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gabideal's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5*
Right now I feel like that one Stan Twitter meme where a woman walks in a room and with a small voice says, “Hey…” while everyone glares at her as dramatic music plays.
I guess I’m the woman, and the room of people glaring are the Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s fans. They’re glaring because I’m about to drop her books like a hot potato.
Nobody’s Baby But Mine is nonsensical, and it was meant to be. I have no problems with weird plots; in fact, I actively enjoy them. However, I have my limits. I can only suspend my disbelief so far. Am I really supposed to believe an Einstein of a woman can continually make such dumb choices? Jane’s characterization and choices were so far apart, the non-existent connection between both could be used as a bridge to Terabithia.
I can’t even talk about Cal. There is no Cal. He is every early 2000’s alpha-hole characters morphed into one. I have no thoughts and feelings towards him. He’s not worthy of my time. Actually, none of these characters are. Except Anne and Kevin. In fact, they might be the only good thing about this book.
This book didn’t feel real. It felt like it was a made up story another main character in another romance novel would read. You know, the ones where the character reads an excerpt that is all dramatic and nonsensical and it’s meant to be eye-rolling material. This was this book for me.
I was fighting for my life the entire time I was reading this. SEP is a great writer, but I’m tired of her formulas. This was my last one of hers. I just can’t. Here are some things that tipped me over the edge:
-Cal picking a wallpaper to show his love
-Cal wanting to have sex even though he still wanted the divorce at the end?? Where is the characterization??
-Jane being super smart, but still acting like she has no common sense whatsoever??
-The family being so forgiving of what Jane has done to Cal. Like ma’am? She is a criminal?
-The bartender just leaking their secret to the tabloids. For what? There was no consequences.
-That fucking last chapter? Ugh. I did not need a babies pov, no offense to babies. Cheesy, disgusting, and unnecessary.
I am traumatized, and I’m done.
Right now I feel like that one Stan Twitter meme where a woman walks in a room and with a small voice says, “Hey…” while everyone glares at her as dramatic music plays.
I guess I’m the woman, and the room of people glaring are the Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s fans. They’re glaring because I’m about to drop her books like a hot potato.
Nobody’s Baby But Mine is nonsensical, and it was meant to be. I have no problems with weird plots; in fact, I actively enjoy them. However, I have my limits. I can only suspend my disbelief so far. Am I really supposed to believe an Einstein of a woman can continually make such dumb choices? Jane’s characterization and choices were so far apart, the non-existent connection between both could be used as a bridge to Terabithia.
I can’t even talk about Cal. There is no Cal. He is every early 2000’s alpha-hole characters morphed into one. I have no thoughts and feelings towards him. He’s not worthy of my time. Actually, none of these characters are. Except Anne and Kevin. In fact, they might be the only good thing about this book.
This book didn’t feel real. It felt like it was a made up story another main character in another romance novel would read. You know, the ones where the character reads an excerpt that is all dramatic and nonsensical and it’s meant to be eye-rolling material. This was this book for me.
I was fighting for my life the entire time I was reading this. SEP is a great writer, but I’m tired of her formulas. This was my last one of hers. I just can’t. Here are some things that tipped me over the edge:
-Cal picking a wallpaper to show his love
-Cal wanting to have sex even though he still wanted the divorce at the end?? Where is the characterization??
-Jane being super smart, but still acting like she has no common sense whatsoever??
-The family being so forgiving of what Jane has done to Cal. Like ma’am? She is a criminal?
-The bartender just leaking their secret to the tabloids. For what? There was no consequences.
-That fucking last chapter? Ugh. I did not need a babies pov, no offense to babies. Cheesy, disgusting, and unnecessary.
I am traumatized, and I’m done.
tiffdra's review against another edition
4.0
Second favorite book in the Chicago Stars series (behind Heaven Texas) and I enjoyed my reread (listen on audible) as much as actually reading the book. There are a few problematic issues at the start of the book that didn’t age well; however, the scene when the H/h discover the others age/educational background is one of my favorite scenes and laugh out loud funny!
larareads2much's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first story of Ms. Phillips' that I've read and it was great. I love the sports and humor; a great combination. You could feel the chemistry between Cal and Jane and the struggles they both had with either their past or their future. I have to say that I knew what Cal would end up doing in the end. I actually thought he was moonlighting with his dad when they first arrived at his home. I will definitely read more of her books.
alexrgy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
juliebugs's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first book by SEP, and, wow, I've been missing out! I picked this one up in the used bookstore while I was actually looking for another SEP book that had been recommended to me. I had heard of this one before, so I read the back cover summary, and it sounded intriguing, so I bought it on a whim.
First off, the plot of this book is so 'out there' that this book should never work. A physicist poses as a hooker in order to get pregnant by a pro football player so that she can have a child who is not a genius like she is? What, really? I don't know how, but somehow it works, and you believe it.
For me, this book was all about the characters and the interactions between them. Jane and Cal, our hero and heroine, are both endearingly hard-headed, and watching them verbally spar with each other was just plain fun. The supporting characters were equally enjoyable. Cal's parents have a bit of a side story in the book as well. Sometimes I find side-stories in romances to be an annoyance, but this one was welcome, important to the plot, and really heart-felt, so I particularly enjoyed it.
Overall, it was a really absorbing, quick read. As long as you can get past the initial absurdity of the plot, I know you'll fall in love with it.
