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The Mannies #1
The Virgin Manny
Growing up and falling in love...
Sometimes family is a blessing and a curse. When Tino Robbins is roped into helping his sister deliver premade dinners when he should be studying for finals, he’s pretty sure it's the latter! But one delivery might change everything.
Channing Lowell’s charmed life changes when his sister dies and leaves him her seven-year-old son. He’s committed to doing what's best for Sammy… but he’s going to need a lot of help. When Tino lands on his porch, Channing is determined to recruit him to Team Sammy.
Tino plans to make his education count—even if that means avoiding a relationship—but as he falls harder and harder for his boss, he starts to wonder: Does he have to leave his newly forged family behind in order live his promising tomorrow?
Sometimes family is a blessing and a curse. When Tino Robbins is roped into helping his sister deliver premade dinners when he should be studying for finals, he’s pretty sure it's the latter! But one delivery might change everything.
Channing Lowell’s charmed life changes when his sister dies and leaves him her seven-year-old son. He’s committed to doing what's best for Sammy… but he’s going to need a lot of help. When Tino lands on his porch, Channing is determined to recruit him to Team Sammy.
Tino plans to make his education count—even if that means avoiding a relationship—but as he falls harder and harder for his boss, he starts to wonder: Does he have to leave his newly forged family behind in order live his promising tomorrow?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
40 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
204 books3,490 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 11, 2017
One word: ADORABLE. This amount of cuteness should be illegal. When Amy Lane writes feel good stories, she doesn't spare the sweetness.
The premise here is actually kind of sad: Channing's sister passed away recently, leaving him with custody of his 7-year-old nephew Sammy. Channing is a good guy, the BEST guy, but he has a demanding job and needs help yesterday.
Enter Tino, who's most definitely not Box Dinner Girl. That would be his sister. But Tino shows up in time for dinner and basically invites himself over. He wants to hug Sammy and his uncle too.
Channing makes Tino an offer he can't refuse, and Tino, new college graduate, becomes Tino the Manny. This is a temporary arrangement for the summer only, except, as Tino's mom tells him, life is what happens when you're making plans.
Tino's plans include a full-time job and independence; they don't include falling in love. But fall in love he does. Channing gives Tino plenty of space, but the morning kisses turn to caresses turn to Tino being a virgin no longer.
There is a loooong slow burn, and the steam is on the lower end, but I didn't mind. Much.
Tino and Channing are just so good together. And Tino is wonderful to Sammy, who's like a lost puppy, devastated by the loss of his mom. I have a boy Sammy's age, so I found Sammy's grief particularly poignant. Sammy is not a brat; he acts out because he's hurting.
I liked all the secondary characters, especially Tino's friends Artie and Jacob. I could have done without the side story about Jacob and Tino's sister, however. I'm sorry, but is not something to celebrate.
We can celebrate Channing and Tino instead. The Virgin Manny ends with rainbows and glitter!
I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
The premise here is actually kind of sad: Channing's sister passed away recently, leaving him with custody of his 7-year-old nephew Sammy. Channing is a good guy, the BEST guy, but he has a demanding job and needs help yesterday.
Enter Tino, who's most definitely not Box Dinner Girl. That would be his sister. But Tino shows up in time for dinner and basically invites himself over. He wants to hug Sammy and his uncle too.
Channing makes Tino an offer he can't refuse, and Tino, new college graduate, becomes Tino the Manny. This is a temporary arrangement for the summer only, except, as Tino's mom tells him, life is what happens when you're making plans.
Tino's plans include a full-time job and independence; they don't include falling in love. But fall in love he does. Channing gives Tino plenty of space, but the morning kisses turn to caresses turn to Tino being a virgin no longer.
There is a loooong slow burn, and the steam is on the lower end, but I didn't mind. Much.
Tino and Channing are just so good together. And Tino is wonderful to Sammy, who's like a lost puppy, devastated by the loss of his mom. I have a boy Sammy's age, so I found Sammy's grief particularly poignant. Sammy is not a brat; he acts out because he's hurting.
I liked all the secondary characters, especially Tino's friends Artie and Jacob. I could have done without the side story about Jacob and Tino's sister, however. I'm sorry, but is not something to celebrate.
We can celebrate Channing and Tino instead. The Virgin Manny ends with rainbows and glitter!
I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
December 12, 2016
This one was cute, fun and sweet, but didn't totally blow my skirt up over my head. I think the main reason I was left wanting a bit 'more' was the low level of conflict, both between the MC's and with the moody 7 y.o. nephew.
Both Tino, the 22 y.o. recent business school graduate, and Channing, the 32 y.o. wealthy business owner, were just so completely nice that I can't remember either of them having anything close to what I would consider as being a flaw. Yes, Channing worked too much and Tino worried too much, but I don't think that really falls into the character flaw category here.
By half-way through the book, they were both into one another and worked well as a team to take care of the little family that they were creating, but nearly all of the conflict was external, which left me wanting a bit more from the MC's.
When there was banter between the MC's, I did especially enjoy those interactions and look forward to more of that in the rest of the series.
I suspect that the next book may be Taylor's story (an immature, amorous, recent high school grad) and since he seems like he can be a bit of a bitch, I would definitely be looking forward to see how that plays out on page.
As I mentioned before, this story is very sweet, so it did hold my interest and keep me entertained. I just wanted the volume turned up another notch or two on the drama and the feels, so I'd rate this one at around 3.75 stars.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
March 10, 2018
Audiobook by John Solo - 4.5 stars
Story-2.5 Its me, not the book stars
Ugh! i really wanted to enjoy this more but i couldn't connect with the characters. And honestly i don't get this authors writing style at some point, i was lost. But i will still read more of her books, until i get it, that would be like an achievement.
I enjoyed the narration, but the story was just ok... I am still living in the Risky Behavior world.
Story-2.5 Its me, not the book stars
Ugh! i really wanted to enjoy this more but i couldn't connect with the characters. And honestly i don't get this authors writing style at some point, i was lost. But i will still read more of her books, until i get it, that would be like an achievement.
I enjoyed the narration, but the story was just ok... I am still living in the Risky Behavior world.
September 24, 2019
3.5 Stars
Overall, I liked this.
When Lane writes fluff, she often gets it right. Now granted, lust and feelings develop quickly, and the premise is just a tad OTT, but at the heart of the matter this shows that life is full of some growing pains, and really, when love presents itself, one should take a leap of faith.
Bonus points for a very cute kid who has been through a terrible tragedy. This also excels on the theme of family, as well as adapting and thriving on unexpected challenges.
Very likeable characters, an age gap with a good dash of smexy, this was feel good easy romance!
Overall, I liked this.
When Lane writes fluff, she often gets it right. Now granted, lust and feelings develop quickly, and the premise is just a tad OTT, but at the heart of the matter this shows that life is full of some growing pains, and really, when love presents itself, one should take a leap of faith.
Bonus points for a very cute kid who has been through a terrible tragedy. This also excels on the theme of family, as well as adapting and thriving on unexpected challenges.
Very likeable characters, an age gap with a good dash of smexy, this was feel good easy romance!
January 21, 2019
Since I can’t think of finding a better description myself, let me borrow one of my very dear friends’ remark on this series, “it’s like Amy wrote these books on happy pills”. 😂 Lol 😂 And it’s exactly what it is guys, fluffy, adorable, sugary sweet and overall, just so damn cute. 😁 I have always found mannies to be such alluring and interesting creatures. You gotta admit, it’s incredibly sexy and satisfying to see a man taking care of a little baby and fussing over it. 😉 So I was thrilled when I found out Amy Lane has a whole series on these lovely mannies. And I wasn’t disappointed. 😌
After delivering lunch boxes to an exclusive and rich neighborhood because his sister, the real lunch box gal, was busy, Tino found himself being literally dumped onto his lap with an opportunity working as a manny which would pay for all his college tuition debt. And did Tino mention the man he’s supposed to work for is the most gorgeous man he’s ever laid his eyes on? 😁 Despite being a virgin, Tino knows how to take care of children and is really good at it. But the thing is, Tino not only want to take care of the nephew but also his gorgeous uncle. 😉 Meanwhile, there is a thief terrorizing their neighborhood and a insolent and lazy maid who Tino can’t wait to get rid off. Welcome to the instant fatherhood and domestic bliss! 😁
If you are looking for a low-angst, fluffy, feel-good romance, this definitely is the book/audio for you. Tino is endearing, sweet, caring and innocent and Channing is strong, loving, understanding and incredibly patient. I think they are a match made in heaven. Although the big twist in the end isn’t that big of a twist, I enjoyed this whole audio because there are just so many “awwwwww” moments in it. 😍 And John Solo did an amazing job narrating this story and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he sang in this audio! John Solo sang guys!!! 😁😍And he does have a very lovely voice. 💜 I think his superb narration really elevated this fluffy, sweet romance because I think I wouldn’t enjoy it as much if I’d read this instead of listening it. For now, I have a toothache for all those delicious sweetness and I can’t wait to devour the remaining series ASAP. 🥰
4.5 Channing loves plucking Tino’s flower stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer. An audio copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.
