Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep is a cute read. It focuses on Connor who comes home one night and finds an infant on his doorstep. Apparently, his ex-girlfriend wound up pregnant, went through the pregnancy, and had the baby without even telling him. So, not only does he find out that he’s a father, but he’s a single parent about to raise this baby by himself, because the mother doesn’t want her. Thankfully, Haley steps in to help out and become the babies nanny.

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. I actually didn’t realize it was part of a series at first. I’m sure we got glimpses of Connor and Haley in previous books but it was from my understanding that Connor has been the quiet character up until this point. Haley seems interested in getting to know him, as do the other characters in the story. So, I was happy to realize that I didn’t have to read the previous books to know what was going on. The author catches the readers up to anything that may have transpired in previous books.

This is a sweet romance. You have two people who come together in the time of need. Obviously, Connor needs help with the baby, but Haley also needs some help of her own. She was able to escape an abusive relationship with her ex-husband a year prior. While she seems okay on the outside, you learn that it’s all a front. She flinches when Connor moves too fast and apologizes like she’s waiting to be reprimanded when she burns dinner. Connor learns real quick that Haley’s past is a lot more than just your average marriage and divorce. He takes his time with her and tries to do everything he can to reassure her and let her know that she’s in a safe space. These two really worked well together and their relationship was a slow build up to a really adorable romance.

One thing I didn’t fully understand was Connor’s role as a “bad boy”. He has a job, a house, money in the bank, is respectful to others, and he even drives a beat up truck. I don’t know what made him bad. Is it because he had a girlfriend who got knocked up and abandoned the baby at his house? Or the fact that he had tattoos? Is he a bad boy because he didn’t graduate high school? I honestly don’t quite understand the title and how he was perceived as a bad boy. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop but it never came. So, if you are looking for a “bad boy” romance, you won’t find one here. However, Connor is a stellar guy and an adorable father. It just wasn’t what I was expecting going in.

I enjoyed my time reading Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep. I liked that the author took the time to show a bit of Haley’s background as well as not brushing it all under the rug. Haley went through something traumatic on a daily basis, so of course she’s going to have some residual feelings and reactions to certain triggers. This story was a combination of both healing and the importance of family. These characters had an amazing support group of friends, and I’m sure if I had read the previous book I would have loved seeing everyone. I do wish that Connor was an actual bad boy, since that’s what I went in expecting, but I still enjoyed his character and the dedication he had to both his daughter and Haley. If you are looking for a light romance, I would give this series a try..

Returning home from an evening out with friends, Connor O'Leary never dreamt of finding a baby on his doorstep! The note with the baby indicates that the child is the result of a casual hook-up he had and that the mother is abandoning the child with him. He doesn't know what to do so calls his best friend, Jack Bailey, who immediately comes to help, along with his wife and his sister, Hayley Thomson.

Hayley has escaped an emotional and physically abusive marriage and is staying with her brother and sister-in-law until she can make a fresh start teaching in just a few months time. She offers to be the baby's nanny and, as they begin to care for Connor's daughter, so starts a time of healing and development of love for all of them.

Connor also has issues in his past, including never finishing school, which make him reticent to trust in love and relationships. There are barriers to be overcome as well as conflicts and danger ahead for this couple, making this a real page turner. This is a story of healing and growth with great characters and lots of love to help them on their journey to their HEA. I particularly liked that this story helped to show that, regardless of what has happened to you in the past at the behest of others, don't undervalue yourself, you’re still deserving of love and a family, your own HEA!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Haley Thomson doesn't know whether she'll ever be ready to give happy ever after another chance, but Connor O'Leary is certainly tempting. So, when he finds a baby on his doorstep, Haley is determined to help him by becoming his in-house nanny. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Haley finds herself getting attached. Will Connor be able to convince Haley to give him a chance, or will she walk away because she has plans for her future?

