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Skeptically In Love
If Love Had A Manual
After a family tragedy leaves Wes Turner as the unexpected guardian of his one-year-old niece, he’s drowning in responsibilities he never asked for. Running his auto shop is hard enough—raising a baby on his own? Impossible. Enter Lena a no-nonsense nanny with a soft heart and a past she keeps locked away.
From the moment she steps into his home, Lena brings order to the chaos, warmth to the cold walls, and a dangerous temptation Wes can’t afford to entertain. She’s supposed to be off-limits—his employee, his saving grace. But with every passing day, she becomes something more.
But Lena has rules. She has boundaries. Because falling for her boss? That’s a mistake she swore she’d never make. And when the lines between duty and desire blur beyond recognition, she has to ask Is she just the nanny… or something more?
From the moment she steps into his home, Lena brings order to the chaos, warmth to the cold walls, and a dangerous temptation Wes can’t afford to entertain. She’s supposed to be off-limits—his employee, his saving grace. But with every passing day, she becomes something more.
But Lena has rules. She has boundaries. Because falling for her boss? That’s a mistake she swore she’d never make. And when the lines between duty and desire blur beyond recognition, she has to ask Is she just the nanny… or something more?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2025
116 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Laura Ashley Gallagher
10 books214 followersLaura Ashley was born and raised in Ireland, where she spent a large part of her childhood and teenage years studying music. Drawn to people’s stories and a lifelong storyteller, she went on to study journalism. Laura Ashley specializes in crafting stories with heaps of romance and maybe even a few tears. When she is not writing, she is spending time and having fun with her husband and young son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
October 7, 2025
I have found my new go to for my fluffy romcom fix. This one was just as witty, cute, loveable and entertaining as the first book. Although I don’t think the connection was a strong as the last couple, I still loved them and their little family. What I didn’t expect was the unexpected emotional whiplash. One second I was giggling to myself then suddenly I was tearing up! Even in the sad moments it was still beautiful. Loved it.
August 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5, 🌶️🌶️.5
This was a very good read. Even though it’s book two in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. It’s definitely emotional since both main characters (Wes and Lena) deal with death of loved ones. The author handled grief so well. It didn’t have any annoying third act break up. I found the book slightly dragged in the middle but it was brief. Book one was very good too so I’m looking forward to reading book three in the series.
This was a very good read. Even though it’s book two in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. It’s definitely emotional since both main characters (Wes and Lena) deal with death of loved ones. The author handled grief so well. It didn’t have any annoying third act break up. I found the book slightly dragged in the middle but it was brief. Book one was very good too so I’m looking forward to reading book three in the series.
July 6, 2025
Everyone stop what you’re doing and go get your copy of If Love Had A Manual by Laura Ashley Gallagher!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a cute read this is it! A single nanny looking for a job not for love, a single grumpy mechanic also not looking for love, and a chaotic baby who will make you laugh and smile! This book had me in all of my feels. I was laughing, smiling, giggling, and crying. I don’t want to spoil anything but I absolutely loved Wes and Lena’s love story. I love how they each brought out the best in each other. How Lena helped Wes find love when he thought he was going to be miserable forever. When Lena, who puts everyone else first finally allowed herself happiness and love. I loved the relationship between Lena and her grandpa. It reminded me of my relationship with my grandma (Grammy). Everything about this book was just absolutely perfect. I’m so happy I got to be apart of the ARC team and so happy for Laura on another successful book!
Make sure you get your copy and enjoy this super cute read!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a cute read this is it! A single nanny looking for a job not for love, a single grumpy mechanic also not looking for love, and a chaotic baby who will make you laugh and smile! This book had me in all of my feels. I was laughing, smiling, giggling, and crying. I don’t want to spoil anything but I absolutely loved Wes and Lena’s love story. I love how they each brought out the best in each other. How Lena helped Wes find love when he thought he was going to be miserable forever. When Lena, who puts everyone else first finally allowed herself happiness and love. I loved the relationship between Lena and her grandpa. It reminded me of my relationship with my grandma (Grammy). Everything about this book was just absolutely perfect. I’m so happy I got to be apart of the ARC team and so happy for Laura on another successful book!
Make sure you get your copy and enjoy this super cute read!!
July 2, 2025
If Love Had A Manual by Laura Ashley Gallagher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, I felt everything. 💘😭😂
Some heavy topics are tackled, but they’re handled with such care and depth—it only made the story more powerful.
Lena is hilarious, delightfully sarcastic, and refuses to take crap from anyone. Wes is sweet, protective, and everything you want in a book boyfriend. But the real star? Rosie Posie. Absolute scene-stealer. 💕
I loved every moment of this read and can’t wait for book 3! Huge thanks to the author for the ARC.
⸻
If Love Had A Manual de Laura Ashley Gallagher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Ce livre m’a fait vivre toute la gamme des émotions. J’ai ri, j’ai pleuré, j’ai été touchée en plein cœur. 💘😭😂
Certains sujets sont lourds, mais ils sont amenés avec une grande justesse et beaucoup de sensibilité.
Lena est drôle, sarcastique à souhait et ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds. Wes est attachant, protecteur… le book boyfriend parfait. Mais ma préférée ? Rosie Posie, sans l’ombre d’un doute. 💕
J’ai adoré ma lecture du début à la fin et j’ai tellement hâte de lire le tome 3. Un immense merci à l’autrice pour la copie ARC !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, I felt everything. 💘😭😂
Some heavy topics are tackled, but they’re handled with such care and depth—it only made the story more powerful.
Lena is hilarious, delightfully sarcastic, and refuses to take crap from anyone. Wes is sweet, protective, and everything you want in a book boyfriend. But the real star? Rosie Posie. Absolute scene-stealer. 💕
I loved every moment of this read and can’t wait for book 3! Huge thanks to the author for the ARC.
