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Grant Brothers #1
The Cowboy’s Surprise Nanny
Ian Grant isn’t a man who accepts help easily. After promising his young son that he could participate in the strawberry festival, and then missing the admittance deadline, Ian’s in a bind and forced to ask the mayor for a favor. The mayor agrees, on one condition: his niece has run into hard times and needs a safe place to stay: Ian’s place to stay. She’s great with kids and Ian needs someone to look after his rambunctious son Andy while he ranches. Ian agrees, expecting some college-aged girl who’d flunked Algebra. Instead, he finds a full-grown woman—a beautiful and sassy one to boot.
Katie Rylie has always dreamed of helping others by teaching them to cook. Her online persona was thriving—until a scandal with her forthcoming cookbook rocked her career. Not only did she have to pay back the entire advance, but her once-loyal fan base has turned against her. Defeated and with nowhere to go, Katie feels it’s better to hide out in the country until she can get her life back together. The offer of a free home, an open range, and a wily six-year-old to focus on sounds like just the escape she needs.
When Andy’s diet restrictions force Katie to become creative in the kitchen, she finds herself drawn back into the food world, just as she’s falling in love with Ian and Andy. But Ian, who likes having control of everything, doesn’t know how to ask Katie to become a permanent part of their lives.
If their love is ever going to work, Ian and Katie will need to learn that having it all doesn’t mean giving anything up.
This novel contains sexual content and profanity.
Katie Rylie has always dreamed of helping others by teaching them to cook. Her online persona was thriving—until a scandal with her forthcoming cookbook rocked her career. Not only did she have to pay back the entire advance, but her once-loyal fan base has turned against her. Defeated and with nowhere to go, Katie feels it’s better to hide out in the country until she can get her life back together. The offer of a free home, an open range, and a wily six-year-old to focus on sounds like just the escape she needs.
When Andy’s diet restrictions force Katie to become creative in the kitchen, she finds herself drawn back into the food world, just as she’s falling in love with Ian and Andy. But Ian, who likes having control of everything, doesn’t know how to ask Katie to become a permanent part of their lives.
If their love is ever going to work, Ian and Katie will need to learn that having it all doesn’t mean giving anything up.
This novel contains sexual content and profanity.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2019
1025 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Leslie North
668 books1,526 followersNew to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’
Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
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Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!
In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!
Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!
I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/leslienorthbooks
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leslienorthcomments
Instagram:www.instagram.com/leslienorth_books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 16, 2019
3.5 stars, 3 heat (limited)
The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny was a quick easy read.
The Gist: Katie's career has just imploded and it's landed her a sympathy gig...taking care of a little boy and his grumbly dad who really doesn't want a new person in their lives. Might both get a little more than they bargained for.
Ian and Katie were both fairly likable. They've each suffered some life blows. His he had no choice-- his wife died and he was left to raise a little boy with severe allergies on his own. Her's well she was responsible for those-- she plagiarized a cookbook. And they're realizing that they need some changes and maybe the path they were on wasn't where they were supposed to be. Katie has a lot of heart and is a nurturer. I loved seeing her cooking and spending time with his son. And Ian he's just trying to find some life again after loss.
The romance was light. It was there but stayed a bit on the surface for what I'd like then skipped from make up to a year later. I would have liked a smidge more of the process of them falling in love. There's a bit of heat and a little chemistry that was nice.
I think my favorite thing was them with his son. She was so sweet with the little boy and he was just adorable. It was nice seeing the dad working on reconnecting and bonding with his son, too.
Overall, a quick easy read. It would have been nice to have a little more depth or time spent on different elements but for a novella it was pretty solid. Oh and I would have liked the plagiarism addressed a bit more, too. That's a pretty big issue and while it wasn't brushed aside I would have liked more on her making amends/owning up to it, etc.
The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny was a quick easy read.
The Gist: Katie's career has just imploded and it's landed her a sympathy gig...taking care of a little boy and his grumbly dad who really doesn't want a new person in their lives. Might both get a little more than they bargained for.
Ian and Katie were both fairly likable. They've each suffered some life blows. His he had no choice-- his wife died and he was left to raise a little boy with severe allergies on his own. Her's well she was responsible for those-- she plagiarized a cookbook. And they're realizing that they need some changes and maybe the path they were on wasn't where they were supposed to be. Katie has a lot of heart and is a nurturer. I loved seeing her cooking and spending time with his son. And Ian he's just trying to find some life again after loss.
