Isn't It Romantic?

 

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The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
Published by Berkley Books on April 11, 2023
Age/Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A woman discovers the father of the child she is nannying may be her biggest (Only)Fan in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson.

After losing her job and being on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans finds herself with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But there are no jobs to be found, and as for OnlyFans. . . . Well, there are reasons she can’t go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position seems the solution to all her problems. It’s almost too perfect—until she meets her would-be employer.

Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. She is shocked when he tells her she’s the most qualified applicant he’s met in weeks, practically begging her to take the job. With hands that make her hindbrain howl and eyes that scream sex, the idea of living under the same roof as Aiden feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.

Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all, but instead someone who is very familiar with her—or at least, her body. She finds herself at a loss for what to do, given that he doesn’t remember her. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility—losing the best chance at happiness she’s ever had.

I LOVE when characters have history and fate brings them back together. Who am I to argue with the universe? I can’t imagine that Cassie ever thought she would meet her biggest OnlyFans fan. Yeah, the universe works in mysterious ways, and I found this to be an intriguing connection between the hero and heroine.

What really made this book a hit for me were the characters. Aiden was in a tough spot trying to build a relationship with his daughter following her mother’s death while also maintaining his challenging career as an executive chef. Being a single parent myself, his struggle really spoke to me, and his attempts to forge that bond with his daughter endeared him to me.

Cassie was great too. It was adorable the way she won Sophie over, and it filled my heart with joy to see Cassie fitting so well into their family. Why? Because it was something Cassie never really had, and gosh darn it! She deserved that sort of loving environment. I was also grateful that Cassie had her cantankerous neighbor, Wanda, to give her support and kick in the rear when needed. The bond they shared was something special, and Wanda was a wonderful part of Cassie’s (found) family.

Despite there being quite a few open-door sex scenes, I found this book to be fun and sweet. I felt the love that was freely flowing between these characters, and my heart’s desire was for them to become a family. Overall, this book charm, warmth, and humor which resulted in a great reading experience for me.

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Bear with Me Now by Katie Shepard
Published by Berkley Books on April 25, 2023
Age/Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Two people are ready for their lives to get a little wilder in this romantic comedy by debut author Katie Shepard.

After being hospitalized for panic attacks two years after his mother’s death, charitable foundation executive Teagan van Zijl is dragged by his sister to a wilderness therapy retreat in Montana. Lost in the woods, Teagan nearly gets eaten by a bear but is saved by an angel in muddy hiking boots—the program’s handywoman, Darcy Albano, that is. After spending the summer with Darcy, Teagan realizes he doesn’t want to return to New York without her. He hires Darcy as his sober companion—a position he doesn’t actually need filled and for which Darcy is completely unqualified—hoping she can help him figure out how to move forward. But once they get to the city, all Teagan can think of is how to confess the truth while keeping her in his life.

Darcy Albano thought she was going to work as a wilderness guide when she was hired on the camp staff, but ended up a handywoman instead—only the latest screwing-over she’s endured since her ex stole her car and her parents ruined her credit score. But Teagan van Zijl is the silver lining she didn’t expect to appear—clearly going through something but willing to commit to Darcy’s unique brand of wilderness education as the cure for what ails him. They form an unlikely bond based on the unexpected support they provide each other. Darcy never imagined staying in the city, but with Teagan’s unshakeable belief in her abilities, anything seems possible.

Bear With Me Now started out with a bang! I loved being in Montana and enjoyed all the retreat hijinks and interactions between Darcy and Teagan. Being in the great outdoors with someone as enthusiastic and knowledgable as Darcy was a pleasure. And let me tell you, if I wasn’t laughing, I was smiling during this part of the book.

The story got a bit heavier when Teagan and Darcy returned to New York. Back to “real life” and all the things that had been wrecking havoc on Teagan’s mental health. There were amusing bursts, but I did feel this part of the story dragged a bit for me.

However, the book had a strong finish. I was filled with glee and shedding those happy tears which are both great indicators of my adoration for this book. Though the story wasn’t perfect, my overall enjoyment was high. I thought Shepard did a fantastic job with these characters. They were well formed, and I appreciated her approach to Darcy’s personal issues. I am sure readers will love the way these two supported each other, and will be rooting for their success as well as their HEA.

*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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