The Bad Girl and the Baby
Cutting Loose #3
By Nina Croft
Releasing December 4th, 2017
Entangled Publishing
In The Bad Girl and the Baby (Cutting Loose #3) by Nina Croft, Darcy Butler is ready to get on with her life now that she's been released from prison, and her first order of business is to convince Captain Matt Peterson to allow her to see her niece. However, getting him to see her isn't easy, so she decides to get creative in her attempts to meet him. Yet, the moment she meets Matt and he grants her what she wants most, she finds herself wanting to spend more time with him. Will Darcy get her chance at happy ever after, or will she allow her past to keep her from being with Matt?
The first two books of this series are absolutely wonderful reads, and this story was no different. Really, right from the beginning, I found this story very engaging and Darcy's determination to meet with Matt sets the fast-pace of the story. Will Matt give her the time of the day and get to know her, so she can meet her niece? Will Darcy be able to prove to Matt that she's not a violent person, despite going to prison for assaulting his brother? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me completely hooked, as there's instant chemistry, even though Darcy does her best to ignore it because of what his brother did to her and her sister.
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine, as going to prison for protecting someone she loved and being betrayed by that person couldn't have been easy to deal with, but I liked that she's bounced back and is doing everything she can to honor what her sister asked of her. However, the dialogue wasn't all intense. There was some really good playful banter between the hero and heroine, as they're complete opposites and Darcy enjoys pushing his buttons, especially because he's so organized and what the heroine classes him as 'stuffy'.
Both the main characters are relatable, likeable and so entertaining that I could not put this book down. Darcy is resilient and courageous by confronting Matt and asking for what she wants, even though she knows it's not going to be easy because of her arrest record. Luckily though, she doesn't go down without a fight, even if it means making Matt realize that his brother wasn't a good man. I also liked the tight friendship she shared with the two women she met in prison and that they would do anything for each other, especially when it comes to giving much needed advice as Regan and Summer push Darcy to realize that she deserves happiness as much as anyone else. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the growing bond she shared with her niece and that she would do anything for her, especially if it means having to let her go so she can have a better and happier life.
While the hero, it hasn't been easy for him becoming the guardian of his niece, but he's done the best he can. Certainly, he's kind and caring and will do anything for the adorable little girl, which is proven by the gift he gives his niece towards the end of the book. I also liked his determination to win over the heroine, even knowing that she might never feel the same way about him as he does about her. Will the heroine see how right Matt is for her before it's too late? Yet, what I liked most of all is that he gave Darcy a chance to prove she's good enough to be in her niece's life and that she's not normally a violent person. She only did what landed her in prison to protect someone she loves, even though her protecting that person backfired.
Overall, Ms. Croft has delivered a very satisfying and compelling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance heady and showed how good this couple are together; and the ending had me loving that the hero realized what he wanted before it was too late. No way would he lose the two people that have come to mean everything to him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as Darcy and her two friends deserve the happiness they've achieved after everything they've been through. I would recommend The Bad Girl and the Baby by Nina Croft, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Samanthe Beck, Rebecca Brooks, Sami Lee and Joya Ryan.
Captain Matt Peterson prides himself on being able to handle anything...until he winds up as the guardian of his baby niece, Lulu. Two years and six nannies later, his well-ordered existence is in chaos. Still, he’s all Lulu has. Except, well...there is an aunt...
Darcy Butler has spent the last three years in prison for beating up her abusive brother-in-law. Her only regret is that she didn’t hurt him worse and stop him from killing her sister in a drunken car crash six months later. But now, Darcy just wants to rebuild her life. Starting with finding her sister’s child.
But Matt doesn't want an ex-con with a record for violence anywhere near Lulu. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to keep away from Darcy, himself. Despite their differences, their chemistry is combustible...and the sex is incredible! Still, it can’t possibly last. Can it?
Darcy Butler has spent the last three years in prison for beating up her abusive brother-in-law. Her only regret is that she didn’t hurt him worse and stop him from killing her sister in a drunken car crash six months later. But now, Darcy just wants to rebuild her life. Starting with finding her sister’s child.
But Matt doesn't want an ex-con with a record for violence anywhere near Lulu. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to keep away from Darcy, himself. Despite their differences, their chemistry is combustible...and the sex is incredible! Still, it can’t possibly last. Can it?
Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of 9-5 work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.
Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.
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