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Shatter
A Why Choose Nanny Romance
...why did I feel like they might be the net that caught me?
Lily takes a job as a nanny for a widower and his three children, hoping to provide a happy home life for them. Despite her lack of experience with children, she's determined to do her best. As she grows closer to the family, including Brian's two best friends, she finds herself struggling with her emotions and fighting to protect her heart.
Despite being warned off by Brian, Sam and Dane just can’t seem to stay away from their friend’s new nanny. Every new moment – innocent and not – with Lily reinforces how much they want her, and it’s not long before they realize how much Brian wants her too. As the four of them navigate their complicated emotions, Lily discovers she has a stalker, and every message and encounter increases the terror that her dark past is catching up with her.
With Brian, Sam, and Dane by her side, Lily tries to outrun her past while keeping the new family she’s found protected from it. But when the stalker's behavior grows increasingly dangerous, Lily finds herself fighting to keep everything together. Can she trust Brian, Sam, and Dane to stay when she fully lets them in? Or will her secrets of the past shatter everything she's worked so hard to build?
****Trigger warnings: This book has heavy themes of childhood sexual abuse, psychological abuse and rape depicted through flashbacks. It is also a "Why Choose" reverse harem standalone novel. Please view a full list of triggers in the introduction of SHATTER.
...why did I feel like they might be the net that caught me?
Lily takes a job as a nanny for a widower and his three children, hoping to provide a happy home life for them. Despite her lack of experience with children, she's determined to do her best. As she grows closer to the family, including Brian's two best friends, she finds herself struggling with her emotions and fighting to protect her heart.
Despite being warned off by Brian, Sam and Dane just can’t seem to stay away from their friend’s new nanny. Every new moment – innocent and not – with Lily reinforces how much they want her, and it’s not long before they realize how much Brian wants her too. As the four of them navigate their complicated emotions, Lily discovers she has a stalker, and every message and encounter increases the terror that her dark past is catching up with her.
With Brian, Sam, and Dane by her side, Lily tries to outrun her past while keeping the new family she’s found protected from it. But when the stalker's behavior grows increasingly dangerous, Lily finds herself fighting to keep everything together. Can she trust Brian, Sam, and Dane to stay when she fully lets them in? Or will her secrets of the past shatter everything she's worked so hard to build?
****Trigger warnings: This book has heavy themes of childhood sexual abuse, psychological abuse and rape depicted through flashbacks. It is also a "Why Choose" reverse harem standalone novel. Please view a full list of triggers in the introduction of SHATTER.
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Published March 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 25, 2023
4 Stars
This was a really good contemporary RH! I’m not going to write a full review right now, just the highlights so I know what it’s about for next time
- 👀 POV: Multiple, first person
- 📖 Contemporary
- ❣️ Reverse Harem
- 🎱 Tropes: hurt/comfort, abused past, Nanny + Boss and friends, loss of spouse, grief, infertility
- 🧁 FMC: very damaged and wary, also loving and fun with kids. FMC is deeply and emotionally/mentally scarred and scared.
- ⭐️ 3.5/5 Plot-line Stars
- 🤓 4/5 Character Development Stars
- 👥 Harem: 3 men. Brian, Sam, and Dean
- 🍒 Virgins: None
- ♥️ 4/5 Romance Stars
- 🌶 5/5 Spicy Stars
- 🔥 Medium Burn
- 👄 Kinks: lots of group scenes, 🍩, DP, 💦👅,
- 🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying
- ‼️ Triggers: childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, psychological abuse, attempted rape, abortion, depression, anxiety, incest, PTSD, sexual harassment, stalking, suicide, infertility, torture and violence.
This was a really good contemporary RH! I’m not going to write a full review right now, just the highlights so I know what it’s about for next time
- 👀 POV: Multiple, first person
- 📖 Contemporary
- ❣️ Reverse Harem
- 🎱 Tropes: hurt/comfort, abused past, Nanny + Boss and friends, loss of spouse, grief, infertility
- 🧁 FMC: very damaged and wary, also loving and fun with kids. FMC is deeply and emotionally/mentally scarred and scared.
- ⭐️ 3.5/5 Plot-line Stars
- 🤓 4/5 Character Development Stars
- 👥 Harem: 3 men. Brian, Sam, and Dean
- 🍒 Virgins: None
- ♥️ 4/5 Romance Stars
- 🌶 5/5 Spicy Stars
- 🔥 Medium Burn
- 👄 Kinks: lots of group scenes, 🍩, DP, 💦👅,
- 🚫 No: MM, OW, Cheating, bullying
- ‼️ Triggers: childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical abuse, psychological abuse, attempted rape, abortion, depression, anxiety, incest, PTSD, sexual harassment, stalking, suicide, infertility, torture and violence.
November 13, 2023
Pleasantly surprised !
July 2, 2025
DNF 40%
So. Many. Typos.
So. Many. Typos.
March 17, 2023
The best story about trauma and healing I’ve read in a while
It’s build up so believable, and I absolutely loved how they all grew together. It felt very natural, and I loved how the fMC’s trauma was handled.
However, writing wise there were a couple errors - not enough to make it unreadable but enough to make you notice. It was mostly missing words like ‘the’, ‘a’,… and some misspellings, so not too bothersome but still.
It’s build up so believable, and I absolutely loved how they all grew together. It felt very natural, and I loved how the fMC’s trauma was handled.
However, writing wise there were a couple errors - not enough to make it unreadable but enough to make you notice. It was mostly missing words like ‘the’, ‘a’,… and some misspellings, so not too bothersome but still.
March 19, 2025
Delilah applies for a nanny job despite having no experience, Brian had lost his wife 2 years previously (she had cancer while pregnant with their youngest) he’s had several nanny’s- older and experienced but his 5yo daughter Sadie has hated them all so when Sadie takes an instant shine to Delilah he decides to give her the job. The kids are Sadie 5, Chelsea 3 and Robbie 2.