The romance was light. It was there but stayed a bit on the surface for what I'd like then skipped from make up to a year later. I would have liked a smidge more of the process of them falling in love. There's a bit of heat and a little chemistry that was nice.
I think my favorite thing was them with his son. She was so sweet with the little boy and he was just adorable. It was nice seeing the dad working on reconnecting and bonding with his son, too.
Overall, a quick easy read. It would have been nice to have a little more depth or time spent on different elements but for a novella it was pretty solid. Oh and I would have liked the plagiarism addressed a bit more, too. That's a pretty big issue and while it wasn't brushed aside I would have liked more on her making amends/owning up to it, etc.
April 25, 2019
I thought the storyline and characters were wonderful that will fascinate and annoy you equally as they solve there differences and fall in love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2019
This book was written by Leslie North. This book is about bouncing back from the past and moving on. This is Ian and Katie's story. My favorite part of this story was watching them become a family. Ian lost his wife to cancer and he has a young son Andy, who is highly allergic to lots of things (i.e. food). Ian went to the Mayor for a favor in turn the Mayor wanted a favor from him. His niece Katie needed some where to stay. So now Katie is at Ian's ranch. What I got from him is even though he is a Alpha male, he is still very shy or maybe unsure. I think maybe his wife was the only girl he had been with. But now that Katie was there he found himself attracted to her and her to him. As she cared for his son and made sure that he ate things that was safe for him. Their attraction became stronger. I also see that Ian was very overprotective of his son and I can under stand why. As for Katie she did something wrong by using others recipes in her cookbook. But she refused to fight back. But as the story went on. They pushed the each other to become a better version on themselves. This was a fun, family related story. Each chapter taught you the meaning of trust. The title really helped define the plot and I loved the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a down home love story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2019
What a page turner of a story. The Cowboy’s Surprise Nanny is such a great book, I loved Ian and Katie such a great couple. A great story, great chemistry between the characters, passionate and emotional tale. A fantastic way to introduce us to these sexy cowboy brothers. Looking forward to the next book.
April 26, 2019
Ian is a cowboy who is kind of struggling with being a single parent after his wife dies. He has a hard time connecting with his son and kind of keeps himself busy working the ranch. When he needs a favor from the mayor, he ends up agreeing to hire the mayors niece to be his son's nanny and live with them on the ranch. Katie is actually perfect for the job despite Ian's reservations. His son has some severe and specific food allergies, and she happens to specialize in cooking healthy food that will be safe for him. Katie has plans to only stay long enough for the scandal that she was involved in to blow over. Of course, things start getting intense with Ian, and she also really gets attached to his son, but can she and Ian find enough common ground to make their relationship work? This was a cute little romance that you just fly through. I gave it four stars and not five, because the end felt a little rushed for me. I did receive an arc of this book from Hidden Gems Books for my honest review.
April 4, 2020
I liked the story overall, but I thought Ian was too much of a jackass for this short read.
I loved Katie, and felt bad for everything she went through, and I loved Andy, who lost his mother and basically his father's affection (at least in part).
Sometimes Ian's behavior felt like the warning signs I look for with abusive men. IMO Katie was too forgiving and should have kicked him to the curb. What really sold that idea for me was when she seemed nervous when Andy, who is a little boy, ran ahead of her at the festival. As soon as she saw Ian she apologized and promised it wouldn't happen again.
I would have felt different had this been intended as a bully romance where the alpha-hole is going to be reformed, but I don't think that was the intention.
I loved Katie, and felt bad for everything she went through, and I loved Andy, who lost his mother and basically his father's affection (at least in part).
Sometimes Ian's behavior felt like the warning signs I look for with abusive men. IMO Katie was too forgiving and should have kicked him to the curb. What really sold that idea for me was when she seemed nervous when Andy, who is a little boy, ran ahead of her at the festival. As soon as she saw Ian she apologized and promised it wouldn't happen again.
I would have felt different had this been intended as a bully romance where the alpha-hole is going to be reformed, but I don't think that was the intention.
