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The Professor and the Manny
Ned needs a babysitter for his daughter, Mina. When he hires Jeff, he ends up with a manny and so much more. Mina is a vulnerable child who has endured too many losses. Ned has given her a new life, but she doesn't come out of her shell for just anyone. When Jeff comes into their lives, he wins her over and starts out babysitting for only a few hours a day. That's long enough for him to realize that he's incredibly attracted to Ned. Ned feels the same way, but he's a professor and Jeff is a student at his college. Ned is determined to keep his distance. That only lasts until he learns that Jeff has been keeping something from him. When Ned finds out that Jeff has no place to live, he invites him home and hires him as Mina's manny. There's no turning back now. Living in the same house, neither man can deny his feelings for long. But when danger disrupts their happy life, Jeff blames himself. Can Ned convince him to stay? The next time danger strikes, Jeff might be the only one who can protect what's most precious to them both.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 21, 2016
*** I really liked this one ! ***
Here we have a terrific story of a 30-ish professor
with an adorable adopted from a Russian relative, 4 yr. old, Mina,
and the college guy who becomes her Manny. While Ned is bearded, average size and cautious,
Jeff is tall, muscled and secretly homeless.
The story is interesting, and the characters are a great mix. I think the writing is thoughtful, and I'll read more of her books. We are captivated by these sexy guys, and yes, there is lots of awesome sex. When we think we know what the mystery attacks are all about, we are wrong. The attacker's story is a bit thin, but makes for a good twist. We have strawberry picking,
a pocket kitty,
and a pink gazebo, fun ! It's a yummy M/M romantic love story, of being in the right place at the right time.
There a few bumps that lead to our happy ending.
Very worthwhile read. ENJOY !
===========================
Here we have a terrific story of a 30-ish professor
with an adorable adopted from a Russian relative, 4 yr. old, Mina,
and the college guy who becomes her Manny. While Ned is bearded, average size and cautious,
Jeff is tall, muscled and secretly homeless.
The story is interesting, and the characters are a great mix. I think the writing is thoughtful, and I'll read more of her books. We are captivated by these sexy guys, and yes, there is lots of awesome sex. When we think we know what the mystery attacks are all about, we are wrong. The attacker's story is a bit thin, but makes for a good twist. We have strawberry picking,
a pocket kitty,
and a pink gazebo, fun ! It's a yummy M/M romantic love story, of being in the right place at the right time.
There a few bumps that lead to our happy ending.
Very worthwhile read. ENJOY !
===========================
September 13, 2016
~2.5~
I like the premise of this story but not the execution. The dialogue was very stilted. Everyone was so formal and proper. There was too much telling, not enough plot movement or character development.
Ned (and later Jeff) spoiled Mina rotten. It's not a good idea to cater to a child's every whim, regardless of the trauma she's been through. Kids need rules and boundaries. Mina wasn't a brat, not yet anyway, but the whole universe revolved around her.
A child Mina's age would have learned a second language much faster than what was portrayed here, particularly since she was immersed in it. Kids don't make the same language errors as adults. Mina's way of talking struck me as false and inaccurate.
If you like sweet stories, this one will deliver. There is no real angst and a fair amount of steam.
The ending is a tentative HEA. I found it odd that the MCs were still not sharing a room, what with the declarations of love and pink gazebos.
Unfortunately, this story really dragged for me. There were a few typos, and I considered DNF. The second half picked up, but I doubt I'd read anything else by this author.
I like the premise of this story but not the execution. The dialogue was very stilted. Everyone was so formal and proper. There was too much telling, not enough plot movement or character development.
Ned (and later Jeff) spoiled Mina rotten. It's not a good idea to cater to a child's every whim, regardless of the trauma she's been through. Kids need rules and boundaries. Mina wasn't a brat, not yet anyway, but the whole universe revolved around her.
A child Mina's age would have learned a second language much faster than what was portrayed here, particularly since she was immersed in it. Kids don't make the same language errors as adults. Mina's way of talking struck me as false and inaccurate.
If you like sweet stories, this one will deliver. There is no real angst and a fair amount of steam.
