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Nannies of New York #3
The Handy Nanny: Nannies of New York Book 3
They call Pennsylvania Tucker the human Band-Aid because he can fix just about anything and make anyone feel better, but can Penn mend a broken heart? Reid Marshall thinks so and sends his master nanny on a very important and sensitive mission. A close friend is grieving and caring for his newborn niece after losing his twin sister. Shy and quiet outside of the studio, Morris Mosby has been a myth in the music industry since he was sixteen. But his sister was the brains behind the “Mosby Machine” and Morris is tempted to walk away from his career and focus on his family. He’s got to put his life back together and raise a baby without his best friend and half of his heart. Not if Morris’s parents and Penn have anything to say about it. The three of them team up to help Morris heal and rediscover his passion for music. Things heat up between Penn and Morris, but our handy nanny has some old wounds that need mending as well. Can two broken hearts heal each other or has Penn finally found a problem he can’t fix?
*Paperback includes additional illustrations, playlist, bonus epilogue, recipes, and more!
*Paperback includes additional illustrations, playlist, bonus epilogue, recipes, and more!
290 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2023
98 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
K. Sterling
103 books487 followersAuthor of the popular Nannies of New York and Boys of Lake Cliff book series, K Sterling has self-published dozens of books. K. is known for fast-paced romantic thrillers and touching gay romcoms. There might be goosebumps and some gore but there’s always true love and lots of laughter.
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April 30, 2023Well fudge. I wanted to like this I really did. I’m just not feeling it with the characters. Unfortunately it’s not drawing me in. Characters feel surface. I want to feel the pain. I feel nothing. Dnf
April 30, 2023
More New York nannies? Of course I’m in! Penn and Morris were such opposites but had WAY more in common than they ever expected and I really enjoyed seeing it all come together.
Pennsylvania (Penn) Tucker is the Handy Nanny - he can fix anything and sees it as his purpose in life to care for and provide for the people around him. He’s a bit of a hippie, prefers to barter and trade over buying anything new, loves riding his skateboard around the neighborhood and lives in worn-in overalls and Converse sneakers. But, in his attempts to take care of everyone around him, including his father, sister, friends and clients, he doesn’t give himself time to process emotions or work through things for himself. Penn’s afraid of romantic commitment, of what it will do to his ability to be there for everyone whenever they need it, something that really comes to a head when he meets Morris and Cadence Mosby.
Morris Mosby is a music superstar, someone considered a genius by many, but he was part of a team - he and his twin sister Michelle were a team before she passed away after giving birth to her daughter, Cadence. Morris not only is grieving his sister and best friend, but also trying to figure out how to care for his niece all on his own. Music is a huge part of his life but without Michelle, he’s not sure he can do it anymore and doesn’t know where to start. Morris is quiet and reserved but knows he’s looking for love, someone to share his life with every single day. His grief is palpable and seeing him work through it, with Penn’s help thanks to Reid Marshall sending him his way to give him a hand with everything, was emotional.
While their relationship felt unexpected and unconventional since they’re opposites in so many ways, they also understood each other on a different level, both having lost someone they loved to a stroke. The way they dealt with grief and loss together was incredible to see and made their relationship so much stronger. The two of them and Cadence created a little family that neither of them wanted to disrupt, even when things got tough. They belonged together in a way that couldn’t be denied, pushing each other to be better and to face their feelings head-on whenever they came up.
I love this little Nannies of New York found family K. Sterling has created in this series and I’m so excited for what comes next - Penny Lane + Agnes (The Enchanting Nanny: Nannies of New York Book 4), hopefully Gavin + Dash and someone really special for Reid.
Pennsylvania (Penn) Tucker is the Handy Nanny - he can fix anything and sees it as his purpose in life to care for and provide for the people around him. He’s a bit of a hippie, prefers to barter and trade over buying anything new, loves riding his skateboard around the neighborhood and lives in worn-in overalls and Converse sneakers. But, in his attempts to take care of everyone around him, including his father, sister, friends and clients, he doesn’t give himself time to process emotions or work through things for himself. Penn’s afraid of romantic commitment, of what it will do to his ability to be there for everyone whenever they need it, something that really comes to a head when he meets Morris and Cadence Mosby.
Morris Mosby is a music superstar, someone considered a genius by many, but he was part of a team - he and his twin sister Michelle were a team before she passed away after giving birth to her daughter, Cadence. Morris not only is grieving his sister and best friend, but also trying to figure out how to care for his niece all on his own. Music is a huge part of his life but without Michelle, he’s not sure he can do it anymore and doesn’t know where to start. Morris is quiet and reserved but knows he’s looking for love, someone to share his life with every single day. His grief is palpable and seeing him work through it, with Penn’s help thanks to Reid Marshall sending him his way to give him a hand with everything, was emotional.
