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Milked
By and large, Amanda Keane makes pretty good decisions. Okay, she might not have the best taste in men, but she’s got great friends, a good job, and an independent spirit. That is, until her 30th birthday ushers in a whirlwind romance with a sexy Irish musician who leaves her, not at the altar as she imagined, but accidentally pregnant. And when he disappears, she’s downsized out of a job, her apartment is robbed, and lapsed health insurance coverage leaves her with a C-section to pay for, Amanda is launched headfirst into the life of a broke single mom. But her friend and uber successful ob-gyn, Joy, clues her in to an unlikely temp position with one of Chicago’s celebrity elite that just may be the answer to all her woes. Or could it be just the beginning?
It’s with serious trepidation that Amanda embarks on her surprisingly lucrative new career: underground wet nurse to the offspring of Chi-town’s rich and famous. Amanda must quickly understand how to live at the whims and mercy of the one percent as she deals with the irony of nursing – and loving – someone else’s child, while still making ends meet for her own daughter. And then there’s Cute Daycare Dad (aka Dan), who’s obviously interested in her. But can she afford to tell him what she really does for a living? Is her new job (something she thought went out with the 19th century) a shameful thing? Just another way of selling her body? Or does it have something to teach her after all?
A novel of motherhood, its many demands, and all the little triumphs along the way, MILKED is a warm and witty debut about making tough choices and traveling the roundabout road to happiness.
It’s with serious trepidation that Amanda embarks on her surprisingly lucrative new career: underground wet nurse to the offspring of Chi-town’s rich and famous. Amanda must quickly understand how to live at the whims and mercy of the one percent as she deals with the irony of nursing – and loving – someone else’s child, while still making ends meet for her own daughter. And then there’s Cute Daycare Dad (aka Dan), who’s obviously interested in her. But can she afford to tell him what she really does for a living? Is her new job (something she thought went out with the 19th century) a shameful thing? Just another way of selling her body? Or does it have something to teach her after all?
A novel of motherhood, its many demands, and all the little triumphs along the way, MILKED is a warm and witty debut about making tough choices and traveling the roundabout road to happiness.
308 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 5, 2015
Amanda Keane's life is a mess. After having a passionate affair with an Irish musician, she finds herself pregnant, alone, and unemployed. As a single mother, she is desperate to find work, but her only job prospect is to be a nanny/wet nurse for a wealthy family. She swallows her pride and tries to build a new career as a wet nurse.....
Milked is an enjoyable read. It's a chick-lit novel with a bit of an edge!
Milked is an enjoyable read. It's a chick-lit novel with a bit of an edge!
November 29, 2014
I have always been an avid reader but as a busy mom it takes a really good book to keep my attention these days. For me, there are 3 criteria that make a novel stand out. #1 – interesting topic that I haven’t read about 7862 times before. #2 – Unpredictable ending… we’ve all read a different version of the same recycled story and ain’t nobody got time for that. #3 – That feeling when you can’t wait for the next nap time/waiting room/lunch break to read to read “a few more pages”. Milked, by Lisa Doyle delivers on all accounts. Lisa is a fabulous writer, keeping me engaged and interested throughout the entire book. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next – I’ll be first in line to buy it!
November 27, 2014
This was an excellent read. I didn't want to put it down! The characters are so well written and the story pulls you in. Five stars (only because eleven wasn't a choice).
June 27, 2015
* I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *
Amanda Keane seems to have her life together. Okay, she’s not quite as successful in her career choice as her friends and she doesn’t date much and she’s turning 30 but she has a loving supportive family, she lives “downtown” where she has always wanted to live; she’s pretty happy. Enjoying her 30th birthday party she meets handsome, young musician Eamonn. Cue … whirlwind romance, unplanned pregnancy, unexpected job loss and disappearing Eamonn and Amanda finds herself in a fix.
She loves her new daughter but has no means of supporting her until she accidentally lands a position doing the only thing she seems to be good at these days. She becomes a wet nurse for a rich couple, and then another and one more. Could this be her new career? If so, how was she ever going to explain it to anyone … especially the wonderful new man in her life.
I enjoyed this light, fun book. Ms. Doyle has a comfortable, conversational style of writing that made me feel as if Amanda was sitting across from me over coffee and telling me her story. I am torn as to my rating of this book.
· The concept is great, not a plot line I have read before
· The writing style is comfortable
· Amanda is a woman who accepts the decisions she’s made and does her best for her daughter no matter what
· Too late for me, but I did learn a few things about nursing
For those reasons I would give it a four star rating.
There are a few drawbacks to this book for me.
· All the moms that Amanda worked for had issues with their babies which Amanda magically overcomes the minute she touches them – one dad even calls her the “Baby whisperer”
· All the babies and toddlers in the book were “easy” (even the colicky one … sheesh). I’ve had children, there had to be one in the bunch that was a little cranky. It would have added a little something to the story.
· I know this is being picky but Amanda is supposed to be a “professional baby nurser (is that a word?)” and every time something goes a little off track she is knocking back wine or Niquil or Tylenol. Bad example for nursing moms!
Those are the reasons I am going with three stars.
Overall it is a good debut novel for Ms. Doyle and I did enjoy the book. It’s a step up from much of the other “chick-lit” available. This would be a perfect read for the beach or the deck on a summer day, maybe with a glass of chilled Pinot – ONLY if you’re not nursing a baby!
Amanda Keane seems to have her life together. Okay, she’s not quite as successful in her career choice as her friends and she doesn’t date much and she’s turning 30 but she has a loving supportive family, she lives “downtown” where she has always wanted to live; she’s pretty happy. Enjoying her 30th birthday party she meets handsome, young musician Eamonn. Cue … whirlwind romance, unplanned pregnancy, unexpected job loss and disappearing Eamonn and Amanda finds herself in a fix.
She loves her new daughter but has no means of supporting her until she accidentally lands a position doing the only thing she seems to be good at these days. She becomes a wet nurse for a rich couple, and then another and one more. Could this be her new career? If so, how was she ever going to explain it to anyone … especially the wonderful new man in her life.
I enjoyed this light, fun book. Ms. Doyle has a comfortable, conversational style of writing that made me feel as if Amanda was sitting across from me over coffee and telling me her story. I am torn as to my rating of this book.
· The concept is great, not a plot line I have read before
· The writing style is comfortable
· Amanda is a woman who accepts the decisions she’s made and does her best for her daughter no matter what
· Too late for me, but I did learn a few things about nursing
For those reasons I would give it a four star rating.
There are a few drawbacks to this book for me.
· All the moms that Amanda worked for had issues with their babies which Amanda magically overcomes the minute she touches them – one dad even calls her the “Baby whisperer”
· All the babies and toddlers in the book were “easy” (even the colicky one … sheesh). I’ve had children, there had to be one in the bunch that was a little cranky. It would have added a little something to the story.
· I know this is being picky but Amanda is supposed to be a “professional baby nurser (is that a word?)” and every time something goes a little off track she is knocking back wine or Niquil or Tylenol. Bad example for nursing moms!
Those are the reasons I am going with three stars.
Overall it is a good debut novel for Ms. Doyle and I did enjoy the book. It’s a step up from much of the other “chick-lit” available. This would be a perfect read for the beach or the deck on a summer day, maybe with a glass of chilled Pinot – ONLY if you’re not nursing a baby!
November 27, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book! Quick, fun read that's incredibly well-written. Entertaining and fun, I read this in just two nights!
I'll spare you my own synopsis since you can already read the summary, but this book has a little bit of everything - hot 'n' steam romance, realistic struggles of life and parenthood, great friendships, cringeworthy parts, heartwarming parts, and an easy-to-follow plot that makes you want to know what happens at the end! Now a wet nurse is definitely not something I can see myself relating to, but I actually feel like I can relate to and understand what this 30-year-old protagonist, Amanda Keane, is going through! And so many parts of this book made me chuckle - I absolutely love the humor and wit that pops up in this book. Even better, as a Chicagoan, I loved reading this story with all the Chicagoland area references - from some Chicago history to specific locations that I've actually been to!
Great book - definitely going to recommend it at my book club and also to my girlfriends who are mothers or soon-to-be moms. Also looking forward to reading another book by this author!
