A nanny. A single father. A love stronger than revenge? Only from USA TODAY bestselling author Katherine Garbera! Ten years ago, someone framed him for murder. Kingsley Buchanan lost everything, including Gabriella de la Cruz. Now the billionaire is back to settle old scores. But he must protect his child. Kingsley needs Gabi—as a nanny for his son. But Gabi is no longer a naive girl. She's a businesswoman with needs of her own. The only thing that hasn't her hunger for Kingsley. But Gabi won't risk her heart on a man she can't trust—unless she can convince him that love is more powerful than revenge…
Katherine Garbera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 novels, which have been translated into over two dozen languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the mother of two incredibly creative and snarky grown children. Katherine enjoys drinking champagne, reading, walking and traveling with her husband. She lives in Kent, UK, where she is working on her next novel.
Good second chance story with an underlying mystery. Ten years earlier, Gabi and King had been college sweethearts when he and his friend Hunter were accused of murder. In order to protect her, King said hurtful things, driving her away. Now King and Hunter are back in California, determined to find out the truth and take their revenge. King hopes that Gabi might remember something from that night, and hires her as nanny to his son to get her into his home.
Gabi has never forgotten her feelings for King, though she has tried to move on. She is nervous about having him back in her life, afraid of getting her heart broken again. But resisting King now is just as hard as it was before, and now there is the added appeal of his adorable son, Conner.
I liked King. At the beginning he comes across as a bit arrogant and way too focused on his revenge, but it quickly becomes obvious that there is a lot more to him. First, he is completely devoted to his son. Though he is haunted by what happened to him, his biggest motivation for clearing his name is so that Conner doesn't suffer because of it. Second, he feels guilty about the way he treated Gabi, even though he had done it to protect her. Part of the reason for getting her to live in is so that he can try to make amends.
I liked Gabi, too, though there were times when she frustrated me. Though devastated by her treatment by King, she had attempted to move on with her life. I liked her independence and the confidence she had built up in the years since she had last seen him. I really enjoyed the way that she stood up to him when he barged into her office. And though she tried to insist on keeping things professional, it didn't take long for her to realize that the attraction was too strong.
I really enjoyed seeing Gabi and King get to know each other as the adults they are now. The chemistry between them is still strong, but there is more than that. I liked that Gabi is still convinced of his innocence, and that she wants to help him with the investigation. King is appreciative, but he still wants to protect her from the consequences of being involved. She worries about his fixation on revenge and that it could have worse consequences that just letting it go. She got a better understanding of his motivations when she experienced some of the backlash of being involved with him, but she still wants him to give up on the idea of revenge, even if he discovers who the real culprit is. I hurt for them both as that need for revenge pushed them apart. The ending was sweet and romantic as King and his son join forces to show Gabi that love is stronger.
Conner is adorable and shown pretty realistically. He isn't perfect, and has age appropriate reactions and meltdowns. He is also the motivating factor for King's attempts to clear his name. I liked the way that it is through their relationships with him, that the softer sides of both King and Hunter are shown. I also liked what I saw of Hunter. He has quite a reputation with the ladies, but I get the feeling it is a front to hide his real emotions.
The mystery is an interesting one, with a theme taken right out of current headlines. With ten years behind them, both King and Hunter are now mature enough to pursue the truth. Though some new information is discovered it isn't enough and we are left waiting for Hunter's story to get answers.
*Given to me by Katherine Garbera in exchange for an honest review*
4 Stars!!!! "His Baby Agenda" Sons of Privilege Four by Katherine Garbera.....
I have read several novels by this author and truly enjoyed them all. Although this book can be read as a standalone and does have a HEA for the H/h, there is an unresolved issue that continues with the next book," His Seduction Game," (Hunter's story) with a resolution.
This sweet story gives us Kingsley and Gabi, a wealthy single father and a nanny.
Kingsley and Gabi dated for a short time during their college days, ten years prior. They didn't have a lot of quality time time together before tragic circumstances tore them apart. Yes, their time may have been regretfully short, however it was enough to form an intimate bond. When Kingsley was framed for murder, his world suddenly became dark and desperate. He didn't want any of that misery to touch his precious Gabi so he broke up with her immediately to keep her away from trouble and scandal. Unfortunately, to get Gabi to truly leave him, he was unkind and a true jerk to her. Gabi was heartbroken.
