hesitations and learn to trust each other? Forgive and move on together? Or will their love fizzle as quick as it began?

The (Secret) Baby is a stand-alone novel by Leddy Harper. The main characters are Kelsey a woman who recently discovered that her ex is married to another woman and he not planning on divorcing her (and I mention this info and not something else because it will have a role in the story) and Aaron, a doctor who is not a doctor like those on Grey's Anatomy, who is the good guy every girl friend-zones. They meet at a bachelorette party where Kelsey pretends to be the bride and Aaron substitutes for a stripper. And that's how our story begins.

Aaron's problem with people not taking seriously his doctor status because he is a neuropsychologist reminded me a lot of Ross from the show Friends. Αt least he was doctor enough to be a stripper doctor and spend a night with Kelsey. Both of them were happy to end this after one night until Kelsey found that she was pregnant and fate brought them together once again. I would have preferred for things to be a little smoother between Aaron and Kelsey. They have a lot of ups and downs and everything in between which was not to my liking. I felt like they were two people that would raise their child together, but not that they were in love. I got that impression from Noel and her husband (the later barely appeared) and not from the main couple. One bonus for the book was Kelsey's mother. If we didn't know better we would have thought that Kelsey was an only child from all the nagging she got because she didn't have children.

The secret baby trope is one of my favorites, and author Leddy Harper executes it with ease with her most recent book. The (Secret) Baby opens with a bang, which introduces the heroine, house stager Kelsey Peterson. Her ex really hurt her a few years back, and as a result, she has become a man-hater in every sense of the word. Then she meets Dr. Aaron Baucus, a neuropsychologist and PhD, not a MD or a stripper, at her best friend Tatum's bachelorette party. Aaron rocks her world that evening, and their one night stand forever fuses their lives together.

Kelsey is a deeply scorned woman, so moving on has been quite difficult, no matter how much time has passed. Watching her friends and family get married, have families and be happy, is something that she has begun to yearn for, much to her dismay. Aaron is an anomaly, so Kelsey is drawn to him. Aaron likes everything about Kelsey, however, getting to know her requires a lot of patience and work. Their relationship is amazingly complicated and in the end, they are able to be each other's soulmate.

This is an enjoyable, emotional read. The characters are well developed, and their feelings are tangible. If you are in the mood for a romance that twists and turns in many directions, then pick up a copy of The (Secret) Baby.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

I loved the first book in this series, so I jumped at the chance to read the second--especially because I love a secret baby plot. I just could not get into this book at all. It felt like the characters were trying to be funny and just weren't. I found myself struggling to get through each page, and ultimately couldn't bring myself to spend the time to finish it. I may revisit it at a later point and give it a second chance, but as of now this just wasn't the book for me.

Aaron was living a lie. He appeared to be a player but he really wasn’t. Than Cheryl had called told him to come to the club Boots, it was urgent. When he got there he found out she wanted him to act like a tripper fopr a bachelorette party in the VIP lounge. They had been calling for a doctor at least a hundred times. She figured she could kill two birds with one stone- give the girls what they wanted and he would get what he wanted- sex. Aaron was a neuropsychologist, he had PHD after his name not MD. He decided it wasn’t like he had anything to lose. Except for his respect and dignity. Then again he didn’t have much of eithert left. Than he was pulled into the VIP room by five horny women. The bride-to be grabbed him and said she wanted to see what he was packing and pulled him to her. Than the heated desire in her eyes woke his penis up. Regardless of the fact she was promised to another man, he was helpless to remove her hands from his body. Than she told him he had to be the world's worst stripper with a smile on her face and he said if you can do better and she pushed him into the plush chair. Aaron didn’t know what to do, he told it was hot the way she rolled her hips and she said” if you think that’s hot , you should see me move when I ride you.” She continued her dance. Than she completely straddled him and kissed him. What was wrong with her friends cheering her on to cheat on her future husband. Then he got up and pushed her away and left. He had seen her alone outside and she told him how a man had dumped her and made her feel worthless. She only wanted to pretend she left him for a hot sexy surgeon who adored her, instead of the other way around. Aaron decided to go with ehr for the night her only rule was they didn’t tell each other their names. The next day tatum/Tater told her she looked rough. Jason was Aaron’s best friend. Aaron needed to find a place to stay for a couple of months while he found someplace to buy. Jason said Kelsey still has an empty room from Tatum leaving. Aaron said he would let jason know if he hadn’t found anything. Than Aarton let jason know he didn’t have any luck a week before he lost his current residence. That way if Kelsey said no he still had a week to find something. Taum went to Kelsey about Jason’s best friend staying in her empty room for a couple months and she said she would think about it. Than he found out Kelsy- Jason’s cousin and tatum best friend was the woman he had spent the night with after the bachelorette party.
I enjoyed this book. I loved Aaron and kelsey together and was rooting for them. I like the plot and pace a lot. I didn’t want to put this down as I wanted to see what would happen next. I really loved the ending of this book. I also loved Aaron broke down Kelsey’s walls. But I felt Aaron was a little too insecure. A I also didn’t like how Kelsey kept putting off telling Aaron she was pregnant by him. I also didn’t like how Aaron and Kelsey hurt each other. But I still really liked this book. I Loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.