I'll spare you my own synopsis since you can already read the summary, but this book has a little bit of everything - hot 'n' steam romance, realistic struggles of life and parenthood, great friendships, cringeworthy parts, heartwarming parts, and an easy-to-follow plot that makes you want to know what happens at the end! Now a wet nurse is definitely not something I can see myself relating to, but I actually feel like I can relate to and understand what this 30-year-old protagonist, Amanda Keane, is going through! And so many parts of this book made me chuckle - I absolutely love the humor and wit that pops up in this book. Even better, as a Chicagoan, I loved reading this story with all the Chicagoland area references - from some Chicago history to specific locations that I've actually been to!
Great book - definitely going to recommend it at my book club and also to my girlfriends who are mothers or soon-to-be moms. Also looking forward to reading another book by this author!
December 16, 2014
I was given an ecopy of this book by Kim Nash (@kimthebookworm) in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour for this book Milked by Lisa Doyle.
When I read the blurb of this book I was intrigued - what a storyline a 21st century wet-nurse - how does that work, is it even legal I asked myself?
We're introduced to Amanda, the main character as she approaches 30 and the end of her 9 year career in publishing. Amanda is instantly likeable, she's the intelligent but ditzy member of her circle of friends, who all seem to have all done well for themselves. Amanda always seems to fall shy in more ways than one - stature, status, income, family, and relationships.
She comes across as a very likeable person, someone who is fun to be around but at the same time a little bit of a loose cannon. Her friends don't trust her choice in men, even Amanda would have to agree with them on that point - she's impetuous in her choices but the novelty soon wears off and she finds herself single again. It is at her 30th birthday celebrations, where her friend is trying to set her up with an older man that she makes the mistake of falling instead for the irish bar man - spending three, passionate months with him until his visa runs out with him leaving her a gift in the form of an unexpected pregnancy!
This story demonstrates how when the chips are down Amanda becomes a fighter. If becoming a single mother wasn't bad enough, losing her job just about tops it until her gyny friend suggests she becomes a 'wet nurse' for a highly, prolific couple. I loved how Amanda was at first appalled with the idea, then goes for it guns blazing when she realises the pay benefits. It really was time for decision making 'sink or swim' springs to mind. Ultimately she has no choice if she wants to be able to provide food and shelter for herself and Maddie her daughter.
This book demonstrates in so many ways the general characteristics born by Amanda and many people in her situation. She was impetuous and lived for the moment, believing in love, hope and happiness. Becoming a mother strengthened her character. She still had the same values but her outlook changed. Her priority was to provide security, love and happiness for her child at all costs. Taking on a job that at first appalled her, then she grew to like it or shall we say she liked the financial benefits!
Although this book is clearly a contemporary women novel the story line adds its own twist making it a totally unpredictable read. I laughed out loud, smiled, felt incredibly sad and moved at times too. There is love and romance as well as cute toddlers and sweet smelling babies - what is there not to love about this book. A different novel, that kept me fully, engaged from start to finish, I don't hesitate to recommend it to all chick lit readers who I'm sure will also appreciate the different subject matter and style Lisa has brought to this book 'Milked'.
When I read the blurb of this book I was intrigued - what a storyline a 21st century wet-nurse - how does that work, is it even legal I asked myself?
We're introduced to Amanda, the main character as she approaches 30 and the end of her 9 year career in publishing. Amanda is instantly likeable, she's the intelligent but ditzy member of her circle of friends, who all seem to have all done well for themselves. Amanda always seems to fall shy in more ways than one - stature, status, income, family, and relationships.
She comes across as a very likeable person, someone who is fun to be around but at the same time a little bit of a loose cannon. Her friends don't trust her choice in men, even Amanda would have to agree with them on that point - she's impetuous in her choices but the novelty soon wears off and she finds herself single again. It is at her 30th birthday celebrations, where her friend is trying to set her up with an older man that she makes the mistake of falling instead for the irish bar man - spending three, passionate months with him until his visa runs out with him leaving her a gift in the form of an unexpected pregnancy!
This story demonstrates how when the chips are down Amanda becomes a fighter. If becoming a single mother wasn't bad enough, losing her job just about tops it until her gyny friend suggests she becomes a 'wet nurse' for a highly, prolific couple. I loved how Amanda was at first appalled with the idea, then goes for it guns blazing when she realises the pay benefits. It really was time for decision making 'sink or swim' springs to mind. Ultimately she has no choice if she wants to be able to provide food and shelter for herself and Maddie her daughter.
This book demonstrates in so many ways the general characteristics born by Amanda and many people in her situation. She was impetuous and lived for the moment, believing in love, hope and happiness. Becoming a mother strengthened her character. She still had the same values but her outlook changed. Her priority was to provide security, love and happiness for her child at all costs. Taking on a job that at first appalled her, then she grew to like it or shall we say she liked the financial benefits!
Although this book is clearly a contemporary women novel the story line adds its own twist making it a totally unpredictable read. I laughed out loud, smiled, felt incredibly sad and moved at times too. There is love and romance as well as cute toddlers and sweet smelling babies - what is there not to love about this book. A different novel, that kept me fully, engaged from start to finish, I don't hesitate to recommend it to all chick lit readers who I'm sure will also appreciate the different subject matter and style Lisa has brought to this book 'Milked'.
March 23, 2015
I would like to begin by thanking Net Galley and Simon and Fig for an advanced copy of this great book!
Amanda Keane is turning 30! No children, no real boyfriend to speak of, and has a great party planned to celebrate!
Then her life is turned upside down, she is waited on my this handsome, smooth talking Irish musician. They spend every waking minute together!
And then...she becomes pregnant...Oh Boy...He disappears back to Ireland and breaks their wedding plans and she is now a single mom with little money to speak of.
And then she starts her lucrative underground business of being a wet nurse, she works with high profile clients and can not disclose what she does to ANYONE! Not even Dan this handsome dad that she meets at her daughter's daycare. Could he really be falling for her? What will he do when he finds out what her real job is?
Life has its ups and downs and she seems to get by day by day and fiasco by fiasco.
Such a fun read from beginning to end.
A novel of motherhood, its many demands, and all the little triumphs along the way, MILKED is a warm and witty debut about making tough choices and traveling the roundabout road to happiness.
Amanda Keane is turning 30! No children, no real boyfriend to speak of, and has a great party planned to celebrate!
Then her life is turned upside down, she is waited on my this handsome, smooth talking Irish musician. They spend every waking minute together!
And then...she becomes pregnant...Oh Boy...He disappears back to Ireland and breaks their wedding plans and she is now a single mom with little money to speak of.
And then she starts her lucrative underground business of being a wet nurse, she works with high profile clients and can not disclose what she does to ANYONE! Not even Dan this handsome dad that she meets at her daughter's daycare. Could he really be falling for her? What will he do when he finds out what her real job is?
Life has its ups and downs and she seems to get by day by day and fiasco by fiasco.
Such a fun read from beginning to end.
A novel of motherhood, its many demands, and all the little triumphs along the way, MILKED is a warm and witty debut about making tough choices and traveling the roundabout road to happiness.
December 15, 2014
Not my typical type of book but that mattered not. I loved it! Kept my interest throughout ... I couldn't put it down! Can't wait to see what else Lisa Doyle writes!
February 22, 2023
I read this book physically and relatively quick so it must have been good! This is the definition of chick lit/womens fiction. Our main character has a brief relationship with an Irish musician who ghosts her just as she finds out she's pregnant. Shortly thereafter she gets laid off. Her best friend is an OB and says one of her celebrity clients is looking for a wet nurse. As soon as our main character gets over the initial hesitation, she decides this will be her new career. She meets a new guy through her kids daycare so there is an element of romance in this book but its definitely a side plot to her figuring her life out. Throughout the book she "nanny"s for 3 different families and by the end it got a little redundant. She also doesn't tell her boyfriend about her wet nursing (or even that she's still lactating) and it makes zero sense that she would be able to hide that. She's not nursing her own daughter, so she'd presumably have to pump a decent amount and yet that never happens in his presence, despite sleepovers etc. There are one or 2 explicit scenes in this book, but for the most part ti was pretty good. I was entertained throughout and would recommend.
December 18, 2014
Review originally posted on my blog www.LivingLifeWithJoy.com
I’ve been looking forward to reading Milked since I heard about it a few weeks ago online. The illustrated cover is adorable and the book description sounded entertaining. I’ve never heard of a wet nurse, maybe it’s because I’m not a mom or maybe it’s because it’s not exactly the most common profession nowadays, but either way it intrigued me. I have to say I was more than satisfied with the novel; it’s a funny read that literally had me laughing out loud from page one.
