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The Nanny Next Door: A Sweet Small Town Romance
I came to Buttonwood to nanny a little girl, not to end up married to her billionaire father.
Grant Russell is a grumpy, gorgeous single dad who runs his farmhouse like a boardroom. I’m the nanny who drives him nuts with cookies and glitter.
Then Grant’s family decides Lily would be better off without him, and a custody fight turns vicious. To appear stable in court, Grant proposes we get married. I say yes before my brain catches up.
One courthouse signature later, I’m wearing his ring and sharing his name and his bed.
Between late-night chores and Harvest Festival rehearsals, barbs turn into secrets until the lines blur. When he calls us “my girls,” my heart stops pretending this is temporary.
Then a reporter threatens to expose my past, and the case starts to crumble.
I can run like I always have.
Or stand beside him.
Because for the first time in my life, love isn’t what I’m afraid to lose, it’s the reason I could stay.
Grant Russell is a grumpy, gorgeous single dad who runs his farmhouse like a boardroom. I’m the nanny who drives him nuts with cookies and glitter.
Then Grant’s family decides Lily would be better off without him, and a custody fight turns vicious. To appear stable in court, Grant proposes we get married. I say yes before my brain catches up.
One courthouse signature later, I’m wearing his ring and sharing his name and his bed.
Between late-night chores and Harvest Festival rehearsals, barbs turn into secrets until the lines blur. When he calls us “my girls,” my heart stops pretending this is temporary.
Then a reporter threatens to expose my past, and the case starts to crumble.
I can run like I always have.
Or stand beside him.
Because for the first time in my life, love isn’t what I’m afraid to lose, it’s the reason I could stay.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2026
7 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 21, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by Nina Oliver, but it won’t be my last. I love it when a story draws me in from the beginning and keeps me reading way past my bedtime. Getting lost in a book is always so satisfying for me. The characters in this story were alike in some ways, but so different in other ways.
Our story opens with Ruby having left her hometown. Her parents are wealthy and want to control her life. She traded in her Mercedes for cash and now the not running “rust-bucket Honda that lasted exactly two states before giving up.” is dead. She grabs her suitcases and the map she had drawn from the email from Mrs. Tilly. Ruby notices a great deal as she follows Mrs. Tilly. This man has money, no doubt from what she sees in the kitchen. She recognizes high end appliances and more.
“Grant Russell enters the kitchen, and the temperature drops ten degrees.” Ruby’s a mess and late, oh what he must be thinking. Grant is extremely particular about Lily’s schedule. (Lily is his daughter) “Lily’s schedule is non-negotiable; wake at seven, breakfast at seven-thirty, lessons from eight to noon, lunch at twelve-fifteen. Afternoons are for supervised play, dinner at six, and bed at eight. No sugar after four p.m. No screen time during the week. No deviations without my explicit approval.”
Yes, he’s rigid, but when it comes to his daughter, Lily, he would do anything to make her happy. Ruby is shown to her room and unpacks her belongings. Ruby catches the attention of Lily when she learns that Ruby loves to bake snickerdoodles. I do think Lily becomes addicted to them; they’re that good. If you’ve never had a snickerdoodle, I highly recommend you try them…they can be addicting.
Unfortunately, Grant has more worries to be concerned about. His attorney, Richard Pemberton calls him. He informs him that his late wife’s parents are challenging the custody arrangement. “Claiming the move to Buttonwood proves instability, that you’re isolating Lily from family support. This time they have affidavits, people in town willing to testify that you’re emotionally unavailable.” His attorney tells him that he might have a better chance if he was married or in a stable relationship.
As if the drama of possibly losing Lily isn’t enough, he needs to find a fiancé or bride quickly. Grant cannot lose Lily; she’s his entire world. Ruby has her own problems, she receives a call from her Father, he never calls. He usually has his assistant do the calling. He’s demanding that she return home. He is giving her one month to return home. “The Carmichaels are expecting an answer, and you will give them the correct one. James is a suitable match. This marriage will secure..” Lily laughs and she knows he had her followed. He threatens to reveal her true identity “Ruby Sinclair, heiress to the Sinclair hotel empire, slumming it as a nanny.” If she runs from there, he’ll follow her and do the same again and again until she comes home. What type of parent threatens their child this way?
