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What I Needed
By the time Erissa Jackson turns thirty, she’s lost almost everyone she loves and is simply existing. Although she hasn’t let her battle with depression win, it has stifled her professional growth. She’s worked a series of dead-end jobs for all her adult life, but with only a high school diploma and little to no experience, she can’t find much else. Her life is at a standstill, and she has no idea what to do to get it moving in the right direction.
River Westmore is living a professional athlete’s dream. For the past ten years, he’s been a key player for the Black Elm Scorpions, and the money and fame that come along with that ensure that a plethora of women do as well. He doesn’t have a care in the world until one morning, a baby is left at his door with a note saying he’s the father. Once the child is proven to be his, nothing is more important to him than fatherhood.
When their paths cross, River is in dire need of help, and Erissa desperately needs a change. She accepts the job he offers her as a nanny, and as time passes, she realizes her boss isn’t the man the world thinks he is, and he realizes his daughter’s nanny isn’t like the women he’s used to dealing with.
A simmering attraction quickly morphs into something that looks a lot like love when lines are crossed and feelings get involved, but neither Erissa nor River are ready to recognize what’s right in front of them.
Will they finally realize that everything they need can be found in each other?
River Westmore is living a professional athlete’s dream. For the past ten years, he’s been a key player for the Black Elm Scorpions, and the money and fame that come along with that ensure that a plethora of women do as well. He doesn’t have a care in the world until one morning, a baby is left at his door with a note saying he’s the father. Once the child is proven to be his, nothing is more important to him than fatherhood.
When their paths cross, River is in dire need of help, and Erissa desperately needs a change. She accepts the job he offers her as a nanny, and as time passes, she realizes her boss isn’t the man the world thinks he is, and he realizes his daughter’s nanny isn’t like the women he’s used to dealing with.
A simmering attraction quickly morphs into something that looks a lot like love when lines are crossed and feelings get involved, but neither Erissa nor River are ready to recognize what’s right in front of them.
Will they finally realize that everything they need can be found in each other?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Kay Shanee
78 books632 followersWelcome to Kay Shanee's Reading Korner
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
Kay is forty something wife and mother, born and raised in the Midwest. During the day, she is a high school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime is reading and writing romance novels about the dopeness of BLACK LOVE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
September 2, 2026
I always love a good nanny romance. River was your stereotypical playboy athlete who found himself in a bind, and in comes Erissa, his angel in disguise. I appreciated Erissa’s maturity and emotional intelligence, and I admired her ability to navigate her grief and mental health struggles.
River did have me side-eyeing him a couple of times, mainly because I wasn’t sure for a while if he genuinely liked Erissa or if he just wanted to sleep with her. He said she was different, but his feelings still felt pretty surface-level initially. I also think the heavy emphasis on his playboy ways made him come across a little shallow at times, which made it harder for me to connect with him.
I really wanted more for Erissa by the end, too. So much of her story centered around how grief, mental health, and caregiving kept her from really having a life or pursuing much for herself. Because of that, I was hoping to see her develop some personal ambition or find something that was hers outside of being a caregiver and eventually River’s partner. I enjoyed her character, but her personal arc left me wanting more.
The storyline involving Riverlynn’s mother was also unexpected, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. There were aspects of it that felt a little too out-of-left-field for me, and I found myself questioning some of the choices surrounding that storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed myself, but I just didn’t connect with River and Erissa as much as I would have liked to. The story wasn’t bad at all; it just felt like something was missing for me. Kay Shanee is an auto read author for me though so I’ll continue to rock with her work.
River did have me side-eyeing him a couple of times, mainly because I wasn’t sure for a while if he genuinely liked Erissa or if he just wanted to sleep with her. He said she was different, but his feelings still felt pretty surface-level initially. I also think the heavy emphasis on his playboy ways made him come across a little shallow at times, which made it harder for me to connect with him.
I really wanted more for Erissa by the end, too. So much of her story centered around how grief, mental health, and caregiving kept her from really having a life or pursuing much for herself. Because of that, I was hoping to see her develop some personal ambition or find something that was hers outside of being a caregiver and eventually River’s partner. I enjoyed her character, but her personal arc left me wanting more.
The storyline involving Riverlynn’s mother was also unexpected, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. There were aspects of it that felt a little too out-of-left-field for me, and I found myself questioning some of the choices surrounding that storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed myself, but I just didn’t connect with River and Erissa as much as I would have liked to. The story wasn’t bad at all; it just felt like something was missing for me. Kay Shanee is an auto read author for me though so I’ll continue to rock with her work.