The ending is a tentative HEA. I found it odd that the MCs were still not sharing a room, what with the declarations of love and pink gazebos.
Unfortunately, this story really dragged for me. There were a few typos, and I considered DNF. The second half picked up, but I doubt I'd read anything else by this author.
August 21, 2016
Waaaay too tell-y and too many repeats, not enough showing...
August 17, 2016
Guaranteed sweetness
Trina Solet is one of my go to authors for sweet romance. The Professor and the Manny had the added treat of a bit of intrigue. Very enjoyable read.
Trina Solet is one of my go to authors for sweet romance. The Professor and the Manny had the added treat of a bit of intrigue. Very enjoyable read.
May 18, 2017
Reaaaally good & kinda promising story at the begining, but with just so-so execution at the end...
But i do LOVE the connections that happen between Jeff, Ned and also Mina.
And Mina....this little girl with lots of trauma of losing people she loved - succeed stole my heart right from the start. And Ned unconditional love to his little Mina really warmed my heart. I love the instant trust and connection between Jeff (the manny) and Mina. Mina can 'see' Jeff's kind heart right from the start.
What i dislike about the story is the 'just like that' feels i have when the story end...
But overall, the story worth to try...at least for little Mina...
But i do LOVE the connections that happen between Jeff, Ned and also Mina.
And Mina....this little girl with lots of trauma of losing people she loved - succeed stole my heart right from the start. And Ned unconditional love to his little Mina really warmed my heart. I love the instant trust and connection between Jeff (the manny) and Mina. Mina can 'see' Jeff's kind heart right from the start.
What i dislike about the story is the 'just like that' feels i have when the story end...
But overall, the story worth to try...at least for little Mina...
August 23, 2016
4 Stars
This was a really sweet story but then I love stories that include children. In this story we meet Ned and Jeff. The story between them was great and I immediately loved Ned and how he was with his new adopted daughter, Mina. Great Job!!
This was a really sweet story but then I love stories that include children. In this story we meet Ned and Jeff. The story between them was great and I immediately loved Ned and how he was with his new adopted daughter, Mina. Great Job!!
August 28, 2016
Awe
I cried.
I cried.
May 15, 2025
A heart warming story.
Ned is a professor who has adopted a three-year-old girl. She's an immigrant from Russia whose parents were killed by the Russian mob. Jeff is a homeless student trying to find odd jobs to feed himself and continue college. Jeff gets a part-time job as a manny for Ned. Things begin to happen between Ned and Jeff, and eventually, Jeff moves in with Ned. However, there is suspense in this story, and it concerns the Russian mob.
Ned is a professor who has adopted a three-year-old girl. She's an immigrant from Russia whose parents were killed by the Russian mob. Jeff is a homeless student trying to find odd jobs to feed himself and continue college. Jeff gets a part-time job as a manny for Ned. Things begin to happen between Ned and Jeff, and eventually, Jeff moves in with Ned. However, there is suspense in this story, and it concerns the Russian mob.
August 23, 2016
Professor and new dad to adopted daughter Mina; Ned is a bit overprotective and looking for a nanny for his sweet, shy, deeply troubled young daughter. Having lost her family back in Russia, one of which she witnessed, she needed someone that can bring her out of her shell a little bit, but Mina doesn't trust just anyone.
Jeff was trying to skate by, by the skin of his teeth; losing his job and apartment, he was hard pressed to find a job so he could stop couch surfing, stop sleeping outside and stay in school. Easier said than done though. Having babysat an old professor's daughters, he was desperate and thought to ask him again if he needed help with them. He didn't, but he new a new daddy and his adorable, sweet, shy little Mina that did.
Mina took to Jeff immediately, he was patient and gentle with her while encouraging her as well. She had him wrapped around her little finger in no time. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for stories involving kids; there is nothing hotter than a good dad. I love the whole "manny" aspect, I felt this one was narrated instead of just going from one POV to another; as I guess it was to an extent, I didn't feel like we got any internal dialogue or thoughts; and if we did, it was like, "Jeff thought this" and "Ned said this" and "Ned done that"... It was hard for me to feel it....Also, in the beginning the whole back and forth; "He doesn't like me, he could never like someone like me" and the other guy was like "He'd never go for me" and it was a bunch of low self-esteemed back and forth and that got old. Does that make sense? I dunno, maybe I'm being crazy.