Amanda Keane doesn’t have the best luck when it comes to men and her love life has been less than thrilling to say the least… that is until she meets a gorgeous Irishman, but in the wake of their relationship, she’s left with something that changes her life for good. When a string of unfortunate events happen (and a handful of fortunate events too), she finds herself as a broke, single mom at the age of thirty and she struggles to get her life under control. Amanda’s character is relate-able and extremely likeable and you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
Having no other options but to take advantage of the only thing she seems to be good at, Amanda is able to use her own life experiences to her benefit to not only make money, but also to help other women in the beginning stages of motherhood. Although she became successful in an unconventional way, she learned important lessons and a lot about herself in the process and I truly love what she ends up doing career-wise at the end of the book. I always promise no spoilers, you’ll have to read the book to know exactly what I’m talking about, but believe me, you’ll love it!
There were quite a few things about the novel that I absolutely loved and have to share with you. First of all, I loved the relationship that starts to bloom in her life and especially loved the unexpected ways that her life takes a turn for towards the end of the novel and the way that she takes control of her life. Next, I have to say when I first read the title of the book, I thought it was a bit random until I read the description on the back. The title ‘Milked’ is hilariously on point for the story. Milked is a beautiful story about the things people will do to care for and take care of the people in their lives. Fabulous fiction debut novel that will tug on your heart strings, yet at the same time, it will bring lots of laughs along the way!
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
I was given an e-book copy via Kim Nash in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour for Lisa Doyle. Receiving novels free of charge in no way reflects on my honest opinion and no monetary compensation was provided for my review. Writing a review is the best way to say thank you to an author. I encourage you to write reviews and share them on sites like Goodreads and Amazon so that your fellow readers can see what you think!
I’ve been looking forward to reading Milked since I heard about it a few weeks ago online. The illustrated cover is adorable and the book description sounded entertaining. I’ve never heard of a wet nurse, maybe it’s because I’m not a mom or maybe it’s because it’s not exactly the most common profession nowadays, but either way it intrigued me. I have to say I was more than satisfied with the novel; it’s a funny read that literally had me laughing out loud from page one.
Amanda Keane doesn’t have the best luck when it comes to men and her love life has been less than thrilling to say the least… that is until she meets a gorgeous Irishman, but in the wake of their relationship, she’s left with something that changes her life for good. When a string of unfortunate events happen (and a handful of fortunate events too), she finds herself as a broke, single mom at the age of thirty and she struggles to get her life under control. Amanda’s character is relate-able and extremely likeable and you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
Having no other options but to take advantage of the only thing she seems to be good at, Amanda is able to use her own life experiences to her benefit to not only make money, but also to help other women in the beginning stages of motherhood. Although she became successful in an unconventional way, she learned important lessons and a lot about herself in the process and I truly love what she ends up doing career-wise at the end of the book. I always promise no spoilers, you’ll have to read the book to know exactly what I’m talking about, but believe me, you’ll love it!
There were quite a few things about the novel that I absolutely loved and have to share with you. First of all, I loved the relationship that starts to bloom in her life and especially loved the unexpected ways that her life takes a turn for towards the end of the novel and the way that she takes control of her life. Next, I have to say when I first read the title of the book, I thought it was a bit random until I read the description on the back. The title ‘Milked’ is hilariously on point for the story. Milked is a beautiful story about the things people will do to care for and take care of the people in their lives. Fabulous fiction debut novel that will tug on your heart strings, yet at the same time, it will bring lots of laughs along the way!
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
I was given an e-book copy via Kim Nash in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour for Lisa Doyle. Receiving novels free of charge in no way reflects on my honest opinion and no monetary compensation was provided for my review. Writing a review is the best way to say thank you to an author. I encourage you to write reviews and share them on sites like Goodreads and Amazon so that your fellow readers can see what you think!
January 7, 2015
Milked was unlike any other story I’ve ever read. It takes us through a two-year period in the MC, Amanda’s, life. I feel like I flew through this story, as it completely held my attention and was really entertaining!
What first caught my attention was the cover. I love the adorableness of many chick lit books. I’m also a sucker for pregnancy and baby books. (I know, there must be something wrong with me. LOL!) But whenever I see a baby or pregnant woman on the front of a chick lit cover, I immediately read the synopsis. For some reason I felt this one and I would get along just fine… and that’s exactly what happened!
The story is told through the viewpoint of Amanda, who is recapping for us what happened to her during this period. The way it read felt as though Amanda and I were sitting at a table having drinks, just chatting it up. I really got to know Amanda and felt instantly drawn to her, as someone I would probably be friends with in real life.
This story starts with a fun night with a steamy Irishman, and let me tell you, I was instantly hooked! I’m always for a fun story with a sexy Irishman! (My husband is Irish, so I’m a bit biased perhaps.) I kind of wish this part of the story lasted longer, but only a few short chapter later and we were on to more serious and real life issues.
I had a blast reading this story. I didn’t remember reading the synopsis, so I went into this story having absolutely no idea what this story was about. From the cover, I figured it was probably about pregnancy, and being a mother to an infant. Man was I surprised when I saw the road this book was taking! It was unlike any other book I’ve ever read, mostly because of the main topic of a wet nurse. Call me naive, but I didn’t even know there was such a thing. Seeing this span of weeks, months and years through the eyes of Amanda was especially eye-opening. I make it a point not to judge others in life and remaining as open-minded as I possibly can, so to me this was very interesting. I’m always looking for unique books that are different than the usual run-of-the-mill books I read… and this was it!
I’d definitely recommend this book to other chick lit fans that are looking for a book to entertain them, while even teaching them a thing or two along the way. And don’t forget about the sexy Irishman thrown in for good measure! Milked reminded me of my love for chick lit, and for that I’m so thankful. <3
(Thanks to Lisa Doyle & CLP Blog Tours for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
What first caught my attention was the cover. I love the adorableness of many chick lit books. I’m also a sucker for pregnancy and baby books. (I know, there must be something wrong with me. LOL!) But whenever I see a baby or pregnant woman on the front of a chick lit cover, I immediately read the synopsis. For some reason I felt this one and I would get along just fine… and that’s exactly what happened!
The story is told through the viewpoint of Amanda, who is recapping for us what happened to her during this period. The way it read felt as though Amanda and I were sitting at a table having drinks, just chatting it up. I really got to know Amanda and felt instantly drawn to her, as someone I would probably be friends with in real life.
This story starts with a fun night with a steamy Irishman, and let me tell you, I was instantly hooked! I’m always for a fun story with a sexy Irishman! (My husband is Irish, so I’m a bit biased perhaps.) I kind of wish this part of the story lasted longer, but only a few short chapter later and we were on to more serious and real life issues.
I had a blast reading this story. I didn’t remember reading the synopsis, so I went into this story having absolutely no idea what this story was about. From the cover, I figured it was probably about pregnancy, and being a mother to an infant. Man was I surprised when I saw the road this book was taking! It was unlike any other book I’ve ever read, mostly because of the main topic of a wet nurse. Call me naive, but I didn’t even know there was such a thing. Seeing this span of weeks, months and years through the eyes of Amanda was especially eye-opening. I make it a point not to judge others in life and remaining as open-minded as I possibly can, so to me this was very interesting. I’m always looking for unique books that are different than the usual run-of-the-mill books I read… and this was it!
I’d definitely recommend this book to other chick lit fans that are looking for a book to entertain them, while even teaching them a thing or two along the way. And don’t forget about the sexy Irishman thrown in for good measure! Milked reminded me of my love for chick lit, and for that I’m so thankful. <3
(Thanks to Lisa Doyle & CLP Blog Tours for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
December 10, 2014
AMAZING!!!
I think this book reminds me alittle of the nanny diaries, in that you get a peek into a life that people dont often see.
The writing also reminds me of Cora Carmack's books...in that the heroine is funny and flawed, yet you just have to love her and root for her!
For the first half, I secretly hoped that Eammon was getting his act together and was going to pop up and surprise Amanda. But then along came daycare cutie, Dan and you can't help but love him.
Themes - being a mom, single mom, parent struggles, self discovery, personal growth
Great book! quick, fun read! recommended
I think this book reminds me alittle of the nanny diaries, in that you get a peek into a life that people dont often see.