While their relationship felt unexpected and unconventional since they’re opposites in so many ways, they also understood each other on a different level, both having lost someone they loved to a stroke. The way they dealt with grief and loss together was incredible to see and made their relationship so much stronger. The two of them and Cadence created a little family that neither of them wanted to disrupt, even when things got tough. They belonged together in a way that couldn’t be denied, pushing each other to be better and to face their feelings head-on whenever they came up.
I love this little Nannies of New York found family K. Sterling has created in this series and I’m so excited for what comes next - Penny Lane + Agnes (The Enchanting Nanny: Nannies of New York Book 4), hopefully Gavin + Dash and someone really special for Reid.
April 28, 2023
Penn Tucker and Morris Mosby couldn't be more different if they tried, but they do have one big thing in common. After his sister dies shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Morris is tempted to walk away from the thriving music career he had with his sister and devote his time to taking care of his niece. When Reid Marshall hears of this, he calls someone he knows that can help in many ways. Upon his first arrival, Penn knows that this will be different than his past jobs, and he's determined to help Morris in every way that he can. But Penn has a past that he's never truly processed, and Morris could just be the one to do it. Throw in two meddling families and an encouraging (or pushy) friend group, and you have a recipe for something sweeter than chocolate cake.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
I signed up for an ARC of The Handy Nanny fully expecting nothing to come of it. Fast forward a few weeks, and this paperback and a few bonus goodies from the author show up in my mailbox. I had not previously read any of the Nannies of New York series, but I was excited to dive into this one nonetheless. Despite being centered around grief and the different ways that people process this complex emotion, this one was cute! I liked both Penn and Morris from the beginning, and I really liked watching their relationship grow and evolve. Penn and Morris were both complex characters, but I like that the author gave him a great character arc while still acting as a caregiver and support system for Morris.
This one can technically be read as a standalone, but it is best read in series order to get the backstories on characters.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
I signed up for an ARC of The Handy Nanny fully expecting nothing to come of it. Fast forward a few weeks, and this paperback and a few bonus goodies from the author show up in my mailbox. I had not previously read any of the Nannies of New York series, but I was excited to dive into this one nonetheless. Despite being centered around grief and the different ways that people process this complex emotion, this one was cute! I liked both Penn and Morris from the beginning, and I really liked watching their relationship grow and evolve. Penn and Morris were both complex characters, but I like that the author gave him a great character arc while still acting as a caregiver and support system for Morris.
This one can technically be read as a standalone, but it is best read in series order to get the backstories on characters.
July 5, 2023
definitely the best in the series so far. absolutely adorable and had some really great moments around dealing with grief.
August 28, 2023
I’ve loved every single one of these books. I don’t tend to read a lot of spicy MM romance but this series is just as heartwarming as it is spicy. They fill me with so much joy!
August 3, 2025
Based on the summary, this should've been 100% my thing, but unfortunately the execution wasn't what I wanted. This took me a lot longer to read because I just couldn't get into the story. The romance was one of the least romantic I've read in a long time and, at times, it was gross? Not cringey (though at times, it was that, too) but one of the scenes of them being hot for each other involved bathroom humor and that's 100% not my thing at all.
The concept of this story is a great one. The consequences of racial medical bias caused the loss of Morris' sister and he's now taking care of his newborn niece. It made sense for Penn to enter as her nanny. Typically, this would come with a moral question of if it was okay to date an employee - though strangely, that issue doesn't come up much in this story. Both MCs are dealing with grief and comfort each other through that. It should've been my thing but I didn't really like a lot of how things were handled here.
This should've been my thing but it just wasn't anything I like reading in romance novels. I really do think it's great that there's more MM novels with Black MCs and that this one didn't have Morris exist just to support Penn. That's still a rarity, unfortunately, so I was glad for that, but that's about all the compliments I have for this. It wasn't my cup of tea but it might be someone else's.
The concept of this story is a great one. The consequences of racial medical bias caused the loss of Morris' sister and he's now taking care of his newborn niece. It made sense for Penn to enter as her nanny. Typically, this would come with a moral question of if it was okay to date an employee - though strangely, that issue doesn't come up much in this story. Both MCs are dealing with grief and comfort each other through that. It should've been my thing but I didn't really like a lot of how things were handled here.
This should've been my thing but it just wasn't anything I like reading in romance novels. I really do think it's great that there's more MM novels with Black MCs and that this one didn't have Morris exist just to support Penn. That's still a rarity, unfortunately, so I was glad for that, but that's about all the compliments I have for this. It wasn't my cup of tea but it might be someone else's.
May 2, 2023
[I received a copy for an honest review]
The Handy Nanny is a great addition to the Nannies of New York series by K. Sterling.
Morris just lost his sister and best friend and has to balance his grief with raising her infant daughter. Penn is called in to help care for little Cadence. Penn is familiar with grief and is able to help Morris heal. The two grow closer, but in Penn's eyes there's too many reasons why they could never be more. Since Morris is only interested in serious, he fights giving into their attraction because he wants more than a fling with Penn. In the end, Penn has to work though his fears of being unworthy of Morris and loving and losing him some day in order for them to have a future.