September 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
Did Not Finish
September 8, 2026I usually enjoy this authors work but this one didn’t do it for me. A different take on secret baby. Nanny and single dad. I don’t know the MMC seemed overly lusty. The fmc said she was about to make dinner and the MMC zeroed in on her pussy. Alright. The writing was extremely basic and I found myself asking why she stated things certain ways. I do think generally people will enjoy.
September 2, 2026
What I Needed
What happens when a man becomes a father overnight and needs to find a nanny for his daughter and a woman working a dead end job cross paths and the man instantly falls for the woman and offers her the job as his daughter’s nanny after seeing how she cared for her? The answer is the woman accepts the job, moves in, they fall in love and get their happily ever after. That basically sums up this story, but it was so enjoyable and such a good read.
I enjoyed the chemistry and connection between River and Erissa. She was strong and resilient and didn’t take any mess from him. She made him want to level up and be better and do better so that she would want to take him seriously. He could instantly tell there was something different about her and treated her as such. Their love was a whirlwind and happened fast with their close proximity. Their spice was spicing and that man was an eater!
The storyline being the missing baby mama was different and not one that I think I’ve come across before. I did appreciate there not being any unnecessary drama from that situation though because it had potential to be messy given how the baby was dropped off. I was glad that we were able to get a conclusion on the missing baby mama storyline as well that was as neat as it was sad.
If you’re a fan of this author or even a fan of close proximity, nanny/boss romances with a bit of sports romance, this is a good one to dive into.
What happens when a man becomes a father overnight and needs to find a nanny for his daughter and a woman working a dead end job cross paths and the man instantly falls for the woman and offers her the job as his daughter’s nanny after seeing how she cared for her? The answer is the woman accepts the job, moves in, they fall in love and get their happily ever after. That basically sums up this story, but it was so enjoyable and such a good read.
I enjoyed the chemistry and connection between River and Erissa. She was strong and resilient and didn’t take any mess from him. She made him want to level up and be better and do better so that she would want to take him seriously. He could instantly tell there was something different about her and treated her as such. Their love was a whirlwind and happened fast with their close proximity. Their spice was spicing and that man was an eater!
The storyline being the missing baby mama was different and not one that I think I’ve come across before. I did appreciate there not being any unnecessary drama from that situation though because it had potential to be messy given how the baby was dropped off. I was glad that we were able to get a conclusion on the missing baby mama storyline as well that was as neat as it was sad.
If you’re a fan of this author or even a fan of close proximity, nanny/boss romances with a bit of sports romance, this is a good one to dive into.
September 6, 2026
Truly a great read
I’ve said it once and now say it again, Kay Shanee really knows how to write about black love. I love how K writes these men in her books. These men are just always intentional, loving soft, but firm with their loves and they are never afraid to show that love. What I needed is just another beautiful story in her catalog
I’ve said it once and now say it again, Kay Shanee really knows how to write about black love. I love how K writes these men in her books. These men are just always intentional, loving soft, but firm with their loves and they are never afraid to show that love. What I needed is just another beautiful story in her catalog
September 6, 2026
I loved this one
The story was a pretty good sports themed romance. A bad boy D slinger found a little surprise at his door. He was a well known man about the league. He would need to hire help for his new relationship. The Nanny and the athlete will have a good old time in all kinds of contact sports acrobatics before the story ends... I am good with this one....
The story was a pretty good sports themed romance. A bad boy D slinger found a little surprise at his door. He was a well known man about the league. He would need to hire help for his new relationship. The Nanny and the athlete will have a good old time in all kinds of contact sports acrobatics before the story ends... I am good with this one....
September 13, 2026
☺️
Imagine going to get the Uber Eats, and instead there's a baby on your doorstep. That's exactly what happens to professional basketball player River. Now River's baby girl is giving him the blues until he runs into Erissa at a restaurant, and she calms her down. River instantly makes her an offer she can't refuse. I love a good nanny romance, and this one honestly surprised me because I thought I predicted the storyline with Rivers' baby momma, but it took a turn I didn't expect at all. This was a cute story, but I felt like River took too long to come to the realization that he actually liked Erissa and didn't just want to continue sleeping with her; that made the story a little less enjoyable for me.