Ten years later, Kingsley is back in town and searching for answers to clear his name, as well as Hunter's, his friend who was also accused of the same murder. While his mission is to do whatever necessary to find answers, he has to find a nanny for his toddler son, Conner. Let me say it now.....Conner was precious! Beyond adorable!
Gabi is shocked and not a little angry that Kingsley barges in her office demanding that she become Conner's nanny. After seeing Kingsley for the first time in ten years, after he broke up with her, she realized she still is holding a grudge. Gabby owns and runs a successful nanny service that caters to the wealthy. It apparently didn't matter to Kingsley that she didn't actually nanny herself any longer. He wanted her to personally look after Conner and he wouldn't take no for an answer. Gabby says no, of course. Kingsley insists with an offer she can't refuse. Now the question is, can Gabi keep their arrangement professional or will she risk her heart once again on a man she is afraid to trust?
Kingsley and Gabi have a difficult path to their HEA. They may still care a great deal for each other but there is the fact that Kingsley is obsessed with revenge making that more important then her. I liked Gabi. She knew there was a strong and probable chance she would end up with another broken heart but she wanted Kingsley in her life, so she took a chance. Gabby was smart and strong willed. I think if I found myself in her shoes, I would have acted similarly.
To be honest, Kingsley frustrated me at times. He made selfish choices and was not always honest with Gabi. He was obsessed with his mission of revenge and clearing his name. Because of this he often lost sight of what was truly important. He almost lost Gabi, again. I loved the romantic and charming gesture of love he made to Gabi in the end. And of course he had some help from his adorable sidekick. Conner was so cute!
So all that being said, I really enjoyed this book and totally want to read Hunter's story, which will bring closure on the mystery behind the true murderer. I think the mystery and suspense was done well. I believed in Kingsley's determination in finding and revealing the truth. I'm looking forward to find out the truth!
In His Baby Agenda by Katherine Garbera, a powerful need for revenge and a second chance at love are at war with each other...can the hero have it all?
Kingsley is an interesting hero. When he suddenly reappears in Gabi's life, there is more than one item on his agenda. He craves answers to a past that riddles his present. Gabi is a strong part of his past who never thought Kingsley would appear in her life again. She's never gotten over him, still holds a world of hurt in her heart, and is unable to have long term relationships with men. When she sees him again, all the old feelings come tumbling forward, as much as she tries to hold them back. Kingsley needs her...just not in the way she'd have envisioned. And Kingsley is a powerful force of a man who is determined to get what he wants! It was interesting seeing these two come together again. Although at times Gabi frustrated me because she was so fixated her past with Kingsley and the hurt she experienced, I liked watching her and Kingsley get to know one another as more mature adults. It is not a smooth journey for them, as Kingsley digs into a past mystery and they dance around a relationship, but I liked that I could see the characters develop. I liked the honesty they had with each other too.
Serious and emotional at times, yet romantic and hopeful, Katherine brings this story together well and I couldn't wait to see what Kingsley would do and discover. I liked what Katherine did with this, it gave the story a lot of depth.
I liked the secondary characters and what they bring to the plot. I can't wait to find out more about Kingsley's friend Hunter! Kingsley's son is a sweet addition, and I liked how Gabi's family presence was felt. There was some parts of Kingsley's background in particular I would have liked more details on, but this did not impact the story line.
Well paced and easy to fall into, I'd recommend His Baby Agenda to any romance reader!
People sometimes focus so much on what has happened that they can forget what the future may be if they could just get over it.
Gabriella de la Cruz had moved on from college. She was no longer the same girl that she was. In fact after taking a year of and being “volunteered” into a nanny role she actually has come away with a career she loves and a business she is proud of. So what if she hasn’t had a date in a while, she’s just picky, everything else in her life is fine, just fine.
Kingsley Buchanan never left the whispers or the stares, his reputation has stalked him since that one fateful night in college. Even though he was cleared through the law, he wasn’t cleared in everyone’s mind. Now with the 10 year anniversary of that night coming up and his son to think about all he can think about is how to clear this up and start his life in the clear.
Kingsley and Gabriella shared one fateful night in college and then everything got crazy, now almost ten years later could they actually put the past behind them and start again?
Ms. Garbera has created a really amazing story here. This is definitely the first of at least two novels that will have you on your toes throughout the whole story. What isn’t to like? A fast paced novel, murder, romance, a dad who would move mountains for his son, a strong female lead…. There is just so much to love and too capture the reader. This is one you won’t want to put down but may leave you frustrated if you don’t get the sequel right away because while there is a HEA for these two there is another story line dying to come out.
