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Daddy and the Manny

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Hollywood bad boy Hayden Reynolds is plagued by scandal after scandal. After one too many fights with the paparazzi and more than a few trashed hotel rooms, his agent holds an intervention. He needs to shake his bad boy image and work on a squeaky clean and wholesome new look if he wants to keep his career on track. Just as he's trying to turn his life around, the ultimate bombshell is suddenly dropped on him. Hayden discovers he has a young daughter he never knew about - the product of a long passed and short-lived relationship - and she’s coming to live with him. Hayden has no idea about being a dad, he barely knows how to take care of himself. When Hollywood Mannies sends James to help, he thinks things will fall into place immediately. What he doesn't expect is that while things with Violet get better, his personal feelings for his manny only grow complicated.

James Everett is the complete opposite of Hayden. He’s sweet, geeky, down to earth and his love for children has made him one of the most sought-after nannies in Los Angeles. The only trade-in is he has to deal with the children's often snooty parents with more money than sense. He can tell straight away that Hayden has no clue about raising a child. Then again, it’s his job to do most of that anyway. When he takes the live-in position at Hayden’s mansion, he thinks he’s landed his dream job. Little Violet is sassy, funny and smart. She's also troubled by the sudden death of her mother and being thrown into a whole new world she never knew about. She warms to James quickly but doesn’t seem to want to know her father. James is used to playing mediator so this isn't new for him. However, falling for the man whose daughter he's supposed to be helping is.

When a man from Violet's past threatens to destroy the world Hayden and James have created for her, questions are raised. Hayden must navigate his newfound fatherhood and do what he can to protect the little girl he'd do anything for. Even if that means breaking his heart in the process. Can Hayden really have his career, his daughter and a man to love by his side? And can James really put his heart on the line for a man who's afraid to love him in public?

Daddy and the Manny is a full-length novel about love, discovery, and family. It contains some steamy scenes and a whole lot of sweetness and of course has a wonderful HEA.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2017

36 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

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Bella Flint

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5 stars
66 (34%)
4 stars
68 (35%)
3 stars
42 (21%)
2 stars
12 (6%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Demon.
208 reviews54 followers
May 20, 2021
Didn't really hook me in or anything... It was pleasent and a bit cliché and kind of annoying. Skipped a few pages here and there.

There also the thing that I kinda hate kids... It's on me I know. But honestly kids just ain't my thing so... Yeah. It was okay
Profile Image for Bárbara.
1,214 reviews82 followers
October 17, 2017
*ARC provided by the author*

*happy sigh*

This was so cute and adorable, and fluffy and... Loved it!

Even though the topic was a hard one to "bring down to reality", the author manages to tell a compelling and relatable story- and a really lighthearted one, at that.
At times, I felt like I was reading a sort of fairy-tale, it had that kind of happy feel (and the drama that unfolded at some point was ideal to complete the mood).

James and Hayden made an adorable couple although I did have a bit of doubt when they first got together, the phrasing was not really of my liking, but it wasn't worrisome enough to become a proper problem eventually and Violet made a wonderful addition to the family (yes, I know technically she came first but shh).


I just had a lot of warm, happy feelings reading this.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,249 reviews271 followers
October 4, 2017
*** The top Manny in Hollywood meets the top movie star.
Hayden, 30, has just found out he's a Dad and needs help. Manny James to the rescue. Little Violet, 10 is a smart cookie, and James likes her right away. Hayden is more beautiful in real life than on the screen. All three are thrown into a strange mixture, but it works. While finding their way to help Violet deal with all of her changes, they all become connected.



There are the "being famous" issues, a blackmailer, and Hayden's GFY newness and exciting feelings. "Coming out" would affect his career.
As they navigate it all, their emotions come forward and first time M/M sex for Hayden changes his life. He's all the way on board with his deep feelings for James.
Great vivid characters we like, low angst, a flowing plot, and sexy men, make this terrific. Violet is an adorable girl; smart and bold without being bratty.
This is a marvelous story. ENJOY !
========
Profile Image for Shin Mon Thway.
663 reviews1,703 followers
October 31, 2017
I won’t describe the MCs’ detailed descriptions since the blurb has done quite a nice job explaining about these characters. This novel was quite nice. It is short, sweet and fun. Not much plot is going on though and the storyline is a bit simple. I have to admit that I hated Hayden some times because he seemed to be wrestling with internal doubts all the time. And he was very undetermined and changed his mind frequently. Thank god that he’s at least smart enough to see his faults quickly. Absolutely loved James’ character though, very sweet, caring, charming and romantic. I also loved smart and mature Violet.

And HEA, that was one hell of a HEA. I do love ultimate ones where they end up marrying and living happily ever after and I surely got one. 😊😊😊

Well, this is a really good novel considering this is Miss Bella’s first publishing book.

Overall 3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Profile Image for Emma.
906 reviews58 followers
November 18, 2017
This was pretty much your standard manny tale. Big movie star left with a 10 year old daughter he didn't know he had. Hires the manny and everyone falls in love. Some problems and then happy family. Nothing to complain about since it is exactly as advertised. The characters are nice and it is easy to cheer them on.

Unfortunately the writing is not good. choppy. lacking in detail. Almost entirely expository. An earnest first novel so I wanted to like it but by the end reading it was drudgery.
Profile Image for Kevin .
115 reviews12 followers
October 1, 2017
I loved this book, it seemed like a throwback to my youth, watching Nanny and the Professor, hoping they'd get together and then much later Jeannie and Major Nelson. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy to read and it was fantastic. James is a professional Manny (male Nanny) who is a consummate professional, never getting involved with his clients, until he meets Hayden, a gorgeous, famous actor, who has just recently found out he is a father and after her Mom dies, takes her to live with him. He is in way over his head, never having had anything to do with children before, so he gets a Manny. Hayden thinks of himself as a woman's man, that is until he meets James and all bets are off. The attraction between them is immediate and you wonder how long it will take before they get together and how will Hayden's new daughter, Violet, handle all of this. This is a great read, a feel good, no feel great book. Make sure you get a copy.
Profile Image for Susi.
27 reviews934 followers
October 3, 2017
Not bad for what appears to be the first book by a new author. It's your basic manny & single dad plot mixed with a gay for you theme. Dad doesn't know he's a father, because the mother never told him until she was on her death bed. Honestly? This pissed me off. Supposedly, she didn't want to ruin his upward career trajectory as an up & coming actor. But really? Keeping his child from him for ten years? I can't stay mad at her though, because she's dead. Although, we're never given the reason for her death. Aside from a few things that pop up, they come together pretty smoothly. It's got a cute HEA scene and an adorable kid, so that right there made it worth reading for me.
1,017 reviews
September 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book by new to me author Bella Flint. This is the story of Hayden and James. Hayden is a Hollywood Actor....typical bad boy or at least that's how the media portrays him. He recently discovered that he has a daughter and now has custody of her. With his busy lifestyle he knows that he will need help and contacts the best agency in town. James is who they sent. He was the answer to Hayden and Violet's prayers. James fit effortlessly into their lives and into their hearts.

I would recommend this book to everyone....it was a very nice read. I can't wait to see what comes out next by this author. Well done!!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
October 10, 2017
This was lighthearted, sweet, and very simple. Angst was seriously low and there were a few passionate moments but what was all throughout the story was about learning to love and be a parent and navigating life while getting that hands-on education.

Being set in today's time it makes it easy to see that coming out might not be as much career suicide as one might think, but that doesn't take away the inherent fear that those who support you will turn away and make your life more difficult. Because Hayden has a little girl in his life to care for and support he's even more concerned that his career will fail because of his feelings for James.

James cares for his charges, all of them, but he's growing especially fond of Violet. Her precociousness, intelligence, vulnerability, and love of books all speak to a special place in James' heart because he sees so much of himself in her. He feels deeply for her. He's also growing some pretty deep feelings for her father as well. Understanding that his physical attraction for his boss is natural because of his undeniable hotness doesn't make the attraction any easier to navigate. There are many complications that stand in the way, like his job and Violet's possible reaction, but nothing is more of a problem with it than Hayden's orientation - he's very, very straight. Or is he? Could the lingering glances and tension in the air not really be a figment of James' imagination?

Hayden doesn't struggle with his attraction as much as we would think and I actually like it. It's not really realistic to think that there's little to no angst about revelations about your sexual identity, but it doesn't change the fact that sometimes I just like to read about someone who likes themselves enough to acknowledge change and roll with it because they don't have any deep seated fears or dislike toward who they are and who they might grow to love.

With these types of stories that have a Hollywood star falling in love with someone unexpected we usually think media will play a big role in outing them or making their life hell while they're trying to figure things out. That wasn't exactly how this played out here though. Instead, they were a bigger threat to Hayden's daughter and the way the two men came together to protect her was sweet and spoke to where they placed their hearts.

Now, that's not to say that everything went perfectly as Hayden fit James into his life, not at all. He gave in to the frustration and lashed out when James attempted to push for something he wasn't feeling comfortable about and it caused Hayden to run. I don't really approve of running away, but sometimes distance is what's necessary to see what really matters and what you're willing to do to get it back and keep it. Their resolution was sweet, full of lighthearted feels and warm family fuzzies. I appreciated the groveling and the heartfelt confessions. All of that made me really fall for their little family and the book gave me such a nice happy, warm feeling that I couldn't help but love it.

Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
Profile Image for Laurie.
172 reviews26 followers
October 9, 2017
This a sweet story. And it’s a fast and easy read. It has some angst, enough to keep it interesting. And I did enjoy it, as it was written.

But this story had all kinds of potential, given the different elements that the author put out there. All the pieces are there for an intense story. You had the always professional Manny who never stepped over any inappropriate line. There’s in the closet movie star, whose life isn’t his own. Who is all about the public persona. Add in the call from his dying ex-girlfriend, telling him about his unknown before this love child. Add into this the paparazzi and tabloids, and a sleazy ex-boyfriend of the ex-girlfriend.

Hayden is likable enough most of the time. He was a bit annoying with his whole ‘I am a movie star, I live in the public eye’ persona which keeps him from doing much of what he wants outside of the whole Hollywood thing. He’s totally clueless when it comes to his daughter, always looking to James for everything about her. In some ways he was as much a charge of James’ as was the daughter, Violet. Also, it was never really stated if Hayden was or wasn’t gay. At most there are vague hints. And yet he has this interest in James. And James winds up being his first at any kind of gay sex or relationship. James, as the Manny is calm, cool and collected most of the time. He is selfless, working to unite father and daughter. And yet he falls for his boss, wants to be a part of the family he’s helping create with Hayden and Violet.

The characters needed more development and depth. I never got a real feel for either of main characters. Violet might have been the best developed of them. She was at times smart, funny, sassy and at others a heartbreaking little girl. Things hinted in the blurb never really develop either. This is a first story for the author, and I think with time and more writing she will be an awesome writer.

I received and ARE in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
24 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2017
3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and it captivated me quite a bit but I must admit some things didn't quite add up for me. James is a lovely and mature character who knows what he wants and is no pushover, Hayden, though, is a bit of an enigma to me. He revealed quite early in the book that he had the hots for James even though he never seemed to have any romantic or sexual feelings toward another man before. I really don't need that much of the "oh no, I can't be gay, this is so bad" thing but nothing at all? Just accepting it without even the slightest doubts? I mean, he HAD doubts but they were because of his career and not because of his attraction to another man.

I had the feeling the author didn't quite know how to bring to the page what she intended and some things seemed rushed. By no means needs there to be really well-described sex scenes or an elaborate by-story (I'm in it for the romance) but I was missing some of the intimacy they might have shared. As I said, it felt rushed a lot of times. But nonetheless, I had a really hard time putting the book away, so she's got that going for her. I think I will read more of her stuff, I'm curious to see what else she's got.
Profile Image for Books After Fifty.
185 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2017
This debut book was totes amazing, can’t wait to read more from this author.

James is a Manny with the biggest heart, and when he’s ask to sign a non-disclosure in his next job he knows it must be someone famous.

Violet is a beautiful little girl who’s come to live with her “new” dad Hayden. She had no idea he existed until the death of her mother. Life is about to get complicated, living with her father who’s a well known actor in the limelight all the time.

Hayden does his best but, never having to raise a child before, its the unknown and he struggles. This is where James steps up to the mark and that’s when they get close.

Obviously life is not without ups and downs, and Hayden, being “straight”, can’t understand why he’s having feelings that he shouldn’t be. James, on the other hand, is openly Gay and knows what he wants, but is Hayden off bounds? Especially where there is a child involved!

This story really gripped me and I found I couldn’t put it down. The light heartedness of it, and the occasional banter, really made it an easy read and one I would definitely recommend.

A great first book from a new inspiring author.
Profile Image for Tanja.
575 reviews19 followers
October 10, 2017
This was a sweet, quick read about Hayden and James. Hayden is a famous movie star who suddenly learns he has a ten-year-old daughter. He is at sea about raising her and he hires James as the many. James is used to famous households but something about Hayden and Violet is different.
It is a well-written story that reads very pleasantly. I liked Hayden and James. Hayden sometimes comes across as a spoiled rich boy with his staff but he is trying really hard to be a good dad to his daughter. He leaves a bit too much parenting to James, though. James is a good guy, who knows best what to do. Their relationship is built up slowly and steadily and I could feel the connection. Hayden is more concerned about his career and image than about the fact that he has never been with a man. In that, he just goes a bit too far and makes some serious mistakes. There is some drama when an old boyfriend of Violet’s mom enters the picture.
It is not merely a love story about two men but more about two men and a little girl. It is the debut novel by this author and good for some relaxing hours reading. It has a lot of potential and I will certainly follow this author for her future books.
Profile Image for Funzee Shu.
932 reviews107 followers
October 20, 2017


“I don’t know how to do real relationships, and I fucked up. But I want one...with you...”



I always have soft spot for Mannies stories. So after I saw the title plus the cover and read the blurb, I decided to read the book on first place.