July 14, 2020
I like Leslie North's books when I'm in the mood for a quick read that still feels like a complete story. I selected Cowboy's Surprise Nanny because I'm on a nanny trope kick lately and this was a fun way to spend a couple of hours. There's just enough background and a little revealed during the story that we get to know grumpy Ian, a widower, and cheery but hiding Katie. Add in the adorable Andy and it's like instant family. Except not without a few bumps in the road. While technically set on a ranch, if that's your main jam know that it makes up very little of the story. Much centers on Katie's career as an internet infamous cooking star and her helping the Grant guys reconnect as father & son. There's only one sex scene so perfect for when you want more story than steam.
This is the first in the series and while we do get a quick intro to Ian's brother Nate - I do wish there were a bit more to entice me to read the next book, The Cowboy's Contract Marriage.
This is the first in the series and while we do get a quick intro to Ian's brother Nate - I do wish there were a bit more to entice me to read the next book, The Cowboy's Contract Marriage.
September 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Ian lost his wife to cancer. He is working hard to take care of his son, who by the way stole my heart throughout the book. Ian missed the deadline for entering his son in the strawberry festival. There is no way he is breaking a promise to his son. So, he finds himself asking the Mayor for a favor. There was one slot left. The mayor asked for a favor in return. His niece needed a place to stay for a little while. Katie’s career just imploded. Ian agreed to let Katie stay with him. He didn’t expect Katie to be a grown lady who could cook. His son had a lot of allergies to food, and cooking, and making up recipes was what Katie loved to do. I think she feel in love with the son first. She loved helping him, and spending time with him. Slowly Throughout the story Ian and Katie feel in love. This was a sweet book!
April 27, 2019
This was a sweat read about a single dad who needs a nanny enter Katie who connects with Ian’s son and the hot daddy. The characters are well developed and engaging the storyline flows easily. I enjoyed the whole family dynamic to this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2019
I loved this book! It was really well written with great characters and a wonderful storyline. The author did a great job and I would highly recommend this book to all!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2019
This was an enjoyable read. Ian forgets to sign his son up for the strawberry festival. While asking the Mayor for help he ends up agreeing to Katie staying with him. Of course after awhile they begin to have feelings for each other. Even though Ian is a difficult person at times it all still worked out in the end.
Want to read
April 29, 2019💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
April 25, 2019
Taking care of the Grant Ranch, left to him after the crash that killed both of his parents, was Ian’s primary concern with the hot weather that could bring drought or fires. Instead, he was standing at the courthouse, debating asking a favor of Mayor Clark. Ian’s son, Andy, had been sick in the hospital for 3 weeks and Ian was completely distracted to the point he forgot to sign Andy up for the strawberry festival he had promised he could help with. The Mayor said he would take care of it, since there was one slot left in the cooking area. In return, the Mayor said he head Ian’s housekeeper had retired and he had a favor to ask too. His niece, Katie Rylie, fell on hard times and needed a job. She could stay at Ian’s ranch, cook, and help out with Andy. Ian figured he now owed the Mayor this favor, so he agreed.
Expecting a young college girl or a screwed up teenager, Ian is not prepared to meet the full-grown woman cooking in his kitchen! He startled her and she dropped the bowl she was mixing. Before it could shatter on the floor, he slid under it and caught it. He started to tell her about Andy’s food allergies and was a bit angry when she interrupted to say she already went over everything with his old housekeeper. He wanted to argue with her, but she had the information correct. And his stomach rumbled at the smell of the food. So he just walked out without a word and went to shower.
The TV was on and he stopped dead when he saw Katie Rylie’s picture. The news people were talking about her plagiarism as she was ready to publish her cookbook. He was furious. He did not want a thief in his house! He raced into the kitchen, but Andy was home, helping Katie cook and laughing with her. The two had definitely bonded and talked excitedly to her all through dinner. She notice that Andy and his dad hardly talked at all. She was going to do what she could to help them reconnect. And as she put Andy to bed, he told her he thought she should stay with them, that it would be the best thing. She sort of agreed with him on that!
Wanting to be totally honest, Katie waited for Ian to come back in from the barn. She asked to talk to him and told him about her plagiarism. He didn’t comment, but they walked up to their rooms. She was thinking hard and, when he stopped, she walked right into his back. He pointed to her room and went into his. She wasn’t going to stay here, so she needed to stop thinking of him any other way.