It was too hard for me to get emotionally invested in it. I wasn't feeling it. I loved the characters, there was a twist in there that I didn't see coming; it was a bit unrealistic and I thought for sure I'd had it figured out and I was waaay off, so it wasn't predictable in the least; that part was good. I liked the secondary characters and I loved the happy little ending; I was rooting for that... But I dunno, i'm just on the fence with this one.
It was a very sweet read though!
Jeff was trying to skate by, by the skin of his teeth; losing his job and apartment, he was hard pressed to find a job so he could stop couch surfing, stop sleeping outside and stay in school. Easier said than done though. Having babysat an old professor's daughters, he was desperate and thought to ask him again if he needed help with them. He didn't, but he new a new daddy and his adorable, sweet, shy little Mina that did.
Mina took to Jeff immediately, he was patient and gentle with her while encouraging her as well. She had him wrapped around her little finger in no time. I have to admit, I'm a sucker for stories involving kids; there is nothing hotter than a good dad. I love the whole "manny" aspect, I felt this one was narrated instead of just going from one POV to another; as I guess it was to an extent, I didn't feel like we got any internal dialogue or thoughts; and if we did, it was like, "Jeff thought this" and "Ned said this" and "Ned done that"... It was hard for me to feel it....Also, in the beginning the whole back and forth; "He doesn't like me, he could never like someone like me" and the other guy was like "He'd never go for me" and it was a bunch of low self-esteemed back and forth and that got old. Does that make sense? I dunno, maybe I'm being crazy.
It was too hard for me to get emotionally invested in it. I wasn't feeling it. I loved the characters, there was a twist in there that I didn't see coming; it was a bit unrealistic and I thought for sure I'd had it figured out and I was waaay off, so it wasn't predictable in the least; that part was good. I liked the secondary characters and I loved the happy little ending; I was rooting for that... But I dunno, i'm just on the fence with this one.
It was a very sweet read though!
August 10, 2016
3.75 stars
August 20, 2016
Sweet and cute. Guaranteed to induce a diabetic coma.
July 26, 2020
Excellent
Beautiful story and I enjoyed it very much. Jeff with his huge heart and the willingness to protect those he loves. A definite must read.
Beautiful story and I enjoyed it very much. Jeff with his huge heart and the willingness to protect those he loves. A definite must read.
April 22, 2025
Very frustrating book. I only have myself to blame for the fact that I even finished reading, but I did want to read something light, and my expectations weren’t even high. Still, the writer’s style is rather poor. Too much tell, no show. A lot of repetitions that with time are really grating on your nerves. Honestly, dull. The relationships between characters are weak—it’s all based on attraction and how hot they find each other and that’s… so boring—same goes for characterisation. Writing children is not the writer’s strong suit, at least in this one, I believe the author has other books starring them. Mina seemed flat, no depth, and I’m sure her language skills should be better for her age, some for talking, even if we put her whole trauma aside. Besides, her father just goes along with her every whim and later, Jeff follows the same path to the dot. Also, having a child be vegetarian to honour dead relative’s wish? There’s so many things wrong with that.
Also, either I’m not a target audience, but a 30-something year old man with a 19 year old did make me cringe. I’m definitely not a fan of that sort of dynamic even if the writer made Jeff way mature for his age, but to each their own.
There had been a few typos in the book which seemed like a great way to make me dislike it even more.
Also, either I’m not a target audience, but a 30-something year old man with a 19 year old did make me cringe. I’m definitely not a fan of that sort of dynamic even if the writer made Jeff way mature for his age, but to each their own.
There had been a few typos in the book which seemed like a great way to make me dislike it even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2017
Ned is in need of an babysitter fast he recently adopted an Russian girl who comes from a bad stiff that happen to her family. Thats when jeff comes in to his life and life as you know it changes for the better until things happens that affect their life. can they find out who is disrupting their life and happiness come after all this.