3.5 stars. The Secret Baby was an entertaining read, but I felt it had a few issues. This book is Aaron and Kelsey's story. Kelsey's best friend is getting married. She plans the bachelorette party at a local club for her friend, but when the friend gets sick and bails at the last minute, the party must go on. Kelsey steps in and pretends to be the bride to be as a joke. When the "doctor" stripper she ordered doesn't show up, the club owner calls her friend Aaron, a real doctor, to pretend to be the stripper. In a funny turn of events, Aaron and Kelsey end up having a wild one night stand, only for her to find out later that she is pregnant and she doesn't even know the father's name. Things get really awkward when Aaron turns out to be best friends (and best man) with the groom who is marrying her friend. To make things even more crazy, Kelsey has volunteered to rent out a room to Aaron, before she knows that he is her "stripper" baby daddy. Now, she has to figure out how to break it to him that he's going to be a father, and try not to fall for him along the way.

I love books with the secret baby trope. They are my catnip so I couldn't help reading this one, but I didn't totally love this book. I felt like it was trying a little too hard to be funny. The comedy of errors became a little ridiculous. Also, the characters were only okay for me. Kelsey's personality was a little abrasive. She was a well-known "manhater" because her ex boyfriend broke her heart. As for Aaron, he was very embarrassed about his job. He was a neurophsychologist, and apparently he was teased that it wasn't a "real doctor", but it sure sounds like a real doctor to me. So I did not get that at all. I also did not like that Aaron pretends to be a big player, bragging about getting all sorts of women, but it is not true. It is just an act. He came off as desperate and lacking confidence. So I didn't love either character at first. I also felt like the book had too much telling vs. showing. We are told that they have gotten to know each other and feel so comfortable it feels like they've known each other forever. But we don't get to experience that ourselves as readers, so it falls flat. I also felt like key moments were skipped over, like Kelsey first thinking she could be pregnant and how she felt or Aaron moving in. Those were missed opportunities to feel a connection to the characters, I felt.

As the book went on, though, I did enjoy it more and more. It became more serious and emotional along the way, as Kelsey and Aaron developed strong feelings for each other, while she is hiding her pregnancy from him. There were some silly miscommunications, but I found the last 20% of the book to be the best. Aaron and Kelsey turned out to be really sweet together and I did feel the love between them.

Overall, I am glad I read this book. It was entertaining and had some sweet moments. I enjoyed the way that Aaron and Kelsey's relationship developed. Even if I had a few reservations, I do think this book is worth reading. I will try this author's books again in the future.

Kelsey may have achieved success in her professional life but the same can’t be said for her personal life. She has decided that the heartbreak that the men in her life have left behind isn’t worth the risk and she is determined that love and relationships are not for her but that doesn’t mean she won’t help her best friend enjoy her bachelorette party to the fullest.

Aaron is not only a doctor but a great friend as well which is how he ends up becoming the fill-in stripper so that the bachelorette party went off without a hitch. He was surprised by the attraction he felt for Kelsey and they shared a night that neither would forget.

What was supposed to be one night between two stranger becomes complicated when not only does it have unforeseen consequences but that they are both standing up when their best friends get married. Let the fun begin!

Both Kelsey and Aaron have their own reasons for protecting their hearts which leads to misunderstandings and secrets but once they really see each other for who they are there is no denying that they are meant to be.

The (Secret) Baby is Book 2 in the series however it stands perfectly fine on its own. I must say, I enjoyed this one more than the first. I enjoyed getting glimpses of Kelsey's personality in the first book and was eager to dive in.

Even though Aaron didn't fit the normal "cliche" of what someone would expect from someone in his profession, I found him refreshing and relatable. Just because someone is highly educated and has an amazing career doesn't mean they still can't be a geek. I adored that aspect of his character. Kelsey and Aaron made a great couple assuming they can make it past all the misassumptions and lack of communication.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

The (Secret) Baby follows Kelsey, Tatum´s best friend from The (Half) Truth. It is a standalone and Half Truth does NOT need to be read prior to get the story though I´m happy I did. It gave me background into a lot of the characters in this story. Kelsey did not expect to meet Aaron the way she did but it was an interesting meet cute. I love those. The easy conversations with them made me smile wide as well as their private jokes. 🧦 Their chemistry is hot but beware that this is fade to black / tame sex scenes.

Such a fun book the perfect lighthearted romantic story. Perfect to read on holiday this summer! Really loved the authors writing style and i'm very excited to read more from them!