⸻
If Love Had A Manual de Laura Ashley Gallagher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Ce livre m’a fait vivre toute la gamme des émotions. J’ai ri, j’ai pleuré, j’ai été touchée en plein cœur. 💘😭😂
Certains sujets sont lourds, mais ils sont amenés avec une grande justesse et beaucoup de sensibilité.
Lena est drôle, sarcastique à souhait et ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds. Wes est attachant, protecteur… le book boyfriend parfait. Mais ma préférée ? Rosie Posie, sans l’ombre d’un doute. 💕
J’ai adoré ma lecture du début à la fin et j’ai tellement hâte de lire le tome 3. Un immense merci à l’autrice pour la copie ARC !
June 23, 2025
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 1.5
💘 Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow Burn, Single Guardian, Nanny Romance
🌈 Vibes: Childcare, Grief, Healing
Have I been staying up till 2AM reading this book for the past few nights?
Absolutely.
Did I reach page 253 and cry my heart out at 2AM?
Also yes. Very much yes.
Laura Ashley Gallagher is a new-to-me author this year, and I was beyond thrilled to be selected as part of her ARC team for Book 2 in the Skeptically in Love series — and wow, what an emotional ride this was.
THIS BOOK.
The dynamic between Lena and Rosie completely melted my heart. From their very first interaction, I was hooked. Wes? He never stood a chance. Lena and Rosie had him wrapped around their fingers from the start, and watching that trio bond was everything.
I’ll admit, I wondered early on if the pacing might be a bit slow — but it turns out that slow burn was chef’s kiss. Wes starts off guarded and gruff, but the way he slowly unravels for Lena is beautiful. Their relationship builds on mutual respect, emotional vulnerability, and an undercurrent of unspoken longing that had me turning pages like my life depended on it.
This story also dives into grief and how it shapes who we are and how we love. There were scenes that hit hard — honest, raw, and painfully real. I full-on ugly cried at least twice (thanks, Laura 💔😭).
If you love character-driven romance with heart, depth, and healing — this is your next read.
Mark your calendars — publishing July 3rd!
🌶️ Spice Level: 1.5
💘 Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow Burn, Single Guardian, Nanny Romance
🌈 Vibes: Childcare, Grief, Healing
Have I been staying up till 2AM reading this book for the past few nights?
Absolutely.
Did I reach page 253 and cry my heart out at 2AM?
Also yes. Very much yes.
Laura Ashley Gallagher is a new-to-me author this year, and I was beyond thrilled to be selected as part of her ARC team for Book 2 in the Skeptically in Love series — and wow, what an emotional ride this was.
THIS BOOK.
The dynamic between Lena and Rosie completely melted my heart. From their very first interaction, I was hooked. Wes? He never stood a chance. Lena and Rosie had him wrapped around their fingers from the start, and watching that trio bond was everything.
I’ll admit, I wondered early on if the pacing might be a bit slow — but it turns out that slow burn was chef’s kiss. Wes starts off guarded and gruff, but the way he slowly unravels for Lena is beautiful. Their relationship builds on mutual respect, emotional vulnerability, and an undercurrent of unspoken longing that had me turning pages like my life depended on it.
This story also dives into grief and how it shapes who we are and how we love. There were scenes that hit hard — honest, raw, and painfully real. I full-on ugly cried at least twice (thanks, Laura 💔😭).
If you love character-driven romance with heart, depth, and healing — this is your next read.
Mark your calendars — publishing July 3rd!
October 7, 2025
This is a nanny story, but the banter and chemistry between Lena and Wes is really good. Things are slow, romantically, but once things get going...wow. You know that intensity of a new "physical" relationship? The author captures that feeling perfectly, without encroaching into cringe. I didn't have to skim any pages!
The baby, Rosie, is a little star and it was fun to read about her wacky shenanigans, plus it was nice to read about a man who cares about being a father at risk to his own personal happiness. I feel like that's such a rare occurrence in real life. But, yeah, this was another great story by Laura Ashley Gallagher.
The baby, Rosie, is a little star and it was fun to read about her wacky shenanigans, plus it was nice to read about a man who cares about being a father at risk to his own personal happiness. I feel like that's such a rare occurrence in real life. But, yeah, this was another great story by Laura Ashley Gallagher.
July 10, 2025
First, this book tugged on my heartstrings. I cried throughout the book but that's because I loved the characters. Lena and Wes were wonderful. The banter, the slow burn, and their relationship were perfection. I loved Rosie, Wes' niece, as well as Grandpa. Ugh, it really was a wonderful cast of characters. If you have a heart, you will cry at this one, but I couldn't put it down.
July 13, 2025
5* simply because this ruined me slay. I love a found family romance and the single dad nanny trope was pretty exceptional. Ugh
June 30, 2025
If Love Had a Manual
by Laura Ashley Gallagher
Publication date: 3 July 2025
“He needs a nanny she needs a job.”
“We find love in mysterious ways”
Thank you @lauraashleygallagher I’m so grateful to have received an eARC of If Love Had a Manual.
Synopsis
After a family tragedy leaves Wes Turner as the unexpected guardian of his one-year-old niece, he’s drowning in responsibilities he never asked for. Running his auto shop is hard enough—raising a baby on his own? Impossible. Enter Lena Carter: a no-nonsense nanny with a soft heart and a past she keeps locked away.
From the moment she steps into his home, Lena brings order to the chaos, warmth to the cold walls, and a dangerous temptation Wes can’t afford to entertain. She’s supposed to be off-limits—his employee, his saving grace. But with every passing day, she becomes something more.
But Lena has rules. She has boundaries. Because falling for her boss? That’s a mistake she swore she’d never make. And when the lines between duty and desire blur beyond recognition, she has to ask herself: Is she just the nanny… or something more?
Did I enjoy this?
Absolutely it was such a beautiful story. I found myself crying with tears of happiness one minute followed by tears of sadness.
What starts as an employer ,employee relationship, soon becomes much more . It’s as though their stars were aligned. Lena was meant to apply for that job and Wes was meant to choose her .