March 15, 2022
This book is what I always looking for because no angst, no drama just quick and light read with lovable characters but their relationship was too slow like snail's pace and I always thought that Jeff was like a twink, a tall one but turned out he was lumberjack kinda man and Ned was the smaller one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2017
absolutely love this book
February 8, 2018
Nice book.
April 8, 2018
One-space paragraph indents with no spacing between paragraphs makes for difficult reading. The book left me confused and dissatisfied.
September 27, 2016
This was just okay for me. I love a big age gap, but I am rarely a fan when the younger partner is a teenager, in this case 19. In this case, the 19 year old character just didn't act his age; he had the stability and demeanor of someone older.
The kid was a little too perfect for me too. I would've enjoyed seeing what would happen if she wanted something and her dad(s) didn't cave in immediately. To me, that would've shown more of her mental health progress. If she can deal with not getting her way in a healthy way, I think that says a lot more about her progress than just getting what she wants all the time.
The other reason this one didn't really grab me was that the emotions felt inauthentic. I would've liked more angst. For example,
Overall, this one felt too fluffy to me. There were some opportunities for more deep diving into the characters, but instead everything was pretty surface level. That may have more to do with my mood while reading it than the quality of the book though. Maybe, if I had been in a "fluff" mindset, I would've liked this one more. In any case, it's included in Kindle Unlimited, so those with a subscription have nothing to lose by giving it a try. If the plot blurb sounds good and you are looking for a light story, you may like this!
(One more thing. Because I wasn't very engaged in the story, I noticed a lot of typos. Using "isle" in a grocery store instead of "aisle," for example. Usually, I can get past that stuff if I like the story. Since I wasn't digging this one, all the editing problems jumped out at me. If that kind of stuff bothers you, be forewarned.)
The kid was a little too perfect for me too. I would've enjoyed seeing what would happen if she wanted something and her dad(s) didn't cave in immediately. To me, that would've shown more of her mental health progress. If she can deal with not getting her way in a healthy way, I think that says a lot more about her progress than just getting what she wants all the time.
The other reason this one didn't really grab me was that the emotions felt inauthentic. I would've liked more angst. For example,
Overall, this one felt too fluffy to me. There were some opportunities for more deep diving into the characters, but instead everything was pretty surface level. That may have more to do with my mood while reading it than the quality of the book though. Maybe, if I had been in a "fluff" mindset, I would've liked this one more. In any case, it's included in Kindle Unlimited, so those with a subscription have nothing to lose by giving it a try. If the plot blurb sounds good and you are looking for a light story, you may like this!
(One more thing. Because I wasn't very engaged in the story, I noticed a lot of typos. Using "isle" in a grocery store instead of "aisle," for example. Usually, I can get past that stuff if I like the story. Since I wasn't digging this one, all the editing problems jumped out at me. If that kind of stuff bothers you, be forewarned.)
September 12, 2016
Great Story
Loved the story line, real characters, and the writing style. Sweet romance with just enough angst. Can't go wrong with it!
Loved the story line, real characters, and the writing style. Sweet romance with just enough angst. Can't go wrong with it!
October 3, 2016
Ohh, I love this :D
Jeff? What a guy. He’s super with Mina, and please remember he is 19!
Ned? Seems to be great for the little on as well. Love that way he is with Jeff and the little insecurities h
Writing style?
Totally mine! Loved that Mina was present in so many scenes.
Didn’t like:
Mina is vegetarian. She’s four and vegetarian. That in itself wouldn’t be my problem. My problem is the fact that it’s mentioned several times that Ned has no idea when it comes to cooking. Especially for a little child who wants to be veggie, it can be really dangerous if you do not consult a physician. It’s even dangerous for teens… So, it annoyed me that it seemed as if he did not think about her health at all.
Also, Jeff and Ned spoiled Mina rotten. Didn't like that because especially this little girl would need boundaries.
But all in all, this was better than the average and deserves a way better rating on goodreads! :D
Jeff? What a guy. He’s super with Mina, and please remember he is 19!
