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Nanny Dearest
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Late for an important Hollywood event and stood up by his usual babysitter, Hunter Monroe hires a sitter sight unseen to watch his son. The last person he expects to find when he opens the door is a twenty-three year old man with long black hair, a gorgeous face, beautiful blue eyes and flawless skin.
Terry Rayburn isn’t sure what to make of Hunter Monroe or the strange feelings that he get whenever the man looks at him. He’s never had a real family before but feels right at home whenever he visits the Monroe mansion to care for Hunter’s infant son Chase. Chase is adorable but he seems to have an unusual attachment to Terry from day one. Is it just his imagination, or does baby has plans of his own?
Late for an important Hollywood event and stood up by his usual babysitter, Hunter Monroe hires a sitter sight unseen to watch his son. The last person he expects to find when he opens the door is a twenty-three year old man with long black hair, a gorgeous face, beautiful blue eyes and flawless skin.
Terry Rayburn isn’t sure what to make of Hunter Monroe or the strange feelings that he get whenever the man looks at him. He’s never had a real family before but feels right at home whenever he visits the Monroe mansion to care for Hunter’s infant son Chase. Chase is adorable but he seems to have an unusual attachment to Terry from day one. Is it just his imagination, or does baby has plans of his own?
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2012
10 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Bailey
121 books58 followersShawn Bailey hails from New Orleans, LA, where she works as a programmer and help desk administrator. Shawn loves mangas and anime. Her current hobbies are watching Japanese and Korean dramas, when she has the spare time. She’s also trying to learn to speak and read both Japanese and Korean. She’s also into Korean pop music and can often be found with her MP3 player attached to her head. Shawn is single and enjoying the heck out it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 8, 2012
I really wanted to like this story. I love stories with kids especially m/m ones. However, this story was rushed from word one. It moved through time like water through a facet. It was horrible. There was no chemistry to speak of between the main characters. The whole Chase calling Terry Mama was creeping me out. I didn't believe in their relationship at all so the whole marriage thing I rolled my eyes at. After the last word was read I deleted this book from my kindle. I only gave it one star because of the baby on the cover.
January 7, 2012
This review might contain some spoilers
What I loved
* The sweetness of the story. It was truly adorable in some places. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the two men and the baby. I LOVED how the baby insisted in calling Terry mama.
* I liked Hunters career - I have been reading romance both m/f and then later m/m for years and not once have I come across someone working as a cosmetician. Let alone owning the biggest cosmetic company in America.
* I loved the supporting cast. Joel was funny and so was Adam. I think the author has great characterization skills but needs work in other areas of his/her writing.
What I loathed
* The ex in-laws sued for custody. I thought...okay this is a overused plot twist but I can deal. But then they gave up after visiting the house once AND miraculously knew that Hunter and Terry were in a relationship and then wished them well. I was left thinking WTF why even introduce the ex in-laws as a protagonist if they were then going to turn into angels? I was going to give this a higher rating until this happened at the end.
* The sex scenes were pretty unsatisfying. The entire feel/tone of the book was similar to a Harlequin romance, where there is lots of teasing for most of the book and lots of interruptions. I can deal with the teasing but when they did have sex I came out of the scene thinking OUCH. It was very realistic for a virgin BUT not very sexy. I thought Hunter could have done more to make his first time more sensual.
* I had one of Bubbles WTF Moments Hunter is trying to impress his ex in-laws with how responsible he is and how responsible his nanny is. Then he turns around and uses Terry as a model for his company. I was thinking WTF do you think your ex in-laws are gonna do when they see his nanny plastered all over product advertisment.
In Conclusion
I felt that the author is fairly new to the industry and could benefit from a good editor. In fact most of the things I didnt like could have been fixed at the suggestion of an editor.
This is book would be great for those that like more romance and less sex. I found the sweetness of the story satisfying but I had issues with the lack of sensuality.
What I loved
* The sweetness of the story. It was truly adorable in some places. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the two men and the baby. I LOVED how the baby insisted in calling Terry mama.
* I liked Hunters career - I have been reading romance both m/f and then later m/m for years and not once have I come across someone working as a cosmetician. Let alone owning the biggest cosmetic company in America.
* I loved the supporting cast. Joel was funny and so was Adam. I think the author has great characterization skills but needs work in other areas of his/her writing.
What I loathed
* The ex in-laws sued for custody. I thought...okay this is a overused plot twist but I can deal. But then they gave up after visiting the house once AND miraculously knew that Hunter and Terry were in a relationship and then wished them well. I was left thinking WTF why even introduce the ex in-laws as a protagonist if they were then going to turn into angels? I was going to give this a higher rating until this happened at the end.
* The sex scenes were pretty unsatisfying. The entire feel/tone of the book was similar to a Harlequin romance, where there is lots of teasing for most of the book and lots of interruptions. I can deal with the teasing but when they did have sex I came out of the scene thinking OUCH. It was very realistic for a virgin BUT not very sexy. I thought Hunter could have done more to make his first time more sensual.
* I had one of Bubbles WTF Moments Hunter is trying to impress his ex in-laws with how responsible he is and how responsible his nanny is. Then he turns around and uses Terry as a model for his company. I was thinking WTF do you think your ex in-laws are gonna do when they see his nanny plastered all over product advertisment.
In Conclusion
I felt that the author is fairly new to the industry and could benefit from a good editor. In fact most of the things I didnt like could have been fixed at the suggestion of an editor.
This is book would be great for those that like more romance and less sex. I found the sweetness of the story satisfying but I had issues with the lack of sensuality.
May 14, 2016
Leaving a child, especially a very young one like Chase in this story, with someone else must be one of the hardest things to do for a parent. Whether the carer is a nanny or a babysitter is just a difference of degrees of worry, I think. And when the deceased mother’s parents sue for custody on top of everything else, the situation comes close to a nightmare. That is what Hunter, a successful businessman, has to contend with when his current nanny gets married and he is up the creek, so to speak, without someone to watch over his eighteen-month-old son.
Hunter has already been through quite a bit. He used to party all the time, as did the mother of his son, but where he matured, stopped drinking five years ago, and started a successful business, Chase’s mother remained out of control and died in an accident. Of course her parents blame Hunter…. And thus begins his search for a permanent nanny in the hopes of keeping custody. The other reason is that he doesn’t really like to leave Chase in daycare, but what choice does he have? And even though Terry isn’t what he expected (Hunter has some very prejudiced ideas about what a nanny should be like), he is obviously qualified for the job – and extremely attractive to boot.
In walks Terry. It was supposed to be a one-time babysitting gig when Hunter’s babysitter flaked out without warning, but Chase loves Terry, and with an upcoming degree in childcare and nutrition, Terry knows he could do the job. Not to mention that he likes Hunter, but that is just a bonus. Neither of the men expect the attraction to continue to grow, and when push comes to shove, Terry is the one to decide he wants to stay on despite all the other career choices he has.
If you like stories about unexpected nannies who turn into more, if you enjoy reading about career men who have to figure out how to manage a child as well as a busy job and if you’re looking for a short, fun read with some hot loving, the you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Hunter has already been through quite a bit. He used to party all the time, as did the mother of his son, but where he matured, stopped drinking five years ago, and started a successful business, Chase’s mother remained out of control and died in an accident. Of course her parents blame Hunter…. And thus begins his search for a permanent nanny in the hopes of keeping custody. The other reason is that he doesn’t really like to leave Chase in daycare, but what choice does he have? And even though Terry isn’t what he expected (Hunter has some very prejudiced ideas about what a nanny should be like), he is obviously qualified for the job – and extremely attractive to boot.
In walks Terry. It was supposed to be a one-time babysitting gig when Hunter’s babysitter flaked out without warning, but Chase loves Terry, and with an upcoming degree in childcare and nutrition, Terry knows he could do the job. Not to mention that he likes Hunter, but that is just a bonus. Neither of the men expect the attraction to continue to grow, and when push comes to shove, Terry is the one to decide he wants to stay on despite all the other career choices he has.
If you like stories about unexpected nannies who turn into more, if you enjoy reading about career men who have to figure out how to manage a child as well as a busy job and if you’re looking for a short, fun read with some hot loving, the you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 13, 2012
I really wanted to love this book. I think I would have, if it had been fleshed out a little more, and if the dialogue were a little more natural sounding.
What I liked:
Chase. It is really tricky to write a convincing child (or at least, it's challenging to me). Yes, Chase is just a toddler, but he doesn't feel like a plot device. He's about the *only* thing that doesn't feel like a plot device (by which I mean, he feels like a natural, organic part of the story, not something the author threw in, like the grandparents.)
I love the idea/premise; in fact, I'd been waiting for this book to come out for a week or so, since I read the first promo for it on LRC (or some other list, but I think it was that one).
The writing was by and large clean, clear, and concise. It wasn't high literary prose, but the reading was smooth and easy.
What I don't like (spoilers)
The dialogue is really, really flat and down right unrealistic in places.
The grandparents suing for custody It would have worked for me if Hunter had *just* gotten custody, but he's been taking care of Chase for over a year. In reality, it is *very* difficult to sever a parent's custodial rights.
Hunter's obsession with turning Terry into a model was borderline creepy (to me). If the book were longer and the conversations about it were drawn over a period of time, this might not have bothered me.
Terry's issues with having to wear make up if he did it was more than borderline annoying. Everybody knows actors and models wear make up.
How quickly and easily things fell into place between Hunter and Terry. I *love* love at first sight stories, but things just moved too fast here, for me. There needed to be more story, more getting to know each other. More tension.
How quickly things fell into place for Terry and Hunter's lives. It was too neat, too easy.
Ingra or Inga or whatever her name was, the flat, stereotype Eastern European Nanny. I understand the need for and use of stereotypes--but did we *really* need this one? She didn't actually contribute anything.
There were half a dozen or so other little things that wouldn't have bothered me if it weren't for the larger issues. In a longer novel, it's easy to sweep little imperfections under the rug and forget about them.
As a strictly personal observation, it seems like a lot of m/m writers (and maybe het rom writers too, but I don't read much of m/f) are rushing to produce titles. Quality is being sacrificed for quantity (thanks for pointing out the typo!) Most of the time that doesn't bug me, but all of the ingredients were there in Nanny Dearest. This *should* have been an amazing, sweet love story. It would have been if it the story hadn't felt so rushed.
EDIT:
I've read a few more novella length books lately that felt like all of the ideas were there, but they just needed a little more fleshing out to make it really work. So maybe it's more a trend of novellas than novels (although I've read some really amazing novellas, too).
What I liked:
Chase. It is really tricky to write a convincing child (or at least, it's challenging to me). Yes, Chase is just a toddler, but he doesn't feel like a plot device. He's about the *only* thing that doesn't feel like a plot device (by which I mean, he feels like a natural, organic part of the story, not something the author threw in, like the grandparents.)
I love the idea/premise; in fact, I'd been waiting for this book to come out for a week or so, since I read the first promo for it on LRC (or some other list, but I think it was that one).
The writing was by and large clean, clear, and concise. It wasn't high literary prose, but the reading was smooth and easy.
What I don't like (spoilers)
The dialogue is really, really flat and down right unrealistic in places.
The grandparents suing for custody It would have worked for me if Hunter had *just* gotten custody, but he's been taking care of Chase for over a year. In reality, it is *very* difficult to sever a parent's custodial rights.
Hunter's obsession with turning Terry into a model was borderline creepy (to me). If the book were longer and the conversations about it were drawn over a period of time, this might not have bothered me.
Terry's issues with having to wear make up if he did it was more than borderline annoying. Everybody knows actors and models wear make up.
How quickly and easily things fell into place between Hunter and Terry. I *love* love at first sight stories, but things just moved too fast here, for me. There needed to be more story, more getting to know each other. More tension.
How quickly things fell into place for Terry and Hunter's lives. It was too neat, too easy.
Ingra or Inga or whatever her name was, the flat, stereotype Eastern European Nanny. I understand the need for and use of stereotypes--but did we *really* need this one? She didn't actually contribute anything.
There were half a dozen or so other little things that wouldn't have bothered me if it weren't for the larger issues. In a longer novel, it's easy to sweep little imperfections under the rug and forget about them.
As a strictly personal observation, it seems like a lot of m/m writers (and maybe het rom writers too, but I don't read much of m/f) are rushing to produce titles. Quality is being sacrificed for quantity (thanks for pointing out the typo!) Most of the time that doesn't bug me, but all of the ingredients were there in Nanny Dearest. This *should* have been an amazing, sweet love story. It would have been if it the story hadn't felt so rushed.
EDIT:
I've read a few more novella length books lately that felt like all of the ideas were there, but they just needed a little more fleshing out to make it really work. So maybe it's more a trend of novellas than novels (although I've read some really amazing novellas, too).
March 20, 2012
This had a good story line with a lot of potential that fell short of it mark. The romance between the two main characters seemed rushed at best and not very believable. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s not the worst I have read. I was entertained for a couple of hours so I would read another book by this author.
Want to read
December 2, 2011Oh, hells yeah, I love a book with babies!! Can't wait!
not-for-me
January 8, 2012sounds offensive and just poor writing and editing... one of the guys looks like a girl and is called mama? why not just write MF then if you don't think two guys can raise a kid...
May 4, 2016
This book probably benefited from being the one I read directly after The Family We Make, seeing as I couldn’t handle anything at all serious for like a day after I finished that book. I dearly needed low-angst, pure-fluff, and this book certainly has all that.
Hunter is in desperate need of a nanny. His last one went and got (inconveniently) married, and somehow trying to run a business and trying to take care of a one-year-old, don’t seem to work all that well together. So when one of his friends tells him that his babysitter can take Chase off of Hunter’s hands for the night, Hunter is extremely relieved. He just didn’t realize that Terry, babysitter extraordinaire!, was a guy, not a girl-–or that keeping his hands off said guy would be rather harder than he thought.
This was a really quick read, with hardly any angst at all. There was a bit of a thing with Chase’s grandparents, but in the end that gets resolved rather nicely, and everything comes up all roses and frollicking rainbow-colored unicorns by the end.
I think my main problem with this book is the number of cliches it decided to throw at us, at any given moment. Especially when Hunter was interviewing the nannies (a tall, thick, stern, blonde lady named Inga? Really?). I just found myself repeatedly rolling my eyes at the things that happened in this book. And while I am thankful that this book didn’t drag me thru angst hell, a little more variety would have been nice.
Also, while the whole ma-ma thing with Chase and Terry was adorable, the constant attention that Terry got because of his hair started to get a bit boring by the end of the story. It was fun and interesting the first few times it a happened but when it happens every scene, I very much want to just tell them that I get it, now can we move on please…
Still, cute story, with a very cute (if probably demon-possessed) kid.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Hunter is in desperate need of a nanny. His last one went and got (inconveniently) married, and somehow trying to run a business and trying to take care of a one-year-old, don’t seem to work all that well together. So when one of his friends tells him that his babysitter can take Chase off of Hunter’s hands for the night, Hunter is extremely relieved. He just didn’t realize that Terry, babysitter extraordinaire!, was a guy, not a girl-–or that keeping his hands off said guy would be rather harder than he thought.
This was a really quick read, with hardly any angst at all. There was a bit of a thing with Chase’s grandparents, but in the end that gets resolved rather nicely, and everything comes up all roses and frollicking rainbow-colored unicorns by the end.
I think my main problem with this book is the number of cliches it decided to throw at us, at any given moment. Especially when Hunter was interviewing the nannies (a tall, thick, stern, blonde lady named Inga? Really?). I just found myself repeatedly rolling my eyes at the things that happened in this book. And while I am thankful that this book didn’t drag me thru angst hell, a little more variety would have been nice.
Also, while the whole ma-ma thing with Chase and Terry was adorable, the constant attention that Terry got because of his hair started to get a bit boring by the end of the story. It was fun and interesting the first few times it a happened but when it happens every scene, I very much want to just tell them that I get it, now can we move on please…
Still, cute story, with a very cute (if probably demon-possessed) kid.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
January 16, 2012
I can't think of anything new to say about this book that hasn't already been said.
But I feel I have to mention my favorite WTH moment,
Its a 1 star really but I'm pushing it up to 2 because Chase was a cutie, and if you read it as a semi parody then its kinda funny.
But I feel I have to mention my favorite WTH moment,
Its a 1 star really but I'm pushing it up to 2 because Chase was a cutie, and if you read it as a semi parody then its kinda funny.
January 7, 2012
I have no words to say....so read LAs review: LA's review
October 2, 2014
Hunter is a cosmetician and the owner of a famous cosmetics company. He is somehow involved with a woman and they have a lovely baby, Chase. Suddenly the mother is killed in a drunk driving incident, leaving Chase in Hunter’s hands.
Caught flat footed he asks a friend for help covering day care and is recommended Terry a male baby-sitter. Though a little uncomfortable with a male baby-sitter, even though Hunter himself is a gay cosmetician, he agrees to let Terry stay.
Chase falls in love and immediately becomes attached to the long, raven-haired man/boy he calls “mama”.
In a strange few days Hunter decides to hire Terry as his live in nanny as well as his next “It” model for an up and coming advertising campaign, even though Terry dislikes make up and notoriety.
The virginal Terry finds himself swept up with Hunter’s charm, captivated by Chase’s cuteness and swimming in money and job offers after completing his modeling job.
It’s a HEA for this strange pair, now trio (if you count baby Chase) as the threat of a lawsuit from Chase’s maternal grandparents melts away.
This is a strange, short book, full of odd phrasing and weird non-sequiturs. Even though this is a book from 2012, the nanny makes a “mix-tape” for the baby. I found that kind of odd.
Some of the dialog used is a little odd too. After interviewing Terry for a baby-sitting job Hunter tells him “You sound like a very responsible young man and you have flawless skin.” Without any irony or embarrassment. Terry doesn’t act like it’s a weird statement either.
The “mama” thing was a little disconcerting too, Hunter tells Terry he thinks the gender confusion was “kind of cute” and it persists every time Terry let’s his hair down, even though it clearly bothers Terry.
I know we can find all kinds examples of insta-love in books and this story line can work depending on how its spun, but in this book, before the two even kiss, or even acknowledge they are attracted to one another, or even establish they are both gay, Terry’s roommate, Joel, asks Terry “Do you love him?” and Terry says “I don’t know what I feel.” Then Terry proceeds to tell Joel that he thinks Hunter feels the same way about him. Huh? Where was I when this happened?
Terry next debates with Joel whether or not Hunter is even gay. “Has he gotten an erection in your presence?” asks Joel. “Getting an erection still does not mean anything.” Terry responds. Uh… what? You love him and thinks he loves you but you aren’t sure if he’s gay?
I was just a bit confused by all this. The pacing was off and just didn’t make sense sometimes. The relationship between Hunter and Terry had weird vibes too. When Hunter is “seducing” Terry for the first time, he asks him if he wants to watch a movie then sets him in front of a porn and Terry’s response is “Oh, my word,” and covering his eyes. It felt a little creepy to me.
It was just an odd, jolting, strange courtship that happened over the course of about a week and never felt authentic or connected. I really don’t mind things moving quickly, but acknowledging the speed helps to normalize it for the reader. This just felt weird.
I had enjoyed the last Shawn Bailey book I reviewed, so I was disappointed by the strange, juvenile feel to this book. Nanny Dearest was written earlier than the other book I read, so perhaps this book is just much less polished than her later work.
I can’t really recommend it unfortunately and I give it a 2 of 5 hearts.
Caught flat footed he asks a friend for help covering day care and is recommended Terry a male baby-sitter. Though a little uncomfortable with a male baby-sitter, even though Hunter himself is a gay cosmetician, he agrees to let Terry stay.
Chase falls in love and immediately becomes attached to the long, raven-haired man/boy he calls “mama”.
In a strange few days Hunter decides to hire Terry as his live in nanny as well as his next “It” model for an up and coming advertising campaign, even though Terry dislikes make up and notoriety.
The virginal Terry finds himself swept up with Hunter’s charm, captivated by Chase’s cuteness and swimming in money and job offers after completing his modeling job.
It’s a HEA for this strange pair, now trio (if you count baby Chase) as the threat of a lawsuit from Chase’s maternal grandparents melts away.
This is a strange, short book, full of odd phrasing and weird non-sequiturs. Even though this is a book from 2012, the nanny makes a “mix-tape” for the baby. I found that kind of odd.
Some of the dialog used is a little odd too. After interviewing Terry for a baby-sitting job Hunter tells him “You sound like a very responsible young man and you have flawless skin.” Without any irony or embarrassment. Terry doesn’t act like it’s a weird statement either.
The “mama” thing was a little disconcerting too, Hunter tells Terry he thinks the gender confusion was “kind of cute” and it persists every time Terry let’s his hair down, even though it clearly bothers Terry.
I know we can find all kinds examples of insta-love in books and this story line can work depending on how its spun, but in this book, before the two even kiss, or even acknowledge they are attracted to one another, or even establish they are both gay, Terry’s roommate, Joel, asks Terry “Do you love him?” and Terry says “I don’t know what I feel.” Then Terry proceeds to tell Joel that he thinks Hunter feels the same way about him. Huh? Where was I when this happened?
Terry next debates with Joel whether or not Hunter is even gay. “Has he gotten an erection in your presence?” asks Joel. “Getting an erection still does not mean anything.” Terry responds. Uh… what? You love him and thinks he loves you but you aren’t sure if he’s gay?
I was just a bit confused by all this. The pacing was off and just didn’t make sense sometimes. The relationship between Hunter and Terry had weird vibes too. When Hunter is “seducing” Terry for the first time, he asks him if he wants to watch a movie then sets him in front of a porn and Terry’s response is “Oh, my word,” and covering his eyes. It felt a little creepy to me.
It was just an odd, jolting, strange courtship that happened over the course of about a week and never felt authentic or connected. I really don’t mind things moving quickly, but acknowledging the speed helps to normalize it for the reader. This just felt weird.
I had enjoyed the last Shawn Bailey book I reviewed, so I was disappointed by the strange, juvenile feel to this book. Nanny Dearest was written earlier than the other book I read, so perhaps this book is just much less polished than her later work.
I can’t really recommend it unfortunately and I give it a 2 of 5 hearts.
May 30, 2016
Shawn Bailey is a new-to-me author, and the writing was simple, easy to read, and follow. I just didn’t care for this book. I might try this author again, as I really wanted to enjoy the story—I love men with children plots. The storyline is common for this trope; man with a child needs a nanny and poof…a sexy one shows up…but Nanny Dearest fell flat for me from almost the very beginning.
I felt so bad for the Terry. I loved his character. He’s trying to make his way through college and into grad school, and honestly appears to love children. But it felt as if there was no chemistry between Hunter and Terry.
I could have easily fallen for this MC, Hunter, and nearly did fall for his little infant son, Chase, but there was just something about the way Hunter interacted with Terry that set me uneasy. I felt that Hunter’s overt and almost constant touching of Terry was kinda creepy. The way he kept pushing Terry to model for him, to wear the make-up needed for the shoots, in spite of Terry’s objections, really irritated me.