"Do you want this in the news? That you're dating your nanny?"
Morris hissed and nibbled on Penn's lips. "Have you seen my nanny?"
While the story deals with a lot of grief and healing from loss, it manages to stay quite light-hearted. With domestic scenes involving the little one to the time Penn and Morris spend together on their own. Their relationship has a slow burn to it as they both avoid their growing attraction. Even when they make it known to each other they still hold off because Morris wants all or nothing. When they finally do cross the line, the open door scene are hot and plentiful.
"I want to get lost in you,: he breathed against Penn's lips, afraid to break the spell. "And I never want to leave."
Overall, The Handy Nanny is a sweet mm romance between opposites on the outside but similar at heart. Filled with hurt/comfort, chocolate cake, backyard beach parties, found family, forced proximity, slow burn, steam, and a happily ever after.
ps. - I can't wait for the Gavin and Dash's book in the future !
The Handy Nanny is a great addition to the Nannies of New York series by K. Sterling.
Morris just lost his sister and best friend and has to balance his grief with raising her infant daughter. Penn is called in to help care for little Cadence. Penn is familiar with grief and is able to help Morris heal. The two grow closer, but in Penn's eyes there's too many reasons why they could never be more. Since Morris is only interested in serious, he fights giving into their attraction because he wants more than a fling with Penn. In the end, Penn has to work though his fears of being unworthy of Morris and loving and losing him some day in order for them to have a future.
"Do you want this in the news? That you're dating your nanny?"
Morris hissed and nibbled on Penn's lips. "Have you seen my nanny?"
While the story deals with a lot of grief and healing from loss, it manages to stay quite light-hearted. With domestic scenes involving the little one to the time Penn and Morris spend together on their own. Their relationship has a slow burn to it as they both avoid their growing attraction. Even when they make it known to each other they still hold off because Morris wants all or nothing. When they finally do cross the line, the open door scene are hot and plentiful.
"I want to get lost in you,: he breathed against Penn's lips, afraid to break the spell. "And I never want to leave."
Overall, The Handy Nanny is a sweet mm romance between opposites on the outside but similar at heart. Filled with hurt/comfort, chocolate cake, backyard beach parties, found family, forced proximity, slow burn, steam, and a happily ever after.
ps. - I can't wait for the Gavin and Dash's book in the future !
May 5, 2023
Yet another cute book in the Nannies of New York series with familiar characters we know and love and new ones you’ll also be sure to fall in love with!
This book focuses on the loss of loved ones and the grief and mourning through loss. Morris Mosby is a famously known musician, being a duo with his twin sister. She unexpectedly passes away and Morris now has to figure out how to care for his niece Cadence all while being in the throes of grief. Our favorite matchmaker Reid Marshall knows the perfect nanny to send, Pennsylvania Tucker 😍
Penn is Morris’s opposite in so many ways, but he also deeply relates to Morris as he also has experienced loss of a loved one and is wading through emotions and grief he fully hasn’t faced. Penn’s role (self assigned) is to be a caretaker for everyone. Be available and a fixer for those who need help, but at the expense of his own self. Focusing on other people means he doesn’t have to sit with/heal himself. While Penn is the perfect nanny to Cadence and is amazing at supporting Morris through his grief, Morris is in return supporting Penn and encouraging him to tend to his own needs and healing.
This is an opposites attract, slow burn romance that explores the range of emotions felt while mourning loss. It showcases support and love in beautiful ways. These two men don’t make sense at first glance, but they are imperfectly perfect for each other. We also get introduced to Penn’s sister Penny Lane and Walker Cameron’s sister Agnes Cameron. I’m looking forward to reading their book!
This book focuses on the loss of loved ones and the grief and mourning through loss. Morris Mosby is a famously known musician, being a duo with his twin sister. She unexpectedly passes away and Morris now has to figure out how to care for his niece Cadence all while being in the throes of grief. Our favorite matchmaker Reid Marshall knows the perfect nanny to send, Pennsylvania Tucker 😍
Penn is Morris’s opposite in so many ways, but he also deeply relates to Morris as he also has experienced loss of a loved one and is wading through emotions and grief he fully hasn’t faced. Penn’s role (self assigned) is to be a caretaker for everyone. Be available and a fixer for those who need help, but at the expense of his own self. Focusing on other people means he doesn’t have to sit with/heal himself. While Penn is the perfect nanny to Cadence and is amazing at supporting Morris through his grief, Morris is in return supporting Penn and encouraging him to tend to his own needs and healing.
This is an opposites attract, slow burn romance that explores the range of emotions felt while mourning loss. It showcases support and love in beautiful ways. These two men don’t make sense at first glance, but they are imperfectly perfect for each other. We also get introduced to Penn’s sister Penny Lane and Walker Cameron’s sister Agnes Cameron. I’m looking forward to reading their book!