Imagine going to get the Uber Eats, and instead there's a baby on your doorstep. That's exactly what happens to professional basketball player River. Now River's baby girl is giving him the blues until he runs into Erissa at a restaurant, and she calms her down. River instantly makes her an offer she can't refuse. I love a good nanny romance, and this one honestly surprised me because I thought I predicted the storyline with Rivers' baby momma, but it took a turn I didn't expect at all. This was a cute story, but I felt like River took too long to come to the realization that he actually liked Erissa and didn't just want to continue sleeping with her; that made the story a little less enjoyable for me.
October 4, 2026
I am such a sucker for the nanny trope.
River finds himself in a pickle when he finds a baby on his doorstep and later confirms that the baby is his. He needs a nanny and in what could only be described as a dumbass decision offers the job to Erissa who serves him one time at a restaurant.
Erissa has been through hell and back. Struggling financially and working through grief after back to back losses in her family she takes River up on his offer.
River is definitely attracted to Erissa but is in denial that it's more than just sexual attraction. Erissa is navigating her tendency to be a natural care giver and her feelings for River.
I would have loved to see more of Erissa coming into her own but I still enjoyed their love story.
River finds himself in a pickle when he finds a baby on his doorstep and later confirms that the baby is his. He needs a nanny and in what could only be described as a dumbass decision offers the job to Erissa who serves him one time at a restaurant.
Erissa has been through hell and back. Struggling financially and working through grief after back to back losses in her family she takes River up on his offer.
River is definitely attracted to Erissa but is in denial that it's more than just sexual attraction. Erissa is navigating her tendency to be a natural care giver and her feelings for River.
I would have loved to see more of Erissa coming into her own but I still enjoyed their love story.
September 28, 2026
Erissa For The Win ❤️🏀
From nanny to the love of River’s life❤️. Good read, with nice character development. River was your typical athlete play boy who slung a lot of 🍆 to too many women to the point that he was a father who didn’t know who his daughters mother was (by the way, Riverlynn’s mother was a sad thing). Erissa was the light at the end of a dark tunnel for River because he was a first time dad who didn’t know what the heck he was doing. Erissa shedded a lot of light on parenthood and emotional bonding with Riverlynn. I’m glad that they got there happily ever after.
From nanny to the love of River’s life❤️. Good read, with nice character development. River was your typical athlete play boy who slung a lot of 🍆 to too many women to the point that he was a father who didn’t know who his daughters mother was (by the way, Riverlynn’s mother was a sad thing). Erissa was the light at the end of a dark tunnel for River because he was a first time dad who didn’t know what the heck he was doing. Erissa shedded a lot of light on parenthood and emotional bonding with Riverlynn. I’m glad that they got there happily ever after.
September 2, 2026
So Sweet
This is why you can't get me to not read my Black authors. Kay gave romance built between two people. River's status didn't matter because Erissa was there for her finances and Rivy. River kept the tabloids reporting his business but Erissa already felt she wasn't his taste. Little did either know the ultimate impact lil miss Rivy would have on both of their lives. Her unexpected presence, his need in helping care for her, Rivy's finances, all bringing this trio together. Learning to love was a bit hard because neither knew what that was. They worked through it because River wasn't having it any other way. I loved this love story. Miss Kay got me again and I like it here!
This is why you can't get me to not read my Black authors. Kay gave romance built between two people. River's status didn't matter because Erissa was there for her finances and Rivy. River kept the tabloids reporting his business but Erissa already felt she wasn't his taste. Little did either know the ultimate impact lil miss Rivy would have on both of their lives. Her unexpected presence, his need in helping care for her, Rivy's finances, all bringing this trio together. Learning to love was a bit hard because neither knew what that was. They worked through it because River wasn't having it any other way. I loved this love story. Miss Kay got me again and I like it here!
September 14, 2026
The cover, baby…the COVER! All that chocolate to fantasize about before you even open the book? Yeah, it set the tone just right. 😂 And then once you actually get into the story, it pulls you in and makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good blanket just to see how River and Erissa’s story is going to play out. First and foremost, imagine being a professional athlete and somebody leaves a baby, YOUR baby (hopefully) on your porch. Sir…WHAT?! 😂 Now River has to figure out fatherhood basically overnight, and I was absolutely here to watch him fumble his way through it. But at least my boy knew immediately that he needed some help. Enter Erissa.