Cute kid and loved the father-son bond but nothing else was believable - certainly not the "connection or great love" we were suppose to think that Hero & Heroine had. Kingsley & Gabi had a one night stand when they were in college and before it could turn into anything, he & his best bud Hunter, were accused of murder so he turns Gabi away in order to protect her from scandal. Flash forward 10 years later, Kingsley is a widower with a 3 year old son and needs Gabi's help to care for his son and to find the culprit who killed their college friend. For me, Gabi was a needy idiot & Kingsley came across as sex deprived adolescent. The only redeeming quality was his cute son and their fantastic relationship. Though I skipped page after page, I don't believe we ever learned anything about his relationship with his deceased wife and the fact that Gabi never got over him and wasn't curious or hurt that he married someone else and fathered a child, was unrealistic for me and took away more from the story. All in all, it was a skip for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kingley (King) Buchanan has moved back to California to find and get revenge on the person who set him up for murder several years earlier.
Gabrielle De La Cruz is running her own Nanny Agency where King visits her and makes a deal with her for her to be his son, Connor's, Nanny.
Gabi and King were dating at the time he was accused of murder.
She is very apprehensive about getting involved in King's life but he's a hard man to resist and who could resist sweet Connor.
King is very focused on revenge. Will he realize that Connor and love are much more important than revenge or will he get his revenge at the cost of Gabi's love?
This is a very good book and I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
This story grabbed my attention from the start. Once I started reading it was hard to put down. I loved seeing the changes that Gabi went through during the story as well as Kingsley. Kingsley's son Conner was too cute!
Did not like it, I generally don't like stories of hero and heroine having been together in the past (in this case 10 years before) and then they break up and hero has kid with another woman. Np.
The book is about 2 people knowing each other in college when they are young and seem to have it all. When they decide to move their relationship forward after a party, their lives are changed forever and the guy says things to the girl and the relationship ends. Meanwhile on this same night, the guy and his friend get arrested and later all charges are dropped. However the media and the public still make them pay.
Years later, the guy and his friend move back to the area. The guy needs help with a few things and makes it worth the girl to help him. The girl's never stopped loving him, so she's decided to help in exchange with the guy funding a project of hers.
After spending time together, they know what they feel is more than lust. However the past the guy is trying to clear up so it will not get brought up every day and they can move on. However, they soon find it might not be very easy to move on. Will their new relationship be able to survive this or will it kill it once and for all?
You will get a real soft spot for the main characters the way they were brought to life. These interactions were very good, but the history of the crime mentioned seemed to be mentioned many times but didn't seem to move on from there until the very end. The end seemed to stop and there was no flow to the next story or so it felt like. It seemed like all that happened in relation to the crime was questions put to people, but nothing solid happened. For this to be such a major influence on the main character's lives, I thought it sad this felt overlooked instead of a major influence in my opinion.
The story was well written by the romance and relationship point of view. I would recommend this with a nice cup of tea and some time out. You will fall in love with the main characters but in my gut there is something more than can be seen for the other person who was charged with the crime (mentioned above) than what he is telling.
Gabi is a one-time nanny, now-time childcare business owner who has to downgrade back to nanny because an old flame named Kingsley (worst name) wants her to and bribes her with charitable works. The only thing interesting about him is that he was arrested ten years ago--for murder.
Obviously he didn't do it, but he is certainly guilty of fraternising. It made me uncomfortable, because Gabi kept trying to be professional and he didn't respect that at all. He cared about consent, but only really when it came to sexual advances.
The mystery of who the actual killer is and Kingsley's search for the truth are the only things that kept me interested. It's pretty much the only source of conflict. They're both still into each other and he ignores her protests that hey shouldn't get involved because SHE WORKS FOR HIM. His son is supposedly three years old, but he is about the worst-written three year old I have ever seen. He is always nauseatingly cute, and always acts like a fake decorative child. His speech is way too old, as well. Sometimes he sounded six. There are two mentions of tantrums, but none actually shown. I suspect the kid is actually a robot.
And they don't even know who the killer is by the end of it. This was just a vehicle for Arrogant Asshole to use his robot child to get him back together with his college girlfriend. There is not really any character development, waaay too many side characters who generally accomplish nothing, and no real plot because the major question is left unanswered.
