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The Surrogate
From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE novel…
ABBY
I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying. The problem it’s not my baby. And the broody widower is not looking for a long-term partner. As a surrogate, the deal was that I’d only be in England long enough to give birth. At first, the man seemed as pretentious as his name: Sigmund Benedictus. He and I butted heads. Sig challenged my intentions, accused me of just wanting to do this for the money. Gradually, he learned to trust me. He even became protective. Over time, our heated animosity turned into fiery chemistry. I was falling in love with him. But my time here had a limit. I needed to protect my heart from the devastatingly gorgeous older man who’d end up breaking it
SIG
When my in-laws told me they wanted to use my dead wife’s eggs to conceive a grandchild, I wasn’t immediately on board. They swore that on her deathbed Britney told them it was what she wanted—but only if I fathered the baby. Her parents insisted they would be the ones to raise it. Against my better judgment, I agreed. I vowed to keep my heart out of it, though. I’d continue to pretend it wasn’t happening and live the empty, single life I’d become accustomed to the past five years since Britney died. And despite the fact that a certain younger American named Abby Knickerbocker had awakened things inside me that I thought were long dead… I most certainly wouldn’t fall in love with the surrogate.
ABBY
I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying. The problem it’s not my baby. And the broody widower is not looking for a long-term partner. As a surrogate, the deal was that I’d only be in England long enough to give birth. At first, the man seemed as pretentious as his name: Sigmund Benedictus. He and I butted heads. Sig challenged my intentions, accused me of just wanting to do this for the money. Gradually, he learned to trust me. He even became protective. Over time, our heated animosity turned into fiery chemistry. I was falling in love with him. But my time here had a limit. I needed to protect my heart from the devastatingly gorgeous older man who’d end up breaking it
SIG
When my in-laws told me they wanted to use my dead wife’s eggs to conceive a grandchild, I wasn’t immediately on board. They swore that on her deathbed Britney told them it was what she wanted—but only if I fathered the baby. Her parents insisted they would be the ones to raise it. Against my better judgment, I agreed. I vowed to keep my heart out of it, though. I’d continue to pretend it wasn’t happening and live the empty, single life I’d become accustomed to the past five years since Britney died. And despite the fact that a certain younger American named Abby Knickerbocker had awakened things inside me that I thought were long dead… I most certainly wouldn’t fall in love with the surrogate.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2024
About the author
Penelope Ward
87 books25.2k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 696 reviews
February 27, 2024
4/5 ⭐️ This book has the dead wife trope which I try to stay away from but sometimes I like to read outside of my comfort zone. This one turned out to be a pretty good one and I liked it more than I thought I would.
I liked that Sig was protective of Abby from the beginning and I really enjoyed his jealous moments 😌. I also liked how she got him to love again and it was actually pretty sweet. I also enjoyed how angsty it was at times.
The only thing I didn’t like was that Abby was technically the main pursuer in the relationship. But I guess it had to be that way since Sig was very closed off after his wife died.
If you don’t like the dead wife trope then be mindful before reading this because it definitely was a bit hard to read each time she was mentioned and how much he loved her 😔. But the upside is that at least I didn’t feel like the heroine was the consolation prize which I was worried about. By the end, I actually believed he loved her the same if not more than his late wife.
TROPES:
💗Widower
💗Age Gap
💗Semi Slow-burn
💗Forbidden
💗Found Family
💗British Hero
I liked that Sig was protective of Abby from the beginning and I really enjoyed his jealous moments 😌. I also liked how she got him to love again and it was actually pretty sweet. I also enjoyed how angsty it was at times.
The only thing I didn’t like was that Abby was technically the main pursuer in the relationship. But I guess it had to be that way since Sig was very closed off after his wife died.
If you don’t like the dead wife trope then be mindful before reading this because it definitely was a bit hard to read each time she was mentioned and how much he loved her 😔. But the upside is that at least I didn’t feel like the heroine was the consolation prize which I was worried about. By the end, I actually believed he loved her the same if not more than his late wife.
TROPES:
💗Widower
💗Age Gap
💗Semi Slow-burn
💗Forbidden
💗Found Family
💗British Hero
February 22, 2024
One of my favorite books from Penelope! You will laugh, swoon and cry. It’s a binge book, for sure! Sig is a memorable character who reluctantly charms his way into your heart.
February 18, 2024
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
📚 '𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐄' 📚 Is a full length stand-alone romance book by Penelope Ward. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.'❥ Abby & Sig ❥
The grump & the sunshine
This definitely got its hooks into me, never letting go until that last page was closed. This kept me in its grip throughout, a slow burn that had me in a roller coaster of feels. I’d started this in the wee hours and finished it in the late afternoon, wondering how this author was going to tame our wayward male if you've read The Aristocrat by this author, then you've already met Sig who used to have a revolving door of woman. In some ways he hasn't changed his ways.
No one could replace the love of his life.
Their love was over before it had begun
He didn't ask to be a widower
Five years on after losing his one true love and he's still as lost as ever
One night flings
No attachments, no sleepovers
Until his in-laws who he's still close to stopped by and asked the unthinkable of him. They think it's time. They want a grandchild before they get too old and want to use their deceased daughters eggs which were frozen before her passing and that he has to be the father. They have even found the perfect surrogate.
Meet twenty-five year old Abby, kind hearted Abby is a wee bit lost herself, wanting to do one big thing to prove her worth, and helping surrogate seems the perfect thing for her to do.
When Sig and Abby first meet, it's not all rainbows and roses, their meeting goes off with a bump, he thinks shes doing it for money, she just has to convince him that she's doing out of the kindness of her heart.
Straight off the bat there's an attraction between them, slowly we see Sig healing, opening up, stepping out of the darkness and into the light. These two were perfection, she was soft to his gruffness. I loved her gentle ways, her food analogies when it came to describing him. Definitely a must read!!