After delivering lunch boxes to an exclusive and rich neighborhood because his sister, the real lunch box gal, was busy, Tino found himself being literally dumped onto his lap with an opportunity working as a manny which would pay for all his college tuition debt. And did Tino mention the man he’s supposed to work for is the most gorgeous man he’s ever laid his eyes on? 😁 Despite being a virgin, Tino knows how to take care of children and is really good at it. But the thing is, Tino not only want to take care of the nephew but also his gorgeous uncle. 😉 Meanwhile, there is a thief terrorizing their neighborhood and a insolent and lazy maid who Tino can’t wait to get rid off. Welcome to the instant fatherhood and domestic bliss! 😁
If you are looking for a low-angst, fluffy, feel-good romance, this definitely is the book/audio for you. Tino is endearing, sweet, caring and innocent and Channing is strong, loving, understanding and incredibly patient. I think they are a match made in heaven. Although the big twist in the end isn’t that big of a twist, I enjoyed this whole audio because there are just so many “awwwwww” moments in it. 😍 And John Solo did an amazing job narrating this story and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he sang in this audio! John Solo sang guys!!! 😁😍And he does have a very lovely voice. 💜 I think his superb narration really elevated this fluffy, sweet romance because I think I wouldn’t enjoy it as much if I’d read this instead of listening it. For now, I have a toothache for all those delicious sweetness and I can’t wait to devour the remaining series ASAP. 🥰
4.5 Channing loves plucking Tino’s flower stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer. An audio copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.
June 15, 2017
It’s all fluff and sweetness, with a sexy uncle who has to take care of his 7-year old nephew after his sister passed away and falls for the nanny he hired for the summer.
And once again, the author’s writing clearly highlights that English is not my native language : I had to reread a lot of paragraphs to follow the story . Conclusion : “it’s me, not the book” is really appropriate here.
And once again, the author’s writing clearly highlights that English is not my native language : I had to reread a lot of paragraphs to follow the story . Conclusion : “it’s me, not the book” is really appropriate here.
September 6, 2018
Speedy DNF.
I kept away from this series, then noticed book 4 looked interesting, and then thought I would start at the beginning of the series.
I was already a bit toey, because of the whole mannies/little Susie homemaker romance trope. But sometimes, a book with a trope I normally dislike can become a favourite, as in the Lilah Pace Prince books.
So anyway, story begins. Manny-to-be meets up with little kid. (Manny seems to be from a shit family who treat him like shit which he and the book sees to be okay with). Little kid wants a snack, and being properly brought up, demands fruit and/or cheese.
The Manny then produces a big cookie for the little kid to eat.
This is clearly considered by the narrative to be a good thing, and the Manny a bit of a hero.
I sat there, looking at this books thinking, “can I even?”
I really couldn’t.
There is no doubt in my mind that before the end of the book, they are eating a salad with marshmallow in it.
I kept away from this series, then noticed book 4 looked interesting, and then thought I would start at the beginning of the series.
I was already a bit toey, because of the whole mannies/little Susie homemaker romance trope. But sometimes, a book with a trope I normally dislike can become a favourite, as in the Lilah Pace Prince books.
So anyway, story begins. Manny-to-be meets up with little kid. (Manny seems to be from a shit family who treat him like shit which he and the book sees to be okay with). Little kid wants a snack, and being properly brought up, demands fruit and/or cheese.
The Manny then produces a big cookie for the little kid to eat.
This is clearly considered by the narrative to be a good thing, and the Manny a bit of a hero.
I sat there, looking at this books thinking, “can I even?”
I really couldn’t.
There is no doubt in my mind that before the end of the book, they are eating a salad with marshmallow in it.
December 20, 2016
“The Virgin many” is a sweet and fluffy read with an HEA full of feels, hearts and roses.
We have Tino, a 22 year old business school graduate who can’t wait to use his new degree to become a “Captain of the Industry” in the near future like he has dreamed forever. He meets Channing, a 32 year old rich businessman while delivering food to his house. Channing has lost his sister recently and is now the guardian of his grieving and difficult 7 year old nephew, Sammy. When Tino comes in their house and helps prepare dinner while putting the bitchy housekeeper in her place, Channing wastes no time in pursuing Tino to be Sammy’s resident manny. Channing would pay off Tino’s student loans completely for being Sammy’s manny for the summer. Tino is conflicted but he finally decides to accept Channing’s generous offer.
Tino develops a huge crush on the kind, gorgeous and awesome Channing while also caring deeply for Sammy. Channing also seems to reciprocate his feelings but he does not want a single night tumble in bed. He wants an honest to god relationship and commitment from Tino. Tino feels that his dream of having a job and living an independent life is not possible while looking after the family he has readily become a part of. That’s when Tino’s sweet, caring and so very understanding parents impart their sage advice: “Plans are what you make when you are starting your life. Life is what happens when you’re making your plans”
What happens next is a sweet glide towards Channing and Tino’s HEA while battling a few pesky burglars and housekeepers on the way.
This story is pretty light. There is no such angst in the romance. Channing is the perfect gentleman. He does not take advantage of Tino in any way. He was confident about making Tino a part of his life for the long run from the get go. He never considers Tino as a fling which made me dreamily sigh and pray for more such men in the real world (He was swoon-worthy and as rare as a unicorn!) Tino and Channing’s attraction is ever present but the romance develops slowly. There was no rush or “heat of the moment” sexy sessions. The couple take their time and fall into bed together when they are confident about what they really want from each other. It was a bit too perfect in my opinion but it kind of worked for the story.
There is a slide plot of Tino’s sister and her relationship with Tino’s BF Jacob. I found this part a little unbelievable The author used this part to help Tino understand that “life happens” but it was a very poor example.
The secondary characters were all very nicely done. I loved Artie, Tino’s siblings, Jacob and most of all Sammy. That kid was very sweet and I really felt his pain trying to cope with the loss of his mother. His acceptance of Channing and Tino’s relationship was great. He also gives the couple permission to get another kid after he is 10 (Coz being in two digits is very much necessary to have a sibling who is zero: Sammy’s logic *LOL*)
Overall, this read is a slow-burn romance with minimum to none angst and a sweet HEA at the end. Fans of Amy Lane would love it. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
We have Tino, a 22 year old business school graduate who can’t wait to use his new degree to become a “Captain of the Industry” in the near future like he has dreamed forever. He meets Channing, a 32 year old rich businessman while delivering food to his house. Channing has lost his sister recently and is now the guardian of his grieving and difficult 7 year old nephew, Sammy. When Tino comes in their house and helps prepare dinner while putting the bitchy housekeeper in her place, Channing wastes no time in pursuing Tino to be Sammy’s resident manny. Channing would pay off Tino’s student loans completely for being Sammy’s manny for the summer. Tino is conflicted but he finally decides to accept Channing’s generous offer.
Tino develops a huge crush on the kind, gorgeous and awesome Channing while also caring deeply for Sammy. Channing also seems to reciprocate his feelings but he does not want a single night tumble in bed. He wants an honest to god relationship and commitment from Tino. Tino feels that his dream of having a job and living an independent life is not possible while looking after the family he has readily become a part of. That’s when Tino’s sweet, caring and so very understanding parents impart their sage advice: “Plans are what you make when you are starting your life. Life is what happens when you’re making your plans”
What happens next is a sweet glide towards Channing and Tino’s HEA while battling a few pesky burglars and housekeepers on the way.