This is such a cute story as the three of them bond into a family. But Ian doesn’t know how to ask her to stay. Will he let her walk away? The story line is good and steady, just the right pace for healing and seeing the good in others you care for. The characters are likable – though sometimes frustrating. Grab your copy and enjoy this emotional story that reaffirms we are all in the world to help each other. . . and sometimes we can stay.
Expecting a young college girl or a screwed up teenager, Ian is not prepared to meet the full-grown woman cooking in his kitchen! He startled her and she dropped the bowl she was mixing. Before it could shatter on the floor, he slid under it and caught it. He started to tell her about Andy’s food allergies and was a bit angry when she interrupted to say she already went over everything with his old housekeeper. He wanted to argue with her, but she had the information correct. And his stomach rumbled at the smell of the food. So he just walked out without a word and went to shower.
The TV was on and he stopped dead when he saw Katie Rylie’s picture. The news people were talking about her plagiarism as she was ready to publish her cookbook. He was furious. He did not want a thief in his house! He raced into the kitchen, but Andy was home, helping Katie cook and laughing with her. The two had definitely bonded and talked excitedly to her all through dinner. She notice that Andy and his dad hardly talked at all. She was going to do what she could to help them reconnect. And as she put Andy to bed, he told her he thought she should stay with them, that it would be the best thing. She sort of agreed with him on that!
Wanting to be totally honest, Katie waited for Ian to come back in from the barn. She asked to talk to him and told him about her plagiarism. He didn’t comment, but they walked up to their rooms. She was thinking hard and, when he stopped, she walked right into his back. He pointed to her room and went into his. She wasn’t going to stay here, so she needed to stop thinking of him any other way.
This is such a cute story as the three of them bond into a family. But Ian doesn’t know how to ask her to stay. Will he let her walk away? The story line is good and steady, just the right pace for healing and seeing the good in others you care for. The characters are likable – though sometimes frustrating. Grab your copy and enjoy this emotional story that reaffirms we are all in the world to help each other. . . and sometimes we can stay.
June 23, 2019
Ian Grant is a man on a mission. He goes to the mayor wanting to get his son entered into the Strawberry festival. Andy his son has many different food allergies and was in the hospital during the registration. Being a single parent is not what is thought would happen after he married his high school sweetheart. Now running the ranch he is working at making Andy his number one. The mayor though asks Ian for a favor as well. His niece has hit a rough patch and would like it if Ian could take her on as a nanny. He agrees. Katie Rylie had always wanted to cook and was on that track until the cookbook she was writing fell apart. Now looking at finding herself again she is at a ranch in Texas being a nanny. The good thing is she and Andy have bounded before Ian has come in from working. She already knows about his allergies and surprise that was what her cookbook was about. Wanting to fire her after he finds out some information about he does not when she comes clean. No, he waits to fire her after she has been there for a while and not only does Andy like her but so does Ian. Now she has made it big he is in the dog house once again with his son for the Strawberry festival was the one thing Katie was helping Andy with until Ian fired her. Will she come back for the festival? Will Ian make everything right? Read this wonderful story to find out. I really liked that this story dealt with children with food allergies and how the kitchen and items being used when cooking need to be different than others, along with the workspace. A lot of times people neglect that part and the author was very thorough. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow was at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 3, 2019
Here we have a wonderful story which has the 'AWWW' and Steam Heat factors in abundance. Ian is a widower and has a 6 year old son who unfortunately suffers from many dangerous allergies. he has made a promise to his son to take part in the town Strawberry Festival but he's too late to enter. So Ian goes to the town's Mayor and asks for his help and he agrees to let him enter on one condition: Katie, his niece, is trying to hide out from her 'public' as she's been caught plagiarising in her cookery blog. Ian reluctantly agrees as he basically has no choice. But when Katie and Ian meet the chemistry between them is sky high and his little boy loves her.Now Katie has the chance to do what she really wants to do - make good healthy food. Ian is wary of Katie and her mind is all over the place between wondering whether she will go back to her other life or whether she can see herself staying here. Beautifully written by the best selling author Leslie North who seems to effortlessly know how to draw her readers into her stories. So easy to read with interesting and believable characters that I loved [the three of them were 'perfect' together] and all set in a fabulous storyline. I really enjoyed this page turner of a story and hope that you will too. It certainly left me with a smile on my face. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Most definitely recommended.