It also felt as if Terry was being emasculated from the beginning by Chase, and Hunter never did anything to correct this behaviour. The baby is one, how can I say this? It was all in the context. Children are stubborn, I know, I’ve got one, but little kids learning who they are, can be especially difficult. However, this felt like something more. Chase’s insistence on calling Terry ‘mama’ felt like a denial of Terry himself. It had that ‘aww’ thing once, but each time it was repeated, it became more annoying. Neither Hunter nor Terry seemed to want to do anything about this, though Terry seemed to be discouraged with it happening.
There’s some conflict with Chase’s grandparents that was almost comically hand waved away, when it should have been serious business. After they congratulated Hunter and Terry on their relationship, the conflict was dropped and we had our happily ever after.
The book left me with a bit of whiplash on the reasons why things occurred as they did and I felt that if the author wanted to write this cute premise of a story with a female protagonist, this would have been darling.
Reviewed by Angel for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
I felt so bad for the Terry. I loved his character. He’s trying to make his way through college and into grad school, and honestly appears to love children. But it felt as if there was no chemistry between Hunter and Terry.
I could have easily fallen for this MC, Hunter, and nearly did fall for his little infant son, Chase, but there was just something about the way Hunter interacted with Terry that set me uneasy. I felt that Hunter’s overt and almost constant touching of Terry was kinda creepy. The way he kept pushing Terry to model for him, to wear the make-up needed for the shoots, in spite of Terry’s objections, really irritated me.
It also felt as if Terry was being emasculated from the beginning by Chase, and Hunter never did anything to correct this behaviour. The baby is one, how can I say this? It was all in the context. Children are stubborn, I know, I’ve got one, but little kids learning who they are, can be especially difficult. However, this felt like something more. Chase’s insistence on calling Terry ‘mama’ felt like a denial of Terry himself. It had that ‘aww’ thing once, but each time it was repeated, it became more annoying. Neither Hunter nor Terry seemed to want to do anything about this, though Terry seemed to be discouraged with it happening.
There’s some conflict with Chase’s grandparents that was almost comically hand waved away, when it should have been serious business. After they congratulated Hunter and Terry on their relationship, the conflict was dropped and we had our happily ever after.
The book left me with a bit of whiplash on the reasons why things occurred as they did and I felt that if the author wanted to write this cute premise of a story with a female protagonist, this would have been darling.
Reviewed by Angel for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
May 14, 2016
Leaving a child, especially a very young one like Chase in this story, with someone else must be one of the hardest things to do for a parent. Whether the carer is a nanny or a babysitter is just a difference of degrees of worry, I think. And when the deceased mother’s parents sue for custody on top of everything else, the situation comes close to a nightmare. That is what Hunter, a successful businessman, has to contend with when his current nanny gets married and he is up the creek, so to speak, without someone to watch over his eighteen-month-old son.
Hunter has already been through quite a bit. He used to party all the time, as did the mother of his son, but where he matured, stopped drinking five years ago, and started a successful business, Chase’s mother remained out of control and died in an accident. Of course her parents blame Hunter…. And thus begins his search for a permanent nanny in the hopes of keeping custody. The other reason is that he doesn’t really like to leave Chase in daycare, but what choice does he have? And even though Terry isn’t what he expected (Hunter has some very prejudiced ideas about what a nanny should be like), he is obviously qualified for the job – and extremely attractive to boot.
In walks Terry. It was supposed to be a one-time babysitting gig when Hunter’s babysitter flaked out without warning, but Chase loves Terry, and with an upcoming degree in childcare and nutrition, Terry knows he could do the job. Not to mention that he likes Hunter, but that is just a bonus. Neither of the men expect the attraction to continue to grow, and when push comes to shove, Terry is the one to decide he wants to stay on despite all the other career choices he has.
If you like stories about unexpected nannies who turn into more, if you enjoy reading about career men who have to figure out how to manage a child as well as a busy job and if you’re looking for a short, fun read with some hot loving, the you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Hunter has already been through quite a bit. He used to party all the time, as did the mother of his son, but where he matured, stopped drinking five years ago, and started a successful business, Chase’s mother remained out of control and died in an accident. Of course her parents blame Hunter…. And thus begins his search for a permanent nanny in the hopes of keeping custody. The other reason is that he doesn’t really like to leave Chase in daycare, but what choice does he have? And even though Terry isn’t what he expected (Hunter has some very prejudiced ideas about what a nanny should be like), he is obviously qualified for the job – and extremely attractive to boot.
In walks Terry. It was supposed to be a one-time babysitting gig when Hunter’s babysitter flaked out without warning, but Chase loves Terry, and with an upcoming degree in childcare and nutrition, Terry knows he could do the job. Not to mention that he likes Hunter, but that is just a bonus. Neither of the men expect the attraction to continue to grow, and when push comes to shove, Terry is the one to decide he wants to stay on despite all the other career choices he has.
If you like stories about unexpected nannies who turn into more, if you enjoy reading about career men who have to figure out how to manage a child as well as a busy job and if you’re looking for a short, fun read with some hot loving, the you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 4, 2013
Okay, so this could have been a 4 or even 5 star read. I had some major issues though and I could not give it more than 3. In some ways my three has been rounded up because I like to be nice. Nanny Dearest starts off relatively well. A single father is looking for a nanny for his one year old son, Chase.
My first issue
Hunter ends asking Terry to look after his son for the night. Eventually though he needs him again and here's where my second issue came in. It just creeped me out in the end and I was not able to get past it. Maybe had that not been in this I would have liked it a lot more.
I found myself asking several times. Why is Terry okay with this? His character for me was... Strange maybe, I just think the author could have gone so far with him and instead we got a sissy and very girly character. Of course there's nothing wrong with that, but still... I like there to be something in a character like him that makes me think.
The two MC's... I have really no idea where the attraction came from or the love. I know they had reactions to each other, but everything seemed rushed or lacking. The ending, which I normally would have loved was spoiled for me. Have I mentioned that the situation creeped me out?
Not really recommended. Someone might not get creeped out.
My first issue
Hunter ends asking Terry to look after his son for the night. Eventually though he needs him again and here's where my second issue came in. It just creeped me out in the end and I was not able to get past it. Maybe had that not been in this I would have liked it a lot more.
I found myself asking several times. Why is Terry okay with this? His character for me was... Strange maybe, I just think the author could have gone so far with him and instead we got a sissy and very girly character. Of course there's nothing wrong with that, but still... I like there to be something in a character like him that makes me think.
The two MC's... I have really no idea where the attraction came from or the love. I know they had reactions to each other, but everything seemed rushed or lacking. The ending, which I normally would have loved was spoiled for me. Have I mentioned that the situation creeped me out?
Not really recommended. Someone might not get creeped out.
February 2, 2012
I think I have some masochistic tendencies. No, I know I have some because there's no other explanation for my finishing this book.
The mama Terry thing was not only creepy but just utterly stupid. I tried to understand that a baby seeing a guy with long hair could think him a girl. But does a baby think in such terms - this is a boy, and that is a girl? So every boy with short hair is daddy and every girl with long hair is mama? Duh?
And I really tried to find the baby Chase cute, but every time I "heard" him calling Terry 'ma-ma', I cringed.
Now let me tell you something about the chemistry between the two MCs. What? There was some chemistry? Where? Exactly! Where?! The sex scenes were sooo… disappointingly bland. *sighs*
As for the plot, duh?!, there was a plot? *sighs again* Another disappointment. I thought that with Hunter's ex-in-laws fighting for custody of Chase there would be some excitement, but I was asking for too much it seems. Yep, I'm soooo demanding *another eye roll*
Oh, and let's not forget about Seriously, how long have they known each other? That was so totally out of the blue. *sighs* Geez, I feel like I'm doing nothing but sighing *sighs*
So what if the book was stupid and boring? I have masochistic tendencies, remember? The question is 'do you, my friend have them, too?'
The mama Terry thing was not only creepy but just utterly stupid. I tried to understand that a baby seeing a guy with long hair could think him a girl. But does a baby think in such terms - this is a boy, and that is a girl? So every boy with short hair is daddy and every girl with long hair is mama? Duh?
And I really tried to find the baby Chase cute, but every time I "heard" him calling Terry 'ma-ma', I cringed.
Now let me tell you something about the chemistry between the two MCs. What? There was some chemistry? Where? Exactly! Where?! The sex scenes were sooo… disappointingly bland. *sighs*
As for the plot, duh?!, there was a plot? *sighs again* Another disappointment. I thought that with Hunter's ex-in-laws fighting for custody of Chase there would be some excitement, but I was asking for too much it seems. Yep, I'm soooo demanding *another eye roll*
Oh, and let's not forget about Seriously, how long have they known each other? That was so totally out of the blue. *sighs* Geez, I feel like I'm doing nothing but sighing *sighs*
So what if the book was stupid and boring? I have masochistic tendencies, remember? The question is 'do you, my friend have them, too?'
June 16, 2015
Running a successful business is hard work anywhere, especially so in Hollywood. One of the best cosmeticians in town, Hunter Monroe is busy with his company and being a full time single parent.
Years of partying and drinking with his ex Rebecca were great, but then their son Chase came along. Rebecca didn’t want to be tied down so Hunter assumed full custody which became a moot point after she died in an alcohol related car accident.
Chase’s nanny abruptly quits which leaves Hunter in the lurch. His best friend Adam Becall recommends the college student he’s used in the past, Terry Rayburn who’s about to graduate with a degree in childcare. Adding to the pressure in Hunter’s life is Rebecca’s parents who want to raise Chase. One problem is addressed and helped along when Chase meets Terry and adores him. Convincing the ex-in-laws is the next issue and of course keep his business running successfully. One other little thing… throttle down the lust and imagining the nanny in his bed.
Trust and tenderness is sincerely brought forth in Nanny Dearest. The beguiling characters and a real feel for a blossoming relationship makes for a very entertaining read. A dollop of humor, a new father finding his way, and a young man ready to take on responsibility add up to Nanny Dearest in all the right ways possible.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1KVhAeK
Years of partying and drinking with his ex Rebecca were great, but then their son Chase came along. Rebecca didn’t want to be tied down so Hunter assumed full custody which became a moot point after she died in an alcohol related car accident.
Chase’s nanny abruptly quits which leaves Hunter in the lurch. His best friend Adam Becall recommends the college student he’s used in the past, Terry Rayburn who’s about to graduate with a degree in childcare. Adding to the pressure in Hunter’s life is Rebecca’s parents who want to raise Chase. One problem is addressed and helped along when Chase meets Terry and adores him. Convincing the ex-in-laws is the next issue and of course keep his business running successfully. One other little thing… throttle down the lust and imagining the nanny in his bed.
Trust and tenderness is sincerely brought forth in Nanny Dearest. The beguiling characters and a real feel for a blossoming relationship makes for a very entertaining read. A dollop of humor, a new father finding his way, and a young man ready to take on responsibility add up to Nanny Dearest in all the right ways possible.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1KVhAeK
August 17, 2012
Hmm, well, it was okay. And unless I hate it, I don't like to rate under 3 stars. So here's how I feel...
September 2, 2013
3.5 stars. I have a bit of mixed feeling about it. I like pretty but oblivious to his beauty kind of men. So I love Terry. I like men with power and money. So I like Hunter. And I loooove nanny stories.
But I have an issue with this one's plot flowing. I like the story and the big picture of it, but there are not enough emotions, nothing I would want to call it love.
I donno, it would have been better if it took time and pages to develop the characters and the relationship.
But I have an issue with this one's plot flowing. I like the story and the big picture of it, but there are not enough emotions, nothing I would want to call it love.
I donno, it would have been better if it took time and pages to develop the characters and the relationship.
Read
January 20, 2012It was a nice book and I mostly enjoyed reading it, but I do agree with some other readers, that the writing's kinda juvenile and the second part of the story do look like a Harlequin romance (not that I've read a lot of those, but still). I loved the sweetness, but there's still a lot of room for improvement :)
January 1, 2014
This book was strange and had me scratching my head. In the first half of the book, it read as if both of the characters were straight, then suddenly they're both gay. I also felt like most of the plot points were added in randomly and then discarded just as quickly. The baby was cute, but certainly not enough to save this book.
January 20, 2012
Wow what an unrealistic mm story. I admit, the comic was written really good. And Chase what adorable. But all romantic emotions between Hunter and Terry just didn't fit. And the sex scene at the end, wow what a bad written work. It wasn't even romantic. And I wont start how low on the scale of hotness it was. For my taste at the bottom.
January 28, 2012
I'm glad I gave this book a try even after seeing some of the negative reviews that it was given. It's a sweet read with no drama so if your looking for something light and sweet it's good. I usually do not like stories dealing with babies but this one was an okay read. Father and son meets Terry and both fall in love with him and lives HEA.
January 7, 2012
I was in the twilight zone. Suddenly at 48% of the book the 2 men become gay. WTH!,,,, the author did not bring her point across properly at all, and what's up with the grandparents. One meeting with the Nanny and they back off. Just too much for me.
May 13, 2012
2.5*
Could have been much better, but was simply too short. CliffsNotes comes to mind:)
Could have been much better, but was simply too short. CliffsNotes comes to mind:)
January 14, 2012
Perfect people live perfect lives and have perfect sex, the end.
That's it. That's the entire novel. That's all there is to it. You're free! You're free!
That's it. That's the entire novel. That's all there is to it. You're free! You're free!
September 12, 2016
I should have known better!!
January 31, 2012
I love this story!! I've read it at least ten times...I love Chase! He rocks...lol
November 26, 2012
1.5 stars
The story was unrealistic and I couldn't connect with the characters.
The story was unrealistic and I couldn't connect with the characters.
April 26, 2019
Nah... not for me.
Cute kid but what about that mama thing? Weird...
Cute kid but what about that mama thing? Weird...
May 31, 2022
Definitely lust at first sight.
I hate when the author didn't give much background story about Hunter and Chase's mother. Did he loved her as lover or a friend?
I hate when the author didn't give much background story about Hunter and Chase's mother. Did he loved her as lover or a friend?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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