May 1, 2023
This is a sometimes serious and heartwarming story in the Nannies of New York series. In this book, Morris is a famous artist who has just unexpectedly lost his beloved sister after her stroke following childbirth. Morris must take responsibility for the infant girl, but he is in the deep throes of grief himself. Enter Penn, a nanny who is so empathetic, hardworking, and sensitive that he is perfect to assist Morris while he deals with his intense pain.
As time goes by, the baby flourishes under Penn's care, the household stabilizes, and Morris exits the worst of his grief. Although the two men ostensibly have little in common, they do much to balance and sooth each other. Physical attraction also takes hold, but there are still many miscommunications and misunderstandings to work through. This book is a little too slow-burn for my taste, but I like the friends and family so much that it works. The HEA is just over-the-top glorious. The passion and love between these two men ensures their love of a lifetime.
As time goes by, the baby flourishes under Penn's care, the household stabilizes, and Morris exits the worst of his grief. Although the two men ostensibly have little in common, they do much to balance and sooth each other. Physical attraction also takes hold, but there are still many miscommunications and misunderstandings to work through. This book is a little too slow-burn for my taste, but I like the friends and family so much that it works. The HEA is just over-the-top glorious. The passion and love between these two men ensures their love of a lifetime.
May 2, 2023
4.5⭐️ for this wonderful book!
I honestly LOVE this series so damn much! I’ve been waiting for this book since I read book 2. I read it right when it was released but I waited a while to post my review because I like to sit and continue absorbing what I just read and go over my favorite parts.
Pennsylvania aka Penn is the nanny of ALL nanny’s. He loves what he does and always goes above and beyond for the children he takes care of. In this book we get to see him become the nanny for one of Reid’s best friends who just lost his twin sister after childbirth and now has to raise his new baby niece.
The grief in this story that MMC goes through is real and raw. We see the ups and downs that come along with it. You can be fine one day and then the next be completely consumed with grief once again.
I loved watching their relationship blossom from friends to lovers while also taking care of a gorgeous little baby and the meddling parents who keep trying to get them together lol
Getting to see the whole gang together again in this book made me so happy. I love that they all have their partners and are so in love. I need Reid and Gavin’s book so bad 😩
BUT I am definitely excited for Penny Lanes book
I honestly LOVE this series so damn much! I’ve been waiting for this book since I read book 2. I read it right when it was released but I waited a while to post my review because I like to sit and continue absorbing what I just read and go over my favorite parts.
Pennsylvania aka Penn is the nanny of ALL nanny’s. He loves what he does and always goes above and beyond for the children he takes care of. In this book we get to see him become the nanny for one of Reid’s best friends who just lost his twin sister after childbirth and now has to raise his new baby niece.
The grief in this story that MMC goes through is real and raw. We see the ups and downs that come along with it. You can be fine one day and then the next be completely consumed with grief once again.
I loved watching their relationship blossom from friends to lovers while also taking care of a gorgeous little baby and the meddling parents who keep trying to get them together lol
Getting to see the whole gang together again in this book made me so happy. I love that they all have their partners and are so in love. I need Reid and Gavin’s book so bad 😩
BUT I am definitely excited for Penny Lanes book
October 17, 2023
Started off strong, I really liked their build-up to each other, but the back like third of the book was just annoyingly frustrating, like oh my god how many people are y'all gonna talk about your issues with before you just sit down and deal with each other, my god glksjdf it wasn't even a miscommunication trope, just some absolute dumbasses. And like every conversation was given that "oh this is monumental, this is exactly what he needed to hear" tone AND THEN THEY'RE STILL JUST ABSOLUTE FLOPS TO EACH OTHER. They get there, but I don't remember being this frustrated with either of the first two.
I'm so viscerally ready for Agnes and Penny though, that's gonna be an absolute riot.
I'm so viscerally ready for Agnes and Penny though, that's gonna be an absolute riot.
May 9, 2023
Delightful and Full of Depth
Sterling has crafted another gem with this installment of the Nanny series, exploring the complex and devastating effects of grief in all its shades and colors through the lens of these two characters as they process and move through the darkness and into the light at the end of the tunnel. In keeping with the other novels in this series, she does so with charm, grace, humor, and a healthy dose of heartwarming romance (and a dash of spice for extra flavor.)
Sterling has crafted another gem with this installment of the Nanny series, exploring the complex and devastating effects of grief in all its shades and colors through the lens of these two characters as they process and move through the darkness and into the light at the end of the tunnel. In keeping with the other novels in this series, she does so with charm, grace, humor, and a healthy dose of heartwarming romance (and a dash of spice for extra flavor.)
May 5, 2023
Morris and Pennsylvania
This has to be one of K. Sterling's most awesome love story...she will create relationships where the back story and slow burning passions jump off the pages...her word wizardry is wondrously appreciated by this reader/fan/friend...
Can't wait to see what's next.
This has to be one of K. Sterling's most awesome love story...she will create relationships where the back story and slow burning passions jump off the pages...her word wizardry is wondrously appreciated by this reader/fan/friend...
Can't wait to see what's next.
April 30, 2023
Fabulous!
I wish I had the right words to describe this story. I couldn't put it down but forced myself to slow down so it wouldn't end too soon. The characters touch your heart and the story touches you on an emotional level. I laughed and I cried. And how I feel like I'm really going to miss my new friends.... Until the next book.
I wish I had the right words to describe this story. I couldn't put it down but forced myself to slow down so it wouldn't end too soon. The characters touch your heart and the story touches you on an emotional level. I laughed and I cried. And how I feel like I'm really going to miss my new friends.... Until the next book.
May 4, 2023
The Handy Nanny
This book as a very different tone than the previous. Make sure you check the triggers as a large portion of the book is heartbreaking. Penn and Morris work together, just a little more communication needed! I like the hints for the next books, although I’m still hoping for a certain grouping.
This book as a very different tone than the previous. Make sure you check the triggers as a large portion of the book is heartbreaking. Penn and Morris work together, just a little more communication needed! I like the hints for the next books, although I’m still hoping for a certain grouping.
April 30, 2023
I loved this book so much.
Penn and Morris fit into this amazing world of nannies, Penn’s struggles with commitment felt real and my heart broke for Morris.
I can’t wait to read book 4 and keep falling in love with this world and amazing characters.
Penn and Morris fit into this amazing world of nannies, Penn’s struggles with commitment felt real and my heart broke for Morris.
I can’t wait to read book 4 and keep falling in love with this world and amazing characters.
July 9, 2023
3.5 stars
This was sweet and heartwarming 💕
I still think something was missing, which is the reason for the rating. Still, if you want a beautiful heartwarming romance read this one.
This was sweet and heartwarming 💕
I still think something was missing, which is the reason for the rating. Still, if you want a beautiful heartwarming romance read this one.
January 8, 2024
Was this book about Penny Lane and Agnes? No. Do I ship them anyways? Yes. I need them and I need Gavin/Dash. Immediately.
I really liked Penn and Morris, however I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between them which sucked because I wanted to SO BADLY. But whatevs, I let myself be happy for them or ignore the lack of vibes in favor of the found fam in this series i so love and Morris’s parents who were an absolute TREAT.
I really liked Penn and Morris, however I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between them which sucked because I wanted to SO BADLY. But whatevs, I let myself be happy for them or ignore the lack of vibes in favor of the found fam in this series i so love and Morris’s parents who were an absolute TREAT.
June 15, 2023
That was some seriously sweet slow burn
May 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. First off, I really appreciate the content warnings at the beginning of the book. This book dealt heavily with grief and loss, and I really appreciate how it was handled and addressed. It was nice to see these two main characters work through their own respective grief journeys and to overcome the fears they had with falling in love. Definitely excited to keep going in this series!
April 11, 2024
This has got to be my favorite one in the series so far. Omg the relationship and the healing and the spice was just saur good. I devoured this in one night 😭
2024 reread
I have once again devoured this in one day.
2024 reread
I have once again devoured this in one day.
May 9, 2023
A moving gentle loving story
Rating: 4.5🌈
I love K. Sterling’s contemporary romance series, Nannies of New York. Each story is a moving tale of love found and new families formed among Manhattan’s single parents/guardians of young children.
Sterling’s romances are gently choreographed tales of love and found families, with its characters often being people of different backgrounds with hidden emotional struggles and fears as well as strengths.
No where is all of this showcased so well as in the latest book The Handy Manny. The themes of this book are hard emotionally. Sterling goes right into the heart of some of people’s worst fears and those moments of despair and loss. The death of those we love the most. Whether it’s a twin sister, or beloved father or mother. Whether they have died in the past, recently died, or because of their illnesses, know that they won’t live much longer.
The characters here are in various stages of loss, and grief. For a recent death of a sister who was half of him, and who can’t find his way out of his grief. The one called on to help him and his daughter? Penn has dealt with this in the past but has known it’s coming as his father’s fighting cancer.
Yet for all the darkness of the themes and subject matter, the characters and their journey towards a relationship is one of food, laughter, tears, and compassion. It’s not perfect. Each man has a history and their own personal experiences that makes them struggle with this relationship.
But because of the group we’ve gotten to know from the previous novels, another found family of nannies, and families of the men who share a special connection, the doubts, the challenges each face and deal with, feel believable and satisfying at the end.
For people dealing with loss, especially that of a loved family member, this book might be too raw to read at the moment. Morris Mosby’s deep grief and black hole of loss is so well done that as a reader it’s as though you feel his pain and his rage and his inability to comprehend life without her. And his resentment of Pennsylvania Tucker when he arrives to take over until Morris can finally begin to recover. He doesn’t want to recover.