Coming back to Shadow Creek and visiting new and old characters is always a lot of fun, and I've got to say that Ms. James has penned a mesmerizing and completely absorbing read in this book that I could not put down for even a second. Because the main characters are spectacular together and have some tough obstacles to overcome including whether the heroine would tell Connor her secret and whether the hero can convince the heroine to give him a chance; and the dialogue was compelling, as the hero and heroine have magnetic chemistry, but tend to stay away from each other.

The way this story started had me instantly hooked, as I really liked Connor. He's a bit of a mystery; a puzzle that needs to be solved, and Haley is the perfect person to do just that. However, Haley hasn't had the best of relationships with what happened with her ex-husband, which has made her wary of happy ever after and giving another man a chance for fear he'll be a controlling jerk just like her ex. Will Connor be able to prove to Haley that's he way different than her ex and that she can trust him? Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave and goes through a lot in this story such as dealing with her ex and having to decide whether she can trust Connor completely, otherwise they'll never work out. I also liked how good she is with the baby, and that she does everything she can to get Connor to bond with the little one, because the heroine won't be in the child's life forever due to Haley having plans that finally have her living her life for her.

While the hero, he's a good guy that doesn't know the first thing about babies, but I liked how his friends all banded together to support him. I also liked how generous the hero was, because how could he not be so supportive of a place that helps women; and how determined Connor was to win the heroine over, especially once he realized she was the one for him. Yet, what I liked most of all about Connor was the growing bond he shared with the baby. It was sweet and adorable and showed how good of a dad Connor is, especially towards the end when things go awry between the hero and the heroine. Will the heroine be able to forgive herself for her past in falling for the wrong man, so she and Connor have a shot together?

Overall, Ms. James has delivered another fantastic read for this series where the secondary characters are very entertaining with their interactions and their advice; the chemistry between this couple was intense; and the ending that had me worried for one of the main characters, but left me completely satisfied because of the choice the heroine made. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as no one deserves happy ever after more than this couple. I would recommend Baby on the Bad Boy's Doorstep by Victoria James, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope, stories containing bad boys or books by authors Erin Nicholas, Jeannie Moon, Sonya Weiss and Ashlee Mallory.

When I saw the title, Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep, I thought what a cheesy one, it is. Well, don’t be fooled like I almost was, Victoria James has given us a wonderful heartwarming story with substance to boot. I have come to expect a baby or child in Ms. James’ books, so plan on having your heart stolen by Rosie just as she does that with Connor and Haley.

Connor is not a true bad boy, he is a hardworking, rising-to-the-situation kind of man. In fact, I found him to be real hero material. Haley and he have scars from the past, negative thinking to overcome and fears of trying new relationships to conquer. Thanks to Rosie all of that must be dealt with in this story. Also, issues that women sadly often have to face come to light in Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep but are treated with a sensitive, realistic approach. It is now my favorite of the Shadow Creek Series.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Second Chance at Love.
I loved the storyline of this book; an abandoned baby, clueless Dad and a woman trying to recover from an abusive marriage. I haven’t read any of the other stories in this series and at times I did feel this was a disadvantage due to the number of secondary characters. Whilst I enjoyed the story I wish I had felt more emotionally connected with the H and h.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Victoria James is probably one of my favorite authors to date. She takes a difficult subject and makes it so that the reader understands and falls under the spell of the story. I was hooked from the get go. Great story again from one of my go-to authors.

This book is “sweet and clean” - it has very minimal cursing and fade to black romance scenes. If those things offend you, you have nothing to worry about here. Although this book is part of a bigger (and wonderful) series, you do not have to have read those books to enjoy this one – it completely stands alone.

Once again, Ms. James has written a wonderful, clean story that is fraught with emotions and has a ridiculously satisfying happily ever after. Haley was a bit of a mess, but her back story explained a lot about why she was the way she was, and even when The Big Twist happened toward the end, my frustration with her was tempered by my gut-wrenching sympathy for her. Connor was a fantastic character from start to finish. I loved the way that he instantly took to Rosie and how he tried so hard to be a good father and a good support for Haley. He was everything I wanted in a book boyfriend. A lot of authors don't do epilogues, but I'm so glad that Ms. James did because it was the absolute perfect way to end it.