The writing also reminds me of Cora Carmack's books...in that the heroine is funny and flawed, yet you just have to love her and root for her!
For the first half, I secretly hoped that Eammon was getting his act together and was going to pop up and surprise Amanda. But then along came daycare cutie, Dan and you can't help but love him.
Themes - being a mom, single mom, parent struggles, self discovery, personal growth
Great book! quick, fun read! recommended
January 15, 2016
I really, really enjoyed this book! Not only did it take place in Chicago (which helped me understand where things were), but it was also about breastfeeding. I'll admit that the idea of a modern day wet nurse freaked me out a little bit, especially since I am still breastfeeding my 10 month old, but the plot was great and I really related to the main character. I also LOVED the ending! I would highly recommend this to any momma out there who bonded with their babies through breastfeeding and truly treasured that time with them. I will be recommending this book to my breastfeeding group on Facebook as well!
December 15, 2014
I loved this book. Amanda was so easy to relate too. And the book itself was an easy ready that I couldn't out down.
October 31, 2020
This story isn’t like anything I have ever read and that’s probably why I found it so interesting and entertaining. This story is about a young woman who seems to have a good grasp on her life, good friends, good job but has never found the relationship and family she wants to settle down for. After a passionate fling with a hot, Irish musician, she finds herself pregnant and alone. Then to add insult to injury, she loses her job, her apartment is burglarized, and she is quickly running out of money. Just when things appear to be at their worst, her friend tells her about an opportunity for some temp work as a nanny with an elite Chicago family. A nanny with a special skill set that Amanda happens to have being a new mother herself. This family needs a wet nurse and Amanda is more than qualified as she has weaned her daughter, but her milk supply has not diminished. At first, I was shocked by the notion that this is something she would consider. I must be honest and say it took me several beats to wrap my mind around the idea of a stranger breast-feeding your child. Ironically, a lot of people would find it off-putting, so much so, that Amanda is expected to sign non-disclosure agreements to protect the privacy of the family she works for. What made this story interesting for me is how adept Amanda is and how much she enjoys the job.
I really liked Amanda and her determination to make a home for herself and her daughter, though I was glad when she finally relents and gets help tracking down the father so he can provide financial support. That was the only thing I did not like about this book was how long it took Amanda to go after him. She should have done it months earlier, but when she finally did, things went smoothly, and she is successful. I didn’t care for the families Amanda works for. I thought they treated Amanda poorly and though she only works for two families in this story, that was more than enough. What starts out as a way to put food on the table and keep a roof over her head inspires Amanda to become a lactation consultant, helping families who are struggling with breast-feeding and the anxiety that often compounds the problem.
Amanda’s love interest is Dan, a single father she meets at the day care center she takes her daughter to. They have an instant connection and I liked him, but he doesn’t know what Amanda’s nanny gig really entails and it would be an understatement to say it doesn’t go well when he finds out.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very entertaining story with characters I found easy to relate to and like. The story moved at a very enjoyable pace and though the idea of a wet nurse might be odd for some people, I applaud the author for tackling this subject and making it thought-provoking. I recommend this book to fans of women fiction who are looking for something a little different without taking too far a detour to the happy ending.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Milked from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Amanda and her determination to make a home for herself and her daughter, though I was glad when she finally relents and gets help tracking down the father so he can provide financial support. That was the only thing I did not like about this book was how long it took Amanda to go after him. She should have done it months earlier, but when she finally did, things went smoothly, and she is successful. I didn’t care for the families Amanda works for. I thought they treated Amanda poorly and though she only works for two families in this story, that was more than enough. What starts out as a way to put food on the table and keep a roof over her head inspires Amanda to become a lactation consultant, helping families who are struggling with breast-feeding and the anxiety that often compounds the problem.
Amanda’s love interest is Dan, a single father she meets at the day care center she takes her daughter to. They have an instant connection and I liked him, but he doesn’t know what Amanda’s nanny gig really entails and it would be an understatement to say it doesn’t go well when he finds out.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very entertaining story with characters I found easy to relate to and like. The story moved at a very enjoyable pace and though the idea of a wet nurse might be odd for some people, I applaud the author for tackling this subject and making it thought-provoking. I recommend this book to fans of women fiction who are looking for something a little different without taking too far a detour to the happy ending.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Milked from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2022
I can't for the life of me remember what landed this book on my to-read list in 2014. If you'd have asked me, I would have told you that it was sci-fi. I think that was because its long-term buddy on my to-read list was a sci-fi novel. But it still doesn't explain the initial appeal.
I am still not sure I can explain the appeal. There are lots of strange plot threads in this novel. Some fit together better than others. There is the woman-gets-pregnant-and-abandoned-by-fiancé thread. The single-mom-trying-to-make-ends-meet thread. The single-mom-dating-single-dad thread. The single-mom-becomes-a-wet-nurse thread. It is a romance angling towards the expected happily-ever-after but also a look at the plight of the modern day mom trying to make ends meet but also the drama of a tell-all complete with a scene for the #metoo moment. One minute she's talking about blisters from nursing and the next describing hanky-panky on a first date. It is just...a lot?
In a big picture sense, I like what this is going for. The writing is engaging and it was nice to have breastfeeding and c-sections and post-partum depression all brought up rather casually in a novel. I liked Amanda. And if the eventual hero takes a little belief-suspension, well, I suppose it is that kind of book.
But emotionally, it is a lot. And while this book gets major points for originality, and I wouldn't mind reading more like it, I don't see myself coming back to it again.
I am still not sure I can explain the appeal. There are lots of strange plot threads in this novel. Some fit together better than others. There is the woman-gets-pregnant-and-abandoned-by-fiancé thread. The single-mom-trying-to-make-ends-meet thread. The single-mom-dating-single-dad thread. The single-mom-becomes-a-wet-nurse thread. It is a romance angling towards the expected happily-ever-after but also a look at the plight of the modern day mom trying to make ends meet but also the drama of a tell-all complete with a scene for the #metoo moment. One minute she's talking about blisters from nursing and the next describing hanky-panky on a first date. It is just...a lot?
In a big picture sense, I like what this is going for. The writing is engaging and it was nice to have breastfeeding and c-sections and post-partum depression all brought up rather casually in a novel. I liked Amanda. And if the eventual hero takes a little belief-suspension, well, I suppose it is that kind of book.
But emotionally, it is a lot. And while this book gets major points for originality, and I wouldn't mind reading more like it, I don't see myself coming back to it again.
March 26, 2019
Loved it! Couldn’t wait to find out where Amanda Keane was headed next.
April 20, 2020
Amanda is a young single mother with limited income. At her wits end, she decides to become a wet nurse to the rich and famous. Chaos and a nice resolution. A little pat, but a clever concept.
January 6, 2015
Bookaholic Confessions
We first meet Amanda as she turns the big 3-0. Her questionable taste in men comes into play as she ends up falling for the hunky Irish waiter at her birthday party. A whirlwind romance follows and Amanda is well and truly loved up with the delicious sounding Eamonn.
However, when he returns to Ireland, Amanda is determined that they can do the whole ‘long-distance’ thing until she discovers – uh,oh – she’s pregnant. Ok, so it’s not ideal, but this could be IT for her and Eamon and they can finally be a family. Right? Erm, wrong.
Eamon is less than thrilled with the idea and disappears off the face of the earth despite agreeing to marry Amanda.
Not only is Amanda left heartbroken but she’s also on the verge of being left penniless as things go from bad to worse and she loses her job in publishing and struggles to come to terms with being a single parent.
Desperate to find another job and give her baby, Maddie, the best possible start in life, Amanda’s friend, Joy, comes up with a possible solution when she puts her in touch with a celebrity couple who have just become surrogate parents to twins and are looking for a nanny/wet nurse. Amanda is initially horrified. Although Maddie is no longer breastfed Amanda can’t imagine feeding someone else’s child. However, as time progresses and her situation worsens, Amanda finds herself getting in touch with her potential new employers and agreeing to start the following week.