The chemistry between Wes and Lena is immediate but not rushed. Their relationship has emotional depth, allowing space for tension, healing, and slow-burn attraction.
Wes and Lena's relationship is beautifully developed throughout the story. The love they share for Rosie is what gets them both through.
As the story develops you can feel the sexual tension between Wes and Lena and you’re just wanting one of them to make the first move . But their relationship becomes so much more . What’s starts as a contract and forbidden love soon becomes a beautiful love story of 2 people who deserve happiness and to be together .
It just shows that sometimes you love can find love in mysterious ways . As the title says “If Love had a Manual” wouldn’t life be so much easier . But it doesn’t it’s upto us to find our way.
Would I recommend it ?
Definitely after reading her last book The Plus One Contract I couldn’t wait to read more by this author. I love her style of writing. She is a wonderful storyteller and her attention to detail with each of the characters meant I felt like I was right there in the story with them . Sometimes you just need a romance novel to curl up with.
it was one of the those books that I could not put down and it gave me a lovely warm feeling inside . Perfect summer rom com. But be warned this story contains themes of grief, loss of loved ones and trauma related to sudden loss. You’ll definitely need the tissues on standby.
#nannyromance
#foundlove
#grief
#forbiddenlove
#abeautifullovestory
by Laura Ashley Gallagher
Publication date: 3 July 2025
“He needs a nanny she needs a job.”
“We find love in mysterious ways”
Thank you @lauraashleygallagher I’m so grateful to have received an eARC of If Love Had a Manual.
Synopsis
After a family tragedy leaves Wes Turner as the unexpected guardian of his one-year-old niece, he’s drowning in responsibilities he never asked for. Running his auto shop is hard enough—raising a baby on his own? Impossible. Enter Lena Carter: a no-nonsense nanny with a soft heart and a past she keeps locked away.
From the moment she steps into his home, Lena brings order to the chaos, warmth to the cold walls, and a dangerous temptation Wes can’t afford to entertain. She’s supposed to be off-limits—his employee, his saving grace. But with every passing day, she becomes something more.
But Lena has rules. She has boundaries. Because falling for her boss? That’s a mistake she swore she’d never make. And when the lines between duty and desire blur beyond recognition, she has to ask herself: Is she just the nanny… or something more?
Did I enjoy this?
Absolutely it was such a beautiful story. I found myself crying with tears of happiness one minute followed by tears of sadness.
What starts as an employer ,employee relationship, soon becomes much more . It’s as though their stars were aligned. Lena was meant to apply for that job and Wes was meant to choose her .
The chemistry between Wes and Lena is immediate but not rushed. Their relationship has emotional depth, allowing space for tension, healing, and slow-burn attraction.
Wes and Lena's relationship is beautifully developed throughout the story. The love they share for Rosie is what gets them both through.
As the story develops you can feel the sexual tension between Wes and Lena and you’re just wanting one of them to make the first move . But their relationship becomes so much more . What’s starts as a contract and forbidden love soon becomes a beautiful love story of 2 people who deserve happiness and to be together .
It just shows that sometimes you love can find love in mysterious ways . As the title says “If Love had a Manual” wouldn’t life be so much easier . But it doesn’t it’s upto us to find our way.
Would I recommend it ?
Definitely after reading her last book The Plus One Contract I couldn’t wait to read more by this author. I love her style of writing. She is a wonderful storyteller and her attention to detail with each of the characters meant I felt like I was right there in the story with them . Sometimes you just need a romance novel to curl up with.
it was one of the those books that I could not put down and it gave me a lovely warm feeling inside . Perfect summer rom com. But be warned this story contains themes of grief, loss of loved ones and trauma related to sudden loss. You’ll definitely need the tissues on standby.
#nannyromance
#foundlove
#grief
#forbiddenlove
#abeautifullovestory
August 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐
October 27, 2025
Cuuuuute
November 26, 2025
Single “dad” (uncle turned guardian) ✅
Nanny turned mother ✅
Cutie baby ✅
Not much of a plot besides baby raising and the clear romance development that comes from being a full time nanny
Nanny turned mother ✅
Cutie baby ✅
Not much of a plot besides baby raising and the clear romance development that comes from being a full time nanny
December 1, 2025
This was so cute. 3.75 ⭐️
June 27, 2025
“Rosie’s safe. Lena’s here. The house feels…full. Settled.It won’t last. I know that.But for now, this feels like something close to perfect.”
Excerpt From
If Love Had A Manual
Laura Ashley Gallagher
Received this book as an ARC from the author & i was delighted to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Another feel good, slow developing love story from the Skeptically In Love Series - Wes the main male character is left the guardian of his niece, an adorable little girl called Rosie, and in steps Lena as her nanny-
Amidst chaos, running a business, both dealing with emotional baggage and trying to keep the lines from blurring, feelings develop - blending into an emotional, unpredictable and enjoyable tale. It also weaves together the friendships of Wes, Nathan and Julian , that we met in “The Plus One Contract”, and gives us a better insight into all their lives. This is a book to lose yourself in with a coffee ( or whatever drink takes your fancy) and devour it in one sitting! #summer2025
Excerpt From
If Love Had A Manual
Laura Ashley Gallagher
Received this book as an ARC from the author & i was delighted to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Another feel good, slow developing love story from the Skeptically In Love Series - Wes the main male character is left the guardian of his niece, an adorable little girl called Rosie, and in steps Lena as her nanny-
Amidst chaos, running a business, both dealing with emotional baggage and trying to keep the lines from blurring, feelings develop - blending into an emotional, unpredictable and enjoyable tale. It also weaves together the friendships of Wes, Nathan and Julian , that we met in “The Plus One Contract”, and gives us a better insight into all their lives. This is a book to lose yourself in with a coffee ( or whatever drink takes your fancy) and devour it in one sitting! #summer2025
June 30, 2025
I received an eARC copy for my honest review. This book was a beautiful journey, I loved every second of it! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book this fast!
