Reputation (Jenna’s Version).
Training for the upcoming the USATF Indoor Championships is easy in comparison to Emerson’s nanny job. She’s trying her best to provide the best care for the bubbly preteen, but Brooklyn’s grouchy father has at her wits end. He’s mean, refuses to speak to Emerson in person, and now he’s trying to police what she posts on social media. He might be her boss at work, but she refuses to let him push her around during her free time.
Nate never should have hired Emerson. She’s the embodiment of temptation. She’s funny, great with his daughter, beautiful, headstrong, and runs circles through his mind like it’s an Olympic sized track. He’s got no time to be distracted, especially when his ex is trying to get custody of their daughter. Blame it on stress, but he finally pushes Emerson too far. He realizes his mistake when she has one foot out the door and he’s begging her to stay.
It’s only after Nate agrees to stop being such a pain, that the two realize the other isn’t so bad. Then an unfortunate trip to the hospital and an ill timed trip abroad brings them closer than ever.
Although Nate and Emersons lives couldn’t be more different, they have one important thing in common. Their reputations are their livelihood. Emerson is a heptathlon athlete rising back to the top of her game after an injury sidelined her, and Nate Crawford is a famous actor about to start a coveted roll so all eyes are on him. Both are dealing with the weight of a team counting on them, and are doing everything in their power to keep their head in the game. Until a little white lie turns their lives upside down. And the drama it causes? Oooooh it’s so good.
I’m LOVING this series so far! This was a great standalone, however it features characters from Jenna Hartley’s other books. If you don’t plan on reading her entire backlist that’s totally okay, but I highly recommend at least reading book one for the best enjoyment of the dynamics. That being said, it’s still easy enough to jump right in if you want to.
The nanny and the billionaire dad is by far one of my favorite tropes. There’s always something so delicious about that tension. It doesn’t matter how many times I read it, I gobble it up. And this book did it so well. I loved that even though this was a common trope, Reputation felt fresh and exciting. Especially since both characters had a following and we’re trying to deal with their vastly different levels of fame. It was interesting to see show their differing lifestyles affected their choices. They didn’t always see eye to eye and there were plenty of moments where they bickered, but I loved that they were willing to talk it out.
My favorite part of the book is how obsessed these characters are with Taylor Swift. It was such a fun addition and I found myself giggling along with every reference to her. Even Nate Crawford can’t resist a good Taylor Swift Sing-Off, and from the minute he joined in on their living room dance party I was sold. I love a man who’s not afraid to have fun with his daughter. Even if he ends up looking silly.
All in all this book was super cute. I can list things all day that make this book so scrumdillyumptious. Single dad. Crazy paparazzi. Fake fiancé. Ex drama. Mixed in with plenty of tender moments, tension, and lots of steam. There’s just so much to love about this story! I’m already excited for the next book and the sneak peek at the end has me feral. I cannot wait to see how that story plays out! I love watching these strong men lose their heads.
Huge thank you to Jenna Hartley for the eARC! It’s a pleasure to be in your team.