Panty Scorching 3
Angst 0
tissues – 0
Storyline – 4
Value – 4.5
Overall – 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

Cara is the main character and on a journey of sorts. Her family has deteriorated rapidly over the past year and she has chosen to remove herself from it and regroup on her own. She is doing ok…barely. On the night of her best friend’s wedding, she has a one night stand with the holy hot as HELL best man and it’s a night she can not forget. Cue the plot – the hot, alpha best man left her a parting gift that night.

Braxton has had a hard life but by pure determination and help from a literal “guardian angel”, he is the hot owner of a chain of tattoo parlors, rich and one swoonworthy lead guy in this book for me. His life is moving along smoothly until Cara reappears almost two months later with a bomb to drop in his lap. Now while most guys would run for the hills, Braxton is the bomb!!! He embraces their new situation and is just the best freakin’ guy! Not to mention he has been dreaming of Cara since their one night stand and now that she is back, he goes way beyond the normal extremes to impress her. This guy may be one of my favs in a long, long time!!!!

I loved their chemistry. I loved his alpha tendencies and her witty one liners. I was rooting for them right from the start! Watching them get to know each other and fall for each other was super fun. Although short, it definitely packed a punch and left its mark with me and I was truly sad for it to be over Great beach read and highly recommend and look forward to more from this author.

Cara and Braxton have a one night stand at best friends' wedding. This brief connection results in pregnancy. They have to deal with their own fears as they get to know each other. I really enjoyed this romance. As a reader, I enjoyed seeing the relationships in the book develop. I loved Braxton! Thanks to Random House-Loveswept Publishing for the ARC of this title via NetGalley.

After the devastating loss of her brother, Cara decides to start living life and pursuing her dreams. She made a promise to her brother that she'd do all the things they had dreamed of doing, starting with giving up her MBA. Cara's dad always pushed her to be what he wanted her to be--a lawyer. Trying to make her family love her as much as they did her brother, she became the dutiful daughter. After losing her brother, she realized she was never going to make her parents happy. She gave up her trust and moved to Portland to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. She worked in a gallery, but never showed any of her art to the owner. She lived paycheck to paycheck, not in the best part of town. But she was living her dreams. As maid of honor at her best friend's wedding, Cara meets Braxton. He was everything she shouldn't want, but did. After a scorching hot weekend with Braxton, she went on with her life....but now had a nice reminder of her weekend with Braxton.

Braxton grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Braxton and his friend were cared for by a man down the street who took them under his wing. He showed them how to work hard, treat people right, and succeed in life. Lord knows he never had a mother to instill those values. Braxton has great success as a tattoo artist. He is so successful, he has a waiting list of people dying to have him work his magic. You know the saying, "Looks can be deceiving". That describes Braxton to a tee. He looks to be a gruff, biker guy, but is really a romantic at heart. When Cara comes to let him know she's pregnant, he claims he's all in. Cara has struggled for so long to be independent and do things on her own, that she doesn't know if she trust Braxton with her heart, much less her baby.

I have to say this is one of my favorite Stacey Lynn novels!!! I loved Braxton!!! He is my new book boyfriend. He is attentive, caring, touching, romantic, and unbelievably patient. He not only stepped in to help Cara when she suffered with hyper-emesis, he encouraged her art. He even made an art room for her in his house. I absolutely loved how his rescued dog seemed to love Cara, almost more than Braxton. I enjoyed the time Stacey gave them to really know each other before falling back into bed again. I enjoyed their quirky, supportive friends. I enjoyed the playful banter at the OBGYN appointments too. So funny!!! I highly recommend this novel. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

3 Stars!

Knocked Up is part of the (Crazy Love) series. Though they are a series of standalones.

This one is - as the title would suggest - about an accidental pregnancy.
Our two main characters had a little extra fun on a wedding weekend for for their best friends. She was the maid of honor, and he was the best man.

Thinking they’d never see each other after their one-night stand, it’s a surprise to both of them what their little encounter has created.