May 18, 2024
Have you ever picked up a book that just screams 'read me in one sitting'? That's The Surrogate by Penelope Ward for you.
📍 Contemporary Romance
📍 Age Gap
📍 Widower
📍 Found Family
📍 Forbidden Romance
📍 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
When Life Throws You a Curveball
Picture this: Abby, our American heroine, becomes a surrogate for Sig, a widower still haunted by the loss of his wife. Sounds like a recipe for drama, right?
Meet Abby and Sig
Abby's all heart and courage, while Sig's the broody type with a past that's got him all tangled up. Watching these two go from 'I can't stand you' to 'I can't stand being away from you' is the kind of stuff that keeps you up at night—in a good way.
It's Not Just About the Romance
Sure, the sparks fly, but The Surrogate digs deeper. It's about loss, healing, and the unexpected ways love can bloom. The whole surrogacy deal makes you wonder about the big stuff, like what family and love really mean.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
The slow burn romance between Abby and Sig is filled with moments of tension, tenderness, and a few surprises along the way.
Why You Should Read It
The Surrogate is more than just a romance novel. It's a beautifully crafted story about finding love in the most unexpected places and the power of second chances. It's a book that reminds us of the unpredictability of life and the beauty of finding love where we least expect it.
📍 Contemporary Romance
📍 Age Gap
📍 Widower
📍 Found Family
📍 Forbidden Romance
📍 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
When Life Throws You a Curveball
Picture this: Abby, our American heroine, becomes a surrogate for Sig, a widower still haunted by the loss of his wife. Sounds like a recipe for drama, right?
Meet Abby and Sig
Abby's all heart and courage, while Sig's the broody type with a past that's got him all tangled up. Watching these two go from 'I can't stand you' to 'I can't stand being away from you' is the kind of stuff that keeps you up at night—in a good way.
It's Not Just About the Romance
Sure, the sparks fly, but The Surrogate digs deeper. It's about loss, healing, and the unexpected ways love can bloom. The whole surrogacy deal makes you wonder about the big stuff, like what family and love really mean.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
The slow burn romance between Abby and Sig is filled with moments of tension, tenderness, and a few surprises along the way.
Why You Should Read It
The Surrogate is more than just a romance novel. It's a beautifully crafted story about finding love in the most unexpected places and the power of second chances. It's a book that reminds us of the unpredictability of life and the beauty of finding love where we least expect it.
February 27, 2024
“First rule of Surrogacy Club, don’t fuck the surrogate. And certainly don’t miss her.”
Not gonna lie the blurb really pulled me in. It just sounded so messy. Dead wife, guy in mourning still can't get over his wife's death, a baby via surrogate, the surrogate being 13 years younger.. the drama was givinggg.
Or so i thought so.🙄
It was nor messy, nor entertaining.
First part was okay but then after Abby got pregnant i was very very bored.
Sig and Abby our main characters had literally zero tension or connection.
Maybe bc of the insta lust from the very beggining, denying their attraction which was totally normal given the circumstances she was carrying his dead wife's baby but at the same time i felt like everything between them was moving so fast.
My main problem was the pacing.
I wished it was more on a slowburn side but at same time it was and it wasn't?
They agree to have just sex without developing feelings but they both already have feelings. Sig still doesn't know if he's over his dead wife or not , still doesn't know whether he wants to raise the baby and the back and forth, push and pull was most certainly not fun.
Also Abby kinda got on my nerves a couple of times since she was so pushy. She almost immediately fell for Sig cue the insta love/lust and the way she was always in his space, making him jealous on purpose just screamed desperate to me.
He kept saying he feels something for her but he needs time and space which was obvious since he still wasn't totally over his dead wife and she kept pushing and pushing until they finally had sex.
Ugh that really bothered me.
The second part was so boring since after Abby got pregnant and they finally had sex her dad in the states was diagnosed with cancer so she moves back to take care of him while Sig remains in England and honestly nothing was happening except time jumps. Like suddenly she is 7 months pregnant, they haven't seen each other for months and idk if i had high expectations but i was so excited how their relationship was going to progress. I kept waiting for some cute pregnancy moments, some caveman moments but no, nothing.
Like the whole second part fell flat and instead of excitment i felt depressed.
Then Sig all of a sudden realizes he is in love with her, wants to raise the baby with Abby and tbh the last 20% was so cringe and corny with all the love bombing.🙄 their relationship felt very fake.
Read
February 25, 2024★LIVE EARLY! ★
THE SURROGATE, a complete standalone, is now LIVE on Amazon! It’s on very limited-time release price moving to $4.99 soon. This is the lowest price it will ever be. And based on early-reader reactions, I think Sigmund Benedictus is officially my most loved hero EVER.
What You Can Expect:
• AGE GAP
• WIDOWER
• BRITISH HERO
• FOUND FAMILY
• SLOW BURN
• FORBIDDEN
• STEAMY
• ENEMIES-TO-FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS
Amazon US: https://bit.ly/49p4zeP
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3OUYzSQ
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3P0psET
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3OXCKlE
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3U28GIX
Nook: https://bit.ly/48676Jc
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3SoTaEE
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3HN6zBy
Audible Audio: https://bit.ly/3HXWhhM
Amazon Audio: https://bit.ly/3SSBnXN
Special Edition Paperback: https://amzn.to/3O8OTDH
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/42cTkmN
THE SURROGATE, a complete standalone, is now LIVE on Amazon! It’s on very limited-time release price moving to $4.99 soon. This is the lowest price it will ever be. And based on early-reader reactions, I think Sigmund Benedictus is officially my most loved hero EVER.
What You Can Expect:
• AGE GAP
• WIDOWER
• BRITISH HERO
• FOUND FAMILY
• SLOW BURN
• FORBIDDEN
• STEAMY
• ENEMIES-TO-FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS
Amazon US: https://bit.ly/49p4zeP
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3OUYzSQ
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3P0psET
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3OXCKlE
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3U28GIX
Nook: https://bit.ly/48676Jc
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3SoTaEE
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3HN6zBy
Audible Audio: https://bit.ly/3HXWhhM
Amazon Audio: https://bit.ly/3SSBnXN
Special Edition Paperback: https://amzn.to/3O8OTDH
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/42cTkmN
March 7, 2024
3.5 stars
An okay read. I was expecting more angst, more yearning and more tension considering this was supposed to be enemies to lovers story but unfortunately I was disappointed at that end. But I did enjoy the story overall and I liked both MCs well enough.
An okay read. I was expecting more angst, more yearning and more tension considering this was supposed to be enemies to lovers story but unfortunately I was disappointed at that end. But I did enjoy the story overall and I liked both MCs well enough.
February 27, 2024
Gözünü seveyim Penelope bir kere beni şaşırt be... Bu yazdığın adamların neden bu kadar çok sevdikleri ilk kadınları var benim esas kızlarım neden hep sonradan o mevkiye geliyor anlayamıyorum. Bu adamların ilk sevgililerini yada eşlerini bu kadar ön planda tutarak yazmanı istemiyorum. Yine iyi sonları güzel bağlıyorsun ama yetmiyor.
Bu kitabın sonlarında oda pek olmadı ya spoiler olucak ama yine ölmüş eşe sonsuz sevgisini sundu erkek karakterimiz. Ve ben bu kadar sinir ve strese rağmen yine Penelope okumaya devam edicem
Bu kitabın sonlarında oda pek olmadı ya spoiler olucak ama yine ölmüş eşe sonsuz sevgisini sundu erkek karakterimiz. Ve ben bu kadar sinir ve strese rağmen yine Penelope okumaya devam edicem
February 29, 2024
3.75 Stars ⭐️
July 9, 2024
This is the love story of Sig (the MMC) and Abby (the FMC) and Britney (Sig’s dead wife) 😭😭😭
Y’all I’m not kidding, this is why dead ex trope doesn’t work for me. You telling me in this book that Sig and Britney had THE most tragically romantic relationship and she’s the love of her life but she unfortunately died of cancer and then the MMC cannot move on and doesn’t want to experience love because no one compares but then the FMC Abby swooped in to fulfill the dead wife’s place as a consolation prize or surrogate or 2nd best (honestly whichever suits best 🤣)
Books like this make me overthink like what if Britney didn’t die? Would Sig still be with her even after meeting the FMC? Would he notice her even??
Like this is romancelandia with HEA as cherry on top, if you’re going to sell it, it better be worthwhile and solid and not half-ass and cop-out with:
“I won’t ever love anyone the way I loved her. But it’s also true that I won’t love anyone the way I love you. It’s not an either-or situation. My love for each of you is parallel, mutually exclusive and different in ways that could never be compared.” (See?? So romantic amiright??? Exact quote said by Sig btw)
It’s just not fair to me that Abby didn’t experienced that great love prior to Sig, I want her to know love as fierce as what Sig felt for Britney before meeting him BECAUSE it’s always the case for this type of books for women to only meet the love of their life after meeting the MMCs. Can a girl have a great, passionate, love affair through an ex, please? Is that too much to ask? 🤧
If I wanted to read realistic romance, I wouldn’t be reading fictional books really 🤦🏻♀️
Y’all I’m not kidding, this is why dead ex trope doesn’t work for me. You telling me in this book that Sig and Britney had THE most tragically romantic relationship and she’s the love of her life but she unfortunately died of cancer and then the MMC cannot move on and doesn’t want to experience love because no one compares but then the FMC Abby swooped in to fulfill the dead wife’s place as a consolation prize or surrogate or 2nd best (honestly whichever suits best 🤣)
Books like this make me overthink like what if Britney didn’t die? Would Sig still be with her even after meeting the FMC? Would he notice her even??
Like this is romancelandia with HEA as cherry on top, if you’re going to sell it, it better be worthwhile and solid and not half-ass and cop-out with:
“I won’t ever love anyone the way I loved her. But it’s also true that I won’t love anyone the way I love you. It’s not an either-or situation. My love for each of you is parallel, mutually exclusive and different in ways that could never be compared.” (See?? So romantic amiright??? Exact quote said by Sig btw)
It’s just not fair to me that Abby didn’t experienced that great love prior to Sig, I want her to know love as fierce as what Sig felt for Britney before meeting him BECAUSE it’s always the case for this type of books for women to only meet the love of their life after meeting the MMCs. Can a girl have a great, passionate, love affair through an ex, please? Is that too much to ask? 🤧
If I wanted to read realistic romance, I wouldn’t be reading fictional books really 🤦🏻♀️
May 20, 2024
Pushy youngster of a heroine - a most unpalatable reading experience for me; disengaged H; surrogacy blurb and title with a telling-not-showing pregnancy. A man who loves his dead wife so much that he agrees to father a child with her……shudder…(Um…she’s VERY much alive in spirit - for him & his in-laws; and will be for his child = this author’s favourite trope)
Surrogacy is one of my favourite storylines in Romance.
The body-betraying h + the “disinterested-where-it-matters-hero” is one of my least favourite.
I was hoping for the best, not even expecting the worst🤷♀️
Surrogacy is one of my favourite storylines in Romance.
The body-betraying h + the “disinterested-where-it-matters-hero” is one of my least favourite.
I was hoping for the best, not even expecting the worst🤷♀️
Read
March 15, 2024Penelope ward's favorite trope again. Dead wife.
February 25, 2024
I was up until 2 am reading The Surrogate by Penelope Ward. Hands down, The Surrogate is one of my top favorite reads from Penelope. Heck, this book is one of my top favorite books. Period. I imagine it's tough to write a book that meets readers' expectations after they fall in love with a special side character. Readers (including myself) begged Penelope to write Sig's story after he appeared in The Aristocrat, which was released in 2021. Sig and Abby's beautiful emotion-packed story is going to sucker punch you with the feels. Let me tell you that this book was worth the wait.
