Mimi Smith's Reviews > Nobody's Baby But Mine

Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
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did not like it
bookshelves: contemporary-romance

1 star

Warning...RANTING AHEAD! Spoilers, too!

First, apologies to all SEP fans and people who liked this book. Usually I don't do reviews of books I don't like but this one annoyed me so much I had to say SOMETHING. And that something probably won't be that coherent, but oh, well.

I read some other books by her and liked them, although I noticed a slightly disturbing pattern-Hero's emotionally immature-heroine falls in love with a hero-hero can't admit he loves her-heroine runs off-hero has an epiphany-hero grovels-heroine takes him back. But I can deal with it because she can, in fact, make it work.

OK, back to this book. It starts when the heroine(who has an IQ of 180)despairs how she's alone and wants a baby, but she doesn't want the baby's father to be smart because then the baby will be cursed by being actually, you know, smart. Then a solution appears, she sees a football player on TV and because he's a professional athlete and speaks with an accent he must be REALLY stupid, right? So, she manages to trick him into getting her pregnant and fully plans not even to tell him(cause he's stupid and a jock, why on Earth should she tell him). He finds out and marries her for the child. She's condescending, insulting him and assuming he doesn't understand any word longer than 2 syllables. Than she finds out he has a degree and feels betrayed because he's not stupid, but they still fall in love and in the end she ends up being the victim and his own family ends up protecting her from him and ARGH!!! To be fair he had his problems too, always going out with 21 year olds and there were some good dialogues and funny scenes, but I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy the book.

The only reason I kept reading the book was because someone recommended Dream a Little Dream, but I just couldn't bring myself to read it, or any other book by SEP and I don't see that changing in the foreseeable future.

Again, apologies to SEP fans, hope you don't hold this against me. No hard feelings, right, I mean uh, you know uh, don't throw those books, please AHHHHH *DUCKING*
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Reading Progress

Finished Reading
February 6, 2011 – Shelved
July 17, 2014 – Shelved as: contemporary-romance

Comments Showing 1-50 of 61 (61 new)


message 1: by Jae (new) - rated it 4 stars

Jae I looked this book up (it's been ages since I last read it). And I liked this one better than Call Me Irresistible. Cal was a jerk too but not as bad as the idiot Ted.


message 2: by Mimi (last edited Feb 20, 2012 03:20PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Jae wrote: "I looked this book up (it's been ages since I last read it). And I liked this one better than Call Me Irresistible. Cal was a jerk too but not as bad as the idiot Ted."

Cal didn't bother me that much, it was all her. I have a mini rant posted somewhere, so I'll post it here, but I really, really HATED her.

Her disdain and prejudice about him, the way she was willing to manipulate him and keep the baby from him ('cause he doesn't deserve to know, he's just a dumb football player), her constant whining because she's SO smart and doesn't want her baby to be cursed with intelligence....

And then in the end, she ends up being the victim, all affronted and his family picks HER side!


message 3: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Oh, yes and he's the big bad, because he doesn't tell her he's smart. She's betrayed because he's not stupid. Go figure.


message 4: by Mimi (last edited Feb 20, 2012 03:50PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Taryn-does it have romance? wrote: "How dare you not like this book! Is there something wrong with you??? *THROWING BAGS OF BOOKS AT YOUR HEAD*"

Oh, noooooooooo! *Runs to safety* Exactly as I feared.

"I haven't read any books by her yet, but after reading this review I don't think I will be reading it this book any time soon. "

To tell you the truth, I read a lot of SEP books and I never liked them overmuch, however many of my friends do and they're big fans.

There are humorous situations and hot scenes, but I was just...whatever. This book is thankfully, the only one which caused such negative feelings in me.

This review was from a while ago, I did read Dream a little Dream and liked it a lot, but it's more miss, than hit with me.

And really, don't let my review throw you off the maybe-SEP train. Most people like her. Sadly I'm not one of those people.

BTW, that poor, poor kid on the video. That HURT!


message 5: by Mimi (last edited Feb 20, 2012 04:05PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Taryn-does it have romance? wrote: "Her books sound good, but not enough to make me drop everything at that moment to pick them up. maybe one day. Don't worry, you're review didn't throw me...I did like it though.

LOL yeah, that poo..."


Thanks :). And yeah, too many books out there to pick up ones that sound unappealing...

And that kid looked like he was being attacked, or bombarded. So, not right. I think I'd take books over bags as ammunition anytime. Lighter. Although they have rougher edges...Hmm. Maybe paperbacks wouldn't be so bad. It's definitely something that requires great deal of thought.:)


message 6: by Anna (Bobs Her Hair) (last edited Feb 20, 2012 04:37PM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Anna (Bobs Her Hair) Wha..what did you say?