She moves in and there’s an instant connection between Delilah (who also goes by Lily) and Brian and his 2 best friends Sam and Dane. Sam lives with Brian too because he’s recently separated, his ex wife was a cheater. The only appearance she makes is when he sees her at the lawyers office when they’re finalising the divorce.
They all try to fight their feelings at first because Brian swore them off her, he didn’t want to lose her as a nanny because the kids loved her so much. She’s kissed Sam and Dane separately and then the 3 of them get together. Literally the same night she’s playing poker with all 3 of them and Sam blurts out that they slept with her together and this is when Brian has his ‘fuck it’ moment and officially joins the group. Within weeks they all exchange ‘I love yous.’
Meanwhile Delilah/Lily has a really horrific past and suffers from nightmares. She was badly abused and raped by her dad from the ages 13-22, after he got her pregnant at 21 she gave herself a wire hanger abortion and this resulted in a really bad infection that led to her having a hysterectomy. When her dad tried to have someone else join the abuse she fought back and shot at the men and then ran away. She changed her name and has been running/hiding for 4 years until she takes the nanny job.
The part where she told her story to the 3 guys was heartbreaking, she had packed her bags beforehand because she was sure they would want nothing to do with her when they heard about it but they were nothing but supportive. Dane uses a recent connection he made with a mafia guy through work to take care of the dad and his friend. Honestly this part was so far fetched and unbelievably convenient but it tied up that shit nicely so 🤷🏻♀️
Oh she also had a stalker too, she didn’t tell them about it because she was afraid it was her dad. She got a threatening note, someone spray painted ‘whore’ in her old apartment and slashed one of the guys tyres. It turned out to be her old manager from the fast food job she had before the nanny one, she had repeatedly turned him down but when he found out she was with 3 guys he wanted to hurt her. He broke in and attempted to rape her but she stabbed him and he was arrested.
So I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. I love a standalone why choose but the dead ex trope is a serious dislike of mine but it didn’t bother as much as usual here. Brian really loved his wife and was devastated by her death but I didn’t feel like Delilah was second best to him at all. Plus we had the other 2 guys who were so obsessed and devoted to her too. Honestly though I wouldn’t have been mad if she just ended up with Dane and Sam. They were my favourites.
-Multi pov
-Ages h26, the H’s ??
-Standalone Why choose with no mm
-1 h, 3 H’s
-Widowed single dad
-No real owd- there’s a cook who makes dinner during the week who is said to flirt with Brian but he’s oblivious to her and doesn’t really give her the time of day. The kids and the other H’s don’t like her either. The h fires her when she’s rude and Brian backs her up. She’s so inconsequential it barely matters.
-Omd- h’s manager from her previous job (well ‘manager’ because he’s the bosses son and 8 years her junior) had repeatedly been asking her out, when she refused he told her to get on her knees or she was fired. She quit and got the nanny job the next day. He ends up being her stalker.
-No third act breakup
-HEA
-Epilogue, 15 years later it’s Sadie’s wedding day. They’re all still together and happy/obsessed with each other. Lily had married Brian officially 13 years ago, so she could legally take care of the kids if anything happened to him. But she had personal vows to Sam and Dane and they all wore rings.
She moves in and there’s an instant connection between Delilah (who also goes by Lily) and Brian and his 2 best friends Sam and Dane. Sam lives with Brian too because he’s recently separated, his ex wife was a cheater. The only appearance she makes is when he sees her at the lawyers office when they’re finalising the divorce.
They all try to fight their feelings at first because Brian swore them off her, he didn’t want to lose her as a nanny because the kids loved her so much. She’s kissed Sam and Dane separately and then the 3 of them get together. Literally the same night she’s playing poker with all 3 of them and Sam blurts out that they slept with her together and this is when Brian has his ‘fuck it’ moment and officially joins the group. Within weeks they all exchange ‘I love yous.’
Meanwhile Delilah/Lily has a really horrific past and suffers from nightmares. She was badly abused and raped by her dad from the ages 13-22, after he got her pregnant at 21 she gave herself a wire hanger abortion and this resulted in a really bad infection that led to her having a hysterectomy. When her dad tried to have someone else join the abuse she fought back and shot at the men and then ran away. She changed her name and has been running/hiding for 4 years until she takes the nanny job.
The part where she told her story to the 3 guys was heartbreaking, she had packed her bags beforehand because she was sure they would want nothing to do with her when they heard about it but they were nothing but supportive. Dane uses a recent connection he made with a mafia guy through work to take care of the dad and his friend. Honestly this part was so far fetched and unbelievably convenient but it tied up that shit nicely so 🤷🏻♀️
Oh she also had a stalker too, she didn’t tell them about it because she was afraid it was her dad. She got a threatening note, someone spray painted ‘whore’ in her old apartment and slashed one of the guys tyres. It turned out to be her old manager from the fast food job she had before the nanny one, she had repeatedly turned him down but when he found out she was with 3 guys he wanted to hurt her. He broke in and attempted to rape her but she stabbed him and he was arrested.
So I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. I love a standalone why choose but the dead ex trope is a serious dislike of mine but it didn’t bother as much as usual here. Brian really loved his wife and was devastated by her death but I didn’t feel like Delilah was second best to him at all. Plus we had the other 2 guys who were so obsessed and devoted to her too. Honestly though I wouldn’t have been mad if she just ended up with Dane and Sam. They were my favourites.
-Multi pov
-Ages h26, the H’s ??
-Standalone Why choose with no mm
-1 h, 3 H’s
-Widowed single dad
-No real owd- there’s a cook who makes dinner during the week who is said to flirt with Brian but he’s oblivious to her and doesn’t really give her the time of day. The kids and the other H’s don’t like her either. The h fires her when she’s rude and Brian backs her up. She’s so inconsequential it barely matters.
