The Nanny Conundrum: A Sweet Contemporary Romance

by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

She knew falling for her boss was a bad idea, but some lessons take longer to learn.

Former Marine, Ridley Westoff wants nothing more than stability for him and his little girl. But with a job that requires constant moving and an ex-wife who abandoned them long ago. It is difficult to ever feel settled.

Adelene Laurent's career as a model should have left her financially secure, but her misplaced trust has her living paycheck to paycheck. When a stranger offers a job as a nanny for his daughter, Adi hesitantly accepts it even though she has no experience.

They have both vowed to stay away from relationships, but attractions begin to develop on both sides. When Ridley discovers Adi has been hiding a secret, his is not the only heart that he has to worry about.

*** This book was previously published under the title A Fighter Pilot Romance

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nanny Conundrum: A Sweet Contemporary Romance by Mindy Burbidge Strunk is a tender contemporary love story about Ridley Westoff, a former Marine longing for stability for himself and his young daughter, and Adelene Laurent, a once‑successful model now struggling financially who hesitantly accepts a nanny job despite having no experience, a choice that sets them on a journey of unexpected connection, shared challenges, and slow‑burn attraction. The book blends heartfelt family dynamics, personal growth and romantic tension in a warm small‑town setting.

From the moment I stepped into Ridley and Adelene’s world, I was touched by how gently their emotional walls were built and honestly torn down, like watching two people with real history and real wounds learn to trust both themselves and each other again. Ridley’s fierce love for his daughter made him feel grounded yet achingly vulnerable, while Adelene’s resilience and quiet grace as she navigated uncertainty made me root for her in every chapter.

Their chemistry wasn’t instantaneous fireworks but the kind of ember‑warm connection that grows through shared laughter, vulnerable conversations and little triumphs that feel as big as any grand romantic gesture. The way the story explores themes of starting over, redefining family and finding love where you least expect it lingered with me long after I closed the book, and made the emotional beats feel genuinely earned.

Because of how sincerely it made me feel both bruised and hopeful in all the sweetest ways, I’m giving The Nanny Conundrum 4 out of 5 stars; it’s a comforting, heartfelt romance that reminded me why I love stories where love grows gently from friendship, trust and mutual care.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read! Ridley is a former Marine fighter pilot who is always moving for his new career and as such finds himself in need of a nanny for his daughter, Hazel. When he meets Adi while taking his daughter on a museum outing, Adi and Hazel immediately click so he offers her a job as a nanny, knowing very little about her or her history. I haven't read very many nanny/single dad romances, but I thought this one was really sweet. Hazel was so precocious and adorable; it was hard not to fall in love with her. As much as I enjoyed watching the romance between Ridley and Adi develop, I also really enjoyed the relationship they each had with this sweet girl. The cute nicknames and her curiosity were the sweetest. It had me rooting for them ALL to get their happily ever after all that much more. Their chemistry was great, and I really enjoyed their love story!

The Nanny Conundrum is a closed-door romance with nothing beyond kisses and no language.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and sweet romance. I enjoyed it. Single father and former Marine, Ridley needed a nanny for his daughter, Hazel. When a chance meeting introduced them to Adi, he followed his gut and offered her the position. As Adi and Hazel bonded, feelings developed between Ridley and Adi too. However they both had problems from their pasts that could impact their future. There were really interesting bits of information about art and Chicago, among other subjects, in the story. The relationship growth was steady and sweet. I appreciated the acknowledgement of the concerns related to their positions as nanny and employer. All the characters were great. I liked seeing the interactions with Hazel. The ever-changing nicknames were so cute. The Top Flight team was interesting and I gather they each have their own book. I look forward to reading them. There are elements of death, traumatic death, grief, abandonment, and identity theft included in the story. This is a clean story with no harsh language.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

The Nanny Conundrum takes place partly abroad in Eastern Europe and partly in the United States. Ridley is a retired marine who works as a flight trainer with his team, moving from place to place with his daughter. When his mom decides to leave a life of travel so that she can retire back at home, Ridley has to find a nanny to care for his daughter. When he meets Adi, he immediately knows that she is the one to help his family.

Adi reluctanly accepts the position, partly out of desperation. What she doesn't tell Ridley is that she has fallen for a boss before and it ended worse than badly. It was a nightmare. When romance enters their relationship, things become more wonderful than anyone could have imagined, and complications become more difficult than either of them thought they could.

I loved loved loved this book! Hazel was a cute addition as Ridley's daughter, and I liked seeing a glimpse into post military life and post model life. In my opinion the ending was a bit too rushed, I felt like it tied up a bit too conveniently and was missing a lot of nessecary details.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming, sweet romance. I read the story previously under the name, Bear, part of the Top Flight series. I think I enjoyed it more this time, I felt more connected with the characters, and what’s not to love about cute Hazel. I was drawn in to the connection and attraction between Ridley and Ali. The story pulled me in and didn’t let go till the very end. I appreciate the author notes on the locations that were talked about. I also appreciate it being a clean, wholesome romance and no swearing. It can be read as a standalone, but if you want to know a little more of Ridley and the other top flight characters, you may want to read the other books in the series. I thought they were all enjoyable, and I believe they are all being rebranded. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Daisy Dandelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adi and Ridley

Cute story of a single dad, his daughter Hazel, and their nanny. I really liked the relationship between the adults and Hazel. I thought Hazel's character was very well-developed. We also got to know Ridley quite well. I felt that Adi's character was a little bit flat. She was very pretty and good with Hazel. She was cautious about her past. That's about all we got. And what happened to the bus driver?
Potato chips with lunch in the Balkan region? Chocolate chip cookies as well? Sounds very American, which of course all major characters were.

