The Romanceaholic

PREGNANT?

His grandmother’s ultimatum was that he marry, not become a dad. But when brilliant physician Ethan Hartwell
searched for the only woman he’d never quite forgotten, he found a two-for-one—Sloane Davenport was carrying his child! Now Ethan had to decide whether to tell Sloane his darkest secret….

A foster kid, Sloane dreamed of giving her own child a perfect family. But one incredible night with Ethan left
her pregnant and—outrageously—fired from her job. Struggling to keep her independence, Sloane refused
Ethan’s logical proposal. She wasn’t about to marry for anything but respect and partnership and love. So what
will it take for her “maybe” to become a “yes”?

The head of a prestigious company specializing in genetic testing and treatments, Ethan has never wanted children.  A dark secret from his past makes him fear for any children that he may have, and as such he’s never allowed himself to pursue any serious relationships. Instead, he plays up his playboy image, much to the disappointment and consternation of the grandmother who has raised him.

Fed up with his scandalous ways, his grandmother Margaret decides to hand him an ultimatum — marry by her 80th birthday, only months away, or she will donate her controlling shares of the company that Ethan has dedicated his life to seeing thrive to a charity that will bog down the Board of Directors until the company undoubtedly fails.

Thinking over his past, he realizes that there’s only been one woman with whom he has any hope of making things work — Sloane, a beautiful woman with whom he had a one night stand with a few months prior.

Upon tracking her down, he realizes that not only was Sloane fired from her previous position due to her dalliance with him, but that she’s also carrying his baby!

What worked for me:

• Let me tell you, this book had something I’ve never read in a category romance before — the heroine insists on not sleeping with the hero until the wedding… and he agrees! Despite the fact that the couple knows that they have blisteringly hot sexual chemistry, and the fact that the heroine is pregnant from the very start, she asks that he not pressure her into a physical relationship until they’re married, and despite his attraction to her, Ethan agrees to not push things.  I have to admit I had a lot of respect for Ethan, because not many men would tolerate such a request.
• Of course, Margaret’s ultimatum predictably becomes a huge point of contention between Ethan and Sloane, since Ethan kept the truth from her despite her insistence on basing any relationship on trust, respect, and partnership.  I adored the angst that resulted from her finding out the truth, and subsequently doubting all of Ethan’s actions and declarations up to that point.
• I loved Daisy, and both of their reactions to her heart condition. While it was a bit predictable that their dog would have health issues given the premise of the book, I admit that I didn’t really mind the fact that I was expecting it, because the sweet puppy became such an integral part of their lives.
• I really enjoyed the sexual tension between Ethan and Sloane, and the memories of their one night together was surprisingly more than enough to tide me over until they actually consummated their relationship.
• I admit, I also liked Margaret. Even though I was frustrated with her ultimatum (because really, how is forcing someone to marry in only a few months going to turn out well in the real world?), I could see that she only did so out of love for her grandson, and I felt that her insistence on approving of his future bride helped to prove that she truly did want nothing more than Ethan’s happiness.