April 28, 2019
Ian's son is allergic to almost everything and when he gets real sick Ian's promises that he get his son a place in the town's festival. However he was distracted by taking care of his son and had to ask the mayor for help. It worked out only if he would hire the mayor's niece to help out at his ranch. So he agreed even though he didn't want to. Sparks fly between them when Ian meets Katie and he knows its going to be hard avoiding temptation. Katie needs a place to stay because her career took a bad turn. As soon as she joins the Grant household she begins to connect with them Katie loves Ian's son and wants to help him with he part of the festive. Yet one misunderstanding and Ian wants her off his property. Can Katie get Ian to let her explain? Will Ian see his mistake?
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
Ian Grant is a cowboy and as a widower is struggling with being a single parent.
When Ian needs a favor from the Mayor in order to get his son into a contest the Mayor offers him a swap. He'll make sure Andy gets a spot in the contest if Ian will hire his niece as a nanny for his son.
Ian is expecting some college age girl but instead he gets a full grown woman and one that knocks his cowboy boots right off his feet.
Katie Rylie is an up and coming cookbook writer until a scandal put the skids to her career. Leaving her to have to pay back the entire advance but her fans have turned against her.
The chemistry between Ian and Katie is steamy hot and as much as they try to ignore it they can't.
I loved reading this book as Katie and Andy form a bond. Then Ian and Katie give in to their attraction. And finally they form a family.
When Ian needs a favor from the Mayor in order to get his son into a contest the Mayor offers him a swap. He'll make sure Andy gets a spot in the contest if Ian will hire his niece as a nanny for his son.
Ian is expecting some college age girl but instead he gets a full grown woman and one that knocks his cowboy boots right off his feet.
Katie Rylie is an up and coming cookbook writer until a scandal put the skids to her career. Leaving her to have to pay back the entire advance but her fans have turned against her.
The chemistry between Ian and Katie is steamy hot and as much as they try to ignore it they can't.
I loved reading this book as Katie and Andy form a bond. Then Ian and Katie give in to their attraction. And finally they form a family.
April 26, 2019
This was a wonderful small town nanny meets sexy rancher story. The added sweetness of the yummy desserts and the adorable kid just tipped it over the scale for me. I dont think i ever lost a smile, except when Ian was being a doofus. Otherwise, i loved it all.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would highly recommend.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2019
Children tend to change the dynamic of a story. Whether real or fiction, a child innocence, can bring out the best or worse in people. North understood the complications and was determined to take the risk. The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny is a romance that becomes a family affair. Ian and Katie prove that true love is neverending and always growing.
April 26, 2019
I love this author and this genre. Another must read. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My last encounter with cowboys was a bit of a disaster, so I was eager to wash the foul taste from my mouth with something simpler and more enjoyable. For that task I guess I will always be able to trust in Leslie North’s books. Yes, they are nothing out of the extraordinaire, but they get the job done. Actually, with minor tweaks they could be much more… Or maybe, those slight modifications would ruin the style. You never know.
This time we travel to Texas to meet Ian, the cowboy whose wife died a couple of years ago and now he must take care of their son all by his own. The hunk with a stetson is a bit of a mess. All work, no fun. And that is making the realtionship with Andy a bit terse. In order to fulfill a favour, Ian lets a total stranger come to the farm to help him with the house and the special dietary restrictions of his son. The cowboy was expecting a troublemaking teenager, but he found himself in the presence of a woman that makes his heart beat again. Katie seems the perfect cook and nanny, but she has secrets of her own…
The story was a nice surprise. The kid involved is not the result of a unprotected sex between strangers (as it was being the case lately). Andy was the only son of Ian and his deceased wife. That brings another dimension to the story and, also, several risks. When there was a former partner that is now dead, sometimes stories tend to demonize the deceased one in order to make the new one better. As if there were a fear to cheat on a dead person. That is, in my opinion, absurd; so I’m glad this book didn’t take that route. Ian makes perfectly clear that his former wife was his first love and nothing is going to change that. There are not constant comparisions between the two women, which I’m grateful for. Falling in love again is not a crime and this book shows it!
