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Dashing

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Only an idiot would start a relationship that can only be temporary. The only thing dumber? Falling in love. The Prince needs a nanny… Cara isn’t anything like what he was expecting. The beautiful young blonde is fun-loving, impulsive, and unafraid to step on a few royal toes. Nico hasn’t been any of those things since a tragic accident in a country he’s vowed never to return to. Romance is the last thing on his mind, but the feisty American just might make him reconsider. The nanny needs a fresh start… What do you do when your dreams go up in flames? If you’re like Cara, you run off to a fairy-tale castle on the other side of the world. To her shock, her new boss is Prince Nico, the hard-partying playboy who was plastered over US tabloids for years. Nico’s different now. He’s as handsome as ever, but he’s almost as closed off as his children. It’ll take all of Cara’s enthusiasm and dedication to make a difference in this royal family’s life. In the face of nearly insurmountable odds, could she possibly go from servant to Cinderella? **Dashing is a full-length contemporary romance novel with steamy scenes, no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a very happy ending.**

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2018

272 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

About the author

Sophie Brooks

41 books207 followers
Sophie enjoys reading, writing, seeking, and dreaming about romance! She feels most likely to experience the romantic side of life while traveling to new cities, hiking through the mountains, or making new friends.

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5 stars
142 (46%)
4 stars
108 (35%)
3 stars
39 (12%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,264 reviews1,532 followers
February 16, 2022
Another cute one!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: taboo/nanny
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥

Another super cute read. Well written with enjoyable characters. Didn't like this one as much as the others, though. Moved a bit slower and definitely less chemistry and smexy times. Will definitely continue to read this author ❤
4,720 reviews41 followers
November 29, 2018
I just love a Cinderella modern fairy tale and this was one of the best I have read. Cara the new nanny and Nico the future king meet and there are sparks. The twins are wonderful just like the other characters in this charmer. This story also has a heart when Cara helps to heal the Nico and children after the death of the children’s mother and Nico’s wife. The story is not without drama at the end, but you will love what the author writes. A truly fun read!! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
December 11, 2018
I really wanted to like this, but there were so many things about it that did not sit well with me. At the start of the story, the heroine, Cara Andrews, appears like a young impressionable, awed, foolish girl. She gawks at everything instead of politely admiring her surroundings. She continues her internal dialogue assessing Prince Nico's physical attributes. I feel this is childish and (yawn) boring. Hopefully the story will improve. Nope... more swooning. Why can't the the Hero, Nico, do the swooning or half and half. (getting discouraged here) Cara moves into a giddy schoolgirl phase. She slowly develops grandiose ideas of a possible HEA with the prince. Only to be let down harshly by Nico. Now her heart is broken and she is devastated. She knew what she was getting into from the beginning. Nico made it very clear there could never be anything lasting between them. Instead of walking she ran head strong into what little snippets of time Nico offered her and blew that up to unimaginable proportions. I felt disappointed in how the character Cara, was written. She is a passionate school teacher who loves teaching children. She is a natural. She also can contribute greatly if there is a drama club. Why the author did not make her into a stronger character I will never know. I did admire her concern for her students. She constantly tried to engage them. With patience she worked miracles. It was nice to read about the progress her students made. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BrandyD.
661 reviews83 followers
December 6, 2018
Surprised to learn her new position as a nanny to twins is at a royal castle, Cara is unsure how to deal with her growing attraction to her boss- who happens to be the crown prince of a (fictional) tiny, European country. Meanwhile, widower Prince Nico is fighting his own fascination with Cara.
The storyline flowed easily and I enjoyed the dual POV. I found a few punctuation errors and a sentence or two that didn't feel right, particularly the couple of sentences where Cara asks if she can occasionally go out for the evening to help Von with his play writing. If you read carefully, you can see that her question and the way he phrases his reply don't match up.
I did have an issue with Cara's behavior in one scene. When she and Nico were in his office, I think she came on too aggressively with her argument against his reasoning as to why they couldn't have a relationship. I understand that she wants to exude confidence as a strong female but she bordered on the edge of being downright rude and pushy. Her behavior in that section doesn't seem to mesh with her characterization throughout the rest of the book.
The secondary characters were delightful and fun, with each one being unique from the others.
Overall, I thought it was a cute, light and easy quick-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ElleEmSee.
77 reviews
November 29, 2018
This was a good story. Cara gets an au pair job via an agency. She gets picked up at the train station by what she thinks is the family’s chauffeur and gets a bit of verbal diarrhoea in the car , gushing about how handsome the country’s prince is etc etc only to discover that he is, in fact the prince...and her new employer. He found it amusing. I liked that Nico had a sense of humour and was down to earth and not so regal and stuffy like his Mum, The Queen. At first he thinks Cara is too young to look after his kids - he was expecting someone older - so he plans on letting her go after a day or two but he is drawn to her, finds her attractive and he can see she is good for the kids so he allows her to stay. It was heartwarming seeing her relationship with the twins grow. The chemistry between her and Nico slowly grows too until neither can resist anymore but he puts a stop to it because he can’t see them having a future together and he is still scarred from what happened with his wife. An unfortunate event with the paps is the final straw and has him backing off even more but they get their fairytale HEA eventually.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for M Hurford .
1,245 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2018
Cinderella Dashes Off Track For Awhile.
Dashing - A Royal Cinderella Billionaire Story by Sophie Brooks. The story is about Cara, an American Nanny who falls in love with Nico, a European widower Prince and his twin children, Derrick and Elyse, and which results in many many complications. For the most part the story is well told. The children characters are well developed especially the girl who is suffering the effects of losing their mother two years ago. Cara is depicted as doing a very good job at bring the children out, having been a teacher. She even brings the Prince out of his shell. There is obvious attraction there. Unfortunately the attraction gets very messy and that's when I have a problem with Cara's character. She comes across as very clingy and immature, like a teenager. That whole section of the story made me feel so uncomfortable that Other woman would be reading that. It wasn't until her sister's husband, Ford talked to her wisely, that I came back into the story and begin rooting for her again.
I am volunteering to leave a review of this advanced review book.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
December 6, 2018
Loved this palace romance between Nico and Cara!

Nico is still grieving his wife's death, and absolutely not looking for another relationship. I enjoyed the way the author developed Cara's relationship with Nico's children against the backdrop of Nico realizing that he was wrong about her being too young for the position. But this book goes so much deeper than that - Cara is able to relate to the children as she, too, lost her mother at a young age, and she's able to make a real difference for these children.

The romance between these two was nicely written. Their attraction is instant, but neither one wants to be irresponsible about pursuing what can only be a short-term fling. The trip to London changes everything, and it was a brilliant touch to show us the more everyday version of Prince Nico. The HEA was beautifully staged, proving that the impossible is always possible. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,400 reviews33 followers
December 24, 2018
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Cara Andrews and Prince Nickolaus "Nico". Cara has recently gone through something that has made her change careers. Little did she know when she signed up with the au pair agency how quickly she would get placed or who she would get placed with. Nico knows that he can't have this beautiful woman as the nanny. There is a part of him that wants her around though due to the fact that he knows he needs more in his life then all the facts and figures he deals with on a daily bases. Can these two find a HEA or will their stature and the past make that impossible?

This is an amazing story. It does have its ups and downs I really want to tell you about. However I don't want to ruin the story for any other readers. I will say this book will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,900 reviews
December 6, 2018
This is the first story that I have read by this author and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Nico has hired a nanny to look after his twins. There is only one catch...he is a prince of a small European country. Cara arrives to her new job and is surprised to find who her charges are. She struggles to connect with the kids at first but slowly the kids open up. Nico doesn't know what he thinks of Cara and is determined to let her go but something stops him. Cara is attracted to Nico but he puts her off at first. He doesn't believe that there is a future for them. When they finally have a chance to explore their connection, outside forces drive them apart. Will they be able to work out through their challenges to find their happy ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krystal.
849 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2022
this may be my favorite from the series

Cara, Autumn’s sister from Charming, is our Cinderella in this retelling. Nico, who was introduced in the epilogue of Tempting, is our prince and he is an actual prince. This story takes place at least two years after Tempting and its at least 4-5 years since Charming. Cara is a nanny for Nico’s twins. She doesn’t realize at first she is the nanny for royalty until she arrives at the castle. Cara slowly coaxed the children into opening up to her. Nico sees the progression on how the children opens up after the tragedy of losing their mother two years ago. I found myself smiling with the interactions between Cara and the twins. I enjoyed how Nico and Cara story progresses.
3,744 reviews43 followers
November 30, 2018
🏰Young Nanny Cara to the rescue of a grieving 👑royal and his👫 twins
November 29, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Nice💕 romance with a sensitive heroine who takes a grieving family on as a project and brings some joy back into their lives. The two children, Derrick and Elyse, had strong input to the story and I really liked that they were characters with some depth, not just cute. The ending does wrap up the story, leaving no cliffhangers, but the California segment is highly unrealistic. What happened to the paparazzi when they were out in public?!

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,457 reviews49 followers
December 2, 2018
Wow this was a very emotional story especially at the end I cried like a baby, those two kids Derrick and Elyse tore my heart to bits they were having such a hard time with their mother’s tragic death. Their father Nico is a prince he’s also having a hard time trying to get over his wife’s death but he needs to hire a nanny for his twins, that’s when Cara steps in and is hired as the nanny. I loved this story and even though Nico and his kids were grieving they had found room in their hearts for Cara. A fantastic story a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
1,180 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2019
Had great potential

Sweet, unassuming young nanny, handsome prince. 2 precious kids. Love and romance. We’re doing great.
Then, before our eyes, it is suddenly Princess Diane, with the paparazzi chase and car crash.
Though, in this case, it’s a boat.
Nevertheless, the further it goes, the less likely it becomes.
Well past the 50% point, I should be so invested in these folks, I can’t put it down. Sadly, I can. And have.
It just got too far-fetched, and unlikely for me. Not to mention, there was little to nothing holding my interest.
I finally just deleted it from my kindle.
This is not a book I would recommend.
1,328 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2018
From a nanny to a ...
An absolutely delightful read about a nanny that falls in love with not only her charges, but also their father (the prince). There are twists and turns in the plot that make the story very interesting and hard to put down even for a minute. The characters were terrific. The story was delightful. The writing drew me in and held my attention throughout.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,928 reviews65 followers
November 29, 2018
The Princess Diaries met Cinderella

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
The Princess Diaries met Cinderella is exactly what this book reminded me of with a little Pg13/R moment or two. I loved the children so much they definitely made this book. All characters are well written and the storyline is good. Still had typos and errors but not enough to take away from the storyline to much. Decent light read 2.5 stars because the story didn't really have anything memorable, nothing wowed me!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,641 reviews
December 3, 2018
I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie! I mean that as the highest compliment. I love a good Hallmark movie and this book gave me the same feeling!

I adored Cara & Nico and loved going on their journey. I loved Cara’s spunkiness and how she challenged Nico. Cara brought out the best in Nico & his two children. Nico wasn’t expecting Cara in his life, but he knew that Cara in his life was better than no Cara. Nico was a dashing prince who was swoon worthy!

I will be definitely reading more by Sophie Brooks in the future. I couldn’t stop reading!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Iwona.
215 reviews
December 3, 2018
Great twist on the Cinderella story. Its almost impossible to not love a prince? Well being a nanny is hard but loving two kids who have lost everything is harder. Losing a parent so suddenly was traumatic for kids. Trying to relate to them was hard for her, falling in love with them was easy. Falling in love with their dad wasn’t hard either. Can you ever fit into a world so high and mighty? I just loved how Sophie incorporated the pressures of being a royal and the pressure of fighting for love. Can love overcome everything ? I just loved this spin on Cinderella . Enjoy!
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,117 reviews
December 5, 2018
Lovely twist on a modern fairytale

Cara is disenchanted with teaching after just one semester, her spunk was dimmed by the limited creativity in school so she decided to be a nanny until she started grad school. Being a nanny in a small European country seemed so exciting, but when it became apparent that she was working for the royal family, wow! Nico is a widow trying to cope with the loss of his wife along with two grieving kids he had no idea what impact the new nanny would have. Sweet story, great read with feels, humor and steamy chemistry!