Wes and Lena’s relationship develops at the perfect pace and grows beautifully. Wes is a guarded guy, which makes sense with everything he has had to deal with, but has a soft spot for Rosie and Lena. He becomes Rosie’s guardian after his sister and brother-in-law unexpectedly pass away. Lena is a bubbly nanny who abruptly changes Wes’s life for the better. Lena applies for the job to be Rosie’s nanny but she never expected that this would be so much more significant in her life than just another job.
This book dives into grief with a few losses and some raw moments. While reading this book I was experiencing exactly the same loss Lena was going through, at first I didn’t know if I could handle reading that part, but I thought to myself that this book was sent to me for a reason. It truly helped me in those first few tough moments and was so relatable.
This book is 5 stars all around, between the tropes, vibes and spice level. I can’t recommend this book enough! It comes out on July 3rd so mark your calendars!
Wes and Lena’s relationship develops at the perfect pace and grows beautifully. Wes is a guarded guy, which makes sense with everything he has had to deal with, but has a soft spot for Rosie and Lena. He becomes Rosie’s guardian after his sister and brother-in-law unexpectedly pass away. Lena is a bubbly nanny who abruptly changes Wes’s life for the better. Lena applies for the job to be Rosie’s nanny but she never expected that this would be so much more significant in her life than just another job.
This book dives into grief with a few losses and some raw moments. While reading this book I was experiencing exactly the same loss Lena was going through, at first I didn’t know if I could handle reading that part, but I thought to myself that this book was sent to me for a reason. It truly helped me in those first few tough moments and was so relatable.
This book is 5 stars all around, between the tropes, vibes and spice level. I can’t recommend this book enough! It comes out on July 3rd so mark your calendars!
June 30, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of If Love had a Manual and I really enjoyed it. I’ve not read any books Laura Ashley Gallagher before but I definitely will again.
If Love had a Manual is book 2 in the ‘Skeptically in Love series’. It’s a nanny x single ‘dad’(uncle) story, with love, laughs and a very cute toddler, Rosie.
Lena and Wes have chemistry from the get go and their flirty banter is 10/10. There are some excellent side characters, Grandpa! It’s overall a lovely story, with some emotional parts but a well deserved HEA.
Would recommend to anyone who likes Elsie Sliver, Meghan Quinn, that kind of vibes.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️
If Love had a Manual is book 2 in the ‘Skeptically in Love series’. It’s a nanny x single ‘dad’(uncle) story, with love, laughs and a very cute toddler, Rosie.
Lena and Wes have chemistry from the get go and their flirty banter is 10/10. There are some excellent side characters, Grandpa! It’s overall a lovely story, with some emotional parts but a well deserved HEA.
Would recommend to anyone who likes Elsie Sliver, Meghan Quinn, that kind of vibes.
4/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️
June 14, 2025
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice : 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes : Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow burn, Single guardian, Nanny romance.
Vibes : Childcare, Rom-com, Grief, Healing.
Did I receive this book at 11:30pm on a Wednesday? Yes.
Did I get fully sucked in and stay up until 4am the following morning to finish it? Also yes.
Laura Ashley Gallagher is officially on my auto-buy list! She has such a fun, upbeat way of writing, whilst still managing to tackle some really deep, emotional topics in a gritty and respectful way. She's not afraid to break your heart, but don't worry, she'll carefully piece it back together again by the final page.❤️
I loved the dynamic between Lena and Rosie. There's so many adorably sweet moments between them, and of course lots of hilarious chaos that comes with parenting a toddler. Wes never stood a chance, they both have him completely wrapped around their little fingers and they know it! 🤭
Wes starts out gruff and guarded, but watching him slowly soften up and open his heart to Lena was pure perfection. 👏 Their relationship is a very slow burning one, full of mutual respect and so much internal conflict. They're both terrified to risk the stability that Rosie needs in her early childhood, but resisting each other quickly becomes impossible!
This book also explores grief and how it impacts our mental health and relationships with others. There's a couple of scenes that had me full on ugly crying because of how deeply real they felt. The way Lena and Wes support each other through the tough times makes their connection feel that much stronger. They're there for each other, rain or shine, and really show up when it's matters the most.
Highly recommend if you love a rom-com with a lot of heart, strong and memorable characters, and a whole lot of feelings!❤️
If you're more sensitive to themes of grief, just be aware that this story does get quite raw at times.
Thank you so much for the ARC! I'm loving this series and cannot wait for book 3!! 😍
Spice : 🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes : Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow burn, Single guardian, Nanny romance.
Vibes : Childcare, Rom-com, Grief, Healing.
Did I receive this book at 11:30pm on a Wednesday? Yes.
Did I get fully sucked in and stay up until 4am the following morning to finish it? Also yes.
Laura Ashley Gallagher is officially on my auto-buy list! She has such a fun, upbeat way of writing, whilst still managing to tackle some really deep, emotional topics in a gritty and respectful way. She's not afraid to break your heart, but don't worry, she'll carefully piece it back together again by the final page.❤️
I loved the dynamic between Lena and Rosie. There's so many adorably sweet moments between them, and of course lots of hilarious chaos that comes with parenting a toddler. Wes never stood a chance, they both have him completely wrapped around their little fingers and they know it! 🤭
Wes starts out gruff and guarded, but watching him slowly soften up and open his heart to Lena was pure perfection. 👏 Their relationship is a very slow burning one, full of mutual respect and so much internal conflict. They're both terrified to risk the stability that Rosie needs in her early childhood, but resisting each other quickly becomes impossible!
This book also explores grief and how it impacts our mental health and relationships with others. There's a couple of scenes that had me full on ugly crying because of how deeply real they felt. The way Lena and Wes support each other through the tough times makes their connection feel that much stronger. They're there for each other, rain or shine, and really show up when it's matters the most.
Highly recommend if you love a rom-com with a lot of heart, strong and memorable characters, and a whole lot of feelings!❤️
If you're more sensitive to themes of grief, just be aware that this story does get quite raw at times.
Thank you so much for the ARC! I'm loving this series and cannot wait for book 3!! 😍
June 15, 2025
Review: If Love Had a Manual by @authorlaurashleygallagher
I’m so grateful to have received an eARC of If Love Had a Manual and wow, what a journey it was. Did I expect to finish it in a single day? Definitely not. But did I? Absolutely. I laughed, cried, and completely fell for Wes. And my heart ached deeply for Lena her story is so raw and powerful that if she were real, I’d want to wrap her in the biggest hug.
Wes and Lena's relationship is beautifully developed throughout the story. The love they share for Rosie, the grief they each carry, and the way they show up for each other sometimes without even needing words it all felt incredibly real.
Lena arrives in Wes and Rosie’s lives like a balm for their wounds. After the heartbreaking loss of Rosie’s parents/Wes’s sister and brother-in-law, she becomes a light in their darkest times. Wes is gruff and guarded, but watching him slowly let Lena in. Pure magic. Balancing their growing connection with the responsibility of raising a toddler made their relationship all the more poignant and believable.
**Fair warning**this story doesn’t shy away from grief. There are raw, emotionally charged moments that hit me harder than I was prepared for. But it’s also full of warmth, wit, and the kind of banter that makes you smile through tears. The depiction of loss and healing felt incredibly authentic.
This was a solid 5 star read for me. It's a slow burn, but so worth the wait. Laura Ashley Gallagher has masterfully woven deep emotional themes with humor and heart. She’s officially earned a spot on my must read author list.
I’m so grateful to have received an eARC of If Love Had a Manual and wow, what a journey it was. Did I expect to finish it in a single day? Definitely not. But did I? Absolutely. I laughed, cried, and completely fell for Wes. And my heart ached deeply for Lena her story is so raw and powerful that if she were real, I’d want to wrap her in the biggest hug.
Wes and Lena's relationship is beautifully developed throughout the story. The love they share for Rosie, the grief they each carry, and the way they show up for each other sometimes without even needing words it all felt incredibly real.
Lena arrives in Wes and Rosie’s lives like a balm for their wounds. After the heartbreaking loss of Rosie’s parents/Wes’s sister and brother-in-law, she becomes a light in their darkest times. Wes is gruff and guarded, but watching him slowly let Lena in. Pure magic. Balancing their growing connection with the responsibility of raising a toddler made their relationship all the more poignant and believable.
**Fair warning**this story doesn’t shy away from grief. There are raw, emotionally charged moments that hit me harder than I was prepared for. But it’s also full of warmth, wit, and the kind of banter that makes you smile through tears. The depiction of loss and healing felt incredibly authentic.
This was a solid 5 star read for me. It's a slow burn, but so worth the wait. Laura Ashley Gallagher has masterfully woven deep emotional themes with humor and heart. She’s officially earned a spot on my must read author list.
June 15, 2025
I was lucky enough to get the eARC of this book and am SO grateful! I couldn’t put this down - I finished in hours. I fell in love with Wes and Lena 110%. Their banter, their quirks and how much LOVE they had for Rosie. Their relationship grew so beautifully and I truly could not get enough of them. 10/10 recommend!
July 5, 2025
Wow, book 2 in the series was a rollercoaster of emotion - I was laughing out loud to the point of tears and crying tears of sadness too.
When Lena goes for an interview to be a Nanny for little Rosie, neither Lena nor Wes thought it would lead where it does. Rosie is an adorable 1 year old girl who has been dealt a sad loss in life with both her parents being killed in a car crash one evenin. Uncle Wes Turner is granted custody and finds himself thrown into a world of unknown, juggling work life as a car mechanic garage owner and dirty nappies, bottles and a baby.
Lena is the Nanny of dreams - she settles into the house with ease and proves to be a hit with Rosie from the start and even Wes cant believe how well things are going, this is when he starts to have inappropriate thoughts about Lena… this is a professional arrangement nothing more!
The banter between Lena and Wes is absolutely hilarious and I was in hysterics a fair few times with the witty one liners spoken including the comments from Wes’ colleagues was like true banter from work colleagues seeing the situation from the outside looking in.
Then Lena’s grandfather passes away and out come the tissues for tears of sadness - poor Lena’s emotional state is really tested here when it comes to her family’s struggles but with Wes by her side to support her with approval from her Grandfather, she knows she is in safe hands
When Lena goes for an interview to be a Nanny for little Rosie, neither Lena nor Wes thought it would lead where it does. Rosie is an adorable 1 year old girl who has been dealt a sad loss in life with both her parents being killed in a car crash one evenin. Uncle Wes Turner is granted custody and finds himself thrown into a world of unknown, juggling work life as a car mechanic garage owner and dirty nappies, bottles and a baby.
Lena is the Nanny of dreams - she settles into the house with ease and proves to be a hit with Rosie from the start and even Wes cant believe how well things are going, this is when he starts to have inappropriate thoughts about Lena… this is a professional arrangement nothing more!
The banter between Lena and Wes is absolutely hilarious and I was in hysterics a fair few times with the witty one liners spoken including the comments from Wes’ colleagues was like true banter from work colleagues seeing the situation from the outside looking in.
Then Lena’s grandfather passes away and out come the tissues for tears of sadness - poor Lena’s emotional state is really tested here when it comes to her family’s struggles but with Wes by her side to support her with approval from her Grandfather, she knows she is in safe hands
October 14, 2025
The Skeptically in Love series is pure joy, and If Love Had a Manual is no exception. It’s insta-chemistry and found family. It’s romance and lust. What more could you ask for?
Lena, Wes and Rosie are such a strong group, and the family they create is truly beautiful. The former two were definitely blessed with an easyish baby, but I think the genuine care and respect they have for each other makes that possible to.