This story is pretty light. There is no such angst in the romance. Channing is the perfect gentleman. He does not take advantage of Tino in any way. He was confident about making Tino a part of his life for the long run from the get go. He never considers Tino as a fling which made me dreamily sigh and pray for more such men in the real world (He was swoon-worthy and as rare as a unicorn!) Tino and Channing’s attraction is ever present but the romance develops slowly. There was no rush or “heat of the moment” sexy sessions. The couple take their time and fall into bed together when they are confident about what they really want from each other. It was a bit too perfect in my opinion but it kind of worked for the story.
“There was nothing disposable about his relationship with Channing Lowell. There was no planning to start another life, another relationship, another path.
Channing was his path.
He’d had it all wrong. He’d thought he would have to find a way around Channing to have his career.
He was going to have to find a way around his career to have Channing and Sammy. Because there was no other way.”
There is a slide plot of Tino’s sister and her relationship with Tino’s BF Jacob. I found this part a little unbelievable The author used this part to help Tino understand that “life happens” but it was a very poor example.
The secondary characters were all very nicely done. I loved Artie, Tino’s siblings, Jacob and most of all Sammy. That kid was very sweet and I really felt his pain trying to cope with the loss of his mother. His acceptance of Channing and Tino’s relationship was great. He also gives the couple permission to get another kid after he is 10 (Coz being in two digits is very much necessary to have a sibling who is zero: Sammy’s logic *LOL*)
Overall, this read is a slow-burn romance with minimum to none angst and a sweet HEA at the end. Fans of Amy Lane would love it. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
April 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
Despite the Harlequin-esque title this was a good story with a solid and realistic HEA.
I loved that Tino was a bit reticent to accept the job offer as just a great chance to pay off his loans, that he really gave it some thought. He'd been working for his degree and didn't want to end up "the help." He wasn't ashamed of it, though; he came from a family of hard working, blue-collar workers and put in a lot of effort to be the trailblazer for his siblings, to be a role-model in some way because he just knew his sisters were the ones who'd take the world by storm.
And I adored that he didn't want to start a relationship with Channing when he didn't know his own plans. He wanted to be serious with someone before starting anything sexual, and wasn't sure he'd be sticking around past the end of summer. He also didn't want Sammy to get too attached if things didn't work out; losing his mom and then losing a pseudo-parent right after would have been even more heart-breaking for the boy and I'm glad that was one of Tino's considerations as well. Too much jumping in first and figuring shit out later in romance books, and it was a refreshing change of pace.
I do have to point out the glaringly over-used trope found in a lot of CinderFella-ish (or where MCs come from such a different social/financial class) tales, and one I wish hadn't been here: That Pretty Woman-type shopping scene. PLEASE, stop doing this authors! I know that the intent was to get Tino more comfortable with Channing's wealth, and that Channing wanted to do something for Tino to show he was supportive of him pursuing work after graduating, even if that took took Tino away from Channing & Sammy...but yeah, no. (Combined with the plans to see a show afterwards, it really did lean heavily on the Pretty Woman trope.)
Other than that, I liked it more than I thought I would, and I'll definitely pick up the second one in the series to see how that one turns out. I've heard the bit before about "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans" but I loved how supportive Tino's mom was in dispensing this wisdom.
Oh, and sometimes John Solo can be hit or miss for me, but I thought he did a good job with the narration.
(Also, that Piano Lesson scene was adorable...especially how Sammy finally caved because Tino was so bad at it!)
Despite the Harlequin-esque title this was a good story with a solid and realistic HEA.
I loved that Tino was a bit reticent to accept the job offer as just a great chance to pay off his loans, that he really gave it some thought. He'd been working for his degree and didn't want to end up "the help." He wasn't ashamed of it, though; he came from a family of hard working, blue-collar workers and put in a lot of effort to be the trailblazer for his siblings, to be a role-model in some way because he just knew his sisters were the ones who'd take the world by storm.
And I adored that he didn't want to start a relationship with Channing when he didn't know his own plans. He wanted to be serious with someone before starting anything sexual, and wasn't sure he'd be sticking around past the end of summer. He also didn't want Sammy to get too attached if things didn't work out; losing his mom and then losing a pseudo-parent right after would have been even more heart-breaking for the boy and I'm glad that was one of Tino's considerations as well. Too much jumping in first and figuring shit out later in romance books, and it was a refreshing change of pace.
I do have to point out the glaringly over-used trope found in a lot of CinderFella-ish (or where MCs come from such a different social/financial class) tales, and one I wish hadn't been here: That Pretty Woman-type shopping scene. PLEASE, stop doing this authors! I know that the intent was to get Tino more comfortable with Channing's wealth, and that Channing wanted to do something for Tino to show he was supportive of him pursuing work after graduating, even if that took took Tino away from Channing & Sammy...but yeah, no. (Combined with the plans to see a show afterwards, it really did lean heavily on the Pretty Woman trope.)
Other than that, I liked it more than I thought I would, and I'll definitely pick up the second one in the series to see how that one turns out. I've heard the bit before about "Life is what happens when you're busy making plans" but I loved how supportive Tino's mom was in dispensing this wisdom.
Oh, and sometimes John Solo can be hit or miss for me, but I thought he did a good job with the narration.
(Also, that Piano Lesson scene was adorable...especially how Sammy finally caved because Tino was so bad at it!)
February 8, 2017
Amy Lane brings you The Virgin Manny, the first Dreamspun Desires book of 2017 and one that is perfectly adorable with everything you expect from Amy. This is a feel good story, with lovable characters who both find themselves meeting after Channing's sister dies and while Tino is delivering boxed dinners for his sister. From the moment Channing and Tino meet, Tino is in lust over Channing, and while explaining how to cook the meal in a box he just sorta invites himself to dinner and becomes a part of the family all at once.
These two are adorable together as they try to help Sammy adjust to life without his mom, Channing's sister. When Channing offers Tino a job as a Manny - live in, car, and enough money to pay off his student loans --
“I promise you, young Mr. Robbins, if you ever come asking me for extracurricular activity, I’m not going to turn you down. But it has to be your choice. Right now I’m just offering a job. A very good job.” Tino quickly finds himself trading in his apron at Panera for the keys to a house and a brand new Tesla, along with all the eyecandy he can take in the form of his yummy new boss. When he finds out his boss is bisexual...well, hallelujah---
Oh dear Lord, the man was a unicorn. A shameless, flagrantly bisexual unicorn.
This story moves quickly and there is little conflict as is typical with any category romance. There is definitely instalove here and of course instalust-- it is a feel good story. Sorta like that first bite of apple pie...yummy or snuggling with a soft blanket on a chilly day - it's a "just right" story.
I would have liked to see more. I know this is book one of the series and I am sure Amy will blow us away with books one and two.. but for some reason I just find these stories, The Dreamspun Desires, lacking - whether it be they are too short, too much focus on the meeting versus the actual relationship, too much side story going on and not enough digging into the characters brain, too much instalove...I am not sure what it is..but no matter who writes them, I haven't found one yet that is unforgettable. I had really high hopes for this story - so maybe it's just me.
4 stars ~ A perfectly cute story.
These two are adorable together as they try to help Sammy adjust to life without his mom, Channing's sister. When Channing offers Tino a job as a Manny - live in, car, and enough money to pay off his student loans --
“I promise you, young Mr. Robbins, if you ever come asking me for extracurricular activity, I’m not going to turn you down. But it has to be your choice. Right now I’m just offering a job. A very good job.” Tino quickly finds himself trading in his apron at Panera for the keys to a house and a brand new Tesla, along with all the eyecandy he can take in the form of his yummy new boss. When he finds out his boss is bisexual...well, hallelujah---
Oh dear Lord, the man was a unicorn. A shameless, flagrantly bisexual unicorn.
This story moves quickly and there is little conflict as is typical with any category romance. There is definitely instalove here and of course instalust-- it is a feel good story. Sorta like that first bite of apple pie...yummy or snuggling with a soft blanket on a chilly day - it's a "just right" story.