First off, the plot of this book is so 'out there' that this book should never work. A physicist poses as a hooker in order to get pregnant by a pro football player so that she can have a child who is not a genius like she is? What, really? I don't know how, but somehow it works, and you believe it.
For me, this book was all about the characters and the interactions between them. Jane and Cal, our hero and heroine, are both endearingly hard-headed, and watching them verbally spar with each other was just plain fun. The supporting characters were equally enjoyable. Cal's parents have a bit of a side story in the book as well. Sometimes I find side-stories in romances to be an annoyance, but this one was welcome, important to the plot, and really heart-felt, so I particularly enjoyed it.
Overall, it was a really absorbing, quick read. As long as you can get past the initial absurdity of the plot, I know you'll fall in love with it.
carrieives's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't like the premise. I prefer books with clear consent from the characters.
lindsay_co2bl's review against another edition
4.0
I normally really enjoy books by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and I love books with athletes as heroes, and this book was no exception for me.
I don't know why I haven't read this before, but I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner.
I enjoyed Cal and Jane's story. Cal was a huge jerk and deserved everything Jane threw at him...and she was very creative. I don't know that I would have thought of some of the stuff she did.
The end wasn't great for me. It felt a little rushed, like the author didn't know what else to do before the book ended so Cal apologized in front of everyone and he was magically forgiven.
Other than that, this was an entertaining book and it's probably worth a re-read in the future.
I don't know why I haven't read this before, but I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner.
I enjoyed Cal and Jane's story. Cal was a huge jerk and deserved everything Jane threw at him...and she was very creative. I don't know that I would have thought of some of the stuff she did.
The end wasn't great for me. It felt a little rushed, like the author didn't know what else to do before the book ended so Cal apologized in front of everyone and he was magically forgiven.
Other than that, this was an entertaining book and it's probably worth a re-read in the future.
chandrica's review against another edition
4.0
Annie Glide was a phenomenon; I aspire to be like her when I'm 80 <3
all four stars only for her!!
all four stars only for her!!
420blazeit's review against another edition
3.0
this was definitely… better! the premises that SEP uses to make sure the mcs get together are lowkey wild
readfrenzy's review
5.0
5 stars
Nobody—and I do mean no body—crafts a comedic enemies-to-lovers story as well as Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Period. Oh, and arrogant jerks. Somehow she creates these arrogant and bull-headed alphas who are so sweet at heart that they easily win you over. And her heroines? I always adore her gutsy heroines. Basically, I’m a huge SEP fan in case you can’t tell. Nobody’s Baby But Mine is the third book in the Chicago Stars series, and it’s every bit as enjoyable as the previous books.
I fell in love with Jane Darlington. She’s attractive, but not gorgeous. Her body is far from flawless, she dresses conservatively, and she doesn’t have a seductive bone in her body. She’s flawed, funny, determined, and loveable. It’s great when the ordinary girl gets the hunk.
Cal Bonner is a stubborn, aging NFL quarterback. Jane comes along when he’s at a crossroads in his life. The two are like oil and water, and I enjoyed every minute of their hilarious bickering. He’s downright mean at times, but I had a huge soft spot in my heart for him.
The mountains of North Carolina make a beautiful setting for the unfolding story.
SEP has created a bevy of interesting characters, and she takes her time in developing all the relationships. There isn’t a single character I didn’t enjoy. Cal’s protective mother Lynn and his stoic father Jim have their own absorbing side story. One of my favorite characters is Kevin, the young, cocky, and talented backup quarterback. I absolutely adored Cal’s spunky, quirky, and wise grandma Annie.
This book was written in 1997 so you’ll notice some outdated references like VCRs and VH1 music videos (Remember them?), but the story stands the test of time in every other regard. Some aspects are over the top in typical SEP fashion, but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
Nobody’s Baby But Mine is a simply delightful, entertaining, and hilarious romance. #winning
Nobody—and I do mean no body—crafts a comedic enemies-to-lovers story as well as Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Period. Oh, and arrogant jerks. Somehow she creates these arrogant and bull-headed alphas who are so sweet at heart that they easily win you over. And her heroines? I always adore her gutsy heroines. Basically, I’m a huge SEP fan in case you can’t tell. Nobody’s Baby But Mine is the third book in the Chicago Stars series, and it’s every bit as enjoyable as the previous books.
I fell in love with Jane Darlington. She’s attractive, but not gorgeous. Her body is far from flawless, she dresses conservatively, and she doesn’t have a seductive bone in her body. She’s flawed, funny, determined, and loveable. It’s great when the ordinary girl gets the hunk.
Cal Bonner is a stubborn, aging NFL quarterback. Jane comes along when he’s at a crossroads in his life. The two are like oil and water, and I enjoyed every minute of their hilarious bickering. He’s downright mean at times, but I had a huge soft spot in my heart for him.
The mountains of North Carolina make a beautiful setting for the unfolding story.
SEP has created a bevy of interesting characters, and she takes her time in developing all the relationships. There isn’t a single character I didn’t enjoy. Cal’s protective mother Lynn and his stoic father Jim have their own absorbing side story. One of my favorite characters is Kevin, the young, cocky, and talented backup quarterback. I absolutely adored Cal’s spunky, quirky, and wise grandma Annie.
This book was written in 1997 so you’ll notice some outdated references like VCRs and VH1 music videos (Remember them?), but the story stands the test of time in every other regard. Some aspects are over the top in typical SEP fashion, but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
Nobody’s Baby But Mine is a simply delightful, entertaining, and hilarious romance. #winning