Of course Amanda’s new career doesn’t run smoothly, and then throw in CDD (Cute Daycare Dad; Dan) who Amanda meets when dropping Maddie off at nursery and you’ve got yourself a whole new load of complications (you try explaining milk blisters to potential suitors…)
I was massively intrigued by the synopsis of Milked. I don’t recall ever reading a novel covering a topic such as wet-nursing before (I only had a vague collection of what that even was!) so I was looking forward to reading something perhaps that little bit different and Milked certainly ticked all the boxes for me because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really liked the whirlwind relationship between Amanda and Eamonn at the start of the story. He sounded completely dreamy and I can see why Amanda fell head over heels in love with him. However, he soon turned into the biggest, rattiest of rats and I really felt for poor Amanda being left high and dry (or not so dry as the case may turn out…!)
Watching her struggle to adapt to motherhood made for a really insightful, funny and heartfelt read. She wasn’t sure about being a single mother at first and who can blame her after how she was abandoned by Eamonn, but she soon found her whole world changing as she became a fully fledged mother to the adorable Maddie and found herself doing anything she could to provide a safe and stable home for her daughter. You really see Amanda grow up in the novel and I liked reading about her as she goes through that transition.
Her job as a nanny/wet nurse to high-profile celebs also makes for a juicy and often very funny part of the story as Amanda finds herself dealing with pristine, white nurseries (WHITE!?), re-usable diapers and struggling parents. Slightly different from publishing…
This is such a fun, unusual style of story that any chick lit fan will surely adore. Amanda is your perfect heroine; she’s likeable, funny and when all is said and done – trying her best. She learns a lot of valuable life lessons within the story and it really was a joy reading about her journey.
If you’re a mother then I’ve no doubt that great big chunks of this novel will resonate, but even if you’re not it’s still a highly enjoyable, funny, romantic read. Full of adorable kids, hunky men, a delightful group of friends, (Joy, Meg and Leigh and Amanda) romance, the importance of family and the things we’ll do for love. If you’re looking for something that little bit different or if you’re looking for an all round engaging novel then look no further than Milked. I loved the cover (it’s gorgeous!) I loved the title (so clever and appropriate) I loved the writing and I all round loved the story…a big thumbs up from me!
This is a really exciting debut from Lisa Doyle and I am now firmly looking forward to reading more of her novels, hopefully in the very near future!
We first meet Amanda as she turns the big 3-0. Her questionable taste in men comes into play as she ends up falling for the hunky Irish waiter at her birthday party. A whirlwind romance follows and Amanda is well and truly loved up with the delicious sounding Eamonn.
However, when he returns to Ireland, Amanda is determined that they can do the whole ‘long-distance’ thing until she discovers – uh,oh – she’s pregnant. Ok, so it’s not ideal, but this could be IT for her and Eamon and they can finally be a family. Right? Erm, wrong.
Eamon is less than thrilled with the idea and disappears off the face of the earth despite agreeing to marry Amanda.
Not only is Amanda left heartbroken but she’s also on the verge of being left penniless as things go from bad to worse and she loses her job in publishing and struggles to come to terms with being a single parent.
Desperate to find another job and give her baby, Maddie, the best possible start in life, Amanda’s friend, Joy, comes up with a possible solution when she puts her in touch with a celebrity couple who have just become surrogate parents to twins and are looking for a nanny/wet nurse. Amanda is initially horrified. Although Maddie is no longer breastfed Amanda can’t imagine feeding someone else’s child. However, as time progresses and her situation worsens, Amanda finds herself getting in touch with her potential new employers and agreeing to start the following week.
Of course Amanda’s new career doesn’t run smoothly, and then throw in CDD (Cute Daycare Dad; Dan) who Amanda meets when dropping Maddie off at nursery and you’ve got yourself a whole new load of complications (you try explaining milk blisters to potential suitors…)
I was massively intrigued by the synopsis of Milked. I don’t recall ever reading a novel covering a topic such as wet-nursing before (I only had a vague collection of what that even was!) so I was looking forward to reading something perhaps that little bit different and Milked certainly ticked all the boxes for me because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really liked the whirlwind relationship between Amanda and Eamonn at the start of the story. He sounded completely dreamy and I can see why Amanda fell head over heels in love with him. However, he soon turned into the biggest, rattiest of rats and I really felt for poor Amanda being left high and dry (or not so dry as the case may turn out…!)
Watching her struggle to adapt to motherhood made for a really insightful, funny and heartfelt read. She wasn’t sure about being a single mother at first and who can blame her after how she was abandoned by Eamonn, but she soon found her whole world changing as she became a fully fledged mother to the adorable Maddie and found herself doing anything she could to provide a safe and stable home for her daughter. You really see Amanda grow up in the novel and I liked reading about her as she goes through that transition.
Her job as a nanny/wet nurse to high-profile celebs also makes for a juicy and often very funny part of the story as Amanda finds herself dealing with pristine, white nurseries (WHITE!?), re-usable diapers and struggling parents. Slightly different from publishing…
This is such a fun, unusual style of story that any chick lit fan will surely adore. Amanda is your perfect heroine; she’s likeable, funny and when all is said and done – trying her best. She learns a lot of valuable life lessons within the story and it really was a joy reading about her journey.
If you’re a mother then I’ve no doubt that great big chunks of this novel will resonate, but even if you’re not it’s still a highly enjoyable, funny, romantic read. Full of adorable kids, hunky men, a delightful group of friends, (Joy, Meg and Leigh and Amanda) romance, the importance of family and the things we’ll do for love. If you’re looking for something that little bit different or if you’re looking for an all round engaging novel then look no further than Milked. I loved the cover (it’s gorgeous!) I loved the title (so clever and appropriate) I loved the writing and I all round loved the story…a big thumbs up from me!
This is a really exciting debut from Lisa Doyle and I am now firmly looking forward to reading more of her novels, hopefully in the very near future!
October 31, 2015
This review was originally posted on www.talesofyesterday.co.uk
Milked is a modern mommy tale with a twist and centres around the witty character of Amanda Keane. The story begins around Amanda's 30th birthday in an Irish bar where she falls for a smouldering Irish accent (who wouldn't?) in the form of a hot Irish barman. They soon begin a 3 month fling before his visa runs out and upon his return to Ireland Amanda finds herself with an unexpected pregnancy and to top it all off her career in publishing hits a stumbling block. A single mother looking for a job and who wants to provide a roof over their heads, security and love for her child her friend Joy suggests the theory of becoming a wet nurse for some elite famous people. Amanda agrees and this opens up a whole new world of babies, feeding, diapers, day-care, celebrity and a bit of love thrown into the mix too. Amanda finds that life doesn't always play fair.
Straight from the off set at the start of this book I loved the narration style and Amanda's character which was often witty and laugh out loud funny with the narration quite Bridget Jonesy in style with some side talking directly to the reader which for me made Amanda feel such a realistic down to earth character. The whole romance between Amanda and the gorgeous sounding Irish barman Eamonn, (who stole my heart as a reader by being able to play U2 on demand of his violin (fiddle)), is built up beautifully and did not come across as insta-love but like a whirlwind romance. There is a fantastic hilarious reference that Amanda uses - 50 Shade Of Irish - Fantastic! Amanda's friends also are a great bunch of characters often bouncing off each other when they are together and then there's Dan.....*slips off into a dreamy place where there are lots of Dan's running around*.
The whole pregnancy and birth stories all rang very true and tell the truth without sugar coating things often being quite to the point. The same goes for the great descriptions of motherhood and what motherhood can bring both the good and the bad including unconditional love, struggles, worries, fun times, tired times, friendship and doing anything for your child or someone else's child and includes a great incident at day care where Amanda summed up exactly how she felt about the incident perfectly and having been in that same situation when my son was younger Lisa Doyle writes the perfect thought process in Amanda's mind and to the reader about this which is portrayed hilariously.
Lisa Doyle has also created a great unique twist on a mommy's tale introducing the idea of a wet nurse which I was not aware still goes on if I am honest and is how Amanda in the story finds work again. Is this even legal nowadays? Does this still happen in todays day and age? I looked this up on the internet and found this article from the Daily Mail which indicates that it does.
Some of the people that hire Amanda to work as a wet nurse for them in the book are either high profile people, people struggling with their new-borns or wanting that extra help. I have to say the most annoying character (written that way) for me was Alexandra Lang a workaholic with newborn twins who Amanda has past history with. Lisa Doyle creates a character who made me keep imagining Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada!
All in all this book is a wonderful debut by Lisa Doyle for the chick lit genre. I cannot wait to read more from Lisa in the future.