I would have liked to see more. I know this is book one of the series and I am sure Amy will blow us away with books one and two.. but for some reason I just find these stories, The Dreamspun Desires, lacking - whether it be they are too short, too much focus on the meeting versus the actual relationship, too much side story going on and not enough digging into the characters brain, too much instalove...I am not sure what it is..but no matter who writes them, I haven't found one yet that is unforgettable. I had really high hopes for this story - so maybe it's just me.
4 stars ~ A perfectly cute story.
July 27, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
Very sweet and cute MM story. My biggest complaint is that Tino held on entirely too long to the belief that he needed to "do something with his degree" and continued thinking their relationship had an expiration date...the end of summer. It annoyed the crap out of me. I would have liked an epilogue too because I felt it ended a little abruptly. We know they've worked things out but I wanted to see them a little into the future with their dreams coming true.
Very sweet and cute MM story. My biggest complaint is that Tino held on entirely too long to the belief that he needed to "do something with his degree" and continued thinking their relationship had an expiration date...the end of summer. It annoyed the crap out of me. I would have liked an epilogue too because I felt it ended a little abruptly. We know they've worked things out but I wanted to see them a little into the future with their dreams coming true.
February 6, 2017
this was an OK read for me. maybe it's one of those cases of it's not you it's me but I just didn't connect with the characters.
August 19, 2018
"Life is what happens when you're making plans...."
Very slowwwwww burn but sweet and cute.
*C'est tout!!
February 6, 2017
What do you get when Amy Lane is given some “parameters” and a directive to write a sweet, low-ish steam romance with a classic trope?
Well – you don’t get any “cocks” – which I found hysterical!
You get a 22 year old virgin!
You get Channing – an older man who holds out on sex til the younger guy’s willing to commit!
And very little (really almost no) angst!
In other words, a lot of stuff that this author who tends to put a lot of “grit and real” in her stories, would typically avoid.
(Spoiler)
I could totally see her sitting on her hands and wanting and needing to do SOMETHING to make this more “her” style, so she makes the sister get pregnant! I was howling! Amy’ll keep it real. Have no fear!
As far as the story goes, it’s sweet, light, and lovely. It absolutely follows the “troptastic” theme of the good-hearted virgin who lives with the billionaire and all his/her heart’s desires are fulfilled. (I was SO ENVIOUS of the student loan thing – OMG – that’s so REAL!!!)
The sexual tension only made sense in this “line” of books. I think these boys would have been boning early on! In fact, the actual status of his virginity didn’t add much or detract much from their decision making process. I think they moved at a pace that made sense simply because of the importance of moving forward given Sammy’s presence.
I cannot tell you how much I loved the side story of Jacob and Nica – it added back into this story some very needed reality and I loved the family’s response to this as well.
I’m not sure what purpose the evil maid served – especially the break-in. I didn’t see it bring our boys closer together – but I do love –again – the family’s response to the news ☺
So… I’m totally hoping Taylor gets to be MC in Mannies #2 – I can totally see him with a very Dominating MC who pulls him back in line!
I devoured this in one sitting. It’s fantastic and wonderful and anyone who loves the Dreamspun series, Amy Lane or the virgin/billionaire trope will love this!
I really hope Taylor is our MC in book 2!
Well – you don’t get any “cocks” – which I found hysterical!
You get a 22 year old virgin!
You get Channing – an older man who holds out on sex til the younger guy’s willing to commit!
And very little (really almost no) angst!
In other words, a lot of stuff that this author who tends to put a lot of “grit and real” in her stories, would typically avoid.
(Spoiler)
I could totally see her sitting on her hands and wanting and needing to do SOMETHING to make this more “her” style, so she makes the sister get pregnant! I was howling! Amy’ll keep it real. Have no fear!
As far as the story goes, it’s sweet, light, and lovely. It absolutely follows the “troptastic” theme of the good-hearted virgin who lives with the billionaire and all his/her heart’s desires are fulfilled. (I was SO ENVIOUS of the student loan thing – OMG – that’s so REAL!!!)
The sexual tension only made sense in this “line” of books. I think these boys would have been boning early on! In fact, the actual status of his virginity didn’t add much or detract much from their decision making process. I think they moved at a pace that made sense simply because of the importance of moving forward given Sammy’s presence.
I cannot tell you how much I loved the side story of Jacob and Nica – it added back into this story some very needed reality and I loved the family’s response to this as well.
I’m not sure what purpose the evil maid served – especially the break-in. I didn’t see it bring our boys closer together – but I do love –again – the family’s response to the news ☺
So… I’m totally hoping Taylor gets to be MC in Mannies #2 – I can totally see him with a very Dominating MC who pulls him back in line!
I devoured this in one sitting. It’s fantastic and wonderful and anyone who loves the Dreamspun series, Amy Lane or the virgin/billionaire trope will love this!
I really hope Taylor is our MC in book 2!
February 22, 2017
On one hand, it fits the purpose. I wanted to read something light and easy; and this delivered. It was low on angst (even with the 10 years age gap) and pretty fluffy.
In addition, I thought Amy Lane incorporated all the elements of "rich single dad -- although in this case it's a rich single uncle -- and the nanny" category theme really well. Just like I remember from reading Harlequin M/F category series in my teen years.
On the other hand ... I really didn't find Lane's (rambling) dialogs charming anymore *shrugs* I found it difficult to even smile at them, actually. It was okay, it wasn't bad -- but not really "sizzling" for me.
Also, I felt that interaction between Tino as the manny and Sammy as his charge to be a bit lacking (or at least not as many as I expected from this theme)
In addition, I thought Amy Lane incorporated all the elements of "rich single dad -- although in this case it's a rich single uncle -- and the nanny" category theme really well. Just like I remember from reading Harlequin M/F category series in my teen years.
On the other hand ... I really didn't find Lane's (rambling) dialogs charming anymore *shrugs* I found it difficult to even smile at them, actually. It was okay, it wasn't bad -- but not really "sizzling" for me.
Also, I felt that interaction between Tino as the manny and Sammy as his charge to be a bit lacking (or at least not as many as I expected from this theme)
Read
January 3, 2017Paused at 14% ... I'm starting to think Amy Lane just doesn't work for me anymore. I'm not connecting to the characters or the story.
September 5, 2018
Really enjoyed the couple in this. The plot is kind of meh but they have a great chemistry and banter so that makes up for it. Sammy was great. Not to precious but not adult. He's dealing with some tough stuff and it felt realistic. The side plot with the maid/guard was so unnecessary, I don't really know why it had to be included. I liked that Tino and Channing talked about the complications that come with signing up for a ready made family and an age gap. It feels like they fall in love fast, but they actually have a decent slow burn and months are covered in the book. The side arc with Tino's sister and her guy was cute, but what happens at the end really just annoys me. But like I said the main couple were good guys with great chemistry and I was rooting for them.
March 31, 2017
The Virgin Manny is #25 in Dreamspinner's Dreamspun Desires series and #1 in Amy Lane's 'The Mannies' series and in general this was just a cute, fluffy story about falling in love when you least expect it. But I have to admit I did have one issue that took me the better part of the story to get past and that was...the dreaded age difference. It's not even the fact that it's 10 years. It's the fact that Tino is 22 and Channing is 32 and in the scheme of age differences this is one of my least favorite age gaps because people tend to be at such different points in their lives during this time and while this initially niggled at me a little as the story progressed my discomfort with this eased and finally just didn't seem to matter.
Now about that housekeeper...I don't even know where to begin with her. She gave me rage people total rage. I couldn't stand her, she was a horrible, horrible person. I never fully understood her feelings towards anyone. She was blatantly rude and disrespectful towards everyone in this story and I'm pretty sure that by the second time she opened her mouth I wanted to her kicked to the curb. Seriously I think I did a happy dance when Channing finally got rid of her.
I really liked Channing and Tino their attraction to each other was intense but it was also tempered by their mutual concern for Sammy. Sammy is Channing's nephew and following the death of Channing's sister Channing is trying to rearrange is life so that he can become the guardian that Sammy needs to raise him.