Cara is trying to make it on her own and step out of the mold her parents have always set for her. She wants to follow her dreams of being an artist.

Braxton is a tattoo artist/ owner of his parlor. He had a difficult childhood but was thankfully taken care of by a loving foster parent.
He’s vowed to live a life his foster father would be proud of.

When Cara seeks Braxton out to let him know the news, the road ahead is one bumpy ride.

I gotta say, the beginning started out strong but then I lost interest when all the over exaggerated drama began.
I liked the chemistry between them to a degree. I just felt there was too much cliched matters discussed, there really wasn’t anything unique about the story that grabbed my attention.

It was an average read. I remember enjoying the previous book much more.

I loved this book. Two people from different backgrounds, find themselves in a pickle. A weekend for a wedding, ended up with them together. She's pregnant. She came from a wealthy background and he comes from the wrong side of town. He was saved by Irvin, who took him in and charged his life around. They struggle to trust each other. In the end it was so worth it. 5 stars.

I would start by describing this book as a reverse romance. It begins with a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. Cara has never had a one night stand before and panicking, leaves before Braxton wakes up and things get awkward. Things got a whole lot more awkward when she went to his tattoo parlour to tell him she was pregnant and threw up all over his office!

What follows is a sweet, sometimes sexy, ultimately funny getting to know you romance between two fabulous characters.

Things do not progress smoothly, there are a few gasp moments but ultimately this was a complete pleasure to read.

If you are looking for a relatively quick, fun, enjoyable read with it's share of ups and downs then I think this may be the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this really well written tale.

I look forward to reading more work by Stacey Lynn

I received an arc copy by Stacey Lynn and Social Butterfly PR and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

No one expects to become pregnant from a one-night-stand, especially when protection is used. But Cara finds herself in that exact situation. What she knows of the guy she slept with is positive. Whether that translates into an interested baby daddy? She's afraid that her unexpected news will not be well-received. After a rough beginning Cara and Braxton get reacquainted and grow something between them that meant they wouldn't just have a good co-parenting situation, but a relationship that was meant for deeper, more connected togetherness. Their passion was not just intense, but there was tenderness and the shedding of emotional walls that really grabbed my attention.

This story had its emotional ups and downs. I can't say I was charmed by Braxton's version of honesty, but it was definitely honest. From the point that he committed himself to Cara, though, I could see just what kind of man he was and I loved him. Like I said, his confessions about the time between the wedding and when she showed back up in his life didn't endear me to him but his earnestness and tenderness toward her from their second-meeting all the way to the end drew me in and kept me rooting for him. I was predicting that the big dramatic moment between the couple would come from Cara and while she did have a small part in it, she was unaware of it at the time. Instead, it was from Braxton. The groveling gets huge, huge points from me here. I love a good grovel. I supported Cara and her decision to distance herself but I also felt that she was reacting on an emotional level instead of one that was clear-headed while hurt, if that makes sense. Overall, the story was so great. I enjoyed the characters, the steam, the tenderness, and the ending was absolutely perfect.

Stacey Lynn just delivered the read I have been looking for. Knocked Up was everything I love about contemporary romances. Not to mention surprise pregnancy reads. It was more that just a fluff read but filled with characters who were so likable & relatable.

Her writing style is so easy to get wonderfully lost in. The duel point of view gave each character their own vibe that flowed beautifully throughout the story. I love a great alpha who’s not too alpha-y also. Braxton was a good guy who just happened to be super hot and delicious and Cara was soft spoken while still being independent and strong.

Knocked Up was a perfect read that I would recommend to anyone.

*Arc generously provided for honest review.

3.5 Standing Up and Figuring It Out Stars
* * *

Spoiler Free




Our need to be secure in ourselves is a serious thing. If we experience negative feelings when we are young... feeling like we aren't good enough because of no money or drug addicted parenting... or on the flip side, feeling never enough for parents of wealth and status... the same inner self doubt has been planted. Both people may come from totally different backgrounds...but when push comes to shove...the trigger points are there and need to be handled.

Stacey Lynn uses those concerns in Knocked Up.

Weddings seem to be life changing to more people then just the bride and groom. Braxton was there at his best friend's wedding. It was not his usual thing but he was willing to be there because of the bond he had with the guy. One of the perks was meeting the cute, kinda shy maid of honor.

Cara has made a break. She has walked away from all of the continual pressure her family has given her. Cara never fit the mold of her family's ideas of what a child should be. All of her siblings locked stepped and obeyed the parents...instead, Cara was a square peg being forced into a round hole. She had no desire to be an attorney, she was an artist and finally stepped away.

As Cara interacted with Braxton during all of the wedding activities, she sensed this tattooed, intense man was more than that. There were sparks and she decided she needed to shed her uptight ways. They hooked up.

But their hook up was more than just sex...Both experienced a connection and Braxton wanted to see what Cara would be interested in doing the next day...Only that next day never happened. Cara woke the morning after totally lost as to how to handle a one night stand. She muttered things to herself which mirrored all the negative talk she was use to saying in her head. She snuck out not knowing Braxton heard her...

Well, wasn't that just great...Braxton had been feeling good, happy even and interested in Cara but when he heard what she had said, it just lived up to another princess full of herself and looking down on him...This was a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.

Braxton's rearing was not picture book. Abuse and a drug addicted mom made days hard. The only way he survived was due to a man who took him under his wing. This man saw his potential and gave him the necessary tools to thrive in life. This mentor encouraged Braxton to work hard, give back and do the right things. When he passed, he left Braxton all of the wealth he had accumulated in his will. This allowed Braxton to purchase his first tattoo shop and from there a chain grew. He is set, takes care of his friends and has a carefree life....

Cara hasn't been feeling all that great. She finally goes to the Dr. and learns she is pregnant. How can that be... they used a condom! The Dr. explains they are not 100% certain. Cara is overwhelmed and needs to figure all of this out. She takes a bit of time, sucks it up and gets Braxton's info. She will go and tell him but let him know she will be doing this no matter what. She is not expecting anything, she is just going to do the right thing by letting him know.

Cara arrives at the tattoo shop and is barely able to breathe. Morning sickness is not just in the morning for her...she is having it 24/7. As she is talking to the woman in reception, she is fighting to hold it together. Once Braxton comes out and sees her...all the negative comments he heard rile him up. He isn't the most friendly and then when he sees her turn green, he ushers her into his office.

Cara tells him about the pregnancy. At first he is thinking this can't be him ...Condom Every Single Time. As Cara tries to tell him exactly the same thing the Dr told her, she is in desperate need for a bucket...

These two are tied together and we are there to see how all of these misconceptions straighten out between them. It plays on the opposites attracting, on standing up to be who you need to be, to be true to yourself. There is romance and an hea in the end.


http://www.starangelsreviews.com/2018/06/blog-tourreview-knocked-up-by-stacey.html

I loved this book. From the moment I started reading it I was completely sucked in. I think it may have something to do with Braxton, the sexy tattoed hero of this story. But this book is the reason why I have always loved Stacey Lynn’s writing. It’s the fun, sweet moments that are filled with witty banter. The dynamic between two characters who seem to be complete opposites, but growing up on opposite sides of the tracks. A fun, sweet, beautiful story that will make you laugh, swoon, and also feel with these characters.

Cara is the girl who has never had a one-night stand, ever!!! On the night of her best friend’s wedding, with a little liquid coverage she sleeps with the groom’s best friend. Waking up the next morning, she has no idea to handle this situation, so she leaves while he is still asleep. Weeks later she finds out that her one-night stand has left her with pregnant and not knowing what to do. She has to tell Braxton that he is going to be a father, but first she needs to comes to terms with this surprise news herself.

Braxton is a sexy tattoo artist who is not normally the guy that Cara goes for. But that night one night with him completely rocked her world. She has thought of him since but never thought she would see him again. But now she must face him and tell him that she is carrying his baby. At first she is a little caught off guard by his reaction to her being there. But when he later tells her that he is all in, she is eve more surprised. Can they make it work between the two of them when they seem to be doing things a little backwards? Braxton is all in, but is Cara?

I have to say that Braxton is the perfect book boyfriend. He is sexy, covered in tattoos and my God when he says he wants to take care of Cara, he does in a way that will make you swoon. He certainly swept me off my feet. He had a tough childhood but the man that he has become is someone that you will adore. He is sweet an caring, sexy and hot and will just capture your heart.

Cara grew up in a completely different world than Braxton did, but the connection between the two of them worked. I think in ways they understood each other and their pasts and their family did not define who they were. Cara was a great heroine who I loved. She is sweet and independent in a way that is new to her but she learned how to ask for help. she had a gorgeous man ready to be there for her and she had reservations but at the same time wanted to be all in. These two were so perfect for each other. Their connection alone is what I loved about them, the ease that they felt with each other and the back and forth banter just made me smile.

Knocked Up was a fun and witty read with just the right amount of drama. I loved feeling what these characters felt, even in the moments when they talked about their past, I felt what they went through. I loved the story, the writing and I loved the characters. Great job!!!

Do guys like this even exists?! He's hot, tatted and aside from some initial issues with the one night stand part Braxton seems all in after finding out he got someone pregnant. He wants to go to all the doctor's appointments, feel each movement of the baby, and hold her hair back when morning sickness happens 24/7.

Cara is a little more stubborn than I care for, but I understood it considering she was trying to make her own way. Her family is horrible and causes some unnecessary drama for the pair.

Their chemistry could burn your house down!

Let me start with saying that this book was so not what I expected, and I absolutely loved it. Be warned readers, the hero of his book will melt your heart and panties. Seriously, he should come with a warning label. “Warning DILF in the making alert”

There was something about the synopsis that made me give it a shot and boy am I glad I did because I could not stop reading once I started and when I did, I finished with a big fat contented sigh and a new author to read. Yes, this was my first book by Stacey Lynn, how I have not read this author before beyond me.

Braxton should go into the hero hall of fame. No kidding, when a hero of a book doesn’t flinch at a throwing up baby momma, does everything he can to treat her like a queen as he falls in love with her, SOLD. Hear that noise? It’s ovaries sighing while reading this book.

Guess I should mention the heroine huh? Sorry distracted by Braxton…..anyhoo. If anyone was a perfect match for Braxton, then it’s Cara. I adored her. She has a spine and isn’t afraid to use it.

Put her together with Braxton after a one-night stand that rocked both their worlds in more ways than one and watch them fall and fall hard. The society gal and the tattooed bad boy should not be the perfect match, but Cara and Braxton prove that looks and appearances aren’t the whole story.

This story was so much fun to read. You will laugh, tear up, get hot and bothered and totally lose your heart to a guy who will surprise you at every turn.

While this is the second book in the Crazy Love series, it can totally be read as a stand-alone. Do not miss this book, that’s the best advice I can give.

I enjoyed this surprise baby story so much I've read it twice already! This sweet and spicy HEA is the second in a stand alone series. Cara is a beautiful, wonderful mess and Braxton has a heart of gold. They each have a trunk full of baggage and insecurities that they have to work through. The fact that Brax fosters pups gave him big points right off the bat with me. I love a man that can spend the time loving and training a dog. The fact that he's made a good solid life for himself and has close friends after a less than good upbringing says volumes about his character and the man who mentored him. I loved his all in attitude when Cara drops the baby bomb in his lap seconds before she pukes all over his office. Cara is sweet and funny. I laughed at her "shit shit damn" exclamations when finding out she was preggers. I completely sympathized with her for being so sick for so long. It's not all glowing skin and rainbows like is so often portrayed. Her determination to be independent went a bit far when it was clear she was not in a good living situation for her health and safety. The plan to get to know each other and date was lovely. They already jumped into the sack, now it's time to find out what each other's favorite color is and learn to work together for the bundle on the way. Communication is key in a situation like theirs and they have to learn that the hard way.

Their best friends are all amazing secondary characters that I want to learn much more about. The storytelling kept me engaged through the whole story. I would have liked to see some of the story wrapped up a bit better. Did they adopt Lucy since she such a huge part of the story? Is she a Bull Mastiff or a Pit Bull? Did Cara continue her dream? Why did Stella need to buy into the tattoo business of he could afford to buy a penthouse? And I freely admit that I'm a "cover whore" it makes me nuts when the cover doesn't line up with the story. I would have much rather it had no people on the front than ones who don't resemble the characters at all.

I'm giving 3.75 stars.

"Heart. Melt. Puddle. Floor."

That's exactly how I felt reading this heartwarming, amusing, sexy story. Several things attracted me to this story and convinced me to read it. The cover is awesome, but it doesn't match the story, cuz Braxton is covered in tattoos, but it did get my attention. And the synopsis, cuz Braxton is covered in tattoos, that got my attention too. Yeah, I love hot guys with tattoos...sigh. And don't worry, the author does such an excellent job of describing Braxton that you won't need a cover to have that delicious image in your head.

I was first introduced to Cara as she's lamenting over multiple pregnancy tests, all positive. The good girl had one lapse, an unforgettable one-night-stand, with the best man at her bestie's wedding. She doesn't regret said unforgettable night because it was unforgettable in a good way. But now it's even more so since in about six months there will be a lifelong reminder. And once she tells her parents they won't ever let her forget either. You can imagine how much she's dreading having to notify her baby daddy, but she knows it's something she must do. He deserves to know he's going to be a father. Meeting her first and learning the result of the pregnancy test made it even more fun for me as I was able to feel like I was in on the whole big reveal. I was almost as nervous as she was when we made the trip to MadInk to break the news.

Feeling surprised is the understatement of the year when Cara shows up at Braxton's tattoo parlor. After the way she bailed on him after their unforgettable one-night-stand, he never expected to see her again. Apparently she wanted to forget it, but he wasn't so successful. That doesn't mean he wants her to know that, which is why he pretends to not remember her. Moving forward, his internal dialogue is very amusing as he observes the effects of her pregnancy. He enjoys her hormonal moods, cravings, and physical changes. But he is wise, knowing when to keep his mouth shut. Well, at least sometimes. "I'd smile at her sass if she weren't so damn angry she might twist off my balls."

Have I intrigued you yet? Let's not forget about the initial chemistry between these two. Not only were they unable to keep their hands to themselves at their best friend's wedding. The hours of passion afterward is seared into their memory banks, stuck on replay. Yes, their reunion is awkward, but their lust has not died. Of course, you won't be able to resist matchmaking as you read this amazing story. You will be sighing and melting into a puddle for sure. But it's not as easy as you may think as you are mentally planning their baby shower and HEA.

Nope, there are lots of misunderstandings that make Knocked Up a journey rather than a sprint. Both characters are broken, and they are strangers to each other. They have painful pasts that make trusting difficult. After being let down so many times by their own families, it's hard for them to see themselves as having that responsibility with their own child. Will her fear keep her from giving him a chance? Will she allow him to care for her like he wants to? Will either of them be able to convince the other that their one night together wasn't the best thing to ever happen to them? Well, I can tell you that they didn't have a chance of convincing me of that. I knew the series was called Crazy Love for a reason so I just held on and enjoyed the ride. I looking forward to my next trip. The line forms here...

This was a quick little accidental pregnancy read. I am not real familiar with Ms Lynn’s books, but this was an ok story. Cara and Braxton have a one night stand at a mutual friends wedding and find themselves unexpectedly about to be parents in 9 months. I really liked how Braxton stepped up and was more than willing to embrace the fact that he’s going to be a father. He had a crappy childhood and doesn’t want that for his own kid. He was pretty sweet how he was concerned for Cara and her horrible morning sickness she was suffering from. Cara was hard to like, she had such a puke family and let them walk all over her and treat her like crap. Finally toward the end she developed a back bone and stood up for herself. I guess if I had a complaint with this book it would be “what happens with Lucy? Did they decide to keep her, she was such a cute side character and I wanted to know more about her.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

First let me say the cover does not match this book.  I don't know any pregnant women that can hop on a man's back for a piggy back ride. LOL  But that doesn't mean it's not possible.  What's different is the Hero in the story is a tattoo artist and has several on his body but this guy on the cover does not.  Don't let it keep you from reading the story though.  It's a good one.

Knocked up from a one night stand. It happens.  Probably more frequently than we would suspect, don't you think? Cara and Braxton get together after their best friends wedding and oops!  Though assumptions on both of their parts keep the two of them apart for a bit until Cara has to tell Braxton she's expecting.

Y'all know what assuming makes you, right?  HA!  So these two must get their acts together and in doing so they start to build a relationship.  There's a few complications and of course quick judgments.  It's not just by these two though, their secondary characters are jerks.  Well all but one.  

Overall this book was quick to read and the romance between Braxton and Cara is sweet.  Not sappy but sweet.  I enjoyed reading their story.  You should add this to your list for sure.

Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn is one of those cute and entertaining reads that was just fun to read. It was fast paced, sweet, and charming. What’s not to love when you have a hero that steps up to the plate and doesn’t run away from his one night stand and informs him that he will be a father. I honestly love the simplicity of the story as readers get to see a connection unfold as Cara and Braxton discover there is more than just a baby linking them but also love. So if you are looking for a fun summer read then I would recommend you to one-click this book now.

Overall, I enjoyed Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn.

The second book in the Crazy Love series this book is Braxton & Cara's story.

In the main Braxton was a good guy, though there were a few things that he did that really pee'd me off and made me wonder if he really was all in with Cara. When it came to Cara, she was a good character - she was likable and I got where she was coming from for most of the read - but I did wish she'd have either stood up to her folks sooner or have blocked them from her life given everything that they did and stood for.

A good supporting cast, with some cute wee characters, rounded out the book. The story was a bit angsty, hot, had it's sweet moments and, for me, was a little maddening at points...... I'm rating Knocked Up 3.75*

I enjoyed this book from the first page. Great characters and there was something always going on. A sweet ending.

Cara is restarting her life after the loss of her brother, who she feels she must now live the life he would want her to have. She is an inspiring artist who has left her rich background and has now found out she is pregnant from her one-night stand at her best friend’s wedding. She leaves a good part of herself locked away, not wanting to trust but realizes that she has to let people in and allow them to help especially after she is diagnosed with hyperemis gravidum. Braxton has struggled almost all of his life, it started before he was born due to his mother being addicted to drugs. He struggled through school because of his dyslexia but was lucky enough to have an amazing mentor who gave him everything that he needed to succeed and make something of himself. The only that Braxton has really wanted was a family of his own, so he knows that in order to keep this chance he has to do everything possible to make Cara feel welcomed and cared for in his own way. Unfortunately he is not exactly quite sure how to accomplish this as he can’t seem to figure out what it is that Cara truly wants from him.

The main focus is the building of the relationship and trust between Cara and Braxton. They know they have a physical attraction but realize that they also need to be honest and on a more deeper level. You are able to connect with characters as well as their struggles, the writing allows you to see the story come to life inside of your mind. It is a perfectly balanced story that has you feeling a wide range of emotions when it comes to the characters. The story is evenly paced for the most part, until the end when it feels super rushed and leaves you wondering umm, how did we get here so quick. This story is written in the first person, with alternating point of views between Cara and Braxton.

Yes, I would recommend. This story is a collection of emotions that has you wondering what is going to happen next. It leaves you with a sense of family and wanting to experience it. This story would be perfect for those who are looking for a cute and real-life like situational story. It would also be good for anyone who wants to believe that love can come from anywhere with anyone.