About 70% of the book is really enjoyable and above the average quality I expect from these stories, but after that point… It takes a turn to the worse. I understand the drama as a way to keep us engaged, but I don’t think it is done in a logic way this time. The fight they have is too big, too hurtful. Ian puts on Katie’s shoulder a lot more blame than she deserves, creating a huge rift between them. Such downfall was asking for an epic make-up, but what we get is not nearly enough. As a reader, I don’t believe they are in a healthy situation, so I can’t buy the undeniable love they profess each other at the end of the book. It looked fake.
The issue of that ending has its main source in Ian. Yes, when we meet him he is not exactly the joy of the party, but we soon see that his hard shell is easily cracked. The problem rests in the fact that that shell can regrow at a really fast pace and for really stupid things. Why can Ian so easily remove himself from the warm of a happy home when facing the tiniest of problems? The book doesn’t really explore those changes in behaviour and I’m afraid it was necessary to make me believe that those two have a future together. It doesn’t help at all that even Katie is still walking on egg shells around him just before the ending. As if she were scared or something…
But even though that is a big issue for a romance novel, the rest of the book is easy to read and with a lively pace. Yes, we have again unsafe sex with adults who should know better… but it hasn’t annoyed me as much as in other recent books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My last encounter with cowboys was a bit of a disaster, so I was eager to wash the foul taste from my mouth with something simpler and more enjoyable. For that task I guess I will always be able to trust in Leslie North’s books. Yes, they are nothing out of the extraordinaire, but they get the job done. Actually, with minor tweaks they could be much more… Or maybe, those slight modifications would ruin the style. You never know.
This time we travel to Texas to meet Ian, the cowboy whose wife died a couple of years ago and now he must take care of their son all by his own. The hunk with a stetson is a bit of a mess. All work, no fun. And that is making the realtionship with Andy a bit terse. In order to fulfill a favour, Ian lets a total stranger come to the farm to help him with the house and the special dietary restrictions of his son. The cowboy was expecting a troublemaking teenager, but he found himself in the presence of a woman that makes his heart beat again. Katie seems the perfect cook and nanny, but she has secrets of her own…
The story was a nice surprise. The kid involved is not the result of a unprotected sex between strangers (as it was being the case lately). Andy was the only son of Ian and his deceased wife. That brings another dimension to the story and, also, several risks. When there was a former partner that is now dead, sometimes stories tend to demonize the deceased one in order to make the new one better. As if there were a fear to cheat on a dead person. That is, in my opinion, absurd; so I’m glad this book didn’t take that route. Ian makes perfectly clear that his former wife was his first love and nothing is going to change that. There are not constant comparisions between the two women, which I’m grateful for. Falling in love again is not a crime and this book shows it!
About 70% of the book is really enjoyable and above the average quality I expect from these stories, but after that point… It takes a turn to the worse. I understand the drama as a way to keep us engaged, but I don’t think it is done in a logic way this time. The fight they have is too big, too hurtful. Ian puts on Katie’s shoulder a lot more blame than she deserves, creating a huge rift between them. Such downfall was asking for an epic make-up, but what we get is not nearly enough. As a reader, I don’t believe they are in a healthy situation, so I can’t buy the undeniable love they profess each other at the end of the book. It looked fake.
The issue of that ending has its main source in Ian. Yes, when we meet him he is not exactly the joy of the party, but we soon see that his hard shell is easily cracked. The problem rests in the fact that that shell can regrow at a really fast pace and for really stupid things. Why can Ian so easily remove himself from the warm of a happy home when facing the tiniest of problems? The book doesn’t really explore those changes in behaviour and I’m afraid it was necessary to make me believe that those two have a future together. It doesn’t help at all that even Katie is still walking on egg shells around him just before the ending. As if she were scared or something…
But even though that is a big issue for a romance novel, the rest of the book is easy to read and with a lively pace. Yes, we have again unsafe sex with adults who should know better… but it hasn’t annoyed me as much as in other recent books.
April 25, 2019
Ian is a widower with a young son. While he is a successful rancher, he is not so successful as a father. He and his son have become somewhat disconnected since the death of his wife. Young Andy has many food allergies and often gets injured as a result of some klutziness. Fearing the loss of another person he loves, Ian has become almost too vigilant about his son’s health and their father-son relationship has suffered. During his son’s most recent illness, Ian promised him he could take part in the town’s upcoming Strawberry Fest. After missing the entrance deadline, he asks the town’s Mayor to please find a spot for his son in the fest. The Mayor agrees, the asks Ian if he could take on his niece as his new nanny, knowing that the family housekeeper has just retired. Feeling obligated to agree, Ian now has a new nanny. Katie is not the teenager he was expecting. She is beautiful young woman and a recently disgraced celebrity chef. Before long, and because of Andy, Katie and Ian are actually getting along, and discovering more about each other. Ian’s relationship with his son is improving, and young Andy is also becoming more confident and less klutzy. Katie’s ego and self worth are also recovering. While staying with Ian and Andy, she has developed new recipes and, after urging from Ian, she now sells her baked goods at the bakery in town. Over time, their attraction has grown and has lead Ian and Katie to indulge in sweet and sexy intimacies. When Ian discovers that Katie has different plans for her future than he does, at least professionally, he decides that it is time for her to leave. He believes that she is going to leave them eventually anyway, so it is better she leaves now to spare Andy even more hurt. There is no discussion or even any arguing. Both are broken-hearted, as is young Andy. Katie had just begun to dream of a future with Ian and Andy in it, and now she is on her own again. Read this sweet, insightful book to discover how this couple’s story concludes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2019
After his wife's death, Ian can use a little help with his 6-year-old son. In an exchange of favors, the mayor helps Ian get a spot for his son in the strawberry festival while Ian agrees to take in the mayor's niece as the new nanny. Katie made some inappropriate career choices and is needing a little time to get her head straight and figure out her next plan.
The little boy in the story, Andy, is just adorable. He's a sweet little boy who's recently lost his mother. He has multiple food allergies that are severe enough to threaten his health. He and Katie bond the very first night, as he is a little boy who’s much in need of loving attention.
I can't say that I like the hero, Ian. He was just too cynical, unforgiving, and unkind for most of the book. Yes, he's got issues because of the loss of his wife and having to raise his son alone but give him a few redeeming qualities than his looks. I just found him to be really unpleasant and couldn't quite get beyond that. Probably because I didn't like him, I didn't feel any chemistry between him and Katie. In fact, I was almost hoping she would find another guy in town who would treat her better.
I found it interesting that the concept of recipe plagiarism was strong in this book. This is Katie's supposed bad career move. Having worked with recipes in a couple of different capacities in my life, I've seen firsthand that several well-known celebrity chefs take recipes from sources like community cookbooks and tweak them just a little, name them something different, and call it their recipe. I also understand that a recipe in itself cannot be copyrighted unless there's significant original prose; a list of ingredients and method is not considered such. So it seems a little odd to me that this was the big career-ender for Katie.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
The little boy in the story, Andy, is just adorable. He's a sweet little boy who's recently lost his mother. He has multiple food allergies that are severe enough to threaten his health. He and Katie bond the very first night, as he is a little boy who’s much in need of loving attention.
I can't say that I like the hero, Ian. He was just too cynical, unforgiving, and unkind for most of the book. Yes, he's got issues because of the loss of his wife and having to raise his son alone but give him a few redeeming qualities than his looks. I just found him to be really unpleasant and couldn't quite get beyond that. Probably because I didn't like him, I didn't feel any chemistry between him and Katie. In fact, I was almost hoping she would find another guy in town who would treat her better.