If you enjoy a heart-felt story set in a wonderful little town, you should read this book.

received in exchange for a honest review.

You can’t help but fall in love with Connor. He is so sweet and yet complex. This is a quiet young man but has personality up the wazoo once you get to know him. He is smarter than anyone realizes and he has more than anyone sees. He is more than meets the eye. Poor guy though has a low self esteem due to his past. He tries to fight it but it does keep him down at times and create some self doubt. Especially when it comes to Haley.

Haley has been through a lot and is skittish about falling in love again. She is trying to gain herself back and become stronger. ONly her past is keeping her down as well.Her biggest fear to me is losing control and therefore losing her sense of being and who she is.

Connor goes home one night and has a surprise. And wow it is entertaining to see how everyone just overwhelms him.Haley though help him the most and this is when their story begins. Connor is the sweetest guy with his little bundle of joy. At first you see the fear but even through all that he is so gentle with her. Than you see guilt over the situation and it does consume him for a bit. So does words from the past and Haley’s brother’s words to him. haley helps there as well and soon Connor is the most amazing dad out there. He has you swoon ladies swoon. And how he is with Haley and his daughter is so tender, sweet and honest. He treats them like the precious gems they are to him. ONly we have things get in the way-their own thoughts of themselves, their pasts and some danger from the past coming to try to hurt the situation.

Connor though shows us how much his love and capacity to protect goes and gives us the most amazing ending. He is just perfect for Haley-kind, patient and understanding. He respects her and what she wants while showing her that love isn’t something used to control others.

both are sweet, kind caring people who so belong together. And this story shows us how this happens as they find themselves and confidence in themselves once again thanks to each other and the support, love and respect they have for one another. .

Domestic violence in life and in books is an extremely touchy topic for me. I hate the fact that authors and publishers put the subject in their books but don’t mention ways for people to get help. It’s like the topic is put in the book to make a story in order to make money and they don’t care that this stuff is really happening to real people on a daily basis. I feel that it is insensitive and irresponsible to put domestic violence (verbal, physical, psychological) into a book and not give numbers or websites to get help. That said, I like the fact that Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep shows that while a woman or man can go through some very bad things, they’re still deserving of love, happiness, and a family.

Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep is why I love Victoria James as a writer. She has written a touching story of two people attempting to move on with their lives and overcome their painful dark pasts.

The characters of Connor O’Leary and Haley Thomson drew me into the story. Connor is a man who has been beaten and put down by his family and society. He views himself as an okay guy, but not a good guy. He doesn’t think he’s worthy of love or a woman as good and nice as Haley. Haley is finally finding her footing after divorcing her abusive husband. She wants to focus on rebuilding her teaching career. What she doesn’t want is a man in her life. When Connor finds his daughter Rosie on his doorstep, the entire Bailey family shows up. When it’s suggested that Connor needs a nanny, Haley quickly volunteers and moves into his cabin. I loved watching Connor and Haley come together to take care of Rosie. For a time, they were able to live in a dream world and be the family they both desired.

Maybe a small portion of the story was predictable. However, I don’t think the predictability took away from the story. Connor and Haley may seem like an unlikely couple but they have similar pasts, hopes, and goals. Haley is one of the few people Connor allows to see who he is. And yet he still doesn't fully reveal himself. Connor sees Haley’s inner strength which she doesn’t even know she has. These two are really good for each other.

If you haven’t read the Shadow Creek, Montana series you’re in luck. Baby on the Bad Boy’s Doorstep is a standalone read. But be warned, Victoria will tug on your heartstrings as she shows Connor, Haley, and Rosie coming together as a family and overcoming their pasts.

It's a great story, I quite enjoyed reading it. Also loved both the main characters, Connor and Haley are perfect for each other. Both with their insecurities, learning to love themselves, somehow they also start loving each other. But may be they don't have a future together, because will their hearts heal enough to trust again? A great book for all romance lovers, I definitely recommend it.