LOL...I remember thinking certain parts were very corny. It's was more a 3 star read. *adjusts rating* It did have some very funny moments. Remember the lucky charms?


message 7: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Anna wrote: "Wha..what did you say?

LOL...I remember thinking certain parts were very corny. It's was more a 3 star read. *adusts rating* It did have some very funny moments. Remember the lucky charms?"


Yes. And I remember the cereal/serial moments and others. But I was so annoyed the feeling remained throughout the book and left me unable to enjoy the book. I just disliked the whole setting, so it wasn't able to save the book for me :(


message 8: by Mimi (last edited Feb 20, 2012 04:32PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Oh, yeah loved the clip Anna!:D. I am totally controlling your mind right now, due to the shock I caused you!


message 9: by Erika (last edited Feb 20, 2012 04:24PM) (new)

Erika I tried two of hers, didn't know what was wrong with me because I wasn't able to finish both of it. I really wish I could enjoy SEP's, so many readers loved her books.

Taryn, that was one nasty image! ^^


message 10: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Erika wrote: "I tried two of hers, didn't know what was wrong with me because I wasn't able to finish both of it. I really wish I could enjoy SEP's, so many readers loved her books."

Sometimes it happens. Like with SEP, I had a problem with Pamela Clare. Her books I don't dislike...I just don't like them that much either, which makes me sad.:(


message 11: by Erika (new)

Erika Mimi wrote: "Erika wrote: "I tried two of hers, didn't know what was wrong with me because I wasn't able to finish both of it. I really wish I could enjoy SEP's, so many readers loved her books."

Sometimes it ..."


Yeah it happens. Call Me Irresistible annoyed me so much. The characters made me frustrated. The town, what was it called? I don't remember. Anyway, all the people lived there had the one similarity, they were all cruel.


Anna (Bobs Her Hair) SEP uses a formula. You'll see the recurring theme of jerk men, goofy women, and small town interference. I felt she got the formula perfect in Match Me If You Can (A Sure Thing, seriously!). Anyway, find a book as a palete cleanser, then try MMIYC. Kiss an Angel is another fave of mine, but the setting can act as a deterrent for some readers. It's a little mushy, too. : /


message 13: by Erika (new)

Erika Taryn-does it have romance? wrote: "Sorry...I was trying to find an image of someone throwing books. So when I typed it in, that's what came up. "

You know I was just kiddin' ;p


Anna (Bobs Her Hair) @Taryn...Man, that poor kid look like he was hurt in the clip. Ouch!


message 15: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Anna wrote: "SEP uses a formula. You'll see the recurring theme of jerk men, goofy women, and small town interference. I felt she got the formula perfect in Match Me If You Can (A Sure Thing, seriously!). An..."

Hmm, I think MMIYC was the first SEP book I read and that it was ok. Then I read most of the other and my responses were all over the place.

I liked Kiss an Angel, though. And Heaven, Texas and Dream. But the others ranged from HATED IT to OK.


message 16: by Erika (new)

Erika Anna wrote: "SEP uses a formula. You'll see the recurring theme of jerk men, goofy women, and small town interference. I felt she got the formula perfect in Match Me If You Can (A Sure Thing, seriously!). An..."

I might want to try Kiss an Angel. But now I'm still in trauma, I think I need time to recover before reading her books again ^^


message 17: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Taryn-does it have romance? wrote: "Guys, I think the clip was a set up. I don't think it really happened. Look at the teacher off to the side..."

I'm pretty sure it was, too. But that one bag sure did hit him. But yeah, I don't think it would've been filmed, observed by the teacher and put on the net.

It certainly has shock value, though.


Anna (Bobs Her Hair) Mimi wrote: Hmm, I think MMIYC was the first SEP book I read and that it was ok. Then I read most of the other and my responses were all over the place.

I liked Kiss an Angel, though. And Heaven, Texas and Dream. But the others ranged from HATED IT to OK.


Hmmm...MMIYC was meh for you. *sad sigh* Ah well. Have you tried Jennifer Crusie? She writes funny contemporary romances. I thought Bet Me was good. : /

Erika wrote: I might want to try Kiss an Angel. But now I'm still in trauma, I think I need time to recover before reading her books again ^^

Recover from the trauma then try Kiss an Angel. :o)


message 19: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith @Anna, yes I read it. The only JC book I read and that was Meh for me, too.

I don't know, I think the deal is with me and ChicLit type of Contemp romance.I know it's supposed to be funny, and it kind of is. But I end up being annoyed. So now, I only read more serious Contemporary R. books, like Lisa Kleypas ones. And I'm not sure where KA fits there, but her books are unique enough to keep me hooked.