For more reviews please visit www.talesofyesterday.co.uk
Milked is a modern mommy tale with a twist and centres around the witty character of Amanda Keane. The story begins around Amanda's 30th birthday in an Irish bar where she falls for a smouldering Irish accent (who wouldn't?) in the form of a hot Irish barman. They soon begin a 3 month fling before his visa runs out and upon his return to Ireland Amanda finds herself with an unexpected pregnancy and to top it all off her career in publishing hits a stumbling block. A single mother looking for a job and who wants to provide a roof over their heads, security and love for her child her friend Joy suggests the theory of becoming a wet nurse for some elite famous people. Amanda agrees and this opens up a whole new world of babies, feeding, diapers, day-care, celebrity and a bit of love thrown into the mix too. Amanda finds that life doesn't always play fair.
Straight from the off set at the start of this book I loved the narration style and Amanda's character which was often witty and laugh out loud funny with the narration quite Bridget Jonesy in style with some side talking directly to the reader which for me made Amanda feel such a realistic down to earth character. The whole romance between Amanda and the gorgeous sounding Irish barman Eamonn, (who stole my heart as a reader by being able to play U2 on demand of his violin (fiddle)), is built up beautifully and did not come across as insta-love but like a whirlwind romance. There is a fantastic hilarious reference that Amanda uses - 50 Shade Of Irish - Fantastic! Amanda's friends also are a great bunch of characters often bouncing off each other when they are together and then there's Dan.....*slips off into a dreamy place where there are lots of Dan's running around*.
The whole pregnancy and birth stories all rang very true and tell the truth without sugar coating things often being quite to the point. The same goes for the great descriptions of motherhood and what motherhood can bring both the good and the bad including unconditional love, struggles, worries, fun times, tired times, friendship and doing anything for your child or someone else's child and includes a great incident at day care where Amanda summed up exactly how she felt about the incident perfectly and having been in that same situation when my son was younger Lisa Doyle writes the perfect thought process in Amanda's mind and to the reader about this which is portrayed hilariously.
Lisa Doyle has also created a great unique twist on a mommy's tale introducing the idea of a wet nurse which I was not aware still goes on if I am honest and is how Amanda in the story finds work again. Is this even legal nowadays? Does this still happen in todays day and age? I looked this up on the internet and found this article from the Daily Mail which indicates that it does.
Some of the people that hire Amanda to work as a wet nurse for them in the book are either high profile people, people struggling with their new-borns or wanting that extra help. I have to say the most annoying character (written that way) for me was Alexandra Lang a workaholic with newborn twins who Amanda has past history with. Lisa Doyle creates a character who made me keep imagining Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada!
All in all this book is a wonderful debut by Lisa Doyle for the chick lit genre. I cannot wait to read more from Lisa in the future.
For more reviews please visit www.talesofyesterday.co.uk
December 30, 2014
For the most part Amanda Keene has done her best to make solid, responsible decisions, even if they aren't the most exciting ones. That is, until the night of her thirtieth birthday when she meets a sexy Irish musician and embarks on a whirlwind romance. She and Eamonn spend three wonderful months together and when his Visa expires and he needs to return to Ireland Amanda is confident that their relationship is far from over. However when Amanda finds herself pregnant she also finds herself suddenly single and unable to locate the fickle love of her life. She also, through a series of unfortunate events, finds herself unemployed and faced with a large bill for the portion of her C-Section that her insurance won't cover.
Unsure what to do next in order to keep a roof over her and her daughter's heads, Amanda is initially appalled when her best friend, OB-GYN Joy, tells her about an opening in the lucrative career of wet-nursing. When she takes the time to consider her options and learns that she has very few, Amanda finds herself nursing a set of twins for a wealthy Chicago family. As her new- found career alternates between taking off and crashing completely Amanda must deal with the realities of trying to keep her daughter happy and looked after with no support from her daughter's father while re-emerging onto the dating scene herself and dealing with the stigma associated with the job that she's doing. Will she be able to keep balancing all of the demands of single motherhood or is it only a period of time before she crashes and burns?
I'll admit my reluctance to reading this story initially, simply because the premise- wet-nursing- seemed so bizarre! It's not something that I generally gravitate towards reading about but I admired the uniqueness of this plot and I decided to give Milked a try. I am definitely glad that I did! The things that initially made me wary were what drew me in to this interesting and fast-paced story. Author Lisa Doyle is well aware that wet-nursing is controversial and she uses that as a talking point within the book. She never tries to gloss over the fact that it is something that is not usually the "done thing" but she does make the topic somewhat more acceptable by addressing it head-on. She also adds a fun element to the story by having it take place in the homes of some (fictional) rich and famous people, giving us a fun peek into bizarre celebrity lifestyle.
I loved the fact that things were never once easy for Amanda. Lisa Doyle makes sure that the book is realistic and that not everything falls into place easily. That is definitely one of my pet peeves and I'm so glad that Amanda had to struggle at times. It made her easier to relate to, and it made the story more enjoyable as a whole. I was rooting for Amanda to keep at it when times were tough and I was happy whenever she triumphed, even in a small way.
Milked was a surprisingly enjoyable fast-paced and fun book. I enjoyed reading it far more than I initially thought that I would. The story flowed, felt real, and was very well-written. This is Lisa Doyle's debut book and I am looking forward to reading what she writes in the future! My thanks to Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours for providing me with a review copy of this book.
Unsure what to do next in order to keep a roof over her and her daughter's heads, Amanda is initially appalled when her best friend, OB-GYN Joy, tells her about an opening in the lucrative career of wet-nursing. When she takes the time to consider her options and learns that she has very few, Amanda finds herself nursing a set of twins for a wealthy Chicago family. As her new- found career alternates between taking off and crashing completely Amanda must deal with the realities of trying to keep her daughter happy and looked after with no support from her daughter's father while re-emerging onto the dating scene herself and dealing with the stigma associated with the job that she's doing. Will she be able to keep balancing all of the demands of single motherhood or is it only a period of time before she crashes and burns?
I'll admit my reluctance to reading this story initially, simply because the premise- wet-nursing- seemed so bizarre! It's not something that I generally gravitate towards reading about but I admired the uniqueness of this plot and I decided to give Milked a try. I am definitely glad that I did! The things that initially made me wary were what drew me in to this interesting and fast-paced story. Author Lisa Doyle is well aware that wet-nursing is controversial and she uses that as a talking point within the book. She never tries to gloss over the fact that it is something that is not usually the "done thing" but she does make the topic somewhat more acceptable by addressing it head-on. She also adds a fun element to the story by having it take place in the homes of some (fictional) rich and famous people, giving us a fun peek into bizarre celebrity lifestyle.
I loved the fact that things were never once easy for Amanda. Lisa Doyle makes sure that the book is realistic and that not everything falls into place easily. That is definitely one of my pet peeves and I'm so glad that Amanda had to struggle at times. It made her easier to relate to, and it made the story more enjoyable as a whole. I was rooting for Amanda to keep at it when times were tough and I was happy whenever she triumphed, even in a small way.
Milked was a surprisingly enjoyable fast-paced and fun book. I enjoyed reading it far more than I initially thought that I would. The story flowed, felt real, and was very well-written. This is Lisa Doyle's debut book and I am looking forward to reading what she writes in the future! My thanks to Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours for providing me with a review copy of this book.
April 12, 2015
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
I saw this book was up for requesting. I read the blurb once passed it on over. Read it again a few days later and figured I would give it a try.
Being a mother who breastfed her children I was kind of wondering where this was going to go. You don't read to many books that have talk about breastfeeding in them so this was one that was a good read.
You have Amanda the main character who is a normal twenty nine year old until she hits her thirtieth birthday. Everything seems to be going good until she brings home the Irishman she met at the Irish pub on her birthday. Things seem to good to be true until he had to leave to go back to his home and she took the test that determines if she is going to be momma. When it comes back positive and she lets him know they make plans for the future, when he takes the coward's way out it changes everything for Amanda. She has to become a single mother and make things work. We watch as she struggles with losing her job and trying to find work all while trying to raise a baby. When one of her best friends lets her know that she can become a milk nanny for those that are famous she hesitates but then jumps right into it. Now I would have never thought people did this for a living but I could see it happening in real life.