-Omd- h’s manager from her previous job (well ‘manager’ because he’s the bosses son and 8 years her junior) had repeatedly been asking her out, when she refused he told her to get on her knees or she was fired. She quit and got the nanny job the next day. He ends up being her stalker.
-No third act breakup
-HEA
-Epilogue, 15 years later it’s Sadie’s wedding day. They’re all still together and happy/obsessed with each other. Lily had married Brian officially 13 years ago, so she could legally take care of the kids if anything happened to him. But she had personal vows to Sam and Dane and they all wore rings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
I knew right away after I read the dedication that I was hooked!
To all you survivors, who just wanted to get some good d*čk on your terms, but were shamed by yourself or others for it. This one is for you.
This book was beautifully written!
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
After years of abuse, Lily is finally free of the man who tormented her for years! She's trying very much to get her life back that was stolen from her. But it's not that easy! After abruptly quitting her job because her boss is like every other man she's ever met, she decides to apply for a job as a nanny. She doesn't expect to be giving a trial period right away. And her new boss Brian doesn't expect it to actually work out! He definitely doesn't expect to be falling for her right away along with his two best friends!
"You’re not alone anymore. You have a family that loves you and is going to do whatever it takes to help you heal. We’re not going anywhere, baby.”
“I’m not alone anymore,” I repeated.
“Never again,” he promised.
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
I've read quite a few DV books! And 80% of the time, they aren't very realistic! The DV victim's trauma seems to go out the window the second they meet the other MC. This book, however, I felt like progressed so well. Lily was in therapy. She took her time. She was timid at times. She fought back.
"Because at the end of the day, I somehow knew I would have always found them – a family that needed me as much as I had needed them A family that accepted the darkness of my past. A family that embraced me despite it. And a family that, truly, taught me how to live."
I loved all the male main characters. However, Sam, I felt like stole the show. He was so good with Lily! And I enjoyed their connection alot!!
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
•Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Humor: 🙃
•Spice:🌶🌶
•Pace: Fast
•Sadness: 😭😭😭
•Ending: HEA
•Tropes: RH, Nanny/Boss, Best friends, Single dad, DV awareness, Strong FMC, Cute kids, FMC on the run
•TW: Childhood trauma involving SA and physical abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-abortion, murder, self-defense, manipulation, death of a loved one, divorced MC
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
"You deserve more. You always have. And screw the people who made you think you didn’t."
To all you survivors, who just wanted to get some good d*čk on your terms, but were shamed by yourself or others for it. This one is for you.
This book was beautifully written!
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
After years of abuse, Lily is finally free of the man who tormented her for years! She's trying very much to get her life back that was stolen from her. But it's not that easy! After abruptly quitting her job because her boss is like every other man she's ever met, she decides to apply for a job as a nanny. She doesn't expect to be giving a trial period right away. And her new boss Brian doesn't expect it to actually work out! He definitely doesn't expect to be falling for her right away along with his two best friends!
"You’re not alone anymore. You have a family that loves you and is going to do whatever it takes to help you heal. We’re not going anywhere, baby.”
“I’m not alone anymore,” I repeated.
“Never again,” he promised.
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
I've read quite a few DV books! And 80% of the time, they aren't very realistic! The DV victim's trauma seems to go out the window the second they meet the other MC. This book, however, I felt like progressed so well. Lily was in therapy. She took her time. She was timid at times. She fought back.
"Because at the end of the day, I somehow knew I would have always found them – a family that needed me as much as I had needed them A family that accepted the darkness of my past. A family that embraced me despite it. And a family that, truly, taught me how to live."
I loved all the male main characters. However, Sam, I felt like stole the show. He was so good with Lily! And I enjoyed their connection alot!!
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
•Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Humor: 🙃
•Spice:🌶🌶
•Pace: Fast
•Sadness: 😭😭😭
•Ending: HEA
•Tropes: RH, Nanny/Boss, Best friends, Single dad, DV awareness, Strong FMC, Cute kids, FMC on the run
•TW: Childhood trauma involving SA and physical abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-abortion, murder, self-defense, manipulation, death of a loved one, divorced MC
▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️
"You deserve more. You always have. And screw the people who made you think you didn’t."
September 6, 2024
2 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:Shatter *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶
Delilah “Lily” James (h) takes on a new job as a nanny for a widower, Brian (H), despite her lack of childcare experience. As she bonds with the family and becomes close to Brian’s two best friends, Sam and Dane (H), Lily finds herself caught in a complex web of emotions. Sam and Dane, initially warned by Brian to keep their distance, can't help but be drawn to Lily. Their attraction grows with each passing day, and it becomes clear that Brian's feelings for Lily are just as intense.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: Shatter*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
[Brian]
Brian’s decision to hire Lily on the spot was pretty head-scratching. I mean, she had zero experience with kids and was applying for a nanny job. The only real reason he hired her seems to be that his daughter liked her and, let’s be honest, because he found her attractive. It’s like he didn’t really think through whether she was actually qualified for the job. Red flag. Then there’s the whole issue with Brian being stuck in the past. Despite it being two years since his wife passed away, it’s clear he’s still deeply in love with her. He feels this constant guilt about finding Lily attractive, which makes him act all over the place. He’s caught in this emotional time loop, where he’s still living in the shadow of his late wife. It’s not that he had a bad marriage—far from it. He genuinely loved his wife, who died of cancer, and if he could, he’d still be with her. This guilt makes him super conflicted. He’s distant and regretful, then he tries to make things right with Lily and promises commitment, but it all feels like he’s too much in his head. His struggle to move on while trying to handle new feelings makes things complicated. Brian’s character is a tough one to warm up to. His constant back-and-forth and emotional baggage make him a complex but frustrating character. The whole insta-attraction thing was pretty off-putting. It’s clear that he was drawn to Lily almost immediately, but what really rubbed people the wrong way was how he assumed Sam would be interested in her, too. Brian didn't just keep his feelings to himself; he actually made a point of discussing with Sam that Lily should be considered off-limits. It’s like Brian was trying to control the situation based on his own feelings and assumptions. The irony is that Brian's actions seemed to contradict his own advice or principles. If he’s telling himself to be rational and considerate, his move to make Lily off-limits based on his own instant attraction seems pretty contradictory. It's as if he’s not really following the advice he’d give others in a similar situation.