Actually, the only ChicLit I love are Sophie Kinsella books.


KatLynne I liked your rant Mimi...LOL Sorry it didn't work for you. I just hate it when I invest my time in a book that doesn't work for me.

I enjoy most of SEP's books but I'm thinking Kiss An Angel was my fav.

Taryn you always crack me up and I love your and Anna's pics:)!


message 21: by Mimi (last edited Feb 20, 2012 05:14PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith KatLynne wrote: "I liked your rant Mimi...LOL Sorry it didn't work for you. I just hate it when I invest my time in a book that doesn't work for me.

I enjoy most of SEP's books but I'm thinking Kiss An Angel wa..."


Thanks KatLynne! Sometimes I need to rant when a books annoys me, but I try to put warnings, lest people get offended (happened before somewhere else, even though it was Just My Opinion. Ugh)


message 22: by Erika (new)

Erika LOL Mimi I'm cracking up at your anwser!


message 23: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Erika wrote: "LOL Mimi I'm cracking up at your anwser!"

To your Friend request question? Well, yes, I was honest ;). I didn't want any misunderstandings :D!


message 24: by Erika (new)

Erika By the by, I didn't hate Blue Eye Devil, I was just bored with the heroine. I'm still planning to go back and finish it. About Acheron, well.. I hated it MySpace I'm sorry MySpace

I must thank you for your thoughtful answer :)


message 25: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Erika wrote: "By the by, I didn't hate Blue Eye Devil, I was just bored with the heroine. I'm still planning to go back and finish it. About Acheron, well.. I hated it I'm sorry

I must thank you for your thou..."


Aw, it's ok!

And what did we agree on? Lalallallalallal! Can't HEAR YOU!!!!

*Magically fixing my deafness just to say* I truly felt for the heroine in BED and I loved Hardy, so I hope when you try again, you will, too.

And I just love Acheron, have since book 1 of the series, so I, of course loved the book.

*deafness returning* Lallallalalalalalla


message 26: by Baba (new)

Baba  Good and honest review, Mimi! After reading your review I can't say that I'm eager to read anything by this author...


message 27: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Baba wrote: "Good and honest review, Mimi! After reading your review I can't say that I'm eager to read anything by this author..."

Thanks, Baba! And I seem like one of the rare few who aren't SEP fans, so there you go.


message 28: by Erika (last edited Feb 20, 2012 06:07PM) (new)

Erika MySpace
I'm gonna read BED again but I think I should read Sugar Daddy first. I felt kinda lost with Hardy and Liberty at the time.

I'm totally okay with your affection to Acheron ;p Paranormal romance is quite a new genre for me. I'm still trying to get along with it, though, I found some that I really enjoyed.

But Mimi, we both loved all of Julie James's books! MySpace


message 29: by Mimi (last edited Feb 20, 2012 06:14PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Erika wrote: "
I'm gonna read BED again but I think I should read Sugar Daddy first. I felt kinda lost with Hardy and Liberty at the time.

I'm totally okay with your affection to Acheron ;p Paranormal romance ..."


Did you read all the DH books before getting to Ash? It explains quite a lot about Ash/Artie and why the past bits had to be there. The other books are much more normal...ish for a PNR. But she was my first PNR author so I'm pretty nostalgic/loyal.

And yes, we both liked Julie James. And Guild Hunter series, so that's something :). Oh and I'm a huge RDJ fan, so that's a plus.

Oh, and if you read Sugar Daddy-be warned it's not a typical romance. It's more Women's fiction than the sequels are. It deals with Liberty's life since she was a teenager(with Hardy and everything) and follows her life until she meets her hero at 60% of the book and falls in love. It's a really good and captivating book, but I thought I'd warn you, so you know what to expect :).


message 30: by Erika (last edited Feb 20, 2012 06:36PM) (new)

Erika Mimi wrote: "Did you read all the DH books before getting to Ash? It explains quite a lot about Ash/Artie and why the past bits had to be there."

No, it was my first read of the series, also by the author. One of my mistake, I guess, started the series with Acheron. I should have read some of the previous books.

And we share some of Julia Quinn's :D Though I liked most of her books ;p

Thanks for the warning :) very helpful info. I'll remember it.


message 31: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Erika wrote: "Mimi wrote: "Did you read all the DH books before getting to Ash? It explains quite a lot about Ash/Artie and why the past bits had to be there."

No, it was my first read of the series, also by th..."


No problem:).


message 32: by Winspark (new)

Winspark Wow. Thanks for the heads up. After this review, I don't think I'll be purchasing this book after all.


message 33: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Please don't base that on my review, alone. A LOT of people loved it. Some things just bugged me too much.