Connor suddenly finds himself with a baby. He didn't even know he was going to be a father and now he has a daughter. In his time of need Haley volunteers to help him out. After all there is nothing else she needs to do right now. He job will start soon enough, until then she can be a nanny for little Rosie. However, spending time with Connor turns out to be the worst decision for her. Because now she has feeling which she can't handle. How can she ever love another man? After the experience with her ex she is scared to trust again...

Connor knows how Haley feels but he can't do anything about it except giving her time. He only hopes that she realizes how good they can be together and give them a chance to work through things. Together along with Rosie they can be a perfect family or maybe that's just a dream never to be...

It's very well-written. I loved it and am glad that I get a chance to read this book.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Shadow Creek, Montana
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from Victoria James.

When a former flame leaves their baby girl on his doorstep Connor O'Leary knows he is in way over his head, he doesn't know how to take care of a baby, let alone raise one. He needs some serious help, so he turns to his buddies significant others in hopes they could give him a few lessons in parenting, and winds up with a nanny instead. When Haley volunteers to step in and help care for his daughter Rosie he knows he is a lucky man... in more ways than one!

After leaving her disastrous marriage, and abusive ex-husband behind Haley Thomson is ready to reboot her life, return to teaching, and embrace this second chance at life she has been given. But the teaching jobs in her town are far and few between and she isn't so willing to relocate again, so she is holding out hope something will come along soon. Then Connor comes along and is in dire need of a nanny and it's as if her prayers have been answered, it's not quite teaching, but once she sees Connor with his daughter she just can't say no... she has to help, and winds up getting far more than she bargained for!

Baby on the Bad Boy's Doorstep is a heartwarming little tale that is sure to strike a cord with romance readers, and leave them overjoyed!! As soon as I had the synopsis for this one I thought it sounded like something that was right up my alley, and boy was I right! I am a sucker for a feel good single dad romance story and I have to say that this book definitely checked all the boxes and then some! I appreciated the way the author handled the tough subject matter, not only did she find a way to show the characters finding a healthy way to deal with their pasts, but also how they were able to find understanding in one another, and were able to help heal one another. It was a beautiful journey to watch unfold, and I highly recommend you take the ride with them as well, you will not be disappointed!

I requested an advanced copy from NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed.

Baby on the Bad Boy's Doorstep, by Victoria James is a contemporary romance, and the fourth book in the Shadow Creek, Montana series.

Haley Thomson left her abusive husband about a year ago, and she moved Shadow Creek to be near her brother and start over. In a few months, Haley plans to move again, due to a teaching job...even though she'd prefer to stay in the same town.

Connor O'Leary is grew up poor and struggled. Later, he met Jack from working on the oil rigs, then moved to Shadow Creek. He's considered the bad boy, but he doesn't really live up to that name (after the first few chapters). His last relationship, which wasn't really a relationship, ended less than a year ago. However, he returns home to find a baby on his doorstep, which leads to Haley volunteering to be his nanny.

Despite Connor and Haley's attraction to each other, they have various hesitations for pursuing a romantic relationship. Both have insecurities and difficult past histories that affect their current friendship and relationship possibilities.

There are several family connections: Connor is friends with Jack Bailey, and one of Jack's sisters is Gwen, who is married to Luke, the brother of Haley. The extensive characters are easier to understand for those who have read the previous books in the series.

Since it's the fourth book in the Shadow Creek, Montana series, it's recommended to read the previous books, Christmas with the Sheriff, The Baby Bombshell, and The Doctor's Redemption, to meet all the secondary characters. However, each book may be read as a stand-alone.

Baby on the Bad Boy's Doorstep is enjoyable and geared towards those who enjoy reading modern romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

this was a good story. Both main characters learned they were worthy to love and made it work

I can honestly say giving a lower rating to this author was something I never would have expected going on past history and the fact I’ve read and loved 13 books by Victoria James I think speaks for itself. And after being introduced to Haley, who fled her abusive husband in our previous visit to Shadow Creek, I’ve been looking forward to her story.