[Sam]
Sam’s character really brings a lot of energy into the book. He’s super flirty and charming, which is kind of his trademark, especially since he's just come out of a divorce. From their very first meeting, he’s all about using pet names and calling Lily "babe," which definitely makes his intentions clear right away. Even though he’s a bit of a shameless flirt, Sam isn’t just about the charm. He actually becomes a solid comfort for Lily, particularly when she’s having nightmares. He’s there to hold her and reassure her that she can talk to him whenever she needs to. It’s nice that he can switch from being flirty to providing genuine support without missing a beat. One thing that stands out is how upfront Sam is about his feelings. He’s not trying to hide anything, and he makes sure Brian knows what’s going on so there are no secrets or awkward tensions. That’s actually pretty respectful, especially in a situation where things could get complicated. So yeah, Sam is definitely a mixed bag—he’s got that smooth, flirtatious side but also shows a lot of depth when it comes to supporting Lily. His ability to be both charming and comforting makes him a pretty interesting character, and his transparency helps keep things on the level. He’s the character who’s cool with exploring the idea of sharing and doesn’t get upset about Lily’s kiss with Brian. It’s pretty refreshing to see him being so laid-back and accepting of the evolving dynamics, rather than getting all possessive or jealous. He seems to genuinely want what’s best for Lily, even if it means navigating some tricky feelings and relationships. His openness about sharing and encouraging Lily to explore her feelings with everyone involved shows that he’s not just in it for himself. He wants to support her in figuring out what she truly wants and needs, without letting his own emotions get in the way.
[Dane]
Dane's character is kind of a wild card in the book. At first, he’s just one of the guys, and he pretty quickly shows interest in Lily. They flirt and it’s clear he’s into her, but he’s a bit thrown by the whole idea of sharing her with the others. But here's where things get interesting: when Sam starts making a move on Lily while they’re all together, Dane’s reaction shifts. He doesn’t stay hung up on the sharing thing for long and kind of rolls with it once he sees it happening. It’s like he adjusts his expectations pretty quickly. What’s really cool about Dane, though, is how he handles Lily’s boundaries. He’s respectful and makes sure she’s comfortable, even suggesting a safe word to keep things on track. That’s a nice touch and shows he’s genuinely looking out for her well-being. And then—plot twist!—Dane ends up calling in a favor to help deal with Lily’s abuser. That’s a huge turn of events and definitely adds a whole new layer to his character. So yeah, Dane’s character is a bit of a mixed bag. He starts off as just another guy who’s into Lily, but he quickly evolves into someone with a surprising set of skills and connections. His respect for Lily and his dramatic intervention make him a pretty intriguing character.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
The way the past timeline is handled doesn't feel natural, which disrupts the flow of the story. This awkward pacing affects how the book builds its narrative and develops its characters. The reveal about Lily's past is another area where the book falters. The quick acceptance and cover-up of her abuser seem rushed and poorly executed. It’s clear that the writing struggled to integrate these critical elements smoothly into the plot. The core ideas were there, but the writing didn't quite do them justice. SORRY.
･ ｡ﾟ☆:Shatter *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶
Are we in the clear yet?, are we in the clear yet?, are we in the clear yet?, in the clear yet, good🎶
Delilah “Lily” James (h) takes on a new job as a nanny for a widower, Brian (H), despite her lack of childcare experience. As she bonds with the family and becomes close to Brian’s two best friends, Sam and Dane (H), Lily finds herself caught in a complex web of emotions. Sam and Dane, initially warned by Brian to keep their distance, can't help but be drawn to Lily. Their attraction grows with each passing day, and it becomes clear that Brian's feelings for Lily are just as intense.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: Shatter*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
[Brian]
“I have to go,” Brian sputtered. He stood, setting me back against the couch, untangling my arms from him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have –”
Brian’s decision to hire Lily on the spot was pretty head-scratching. I mean, she had zero experience with kids and was applying for a nanny job. The only real reason he hired her seems to be that his daughter liked her and, let’s be honest, because he found her attractive. It’s like he didn’t really think through whether she was actually qualified for the job. Red flag. Then there’s the whole issue with Brian being stuck in the past. Despite it being two years since his wife passed away, it’s clear he’s still deeply in love with her. He feels this constant guilt about finding Lily attractive, which makes him act all over the place. He’s caught in this emotional time loop, where he’s still living in the shadow of his late wife. It’s not that he had a bad marriage—far from it. He genuinely loved his wife, who died of cancer, and if he could, he’d still be with her. This guilt makes him super conflicted. He’s distant and regretful, then he tries to make things right with Lily and promises commitment, but it all feels like he’s too much in his head. His struggle to move on while trying to handle new feelings makes things complicated. Brian’s character is a tough one to warm up to. His constant back-and-forth and emotional baggage make him a complex but frustrating character. The whole insta-attraction thing was pretty off-putting. It’s clear that he was drawn to Lily almost immediately, but what really rubbed people the wrong way was how he assumed Sam would be interested in her, too. Brian didn't just keep his feelings to himself; he actually made a point of discussing with Sam that Lily should be considered off-limits. It’s like Brian was trying to control the situation based on his own feelings and assumptions. The irony is that Brian's actions seemed to contradict his own advice or principles. If he’s telling himself to be rational and considerate, his move to make Lily off-limits based on his own instant attraction seems pretty contradictory. It's as if he’s not really following the advice he’d give others in a similar situation.
[Sam]
“Off limits,” I repeated. “I don’t need some sexual harassment claim against you.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he sighed. “I’ll be a good boy.