My girl was out here trying to get it out the mud, and River comes along with a well-paying opportunity that could really help her out. Sounds good, right? Wellllll… now she has to live in this foine basketball player’s house while taking care of his child. Baby, that is a recipe for some GOOD livin’ if you ask me. 😂 I loved the setup of this story because you already know being under the same roof is about to make things interesting. River is trying to adjust to being a father, Erissa is trying to handle this new opportunity, and meanwhile I’m just sitting there like…yeah, let’s see how long everybody plans on acting normal. 😂
Y’all go pick up this book. Kay Shanee’s pen does not disappoint! This was an easy one to get into, and once River and Erissa got me invested, I had to see it through.
My girl was out here trying to get it out the mud, and River comes along with a well-paying opportunity that could really help her out. Sounds good, right? Wellllll… now she has to live in this foine basketball player’s house while taking care of his child. Baby, that is a recipe for some GOOD livin’ if you ask me. 😂 I loved the setup of this story because you already know being under the same roof is about to make things interesting. River is trying to adjust to being a father, Erissa is trying to handle this new opportunity, and meanwhile I’m just sitting there like…yeah, let’s see how long everybody plans on acting normal. 😂
Y’all go pick up this book. Kay Shanee’s pen does not disappoint! This was an easy one to get into, and once River and Erissa got me invested, I had to see it through.
September 10, 2026
Big E!!!
I love E! She’s strong because the way I would’ve sat on River’s face early on, I’d have no job, just a severance pay. God’s strongest soldier.
I love E! She’s strong because the way I would’ve sat on River’s face early on, I’d have no job, just a severance pay. God’s strongest soldier.
October 1, 2026
Cute easy read but it’s an instant love a nanny trope. Easy palate cleanser in between heavy read.
October 10, 2026
I’m a sucker for nanny romance there’s just something about them that get me every time
October 28, 2026
This was soooo cute.
September 9, 2026
Listen, this has two of my favorite vibes: sports and nanny romance...
The way our MMC is introduced to fatherhood- creative and I loved it.
Our FMC was flawed but fought hard to not let life break her.
The birthmother's story had me in tears and was a very unexpected emotional pull that I appreciated in the story.
This was such amazing storytelling all around.
Chemistry and spice was a perfect blend.
Highly recommend this read!
The way our MMC is introduced to fatherhood- creative and I loved it.
Our FMC was flawed but fought hard to not let life break her.
The birthmother's story had me in tears and was a very unexpected emotional pull that I appreciated in the story.
This was such amazing storytelling all around.
Chemistry and spice was a perfect blend.
Highly recommend this read!
September 21, 2026
I don’t know, I think River was a little too cringy and lustful.
September 19, 2026
This was just okay. I didn’t really feel a connection between the MC’s
September 13, 2026
This was such a cute, easy read. I finished it in one sitting because the story moved at exactly the right pace for me. There wasn’t a ton of unnecessary fluff or excessive inner monologue, but it also didn’t move so quickly that the romance felt like insta-love. The writing was straightforward, the story flowed naturally, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time with these characters.
Erissa chooses to enter River’s life and everything that comes with it. She’s caring, nurturing and accommodating without ever feeling like a doormat. She has a backbone, she speaks up when necessary, and I especially appreciated that she never begged River for clarity, chased him around, or made a spectacle of her feelings. She paid attention, moved accordingly, and let that man figure himself out.
River was probably my favorite part of the book. I love an expressive MMC, and once he knew what he wanted, there was no unnecessary game-playing or emotional constipation. He was possessive without making Erissa feel powerless, caring, generous, and increasingly certain about the place he wanted her to have in his life.
But what I appreciated most was that the author actually showed me why River fell in love with Arissa.
That’s something I think a lot of romances miss. Sometimes we’re simply told that two characters are madly in love, but nothing about their interactions has convinced me why. Here, it was built through small moments. Erissa learned about River’s training and made meals with his career in mind. She cared about his daughter. She considered his family. She created a welcoming home for the people he loved. She brought this effortless warmth into his life without demanding recognition for it. And gradually you see River becoming happier, more settled and more at peace—with even the people around him noticing the difference.
Erissa chooses to enter River’s life and everything that comes with it. She’s caring, nurturing and accommodating without ever feeling like a doormat. She has a backbone, she speaks up when necessary, and I especially appreciated that she never begged River for clarity, chased him around, or made a spectacle of her feelings. She paid attention, moved accordingly, and let that man figure himself out.
River was probably my favorite part of the book. I love an expressive MMC, and once he knew what he wanted, there was no unnecessary game-playing or emotional constipation. He was possessive without making Erissa feel powerless, caring, generous, and increasingly certain about the place he wanted her to have in his life.
But what I appreciated most was that the author actually showed me why River fell in love with Arissa.