Kinsgley Buchanan has returned to California along with his son Connor and best friend Hunter to clear his and Connor’s name for a crime they were accused of a decade earlier. While the charges were dropped for lack of evidence, the doubts of the public continue to haunt them. They also want revenge for the person who actually committed the crime and set them up. While he is back, Kingsley’s secondary goal is to make amends with Gabi, the girl loved yet abruptly sent away when he was arrested in an effort to protect her from the media storm. He hires Gabi as his son’s nanny for the Summer in order to spend time with her and gain her forgiveness.
Kingsley and Gabi are wonderful and Connor is a delight (even though he is a bit older than the “Baby” in the title). As they spend more time together, their youthful love turns into a more mature, robust love. When his thirst for revenge gets in the way of his budding relationship with Gabi, Kingsley will need to decide what is more important to him – clearing his name or building a family.
While the book does give us a bit of a happily ever after, there is still a bit of story left unresolved that should be concluded in Hunter’s story. Overall, I thought this was a very good about misunderstandings, misconceptions and overcoming the past.
I was lucky enough to be given a copy of this book by the author to read. “there is some spoilers” Kingsley Buchanan and his friend Hunter, while in Collage were accused of a murder that they did not commit. And they both want to find the person who did commit this crime. For Kinsley the one person who can help him is the girl he pushed out of his life after that fateful night…Gabi del a Cruz. Kinsley needs a Nanny and Gabi runs a Nanny agency. So for this billionaire it works right in with his plan. Gabi del a Cruz was devastated when the young man she gave her heart to, pushed her out of his life on that fateful night after that changed so many lives. Gabi became a Nanny and then opened up her own agency. She never expected the one man she loved to walk into her place of business and ask her to become his son’s nanny. They both want answers about that night. But can Gabi trust her heart to both of these Buchannan males… It was a great read. I liked the characters and King’s son Connor was a cute little guy to read about. The story moves a good reading pace. I wanted a little more at the end of the book, but I knew that we would be reading more about Kingsley, Gabi and Connor in the next book which features Hunter’s story. Looking forward to reading the next book.
This new book by Ms. Garbera catches your attention from the beginning. Although it would appear to be a romance, like any other, it has an underlying theme that is not often found in this genre.
The book begins with a meeting of two lovers who broke up on bad terms and have not seen each other for a number of years due to difficult circumstances. Then as the story progresses, the reader is drawn into the complexities of the circumstances of their split as the mystery of the past is revealed and continues into the present.
These characters are very real to the reader as they exhibit the characteristics many of us experience in our day to day relationships. They find that working together is better than keeping secrets.
Ms. Garbera also brings out circumstances we have to deal with in life such as judging others before knowing all the facts. It makes the reader take inventory of his/her own life and how easy it is to assume things that may or may not be true and how those assumptions affect the lives of others.
Not to forget the romance, the book is steamy and gentle in all the ways a romance should be written. It shows how a relationship can grow but also how it needs to be fed with truth. consideration for the other, gentleness and of course, great sex.
I absolutely loved this story! I couldn't put it down. The story pulled me in from the beginning to end. It has some mystery and romance. The chemistry between Kingsley and Gabi is hot and steamy. I love the relationship that Kingsley has with his son Conner. Gabi is strong, smart and successful and know how to hold her own with Kingsley. Kingsley is arrogant and also successful dispute his past. Kingsley turned Gabi away to protect her after being wrongly accused of murder. Ten years Kingsley is back wanting to clear his name and find out who framed him and his best friend Hunter of murder. Kingsley needs Gabi help. Can Gabi get past the hurt she feels for how Kingsley rejected her? Can Kingsley and Hunter find who framed them? Kingsley will do anything to protect Conner and Gabi. Katherine did an amazing job. This story will not disappoint. Looking forward to reading Hunter's story. Received copy for honest review
I really loved this story. Romance, drama, suspense, mystery, and an adorable little boy all wrapped up in a perfect combination. Kingsley and Gabi were great main characters, but Connor steals the show at points. I really enjoyed how Kingsley and Gabi worked through their past together, and the abrupt ending to a budding relationship back in college. I felt bad for Kinglsey from the very beginning, he was a bit domineering, but not so much that I couldn't appreciate how much he was hurting because of his past criminal charges and how much he truly loves his son. Gabi was great with Connor and I liked her right from the start as well. I fell in love with these three and didn't want the story to end.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Although this book is a standalone, there is another book after this that I am also looking forward to reading. His Baby Agenda has it all, a love story, a cute as a button little boy, intrigue, hidden agendas…there’s just too much to list. This is Gabriella de la Cruz’s and Kingsley Buchanan’s story/HEA but there is so much going on to keep you from putting this book down. Kingsley has come back to town to right the many wrongs that have been done to him (and a friend) and to make it up to Gabi as she was part of the fallout. Great love story, great mystery, intrigue, intensity and a great read. Looking forward to book two!