I do not want to spoil this wonderful story by revealing too much. Will her father call her bluff and force her to return home? Will Ruby defy her father and remain with Grant? Will the grandparents be able to take Lily away from her dad? To find out the answers to these and so many more questions, get your copy of The Nanny Next Door by Nina Oliver today! You won’t be sorry!
Our story opens with Ruby having left her hometown. Her parents are wealthy and want to control her life. She traded in her Mercedes for cash and now the not running “rust-bucket Honda that lasted exactly two states before giving up.” is dead. She grabs her suitcases and the map she had drawn from the email from Mrs. Tilly. Ruby notices a great deal as she follows Mrs. Tilly. This man has money, no doubt from what she sees in the kitchen. She recognizes high end appliances and more.
“Grant Russell enters the kitchen, and the temperature drops ten degrees.” Ruby’s a mess and late, oh what he must be thinking. Grant is extremely particular about Lily’s schedule. (Lily is his daughter) “Lily’s schedule is non-negotiable; wake at seven, breakfast at seven-thirty, lessons from eight to noon, lunch at twelve-fifteen. Afternoons are for supervised play, dinner at six, and bed at eight. No sugar after four p.m. No screen time during the week. No deviations without my explicit approval.”
Yes, he’s rigid, but when it comes to his daughter, Lily, he would do anything to make her happy. Ruby is shown to her room and unpacks her belongings. Ruby catches the attention of Lily when she learns that Ruby loves to bake snickerdoodles. I do think Lily becomes addicted to them; they’re that good. If you’ve never had a snickerdoodle, I highly recommend you try them…they can be addicting.
Unfortunately, Grant has more worries to be concerned about. His attorney, Richard Pemberton calls him. He informs him that his late wife’s parents are challenging the custody arrangement. “Claiming the move to Buttonwood proves instability, that you’re isolating Lily from family support. This time they have affidavits, people in town willing to testify that you’re emotionally unavailable.” His attorney tells him that he might have a better chance if he was married or in a stable relationship.
As if the drama of possibly losing Lily isn’t enough, he needs to find a fiancé or bride quickly. Grant cannot lose Lily; she’s his entire world. Ruby has her own problems, she receives a call from her Father, he never calls. He usually has his assistant do the calling. He’s demanding that she return home. He is giving her one month to return home. “The Carmichaels are expecting an answer, and you will give them the correct one. James is a suitable match. This marriage will secure..” Lily laughs and she knows he had her followed. He threatens to reveal her true identity “Ruby Sinclair, heiress to the Sinclair hotel empire, slumming it as a nanny.” If she runs from there, he’ll follow her and do the same again and again until she comes home. What type of parent threatens their child this way?
I do not want to spoil this wonderful story by revealing too much. Will her father call her bluff and force her to return home? Will Ruby defy her father and remain with Grant? Will the grandparents be able to take Lily away from her dad? To find out the answers to these and so many more questions, get your copy of The Nanny Next Door by Nina Oliver today! You won’t be sorry!
January 21, 2026
Some books hold your attention. Some books hold your heart. Nina Oliver is a new author for me. It seems that she has a not-a-series books about small towns, single dads and women who change the title "step-mom" into just simply "mom".
Expect tears. Really. This is a full box read. By the end, I think I was crying as much as Ruby was!
Ruby is plucky (yeah, a 1950ish word, but it's got that retro vibe), independant and has just that bit of snark. Grant is rather typical of the trope. He's cold, domineering, rigid. And that's in the first ten minutes of read/meeting him. Guess which character gets all the reader loving.
I said 1950's, maybe it could be early 1960's. If a mommy who wears dresses (no pearls though) and bakes, is not for you than neither is this book. I vaguely remember a black and white series about a really young Robert Young called Father knows Best (It was on as a week day repeat.... I'm not THAT old!). Father didn't. And neither does Grant. Thankfully the dirndl-with matching apron mom does. Up date that to the 21st century (sans dirndl) Ruby and you've got the whole story plot.