That’s something I think a lot of romances miss. Sometimes we’re simply told that two characters are madly in love, but nothing about their interactions has convinced me why. Here, it was built through small moments. Erissa learned about River’s training and made meals with his career in mind. She cared about his daughter. She considered his family. She created a welcoming home for the people he loved. She brought this effortless warmth into his life without demanding recognition for it. And gradually you see River becoming happier, more settled and more at peace—with even the people around him noticing the difference.
October 21, 2026
River was a basketball star who ran through women on a regular. He had no intention of settling down until he retired from the game. He got the surprise of his life when he found a baby girl at his doorstep with a note saying she was his and to enjoy fatherhood. As a single man he had no clue what to do especially since his mother and sister lived in another state. After DNA proved she was in fact his, he had to figure it out because training camp and the season were starting soon.
Erissa was reeling from life dealing her blow after blow. Not only was she an orphan, she lost the only family she had when her grandparents both past a year ago. With no degree or certifications she worked a dead end restaurant job trying to make ends meet.
As fate would have it, River and his baby girl were being waited on at the restaurant by Erissa when baby girl was pitching a fit. Erissa stepped in to soothe her which led to River offering her a job as her nanny. While his attraction to her was primary, he desperately needed her help above all else.
What started as a live in nanny situation became so much more once the sexual tension between these two became entirely too much to handle. Baby listen... when they finally gave it whewwww they were serious with it, ok?! These two were sexy and so damn freaky. I fully enjoyed watching River be the ultimate girl dad while also maturing enough to know he had found something rare in Erissa and refusing to let go.
This was such a good read, but Kay Shanee's pen has yet to disappoint me so I expected nothing less.
Erissa was reeling from life dealing her blow after blow. Not only was she an orphan, she lost the only family she had when her grandparents both past a year ago. With no degree or certifications she worked a dead end restaurant job trying to make ends meet.
As fate would have it, River and his baby girl were being waited on at the restaurant by Erissa when baby girl was pitching a fit. Erissa stepped in to soothe her which led to River offering her a job as her nanny. While his attraction to her was primary, he desperately needed her help above all else.
What started as a live in nanny situation became so much more once the sexual tension between these two became entirely too much to handle. Baby listen... when they finally gave it whewwww they were serious with it, ok?! These two were sexy and so damn freaky. I fully enjoyed watching River be the ultimate girl dad while also maturing enough to know he had found something rare in Erissa and refusing to let go.
This was such a good read, but Kay Shanee's pen has yet to disappoint me so I expected nothing less.
September 13, 2026
His and her Godsend.....
Mrs. Shanee, you had to be an honor roll student because you never miss. You always understand the assignment. I knew from the moment I saw the cover that this was going to be a masterpiece. I wasn't wrong because River and Erissa's story is one for the books. You know God always has a way to slow down a person. He did exactly that with River because he humbled him. Little Miss Riverlynn showing up on his doorstep changed the trajectory of his life. She literally matured him overnight. He still had a few ways to let go of, but he eventually got it together. Erissa was the culprit that aided in him getting totally on the right track. Mama J played a critical role as well in him "growing up" because she said in so many words you made this bed now lay in it. River made the best decision of his life by hiring Erissa. She became his and Riverlynn person. However, all she went through in her thirty years of life was heartbreaking. She pushed through and took one day at a time. She came out on top after meeting River, though. He was her Godsend.
Ladies and gents, if by any chance you haven't read this masterpiece, you need to. Mrs. Shanee has put her pen to the paper. This book is eye-opening and touches on so many topics.
P.S. Mrs. Shanee, so the infamous question is, will Jaxon and Shakira get to tell their story?
Mrs. Shanee, you had to be an honor roll student because you never miss. You always understand the assignment. I knew from the moment I saw the cover that this was going to be a masterpiece. I wasn't wrong because River and Erissa's story is one for the books. You know God always has a way to slow down a person. He did exactly that with River because he humbled him. Little Miss Riverlynn showing up on his doorstep changed the trajectory of his life. She literally matured him overnight. He still had a few ways to let go of, but he eventually got it together. Erissa was the culprit that aided in him getting totally on the right track. Mama J played a critical role as well in him "growing up" because she said in so many words you made this bed now lay in it. River made the best decision of his life by hiring Erissa. She became his and Riverlynn person. However, all she went through in her thirty years of life was heartbreaking. She pushed through and took one day at a time. She came out on top after meeting River, though. He was her Godsend.
Ladies and gents, if by any chance you haven't read this masterpiece, you need to. Mrs. Shanee has put her pen to the paper. This book is eye-opening and touches on so many topics.
P.S. Mrs. Shanee, so the infamous question is, will Jaxon and Shakira get to tell their story?
October 27, 2026
One time for the regular girls
As soon as I started reading Erissa’s synopsis, I felt like I was reading about my own life.
I can’t tell you how refreshing it was reading this story. Erissa struggled with depression, loss, and a lack of motivation/direction. She didn’t have a degree or a multi-million dollar business. She had survival, a pure heart, and so much love to give.
So many stories the women have these super curvy, big tit, big booty descriptions paired with even bigger brains, businesses, and bank accounts. I love reading it but I can’t relate. Erissa is me, and I am her. I don’t believe in fairytales either. However, I’m not opposed to being delusional about believing in it while I read about fairytales lol.
River Westmore. I love an intentional, vocal, thoughtful, possessive, firm MMC. I love them even more when they have a good momma behind them that they actually listen to, or in his case, didn’t listen to (thankfully). Never did he intentionally make Erissa feel like she was a failure or less than because she hadn’t “figured it out”. He loved her anyway. He didn’t run from his feelings. He didn’t take a million years to clean up what was a simple misunderstanding. He claimed her publicly. He loved her out loud and proudly.
I love a good nanny to lovers romance.
10/10 I highly recommend.
This book was EVERYTHING!
As soon as I started reading Erissa’s synopsis, I felt like I was reading about my own life.
I can’t tell you how refreshing it was reading this story. Erissa struggled with depression, loss, and a lack of motivation/direction. She didn’t have a degree or a multi-million dollar business. She had survival, a pure heart, and so much love to give.
So many stories the women have these super curvy, big tit, big booty descriptions paired with even bigger brains, businesses, and bank accounts. I love reading it but I can’t relate. Erissa is me, and I am her. I don’t believe in fairytales either. However, I’m not opposed to being delusional about believing in it while I read about fairytales lol.
River Westmore. I love an intentional, vocal, thoughtful, possessive, firm MMC. I love them even more when they have a good momma behind them that they actually listen to, or in his case, didn’t listen to (thankfully). Never did he intentionally make Erissa feel like she was a failure or less than because she hadn’t “figured it out”. He loved her anyway. He didn’t run from his feelings. He didn’t take a million years to clean up what was a simple misunderstanding. He claimed her publicly. He loved her out loud and proudly.
I love a good nanny to lovers romance.
10/10 I highly recommend.
This book was EVERYTHING!
September 20, 2026
Drama from page one! A baby left on the doorstep with only a note? Oh yes, I was locked in. I loved watching River learning to navigate fatherhood. River did piss me clean off asking the first woman that he saw to come be his live in nanny. I am so happy that worked out for him but like, not a background check or nothing? I was patiently waiting for the moment River and Erissa took it there cause I just knew River was not gonna last long between the way he was describing his attraction to her and all that cooking Erissa was doing for him. From the moment they were locked in, it was over. And baby, the chemistry between these too?! River giving his stern apology while deep in them guts… yeah River doesn’t play fair. I did shed a little tear when Mama J hugged Erissa in the kitchen. I loved that moment. I love a good romance where no one gets it wrong. River and Erissa came with their own hurts but they still got their happy ending and healing. It was sad to find out what the bio mom had went through to make her leave Riverlyn on River doorstep, but lowkey I wasn’t make that she couldn’t come back and become a problem for them later on. Maybe River’s discernment is impeccable because he got all he needed in life from hiring Erissa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2026
Sometimes the person you need finds you when you least expect it. ❤️
I absolutely loved watching River and Erissa’s relationship develop. What started as River needing help with his daughter quickly turned into something neither of them saw coming.
Erissa was one of my favorite parts of this story. She was strong, resilient, and had been through so much, but she still had so much love to give. I appreciated that she wasn’t easily impressed by River or his status. She made him work for her trust and showed him that if he really wanted her, he needed to step up.
And River… This man went from living the carefree athlete life to suddenly becoming a father, and that little girl completely changed his world. I loved seeing him grow into fatherhood and realize that there was more to life than the lifestyle he had been living.
The chemistry between River and Erissa was fire, but what really made the story work for me was the emotional connection underneath the attraction. They both needed something different from what life had been giving them, and somehow they became exactly what the other needed.
I absolutely loved watching River and Erissa’s relationship develop. What started as River needing help with his daughter quickly turned into something neither of them saw coming.
Erissa was one of my favorite parts of this story. She was strong, resilient, and had been through so much, but she still had so much love to give. I appreciated that she wasn’t easily impressed by River or his status. She made him work for her trust and showed him that if he really wanted her, he needed to step up.
And River… This man went from living the carefree athlete life to suddenly becoming a father, and that little girl completely changed his world. I loved seeing him grow into fatherhood and realize that there was more to life than the lifestyle he had been living.
The chemistry between River and Erissa was fire, but what really made the story work for me was the emotional connection underneath the attraction. They both needed something different from what life had been giving them, and somehow they became exactly what the other needed.
September 21, 2026
This book wasted ZERO time getting into the mess. From the FIRST PAGE, the shenanigans started and baby, I loved every minute of it!
I don't know what it is about the Single Dad trope, but I eat it UP every single time. Give me a fine single father, an unexpected baby, and a woman who comes into his life when neither of them is looking for love? I'm SAT. Sprinkle in a little Nanny/Boss Connection & ya GOT ME!
Now River had me HOT in the beginning because how you letting Erissa around your NEW BORN CHILD without running a background check or even checking her ID?!
You met her at a damn diner called "The Greasy Spoon" Please be so fr Sir, this could've been a whole episode of Dateline! But thankfully, the story didn't take that turn.
Their relationship was a bit of a slow burn but BABYYYY... when River and Erissa started HUNCHIN?? | WAS HERE FOR IT. NOTHING beats reading your PO R N, okay?!
The chemistry, the drama, the healing, the happy ending...
That ending was EVERYTHING I wanted
Sometimes love really does find you when you're just trying to get your life together & loved that for them.
I don't know what it is about the Single Dad trope, but I eat it UP every single time. Give me a fine single father, an unexpected baby, and a woman who comes into his life when neither of them is looking for love? I'm SAT. Sprinkle in a little Nanny/Boss Connection & ya GOT ME!
Now River had me HOT in the beginning because how you letting Erissa around your NEW BORN CHILD without running a background check or even checking her ID?!
You met her at a damn diner called "The Greasy Spoon" Please be so fr Sir, this could've been a whole episode of Dateline! But thankfully, the story didn't take that turn.
Their relationship was a bit of a slow burn but BABYYYY... when River and Erissa started HUNCHIN?? | WAS HERE FOR IT. NOTHING beats reading your PO R N, okay?!
The chemistry, the drama, the healing, the happy ending...
That ending was EVERYTHING I wanted
Sometimes love really does find you when you're just trying to get your life together & loved that for them.
September 29, 2026
This was so cute
Now I love me a good nanny trope. And this was perfect river and Erissa we're so good together. The fact that arissa had experienced so much loss as a kid growing up and not really having anybody in her corner.But her best friend, she had overcome a lot and took so much on herself, that seems me made it some joy and goodness in her life. And I was happy that came in the form of river, helping her to let loose, exploring her sexuality. The way that he just knew off rip, that she was going to be somebody who needed in his life.Even if it was just to be a nanny to his baby in the moment, it turned into so much more. I definitely was really happy that finding out about riverland's mom. It wasn't what we thought it was And it was still really sad, but it was a reason that I could understand. So I was happy then that was wrapped up really well. Now, I wouldn't let this man f*** the attitude about him. Cause she definitely cut the f*** up and he said, let me dad. I'm gonna climb up in this meow, meow, Kitty. I would have had to shut my mouth. But this was definitely an enjoyable story. I always enjoy her books
Now I love me a good nanny trope. And this was perfect river and Erissa we're so good together. The fact that arissa had experienced so much loss as a kid growing up and not really having anybody in her corner.But her best friend, she had overcome a lot and took so much on herself, that seems me made it some joy and goodness in her life. And I was happy that came in the form of river, helping her to let loose, exploring her sexuality. The way that he just knew off rip, that she was going to be somebody who needed in his life.Even if it was just to be a nanny to his baby in the moment, it turned into so much more. I definitely was really happy that finding out about riverland's mom. It wasn't what we thought it was And it was still really sad, but it was a reason that I could understand. So I was happy then that was wrapped up really well. Now, I wouldn't let this man f*** the attitude about him. Cause she definitely cut the f*** up and he said, let me dad. I'm gonna climb up in this meow, meow, Kitty. I would have had to shut my mouth. But this was definitely an enjoyable story. I always enjoy her books
September 14, 2026
New favorite Trope unlocked
Kay Shanee really knows how to hook you into a novel from the beginning! When River discovers he is now a dad, and how he found out, she IMMEDIATELY had my attention.
