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Winston Brothers #1

Baby Proposal

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Previously published as The Baby Arrangement

The arrangement was simple, with only two rules:

Rule #1: Don't fall in love
Rule #2: Refer back to rule one when necessary

I thought I could stick to the rules, but with a girl like Fallon, I should've known those rules were meant to be broken. We've been best friends since we were kids, and she's the only woman I'd ever even consider for more than a one-night stand.

No matter how much I'm attracted to her, and I'm pretting f-ing attracted, I know she deserves more than a man who will never commit to one woman.

Then, my father gives me an ultimatum:

Have a baby...or he'll sell the business my great-grandfather started over fifty years ago to a stranger.

Winston Industries is mine, and I'm not about to let anyone take it away from me.

Too much alcohol has Fallon volunteering to help me with my problem, and our aggreement is born.

There's just one little problem...everything changes the moment I slide inside her.

To hell with the rules... I'm going to claim what's mine before it's too late.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2019

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About the author

J.L. Beck

207 books6,094 followers
J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

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5 stars
284 (37%)
4 stars
215 (28%)
3 stars
154 (20%)
2 stars
74 (9%)
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24 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Profile Image for Chiara.
118 reviews81 followers
June 19, 2018
2.5 STARS

I was really looking forward reading this book because the blurb intrigued me, but unfortunately I was a bit disappointed.
The Baby Arrangement is a steamy friends to lovers romance, with a twist. Fallon and Reed have always been best friends, but they’ve also been in love with each other for ages. The problem is that they’re both scared to confess their feelings. But now Reed needs to have a child if he wants to inherit his father’s company, and Fallon seems the perfect candidate to be his baby mama.
Reed is the classic alpha-male: strong, possessive, overprotective, caring but also a bit of a douche. And Fallon is charming, sweet, kind but also sassy.
Their mutual attraction is over the top but their constantly changing behaviors and especially Reed’s doubts after a while get old and boring.
I mean..either he’s in love or he isn’t. One minute he admits to himself that he’s in love and the next minute he says things like “we cannot fall in love”..it’s very confusing and frustrating.
The idea was really good, but the development of the story was unsatisfying. My copy had also quite a few grammatical errors and this is always a huge pet peeve for me.

ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Nicole.
930 reviews145 followers
March 26, 2018
I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to. Thank you to the authors for providing me a copy in exchange for a honest review. I'm giving this 2 out of 5 stars.

One of the problems for me was that I didn't fully connect with any of the characters. They felt a little one-dimensional, if that makes any sense. I wanted more focus on their lives outside of this arrangement (and each other). Things like what their hobbies were, more on the other relationships in their lives, etc. If I would have seen more of their lives, I think I would have been more emotionally invested in their journey. 

Not going to lie...Fallon and Reed kind of gave me a little whiplash with their back and forth feelings. I wasn't sure if they were in love, or not, half the time. Some of their words and actions didn't mesh; I was like okay they're in love now. But then a few pages later, according to them, they weren't. It was confusing to keep track of where they stood with each other...and with themselves.

Also it seemed a little unrealistic that Reed's dad had something (not telling you what) towards the end of the book at the office. And I felt that the timeline moved way too fast! I get that they're best friends, and striking up this deal, but I don't think the ending was realistic. They need more time to get to know each other as something other than friends who had been occasional lovers. 

I requested this eARC based on a small excerpt in a Facebook group I'm a member of, and I just wish I'd loved the entire book as much as I loved that section. It's gotten some good reviews, so others might enjoy it more! It just wasn't a hit for me unfortunately. :(
Profile Image for Ronnie~.
75 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2018
**NABC ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

The arrangement is simple, with only two rules:

One: Don’t fall in love
Two: Revert back to rule one when necessary


Fallon’s been my best friend my entire life. No matter how much I’m attracted to her though, I know she deserves better than a man who refuses to commit. I saw what happened to my dad when he lost my mom and there’s no way I’m putting myself in that position.

At least, not until my father gives me an ultimatum:

Have a baby...or he’s selling the business my great-grandfather started over fifty years ago to a stranger.

This company is mine. I’m not about to let someone else take over.

Too much alcohol has Fallon volunteering to help and our agreement is born.

There’s just one problem:

Everything changes the moment I slip inside her body.

There’s no denying what either of us want anymore.

-----

NOTE: SPOILERS (SOMEWHAT) ahead, please be advised. If you haven't read the book, please steer clear. Otherwise, by all means... Continue ahead.

2.5 BABY STARS.

I'm on the MINORITY end on this one, I'm afraid.

The blurb already hinted more or less what the plot would be all about: He wants the company his grandfather and father built for the last fifty years handed to him but needs to comply with the sudden ultimatum his father has given him- produce a child from anyone to meet his father's terms and the company will be his... and who better to fill the role none other than his best friend, Fallon? One of the biggest dilemma though, is getting mixed up with a friendship built since they were kids and an arrangement of pleasure that both seems to be dying to try.

I had high hopes for this book and for me to adore Reed and Fallon's love story as they practically grew up together along with the other Winston brothers, especially after the death of Fallon's parents. Sadly, I didn't feel the deep connection between the two or it wasn't truly able to convince me that they had such a solid friendship throughout the years they've known each other. It DID state in the beginning of their friendship but for some reason- it wasn't just convincing ENOUGH. I've read similar styles where the author(s) tries to avoid any flashbacks from the past and just plans to focus on the present time, it would either be a brief or detailed explanation of how they've known practically from the beginning of time and finished each other's sentence when they reached a certain age. You can either go down memory lane for the readers or you simply don't. The thing is- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Apparently.

To be honest, the plot simply started when Reed's father decided to lay this huge responsibility onto the oldest son among the Winston brothers, Reed. I'm not against of how this story went on from there but it appeared that the delivery of the ultimatum seem- casual. His father asked for a sudden meeting and breaking the news like it was just any other news done. Upon the revelation, you'd assume that his father possibly might be sick and the atmosphere should've shifted to a more serious mood but there was no indication that it did. Yes, everyone was perplexed- especially Reed himself. He was experiencing different emotions rushing to him all at the same time and the big news was definitely enough to knock him off his seat. Again, it was a serious ultimatum and subtly hinting that his father might be sick... but why did it turn out that way? Even with the swirl of emotions, the aura seem calm which doesn't make sense at all. My guess is either Mr. Winston might be indeed sick or he's just bloody wealthy that he can spare such an ultimatum because he's bored and wants a little kick out of it from his eldest son. Either way, the terms of the "handing over the company" rests upon the decision of Reed to fully impregnate someone.

For Reed and Fallon, I don't think there's any huge problem for me between the couple (aside from the fact that Fallon seems to keep losing her backbone every now and then and simply moons over for Reed like a dog and Reed suddenly goes from boss to Alpha-don't-touch-my-woman-and-I'm-into-rough-shit sort of way) but the story revolved more on their physical attraction burning over the years and I was waiting for more of their thoughts about their growing feelings for each other. After chapter one, it all came tumbling down to sexual urges and sexual triggers from each other, as the story progresses as well (More so, to say the least). It wanted the characters to hold onto the "best friend" card and I was looking for THAT substance- and in the end, I ended up being disappointed.

The minor roles played by the two other Winston brothers, which I'm sure will have their own spin-off or standalone book for the next future releases- Ryker and Remy made the story fun with their smart-ass remarks and the usual how brothers show brotherly love for each other, even the most asshole kind of way, lol. The ending was quite predictable and the series of events leading to it. Mmmm, that probably sums that all up. It is what it is, ladies and gentlemen.

I wouldn't say that I won't recommend this book because this might be an isolated case and I'm the only one who perceived this differently... Grab a copy of the book and be the judge of your own conclusions. Surprisingly, you might love it and I really hope that you do... and I wish that I originally did. Basing on my review though, it's pretty clear that I won't get to do a re-reading mode with it. Oh well.

Who knows in the future, a book written by J.L. Beck and Stacey Lewis again will lure me into possibly falling in love with their collaborative work. Until then...
Profile Image for Adricrisuruta.
1,638 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2019
Thanks to the previous book I had high expectations with this reading and I was disappointed.
Both Reed and Fallon were immature protagonists, children, lacking personality. Their fears and insecurities had no credible basis, which made the reading slow and boring.
Profile Image for Faith89 .
2,625 reviews42 followers
March 29, 2018
received copy for review
This is a friends to lovers story with a little twist. they must make a baby together without falling in love. the only problem with that is that they are already in love with each other. Both Fallon and Reed try to keep their feelings secret. the only people not aware are the two main characters. I am not sure why they held off for so long. The back and forth seemed forced. One minute they are all over each other and the next minute the whole thing is a mistake. Fallon and Reed did not seem as if they really knew each well. They seemed more like casual friends than best friends. The story was entertaining but I didn't love it. It was okay.
Profile Image for Fantasy Land Romance Reader.
2,828 reviews70 followers
April 1, 2018
I couldn't wait for J.L to come out with her next book. And it was well worth it. This friend to lovers story is wonderful! I loved the story and characters. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review.
Profile Image for Alicia Harrietha.
547 reviews6 followers
March 31, 2018
This book was truly amazing. J.L. Beck sure knows how to write a romance!!! The Baby Arrangement had me lost in its pages from the very start. It’s been a long time that I felt a book hit all the high notes for me and this one surely surprised me by doing just that.

Reed and Fallon were best friends and both loved each other immensely. They also both felt something bugger but didn’t dare risk their friendship over the potential of more because they were so scared to lose each other if it didn’t work out. Only until Reeds dad changed the rules of the game when it came to keeping the family company did Reed and Fallon start to think about a future together and with that ole ed up all different fears especially for Reed. He would rather hurt Fallon now and keep her as a friend than risk losing her forever. I was blown away with the story and was completely taken in by the chemistry between these two!! Oh and let’s not start about how steamy the sex was. Yikes I was wanting to find somewhere private myself for a little fun. Why really threw me was the emotions I felt over Reed’s dad. I haven’t cried over a book in a long time yet this story had me sobbing.

Overall I would highly recommend this romance if you want sexy scenes and emotions that make you all warm inside. Beck is a gifted writer and gives you the most amazingly warm and loving stories with hot steamy sex that keeps you coming back for more.
Profile Image for Elaine.
719 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2018
I loved this book, bbf's since they little, Reed and Fallon, they loved each other from the start but Reed thinks he's not good enough for her and Fallon would do anything for him, even sit back and watch him with other women!
until his father gives him an incentive to get the company, his father wants a grandchild! Things go from there!
Will Reed and Fallon get what they or will it be the end of their friendship?
To find out you need to read this book it will be worth it!
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,584 reviews154 followers
March 26, 2018
Time waits for no one. We can either make every second count or allow it to pass by. The Baby Arrangement is a reminder that for every happy ending, there will most certainly be a thread of pain. Fallon and Reed are so smart, they make a mess out of the desires of their hearts. One ultimatum and baby agreement, tests the bonds of friendship as it opens their eyes to love. Full of heart and hope. Forever is only a heartbreak away. Irresistible reading.

Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,339 reviews35 followers
April 9, 2018
Two best friends that love each other but won't admit it. What happens when an ultimatum forces them to face hidden feelings will these two finally admit there feelings or are they doomed to the friend zone? What happens if they cross the line, will they lose their friendship as well?

I did enjoy it and look forward to the brother's stories
Profile Image for Misty.
100 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2019
Smokin hot read! The Baby Arrangement is a very hot and steamy read. I fell in love with the characters Reed and Fallon right away. JL Beck does not disappoint with this new story.

Reed and Fallon have been best friends forever, while secretly in love with each other. One day that all changes. Reeds father wants to hand over the family business to Reed. Under one condition though....he wants a grandchild!! Things soon begin to heat up! Can a friendship remain intact after things heat up? Will Reed and Fallon have a happily everafter....or will their friendship become destroyed?

I really enjoyed reading this book. This story flows together perfectly. I was completely absorbed into story, it was amazingly written. I enjoyed these two characters and their sizzling chemistry. I highly recommend this friends to lovers story.
Profile Image for Susana Leite.
53 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This was such a wonderful book about best friends that don't seem to be able to admit to themselves how much they love one another beyond just being best friends. And I' m not going to lie...Fallon and Reed kind of gave me a little whiplash with their back and forth feelings.

But in the overall I liked the story-line of this book, very well written. Another successful partnership for J. L. Beck.
Profile Image for Angelia.
863 reviews
March 31, 2018
I give this book 5 stars. The storyline between Reed and Fallon was well written. They are best friends that secretly love one another. Reed needs a baby before he can inherit the family company Fallon offers to give him a baby. You have to read this book to find out what happens. I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
859 reviews
May 23, 2018
The book was good. This book definitely needs another go through with a skilled proofreader. Also, I don't appreciate the tiny font and book stuffing.
Profile Image for Amanda.
619 reviews13 followers
March 24, 2018
This is a sweet love story between two best friends. They have been best friends for a long time, always being there for each other and knowing each other's secrets. Fallon and Reed are meant for each other, they just don't see it, or maybe they do but can't admit it. Reed's father has decided he's tired of watching them dance around each other so he comes up with a plan. A plan that has to happen quick since he has stage four cancer. He tells Reed that he has to have a baby before he will turn over control of the company to him. Reed knows exactly who he wants to be the mother, it's just convincing her of the same. I enjoyed this book a lot and I recommend it to everyone.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,132 reviews47 followers
March 25, 2018
friends to lovers one of my faves.Amazing sweet quick read;)Love Fallon and Reeds beautiful loving emotional book.
Profile Image for Shelly Wolf.
508 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2018

I loved this book ,,,,, J.L. Beck just does not disappoint,,,, I don't know much about Stacey Lewis, but if she's writing with J.L. Beck,,,, then she has to be good,,,,,

Fallon Marie Leary, 25 year old personal secretary at Winston Industry, lost both her parents in an accident and after that happened, her father's best friend, Clark Winston, took Fallon in and the Winston's raised her with their 3 boys,,,,Reed, Remington (Remy) and Ryker, she is close to all the boys, but is Reed's best friend, all thru school and into the big world,,,, Reed is next in line to take over the family company, Winston Industries,,,,, although, his father is not looking good lately, but won't tell anyone what is wrong,,,,,,

Clark Winston is the father of the 3 boys and took in Fallon after his best friend and his wife passed away,,,, he has seen Fallon and Reed go thru their lives as best friends, always telling everybody and themselves that they are just friends,,,, only friends,,,, then one day, he calls a meeting at work and tells everyone that Reed will niot take his position as head of the company, unless, his one condition is made,,,, Reed HAS to give him a grandchild first, otherwise, the company will be sold,,, now what will Reed do,,, ???,,,, he has women all the time, but none of them are who he wants to be with,,, none of them are Fallon,,,,

Ok,,, now, I've given you the main characters and a little about them,,,, but, now it's your turn to take over,,,, you really need to read this book,,,, it is just the right amount of everything you want in a book, and a lot of steam,,,, be careful not to melt your reader,,, there are alot of blanks I left to be filled in, otherwise, it wouldn't be any fun for you if I told you the whole story,,,, go ahead and get this book,,,, you won't be sorry,,,, I know I wasn't ,,,,,

I got this ARC voluntarily to write an honest review
Profile Image for Karina.
2,139 reviews12 followers
March 25, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This was such a wonderful book about best friends, Fallon and Reed who have known each other all their lives. They don't seem to be able to admit to themselves how much they love one another beyond just being best friends. Both are afraid that crossing that line will ruin their friendship. Reed has always been there for Fallon just as she has been there for him. Reed learns that in order to inherit the family business from his father he has but a condition regarding taking over the company. Reed must produce a grandchild. Fallon works for Reed and is there when his father tells him that along with Reed's two younger brothers. Fallon can't believe it. Reed doesn't want to be forced to find someone to have his child. Will the condition Reeds father puts n him finally force Fallon and Reed to realize that the feelings they have for one another run deeper than just friends? Will Fallon help Reed out and have his child? Will Reed eventually realize he is in love with Fallon and go along with her offer? Can they they go from friends to lovers? This is a great read and I loved the storyline. Reed was so protective of Fallon and once he came to terms with his feelings for her he knew he would not let her go. I loved the HEA!
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
8,577 reviews59 followers
March 28, 2018
Fallon and Reed have been friends since they were kids. Fallon works as his assistant and when his dad calls a meeting and tells him that unless his settles down and has a child he won't get control of the company she immediately offers to help. Both of them love each other but neither wants to admit it so they take this chance to explore what they feel for one another. However when it starts hitting Reed that he is in love with Fallon he has a minor freak out that he isn't good enough for her. Reed has some trust issues so it makes it harder for him to admit what he feels to Fallon. When someone outs Fallon for buying a pregnancy test will Reed see that they can have more or will he end things?

This is a great story about best friends finding love. The chemistry between Fallon and Reed sizzle with every turn of the page. This is a very entertaining and well written story. The secondary characters help out the storyline too I can't wait to see if they get their own stories.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Clara Atkinson.
994 reviews53 followers
March 25, 2018
Fallon and Reed have been best friends since they were little. She always loved how he protected her but hated he only saw her as a "friend." She has loved him forever and every time he takes another girl out it breaks her heart a little more. Reed who is set to take over his family's company from his father suddenly finds out that he has to give him a grandchild. Shocked ,angry and only ever having one night stands he is at a loss. He has always loved Fallon but knows he can't risk their friendship. Reed thinks he isnt good enough for her and can never commit to her. Fallon shows up at his door drunk and offers to be his baby momma because she wants a family also. Reed is an ass to her and she runs out the door hurt and crying. He continues to treat her poorly and she lets him know how it feels. Can their friendship survive? Will he admit he has feeling for her before it's too late?♥️♥️🍼🔥🔥
Profile Image for Shani.
828 reviews34 followers
May 5, 2018
And baby makes a deal...........

I wasn't totally sure if I would like this story to be honest. To me the friends to lovers theme can be tricky to maneuver if there isn't a lot of decent history between the characters. However, I really loved Reed and Fallons dynamics Bff to a family. They both secretly pine for each other and honestly think nobody else can see it. When it's obvious a push has to be done for the! Both to get their heads out of their bums, Winston Sr. Lays down the law. Settle down, or everything goes to the worst possible man. Even though they fight it, they come together and fall in to the love they share. I wanted to smack Reed when he was a jerk and tell at Fallon for pushing it with Ryan! But I'm the end I loved their intense love they have for their families. Little Maverick was the sweetest gift and I loved how he represents his name sakes. He helps make loss easier. Loved this book! I would have liked a little more back story, but overall it's a fantastic story!
Profile Image for Gladys.
12.1k reviews138 followers
March 24, 2018
I loved this funny, sweet and very hot romance. Reed and Fallon have been in love forever, yet neither will admit it. Reed has commitment issues and goes through women like tissues, while Fallon, the supportive friend suffers in silence. Finally, Reed's father puts his foot down and presents Reed with an ultimatum, If he wants the family company, he needs to provide a grandchild. Add in a evening that involves lots of alcohol and a arrangement is agreed on. Will it ruin the friendship they have tried so hard to hold onto? Or will it finally give them what they have both wanted for so long? Grab a copy of this enjoyable book to find out. I'm posting a voluntary, honest review after reading this book.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews440 followers
March 29, 2018
Fallon and Reed are BFFs since they were kids and have been in love with each other for years but for Reed, he doesn’t think he would ever be good enough for Fallon. Fallon would do anything for Reed, including sit back and watch him date other women. Things change between Reed and Fallon when Reed’s father throws down an ultimatum. If he wants the family company, he needs to provide a grandchild. Reed knows exactly who he wants to be the mother but getting Fallon to agree, that is going to take tons of convincing. This story is full of drama, angst, passion and love. I loved the plot, the steamy scenes and the romance that plays out between these best friends. This is a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more by J.L Beck since this was an awesome read.

My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

Here is my amazon review link:: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1QLNYK...
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,290 reviews
March 26, 2018
Reed and Fallon have been best friends for years. They are such good friends, neither one wants to ruin their friendship by adding romance or even sex to the mix. Reed's father offers him an ultimatum-a grandchild or he'll sell the family business-and Fallon does what any best friend would do. There's a huge amount of push-pull in this one, admission, denial & the angst of making the right/wrong decision. I liked the way Fallon pushed Reed to admit to feeling something, anything, and how both were insecure and had trouble making the first move. When Reed finally got his head on, he moved forward confidently, which I was happy to see. Enjoyable, quick read.

I received an arc of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,812 reviews17 followers
March 26, 2018
Oh what an amazing story. J.L. Beck is such a fantastic writer and the books are always amazing. This one is no different. I loved Fallon and Reed together. Although, Reed could use a little get my head out of my butt at times he has this amazing personality and protectiveness with of course the alpha male syndrome. Fallon is the sweet and loving woman that you just wish you were her. I loved all the characters actually. The brothers have amazing parts in the story and makes you were you can't wait to see if we are going to hear about more of the brothers. I couldn't put it down until I reached the end. It is definitely worth reading and won't disappoint. I voluntarily review an advanced reader copy of this book.
176 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2018
Fallon had loved Reed for as long as she can remember, but they are just friends and now work together. Reed has loved Fallon as long as he can remember, but he's not into commitment and doesn't want to lose her friendship. Reed's dad poses an ultimatum: settle down to have a baby, or the company will be sold off to someone else. What to do?

In a alcohol induced state, Fallon offers to help Reed with his baby dilemma, but quickly tries to backpedal when he seems less than enthused. Could they really have a child and not fall in love thus ruining their friendship? Eh, I'm thinking that ship may have sailed... but who's going to tell these two?

Really good read.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
Profile Image for maria.g.
222 reviews36 followers
April 21, 2020
the plot was simple,its exactly whats mentioned in the blurb.The blurb was the reason I started this book.I felt as though The first few chapters of the book flew by and then it didn't progress fast enough.
Reed and Fallon were best friends,they have been crushing on each other secretly for a long time,afraid to tell each other in fear of losing their friendship. Fallon is appointed as his assistant so that she can be bear him. I usually love the best friends to lovers plot,but here I felt that it had too much of their sexual desires in the book and that the best friend factor was missing.More than with read I felt that the connection between his brothers were awesome. Ryker and Remy deserve their own spinn offs.I would totally read it.
Profile Image for Ashley Willburn.
62 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2018
This book is amazing. I absolutely loved it.
Its a story of 2 people who have been best friends forever. They have always loved each other but were too scared to admit it and act on it.
When his father puts a stipulation on him to have a baby or lose the company, Fallon comes up with an amazing plan.
Who better to have Reed’s baby then her?
They already know each other inside and out.
What could go wrong? What could change? What rules are put into place?
You will have to read the book to find out what happens and if they get their happily ever after.
I received an ARC of this book, i can’t wait til it comes out so i can buy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews

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