Both Lena and Wes deal with grief in this book, and its depiction was really quite beautiful even in its anguish. It’s the perfect representation of that gorgeous Wandavision quote: what is grief, if not love persevering? There is so much heartbreak in this book but, with it, comes so much love. Regardless of anything else happening in this story, the characters respect each other’s grief and hold space for them to heal. Neither had that in the past, making it all the more special that they found that in each other.
I was disappointed to have not seen more of an ‘aha!’ moment from Lena when she met Sienna and Nathan, especially since she loves the podcast so much. I also expected the podcast to feature more in the book, rather than just being something mentioned twice as a tie in to the first book of the series.
If Love Had a Manual is sexy and sentimental, hot and heartfelt. It features beautiful found families and unexpected love that takes everyone by surprise. I really truly loved this book.
Lena, Wes and Rosie are such a strong group, and the family they create is truly beautiful. The former two were definitely blessed with an easyish baby, but I think the genuine care and respect they have for each other makes that possible to.
Both Lena and Wes deal with grief in this book, and its depiction was really quite beautiful even in its anguish. It’s the perfect representation of that gorgeous Wandavision quote: what is grief, if not love persevering? There is so much heartbreak in this book but, with it, comes so much love. Regardless of anything else happening in this story, the characters respect each other’s grief and hold space for them to heal. Neither had that in the past, making it all the more special that they found that in each other.
I was disappointed to have not seen more of an ‘aha!’ moment from Lena when she met Sienna and Nathan, especially since she loves the podcast so much. I also expected the podcast to feature more in the book, rather than just being something mentioned twice as a tie in to the first book of the series.
If Love Had a Manual is sexy and sentimental, hot and heartfelt. It features beautiful found families and unexpected love that takes everyone by surprise. I really truly loved this book.
July 3, 2025
Not only did I cry with this book, but I also laughed and fell in love. This book had all those emotions wrapped up between the spine. I had yet to do all three of those in a book, and it was really something. Laura Ashley Gallagher did it again here. When is book three coming?
The FMA, Lena, is something else. Struggling with life and trying to figure it out all on her own is something a lot of girls face nowadays. But Lena takes it on like the strong hearted young lady she is. She’s caring resilient, strong, and independent. Nothing will stand in her way.
The MMC, Wes, is something of his own. Being a young owner of a mechanic shop, he is faced with some unexpected life choices. Not ones you can give up easy, but he is able to conquer and work through them. With Lena by side, he sees life from a new perspective and he sees that there can be something on the other side of the mountain.
I thought this book was absolutely amazing. I know I probably say that about all the books, but every time Laura Ashley Gallagher writes something, I can’t seem to put it down. I always laugh and feel the love of both characters and it always makes me feel that there’s hope for all these hopeless romantics.
The FMA, Lena, is something else. Struggling with life and trying to figure it out all on her own is something a lot of girls face nowadays. But Lena takes it on like the strong hearted young lady she is. She’s caring resilient, strong, and independent. Nothing will stand in her way.
The MMC, Wes, is something of his own. Being a young owner of a mechanic shop, he is faced with some unexpected life choices. Not ones you can give up easy, but he is able to conquer and work through them. With Lena by side, he sees life from a new perspective and he sees that there can be something on the other side of the mountain.
I thought this book was absolutely amazing. I know I probably say that about all the books, but every time Laura Ashley Gallagher writes something, I can’t seem to put it down. I always laugh and feel the love of both characters and it always makes me feel that there’s hope for all these hopeless romantics.
July 2, 2025
Some books make you laugh, some books make you cry — this one does both and then quietly hands you a tissue while wrapping you up in a bear hug. If you love small-town romance with delightful banter, an FMC with a heart of gold, an MMC who steps up, and a toddler who will wrap you around her adorable, tiny finger, you need to meet Wesley Turner and Lena Carter — two messy, magnetic souls who feel oh-so real.
Wes Turner is a thirty-two year old mechanic with gorgeous, grease-stained forearms, a heart that’s guarded to everyone but Rosie, and shoulders broad enough to block out the sun. He’s the kind of guy who notices more than he lets on — a secret music nerd who buys you records mentioned once, the kind you’d never splurge on for yourself, because he’s always listening, even when you think he’s not. He loves Rosie, his niece, with everything he has, but he’s drowning under the weight of loss, loneliness, single parenting, and running his own business. In a single word? Exhausted.
Then there’s Lena — sweet, funny, nurturing to a fault. She’s the oldest of four, caretaker since childhood, the sort of person who instinctively puts everyone else first because that’s all she’s ever known. She makes little shared traditions and has a sense of humor that’ll have you smiling from ear to ear. She moonlights as a jazz singer every other Friday, holding tight to the pieces of her mother that music lets her keep. She’s the very definition of a warm hug — the stray-saver, the fixer, the soft place to land.
Together? What starts as stolen glances and quiet swooning builds into the kind of backyard bonfire they’d both love. The banter crackles — flirty, sharp, a little suggestive in the absolute best way. There’s so much playful tension and longing woven through lingering touches and that delicious slow burn that doesn’t fully ignite until you’re so invested you’d happily burn with them. And when it does? Oh, you’ll need a fan. The “Fuck it” moment is the catalyst I was waiting for — and trust me, it does not disappoint.
But what really sets this book apart is how beautifully it handles grief. Gallagher has an uncanny gift for writing about loss in a way that’s raw yet comforting — you feel the weight of what these characters carry, but you also see how fiercely they love despite it. They don’t let the darkness swallow them; they step up for each other, for Rosie, for the family they’re quietly building long before they admit that’s what they’re doing.
And yes, chapter 46 will completely destroy you — in the best, most cathartic way. Bring tissues. You’ve been warned. It broke me for a bit, but I loved every second of it.
In the end, this story is about choosing each other, even when it’s messy, imperfect, and terrifying. It’s about a little girl who chooses their roles for them — because sometimes the smallest people see the biggest truths.
This book wasn’t just softly blushing, misty eyes, or gentle swoons. It was laughing like a lunatic in public and getting side-eye because you’re causing a scene. It was my six-year-old asking how he could help when I’m sitting on the couch sobbing first thing in the morning. All the feels. All the emotions. 110% relatable — and I loved it. This series and Gallagher’s writing have quickly moved to the top of my favorites list, and if you haven’t already read the first in the series, Skeptically in Love, what are you even doing!?
Five stars, absolutely no notes — except that I wish I could read it again for the first time.
Thank you, Laura Ashley Gallagher, for this one. If you couldn’t tell, I loved it.
All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
🩷💚🩷💚
Wes Turner is a thirty-two year old mechanic with gorgeous, grease-stained forearms, a heart that’s guarded to everyone but Rosie, and shoulders broad enough to block out the sun. He’s the kind of guy who notices more than he lets on — a secret music nerd who buys you records mentioned once, the kind you’d never splurge on for yourself, because he’s always listening, even when you think he’s not. He loves Rosie, his niece, with everything he has, but he’s drowning under the weight of loss, loneliness, single parenting, and running his own business. In a single word? Exhausted.
Then there’s Lena — sweet, funny, nurturing to a fault. She’s the oldest of four, caretaker since childhood, the sort of person who instinctively puts everyone else first because that’s all she’s ever known. She makes little shared traditions and has a sense of humor that’ll have you smiling from ear to ear. She moonlights as a jazz singer every other Friday, holding tight to the pieces of her mother that music lets her keep. She’s the very definition of a warm hug — the stray-saver, the fixer, the soft place to land.
Together? What starts as stolen glances and quiet swooning builds into the kind of backyard bonfire they’d both love. The banter crackles — flirty, sharp, a little suggestive in the absolute best way. There’s so much playful tension and longing woven through lingering touches and that delicious slow burn that doesn’t fully ignite until you’re so invested you’d happily burn with them. And when it does? Oh, you’ll need a fan. The “Fuck it” moment is the catalyst I was waiting for — and trust me, it does not disappoint.
But what really sets this book apart is how beautifully it handles grief. Gallagher has an uncanny gift for writing about loss in a way that’s raw yet comforting — you feel the weight of what these characters carry, but you also see how fiercely they love despite it. They don’t let the darkness swallow them; they step up for each other, for Rosie, for the family they’re quietly building long before they admit that’s what they’re doing.
And yes, chapter 46 will completely destroy you — in the best, most cathartic way. Bring tissues. You’ve been warned. It broke me for a bit, but I loved every second of it.
In the end, this story is about choosing each other, even when it’s messy, imperfect, and terrifying. It’s about a little girl who chooses their roles for them — because sometimes the smallest people see the biggest truths.
This book wasn’t just softly blushing, misty eyes, or gentle swoons. It was laughing like a lunatic in public and getting side-eye because you’re causing a scene. It was my six-year-old asking how he could help when I’m sitting on the couch sobbing first thing in the morning. All the feels. All the emotions. 110% relatable — and I loved it. This series and Gallagher’s writing have quickly moved to the top of my favorites list, and if you haven’t already read the first in the series, Skeptically in Love, what are you even doing!?
Five stars, absolutely no notes — except that I wish I could read it again for the first time.
Thank you, Laura Ashley Gallagher, for this one. If you couldn’t tell, I loved it.
All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
🩷💚🩷💚
July 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I have always been a fan of Laura's other books so I knew it would be good!
Wes own a mechanic shop and is the doting uncle, then tragedy strikes. Now he is guardian of sweet Rose his sisters daughter and he is having a hard time adjusting and decides reluctantly that he needs some help.
Lena is a nanny who is going to work for Wes to help care for Rose. She has a hard relationship after her mom passes away and now she just has her siblings and grandfather who is in a assisted living facility.
I loved the banter between both characters and how they were able to be there for each other during the harder times. As you read the book they bond over so many thing music, Rose, hesitant to rely on others. Lena's pop's was a highlight in the book because he was so funny!!! I also like the other side characters and hope to read more about them at a later time.
Thank you Laura for the opportunity to read your book it was awesome!!!
Wes own a mechanic shop and is the doting uncle, then tragedy strikes. Now he is guardian of sweet Rose his sisters daughter and he is having a hard time adjusting and decides reluctantly that he needs some help.
Lena is a nanny who is going to work for Wes to help care for Rose. She has a hard relationship after her mom passes away and now she just has her siblings and grandfather who is in a assisted living facility.
I loved the banter between both characters and how they were able to be there for each other during the harder times. As you read the book they bond over so many thing music, Rose, hesitant to rely on others. Lena's pop's was a highlight in the book because he was so funny!!! I also like the other side characters and hope to read more about them at a later time.
Thank you Laura for the opportunity to read your book it was awesome!!!
June 25, 2025
This book was absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t put down this book once I picked it up. The characters were so relatable and fun to get to know. Lena and Wes’s story was a pleasure to read. I definitely shed a tear or two whilst reading this book. The dialogue throughout this book was so incredible and funny. I was literally hanging on every word. This book starts out with tragedy and I think Laura Ashley Gallagher has a wonderful way of balancing between incredibly emotional, heart wrenching moments and sweet, swoon worthy chapters. The ending literally ripped my heart to shred and the epilogue picked up the pieces and softly put them back with such a care I couldn’t catch my breath. This book is in my top 5 of 2025 and I can’t thank the author enough for letting me read this as an ARC. I can’t wait to read more from Laura Ashley Gallagher.
January 3, 2026
This is another great read from Laura Ashley Gallagher in the Skeptically in Love series. While not as laugh-out-loud funny as the first book, it stole my heart and wet my eyes at the most unexpected moments. If you love emotion-packed reads with lots of love and reconciliation, and a bit of tears, this is DEFINITELY up your alley!
Lena & Wes find each other at a time they least expected to, and eventually, they both accept that maybe, life with each other is just what they needed.
I found myself staying up late to read this book, oftentimes glancing at the percentage read, wondering how the author was going to make it work. Afterwards, I realised that I worried for nothing; the slow burn approach was just perfect for this couple.
I wholeheartedly recommend this read. You will love it!
Lena & Wes find each other at a time they least expected to, and eventually, they both accept that maybe, life with each other is just what they needed.
I found myself staying up late to read this book, oftentimes glancing at the percentage read, wondering how the author was going to make it work. Afterwards, I realised that I worried for nothing; the slow burn approach was just perfect for this couple.
I wholeheartedly recommend this read. You will love it!
June 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
LAURA DOES IT AGAIN.
I truly did not know what to expect going into this book. At first I was hesitant because I feel like the nanny trope can be overdone but THIS book blew me out of the water. It’s so beautifully written and full of those small moments that make you fall in love with the main characters. Laura is the QUEEN of not only writing some of my top MMCS but her FMCS feel like my besties. Her writing style makes me feel like I am back in the early stages of a relationship and experiencing those butterflies with someone for the first time if that even makes sense. 🤣
If those doesn’t become a movie one day I will be SHOCKED. go read it. In fact - read all of her books.
🌶️
LAURA DOES IT AGAIN.
I truly did not know what to expect going into this book. At first I was hesitant because I feel like the nanny trope can be overdone but THIS book blew me out of the water. It’s so beautifully written and full of those small moments that make you fall in love with the main characters. Laura is the QUEEN of not only writing some of my top MMCS but her FMCS feel like my besties. Her writing style makes me feel like I am back in the early stages of a relationship and experiencing those butterflies with someone for the first time if that even makes sense. 🤣
If those doesn’t become a movie one day I will be SHOCKED. go read it. In fact - read all of her books.
July 19, 2025
If Love Had a Manual is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance about healing, unexpected love, and finding your way when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Wes has just suffered an unimaginable loss—his sister and her husband have died in a tragic car accident, leaving him as the sole guardian of their one-year-old daughter, Rosie.
Grieving and overwhelmed, Wes decides to hire a nanny to help care for the baby while he struggles to find his footing in this new reality. That’s when Lena walks into their lives—kind, nurturing, and full of quiet strength. From the moment she arrives, she brings comfort, laughter, and an ease Wes didn’t know he needed.
But as the lines between professional and personal begin to blur, Wes finds himself drawn to Lena in ways he didn’t expect. Is it wrong to fall for the nanny? Or is she exactly what he and Rosie have been missing all along?
This book was recommended to me by a friend—and I’m so glad it was. I absolutely loved the vibe and warmth it gave off. While it does touch on heavier themes like grief and loss, the story still felt incredibly light, comforting, and full of heart.
Wes and Lena’s dynamic was a joy to read. Their banter, chemistry, and slow-building connection were everything. Wes was such a great male lead—grieving, overwhelmed, but still trying to find the light. And Lena? She was the heartbeat of this story. Witty, compassionate, and quietly dealing with her own struggles, she brought so much life to every page.
If you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romance with heart and healing, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Wes has just suffered an unimaginable loss—his sister and her husband have died in a tragic car accident, leaving him as the sole guardian of their one-year-old daughter, Rosie.
Grieving and overwhelmed, Wes decides to hire a nanny to help care for the baby while he struggles to find his footing in this new reality. That’s when Lena walks into their lives—kind, nurturing, and full of quiet strength. From the moment she arrives, she brings comfort, laughter, and an ease Wes didn’t know he needed.
But as the lines between professional and personal begin to blur, Wes finds himself drawn to Lena in ways he didn’t expect. Is it wrong to fall for the nanny? Or is she exactly what he and Rosie have been missing all along?
This book was recommended to me by a friend—and I’m so glad it was. I absolutely loved the vibe and warmth it gave off. While it does touch on heavier themes like grief and loss, the story still felt incredibly light, comforting, and full of heart.
Wes and Lena’s dynamic was a joy to read. Their banter, chemistry, and slow-building connection were everything. Wes was such a great male lead—grieving, overwhelmed, but still trying to find the light. And Lena? She was the heartbeat of this story. Witty, compassionate, and quietly dealing with her own struggles, she brought so much life to every page.
If you’re a fan of emotional, character-driven romance with heart and healing, I highly recommend picking this one up.
July 3, 2025
ARC review first thank you Laura Ashley Gallagher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was excited to read Wes and Lena’s story. If you like a Nanny x Single guardian romance, grumpy x sunshine, found family, healing, slow burn then you will like this book. Check your trigger warnings there are mentions of death and grief. I like Wes and Lena especially their banter and how sassy Lena is to Wes. I liked seeing Nathan and Sienna make an appearance. I like the side characters in Wes’s life they were cracking me up. I am excited for Julian’s book next
August 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Grumpy single guardian x sunshine nanny
There was a lot of grief for both MCs in this story but it was handled very well by the author. However, it made me so emotional and feel all the feels. 🥺😭
The relationship between the MCs developed beautifully and there was no third act breakdown which fit perfectly. They just brought out the best in each other. I loved their dialogues, they were so funny. Some parts with Lena made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed her sarcasm a lot, this scene with Julian (MC in the next book in this interconnected series) was hilarious!
Overall, predictable? Yes, maybe, but very entertaining and satisfying.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Grumpy single guardian x sunshine nanny
There was a lot of grief for both MCs in this story but it was handled very well by the author. However, it made me so emotional and feel all the feels. 🥺😭
The relationship between the MCs developed beautifully and there was no third act breakdown which fit perfectly. They just brought out the best in each other. I loved their dialogues, they were so funny. Some parts with Lena made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed her sarcasm a lot, this scene with Julian (MC in the next book in this interconnected series) was hilarious!
Overall, predictable? Yes, maybe, but very entertaining and satisfying.
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