Sammy is also my one point of contention between the e-book and the audiobook. I get that children's voices are hard to do. I really do and while I must admit Sammy didn't annoy me as much as some of the other children that I've encountered in stories. He did annoy me and that really left me feeling a bit disconcerted because for me Sammy should have been a grief stricken little boy who was acting out due to the loss of his mother and yet, what I felt like I was getting was an obnoxious little sh!t who was use to getting his way and just needed a good old fashioned spanking...let me just tell you if you think this didn't cause me a little discomfort when I realized that instead of wanting to hug him and feed him milk and cookies, I wanted to give him a spanking, send him to his room...you'd be wrong.
Simply put I wanted to feel Sammy's grief and pain in his voice and instead it was just a whiny annoying child...sorry but while better than some this kid still just didn't work for me. Maybe I should just give up on audiobooks with children in them because other than that one little thing I very much enjoyed John Solo's narration of 'The Virgin Manny'.
So while this probably would have otherwise been a 4.5 star read for me, I'm taking a 1/2 star back because...annoying whiny kids make me cranky and calling it a day at 4 slightly cranky stars.
********************
An Audiobook of 'The Virgin Manny was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Now about that housekeeper...I don't even know where to begin with her. She gave me rage people total rage. I couldn't stand her, she was a horrible, horrible person. I never fully understood her feelings towards anyone. She was blatantly rude and disrespectful towards everyone in this story and I'm pretty sure that by the second time she opened her mouth I wanted to her kicked to the curb. Seriously I think I did a happy dance when Channing finally got rid of her.
I really liked Channing and Tino their attraction to each other was intense but it was also tempered by their mutual concern for Sammy. Sammy is Channing's nephew and following the death of Channing's sister Channing is trying to rearrange is life so that he can become the guardian that Sammy needs to raise him.
Sammy is also my one point of contention between the e-book and the audiobook. I get that children's voices are hard to do. I really do and while I must admit Sammy didn't annoy me as much as some of the other children that I've encountered in stories. He did annoy me and that really left me feeling a bit disconcerted because for me Sammy should have been a grief stricken little boy who was acting out due to the loss of his mother and yet, what I felt like I was getting was an obnoxious little sh!t who was use to getting his way and just needed a good old fashioned spanking...let me just tell you if you think this didn't cause me a little discomfort when I realized that instead of wanting to hug him and feed him milk and cookies, I wanted to give him a spanking, send him to his room...you'd be wrong.
Simply put I wanted to feel Sammy's grief and pain in his voice and instead it was just a whiny annoying child...sorry but while better than some this kid still just didn't work for me. Maybe I should just give up on audiobooks with children in them because other than that one little thing I very much enjoyed John Solo's narration of 'The Virgin Manny'.
So while this probably would have otherwise been a 4.5 star read for me, I'm taking a 1/2 star back because...annoying whiny kids make me cranky and calling it a day at 4 slightly cranky stars.
********************
An Audiobook of 'The Virgin Manny was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
Once Amy Lane writes a sweet story, it's totally adorable, and unputdownable.
This book made me awake until 2.30 AM, and I rarely awake after midnight.
The cuteness? Overload, without giving you diabetes.
And this one is veeeeeeeeerrrryyyyy slow burn, and made me pulling my hair, because, well, I'm a hard and fast kind of girl, you know.
But damn, this one got into my blood and I can't stop thinking how much I wanted to be in the middle of Tino and Channing family! Because! Man, Channing....! He's that kinda man you 'need' to be in your life constantly.
And the ending was like, one of those one 'PERFECT' HEA!
OMG I'm loving this so much ! And I just can't put it into words.
And I'm so going to read it again. Because, fangirling is 'legal'!
Recommended read!
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of a fair and unbiased review.*
More thoughts soon!
This book made me awake until 2.30 AM, and I rarely awake after midnight.
The cuteness? Overload, without giving you diabetes.
And this one is veeeeeeeeerrrryyyyy slow burn, and made me pulling my hair, because, well, I'm a hard and fast kind of girl, you know.
But damn, this one got into my blood and I can't stop thinking how much I wanted to be in the middle of Tino and Channing family! Because! Man, Channing....! He's that kinda man you 'need' to be in your life constantly.
And the ending was like, one of those one 'PERFECT' HEA!
OMG I'm loving this so much ! And I just can't put it into words.
And I'm so going to read it again. Because, fangirling is 'legal'!
Recommended read!
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of a fair and unbiased review.*
More thoughts soon!
Read
March 3, 20174.5 Hearts
I am going to warn you, this review could end in you catching a bit of the adorbs because this book was so stupidly cute, adorable and yes romantic that I can’t handle it. I am totally turning into Agnes from Despicable Me right now over this book. Yup, it was that fluffy.
When I saw Amy Lane was jumping on the Dreamspun Desires train I had to get on board and fast. Honestly, there hasn’t been a book of hers that I haven’t liked or that has not given me all sorts of emotions and this gets tucked on the shelf with the rest of her stories I adore. It gets its own tag though because where I associate Amy Lane with major angst, this was fluffy AF with no angst in sight.
Martin “Tino” Robbins was at the right place at the right time and it pays off in spades. You see, Tino is an amazing young man of 22 yrs who is only weeks away from graduating college but when his sister needs help with her dinner delivery service, of course he is going to step up and help out. When he’s sent to the posh neighbored of Granite Bay, delivering dinners mostly to housekeepers at the door, he is surprised when a gorgeous man answers on his last delivery and the 7 year old boy who is at his heels.
The meet cute of Tino and Channing was just that… CUTE. It was adorable and set the tone for what would become their relationship throughout the book.
Channing Lowell is in over his head at the age of 32 with his nephew after the death of this sister a month ago. He and Sammy have always had a great relationship but things change when you go from Uncle to pseudo parent and have no clue what you are doing. When Tino shows up, he and Sammy have an instant connection that Channing notices and makes Tino an offer: become Sammy’s Manny over the summer and Channing will pay off Tino’s school loans. How can a dude refuse, right? Of course, the UST is present fast with these two and while Tino doesn’t realize the signals he’s sending Channing, Channing picks up on it and puts his offers on the table.
I liked that Channing offers Tino a huge opportunity but Channing isn’t doing it to get into Tino’s jeans, or sleep pants or even briefs, he truly needs help with Sammy and the evil housekeeper Mirella that he latches on when he sees promise in Tino. AND… I like that Tino doesn’t jump at the job simply because of the money because he has ethics and morals and really needs to think before he decides. Neither Channing nor Tino are helpless. Just because Tino is a virgin and in student loan debt doesn’t make him a doormat, and just because Channing is rich and has available means, doesn’t mean he will take advantage of situations. Both men are just lost and need help and thank goodness they find it on one another. It helps that Channing tells him he can research him and his company to see what sort of business man he is and that Channing will be doing the same with Tino. It also freaking helps that Channing really is amazing and does the right thing by just about everyone he comes in contact with. The deal with Artie was beautiful and so sweet that I would have quit the damn Panini job just like Tino did because of it.
What this story really has is the sweet romance that I’ve come to expect from this series. It’s that feeling I adore about romance, that finding someone you genuinely like as a person in oh so many ways and falling head over feet for them. This is one of those curl up with a good book and fall in love stories and I curled up until way past my bedtime reading about Channing and Tino and let me tell you, I don’t do that for every book. They took the time to get to know one another, to become friends before they became lovers and more and it made for a wonderful romance.
So anyway, back to the gush fest.
Tino obviously takes the Manny position to take care of Sammy, being his taxi and really becoming a united front with Channing in making decisions for Sammy as well as consequences as they allow the boy to grieve the loss of his mother and move forward with his life. It really was sweet how much Channing wants for Sammy and how much he depends on Tino to simply be there for both of them. But the UST moments that yeah were killing Channing AND killing me gave me the feelings I needed and kept me reading nonstop.
Speaking of moments… Jacob blurting out Tino’s virginity, Tino learning about Channing’s bisexuality, Channing’s confessions over breakfast and promising Tino that he can wait, Tino taking his damn time deciding what he wants and all that comes before, during and after those moments have me grinning like a love sick fool because they were special and boy did they make me feel. Sigh. Yeah, this was a good one and I really should stop rambling now.
The additional story line of Tino’s sister was a bit over the top but not as OTT as the whole housekeeper/security guard deal but both lead to moments I adored so all is forgiven. Really, this could have been a Lifetime or Hallmark Saturday night movie if only either network would move to the non-straight side of romance. *taps foot impatiently*
So, the Virgin Manny had it all. Meet cutes that truly were cute. UST up the wazoo with an older man/boss and a younger man/employee. And adorable 7 year old who is really good at higher math but not so good at bartending, cultural sensitivity and sex-ed but loves his Uncle and Tino. An older man who is willing to take it slow and wait for the man he wants and a younger man, who wants to make his own way in the world but fall in love with the one who will wait for him. And emotions of all sorts that gave me truly feelings down to my toes…
Oops, rambling Red was supposed to stop but got on a roll.
This was good and I can’t wait for what comes next in the series. I am kinda hoping the next book is Taylor because that boy needs a firm hand… *nods*
I am going to warn you, this review could end in you catching a bit of the adorbs because this book was so stupidly cute, adorable and yes romantic that I can’t handle it. I am totally turning into Agnes from Despicable Me right now over this book. Yup, it was that fluffy.
When I saw Amy Lane was jumping on the Dreamspun Desires train I had to get on board and fast. Honestly, there hasn’t been a book of hers that I haven’t liked or that has not given me all sorts of emotions and this gets tucked on the shelf with the rest of her stories I adore. It gets its own tag though because where I associate Amy Lane with major angst, this was fluffy AF with no angst in sight.
Martin “Tino” Robbins was at the right place at the right time and it pays off in spades. You see, Tino is an amazing young man of 22 yrs who is only weeks away from graduating college but when his sister needs help with her dinner delivery service, of course he is going to step up and help out. When he’s sent to the posh neighbored of Granite Bay, delivering dinners mostly to housekeepers at the door, he is surprised when a gorgeous man answers on his last delivery and the 7 year old boy who is at his heels.
The meet cute of Tino and Channing was just that… CUTE. It was adorable and set the tone for what would become their relationship throughout the book.
Channing Lowell is in over his head at the age of 32 with his nephew after the death of this sister a month ago. He and Sammy have always had a great relationship but things change when you go from Uncle to pseudo parent and have no clue what you are doing. When Tino shows up, he and Sammy have an instant connection that Channing notices and makes Tino an offer: become Sammy’s Manny over the summer and Channing will pay off Tino’s school loans. How can a dude refuse, right? Of course, the UST is present fast with these two and while Tino doesn’t realize the signals he’s sending Channing, Channing picks up on it and puts his offers on the table.
I liked that Channing offers Tino a huge opportunity but Channing isn’t doing it to get into Tino’s jeans, or sleep pants or even briefs, he truly needs help with Sammy and the evil housekeeper Mirella that he latches on when he sees promise in Tino. AND… I like that Tino doesn’t jump at the job simply because of the money because he has ethics and morals and really needs to think before he decides. Neither Channing nor Tino are helpless. Just because Tino is a virgin and in student loan debt doesn’t make him a doormat, and just because Channing is rich and has available means, doesn’t mean he will take advantage of situations. Both men are just lost and need help and thank goodness they find it on one another. It helps that Channing tells him he can research him and his company to see what sort of business man he is and that Channing will be doing the same with Tino. It also freaking helps that Channing really is amazing and does the right thing by just about everyone he comes in contact with. The deal with Artie was beautiful and so sweet that I would have quit the damn Panini job just like Tino did because of it.
What this story really has is the sweet romance that I’ve come to expect from this series. It’s that feeling I adore about romance, that finding someone you genuinely like as a person in oh so many ways and falling head over feet for them. This is one of those curl up with a good book and fall in love stories and I curled up until way past my bedtime reading about Channing and Tino and let me tell you, I don’t do that for every book. They took the time to get to know one another, to become friends before they became lovers and more and it made for a wonderful romance.
So anyway, back to the gush fest.
Tino obviously takes the Manny position to take care of Sammy, being his taxi and really becoming a united front with Channing in making decisions for Sammy as well as consequences as they allow the boy to grieve the loss of his mother and move forward with his life. It really was sweet how much Channing wants for Sammy and how much he depends on Tino to simply be there for both of them. But the UST moments that yeah were killing Channing AND killing me gave me the feelings I needed and kept me reading nonstop.
Speaking of moments… Jacob blurting out Tino’s virginity, Tino learning about Channing’s bisexuality, Channing’s confessions over breakfast and promising Tino that he can wait, Tino taking his damn time deciding what he wants and all that comes before, during and after those moments have me grinning like a love sick fool because they were special and boy did they make me feel. Sigh. Yeah, this was a good one and I really should stop rambling now.
The additional story line of Tino’s sister was a bit over the top but not as OTT as the whole housekeeper/security guard deal but both lead to moments I adored so all is forgiven. Really, this could have been a Lifetime or Hallmark Saturday night movie if only either network would move to the non-straight side of romance. *taps foot impatiently*
So, the Virgin Manny had it all. Meet cutes that truly were cute. UST up the wazoo with an older man/boss and a younger man/employee. And adorable 7 year old who is really good at higher math but not so good at bartending, cultural sensitivity and sex-ed but loves his Uncle and Tino. An older man who is willing to take it slow and wait for the man he wants and a younger man, who wants to make his own way in the world but fall in love with the one who will wait for him. And emotions of all sorts that gave me truly feelings down to my toes…
Oops, rambling Red was supposed to stop but got on a roll.
This was good and I can’t wait for what comes next in the series. I am kinda hoping the next book is Taylor because that boy needs a firm hand… *nods*
May 22, 2017
CUTE!
I can't wait for more from Tino and the gang. I loved the way Tino treated Arthur and his other friends/family.
Channing was just an all around good guy wanting to do right.
I'll be picking up the 2nd book in this series.
I can't wait for more from Tino and the gang. I loved the way Tino treated Arthur and his other friends/family.
Channing was just an all around good guy wanting to do right.
I'll be picking up the 2nd book in this series.
August 3, 2017
What do you get when Amy Lane is given some “parameters” and a directive to write a sweet, low-ish steam romance with a classic trope?
Well – you don’t get any “cocks” – which I found hysterical!
You get a 22 year old virgin!
You get Channing – an older man who holds out on sex til the younger guy’s willing to commit!
And very little (really almost no) angst!
In other words, a lot of stuff that this author who tends to put a lot of “grit and real” in her stories, would typically avoid.
As far as the story goes, it’s sweet, light, and lovely. It absolutely follows the “troptastic” theme of the good-hearted virgin who lives with the billionaire and all his/her heart’s desires are fulfilled. (I was SO ENVIOUS of the student loan thing – OMG – that’s so REAL!!!)
The sexual tension only made sense in this “line” of books. I think these boys would have been boning early on! In fact, the actual status of his virginity didn’t add much or detract much from their decision making process. I think they moved at a pace that made sense simply because of the importance of moving forward given Sammy’s presence.
I cannot tell you how much I loved the side story of Jacob and Nica – it added back into this story some very needed reality and I loved the family’s response to this as well.
I’m not sure what purpose the evil maid served – especially the break-in. I didn’t see it bring our boys closer together – but I do love –again – the family’s response to the news ☺
So… I’m totally hoping Taylor gets to be MC in Mannies #2 – I can totally see him with a very Dominating MC who pulls him back in line!
I devoured this in one sitting. It’s fantastic and wonderful and anyone who loves the Dreamspun series, Amy Lane or the virgin/billionaire trope will love this!
I really hope Taylor is our MC in book 2!
5 of 5 stars
Audio
John Solo is not my favorite narrator, but he isn’t bad at all. His voice is easy to listen to and he does a nice job with the humor and dialog. He doesn’t do accents in a way that I’d wish he’d do and I didn’t care for his “Sammy”. His non-dialog narration was too “upbeat”, however. There were times that the “scene” was more profound or serious and he sounded the exact same as when the characters were joking or making love or… While it wasn’t really distracting, it definitely didn’t add to my overall enjoyment.
3 of 5 stars
Overall 4 of 5 stars
Well – you don’t get any “cocks” – which I found hysterical!
You get a 22 year old virgin!
You get Channing – an older man who holds out on sex til the younger guy’s willing to commit!
And very little (really almost no) angst!
In other words, a lot of stuff that this author who tends to put a lot of “grit and real” in her stories, would typically avoid.
As far as the story goes, it’s sweet, light, and lovely. It absolutely follows the “troptastic” theme of the good-hearted virgin who lives with the billionaire and all his/her heart’s desires are fulfilled. (I was SO ENVIOUS of the student loan thing – OMG – that’s so REAL!!!)
The sexual tension only made sense in this “line” of books. I think these boys would have been boning early on! In fact, the actual status of his virginity didn’t add much or detract much from their decision making process. I think they moved at a pace that made sense simply because of the importance of moving forward given Sammy’s presence.
I cannot tell you how much I loved the side story of Jacob and Nica – it added back into this story some very needed reality and I loved the family’s response to this as well.
I’m not sure what purpose the evil maid served – especially the break-in. I didn’t see it bring our boys closer together – but I do love –again – the family’s response to the news ☺
So… I’m totally hoping Taylor gets to be MC in Mannies #2 – I can totally see him with a very Dominating MC who pulls him back in line!
I devoured this in one sitting. It’s fantastic and wonderful and anyone who loves the Dreamspun series, Amy Lane or the virgin/billionaire trope will love this!
I really hope Taylor is our MC in book 2!
5 of 5 stars
Audio
John Solo is not my favorite narrator, but he isn’t bad at all. His voice is easy to listen to and he does a nice job with the humor and dialog. He doesn’t do accents in a way that I’d wish he’d do and I didn’t care for his “Sammy”. His non-dialog narration was too “upbeat”, however. There were times that the “scene” was more profound or serious and he sounded the exact same as when the characters were joking or making love or… While it wasn’t really distracting, it definitely didn’t add to my overall enjoyment.
3 of 5 stars
Overall 4 of 5 stars
February 7, 2017
This one just didn't do it for me. It was just okay.
June 13, 2017
I think I may be the only one that didn't like this...
I wanted to DNF @ around 40% but I pushed through and skimmed the rest of the way.
I have 3 main issues with this story:
Unrealistic:
My biggest issue.
Channing offers Tino somewhere around 30k to watch his nephew for a few months. I am guessing it is around 30k because the author says it was enough to pay off students loans. And Tino basically says no to this offer for a few days and seems to be reluctant about his position for the rest of the novel.
IMPOSSIBLE!
....I'd sell my left ovary for an opportunity like that. I truly cannot think of a student on this planet that wouldn't leap to do just about anything, short of slavery, to pay off their student loans so easily and quickly.
Plus, the nanny wasn't just bad; apparently, she's insane! It really doesn't make sense to me for the nanny to do a 180 like that. It is hinted that she was rather competent with her original boss, but for some reason, she hates Channing that much? I doubt it. Even crazier, the reason for her intense dislike of Channing is blamed on the fact that he doesn't speak French or Spanish (keep in mind the nanny speaks fluent English). That makes 0 sense! ZERO.
Also, what's up with Tino apparently being able to smell moods...He kept going on about how Channing smells tired or happy.....
Too much kid not enough romance
There was wayyyyyy too much Sammy in this for my tastes. By the 50% mark , the romance really hadn't kicked off at all yet, which is very strange in my opinion. Isn't this suppose to be a romance novel?
And when the romance finally does start, it's really quick. It went from "I am attracted to you" to asking Tino to commit to him. There is no build up whatsoever.
Unnecessarily angsty and boring
Holy petunias! Everything was the end of the world to Tino and Channing. Tino and Channing bitch... a lot. If they were my friends, I'd start avoiding them. Very melodramatic over the tiniest things. Tino needs and gets a pep talk every 10 pages or so...
I wanted to DNF @ around 40% but I pushed through and skimmed the rest of the way.
I have 3 main issues with this story:
Unrealistic:
My biggest issue.
Channing offers Tino somewhere around 30k to watch his nephew for a few months. I am guessing it is around 30k because the author says it was enough to pay off students loans. And Tino basically says no to this offer for a few days and seems to be reluctant about his position for the rest of the novel.
IMPOSSIBLE!
....I'd sell my left ovary for an opportunity like that. I truly cannot think of a student on this planet that wouldn't leap to do just about anything, short of slavery, to pay off their student loans so easily and quickly.
Plus, the nanny wasn't just bad; apparently, she's insane! It really doesn't make sense to me for the nanny to do a 180 like that. It is hinted that she was rather competent with her original boss, but for some reason, she hates Channing that much? I doubt it. Even crazier, the reason for her intense dislike of Channing is blamed on the fact that he doesn't speak French or Spanish (keep in mind the nanny speaks fluent English). That makes 0 sense! ZERO.
Also, what's up with Tino apparently being able to smell moods...He kept going on about how Channing smells tired or happy.....
Too much kid not enough romance
There was wayyyyyy too much Sammy in this for my tastes. By the 50% mark , the romance really hadn't kicked off at all yet, which is very strange in my opinion. Isn't this suppose to be a romance novel?
And when the romance finally does start, it's really quick. It went from "I am attracted to you" to asking Tino to commit to him. There is no build up whatsoever.
Unnecessarily angsty and boring
Holy petunias! Everything was the end of the world to Tino and Channing. Tino and Channing bitch... a lot. If they were my friends, I'd start avoiding them. Very melodramatic over the tiniest things. Tino needs and gets a pep talk every 10 pages or so...
January 6, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
And so begins one of the sweetest, sexiest, and most fun books I’ve read. Amy Lane is an automatic one click for me. I love her books, and I make no secret of that. So, when the opportunity to read Virgin Manny became available, I jumped on it. I was not disappointed.
Lane’s characters are always pitch perfect, and Tino and Channing are no different. They’re struggling with something…school and student loans for Tino, and work and having to learn how to “parent” Sammy for Channing. However, they’re also strong. Tino isn’t drowning, and Channing isn’t a bumbling incompetent. They both just need a little help. Their relationship started out slowly, with them becoming friends before they became lovers. They also had to present a united front when it came to Sammy. The poor boy is grieving his mother and acts out occasionally. Tino and Channing want to help him without turning him into a spoiled brat. Speaking of Sammy, sometimes having children in a romance story can be iffy. They can come off as unrealistic, either by being perfect or by being little terrors. Sammy was the right balance of each.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
And so begins one of the sweetest, sexiest, and most fun books I’ve read. Amy Lane is an automatic one click for me. I love her books, and I make no secret of that. So, when the opportunity to read Virgin Manny became available, I jumped on it. I was not disappointed.
Lane’s characters are always pitch perfect, and Tino and Channing are no different. They’re struggling with something…school and student loans for Tino, and work and having to learn how to “parent” Sammy for Channing. However, they’re also strong. Tino isn’t drowning, and Channing isn’t a bumbling incompetent. They both just need a little help. Their relationship started out slowly, with them becoming friends before they became lovers. They also had to present a united front when it came to Sammy. The poor boy is grieving his mother and acts out occasionally. Tino and Channing want to help him without turning him into a spoiled brat. Speaking of Sammy, sometimes having children in a romance story can be iffy. They can come off as unrealistic, either by being perfect or by being little terrors. Sammy was the right balance of each.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
April 13, 2018
A cute, low-angst story, with adorable characters, some really funny moments and lovely banter, but also sometimes boring and rather unrealistic.
On a busy day, Tino is helping out his sister by home-delivering prepared dinners to her customers. On his last stop he meets Channing, a successful businessman, who has lost his sister a few weeks ago.
Channing has taken over the custody of his seven-year-old nephew and, quite overwhelmed with the current situation (his grieving nephew Sammy, an impertinent housekeeper, his own business which is a two hour commute away now, a lot of obligations and of course his own grief), he persuades Tino to accept a job as the manny during the summer.
And right there started my problems with this book.....
Who hires a total stranger to look after a child?!
Then the amount of money Channing was willing to pay for Tino's help! Paying off Tino's complete student loan and some more?!
But yeah, if you don't take the sense of reality too serious, it's a nice, fluffy story.
On a busy day, Tino is helping out his sister by home-delivering prepared dinners to her customers. On his last stop he meets Channing, a successful businessman, who has lost his sister a few weeks ago.
Channing has taken over the custody of his seven-year-old nephew and, quite overwhelmed with the current situation (his grieving nephew Sammy, an impertinent housekeeper, his own business which is a two hour commute away now, a lot of obligations and of course his own grief), he persuades Tino to accept a job as the manny during the summer.
And right there started my problems with this book.....
Who hires a total stranger to look after a child?!
Then the amount of money Channing was willing to pay for Tino's help! Paying off Tino's complete student loan and some more?!
But yeah, if you don't take the sense of reality too serious, it's a nice, fluffy story.
December 2, 2020
This was just an ok book for me. I started out really liking it, but I got tired of Tino. His insecurity sometimes got on my neves. I actually already read the fourth book in the series some time ago, so I had already briefly been introduced to these characters.
I like Amy’s writing style and loved Channing and all the other supporting characters. I’m sure I’ll read the next two books because I’m curious about Taylor’s story and want to read about the grown up Sammy.
I like Amy’s writing style and loved Channing and all the other supporting characters. I’m sure I’ll read the next two books because I’m curious about Taylor’s story and want to read about the grown up Sammy.
January 2, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 This was really sweet. I loved Tino from the beginning and him and Channing together was perfect. I enjoyed Sammy, I felt for him. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series...
dnf
November 7, 2017DNF-ing at 52%
Yep, I tried for a little longer...I just wasn't feeling this at all. This didn't feel like Amy Lane at all. I thought this would be an entertaining story with awesome characters just with low angst but Amy Lane style. Kind of like Bonfires - wish had angst don't get me wrong, but it was more outward angst then angst between the main MC's - which was a book I loved. So basically right away this didn't do it for me.
I haven't dnf'ed a book in a really long time, but not only was I not feeling the MC's, or any of the side characters, this was just so slowww. Tino's internal monologue's went on wayyyy to long. All the characters we came across were more annoying and their bad qualities out-shined any smidgen of good qualities, except for maybe Channing - except with him he felt pretty one-dimensional a lot of the time, if only because this was so slow going so we didn't get a ton with him until about the mid way mark, but at that point I just didn't care. Even with Channing though, he had his moments.
Idk why Tino inserted himself in Channing and Sammy's dinner after being a presumptuous ass, then balked at Channing asking him to nanny for him and took days to make a decision.
This book suffered from a case of too many! exclamation! points! where they were not needed. It really annoys me when books do that.
Tino and Channing had no chemistry. None of their scenes together got my blood going at all. None of the characters had any kind of chemistry, really.
These characters just felt very non-Amy Lane like. Very non-complex. It was like she was trying to be super fluffy/fun which is an area she rarely tries to write in and just missed the mark with this one. I even thought this was an early work of hers but nope, it was published earlier this year. I'm baffled.
Anyway, I have no desire to continue this, so...putting this book out to pasture, or whatever.
Sorry folks.
Yep, I tried for a little longer...I just wasn't feeling this at all. This didn't feel like Amy Lane at all. I thought this would be an entertaining story with awesome characters just with low angst but Amy Lane style. Kind of like Bonfires - wish had angst don't get me wrong, but it was more outward angst then angst between the main MC's - which was a book I loved. So basically right away this didn't do it for me.
I haven't dnf'ed a book in a really long time, but not only was I not feeling the MC's, or any of the side characters, this was just so slowww. Tino's internal monologue's went on wayyyy to long. All the characters we came across were more annoying and their bad qualities out-shined any smidgen of good qualities, except for maybe Channing - except with him he felt pretty one-dimensional a lot of the time, if only because this was so slow going so we didn't get a ton with him until about the mid way mark, but at that point I just didn't care. Even with Channing though, he had his moments.
Idk why Tino inserted himself in Channing and Sammy's dinner after being a presumptuous ass, then balked at Channing asking him to nanny for him and took days to make a decision.
This book suffered from a case of too many! exclamation! points! where they were not needed. It really annoys me when books do that.
Tino and Channing had no chemistry. None of their scenes together got my blood going at all. None of the characters had any kind of chemistry, really.
These characters just felt very non-Amy Lane like. Very non-complex. It was like she was trying to be super fluffy/fun which is an area she rarely tries to write in and just missed the mark with this one. I even thought this was an early work of hers but nope, it was published earlier this year. I'm baffled.
Anyway, I have no desire to continue this, so...putting this book out to pasture, or whatever.
Sorry folks.
March 20, 2017
2.5 stars Unfortunately, I just found this incredibly boring. I generally love Amy Lane, but occasionally her lighter works are a miss for me. Both Tino and Channing were flat and one-dimensional, and I just couldn't relate to either one of them.
The premise of this story is that Channing's sister just died! I get that he was concentrating on getting things sorted for Sammy and making sure his work situation was in order, but they really only had a couple conversations about her at all. One emotional breakdown in Tino's arms may have made Channing feel a little more real. It came up a few times with Sammy at least, but I was getting really pissed when Tino would refer to him as spoiled. His. Mother. Just. Died.
I also didn't feel much of a connection between the guys in general. Don't get me wrong, we were told it was there (pretty much right off the bat) and maybe that's the problem. I'm okay with insta-lust in a story, but it needs to fit the plot. The plot of this story is that Channing is desperate for help with Sammy, and then Tino appears like a lasagna wielding angel. So fine, great! Offer him the job as a live in manny and develop a relationship as you work together and grow closer. But no, Channing hits on him right there during the job offer like a creep. It just put me off.
But overall this was pretty non-offensive, I figured I'd round up to 3 stars. But it just. didn't. end. I had about 30 minutes of the audio left for a solid week before I finally bit the bullet and finished it, not because I cared at all, but just so I could close the chapter on this portion of my life. Like I said not bad... I just didn't care.
The audio narration was fine, honestly I don't think I have anything particularly positive or negative to say about it. It just was. Which for an audio performance is a solid 3 star. I can't say that it enhanced the story, but sometimes with slower moving stories like this an audio version is nice because you can kinda coast through. Light listening for a commute or for during chores. John Solo seems to have narrated several of the Dreamspun Desires books, and I wouldn't steer clear of him, his style works for these light short reads.
So overal, not my favorite Amy Lane book. I think for most people this will be a solid 3 star read, light and easy listening. It dragged a bit for me, which is where the rating started dropping.
2 other niggles:
1) The typical female bitch of a housekeeper for no reason whatsoever!
2) Tino's absurdly accepting and overly nice family
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The premise of this story is that Channing's sister just died! I get that he was concentrating on getting things sorted for Sammy and making sure his work situation was in order, but they really only had a couple conversations about her at all. One emotional breakdown in Tino's arms may have made Channing feel a little more real. It came up a few times with Sammy at least, but I was getting really pissed when Tino would refer to him as spoiled. His. Mother. Just. Died.
I also didn't feel much of a connection between the guys in general. Don't get me wrong, we were told it was there (pretty much right off the bat) and maybe that's the problem. I'm okay with insta-lust in a story, but it needs to fit the plot. The plot of this story is that Channing is desperate for help with Sammy, and then Tino appears like a lasagna wielding angel. So fine, great! Offer him the job as a live in manny and develop a relationship as you work together and grow closer. But no, Channing hits on him right there during the job offer like a creep. It just put me off.
But overall this was pretty non-offensive, I figured I'd round up to 3 stars. But it just. didn't. end. I had about 30 minutes of the audio left for a solid week before I finally bit the bullet and finished it, not because I cared at all, but just so I could close the chapter on this portion of my life. Like I said not bad... I just didn't care.
The audio narration was fine, honestly I don't think I have anything particularly positive or negative to say about it. It just was. Which for an audio performance is a solid 3 star. I can't say that it enhanced the story, but sometimes with slower moving stories like this an audio version is nice because you can kinda coast through. Light listening for a commute or for during chores. John Solo seems to have narrated several of the Dreamspun Desires books, and I wouldn't steer clear of him, his style works for these light short reads.
So overal, not my favorite Amy Lane book. I think for most people this will be a solid 3 star read, light and easy listening. It dragged a bit for me, which is where the rating started dropping.
2 other niggles:
1) The typical female bitch of a housekeeper for no reason whatsoever!
2) Tino's absurdly accepting and overly nice family
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
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