Not only did Penelope deliver another incredible standalone romance, but she also made it worth the wait for Sig's story. For Abby, creating the baby was easy; getting into Sig's heart was as easy as peeling the skin of an onion and not crying. Sig was such a complex and prickly character with a huge grief case of emotional baggage. Abby, his selfless surrogate, had a heart of pure golden sunshine—these two characters were total opposites of each other. Abby not only carried a baby, but she also brought a broken Sig back to life. The angst, the build-up, and that ending had me alternating between biting my nails and shedding a few tears. The Surrogate pulled on all of my heartstrings and didn't let go. Penelope ruined me for the next book I plan to read since I now have a book hangover to deal with. I didn't know where this story would go, and I let Penelope guide my own heart on this emotional journey of the heart and soul. That ending. Those letters. The epilogue. The Surrogate owns a piece of my heart. Chef's kiss Penelope!
Not only did Penelope deliver another incredible standalone romance, but she also made it worth the wait for Sig's story. For Abby, creating the baby was easy; getting into Sig's heart was as easy as peeling the skin of an onion and not crying. Sig was such a complex and prickly character with a huge grief case of emotional baggage. Abby, his selfless surrogate, had a heart of pure golden sunshine—these two characters were total opposites of each other. Abby not only carried a baby, but she also brought a broken Sig back to life. The angst, the build-up, and that ending had me alternating between biting my nails and shedding a few tears. The Surrogate pulled on all of my heartstrings and didn't let go. Penelope ruined me for the next book I plan to read since I now have a book hangover to deal with. I didn't know where this story would go, and I let Penelope guide my own heart on this emotional journey of the heart and soul. That ending. Those letters. The epilogue. The Surrogate owns a piece of my heart. Chef's kiss Penelope!
December 31, 2024
Such a fun and sexy read! Full of passion and romance!
📚 Welcome to JUNE SRx1x3x3, Shhlutty Read! 📚
WHERE ROMANCE READERS GO TO READ TOGETHER
• 1 Month • 3 Books • 3 Hosts
Hosts: Liz, Lissy & Myla
Month: June 2024
Themes: Your hosts invite you to read:
JUNE SRx1x3x3
• Read with us: https://bit.ly/JN24-SR
ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱ ɢᴏ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 29, 2024
The Surrogate by Penelope Ward was a beautifully crafted forbidden romance. The evolution of the relationship between the British widower and the young American surrogate from enemies to friends to lovers was a deeply emotional and completely engrossing example of Penelope’s masterful storytelling. It was impossible not to become emotionally invested in Sig and Abby’s journey, and I found it incredibly difficult to put this one down. A captivating and compelling blend of forbidden romance, slow-burn intensity, and the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope.
This story has been a long time coming, and it was well worth the wait. It was beyond my expectations, and it was everything I never knew I needed.
I fell in love with Sig since the very moment he was introduced in The Aristocrat and fell even deeper reading his story. Mourning the loss of his wife five years prior, he’s a shadow of his former self. When his in-laws ask him to father a baby through surrogacy with one of his wife's frozen eggs, he's thrown completely but reluctantly agrees. Enter Abby, the surrogate.
This was such a slow burn, unique, beautiful, heartfelt story that gripped me from the get-go. And at the center of it all is an absolutely stunning love story that I couldn’t get enough of. From the sizzling chemistry to the quiet companionship, the sweet, flirty friendship, and the slowly building romance, I felt it all. I loved how Penelope Ward developed the layers of this couple and their wonderful story.
There is so much to love about this book - the characters (their pain and their incredible strength), their journeys, the direction that their story took, and the way it all played out. It isn’t the easiest relationship, but it’s worth every moment of it for the blissful ending, and that epilogue that finishes everything off beautifully.
Whether I was smiling, swooning, or crying, the feels are beautifully intense. In true Penelope Ward fashion, the writing flowed seamlessly and captivated me instantaneously. I loved both Sig and Abby and wanted nothing more than to see them get their long sought-after HEA. This story really showcases the beauty of love and how when you learn to give your heart to someone, you can finally begin to heal. A truly emotional and inspirational journey with pure romance. It's one of my absolute favorite stories by Penelope Ward, no question.
Chapter 38 😭😭😭
"No one is going to fuck you while you’re pregnant with my baby but me.”
My breathing sped up.
“I want to satisfy you.” His chest heaved. “If you’ll let me.” Before I could answer, his lips crashed against mine. 😍😍😍
Audible purchase 🤗🤗
This story has been a long time coming, and it was well worth the wait. It was beyond my expectations, and it was everything I never knew I needed.
I fell in love with Sig since the very moment he was introduced in The Aristocrat and fell even deeper reading his story. Mourning the loss of his wife five years prior, he’s a shadow of his former self. When his in-laws ask him to father a baby through surrogacy with one of his wife's frozen eggs, he's thrown completely but reluctantly agrees. Enter Abby, the surrogate.
This was such a slow burn, unique, beautiful, heartfelt story that gripped me from the get-go. And at the center of it all is an absolutely stunning love story that I couldn’t get enough of. From the sizzling chemistry to the quiet companionship, the sweet, flirty friendship, and the slowly building romance, I felt it all. I loved how Penelope Ward developed the layers of this couple and their wonderful story.
There is so much to love about this book - the characters (their pain and their incredible strength), their journeys, the direction that their story took, and the way it all played out. It isn’t the easiest relationship, but it’s worth every moment of it for the blissful ending, and that epilogue that finishes everything off beautifully.
Whether I was smiling, swooning, or crying, the feels are beautifully intense. In true Penelope Ward fashion, the writing flowed seamlessly and captivated me instantaneously. I loved both Sig and Abby and wanted nothing more than to see them get their long sought-after HEA. This story really showcases the beauty of love and how when you learn to give your heart to someone, you can finally begin to heal. A truly emotional and inspirational journey with pure romance. It's one of my absolute favorite stories by Penelope Ward, no question.
Chapter 38 😭😭😭
"No one is going to fuck you while you’re pregnant with my baby but me.”
My breathing sped up.
“I want to satisfy you.” His chest heaved. “If you’ll let me.” Before I could answer, his lips crashed against mine. 😍😍😍
Audible purchase 🤗🤗
Read
April 4, 2024I am so in love with this book! I think this is Pen's most emotional book to date and it's one that touched me deeply. For me, it's now tied with Sins of Sevin as my favorite Penelope book. There were so many parts that brought tears to my eyes. At the end, when she said I love him so much, am I allowed? I totally fell apart. Penelope expertly captured the complexity of the situation and the real raw emotions both mains experienced. Fantastic characterization. Amazing book. I can't recommend it more highly.
May 24, 2024
4★★★★Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person Dual
“We try to hide from memories because it hurts. But Sometimes what we really need is to remember.”
Abby Knickerbocker was young and had a big heart. When she saw a family friend of her father’s needing a surrogate she did not hesitate to offered to be the surrogate for this family. Sigmund (Sig) Benedictus, does not believe on good people and had his doubts about Abby. He was only trying to please his in-laws to honor his deceased wife’s wish. He did not anticipated this deal to be complicated and confusing for him .
I can’t say that I’ve ever read a story with this topic before and I found it interesting. I really liked the chemistry between Abby and Sig. Between his grumpiness and yet sexy Abby just could not resist falling for him. I enjoyed all the supporting characters in the story and overall I enjoyed this story.
This book would be appealing to readers who enjoy heartwarming contemporary romance.
This was a F(BR) with War.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 20, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Abby Knickerbocker offered to be a surrogate for a family in need. But her good intentions were unconvincing for Sigmund (Sig) Benedictus, who was honoring his deceased wife’s wish. And the deal they agreed upon became more complicated as the line blurred.
This book had an interesting dynamic. While the storyline was mild, with less angst than I prefer, I enjoyed it overall. Sig and Abby had good chemistry, with him being sexy and somewhat grumpy and her being curious and kind-hearted. The supporting characters added humor and heart to the story.
The Surrogate is a story of changes and fulfillment. It would appeal to readers who enjoy heartwarming contemporary romance.
🌹🍼🌹. . . (F)BR with Loyda . . . 🌹🍼🌹
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Abby Knickerbocker offered to be a surrogate for a family in need. But her good intentions were unconvincing for Sigmund (Sig) Benedictus, who was honoring his deceased wife’s wish. And the deal they agreed upon became more complicated as the line blurred.
This book had an interesting dynamic. While the storyline was mild, with less angst than I prefer, I enjoyed it overall. Sig and Abby had good chemistry, with him being sexy and somewhat grumpy and her being curious and kind-hearted. The supporting characters added humor and heart to the story.
I wanted him to love me that way. Although I wasn’t sure he’d ever be capable of it again, I could never accept anything less.
The Surrogate is a story of changes and fulfillment. It would appeal to readers who enjoy heartwarming contemporary romance.
🌹🍼🌹. . . (F)BR with Loyda . . . 🌹🍼🌹
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
March 1, 2024
Wow. I did NOT think I’d love this book THIS much.
I mean… I loved the premises. I found them pretty unique. However, The Surrogate way exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with Sig, inevitably, as I love me a broken hero. However, Abby took me by surprise. She’s become one of my ✨FAVORITE BOOK HEROINES✨. She is so genuine, and so kind, and so so brave. So refreshing to have a heroine who does not hold back, who speaks her mind, tho in a sensitive manner. Not rudely, or aggressively. And without trying to manipulate and coerce. 💖I STAN Abby💖.
She’s the only one who could mend Sig’s broken heart. Naturally, effortlessly, just by being her true honest self. No games were played here. And I loved this book SO MUCH for that, first and foremost.
In hindsight, I wish I had read The Aristocrat first, as Sig plays an important side character in that one, as Leo’s cousin. However, I plan to rectify my little mistake by reading it very soon.
Both books can totally be read as standalones, but I do recommend reading The Aristocrat first, to understand Sig’s character development in the best possible way.
The 🎧audiobook🎧 for this was absolute perfection. Love me some Jacob Morgan with a British accent!! And Desiree didn’t disappoint in the least as well! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
***
”I used to wake up in the morning and wish I weren’t alive. Now I wake up and think of you—some funny thing you said or wondering when I get to see you next. And I think of you before I fall asleep. Our nightly phone call is the thing I look forward to most every day. You’ve taken over the dark places that used to exist in my mind.” His eyes were piercing. “You saved me, Abby. You really have.”
I mean… I loved the premises. I found them pretty unique. However, The Surrogate way exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with Sig, inevitably, as I love me a broken hero. However, Abby took me by surprise. She’s become one of my ✨FAVORITE BOOK HEROINES✨. She is so genuine, and so kind, and so so brave. So refreshing to have a heroine who does not hold back, who speaks her mind, tho in a sensitive manner. Not rudely, or aggressively. And without trying to manipulate and coerce. 💖I STAN Abby💖.
She’s the only one who could mend Sig’s broken heart. Naturally, effortlessly, just by being her true honest self. No games were played here. And I loved this book SO MUCH for that, first and foremost.
In hindsight, I wish I had read The Aristocrat first, as Sig plays an important side character in that one, as Leo’s cousin. However, I plan to rectify my little mistake by reading it very soon.
Both books can totally be read as standalones, but I do recommend reading The Aristocrat first, to understand Sig’s character development in the best possible way.
The 🎧audiobook🎧 for this was absolute perfection. Love me some Jacob Morgan with a British accent!! And Desiree didn’t disappoint in the least as well! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
***
”I used to wake up in the morning and wish I weren’t alive. Now I wake up and think of you—some funny thing you said or wondering when I get to see you next. And I think of you before I fall asleep. Our nightly phone call is the thing I look forward to most every day. You’ve taken over the dark places that used to exist in my mind.” His eyes were piercing. “You saved me, Abby. You really have.”
February 27, 2024
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Sigmund Benedictus lived in London where he managed properties for his cousin Leo. After the loss of his wife nearly five years ago, he’s been slowly trying to put his life back together. Falling in love changed him forever, and now he’s a closed off workaholic who doesn’t do relationships. After losing his one true love, he believed no one else would ever compare. He’s content with how things are and is convinced he’s better off keeping others at a distance. Then his in-laws throw his world into chaos when they suddenly approach him wanting a grandchild that he would father using his deceased wife’s eggs. They will raise the baby, but it’s all just so overwhelming. The whole situation gets even more uncomfortable when he meets their choice for surrogate.
Abby Knickerbocker leaves her home in Rhode Island and heads to the English countryside to meet the father of the baby she might agree to carry. When she arrives in the UK she doesn’t get the warmest welcome. The broody widower is clearly a complex man, and they clash at every turn. For everything to work out she couldn’t get emotionally involved, so when an undeniable bond grows between them things turn complicated. In the end will they walk away and go their separate ways, or will they take a chance on love and find happiness?
The Surrogate by Penelope Ward is a story about second chances, hope, healing and unexpected love. It’s a standalone, slow burn, age gap, forbidden, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers romance full of sizzling chemistry, emotion and beautiful connections. I really loved this story and couldn’t put it down. I adored Sig as Leo’s cousin in the Aristocrat, and always wanted his story. I also loved we get more of Leo and Felicity too. This is a story full of heart that will definitely hit you in all the feels! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HV94V/...
(ARC provided by author)
Sigmund Benedictus lived in London where he managed properties for his cousin Leo. After the loss of his wife nearly five years ago, he’s been slowly trying to put his life back together. Falling in love changed him forever, and now he’s a closed off workaholic who doesn’t do relationships. After losing his one true love, he believed no one else would ever compare. He’s content with how things are and is convinced he’s better off keeping others at a distance. Then his in-laws throw his world into chaos when they suddenly approach him wanting a grandchild that he would father using his deceased wife’s eggs. They will raise the baby, but it’s all just so overwhelming. The whole situation gets even more uncomfortable when he meets their choice for surrogate.
Abby Knickerbocker leaves her home in Rhode Island and heads to the English countryside to meet the father of the baby she might agree to carry. When she arrives in the UK she doesn’t get the warmest welcome. The broody widower is clearly a complex man, and they clash at every turn. For everything to work out she couldn’t get emotionally involved, so when an undeniable bond grows between them things turn complicated. In the end will they walk away and go their separate ways, or will they take a chance on love and find happiness?
The Surrogate by Penelope Ward is a story about second chances, hope, healing and unexpected love. It’s a standalone, slow burn, age gap, forbidden, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers romance full of sizzling chemistry, emotion and beautiful connections. I really loved this story and couldn’t put it down. I adored Sig as Leo’s cousin in the Aristocrat, and always wanted his story. I also loved we get more of Leo and Felicity too. This is a story full of heart that will definitely hit you in all the feels! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HV94V/...
June 15, 2024
.
.
The Surrogate was a beautiful second-chance romance. It's a heartwarming storyline that will pull on your heart with all the feels. I enjoyed the banter and the angst between Sig and Abby, making this book unputdownable. Overall, it was an emotional and beautiful love story worth reading.
___________________________________________________
Joined THE
Hosts: Liz, Lissy & Myla
Month: June 2024
Themes: Your hosts invite you to read:
JUNE SRx1x3x3
• Read with us: https://bit.ly/JN24-SR
ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱ ɢᴏ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ
.
The Surrogate was a beautiful second-chance romance. It's a heartwarming storyline that will pull on your heart with all the feels. I enjoyed the banter and the angst between Sig and Abby, making this book unputdownable. Overall, it was an emotional and beautiful love story worth reading.
___________________________________________________
Joined THE
Hosts: Liz, Lissy & Myla
Month: June 2024
Themes: Your hosts invite you to read:
JUNE SRx1x3x3
• Read with us: https://bit.ly/JN24-SR
ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀꜱ ɢᴏ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ
March 14, 2024
The Surrogate is a solid read, with fully developed characters. I really enjoyed this book and all the characters. The supporting characters were so energetic and fun. The storyline unique. Watching these two fall for one another while navigating through Abby’s surrogacy was really entertaining. A beautiful and emotional love story for sure.
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
✓ Grumpy X Sunshine
✓ Forced Proximity
✓ Age Gap
✓ Forbidden Love
✓ Pregnancy
✓ Rich Hero
✓ Dual POV
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
✓ Grumpy X Sunshine
✓ Forced Proximity
✓ Age Gap
✓ Forbidden Love
✓ Pregnancy
✓ Rich Hero
✓ Dual POV
April 1, 2024
“That bump bought you this bump.”
Imagine you’re a surrogate and carrying life to give a family what they need. But the man you are carrying for is a grumpy stuck-up English man and the hardest part is you are falling for him…
I love this book with my whole soul. This is the perfect book for me the story the writing and the audiobook fantastic. Abby and Sig’s chemistry, the understanding of the situation they are both in and opening up to one another pulled on the heartstrings. The audiobook narration by Jacob and Desireé was incredible. I could have easily read this in one sitting but I read 50% then stopped but then I picked it up again and had to finish.
This line sent me feral:
"No one is going to fuck you while you're pregnant with my baby but me.”
The spice was the perfect amount and felt intimate.
Love these characters and story so much. Just read it!
If you love:
🔹Contemporary Romance
🔹Love After Loss
🔹Age Gap (12yrs)
🔹Workplace
🔹Long Distance
🔹Perfect Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Contemporary Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook - Audible
Pages: 335
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 52mins
Narrators: Jacob Morgan and Desireé Ketchum - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Love After Loss, Age Gap (12yrs), Workplace, Jealousy, Grumpy MMC, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Made Me Laugh, Long Distance, Surrogate, Pregnancy, Banter, Chemistry, Emails, Playlist, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Car Scene Medical Content and Cancer.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Imagine you’re a surrogate and carrying life to give a family what they need. But the man you are carrying for is a grumpy stuck-up English man and the hardest part is you are falling for him…
I love this book with my whole soul. This is the perfect book for me the story the writing and the audiobook fantastic. Abby and Sig’s chemistry, the understanding of the situation they are both in and opening up to one another pulled on the heartstrings. The audiobook narration by Jacob and Desireé was incredible. I could have easily read this in one sitting but I read 50% then stopped but then I picked it up again and had to finish.
This line sent me feral:
"No one is going to fuck you while you're pregnant with my baby but me.”
The spice was the perfect amount and felt intimate.
Love these characters and story so much. Just read it!
If you love:
🔹Contemporary Romance
🔹Love After Loss
🔹Age Gap (12yrs)
🔹Workplace
🔹Long Distance
🔹Perfect Intimate Spice
Genre/Type: Contemporary Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook - Audible
Pages: 335
Audiobook Length: 9hrs 52mins
Narrators: Jacob Morgan and Desireé Ketchum - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Love After Loss, Age Gap (12yrs), Workplace, Jealousy, Grumpy MMC, Cinnamon Roll MMC, Made Me Laugh, Long Distance, Surrogate, Pregnancy, Banter, Chemistry, Emails, Playlist, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Car Scene Medical Content and Cancer.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
March 5, 2024
eating up the dead wife trope every single time nom nom 🧏🏽♀️
March 25, 2024
The Surrogate by Penelope Ward
Narrated by Jacob Morgan and Desiree Ketchum
Book 2 in a Series of Standalones. Contemporary Romance.
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Penelope Ward for gifting me a copy of this audiobook for an honest review. This review contains affiliate links. I never take payment for review, and my reviews are always honest.
When Penelope Ward offered me an audio arc of The Surrogate I jumped at the chance to listen. I didn’t read The Aristocrat first and you didn’t really have to but I could tell it would have been even better if I had because from what I understand, the hero of The Surrogate has a big part in it.
Sig is still lost 5 years after the love of his life died. They only had 6 short months together but he will treasure that time forever. For the 5 years since her death, he’s had a revolving door of 1-night-stands, but he’s not ready for anything more.
Until his late wife’s parents ask him to father a baby from his wife’s frozen eggs. They promise they will raise the baby and he could have as little or as much contact as he wants. They already have a young surrogate ready to go. Sig doesn’t want to but he also can't deny his wife’s dying wish.
Abby is a selfless young woman from Rhode Island. When she flew to London to meet the father of the potential baby she would surrogate, things didn’t go very well. He accused Abby of ill intentions but there was an underlying attraction despite the 12-year age gap. He wanted to dislike her, and even though he was a jerk, she couldn’t help her attraction to him.
“I wanted him to love me that way. Although I wasn’t sure he’d ever be capable of it again, I could never accept anything less.”
Once Abby became pregnant it was such a natural evolution to become more. It’s confusing and messy as hell. Is it wrong for a man to fall in love with the surrogate carrying his and his late wife’s baby? It sure didn’t seem wrong in The Surrogate.
“I used to wake up in the morning and wish I weren’t alive. Now I wake up and think of you—some funny thing you said or wondering when I get to see you next.”
Once I started The Surrogate I shut off the world and listened straight through. I went through the full gamut of emotions with a few real tears. I loved both Sig and Abby and it was a slow road to get them together, but nobody else could have her either!
“No one is going to fuck you while you're pregnant with my baby but me.”
I loved The Surrogate so much, now I want to go back and grab The Aristocrat before re-listening to this one again.
“You’ve taken over the dark places that used to exist in my mind.” His eyes were piercing. “You saved me, Abby. You really have.”
Likes:
•I loved Abby, she was completely selfless.
•Sig was grumpy on the outside but a sweetheart on the inside.
•All of the side characters.
•It really took its time with a slow burn.
•Just the right amount of sex for the story.
Dislikes:
•She was the aggressor in the relationship.
The Narration:
The voice acting was fantastic. Jacob Morgan with a British accent? YES PLEASE. Desiree Ketchum embodied Abby perfectly. I think the narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
The Down & Dirty (TLDR):
I absolutely loved The Surrogate by Penelope Ward. Though it stands alone, I wish I read The Aristocrat first because I think this may have been bumped to 5 stars if I had. The dual POV allowed me to get to know and love both characters. I laughed and cried and felt every emotion in between. I will be grabbing The Aristocrat and listening to that soon, and then I look forward to re-listening to The Surrogate. There are very few books I like to re-listen to, but this would be one of them.
Rating: 4.5 Stars, 3 heat, 5 narration
Purchase The Surrogate by Penelope Ward
Kindle | Paperback | Hardcover | Audible
Though not officially listed as a series, there is a lot of crossover.
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March 8, 2024
I feel like I got the old Penelope Ward back, the one that used to make me laugh and cry at the same time, with deep emotional messages and plots. If I recall correctly, this is my first 5-star book of 2024 and I don't regret any moment of giving this rating.
"The Surrogate" can be read independently, but I recommend you read "The Aristocrat" first because you will understand the plot more and visualize why this book was written. It was a very good idea and the complexity of the book makes you go out of your comfort zone. I am for or against surrogacy and it is not my place to judge, but after reading this book, I see it all from a different perspective.