As she takes on this job she meets different walks of people while trying to take care of her own child who is growing up before her eyes. When Amanda thinks she may have met the man for her he doesn't know right away what she does for a living. She juggles her work as a so called nanny, a momma to her daughter and a girlfriend to Dan. It seems hard and we watch how Amanda holds it all together even when she loses the job as a milk nanny and picks up another client.
Towards the end we see what happens when her daughter's father comes back into the picture and we see how she handles this encounter. We also get to see if she stays in this profession or if she decides to hang it up.
This book is filled with humor and the struggle is real for a single mother. The plot is different than what I have read before.
Amanda is a strong character and I was amazed at how she tried everything to take care of her and her daughter. I really enjoyed how she learned more about herself and what she ended up wanting in life.
I saw this book was up for requesting. I read the blurb once passed it on over. Read it again a few days later and figured I would give it a try.
Being a mother who breastfed her children I was kind of wondering where this was going to go. You don't read to many books that have talk about breastfeeding in them so this was one that was a good read.
You have Amanda the main character who is a normal twenty nine year old until she hits her thirtieth birthday. Everything seems to be going good until she brings home the Irishman she met at the Irish pub on her birthday. Things seem to good to be true until he had to leave to go back to his home and she took the test that determines if she is going to be momma. When it comes back positive and she lets him know they make plans for the future, when he takes the coward's way out it changes everything for Amanda. She has to become a single mother and make things work. We watch as she struggles with losing her job and trying to find work all while trying to raise a baby. When one of her best friends lets her know that she can become a milk nanny for those that are famous she hesitates but then jumps right into it. Now I would have never thought people did this for a living but I could see it happening in real life.
As she takes on this job she meets different walks of people while trying to take care of her own child who is growing up before her eyes. When Amanda thinks she may have met the man for her he doesn't know right away what she does for a living. She juggles her work as a so called nanny, a momma to her daughter and a girlfriend to Dan. It seems hard and we watch how Amanda holds it all together even when she loses the job as a milk nanny and picks up another client.
Towards the end we see what happens when her daughter's father comes back into the picture and we see how she handles this encounter. We also get to see if she stays in this profession or if she decides to hang it up.
This book is filled with humor and the struggle is real for a single mother. The plot is different than what I have read before.
Amanda is a strong character and I was amazed at how she tried everything to take care of her and her daughter. I really enjoyed how she learned more about herself and what she ended up wanting in life.
April 2, 2015
Note: This ebook was provided by BookBuzz.net via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda Keane's life changed forever after her thirtieth birthday. Gone was her well-paying job, someone breaks into her apartment, and she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant but the Irish father of her child-to-be cuts of all contact with her soon after she tells him. Her family and friends try to provide her with the support she needs but being abandoned by a man she believed in and having no income to speak of isn't exactly simple things that she can get over in a day or two.
After giving birth to her daughter, Amanda finds herself still jobless, but her best friend may have come up with a solution to her financial problem. She gets a job as a private wet nurse, thanks to the fact that she's still lactating, and is paid well for her efforts. She even meets a single father who she's attracted to and they begin to see each other. But with her inability to stay in a family for very long and the return of her daughter's father, will Amanda be able to get her life together?
Milked by Lisa Doyle was a fairly enjoyable women's fiction read. Amanda Keane is a female lead character struggling to provide for both herself and her young daughter. While being a wet nurse may appear to be something from the olden days, there are actually very affluent couples who still employ one when necessary. Amanda balks at her best friend's suggestion at first but she's so desperate for cash that she agrees. Unfortunately, each family she's with has definite issues.
The story in itself was interesting and quite original, something I had never come across before. Amanda was okay as a heroine but I had a difficult time drumming up any real affection for her. I also felt that there were some moments that were drawn out too long that I actually ended up skimming a number of times. Still, I liked the idea that the focus was really on Amanda's journey of independence and not just on her love story with Dan. I'm giving this three out of five stars. ♥
Amanda Keane's life changed forever after her thirtieth birthday. Gone was her well-paying job, someone breaks into her apartment, and she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant but the Irish father of her child-to-be cuts of all contact with her soon after she tells him. Her family and friends try to provide her with the support she needs but being abandoned by a man she believed in and having no income to speak of isn't exactly simple things that she can get over in a day or two.
After giving birth to her daughter, Amanda finds herself still jobless, but her best friend may have come up with a solution to her financial problem. She gets a job as a private wet nurse, thanks to the fact that she's still lactating, and is paid well for her efforts. She even meets a single father who she's attracted to and they begin to see each other. But with her inability to stay in a family for very long and the return of her daughter's father, will Amanda be able to get her life together?
Milked by Lisa Doyle was a fairly enjoyable women's fiction read. Amanda Keane is a female lead character struggling to provide for both herself and her young daughter. While being a wet nurse may appear to be something from the olden days, there are actually very affluent couples who still employ one when necessary. Amanda balks at her best friend's suggestion at first but she's so desperate for cash that she agrees. Unfortunately, each family she's with has definite issues.
The story in itself was interesting and quite original, something I had never come across before. Amanda was okay as a heroine but I had a difficult time drumming up any real affection for her. I also felt that there were some moments that were drawn out too long that I actually ended up skimming a number of times. Still, I liked the idea that the focus was really on Amanda's journey of independence and not just on her love story with Dan. I'm giving this three out of five stars. ♥
January 9, 2015
Milked is an entertaining story that follows thirty year old Amanda Keane as she embarks on a new journey when her life takes an unexpected turn.
Author Lisa Doyle weaves a humorous debut tale set in Chicago that follows Amanda Keane as her life unexpectedly changes after a whirlwind and short lived romance with a sexy Irishman, who leaves her alone and pregnant. Faced with the reality of motherhood and other trials and tribulations that befall her, Amanda embarks on a life-changing journey filled with choices, decisions, and stability, along the road to happiness.
Milked was such a fun book to read, it had a little bit of everything: steamy romance, friendships, and the realistic daily trials and tribulations in life and parenthood, that easily kept me engaged and following Amanda's journey. I loved the author's easy style of wit and humor that she used to weave a realistic tale of motherhood and living one's life as best as you can (even with Amanda's new career as a Chicago society wet nurse) that readers could easily relate to. The author does a wonderful job of touching upon the variety of issues that arise with motherhood and how to overcome them, finding romance, and learning from life's experiences and lessons with humor and thoughtfulness.
With a delightful cast of characters; witty dialogue and humorous interactions; a nice mixture of drama and romance; a rich description of the setting that transports the reader to the heart of Chicago; and an entertaining storyline filled with intriguing twists and turns; Milked is a delightful story that will leave a smile on your face!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Lisa Doyle weaves a humorous debut tale set in Chicago that follows Amanda Keane as her life unexpectedly changes after a whirlwind and short lived romance with a sexy Irishman, who leaves her alone and pregnant. Faced with the reality of motherhood and other trials and tribulations that befall her, Amanda embarks on a life-changing journey filled with choices, decisions, and stability, along the road to happiness.
Milked was such a fun book to read, it had a little bit of everything: steamy romance, friendships, and the realistic daily trials and tribulations in life and parenthood, that easily kept me engaged and following Amanda's journey. I loved the author's easy style of wit and humor that she used to weave a realistic tale of motherhood and living one's life as best as you can (even with Amanda's new career as a Chicago society wet nurse) that readers could easily relate to. The author does a wonderful job of touching upon the variety of issues that arise with motherhood and how to overcome them, finding romance, and learning from life's experiences and lessons with humor and thoughtfulness.
With a delightful cast of characters; witty dialogue and humorous interactions; a nice mixture of drama and romance; a rich description of the setting that transports the reader to the heart of Chicago; and an entertaining storyline filled with intriguing twists and turns; Milked is a delightful story that will leave a smile on your face!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 15, 2015
My thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda is a single young woman celebrating her 30th Birthday she meets and falls for a young sexy Irish musician. A whirlwind romance sees her planning a wedding, which never takes place. She is left almost jilted at the altar, but her problems don't stop there as unbeknown to her she is also pregnant.
Single and pregnant Amanda has some harsh decisions to make, the forthcoming birth is not the worst of her problems that she has to face. Her life appears to become a comedy of errors as one thing after another is sent to try her.
Following the birth of her baby she decides that breastfeeding is best for the baby and donates surplus milk to the Hospital for newborn babies. During one of her visits to the Hospital the now jobless Amanda's friend alerts her to a possible new job opportunity as a wet nurse to the rich of Chicago. As she embarks on this rather unusual change of career, she realises how easy it could be for her to do this for others but the irony is that whilst she is nursing and caring for other babies, her own baby has to go to daycare in order for her to be able to work and make ends meet.