The story hooked me since the very first page. Even when I know that this book will have 'similarities' with any other Mannies story I ever read before which always start with same 'pattern', i must admit that it still intigued me to try.

I like the pace, the journey and the growing emotions between the two main characters feels so sweet. There's a bit 'drama' at nearly end of the story, but since I'm in the mood with this kind of fluffy story, I think it's fine.

I love Violet!

Seeing how Hayden and James trying to give what the best for Violet in her 'transition' by protecting her from all media and the way James help Hayden to build a good father-daughter relationship with Violet totally melted me.

So, if you into a sweet story about mannies, I think this one is for you!
88 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a chilled, nice, sometimes funny book. I felt it could have gone deeper on the feels sometimes and at other times I just wanted to shout out to James to "manny" up. He was just insecure at times where it wasn't called for. There are some really good moments in this book that fantastic. I felt that Violet was slightly unrealistic as a child but it was funny to read. I'd recommend reading it if you're in the mood for something light and low on drama.
450 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2017
This was a story full of the things of real life and the angst of a career in acting when mixed with real life problems. How a professional manny can fall for a client and the child he is helping to raise. The grief that goes with sudden loss combined with the wonder of being a family.
This is Bella Flints first novel m/m romance and she is off to a great start. Very enjoyable and good read. You'll enjoy getting to know James and Hayden and of course Violet who is the star of the book and a very determined young lady.
Profile Image for Mariah Lasley.
22 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2018
Recommend!

This story is fluffy and sweet, with a definite side of sexy. Hollywood Badboy Hayden needs to revamp his image, but he didn't plan on finding out he's a father. Ten year old Violet is devastated by losing her mother, and now dealing with a father she's never met, the relationship is a bit rocky. Luckily, Hollywood Manny James seems to have what it takes to bridge the gap between these two. Will he find his happily-ever-after in the process? Read to find out!
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2017
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I love this book! It is cute and sweet with very little angst. I enjoy a good romance and this book just made me feel happy. Hayden, James & Violet are meant to be together! The writing is excellent & the story is well thought out. I can't wait for Bella Flint's next book!
Profile Image for Zee.
283 reviews16 followers
October 7, 2017
AMAZING!!! This ended up being better than I expected it was going to be
I liked how there was real challenges like in real live and they had to work and go through hard things to get their happily ever after cause I mean you don't just get your happily ever after you have to work for it

Since this is Bella Flints first novel I see Promise in her future books!
2,321 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2017
A sweet and heartwarming story that I really enjoyed. Good storyline that flows smoothly and kept me entertained. Hayden and James are great characters with a strong attraction that could not be denied. I really like Violet, Hayden's daughter, and appreciate the dedication that both Hayden and James have for her.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Natasha.
123 reviews
November 26, 2017
I love myself a good manny love story, this one just didn’t work for me. I felt the writing was choppy and strange. I really didn’t enjoy James dealt with Hayden... I actually felt he child was kind of bratty. While you understand she’d have some angst I just didn’t find a good groove during this read. Not a bad first HEA story, just not for me.
Profile Image for Nic.
949 reviews8 followers
September 28, 2017
Cute

Cute story. Main characters were likable enough. Violet was my favorite and the author did a good job of showing some difficulties adjusting after losing one parent and getting to know another.
Profile Image for Kim.
552 reviews42 followers
October 2, 2017
Omg this book was absolutely amazing. This book was a page turning m/m romance book that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. I would highly recommend this book. I had voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
351 reviews
October 2, 2017
A happily ever after!

The story sat first was hard to get it to, but after a while you could not help but fall in love with the family. The ups and downs, twisted and turns made for a interesting almost too perfect of a story.
3,557 reviews38 followers
December 4, 2017
There's Enough Love for Three

This is the first book I've read by Bella Flint and I really like the story and the characters. There were enough mistakes made and failure to communicate that they came across as very flawed and human. A wonderful read!
23 reviews
March 5, 2018
Sweet

Loved this sweet story. This is a nice feel good read. I would love to read more stories from this author. Each person is told so beautifully, you hear to know each main character and fall in love with them.
Thanks for this.
Profile Image for Nuvolachecorre.
102 reviews
May 11, 2019
I don't mind stereotypes in novel, if they're well developed. But Hayden's journey fron straight self-assorbed dork to gay concerned parent and lover is simply nor realistic at all, it lacks depth and it's a big no for me.
Profile Image for andrea moran.
2,128 reviews
July 28, 2019
Daddy and the Manny

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I must say that it was highly enjoyable and I look forward to finding more
Profile Image for Tina.
492 reviews7 followers
October 28, 2017
So sweet my teeth hurt!!!


I wanted to read a cute book and that's what I got with this debut book!
I don't want to say anything bad about it, because I got what I was looking for, maybe just too much of it. :)
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