Unfortunate circumstances tore them apart before their relationship even started. In college, accused of a crime he did not commit, Kingston protects Gabi by turning her away. Ten years later, he sets out to clear his name. His three year old son needs a nanny and Gabi is the one he wants. Can Gabi put aside her hurt from so long ago? Kingston makes her an offer she cannot refuse, and maybe Gabi will open her heart again in the process.
This book moves quickly and makes you fall in love with Conner, Kingston's son. My only complaint is that it ended too soon and left me wanting more. Luckily, Hunter, Kingston's best friend, has a story on the way soon to hopefully clear up the mystery!
**I received a free copy of this book**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Reunited lovers, an adorable little boy and lots of intrigue!
Kingsley Buchanan has returned to California 10 years after leaving in disgrace. His life was in turmoil back then when he was falsely accused of murder and lost everything important to him. Now he's back and intent on getting revenge on whoever set him up and ruined his life.
Gabriella de la Cruz is shocked when King shows up in her office demanding that he needs her to be a nanny to his 3 year old son, Conner. They briefly dated back in college and had been together the night of the murder. She doesn't trust him not to hurt her again if she lets her guard down, so she attempts to send him on his way, but he won't take no for an answer.
Will being with Gabi again convince him that revenge is not the answer?
His Baby Agenda by Katherine Garbera is an engrossing, angsty revenge story. The characters are strong and flawed but you grow to like them enough to cheer them on towards their happily ever after. Ms. Garbera’s writing is fresh and I really liked how she brought together this story on an overall basis.
Kingsley Buchanan had his world torn apart when someone framed him for murder, years ago. He lost everything because of that—even Gabriele de la Cruz. But now he is back and ready to get his life back on track. And he needs Gabi’s help with his son. Being each other’s company rekindles the fire they’d once shared in the past and it’s not long before one thing leads to another!
Gabriella and Kingsley are the two main characters. Kingsley a retired football player comes back to town and uses his past history with Gabi to convince her to become his nanny. Gabriella owns her own Nanny business but is convinced to become Conner's nanny. This was a great book. I totally recommend reading it. I really enjoyed the sizzle between the two main characters as they learned to love each other again. and to remember what is really important. Love and family. I am on review crew and wanted to post an early review.
This book begins with a meeting of two lovers who broke up on bad terms.Gabi runs a Nannie service and her old lover Kingsley hires her to sit with his son Connor after popping in out of the blue .Kingsley and a friend were accused of a murder and they want to find out who did it because they didn't.This is a fantastic story .Kathern Garbera the author gave me this for an honest review and I have to say I couldn't put it down until I read the whole thing .Check out the book .You won't be disappointed
As usual for Ms Garbera's books, I couldn't put it down until I finished reading it!
Kingsley Buchanon was a former NFL quarterback and Gabriella de la Cruz's first lover. Unfortunately, King was arrested the day after being with Gabi for a murder he didn't commit and rejected Gabi when she showed up to help him. Now he's back with his adorable 3 year old son looking for a nanny and revenge on whoever framed him. He wants Gabi back for both he and his son and to find out what really happened that night.
"Gabriella and Kingsley are like fire and ice, with distinct personalities that clash until the intensity of their feelings brings them full circle. Kingsley’s interactions with his son are adorable, and readers will fall in love with these characters before the book is done" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews)
Gabi and King have a past that is sneaking it's way into the present. Can she work for him without letting their future be compromised? I fell in love with this story but my disappointment came with the cliffhanger on their past. But not too dissatisfied because I'm sure all will be revealed in the story of their friend. A great read.
Loved the second chance this couple got to find their happily ever after. The chemistry between the two jumps off the pages. I loved this book, by the end of the book I was wanting to keep reading. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
I love my harlequin Desire's. Used to get them monthly, but since moving to a farming town three years ago. They don't sell them here close by. Anyway i finally got a hold of some and this book kept me distracted from everyday stuff for a few days. Thanks for a great book.