Volunteer review
Profile Image for Holly.
2,889 reviews
December 11, 2018
Great ,sweet story what touch of many family issues.
A wonderful children without mother,single father and grandmother who doesn’t accept that each of children have different personalities and expressing emotions differently.
On the top of this one is sweet romance between Prince Nico/ father/ and Cara,she is American Nanny.
When Nico fights back his feelings ,children grow closer to Cara.
Enjoy reading! It’s sweet,romantic and will give you fuzzy feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marcellina T Reno.
251 reviews
March 15, 2019
Nico and Cara a fairy tale come true

Such wonderful way to continue this series of books. Cara is introduced to us in Autumn and Ford’s romance. Cara is a bright young woman trying to escape a disappointment she has had and becomes the nanny to Prince Nico’s twins. Nico is a prince suffering from the loss of his wife just two years before. He hires Cara to be the nanny to his young twins. Cara has her work cut out for her as she tries to bring all three back to their former selves.
Profile Image for Michelle.
756 reviews16 followers
November 28, 2018
I loved this book!! It was well written and so sweet. Loved it so much. Every character was superbly written, especially the twins. They really tied the story together nicely. It was so sweet watching their relationship with Cara evolve. And Nico...amazeballs. Love him and Cara both. I could continue gushing, but the point is you should read the book. Immediately! 🙂

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book
1,299 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2018
The story of an American who becomes an au pair for six months while she tries to figure out what she wants to do with her life. Unbeknownst to her she will be taking care of two twin royals who tragically lost their mom. This is a sweet Cinderella-like romance. Well written with good characters and lots of emotion. Enjoy.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
967 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! When ex teacher Cara decides to try being a nanny she is surprised that she gets hired right away by an elite agency. She’s even more surprised when she realizes her employer is a Prince! The story had a good plot! The characters and situation was believable and well written. This is my first book by this author and I would definitely recommend this romance book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim Wijnja.
1,354 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2018
Wow, I did not expect this from the book, but it was totally worth reading. The chemistry is there from the first moment .. but life is not always that simple A story where love grows and life gets more color again. All characters come into their own and the timeline is easy to follow throughout the whole story. From me 5 stars .. a wonderful love story with a banging end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2018
This story is riveting - a warm, funny, and steamy romance. The storyline is flawless and with very interesting and enjoyable ups and down. A fast pace page turner that moves along at a brisk pace. The characters are sweet and strong; the chemistry between them is potent and off the charts. Quite the enjoyable read and it ended beautifully. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,293 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2018
Cara is hired as a nanny for Prince Nicos twins after the death of his wife but he thinks she is too young at twenty two but she is exactly what they needed. She is lively and fun to be around and before you know it she has won them all over. Loved this book as it makes you see that sometimes what you thought you didn't wanted turned out to be what you needed and wanted after all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mariana.
234 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2018
Hot, sexy and packed with with the unexpected...
I loved reading this book, it's good, hot, sexy and one very good read. I curled up with my hot tea, a warm blanket and couldn't put it down. It leaves me wanting to read more of what you wrote as I love a good book. Was a wonderful read throughout. The characters pull you in and make you want to read more. Keep it coming...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
December 17, 2018
A sweet romance between a teacher and the former royal playboy. Well written with likeable and well developed characters. At first the heroin feels childish to me, but luckily that changes during the story to the better. I would have liked her to be stronger than she is.
It is written in dual POV which gives the reader much more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters.
The story could have had more depth to it but it is enjoyable to read.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,972 reviews173 followers
January 27, 2019
Brooks takes the sweetest elements of a childhood story and gives them an adult twist. Dashing takes sweet and spicy up a notch. Nikolaus may be a prince, but Cara has him questioning more than just his title. Cara has the heart of a queen. She cares deeply, gives generously and loves unconditionally. With the odds not pointing in their favor, each has to decide if falling in love is worth the risk? Dashing is a blast from the past that's worth a modern revisit.
Profile Image for donna.
945 reviews
November 2, 2022
Nico & Cara

He's a single dad and in need of a nanny but there's a twist! He's also the crown prince of Falkenberg. She's in between jobs so sgev signs up to be a nanny. He lost his wife in a tragic accident and trying focus on his kids, country and definitely not love. She's not looking for love but more of idea of what she wants out of her life professionally. These two both have obstacles to overcome. Can they help each other?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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