Sam’s character really brings a lot of energy into the book. He’s super flirty and charming, which is kind of his trademark, especially since he's just come out of a divorce. From their very first meeting, he’s all about using pet names and calling Lily "babe," which definitely makes his intentions clear right away. Even though he’s a bit of a shameless flirt, Sam isn’t just about the charm. He actually becomes a solid comfort for Lily, particularly when she’s having nightmares. He’s there to hold her and reassure her that she can talk to him whenever she needs to. It’s nice that he can switch from being flirty to providing genuine support without missing a beat. One thing that stands out is how upfront Sam is about his feelings. He’s not trying to hide anything, and he makes sure Brian knows what’s going on so there are no secrets or awkward tensions. That’s actually pretty respectful, especially in a situation where things could get complicated. So yeah, Sam is definitely a mixed bag—he’s got that smooth, flirtatious side but also shows a lot of depth when it comes to supporting Lily. His ability to be both charming and comforting makes him a pretty interesting character, and his transparency helps keep things on the level. He’s the character who’s cool with exploring the idea of sharing and doesn’t get upset about Lily’s kiss with Brian. It’s pretty refreshing to see him being so laid-back and accepting of the evolving dynamics, rather than getting all possessive or jealous. He seems to genuinely want what’s best for Lily, even if it means navigating some tricky feelings and relationships. His openness about sharing and encouraging Lily to explore her feelings with everyone involved shows that he’s not just in it for himself. He wants to support her in figuring out what she truly wants and needs, without letting his own emotions get in the way.
[Dane]
“You’re not mad about…?” I hedged.
“Not at you, Lily.” He paused. “Actually, I’m proud of you.”
“If you hadn’t had the word, would you have told me no?” he asked. His tone was casual, but his gaze was serious.
Dane's character is kind of a wild card in the book. At first, he’s just one of the guys, and he pretty quickly shows interest in Lily. They flirt and it’s clear he’s into her, but he’s a bit thrown by the whole idea of sharing her with the others. But here's where things get interesting: when Sam starts making a move on Lily while they’re all together, Dane’s reaction shifts. He doesn’t stay hung up on the sharing thing for long and kind of rolls with it once he sees it happening. It’s like he adjusts his expectations pretty quickly. What’s really cool about Dane, though, is how he handles Lily’s boundaries. He’s respectful and makes sure she’s comfortable, even suggesting a safe word to keep things on track. That’s a nice touch and shows he’s genuinely looking out for her well-being. And then—plot twist!—Dane ends up calling in a favor to help deal with Lily’s abuser. That’s a huge turn of events and definitely adds a whole new layer to his character. So yeah, Dane’s character is a bit of a mixed bag. He starts off as just another guy who’s into Lily, but he quickly evolves into someone with a surprising set of skills and connections. His respect for Lily and his dramatic intervention make him a pretty intriguing character.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
The way the past timeline is handled doesn't feel natural, which disrupts the flow of the story. This awkward pacing affects how the book builds its narrative and develops its characters. The reveal about Lily's past is another area where the book falters. The quick acceptance and cover-up of her abuser seem rushed and poorly executed. It’s clear that the writing struggled to integrate these critical elements smoothly into the plot. The core ideas were there, but the writing didn't quite do them justice. SORRY.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
Okay, I really enjoyed this book. Swoon worthy guys, an fmc you wanna root for, cute kids, and writing that flows well. I wish we got to know the guys more and who they are outside the relationship, but I’m not complaining about that much. The ending… right, so I was swimming along, hooked by what was going on and then some things happened that were a little hard to believe and definitely made the ending feel easy. I think what made it worse is that is came out of nowhere and is such a small point, yet helped the plot in a big way sooooo it just made me wish things had resolved differently.
That being said, like I said I enjoyed reading this book and put off sleep until my eyes literally wouldn’t stay open because I wanted to keep reading. I do recommend it. Super sweet, but there are flashbacks and a few triggering moments for Lily, so lots of hurt/comfort vibes. Oooo also my favorite “I have problems sleeping until I’m in your arms” trope.
CW:
That being said, like I said I enjoyed reading this book and put off sleep until my eyes literally wouldn’t stay open because I wanted to keep reading. I do recommend it. Super sweet, but there are flashbacks and a few triggering moments for Lily, so lots of hurt/comfort vibes. Oooo also my favorite “I have problems sleeping until I’m in your arms” trope.
CW:
June 2, 2023
This book ALMOST got a five star review from me.
There were some grammar issues and the use of the words cum vs come were almost spot on, with a couple mess ups but pretty good use.
It was a sad story but a good story.
And I'd like to point out that most of "those crime bosses" would take out someone guilty of THAT for free anyway.
There were some grammar issues and the use of the words cum vs come were almost spot on, with a couple mess ups but pretty good use.
It was a sad story but a good story.
And I'd like to point out that most of "those crime bosses" would take out someone guilty of THAT for free anyway.
July 14, 2024
a sweet why choose nanny romance!!
liked how they dealt with trauma and grief and i also loved especially their interactions with the little kids, sassy sadie made me laugh a lot of times, it was also so nice to see her all grown up at the end with her own man + the part where she calls Lily her momma 😭❤️
liked how they dealt with trauma and grief and i also loved especially their interactions with the little kids, sassy sadie made me laugh a lot of times, it was also so nice to see her all grown up at the end with her own man + the part where she calls Lily her momma 😭❤️
March 17, 2023
well
Well…the writing could have been better. Take a writing class. I am begging authors across all genres to have more pride in their craft.
Well…the writing could have been better. Take a writing class. I am begging authors across all genres to have more pride in their craft.
June 27, 2023
Characters:
Delilah/Lila/Violet, Brian, Sam, and Dane
Synopsis:
Overall: 4.9/5
Short of her hiding the stalker, I really loved Lila. She was so wonderful with the children. She seemed to not take any shit but that didn’t mean she lived with a chip on her shoulder. She showed empathy and compassion at each turn and it was heartbreaking to see some of her “firsts” along the way such as never having been taken care of or shown love. Her past took an, understandable, toll on her psyche and self-worth and she struggled through that. Brian’s own war between remaining faithful to his late wife and finding happiness with his children was also really emotional. I loved the encounters with Lila and him where she just gave him the blunt truth. You could see him mentally trying to fight it but realizing what he was missing out on with them thanks to her perspective. Sam and Dane were fantastic as well. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to checking out more from this author.
Delilah/Lila/Violet, Brian, Sam, and Dane
Synopsis:
Overall: 4.9/5
Short of her hiding the stalker, I really loved Lila. She was so wonderful with the children. She seemed to not take any shit but that didn’t mean she lived with a chip on her shoulder. She showed empathy and compassion at each turn and it was heartbreaking to see some of her “firsts” along the way such as never having been taken care of or shown love. Her past took an, understandable, toll on her psyche and self-worth and she struggled through that. Brian’s own war between remaining faithful to his late wife and finding happiness with his children was also really emotional. I loved the encounters with Lila and him where she just gave him the blunt truth. You could see him mentally trying to fight it but realizing what he was missing out on with them thanks to her perspective. Sam and Dane were fantastic as well. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to checking out more from this author.
March 20, 2023
3.5, but rounding up especially considering this is the authors first book.
This one does need another round through a copy editor, there are quite a few typos and grammatical issues throughout. I think the story is paced pretty decently and is mostly lighthearted despite there being a really heavy and dark past that the FMC is contending with. I would have liked to see a little more of an obvious transition between her being against physical contact to embracing it full on with the MMCs. It seemed like a sudden jump, and time-wise we were only looking at a span of two weeks before they were heading into relationship territory. Considering her background, this felt like it was maybe a little hasty, and I would have liked to see her wrestling through that a little more. I think that for the length of the book the author did a good job with world building and character development. It’s a pretty good first story with a little twist that was somewhat but not entirely predictable. It still added a suspenseful element to heighten the tension and keep the reader engaged. There are definitely some slower parts to the story, but I think they’re good for balancing the darker parts. I also felt like the steam was well-balanced and well-written, the book wasn’t overly steamy but had a decent amount of scenes if that’s what you’re looking for (and they don’t feel cringey or overdone at all which is great for a newer author).
This one does need another round through a copy editor, there are quite a few typos and grammatical issues throughout. I think the story is paced pretty decently and is mostly lighthearted despite there being a really heavy and dark past that the FMC is contending with. I would have liked to see a little more of an obvious transition between her being against physical contact to embracing it full on with the MMCs. It seemed like a sudden jump, and time-wise we were only looking at a span of two weeks before they were heading into relationship territory. Considering her background, this felt like it was maybe a little hasty, and I would have liked to see her wrestling through that a little more. I think that for the length of the book the author did a good job with world building and character development. It’s a pretty good first story with a little twist that was somewhat but not entirely predictable. It still added a suspenseful element to heighten the tension and keep the reader engaged. There are definitely some slower parts to the story, but I think they’re good for balancing the darker parts. I also felt like the steam was well-balanced and well-written, the book wasn’t overly steamy but had a decent amount of scenes if that’s what you’re looking for (and they don’t feel cringey or overdone at all which is great for a newer author).
March 26, 2023
Firstly, I'd like to say that I have the utmost respect for the author's courage to write a book like this with elements from her own life. Don't take any critique to heart; We're just book-loving opinionated nerds. You're strong and brave Aurora! Thank you for your contribution to the ever-growing world of books.
Moving on to the review.
This was great - especially considering it's the author's first book. The story was compelling and the pace was natural. I really liked how strong the fmc was, and the guys/men were awesome. I also loved the "when I'm sleeping next to you, I don't get nightmares" and the "nanny is off limits" tropes. But. I feel like the fmc's trauma should have affected her just a little bit more considering how long she was abused for and how soon(ish) after she meets them . We do see a little of this with Dane, but other than that, she doesn't seem affected at all. Then again, it's also nice to see an abused girl, who has overcome most of the trauma, and tries to live normally.
There is definitely a lot of smut in this book, and even though I like that, it's almost too much considering the fmc's background. Note: I wouldn't say that there's bdsm in this (other than very little spanking), but they just have a lot of sex (not all is depicted). The ending was a little too unrealistic, and came out of the blue, but it was still a very good book, that I would most certainly recommend to others.
Moving on to the review.
This was great - especially considering it's the author's first book. The story was compelling and the pace was natural. I really liked how strong the fmc was, and the guys/men were awesome. I also loved the "when I'm sleeping next to you, I don't get nightmares" and the "nanny is off limits" tropes. But. I feel like the fmc's trauma should have affected her just a little bit more considering how long she was abused for and how soon(ish) after she meets them . We do see a little of this with Dane, but other than that, she doesn't seem affected at all. Then again, it's also nice to see an abused girl, who has overcome most of the trauma, and tries to live normally.
There is definitely a lot of smut in this book, and even though I like that, it's almost too much considering the fmc's background. Note: I wouldn't say that there's bdsm in this (other than very little spanking), but they just have a lot of sex (not all is depicted). The ending was a little too unrealistic, and came out of the blue, but it was still a very good book, that I would most certainly recommend to others.
May 13, 2023
This was an amazing story. I loved it and the main characters. I love that the relationships, although fast, weren't immediate. Brian was still very much grieving and Lily helped him through so he was comfortable moving forward.
There were some typos and mistakes within the writing. Some were bad enough that it took me out of the story because I had to go back and reread a sentence for it to make sense. So we lost a star for that.
-Chapter 29... Listen, I read a lot of books. A lot. So I tend to be pretty numb to most of these dark themes. However, this Chapter gave us a detailed description of self-abortion that was so hard to read. I got a bit emotional and had to put it down for a bit. I realized that I can't even read about it without feeling a sharp pain in my chest and yet there are thousands of women who go through this a year. And that number will probably spike with the recent political climate. (Do not debate in the comments about this. It's a fact, not an opinion one way or the other.) Its a powerful reflection.