Yes, it really is a tried and true, nothing to see here, over used trope, nanny marries billionaire boss in marriage of convenience. But somehow, Ms. Oliver freshens it up. Gives it a few twists and turns. But you also get that angsty, maybe we're not getting that HEA you wanted, roller coaster ride. With tissues.
No spice, plenty of tender sizzle, a wise and wonderful housekeeper and an adorable child. Quick, slightly emotional read. Don't forget the tissues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Expect tears. Really. This is a full box read. By the end, I think I was crying as much as Ruby was!
Ruby is plucky (yeah, a 1950ish word, but it's got that retro vibe), independant and has just that bit of snark. Grant is rather typical of the trope. He's cold, domineering, rigid. And that's in the first ten minutes of read/meeting him. Guess which character gets all the reader loving.
I said 1950's, maybe it could be early 1960's. If a mommy who wears dresses (no pearls though) and bakes, is not for you than neither is this book. I vaguely remember a black and white series about a really young Robert Young called Father knows Best (It was on as a week day repeat.... I'm not THAT old!). Father didn't. And neither does Grant. Thankfully the dirndl-with matching apron mom does. Up date that to the 21st century (sans dirndl) Ruby and you've got the whole story plot.
Yes, it really is a tried and true, nothing to see here, over used trope, nanny marries billionaire boss in marriage of convenience. But somehow, Ms. Oliver freshens it up. Gives it a few twists and turns. But you also get that angsty, maybe we're not getting that HEA you wanted, roller coaster ride. With tissues.
No spice, plenty of tender sizzle, a wise and wonderful housekeeper and an adorable child. Quick, slightly emotional read. Don't forget the tissues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2026
The Nanny Next Door was a great, heart-warming read. Ruby Sinclair (MFC) comes to Buttonwood using the assumed name of Ruby Turner. She had left Boston to escape her wealthy, controlling parents. Ruby is the only child and heir to the Sinclair Hotel Empire. She came to buttonwood to be the nanny for Lily, the eight-year old daughter of Grant Russell. Ruby sees a lot of her father in Grant, in his ridged schedule for Lily, but he would do anything to make Lily happy, and she sees herself in Lily. You will love Mrs. Tilly the housekeeper. Ruby has also gotten a call from her father giving her a deadline of 6 weeks to come home and accept a marriage proposal from a person that they chose to make a good partnership for the Sinclair empire. Grant also has the worry of a custody battle with her late wife’s parents. His attorney tells him that he might have a better chance if he was married or in a stable relationship. A few days later he asks Ruby to temporarily marry him, I love that she tells him no. Though a few days later Ruby goes to him and says yes, for Lily’s sake. This is a great story; you must read this book to find out how this all turns out.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 24, 2026
The Nanny Next Door by Nina Oliver completely won me over.
I love a good grumpy single dad story, and Grant Russell delivers. He runs his farmhouse like a business and keeps his emotions locked down tight. Then Nina shows up with cookies, glitter, and a whole lot of heart, and slowly turns his world upside down. Their chemistry builds in such a natural way. The tension, the banter, the quiet soft moments all felt real.
Little Lily was honestly the heart of the story. The bedtime scenes, the Harvest Festival rehearsals, and the way Nina fits so gently into her life made everything feel meaningful. When the custody battle starts and Grant proposes marriage to look stable in court, it feels impulsive and messy in the best way. Watching their fake marriage slowly turn into something real was so satisfying, especially when he starts calling them my girls without even thinking.
I also liked that the conflict had weight. The threat of Nina’s past coming out added real stakes and made her choice to stay feel powerful.
This book is sweet, emotional, and full of tender moments. If you love small town romance with a grumpy hero who secretly has the softest heart, you will enjoy this one.
I love a good grumpy single dad story, and Grant Russell delivers. He runs his farmhouse like a business and keeps his emotions locked down tight. Then Nina shows up with cookies, glitter, and a whole lot of heart, and slowly turns his world upside down. Their chemistry builds in such a natural way. The tension, the banter, the quiet soft moments all felt real.
Little Lily was honestly the heart of the story. The bedtime scenes, the Harvest Festival rehearsals, and the way Nina fits so gently into her life made everything feel meaningful. When the custody battle starts and Grant proposes marriage to look stable in court, it feels impulsive and messy in the best way. Watching their fake marriage slowly turn into something real was so satisfying, especially when he starts calling them my girls without even thinking.
I also liked that the conflict had weight. The threat of Nina’s past coming out added real stakes and made her choice to stay feel powerful.
This book is sweet, emotional, and full of tender moments. If you love small town romance with a grumpy hero who secretly has the softest heart, you will enjoy this one.
January 22, 2026
The Nanny Nextdoor is an engaging romance with a title that’s a little misleading—Ruby isn’t living next door at all, but rather in the same house as she’s employed by Grant. This close‑quarters setup creates plenty of tension and intimacy, as their daily proximity blurs the lines between professional boundaries and personal feelings.
What makes the story even more compelling is the Battle for Lily that forced them to have a fake marriage. The struggle over Lily’s wellbeing adds emotional depth and urgency, showing how much is at stake beyond the romance. It highlights Grant’s protective side, Ruby’s compassion, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics while love is quietly blooming.
Nina Oliver delivers a heartfelt story that mixes warmth, attraction, and the realities of responsibility. The dynamic between Ruby, Grant, and Lily keeps the pages turning, making this a romance with both heart and substance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What makes the story even more compelling is the Battle for Lily that forced them to have a fake marriage. The struggle over Lily’s wellbeing adds emotional depth and urgency, showing how much is at stake beyond the romance. It highlights Grant’s protective side, Ruby’s compassion, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics while love is quietly blooming.
Nina Oliver delivers a heartfelt story that mixes warmth, attraction, and the realities of responsibility. The dynamic between Ruby, Grant, and Lily keeps the pages turning, making this a romance with both heart and substance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
Building a Real Family . . .
Ruby comes from a family where her wealthy parents tightly control every aspect of her life. To be independent and find herself, she must run away and live her own life accordingly. She gets a job in Buttonwood as nanny for a delightful 8-year-old girl named Lily. Lily's father Grant Russell is raising Lily himself after the death of his wife. Although grumpy and strict, he loves Lily. But his in-laws decide that they want custody and Grant asks Ruby to marry him so they can demonstrate a stable family life for Lily. Will she fall in love with her new husband? Can they win the vicious custody battle? And will a reporter reveal her identity and cause her to run as she would have in the past... or will the love Ruby finds with Grant and Lily be enough to help her make a stand with her new family?
Ruby comes from a family where her wealthy parents tightly control every aspect of her life. To be independent and find herself, she must run away and live her own life accordingly. She gets a job in Buttonwood as nanny for a delightful 8-year-old girl named Lily. Lily's father Grant Russell is raising Lily himself after the death of his wife. Although grumpy and strict, he loves Lily. But his in-laws decide that they want custody and Grant asks Ruby to marry him so they can demonstrate a stable family life for Lily. Will she fall in love with her new husband? Can they win the vicious custody battle? And will a reporter reveal her identity and cause her to run as she would have in the past... or will the love Ruby finds with Grant and Lily be enough to help her make a stand with her new family?
January 21, 2026
Tropes: Dual POV, No Spice, Small Town, Found Family, Billionaire x Nanny, Secret Identity, Custody Battle.
Grant is just a man trying to keep his daugther with him after his wife passed away. Keeping constant schedule, keeping rules, anything to make sure that he is capable of raising his own daugther.
Ruby, she wanted to claim her own life. Having a say of what she wants. She becomes a nanny and fell in love with the sweet girl and the town. She bring the house and family joy.
This book is beautifully written, a cute small town romance. It gives me Gilmore Girls vibes, because of the small town. There was definitely hooks to keep pulling me into the story. Remind us that no matter what the trouble is, love always wins in the end.
Grant is just a man trying to keep his daugther with him after his wife passed away. Keeping constant schedule, keeping rules, anything to make sure that he is capable of raising his own daugther.
Ruby, she wanted to claim her own life. Having a say of what she wants. She becomes a nanny and fell in love with the sweet girl and the town. She bring the house and family joy.
This book is beautifully written, a cute small town romance. It gives me Gilmore Girls vibes, because of the small town. There was definitely hooks to keep pulling me into the story. Remind us that no matter what the trouble is, love always wins in the end.