As she reluctantly leaves her own baby at daycare, she keeps bumping into Dan who takes his child to daycare too. As a relatonship of sorts begins to blossom between them, can she afford to tell him what she does or will he see it as an odd career choice? It's not an easy decision to make at all but she's the only one who can make it.
This is quite an unusal topic to write a story about and wet nursing is not something that we hear about much in today's society. I really enjoyed the story and found it quite well written on the whole. I enjyoyed the relationships between Amanda and her men.
I will look out for further books by this Author.
Amanda is a single young woman celebrating her 30th Birthday she meets and falls for a young sexy Irish musician. A whirlwind romance sees her planning a wedding, which never takes place. She is left almost jilted at the altar, but her problems don't stop there as unbeknown to her she is also pregnant.
Single and pregnant Amanda has some harsh decisions to make, the forthcoming birth is not the worst of her problems that she has to face. Her life appears to become a comedy of errors as one thing after another is sent to try her.
Following the birth of her baby she decides that breastfeeding is best for the baby and donates surplus milk to the Hospital for newborn babies. During one of her visits to the Hospital the now jobless Amanda's friend alerts her to a possible new job opportunity as a wet nurse to the rich of Chicago. As she embarks on this rather unusual change of career, she realises how easy it could be for her to do this for others but the irony is that whilst she is nursing and caring for other babies, her own baby has to go to daycare in order for her to be able to work and make ends meet.
As she reluctantly leaves her own baby at daycare, she keeps bumping into Dan who takes his child to daycare too. As a relatonship of sorts begins to blossom between them, can she afford to tell him what she does or will he see it as an odd career choice? It's not an easy decision to make at all but she's the only one who can make it.
This is quite an unusal topic to write a story about and wet nursing is not something that we hear about much in today's society. I really enjoyed the story and found it quite well written on the whole. I enjyoyed the relationships between Amanda and her men.
I will look out for further books by this Author.
December 20, 2014
Review originally posted on Comet Babe's Books.
I would like to thank Kim Nash for sending me a copy of this book in exchanged for a fair and honest review.
When we first meet Amanda she is coming up to her 30 birthday with a career in publishing. I liked Amanda she was the dizzy one of all your friends, who doesn't always make the right decisions when it comes to her career, her family or relationships. Infact her choice in men reminds me of me, always picking the wrong one.
After a dizzying three months with an Irish Bar tender who leaves when his visa runs out, Amanda finds she could have made the worst mistake of her life. She is pregnant. Not only that he loses her job in the process. Not sure what to do a friend suggests she becomes a 'wet nurse' for another couple. Amanda is appalled. Who does that in this day an age? Surely it would be easier to use a bottle.
Amanda ultimately has no choice and her fighting spirit comes to the fore, for once will she make the right decisions for herself and her daughter?
I liked Amanda she is easily likeable, I laughed, I had tears in my eyes at points in the book and desperately hoped all would work well for her.
This is great story with a really great storyline, something different from the norm.
I would like to thank Kim Nash for sending me a copy of this book in exchanged for a fair and honest review.
When we first meet Amanda she is coming up to her 30 birthday with a career in publishing. I liked Amanda she was the dizzy one of all your friends, who doesn't always make the right decisions when it comes to her career, her family or relationships. Infact her choice in men reminds me of me, always picking the wrong one.
After a dizzying three months with an Irish Bar tender who leaves when his visa runs out, Amanda finds she could have made the worst mistake of her life. She is pregnant. Not only that he loses her job in the process. Not sure what to do a friend suggests she becomes a 'wet nurse' for another couple. Amanda is appalled. Who does that in this day an age? Surely it would be easier to use a bottle.
Amanda ultimately has no choice and her fighting spirit comes to the fore, for once will she make the right decisions for herself and her daughter?
I liked Amanda she is easily likeable, I laughed, I had tears in my eyes at points in the book and desperately hoped all would work well for her.
This is great story with a really great storyline, something different from the norm.
January 16, 2015
I LOVED THIS BOOK. And yes I had to write that all in capitals because it was just that true. I read it in one day over the Christmas holidays, which was a feat in itself because of course that is a busy time of year. I just couldn't help myself though because the book was just that good.
The story of Amanda was one that I felt myself drawn into and I was silently cheering for her to succeed despite all of the difficult things she was faced with. I truly loved the realness I felt in this book and wondered if the author had gone through all of these things. From what I read later, she had not but I still felt like I was hearing about a friend's troubles in life and I hurt for her.
Quite often when I read a book I will be disappointed with one thing or another but this book delivered in every way. Great characters and dialogue and an entirely believable story that did not have a bad ending but a really plausible one that made me happy.
A definite 5 star rating and one of my best reads of the past year!
The story of Amanda was one that I felt myself drawn into and I was silently cheering for her to succeed despite all of the difficult things she was faced with. I truly loved the realness I felt in this book and wondered if the author had gone through all of these things. From what I read later, she had not but I still felt like I was hearing about a friend's troubles in life and I hurt for her.
Quite often when I read a book I will be disappointed with one thing or another but this book delivered in every way. Great characters and dialogue and an entirely believable story that did not have a bad ending but a really plausible one that made me happy.
A definite 5 star rating and one of my best reads of the past year!
November 29, 2014
'Milked' was an original new spin on a typical piece of chick lit. It was especially topical for young mothers in that it was very frank about the early days of dealing with a newborn, attempting to feed your child in any way possible all while remaining sane and dealing with the reality that breastfeeding isn't always as simple or glamorous as certain advertisements would lead us to believe.
There were several moments when I laughed out loud. Others when I shed a tear or two. Others still where I wanted to reach out and slap someone because I was as equally frustrated with the turns of events as my heroine was.
My one complaint is that this ended rather quickly (though everything was tied up in a neat bow) leaving me wanting more. It was a great, quick read that touched on many aspects of motherhood and making ends meet in general during today's crazy times. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to see what the author comes out with next.
There were several moments when I laughed out loud. Others when I shed a tear or two. Others still where I wanted to reach out and slap someone because I was as equally frustrated with the turns of events as my heroine was.
My one complaint is that this ended rather quickly (though everything was tied up in a neat bow) leaving me wanting more. It was a great, quick read that touched on many aspects of motherhood and making ends meet in general during today's crazy times. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to see what the author comes out with next.
May 17, 2015
First I must state that I received this book for free to be read and reviewed.
I really liked this book. The protagonist is someone I feel like I could be friends with. The writing is witty and humorous. To tell truth I was not sure I would like this book, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I did like it. I did not want to put it down. I have a three year old so I can relate well with the Amanda, I was uncertain at first if I would be able to since I am long past the breastfeeding part. I did appreciate that there was no judgment put on mothers who could not breastfeed. I struggled with breastfeeding, so I was a little aprehenceive about what feelings would arise. The situations that Amanda finds herself in are, while sometimes a little outlandish, they are not at all unrealistic, and usally quite funny.
I would recommend this highly entertaining and funny book to any new, soon to be, or seasoned mom.
I really liked this book. The protagonist is someone I feel like I could be friends with. The writing is witty and humorous. To tell truth I was not sure I would like this book, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I did like it. I did not want to put it down. I have a three year old so I can relate well with the Amanda, I was uncertain at first if I would be able to since I am long past the breastfeeding part. I did appreciate that there was no judgment put on mothers who could not breastfeed. I struggled with breastfeeding, so I was a little aprehenceive about what feelings would arise. The situations that Amanda finds herself in are, while sometimes a little outlandish, they are not at all unrealistic, and usally quite funny.
I would recommend this highly entertaining and funny book to any new, soon to be, or seasoned mom.
January 13, 2015
Milked by Lisa Doyle was a good but different book. It was different because of the plot and it was different in a great way. I loved this book because it was something that I never thought about and yet it did make me smile all the time. It was such a unique storyline that I couldn’t help but enjoy the book. I read tons of book and I tend to read the same types of books all the time but this book was like a breath of fresh air. The past month I have been in a reading funk because I was tired of reading the same things. When I started this book it was just because I had too and after I was a few pages in I feel in love with the story and the authors writing. I would recommend this book to everyone because it is such a fun book to read!
FTC: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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