Ned? Seems to be great for the little on as well. Love that way he is with Jeff and the little insecurities h
Writing style?
Totally mine! Loved that Mina was present in so many scenes.
Didn’t like:
Mina is vegetarian. She’s four and vegetarian. That in itself wouldn’t be my problem. My problem is the fact that it’s mentioned several times that Ned has no idea when it comes to cooking. Especially for a little child who wants to be veggie, it can be really dangerous if you do not consult a physician. It’s even dangerous for teens… So, it annoyed me that it seemed as if he did not think about her health at all.
Also, Jeff and Ned spoiled Mina rotten. Didn't like that because especially this little girl would need boundaries.
But all in all, this was better than the average and deserves a way better rating on goodreads! :D
October 25, 2016
Ned needs a babysitter for his daughter but she is a shy little girl who is picky about who watches her. He can't take her to his classes with him, no matter how much he would prefer to to have her close. Jeff needs a job soon or he is going to have to leave college and go back to living with his mom and her new husband. Jeff realizes very quickly that he is attracted to Ned, Ned feels the same way but doesn't want to get involved with a student. Once Ned finds out Jeff's secret he invited Jeff into his home and his resolve to keep Jeff at a distance starts to crumble.
This was such a cute book, that really had a couple great character with a cute little girl that you just couldn't help but fall in love with. The attraction between Ned and Jeff was almost instant but the relationship slowly built over the course of the book, which is my favorite to watch relationships develop.
This was such a cute book, that really had a couple great character with a cute little girl that you just couldn't help but fall in love with. The attraction between Ned and Jeff was almost instant but the relationship slowly built over the course of the book, which is my favorite to watch relationships develop.
January 25, 2017
Overall this isn't too bad. Just wasn't sure how Jeff won over Mina. I didn't see anything that indicate he just 'has the touch' ya know? Plus there's a bit of whatever Mina wants going on. I expected one of them, Jeff, to be to voice of reason but the girl's got both of them around her finger already.
More or less this is a sweet light read that's too super exciting but like bringing a pot of water to boil. It had potential to be much more but its still a good read.
More or less this is a sweet light read that's too super exciting but like bringing a pot of water to boil. It had potential to be much more but its still a good read.
August 14, 2016
Nice
This was an easy enough read. Ned was kind, patient and loving guy who adopted an adorable little girl. Jeff is a young man down on his luck looking for a job. Jeff's connection with Mina is instant. The story felt a little dragged out but it was OK.
This was an easy enough read. Ned was kind, patient and loving guy who adopted an adorable little girl. Jeff is a young man down on his luck looking for a job. Jeff's connection with Mina is instant. The story felt a little dragged out but it was OK.
August 16, 2016
HALLELUJAH! A JOYOUS, HEARTWARMING ROMANCE
This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. " Procfessor/DADDY " , Minsinaro, his spirited, enchanting 4-year-old adopted daughter, and Jeff, a loving, compassionate Manny learn & grow to become
This book was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. " Procfessor/DADDY " , Minsinaro, his spirited, enchanting 4-year-old adopted daughter, and Jeff, a loving, compassionate Manny learn & grow to become
August 22, 2016
Sweet
Sweet tale, really enjoyed the two main characters although it seemed to take forever for them to get together, Mina the adoptive daughter was truly adorable too. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys gay father stories
Sweet tale, really enjoyed the two main characters although it seemed to take forever for them to get together, Mina the adoptive daughter was truly adorable too. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys gay father stories
October 6, 2016
I love almost anything with a single dad, so this was right up my alley. It was a semi interesting story, nothing too amazing or OMG. I felt like the ending was forced and cliche, but all in all a quick and sometimes cute read.
August 16, 2016
Over all a sweet story, but kind of slow paced. I enjoyed how the story shared the beauty of adoption and unconditional love. I would definitely read more from this author.
August 18, 2016
Simplistic low angst sweet story. Predictable.
August 18, 2016
Actually 3.5 stars. It was sweet and low angst.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews