The Secret Baby Bargain
4 Stars

4 Years ago, Jack Marriot and Ashley Forrester had a passionate affair with the understanding that there would be no long term commitment and no children. Thus, upon learning of her pregnancy, Ashley returned home to Australia. Now, Jack is back and Ashley will have to decide whether to tell him of their child.

This is my second Melanie Milburne book and it has the same tropes as The Marciano Love-Child but without the vile hero and spineless heroine - See my 2 Star review .

Jack is the antithesis of Alessandro Marciano. Yes, he wants Ashley back but rather than resorting to sexual harassment and blackmail, he makes a concerted effort to make amends and clearly regrets his past actions.

Likewise, Ashley has the backbone that Scarlett Fitzpatrick was sorely missing. She stands up to Jack at every turn and does not melt into a puddle of mush when he touches her.

Overall, a charming second chances romance and the next book focuses on Ashley's younger sister. ( )

Poor girl, it's a wonder she could stand up what with not having a backbone and all. He railroaded her. There were places where he accused her of stuff that she totally had a rebuttal for but she just agreed with him, 'yes, you're right, I should be ashamed that I kept your child from you even though you went ballistic at the mere thought of having kids.' And then when he decides to marry her, her family totally takes his side. I don't care how handsome he was or how lame the other guy was. You stand behind what your sister/daughter wants. ( )

couldn't put it down.. ( )