There’s no way to fluff this is up, unfortunately this didn’t hit the spot for me and I struggled to become invested in characters who, for me, didn’t have that spark Victoria so often creates.

Don’t get me wrong, it has a family feel and I loved Connor’s interactions with his daughter but I wasn’t so keen on Haley’s need to prove his level of intelligence despite his lack of “formal education”. That’s simply personal opinion though.

I’ll chalk this one up to the fact that you can’t love them all and there’s no question of me reading more from Victoria in the future. She’s still one of my favourites.

The fourth book in the Shadow Creek, Montana series focuses on Connor and Haley. The books in this series are quick reads with sweet romances.

A baby is dropped off on Connor's door step and Haley steps up to help him take care of her. Connor has a big heart and he and Haley work well together. I liked how they see the best in each other and provided support through difficult times.

The story does move at a pretty quick pace, but you still get a good sense of the characters and how they have come to where they are in their lives.

All the characters from previous books in the series make appearances and I loved getting to catch up with them too.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Connor O’Leary had a tough upbringing and it took him some time to find his path. He followed his friend, Jack Bailey, to Shadow Creek but now his past has somewhat caught up to him. A casual relationship has produced a baby girl whose mother abandoned her, literally, on his doorstep. Hayley Thomson is at a crossroads after surviving an abusive marriage. She wants to continue teaching but her only full time opportunity will take her away to another town in a few months. When Connor reaches out to her friends for help with the baby, Hayley steps up and volunteers to be the live-in nanny.

While the title of this book implies a level of frivolity, this story addresses some very serious issues. Hayley suffered emotional and physical abuse from her ex-husband and hasn’t fully recovered. Connor was abused as a child and had to leave high school to help his mother make ends close to being met, stunting his formal education and severely impacting his self worth. As these two come together to care for Connor’s daughter, they’re forced to confront their individual issues that are barriers to deepening a relationship between them. The conflicts are real, substantive and relevant, which made for a much more compelling story. I liked both of them and loved their path to healing. It wasn’t always pretty but it was honest.

I loved this book and am hooked on the series because of the weighty topics undertaken in each story. It’s one of misery and exultant triumph despite obstacles that feel insurmountable. Connor and Hayley didn’t always make the right choices in the moment but there weren’t any cliched behaviors either. I didn’t want the story to end and embraced those feel-good moments.

I love the little town of Shadow Creek that author Victoria James has created and I was so excited to see we were going back for Connor O'Leary's story. Connor never though a family was for him. All that changed the night he found a little bundle of joy on his doorstep. Haley came to Shadow Creek for a fresh start after getting out of an abusive marriage. Never did she expect to find herself living with the attractive construction worker and caring for his young daughter. All this playing family is nice but the more time she spends with Connor and Rosie the more she knows she needs to get away to protect her heart.

You'll want to grab a copy of this one and fall in love with these characters the same way I did. I highly recommend it.

This was a wonderfully written story about 2 people finding each other & dealing with their pasts. One has to deal with the recent demise of her marriage to a controlling, hateful man who refuses to accept their divorce & continues to punish her. The other is dealing with his past abuse by his father & his mother's death after they were left to live on the streets & in shelters, he finds himself unworthy of love & relationships. What brings them together is a small baby that's left on his doorstep by his ex-girlfriend. The past comes back to haunt them in the form of her ex & they're forced to face the reality of life. So many sad moments but there were so many wonderful ones as well. I loved how Victoria James created the character of Connor as an honorable, caring man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone needing it. I also liked how she made him more than what her seemed to be. I enjoyed the character of Haley who was strong but vulnerable in many ways. Definitely recommend this book & the series.

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
Baby on the Bad Boy's Doorstep is an awesome read. It addresses the social issues of domestic abuse and its long-term emotional effects. It does not whitewash the problems faced by many women as they navigate through the post traumatic lives they attempt to rebuild. This story is about family, too. The role of family members as a support group and their importance is very well handled. This also is a story about inner strength and realizing that asking for help is not a weakness. A truly fabulous read. Thank you, Victoria James, for a fabulous read!