There were some typos and mistakes within the writing. Some were bad enough that it took me out of the story because I had to go back and reread a sentence for it to make sense. So we lost a star for that.
-Chapter 29... Listen, I read a lot of books. A lot. So I tend to be pretty numb to most of these dark themes. However, this Chapter gave us a detailed description of self-abortion that was so hard to read. I got a bit emotional and had to put it down for a bit. I realized that I can't even read about it without feeling a sharp pain in my chest and yet there are thousands of women who go through this a year. And that number will probably spike with the recent political climate. (Do not debate in the comments about this. It's a fact, not an opinion one way or the other.) Its a powerful reflection.
May 12, 2023
Evocative and Sweet
I've had this sitting on my kindle for a few weeks and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't start it sooner. This was my first time reading Aurora Hope, and you never know what you'll get when you try a new author, but this was an absolute win and I'm thrilled to add a new author to follow. The plot surrounds the fmc, Lilly, and her journey to heal from a very traumatic childhood (read the TWs before you embark on this read). This is a story of finding and creating your own family, moving past loss, guilt, grief, into joy and comfort. For being a standalone, I really appreciated the slower pace to the ramp up of the relationships. I loved the tension and tease of watching Lily and her guys fall for each other. When the heat hits, it is HOT and absolutely delicious. As hard as some of the material is to read, the story was beautiful and sweet and left me feeling happy which is an impressive feat.
I've had this sitting on my kindle for a few weeks and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't start it sooner. This was my first time reading Aurora Hope, and you never know what you'll get when you try a new author, but this was an absolute win and I'm thrilled to add a new author to follow. The plot surrounds the fmc, Lilly, and her journey to heal from a very traumatic childhood (read the TWs before you embark on this read). This is a story of finding and creating your own family, moving past loss, guilt, grief, into joy and comfort. For being a standalone, I really appreciated the slower pace to the ramp up of the relationships. I loved the tension and tease of watching Lily and her guys fall for each other. When the heat hits, it is HOT and absolutely delicious. As hard as some of the material is to read, the story was beautiful and sweet and left me feeling happy which is an impressive feat.
March 21, 2023
gripping story
Great read,you can tell the author really had a story to tell, and she did a fantastic job of it. Check your triggers, cause there are some doozy’s. There is much to be had with these characters, and I loved their interactions. With any of these books there are sexy times, helllloooo better be some, but sometimes I have trouble with the girl having a background such as this and she jumps into bed pretty fast and with no issues. I also should say I don’t like nanny books, even m/f but I wanted something different and this sounded good. The reason I gave this book 3 stars was the editing is horrible. There are so many errors that it started to bother me and that is usually something I over look. The book has the guts to be something great though.
Great read,you can tell the author really had a story to tell, and she did a fantastic job of it. Check your triggers, cause there are some doozy’s. There is much to be had with these characters, and I loved their interactions. With any of these books there are sexy times, helllloooo better be some, but sometimes I have trouble with the girl having a background such as this and she jumps into bed pretty fast and with no issues. I also should say I don’t like nanny books, even m/f but I wanted something different and this sounded good. The reason I gave this book 3 stars was the editing is horrible. There are so many errors that it started to bother me and that is usually something I over look. The book has the guts to be something great though.
September 12, 2025
Loved it
First-time author for me.
Before I say anything, I NEED to know if Roman Brackus is getting his own book ? Cause that thing he did with his phone, talking to his "Unruly Angel," intrigued me & boy do I hope that's another rh that this author plans on writing in the near future.
1st For a RH this was pretty good. Ngl low key reminded me of the Witsec series by Ashley Rostek - my all time favorite rh with the best harem of men ever. These mmcs are all green flag guys for their girl.
2nd. The Rh that the fmc described in the book about the pink haired fmc involved with her coach, counselor & professor- is this a real rh book? Lol I need to know!
There are plenty of group scenes & threesomes in this book & they were very good. Descriptive. Hot but not ott.
First-time author for me.
Before I say anything, I NEED to know if Roman Brackus is getting his own book ? Cause that thing he did with his phone, talking to his "Unruly Angel," intrigued me & boy do I hope that's another rh that this author plans on writing in the near future.
1st For a RH this was pretty good. Ngl low key reminded me of the Witsec series by Ashley Rostek - my all time favorite rh with the best harem of men ever. These mmcs are all green flag guys for their girl.
2nd. The Rh that the fmc described in the book about the pink haired fmc involved with her coach, counselor & professor- is this a real rh book? Lol I need to know!
There are plenty of group scenes & threesomes in this book & they were very good. Descriptive. Hot but not ott.
November 23, 2025
I really liked this book. It felt raw at times, and a few scenes from the FMC’s past were actually hard to read — but in a good way, because she was such a well-written, layered character. I also loved Sam a lot; both of them were truly great characters.
The kids were adorable too, and I honestly would have loved to see more of them throughout the story. Among the three male characters, two had stronger, more developed arcs, while one felt a bit left behind. It would have been nice to see him exploring a new profession or finding a passion that brought him happiness — something to give him more depth.
I also enjoyed the epilogue. It wrapped things up nicely and left me with a warm feeling.
The kids were adorable too, and I honestly would have loved to see more of them throughout the story. Among the three male characters, two had stronger, more developed arcs, while one felt a bit left behind. It would have been nice to see him exploring a new profession or finding a passion that brought him happiness — something to give him more depth.
I also enjoyed the epilogue. It wrapped things up nicely and left me with a warm feeling.