Sid lost his wife, Britney to cancer and they only knew each other for 6 months. They met at the airport and fell in love. Britney told Sid about her condition, but he decided to stay by her side and marry her, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, it didn't happen and after 5 years, Sid is still mourning his lost wife. His in-laws told him about the surrogacy option, because before undergoing treatment, Britney froze some of her eggs, in hopes that she would make it and become a mom. When that offer is on the table for Sid, he doesn't think he is ready, but to make them happy, he accepts, believing that he is not worth being a father.
Abby is the surrogate mother, who accepted this proposal upon hearing Britney's story and feeling extremely sympathetic about it. She is a very special person, who believes in the power of love and therefore, bringing this child into the world would mean so much to her parents, but even to Sid, with all this reluctance.
What they were not expecting was the attraction they felt towards each other, even if this might be wrong at the beginning. With Abby being the surrogate and Sig being the husband who is still mourning his wife, this could sound like a plan B, like something that will not last forever. Abby is supposed to go back to the US after giving birth, leaving the baby with his family in the UK.
Why 5 stars? Because the story was complex, interesting and you need to have an open mind to love it and understand it. Besides that, what Sid and Abby have is special, and the development was very naturally written, to not be forced upon the reader. Everything that happened with them was so romantic and so down to earth, that my heart was full by the time the story ended. I loved Abby so much because she was kind and generous and gave it all to deliver this baby and be a part of Sid's life. Sid was also interesting, a mixture of sweet and kind, but with a prickly part that defined this lost and suffering. I loved the book and as you can see, I can not stop writing about it.
For more reviews, please check out my blog: www.ramonismeramo.com
"The Surrogate" can be read independently, but I recommend you read "The Aristocrat" first because you will understand the plot more and visualize why this book was written. It was a very good idea and the complexity of the book makes you go out of your comfort zone. I am for or against surrogacy and it is not my place to judge, but after reading this book, I see it all from a different perspective.
Sid lost his wife, Britney to cancer and they only knew each other for 6 months. They met at the airport and fell in love. Britney told Sid about her condition, but he decided to stay by her side and marry her, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, it didn't happen and after 5 years, Sid is still mourning his lost wife. His in-laws told him about the surrogacy option, because before undergoing treatment, Britney froze some of her eggs, in hopes that she would make it and become a mom. When that offer is on the table for Sid, he doesn't think he is ready, but to make them happy, he accepts, believing that he is not worth being a father.
Abby is the surrogate mother, who accepted this proposal upon hearing Britney's story and feeling extremely sympathetic about it. She is a very special person, who believes in the power of love and therefore, bringing this child into the world would mean so much to her parents, but even to Sid, with all this reluctance.
What they were not expecting was the attraction they felt towards each other, even if this might be wrong at the beginning. With Abby being the surrogate and Sig being the husband who is still mourning his wife, this could sound like a plan B, like something that will not last forever. Abby is supposed to go back to the US after giving birth, leaving the baby with his family in the UK.
Why 5 stars? Because the story was complex, interesting and you need to have an open mind to love it and understand it. Besides that, what Sid and Abby have is special, and the development was very naturally written, to not be forced upon the reader. Everything that happened with them was so romantic and so down to earth, that my heart was full by the time the story ended. I loved Abby so much because she was kind and generous and gave it all to deliver this baby and be a part of Sid's life. Sid was also interesting, a mixture of sweet and kind, but with a prickly part that defined this lost and suffering. I loved the book and as you can see, I can not stop writing about it.
For more reviews, please check out my blog: www.ramonismeramo.com
March 30, 2024
Penelope Ward is (and Vi Keeland…are) becoming quickly my new favourite author(s). I loved the story! It had its flaws but damn did it make me swoon!
May 26, 2024
Abandoned half way through. I loved the narrator, the story, not so much.
March 20, 2024
Thank you to Give Me Books for my review copy.
I’ve been a fan of Sigmund since I met him in The Aristocrat and I was so happy he finally has his own book. With that being said I absolutely LOVED this book! This story gave me all the old school angst filled vibes that I love in a romance story and I’m so sad it’s over. Penelope Ward absolutely out did herself with this novel and these characters will stay with me for a very long time.
“I used to wake up in the morning and wish I weren’t alive. Now I wake up and think of you—some funny thing you said or wondering when I get to see you next.”
“Please know that in no way diminishes what you and I shared, the love I have for you. You made me the man I am today. You made me capable of loving.”
Sig. 😭😭😭😭😭
My heart.
I’ve been a fan of Sigmund since I met him in The Aristocrat and I was so happy he finally has his own book. With that being said I absolutely LOVED this book! This story gave me all the old school angst filled vibes that I love in a romance story and I’m so sad it’s over. Penelope Ward absolutely out did herself with this novel and these characters will stay with me for a very long time.
“I used to wake up in the morning and wish I weren’t alive. Now I wake up and think of you—some funny thing you said or wondering when I get to see you next.”
“Please know that in no way diminishes what you and I shared, the love I have for you. You made me the man I am today. You made me capable of loving.”
Sig. 😭😭😭😭😭
My heart.
February 22, 2024
4.25⭐️
I just knew I was going to love Sig even more in this book. If you haven’t already read The Aristocrat I highly recommend before reading this one. Sig is a widow losing his beloved wife 5 years ago. His in-laws want Abby to be the surrogate so they can have a grandchild. Sig not sure how he feels about it but agrees to honor his wife’s wishes. I loved the angst between the two of them. Abby and Sig give into their desire and their slow burn romance was so good. This story was so emotional and beautiful.
I just knew I was going to love Sig even more in this book. If you haven’t already read The Aristocrat I highly recommend before reading this one. Sig is a widow losing his beloved wife 5 years ago. His in-laws want Abby to be the surrogate so they can have a grandchild. Sig not sure how he feels about it but agrees to honor his wife’s wishes. I loved the angst between the two of them. Abby and Sig give into their desire and their slow burn romance was so good. This story was so emotional and beautiful.
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