I haven’t read many books with a nanny trope and now I’m wondering why. The minute River mets Erissa, you know it’s gonna be something more between them. Erissa try’s to be just his nanny, but the chemistry and the care they have for one another is evident early on.
River was driving me a little crazy in his denial of his true feelings. However, for a rich, famous athlete that is thrust into single fatherhood and then has to also figure out feelings for a woman that cannot be like all the others, he was doing the best he could.
I wish it was a bit longer for the reader to see their relationship grow and them as a family unit. However, I really enjoyed this book and Kay Shanee is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Kay Shanee really knows how to hook you into a novel from the beginning! When River discovers he is now a dad, and how he found out, she IMMEDIATELY had my attention.
I haven’t read many books with a nanny trope and now I’m wondering why. The minute River mets Erissa, you know it’s gonna be something more between them. Erissa try’s to be just his nanny, but the chemistry and the care they have for one another is evident early on.
River was driving me a little crazy in his denial of his true feelings. However, for a rich, famous athlete that is thrust into single fatherhood and then has to also figure out feelings for a woman that cannot be like all the others, he was doing the best he could.
I wish it was a bit longer for the reader to see their relationship grow and them as a family unit. However, I really enjoyed this book and Kay Shanee is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
September 25, 2026
Quick notes I jotted down while reading:
Love me a clingy maaannnn. 3 stars for a man that loves kissing and wants to be attached to his girl. I'm gonna always eat that upp sorry😔😋
I can never get over authors putting literal LINKS to other books in their works Im sorry😭 its so jarring. Takes me out the story everytime. When did we start doing that🥴
The writing could have been stronger. The dialogue needed some improvement—it was giving job interviews at times. Not everything needed to be explicitly laid out for the reader. There was more telling than showing.
The idea of being a whore because your HIGH SCHOOL girlfriend broke your heart at THIRTHY-TWO😭😭
MMC makes everything sexual, wish we got to see him yearning for her more ways than wanting to sleep with her
Baby mama reveal was unsatisfying and disappointing :/ it was sad which I guess was the point but I wasn't feeling it personally. I guess I was just expecting more
Love me a clingy maaannnn. 3 stars for a man that loves kissing and wants to be attached to his girl. I'm gonna always eat that upp sorry😔😋
I can never get over authors putting literal LINKS to other books in their works Im sorry😭 its so jarring. Takes me out the story everytime. When did we start doing that🥴
The writing could have been stronger. The dialogue needed some improvement—it was giving job interviews at times. Not everything needed to be explicitly laid out for the reader. There was more telling than showing.
The idea of being a whore because your HIGH SCHOOL girlfriend broke your heart at THIRTHY-TWO😭😭
MMC makes everything sexual, wish we got to see him yearning for her more ways than wanting to sleep with her
Baby mama reveal was unsatisfying and disappointing :/ it was sad which I guess was the point but I wasn't feeling it personally. I guess I was just expecting more
October 4, 2026
Enjoyable for sure
What I Needed by Kay Shanee was another cute, easy read. River is a pro basketball player with a reputation for moving from one woman to the next, while Erissa is a waitress and assistant manager who has been living in her grandparents’ home since they passed away. After losing her parents at 15, she has already had more than her share of loss.
Then a baby shows up on River’s doorstep with a note and not much else. Suddenly, he needs a live-in nanny, and Erissa is open to a new opportunity.
Their attraction is almost immediate, so it is not hard to see where the story is headed. Things pick up quickly, but it also becomes clear pretty early that Erissa is not going to be just another hookup for River. There is enough drama to keep the story interesting and give it some dimension without making it feel overly complicated.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
What I Needed by Kay Shanee was another cute, easy read. River is a pro basketball player with a reputation for moving from one woman to the next, while Erissa is a waitress and assistant manager who has been living in her grandparents’ home since they passed away. After losing her parents at 15, she has already had more than her share of loss.
Then a baby shows up on River’s doorstep with a note and not much else. Suddenly, he needs a live-in nanny, and Erissa is open to a new opportunity.
Their attraction is almost immediate, so it is not hard to see where the story is headed. Things pick up quickly, but it also becomes clear pretty early that Erissa is not going to be just another hookup for River. There is enough drama to keep the story interesting and give it some dimension without making it feel overly complicated.
Overall, I enjoyed it.
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