April 1, 2023
Sweet and Spicy
This is a fantastic why-choose book! I love Lily and her interactions with the kids from the very beginning. It’s clear that she’s had struggles and trauma in her life, but she’s worked hard to move past them. She’s kind and witty and loyal. One of my favorite things about this book is that, even though there are miscommunications and misunderstandings within the relationships, everyone works at communicating. The conflicts from those misunderstandings don’t last forever.
The men are 🥵 and well-written as individuals with depth. This is a standalone but I’m excited to see what comes next!
This is a fantastic why-choose book! I love Lily and her interactions with the kids from the very beginning. It’s clear that she’s had struggles and trauma in her life, but she’s worked hard to move past them. She’s kind and witty and loyal. One of my favorite things about this book is that, even though there are miscommunications and misunderstandings within the relationships, everyone works at communicating. The conflicts from those misunderstandings don’t last forever.
The men are 🥵 and well-written as individuals with depth. This is a standalone but I’m excited to see what comes next!
July 21, 2023
So so good
Lily and her guys were so so sweet. Sadie shells and Robbie were so sweet and the ending was perfect and I’m really grateful that there was an epilogue. The subject matter hits me in a particular way, because I know that pain. The author shared her own pain and shared that writing was her way to get through it, I’m really grateful that she decided to use this as a tool to heal because I felt healed as I read this story I can’t wait to read more from the Author. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I’m just going to say that this is a beautiful story.
Lily and her guys were so so sweet. Sadie shells and Robbie were so sweet and the ending was perfect and I’m really grateful that there was an epilogue. The subject matter hits me in a particular way, because I know that pain. The author shared her own pain and shared that writing was her way to get through it, I’m really grateful that she decided to use this as a tool to heal because I felt healed as I read this story I can’t wait to read more from the Author. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I’m just going to say that this is a beautiful story.
January 8, 2025
This wasnt bad but couldve been better. I was confused on what our fmc’s past was and what her trauma was stemming from exactly for a while. Also, I felt like we couldve connected to our mmcs a little better. I wish we got more of their lives individually or their families. The epilogue was good. I loved that the kids called lily momma. I wish we couldve had everyone pov from the first time the kids realized they were together and the first time they called her momma. It was cute though, a good time
March 21, 2023
Excellent story of healing after trauma
This story did a number on my emotions. The flashbacks of the abuse she endured were gutwrenching. The progression of the relationships with the guys seemed natural, and I loved how each handled everything with her. Also, the growth that the FMC went through accepting their feelings towards her was awesome. I can't wait to read more of Aurora's books.
This story did a number on my emotions. The flashbacks of the abuse she endured were gutwrenching. The progression of the relationships with the guys seemed natural, and I loved how each handled everything with her. Also, the growth that the FMC went through accepting their feelings towards her was awesome. I can't wait to read more of Aurora's books.
March 21, 2024
I’m terrible at writing reviews but I felt I needed to for this book.
This book captivated me from the first few pages. I fell in love with every character and I didn’t want to put the book down. The spice scenes were very spicy but there was such an amazing plot to the book as well.
I usually struggle being sad whenever I finish a good book. But this author wrote the most perfect epilogue that tied it up in such a way that made me smile to the last word.
I’d highly recommend this book.
This book captivated me from the first few pages. I fell in love with every character and I didn’t want to put the book down. The spice scenes were very spicy but there was such an amazing plot to the book as well.
I usually struggle being sad whenever I finish a good book. But this author wrote the most perfect epilogue that tied it up in such a way that made me smile to the last word.
I’d highly recommend this book.
March 18, 2023
I loved Lily - she has been broken but is a fierce survivor. I loved her bluntness with the guys. The guys are each interesting - I loved Sam especially. Dane is sweet and has a little unexpected darkness to him too. Brian has his own brokeness. The kids, especially Sadie, are fun. This is a stand-alone. I will definitely be watching for future books by this writer :)
March 30, 2023
Amazing read!
This book has it all!! Secrets, a little suspense and amazing spice!! Also a great FMC that deserves the entire world!! I love how the guys came together for Lily and how their story unfolded! I can’t pick a favorite guy but I am partial to a grumpy man *cough Brian!! Go read this for a spicy, emotional read!!
This book has it all!! Secrets, a little suspense and amazing spice!! Also a great FMC that deserves the entire world!! I love how the guys came together for Lily and how their story unfolded! I can’t pick a favorite guy but I am partial to a grumpy man *cough Brian!! Go read this for a spicy, emotional read!!
April 4, 2023
This book was amazing. It could have a little more editing, but whatever. The plot was great, and the characters were super great. All the guys had distinct personalities, and Lily was an inspiration. Sadie stole the show, though. Haha! I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. Also, I need to know more about Rome and his Unruly Creature…
July 24, 2023
I thought the characters were great and the story was good but it felt like something was missing. The darker themes were actually the best part of the book. They gave it more depth. I felt slightly disconnected from this book although I have read similar stories which I've enjoyed. Not sure why.
However, I did like the majority of the story, it just wasn't my favourite.
However, I did like the majority of the story, it just wasn't my favourite.
August 5, 2023
enjoyed
Oh wow was this a good read! I’m so glad I finally jumped into it. I really liked the characters and lily was such a strong character. She deserved her hea. I enjoyed the guys tho Sam, that charmer, is my favorite. Tho I did love all the guys. And the kids. Just a great read.
Oh wow was this a good read! I’m so glad I finally jumped into it. I really liked the characters and lily was such a strong character. She deserved her hea. I enjoyed the guys tho Sam, that charmer, is my favorite. Tho I did love all the guys. And the kids. Just a great read.
Read
April 2, 2024Amazing but Wanting More
This is the second time I have read this book and I loved it as much as I did the first time. My only complaint is that I wanted more of the in between... more from before 15 years later. I loved the dynamic between Lily and the guys and cried for what she had gone through.
This is the second time I have read this book and I loved it as much as I did the first time. My only complaint is that I wanted more of the in between... more from before 15 years later. I loved the dynamic between Lily and the guys and cried for what she had gone through.
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