Clean! So kudos for that.

3.5 stars

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't quite ready for this story to be over when I came to the end. I wasn't ready to say good-bye to the characters and wanted to see what would come next. I was very invested in their story. I loved watching Ali teach Hazel about art (which I know nothing about). They had a sweet relationship from the start. I enjoyed all the relationships in this story. Mom/son, uncle/niece, nanny/child etc.... Enjoyable read for me and I'm looking forward to Amanda's story.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[lovelybookstolove · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a slow burn, single dad/nanny, grump/sunshine read, this is the book for you!

I thought the relationship between the two main characters was well written. I loved the idea that this took place in Eastern Europe. This book takes you there with the descriptions of the castles, museums, and culture of Eastern Europe.

I love the relationship between Adi and Hazel. The instant connection makes this story so sweet.

Thank you to the author for sending me a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest opinion and all words are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t feel like they had had a real conversation before they almost kissed and that felt like insta love. Also the ending wasn’t for me, making her leave the hotel at night with no where to go was insane. He couldn’t give her some spare hotel room for the night? What a jerk.

I will say the new name and cover update definitely got me to want to read this though. Before I had no interest in what I seen as a ‘military book.’ The cover and title showed me it wasn’t that, which is good, because I don’t even like Top Gun.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

😩 I’m so sad to not really have liked this one. I *love* Mindy Burbidge Strunk’s books normally, but this one missed a little for me. The characters felt a bit flat and there really wasn’t anything to the story outside of the romance… which is fine for a romance book, but there really wasn’t much to the romance line either. Too many “we were dating for a month” or “a few weeks later” jumps in the story to really feel invested in their relationship. And then the last act break up seemed very dramatic and out of character.

[Alysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with both MC’s having been through the wringer. I also liked that Hazel was a normal kid that threw tantrums, and had major attitude instead of the perfect little child like other books I’ve read. I do wish there was a little more of how the romance between Ridley and Adi happened, instead of the focus being on Adi and Ridley separately. I still think it worked, I just felt like the connection could have been more.

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a really fun and unique plot line. Several of the lines were so well written they really made me think.
I loved the characters- I enjoyed the descriptions of how Adi viewed things (as an artist). My only complaint is she sometimes came across as a know it all. I also loved the relationship between Ridley and Hazel- they were adorable.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hired For Love

Ridley needed a nanny for Hazel. Adi appreciated the nanny job that paid well and came with a six year old who was easy to love. There were many complications that needed to be worked out for all the relationships in this story. It's a sweet story with a beautiful ending.

[Helen Colquett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was ready to put this down because I thought it was going to be incredibly cringe and inappropriate BUT the author took a weird situation and made it into something adorable….. I’m kind of proud of myself for reading this especially with two of the plot points. If you’re a hallmark lover you’ll like this book 🤗

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book! Ridley and Hazel needed Adi! What a fabulous conundrum! I love anything connected to Top Gun… so ya, I was hooked! Throw me a call sign anyday! Enjoy!!

Thanks to the author for letting me read and review this story! All opinions are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ridley and Adi's story. It is filled with emotion, ups and downs, and twists and turns. I love sweet little Hazel and the delightful nicknames both Ridley and Adi call her. I hope the other two owners of Top Flite get their stories.

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars This was a super cute contemporary romance. Loved the forced proximity. Love the single dad trope. Loved Adi and Ridley. A fun read.

[RD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously titled “Bear” in the Top Flight series. I love this story!!

[Stephanie Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

This is a well written, character strong, sweet romance. There's the technical lol This book is great! I loved all of the nicknames that she came up with.

[Mel Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute but very predictable

[Kylee Timmreck · Rating 2 out of 5]

4/10⭐️

[Dev G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridley and his daughter have moved around so often due to his job that he and his daughter have never been able the connect with others. Recently moving to a new country, he’s in desperate need of a nanny for his daughter Hazel.

When Ridley meets Adi for the first time at an art museum, he feels drawn to her. After witnessing the natural and honest connection Adi has with his daughter, he offers her a job as Hazel’s nanny.

Ridley and Adi both have trust issues due to past relationships. Surprising himself, Ridley finds that it’s easy to let his guard down around Adi. He’s open and honest with her, which is exactly what she needs.

Ridley is such a great dad. I loved all the cute nicknames for Hazel.

Hazel’s surprise when they toured the castles was so cute. 👑

The relationship between Adi and Hazel was just as sweet as the one between Adi and Ridley. I enjoyed watching them develop as a couple as well as a family.

I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by this author.

I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.