January 22, 2026
This was a very cute and cozy story. It’s unpredictable at times, but always full of devotion and warmth. Grant and Ruby are both wonderfully done characters that we can relate to on multiple levels. Grant is so dedicated to his daughter, no one could ever question his love for her. Ruby, in turn, becomes fiercely protective of Lily, only wanting what’s best for her. The journey these three characters take through healing and love blossoming is so heartwarming. It will leave you in a puddle on the floor. At the same time, the story feels so real and genuine. It’s not overly done to the point that it feels improbable. The characters and storyline are well developed and the progression feels very natural. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
January 25, 2026
loved it !!! love Ruby , Lily and even Grant... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... Ruby isn't who they think she is, because she's hiding from her parents.. okay, on the run from them... they want her to marry the man they picked out for their empire... not really for her.!! she decided to be a nanny for Lily... and Grant... he's rich, has a housekeeper and is in the fight for Lily against his late wife's parents... he needs to look stable.. or he could very well lose Lily... this is so good !!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2026
Ruby comes to Buttonwood to be a nanny for an eight year old girl. Nobody knows her true identity and how carefully she is hiding from her parents. She focuses on Lily and obviously adores the child. The father, Grant is much harder to like. He's controlling and strict, but loving and sweet to Lily. So many challenges, risks, and bumpy times.
Wonderful and supportive community members are there for Grant and Lily. However the truth is, all they need is Ruby...and maybe a snicker doodle cookie.
Wonderful and supportive community members are there for Grant and Lily. However the truth is, all they need is Ruby...and maybe a snicker doodle cookie.
January 19, 2026
Ruby, fleeing her controlling parents, becomes a nanny for Lily and forms a deep bond with her. Despite Grant's strict nature, his devotion to his daughter is clear. When his in-laws initiate a custody battle, Grant proposes a marriage of convenience to Ruby. However, their arrangement is threatened when Ruby’s secrets are revealed. To find a way forward, both must take a leap of faith and learn to trust one another. This well-written story features a compelling plot, great characters, and a satisfying happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2026
He lost his wife and has closed himself off to the world. She’s running away from parents who only want to run her life. She’s gets a job being nanny to his adorable daughter Lily. When he finds himself in a custody battle with his in-laws, he proposes a marriage of convenience. When her secret comes out, everything implodes. They both need to take a leap of faith and trust each other to find a way to forever. Really good book - quick read.
January 21, 2026
'I came to Buttonwood to nanny a little girl, not to end up married to her billionaire father.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2026
I waffled between a 3 and 4 star for this book, but ultimately landed on 3. The tropes of this book are some of my favorite. They just didn't hit the marks. There were retcon issues with parts of the story, and the relationship itself felt flat. Forced proximity and oh no I caught feelings, but I didn't feel the chemistry even in the short time frame of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2026
Ruby is running from her family, wanting to have a normal life instead of her heiress life. She is hired as a nanny for Lily, a great little girl who is stifled by her grieving father. Grant has strict rules to protect his daughter from her grandparents.
Lily is a breath of fresh air to a strict situation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily is a breath of fresh air to a strict situation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
I was hooked in this story from beginning to end, I just loved how this story was written how everything flowed and the emotional depth between the characters. I loved getting to know the characters and everything else that followed. I highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
Ruby is "in hiding" and is a nanny for Grant. With Grant's paternity up for question, they decide to marry. Everything is up in the air now with Ruby's real identity about to be exposed. And through it all, they are falling for each other for real. I enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2026
Nina Oliver is the master of second chance romance. A clean, no spice story about second chances and building something new. Great character development makes you want to root for the characters to get their HEA.
January 21, 2026
I found this to be an okay read. It had a nice storyline and characters. If you have the spare time reading this book would be a good option.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2026
I loved it! Super cute and fast read with lots of character development. You cant go wrong with an adorable little girl, a wise elder who always knows just what to say, and a small town with all the feels!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2026
This was a great book. The author brought all of the characters to life and all of their feelings also. I cried, laughed, and even got angry with the characters as they went through life with each other. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads closed door, swoons, romance books.
February 5, 2026
An engaging, sweet romance. Family issues. Small town interference. An adorable little girl adds charm and heart. Pleasant reading.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews