Man Handle

On a Manhunt #6

by Vanessa Vale

It’s lust at first sight. I’ve fallen for the… former pageant queen?
What happened to my life? One minute I’m just a single dad and fire chief. The next, I’m Mr. January.
That’s right, Georgia from Georgia’s been hired to organize the annual fundraiser. She’s not satisfied with a chili dinner. No. She came up with the crazy idea of a firefighter calendar. With puppies and kittens.

The department’s gone crazy over the idea. And her.

So has my six-year old because he thinks she’s shown up to be his new mom. For that to happen, she has to be mine. Sure, I want her. She’s gorgeous. Sassy. Smart. But she’s not sticking. I won’t have a little boy’s heart broken when she leaves.

Or is it mine I’m worried about?

And my life? Will it ever be the same? Do I want it to?

With all the books in the On A Manhunt series, it’s always open season on men.

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Firefighters, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.

You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com

Reviews

[Vanessa Vale]

Available now!

Grab your copy today!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/48uqbGD
Amazon Worldwide: https://bit.ly/manhandle_amz_world

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3tePDQf

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Trope: opposites attract
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1/2

Thought this was just a really sweet story about two people who are polar opposites, but end up being everything the other needed ♥️. Very cute storyline that ended up having a couple surprises I didn’t see coming. It was well written and relatively fast paced. The chemistry between them was great, but really, his son just stole the show. He was just so darn cute and the two of them didn’t stand a chance once he decided they needed to be together, lol. This whole series has been great. Small town romance’s aren’t my fave, but I’ve enjoyed these a lot!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a smart man, Mac needs to learn how to communicate with his words. Until he does that, though, he is definitely excelling at the communicating with things that aren’t words. This man is grumpy, sweet, hot, frustrating, and wholly in love with a woman he thinks he can just enjoy in the here and now. I’ve never been so glad to see someone proven wrong, and the fact that his own son is involved in the games afoot make this an excellent time spent in Montana!

Georgia is just as smart, but she’s afraid to speak up. When she tries, people either think she’s unaffected or that she’s not serious. But she truly is, and her growth from woman trying to please everyone to the one who speaks her mind is a thing of beauty! I especially love her takedown of someone who should love but has too many strings tied to that love…or seems to. I do see hope ahead for her family because maybe she’s just gone with the flow for so long that everyone thinks she’s a pushover. Everyone but Mac. And Theo. And Drew. And…okay, a lot of people who see her clearly. And those same people have her back when it counts!

I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to whoever finds themselves trying to run to or from forever next!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I am enjoying this series! All of these couples have given us fun and spicy stories leading up to their happily ever afters! And Vanessa Vale gave us another win with Mac and Georgia. Things to look for in this book:

🧡 Small town romance
🧡 Single dad
🧡 Forced proximity
🧡 Grumpy/sunshine

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔

Mas has always loved small town life and the simplicity of it. But when Georgia rolls into town, she threatens to shake things up a bit.

After her husband cheated on her, Georgia's cousin got her a job in small town USA working to help the town raise money. And her idea of that is doing a firemen calendar. But of course the fire chief does not want that. The fire chief who happens to be Mac, the man who she had an instant attraction to when she saw him in the airport. The man whose son is already pushing for her to be his new mom. And the man whose garage apartment she is staying in while she is in town.

The town of them want completely different things. Mac is satisfied with his life in his small town and doesn't want a relationship. While Georgia wants nothing more than to be a mom. How could these two possibly work?

Georgia and Mac's relationship took a little bit to finally break down the barriers, but when they finally get together, it is hot! I loved seeing Georgia in her element and getting along with everyone in town - especially Andy, Mac's son, and Drew, Mac's dad. Andy and Georgia's relationship was my favorite in this book!

Everyone seems to be falling in love with the newcomer. And when Mac finally admits it, it is beautiful.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ARC BOOK REVIEW⭐️

I am so glad I got the opportunity to ARC read Man Handle. I honestly think it's one of my favourites that I have read so far. The characters were so perfect and left me wanting more, and the plot-oh, the plot - was sooooo good.

I mean, just look at the cover as well. It's absolutely stunning, I can't stop staring at it, and the other covers in the series are just as pretty!!

I love the single dad trope with all my heart, and Vanessa wrote it beautifully. Mac is such a good dad, even if it was completely unexpected and just thrown at him. And Andy, his son, I dont think I have ever read about a perfect child in a book. He was so sweet throughout the entirety of the book.

Georgia flew into Mac and Andy's life - literally. As soon as Andy met her on that flight, he was like yep this is the one for dad. And I loved that so much. Mac then thought he would never see her again until she shows up on his front step a few hours later claiming to be his first tenant at the apartment above his garage that he renovated and was staying in town for a short while, after getting a new job to organise the town's annual fundraiser.

There was instant attraction between Mac and Georgia to begin with, and over a short period of time, they finally gave into one another. And trust me, is it spicyyyyy. The smut was so good and there was quite a bit.

I also loved all of the side characters. They were all so funny, and all have their own books in this series, which I think will be interesting to read. So, I will definitely be reading more of Vanessa's books in the future.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac & Georgia

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It sat in my queue for several months, finally decided to read it.

Single dad’s and firefighters are two of my favorite tropes. I enjoyed the story, currently undecided if I will continue the series.

Georgia is a 35 yr old divorced woman looking to rebuild her life. She has a number of insecurities and low self esteem. Mac is the fire chief. He’s a hot, grumpy man who hides his heart.

The positives;
Typical meet cute, intense attraction leads to a casual fling where both parties catch feelings. Throw in mutual insecurities, miscommunication and a 6 yr old who wants a new mom with no filter.

The negatives;
Story is way too long. Repetitive dialogue and several mistakes that should have been caught by a good proofreader. The body shaming aspect was overkill.

Overall I give it 3.5 stars. Not bad, just not great.

[Daniela Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5.

This is an insta-lust kind of story with some funny moments and characters with a big heart.
This started a bit silly and I say that in the best way possible. This was something that I needed since I'm slowly getting out of the book slump I'm in.

I loved Mac and his grumpiness. He's a good dad but there's someone missing in his and his son's life and that was a woman so his son picks a woman on a plane and the rest of history, well sort of.
The kid was amazing and I appreciated how much he changed subjects in a matter of seconds.
For me Mac had everything going for him however the way he was so oblivious when it came to Georgia's feelings was a bit too much imo. It got frustrating for me but I did like that the doctor did his intervention because it was sorely needed. It was funny reading it.

Georgia's dreams went down the drain so she accepted a job in Hunted Valley. Her family was never easy because she always had to pretend that everything was fine when it wasn't. She needed a fresh start and she quickly found that in Hunter Valley.
I really liked her. She had to learn her value and Mac helped with that which I really appreciated.

This was not a 5 stars only because of Mac's lack of commitment which by the way I get why he was the way he was but I just think it went for too long.
On the other hand, I loved his way of getting Georgia back. The crown thing was beautiful, both times that it happened.
I loved that these 3 found each other. This was a great story overall and I'm excited to go back and read the other books I haven't yet.

* I read an arc of this book. *

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've absolutely loved this series so far and this latest book may well be my favourite! Mac the Fire Chief, and Georgia (from Georgia) have an instant attraction on meeting at the airport, but a series of unexpected circumstances see them sharing close quarters for several weeks.

I loved the tight family unit of single parent Mac, his son Andy and father Drew, as the three of them navigate their unexpected family arrangement (read the story to find out what I mean).

The Author was quick to begin the spicy scenes (about 25% of the way through the book vs the usual 50%), and I feel that it gave the MCs a more realistic time frame to move from attraction to feelings. They're also just extremely fun and well written; Vanessa Vale knows how to write 🔥

I'm so excited to hear that the next book in the series will be 'Man Spread' (these titles are gold) and I'll be reading the moment it's released!!

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

WE LOVE A GRUMPY MAN! I’m so thankful I got an ARC for this and had the opportunity to read and review it! I love me a single dad trope, combined with the most adorable kid and a grumpy man? Sign me up. Andy and Georgia had such fantastic chemistry. I’ve been loving this series so far and I can’t wait to go back and read more of them! Please, don’t hesitate to grab this one!

[Melly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man Handle is the sixth book in the On the Manhunt series.I loved everything about this book! I loved Georgia and Mac! Mac’s son Andy definitely stole the show. Mac and Georgia had such a meet cute at the airport! They both had instant chemistry, they could not stay away from each other. Mac could not get enough of Georgia and he definitely helped build her confidence! The spice was so good!! If you love a single dad and small town romance then this book is for you! I can’t wait to go back and read the first three!

[ash😈 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*thank you Vanessa for the arc**

Let me tell you! Andy is the most adorable and hilarious child I’ve read in a book series so far!

And Mac 🥵😍 L O V E!

This book is my first introduction to Vanessa and i absolutely loved it! Looks like I’ll be reading the rest of the books in the series!

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️ This wasn’t bad but I just didn’t click with it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

So Mac is a single dad (it’s actually his nephew he takes custody of as a baby) and Georgia is a recently divorced woman (her ex cheated and knocked another woman up) and she’s in his town on a job. His son, Andy, wants Georgia to be his mom right away. But they’re both attracted to each other and decide to do a no strings arrangement.

So I like spice but I like spice after emotional connection the best. And this just felt surface level and focused on their physical connection. I felt like Mac’s dick was a character, it’s mentioned so often.

The few details we get about their life and past felt repetitive and I wanted them to have more depth. Georgia even says at one point she knows they haven’t talked much but she’s falling in love with him!

So even though she regrets the no strings almost instantly, of course she falls farther.

And then there’s Mac. He turns off his emotions because he’s a first responder and thinks women always leave so it was to the point where I wasn’t even that sure he liked her that much. Yes, he does some nice things and feels some jealousy, and I know the point is that he’s stupid about it, but I needed wayyy more from him to be honest. Even at the end, he has to be told by multiple people to go after her and that he loves her!

Soo I think this book had potential but needed more. Andy, the cute kid, I think could’ve had more scenes with Georgia. I also think Georgia and Mac needed more time together for me to believe their love.

[areej · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at 36%.

I was already iffy about this book i.e. the random plot lines, the weird references to Georgia’s body, etc… but this line did it for me: “I don’t want little bug bites for tits.”

I love when the main mc objectifies and makes fun of women’s bodies 🤩 /s

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

WINNING AND NO SECOND RUNNER-UP

The story is an addition to the series, On A Manhunt, and has some funny and some “OMG, what did I just do?” moments. This is a fun, fast-paced romance that includes embarrassing moments, and no-strings-attached romance. I liked the characters, and I liked the interactions. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that I was laughing out loud so many times.

Georgia Lee Gantry from Calhan, Georgia will be traveling to Hunter Valley, Montana to help with a PR campaign for the town. Right now, she needs a boost to her confidence and to be away from family, and her ex.

Fire Chief, Andrew ‘Mac’ MacKenzie is a single dad, raising Andy, his nephew. His life changed six years ago when his sister gave birth and then abandoned Andy to his care. With the help of his father, Drew, they make the best of it. But, that doesn’t leave much time for dating, because most women don’t want a ready-made family.

The story’s plot will have Bradley, Georgia’s cousin, helping her get the job to create a money-making PR campaign for Hunter Valley. The money will benefit more than one organization. Rather than the typical chili dinner, she comes up with a calendar, featuring firefighters, and bringing in puppies and kittens from the animal shelter. Maverick James and Mayor Mary are completely on board with the concept, but Mac isn’t.

From the time Mac and Georgia meet at the airport, there is an instant attraction. Then Georgia is his rental guest. It isn’t long before they agree to a no-strings, here-and-now tryst. The chemistry between them is flammable. The only problem is that Andy, Mac’s son, gets it in his head that Georgia is his new momma. She fits in well with his son and father, but she is temporary. What happens when one of them develops feelings but doesn’t believe they are reciprocated? The story is full of dirty talk and explicit sex scenes.

"Son, all she wanted was to be picked. To be chosen. To be someone's top choice, not runner up."

I haven’t read the ‘bonus scenes’ yet, but I always look forward to them (found in her newsletter.) This story, and what looks like several more, seem to revolve around the various men of Colorado and the town of Hunter Valley in Montana.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Georgia arrived in town it was for a job, but she finds something much more important along the way. When she meets Andy and his father on the flight, she is drawn to both father and son, but she never expected that he would be her landlord or that he would be one of firefighters she wanted to feature in her calendar.

Mac has his son and his career, and he believes that is all he needs in his life. He may be attracted to Georgia but doesn’t believe that she will be staying, and Andy’s needs must always come first but that doesn’t mean he can deny the heat between them.

The chemistry between them was never in question but they had a few other complications to overcome but their six-year-old matchmaker knew they belonged together and wouldn’t accept anything less.

[JL Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Georgia flies into town she completely upends Mac's life. Not only does his 6-year-old son want her for his new mom, but she is also the new renter for his garage apartment. And it turns out the new consultant hired to raise money for the fire department's charity. Out with the chili dinner and in with a fireman and puppy/kitten calendar. As fire chief he feels obligated to be in it. So now He's Mr. January
All Georgia wanted was a child, but her husband cheated on her and knocked up his secretary instead, so since she worked with them, she quit her job. Now jobless and husbandless when she's offered a position for James corp. she jumps at the opportunity since it takes her to Montana and away from Georgia. Yes, she is Georgia from Georgia. On the plane she sits by the most adorable little boy and his grandpa and when she steps off the plane, she meets his most sexy dad who also turns out to be the town's Fire Chief who she now has to work with.
I loved Georgia and Mac. She was sweet and funny, and he was growly and grumpy but together they were perfect and had some electric chemistry. Sweetest HEA. can't wait for the next Hunter Valley couple!

[Booked on Lattes · Rating 4 out of 5]

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

I’ve read every book in this series and have enjoyed them all, but I think that this one might be one of my favorites! I loved getting to know more about small town fire chief Mac (he’s mentioned just a little bit in the previous books) and I thought the back story of Georgia being in town for the fundraiser made the book even more fun.

Mac and Georgia both had issues to get over, and I loved how they helped each other. While I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, which these two definitely had, I can overlook it since the ending was so sweet!

This book is light and funny, with a grumpy MMC who has the sweetest little family in a town I’ve come to love!

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been so fun to read/listen to.

Their initial meeting is very sweet because Andy, Mac’s son, steals the scene. Actually he steals many scenes in the book because he is so adorable and sweet.

Mac is a single dad doing the best he can given the circumstances.

Georgia is in town for a short time until she finishes the job…however, like most small towns they steal your heart and never let you leave.

This is a fun, fantastic and entertaining small town, single dad, instant attraction story that will melt your heart and heat it up again!

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac the fire chief's story. Lust at first site seeing Georgia in an airport while picking up his son and dad. His son picks her out for who he wants to have as a mom. Fun story with the Hunter Valley crew and Mac and Georgia entering some no strings fun. I didn't care for her like the other characters in the previous books. Typical not revealing feelings to each other but otherwise satisfying

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mac and Georgia's romance. The feels are big, the swoon is ample, and the laughs abound. Add in an adorable, heart (and scene!) stealing kid and you have yourself another wonderful entry for a series I don't ever want to see end. If you are looking for something that is cute, funny, sweet, spicy, emotional, and heartwarming, you cannot go wrong with this one.

[Ani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okaaayyy.

I mean, the interference of the supporting characters are more subtle compared to the previous one. And it kind of had the reverse premise of that one too.

Bradley is truly the fairy godmother of every couple of the series. And that private jet? Solution to all third act breakups😂😂😂

We got introduced to Mac in Theo and Mallory's book as the extrovert friend/ chief of firefighter department of Hunter Valley who got Theo, the introvert, out of his shell. He is the single dad to his nephew, Andy (this kid really doesn't have a filter😆😆😆). Mac is the king of dumbasses though, I fully agree with Theo. I guess, his defense mechanism played a major part in the third act break up.

Georgia, however, is the recent divorcee who got cheated on by an a-hole. She is sweet, put together, pageant runner up little miss Calhan. I liked her character more than other heroines. She stood up for herself even without the big dominant caveman firefighter.

It's a good small town romance for bingereading in between intense books.

[la ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

only thing that irritated me was the amount of times she called herself “feminine”. like we get it. you don’t have to keep saying it.

[Franzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't hold my attention! It wasn't particularly bad but around 50% I just got tireeed. Hopefully the next one will be better, I've gotta finish the series, I'm committed now 😂

[Melissa Burling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than the last 2 in the series

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Georgia, and Mac

Man Handle is the 6th book in the On a Man Hunt Series, but can be read as a standalone.
This book! Vanessa knocked it out of the park. I loved this instalust/ love, single dad, firefighter, found family romance. Mac and Georgia definitely took me on a roller coaster ride. The book was sassy, had me laughing at times, full of banter, full of spice in all the right places. And, the mouth on Mac. Oh, yes please! They were both struggling with insecurities from previous relationships, and needed to let their walls down. But, little did they know they had unexpected help. I loved how Mac could see Georgia for who she truly was and allowed her to be herself while also being such a gentleman. Loved the plot twist, didn’t see it coming. And, sweet little Andy. Oh, I could just eat him up. Great read! Highly recommended this book and the whole series. Can’t wait to read ManSpread.

[Laura Hardy Nowlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded

[Lorissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[The Unrepentant Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC provided by Valentine PR

Sweet, Spicy & Holy Hot Fireman!

This was an enjoyable read, featuring steamy scenes, a charity calendar and an adorable six-year-old ♥️🔥 complete with cameo appearances from all our favourites from the series ✨

I loved Georgia's journey of self-confidence, and Mac's desire for her just as she was.

As soon as you read the words "Sleep with her and get her out of your system,” you know they're in for a bumpy ride!

Possibly my favourite of the entire series with a slightly slower burn, but the flame is no less hot.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love the characters, the plot and Hunter Valley.
I love Mac and Georgia and little Andy. The chemistry between them is insane from the start and that makes the story awesome.
The plot is also super fun and it’s been a while since I’ve laughed so much while reading a book. The story is easy to read and super quick too! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Hunter Valley

*ARC received from Valentine PR. Review was written voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am having the best time with the On a Man Hunt series; it just keeps getting better with each book. I can't believe we are on the sixth book of this series! Man Handle was such a sweet, fun read. I loved the connection between Georgia and Mac. These two were so opposite, but they made it work. Mac was such a dirty talker, and the sexual chemistry between them was everything, and let's not forget the spice because it was smoking HOT!

Vanessa is doing a phenomenal job with this series, and I can't wait to continue it and read Man Spread. Can it be February already?!