Elizabeth what SEP books did you like?


message 35: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Dream A Little Dream and Kiss An Angel


message 36: by LuvBug (new) - added it

LuvBug Thank you for this review. I can't stand TSTL story lines and this book is on the radar.


message 37: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith You're welcome, lol. I really couldn't stand the heroine here, but I know many people liked this story, so i don't know what your impression would be...


Steph I have just started this book. I'm already annoyed. She has just seen Bomber on TV and called him a Dim Bulb' I already want to hit her for that comment and the thought of tricking a man into getting you pregnant makes me feel sick. It's disgusting. I was hoping it would get better but I'm not so sure now! lol


Little Butterfly This book sounds so bad. I put it on my NO-list ;)


message 40: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Steph wrote: "I have just started this book. I'm already annoyed. She has just seen Bomber on TV and called him a Dim Bulb' I already want to hit her for that comment and the thought of tricking a man into get..."

I remember the feeling. They do get closer, but I never got over her and her attitudes. She killed the book for me. That and some other characters and plots...


message 41: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Jodie~Schmetterling~ wrote: "This book sounds so bad. I put it on my NO-list ;)"

Well... It has lots of fans so I could be just missing something. *shrugs*


Fleur This was my first book by SEP and also my fav. I love most of her books but this one is just my fav. I don't understand how done of you don't like it. If you are reading a romance novel you shouldn't try to analyse the characters. It's not a classic, not Shakespeare!!! you read a romance novel to relax, yo forget your surroundings for a for a few hours. I thought this book was funny and brilliant.


Goddess Of Blah OMG I felt exactly the same.The characters were such clichés - "although I noticed a slightly disturbing pattern-Hero's emotionally immature-heroine falls in love with a hero-hero can't admit he loves her-heroine runs off-hero has an epiphany-hero grovels-heroine takes him back." Says it all. And the bit about hi parents eurgh!


message 44: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Fleur wrote: "This was my first book by SEP and also my fav. I love most of her books but this one is just my fav. I don't understand how done of you don't like it. If you are reading a romance novel you shouldn..."

Hi! Sorry,I just saw this comment. I don't really know what to tell you. Everybody likes different things, is all. For me, characters make and break a book. Sure, everything is important, but that is what makes me love or hate a book, and here too many things annoyed me. And, even though this is romance, I don't believe it's unreasonable to expect consistency in characters.

Again, this is a personal review, and just my opinion and I'm glad you enjoyed the book.


message 45: by Mimi (new) - rated it 1 star

Mimi Smith Goddess wrote: "OMG I felt exactly the same.The characters were such clichés - "although I noticed a slightly disturbing pattern-Hero's emotionally immature-heroine falls in love with a hero-hero can't admit he lo..."

Well,I hope you enjoy your next book much more :)


message 46: by Jess (new) - rated it 1 star

Jess I know i'm pretty late to the party but i just had to say that i agree with your review 100% (like how is it any of it HIS fault - her assuming he's super dumb, her tricking him into fathering her baby, her trying to keep THE FRICKIN' BABY a secret (??? like ya i'm sure that would work out really well)?! I get that it's supposed to be a light-hearted chick lit but while it was easy to read, it made me really angry/frustrated at some points. Thank god someone shares my views!


message 47: by Nora (new) - rated it 1 star

Nora To be honest I found this book so sexist. Surprised written by a woman. Frequent derogatory language and sexist jokes. Unlikeable misogynistic male protagonist.


message 48: by micki (new) - added it

micki THIS review! I'm only 26% done with this book and I HATE Jane! I don't care what Cal does in the rest of the book, I will NEVER be on Jane's side about anything. I can take the tired formula of these books, but I can't get past Jane's insulting and condescending assumptions about athletes and people with accents. And I will NEVER think what she did to get pregnant is okay. There is not a plot device, epiphany, revelation, or change of heart that the author can come up with that makes it right. I don't care if they fall in love (why would Cal fall for her?). I don't care if he only dates very young women. They are adults and he's not lying to them. He might not be the guy I want but he's still to good for Jane.


message 49: by Rishika (new)

Rishika i totally agree. How can someone possible read about a girl practically humiliating herself. That too a nerd! Coming from a fellow nerd, this is just insulting. I couldn't even read the entire thing. I've read other books where women want to have children, but this is just the wrong way to go. I've even read a book where the girl was mistaken for a hooker. But this was way too far.


Sabrina WHY IS NO ONE QUESTIONING THE FACT THAT SHE THOUGHT INTELLIGENCE WAS PASSED DOWN BY GENETICS?? I'M NOT EVEN BOTHERED ABOUT THE ETHICS BUT JESUS FUCKING CHRIST WOMAN YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE SMART


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