As I said. A tough book .
Pennsylvania Tucker is a complicated man for someone who seems like a happy hippie who care for everyone, a fixer. He’s also someone haunted by his own losses and a loss yet to come.
How they start to heal each other while forming a family over one adorable baby is a gentle, complicated story about recovery, grief, loss, and love.
Just wonderful. And that the next in the series The Enchanting Nanny features Penn’s sister? I can’t wait. Because it’s also got the corporate older scary sister from the second book as a main character as well. One wild ride.
I highly recommend the entire series and this book too.
Nannies of New York :
- [x] The Last Nanny In Manhattan #1
- [x] Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny #2
- [x] The Handy Nanny #3
- [ ] The Enchanting Nanny #4 - Aug 17, 2023 (f/f)
Rating: 4.5🌈
I love K. Sterling’s contemporary romance series, Nannies of New York. Each story is a moving tale of love found and new families formed among Manhattan’s single parents/guardians of young children.
Sterling’s romances are gently choreographed tales of love and found families, with its characters often being people of different backgrounds with hidden emotional struggles and fears as well as strengths.
No where is all of this showcased so well as in the latest book The Handy Manny. The themes of this book are hard emotionally. Sterling goes right into the heart of some of people’s worst fears and those moments of despair and loss. The death of those we love the most. Whether it’s a twin sister, or beloved father or mother. Whether they have died in the past, recently died, or because of their illnesses, know that they won’t live much longer.
The characters here are in various stages of loss, and grief. For a recent death of a sister who was half of him, and who can’t find his way out of his grief. The one called on to help him and his daughter? Penn has dealt with this in the past but has known it’s coming as his father’s fighting cancer.
Yet for all the darkness of the themes and subject matter, the characters and their journey towards a relationship is one of food, laughter, tears, and compassion. It’s not perfect. Each man has a history and their own personal experiences that makes them struggle with this relationship.
But because of the group we’ve gotten to know from the previous novels, another found family of nannies, and families of the men who share a special connection, the doubts, the challenges each face and deal with, feel believable and satisfying at the end.
For people dealing with loss, especially that of a loved family member, this book might be too raw to read at the moment. Morris Mosby’s deep grief and black hole of loss is so well done that as a reader it’s as though you feel his pain and his rage and his inability to comprehend life without her. And his resentment of Pennsylvania Tucker when he arrives to take over until Morris can finally begin to recover. He doesn’t want to recover.
As I said. A tough book .
Pennsylvania Tucker is a complicated man for someone who seems like a happy hippie who care for everyone, a fixer. He’s also someone haunted by his own losses and a loss yet to come.
How they start to heal each other while forming a family over one adorable baby is a gentle, complicated story about recovery, grief, loss, and love.
Just wonderful. And that the next in the series The Enchanting Nanny features Penn’s sister? I can’t wait. Because it’s also got the corporate older scary sister from the second book as a main character as well. One wild ride.
I highly recommend the entire series and this book too.
Nannies of New York :
- [x] The Last Nanny In Manhattan #1
- [x] Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny #2
- [x] The Handy Nanny #3
- [ ] The Enchanting Nanny #4 - Aug 17, 2023 (f/f)
May 7, 2023
As I get more drawn into the world of K. Sterling’s nannies, I’m finding that she really knows how to write characters that you just feel compelled to read, because you’re so eager to get to know them. While there’s always going to be a formulaic structure to contemporary romance, each book in the Nannies of New York series has a truly distinct vibe, giving readers myriad reasons for liking each story and different ways to connect with the individual couples.
The Handy Nanny, with its prominent themes of mortality and grief, is the heaviest story so far. Yet, Sterling expertly takes all that heft and strikes the right balance between Morris’ grief, Penn’s own unresolved grief and anxieties, and the blossoming romance between them so that all aspects of the story are given the attention they deserve, without overwhelming the rest.
It was a joy to meet Morris and Penn, and I liked how many points of connection there were for me, as a reader: who doesn’t understand Penn’s fear of not being good enough or Morris’ feelings of having been replaced as best friend? It was wonderful how Penn gave Morris the space and time he needed, to grieve and heal his own way, as Morris unwittingly allowed Penn to process his own, older wounds; and the unfolding relationship between them was sweet (but not too sweet- much like Nana Tucker’s Chocolate Cake). I also love the fun, sisterly legacy Michelle left behind, in the form of a notebook full of prank ideas.
And of course, as all clever authors do, Sterling gives us plenty of fun little glimpses at future protagonists, to set the future stages and keep us keen for more. I’m already looking two books ahead now, myself. I can’t wait to witness the certain glory that will be Dash’s awkward but endearing story.
Many thanks to K. Sterling for being so gracious as to send me a review copy!
The Handy Nanny, with its prominent themes of mortality and grief, is the heaviest story so far. Yet, Sterling expertly takes all that heft and strikes the right balance between Morris’ grief, Penn’s own unresolved grief and anxieties, and the blossoming romance between them so that all aspects of the story are given the attention they deserve, without overwhelming the rest.
It was a joy to meet Morris and Penn, and I liked how many points of connection there were for me, as a reader: who doesn’t understand Penn’s fear of not being good enough or Morris’ feelings of having been replaced as best friend? It was wonderful how Penn gave Morris the space and time he needed, to grieve and heal his own way, as Morris unwittingly allowed Penn to process his own, older wounds; and the unfolding relationship between them was sweet (but not too sweet- much like Nana Tucker’s Chocolate Cake). I also love the fun, sisterly legacy Michelle left behind, in the form of a notebook full of prank ideas.
And of course, as all clever authors do, Sterling gives us plenty of fun little glimpses at future protagonists, to set the future stages and keep us keen for more. I’m already looking two books ahead now, myself. I can’t wait to witness the certain glory that will be Dash’s awkward but endearing story.
Many thanks to K. Sterling for being so gracious as to send me a review copy!
March 7, 2024
4.3🌟
Some people grow up yearning for a love that is as beautiful and palpable as the love shown in their parent’s marriage but for Pennsylvania Tucker, the type of soul wrenching love that was his parents marriage made him run for his life when it came to love. His dad loves his mum so much that when she died, he was a shell of himself, he stayed for him and his sister but lost a lot of himself with his mum’s death and that made Penn absolutely horrified. The idea of giving someone that power over you? The idea of being able to hurt someone you love like that? Yeah penn was over it before it was even an option.
By the stars!!! I did not expect to be enjoying this series as much as I am.
You also have morris who just lost his twin sister! HIS TWIN after childbirth and honestly to me this is much more than a love story. It is two people that heal each other. They show each other that despite life’s shortcomings, something’s are just fucking worth it.
Tears ran down my cheeks too many times to count with this story. The found family that is the gay Nannie’s brigade? The raw way the author deals with grief (both present and expected)?
The way she highlights the percentage loss for pregnant black woman during childbirth in the us as opposed to white women?
It takes a lot to wow me, but it’s safe to say this author is doing putting in the work!
Some people grow up yearning for a love that is as beautiful and palpable as the love shown in their parent’s marriage but for Pennsylvania Tucker, the type of soul wrenching love that was his parents marriage made him run for his life when it came to love. His dad loves his mum so much that when she died, he was a shell of himself, he stayed for him and his sister but lost a lot of himself with his mum’s death and that made Penn absolutely horrified. The idea of giving someone that power over you? The idea of being able to hurt someone you love like that? Yeah penn was over it before it was even an option.
By the stars!!! I did not expect to be enjoying this series as much as I am.
You also have morris who just lost his twin sister! HIS TWIN after childbirth and honestly to me this is much more than a love story. It is two people that heal each other. They show each other that despite life’s shortcomings, something’s are just fucking worth it.
Tears ran down my cheeks too many times to count with this story. The found family that is the gay Nannie’s brigade? The raw way the author deals with grief (both present and expected)?
The way she highlights the percentage loss for pregnant black woman during childbirth in the us as opposed to white women?
It takes a lot to wow me, but it’s safe to say this author is doing putting in the work!
May 22, 2024
Pennsylvania Tucker is the human Band-Aid because he can fix just about anything and make anyone feel better, but can Penn mend a broken heart? Reid Marshall thinks so and sends his master nanny on an important and sensitive mission. A close friend is grieving and caring for his newborn niece after losing his twin sister. Morris Mosby has been a myth in the music industry since he was sixteen. But his sister was the brains behind the “Mosby Machine” and Morris is tempted to walk away from his career and focus on his family. Morris’s parents and Penn team up to help Morris heal and rediscover his passion for music. Things heat up between Penn and Morris, but our handy nanny has some old wounds that need mending too. Can two broken hearts heal each other or has Penn finally found a problem he can’t fix?
I loved this story with the two broken men who had multiple connections but only met after the tragic loss of Morris's twin sister and the arrival of baby Cadence. Penn looked after everyone and did not take any time for himself (as usual) but this time he did need that time in order to commit to the future. I loved their passion, their connection, their love for each other and their love for Caddie. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story with the two broken men who had multiple connections but only met after the tragic loss of Morris's twin sister and the arrival of baby Cadence. Penn looked after everyone and did not take any time for himself (as usual) but this time he did need that time in order to commit to the future. I loved their passion, their connection, their love for each other and their love for Caddie. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
August 15, 2025
Started off with some potential but slowly lost a lot of its steam. I really like this universe and the books in this series are always very feel-good, but for a book that deals with grief I wanted a little more intensity out of it.
I loved Morris as a main character, and there were some moments with him and Reid that had me excited and flipping pages — I think the author did a good job in building chemistry and I truly believed this two fell for each other. However, Reid’s constant waffling about was a bit frustrating; I felt like his reasons to keep “but! but! but!” were so weak, and I would’ve liked more enthusiasm and confidence in their relationship from him.
One detail that really bothered me is how absent Cadence is from this story. You could’ve fully removed her and nothing but the most superficial reason for forced proximity would change. There was such a good opportunity to give Morris and her time to bond together, but instead I forgot there was even a baby for most of the story.
I loved Morris as a main character, and there were some moments with him and Reid that had me excited and flipping pages — I think the author did a good job in building chemistry and I truly believed this two fell for each other. However, Reid’s constant waffling about was a bit frustrating; I felt like his reasons to keep “but! but! but!” were so weak, and I would’ve liked more enthusiasm and confidence in their relationship from him.
One detail that really bothered me is how absent Cadence is from this story. You could’ve fully removed her and nothing but the most superficial reason for forced proximity would change. There was such a good opportunity to give Morris and her time to bond together, but instead I forgot there was even a baby for most of the story.
July 19, 2023
Love After Loss
The Handy Nanny by K. Sterling addresses themes of loss and grieving, but Morris and Penn’s story is so much more than that!
Morris’s twin sister, Michelle, tragically died after delivering her daughter, Cadence. Her death and the loss her family and friends experienced led to Penn joining Morris’s household as Cadence’s nanny.
Please, PLEASE don’t let the heavier subject matter dissuade you from reading this book! It’s a beautiful testament to patience and understanding helping someone navigate loss and finding love in unanticipated and unexpected places. There were also several times I found myself laughing out loud and/or talking to the characters.
Sterling has a wonderful way of writing background characters which makes them shine. I already want several more books in this series for some of the supporting cast of characters. Morris’s parents and Penn’s dad were also scene stealers.
The Handy Nanny by K. Sterling addresses themes of loss and grieving, but Morris and Penn’s story is so much more than that!
Morris’s twin sister, Michelle, tragically died after delivering her daughter, Cadence. Her death and the loss her family and friends experienced led to Penn joining Morris’s household as Cadence’s nanny.
Please, PLEASE don’t let the heavier subject matter dissuade you from reading this book! It’s a beautiful testament to patience and understanding helping someone navigate loss and finding love in unanticipated and unexpected places. There were also several times I found myself laughing out loud and/or talking to the characters.
Sterling has a wonderful way of writing background characters which makes them shine. I already want several more books in this series for some of the supporting cast of characters. Morris’s parents and Penn’s dad were also scene stealers.
November 4, 2023
The grief was so fresh and so raw in this book, it felt honest and real. It was reassuring that Morris's friends and family didn't expect him to go back to normal quickly, they gave him time to grieve while also pushing him to continue to live. I liked Morris as a character, he just seemed like a good guy.
Penn was interesting, he definitely had more hang ups and issues than was alluded to in the previous books but I felt like that made him more real. It gave him more substance than just being a casual hippy and explained his views and his reluctantance. I did like how much he cared for those around him.
They made a cute little family with Cadie even though it came about due to unfortunate circumstances. A good book with good characters. Also, Morris' song for Penn was glorious.
Tiny side note - why do friends in this series kiss each other on the mouth? Is this a normal thing to do in America? It throws me off every time I read it.
Penn was interesting, he definitely had more hang ups and issues than was alluded to in the previous books but I felt like that made him more real. It gave him more substance than just being a casual hippy and explained his views and his reluctantance. I did like how much he cared for those around him.
They made a cute little family with Cadie even though it came about due to unfortunate circumstances. A good book with good characters. Also, Morris' song for Penn was glorious.
Tiny side note - why do friends in this series kiss each other on the mouth? Is this a normal thing to do in America? It throws me off every time I read it.
October 21, 2023
It can be hard to write about delicate themes, but K. Sterling manages perfectly.
The loss of a twin is bad on it's own. The gain of a baby while dealing with that loss? Makes your life very hard to balance. How do you manage the care of a new fragile life while your own turns to dust?
The link between twins is kind of magic. It takes a magical person to help you get back on your feet. Luckily, after Morris sister Michelle dies, leaving his twin brother with the newborn Cadence to care for, Pennsylvania Tucker, a hippie nanny/ handyman that has too much love to give for his own good and cannot sit still without repurposing or fixing things, comes to the rescue. Will he fix Morris and maybe fix his own problems while he is at it?
The loss of a twin is bad on it's own. The gain of a baby while dealing with that loss? Makes your life very hard to balance. How do you manage the care of a new fragile life while your own turns to dust?
The link between twins is kind of magic. It takes a magical person to help you get back on your feet. Luckily, after Morris sister Michelle dies, leaving his twin brother with the newborn Cadence to care for, Pennsylvania Tucker, a hippie nanny/ handyman that has too much love to give for his own good and cannot sit still without repurposing or fixing things, comes to the rescue. Will he fix Morris and maybe fix his own problems while he is at it?
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