I found it interesting that the concept of recipe plagiarism was strong in this book. This is Katie's supposed bad career move. Having worked with recipes in a couple of different capacities in my life, I've seen firsthand that several well-known celebrity chefs take recipes from sources like community cookbooks and tweak them just a little, name them something different, and call it their recipe. I also understand that a recipe in itself cannot be copyrighted unless there's significant original prose; a list of ingredients and method is not considered such. So it seems a little odd to me that this was the big career-ender for Katie.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
April 30, 2019
Ian Grant must ask the Mayor Clark for a favor when he forgets to sign his son up for the Strawberry Fest because he was in the hospital. The Mayor in return asks Ian for a favor by hiring his niece to be Andy's nanny and the housekeeper while she figures her life out. Expecting a college student or a sullen teenager, Ian wasn't prepared when he saw Katie Riley cooking in his kitchen. Ian wanted to confront Katie when he learns the controversy surrounding her book but finds Katie and Andy bonding and cooking in the kitchen. Katie notices that Ian and Andy don't really interact with each other and vows to help them reconnect with each other before she leaves. Katie confesses her book disaster to Ian, and Ian wants to help her find her confidence and her way back to the healthy foods she loves to cook. Ian and Katie are attracted to each other and give into their attraction in the outside shower. When Andy has an allergic reaction and ends up in the hospital, Ian pushes everyone away, including Katie. Ian jumps to conclusions about Katie and asks her to leave. Will Ian ever admit he made a mistake by asking Katie to leave? Will Katie come back to watch Andy cook in the Strawberry Fest? Will Ian and Katie admit their feelings for each other? Can Katie, Ian, and Andy find their happily ever after together? Loved The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny by Leslie North. Katie is just what Ian and Andy needed to make their family complete. Katie helped Ian open up to the world surrounding him since he closed himself off from it when his wife died. Ian and Andy help Katie find her confidence again and her love of making healthy foods since Andy was allergic to so many things. The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny is a great read about family, love, friends, and chemistry. I would definitely recommend getting The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny by Leslie North. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review
June 5, 2019
Ian Grant is a man on a mission. He goes to the mayor wanting to get his son entered into the Strawberry festival. Andy his son has many different food allergies and was in the hospital during the registration. Being a single parent is not what is thought would happen after he married his high school sweetheart. Now running the ranch he is working at making Andy his number one. The mayor though asks Ian for a favor as well. His niece has hit a rough patch and would like it if Ian could take her on as a nanny. He agrees. Katie Rylie had always wanted to cook and was on that track until the cookbook she was writing fell apart. Now looking at finding herself again she is at a ranch in Texas being a nanny. The good thing is she and Andy have bounded before Ian has come in from working. She already knows about his allergies and surprise that was what her cookbook was about. Wanting to fire her after he finds out some information about he does not when she comes clean. No, he waits to fire her after she has been there for a while and not only does Andy like her but so does Ian. Now she has made it big he is in the dog house once again with his son for the Strawberry festival was the one thing Katie was helping Andy with until Ian fired her. Will she come back for the festival? Will Ian make everything right? Read this wonderful story to find out. I really liked that this story dealt with children with food allergies and how the kitchen and items being used when cooking need to be different than others, along with the workspace. A lot of times people neglect that part and the author was very thorough. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow was at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
April 28, 2019
The Cowboy’s Surprise Nanny (Grant Brothers Series Book 1) By: Leslie NorthCan "The Cowboy’s Surprise Nanny" Bring This Family Together!?!
He NEEDS a Favour for HIS Son,
But He Never Expected the Quid Pro Quo from the Mayor...
Now He's Harboring a Fugitive from Public Scrutiny,
SomeOne who's made Mistakes,
But She's ready to put them IN the PAST!
Start'n with the Opportunity to work for HIM...
Which ENDS Up being Everything She Dreamed about,
AND Brings Passion BACK to Her life for Cook'n in Another Way!
I received Leslie North's "The Cowboy’s Surprise Nanny (Grant Brothers Series Book 1)" via B00|{$P®0UT; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
April 26, 2019
A cute, quick read featuring a sexy, single widower and his fiesty new nanny, The Cowboy’s Surprise Nanny flies by. The story follows Ian, a cowboy with a young son who finds himself agreeing to take on a nanny in exchange for a favor. He’s been grieving his wife and seeking solitude of late, so he is hesitant to welcome an unknown woman into his home. When he meets Katie, he is immediately drawn to her beauty and fiesty personality, and Ian also loves how she interacts with his son. The more time they spend to together, the stronger the attraction between them grows until they give in to their urges.
I enjoyed the story but not to the extent that I’ve enjoyed some of Leslie North’s other books, where it felt like there was more depth to the relationships. Her books are typically short, so there isn’t a ton of relationship-building, but this book seemed rushed. The romantic relationship took a backseat to the family dynamics, and that made it so the chemistry was lacking. The timeline was also pretty vague so I didn’t get a real sense of how long Katie and Ian were together as the story went on. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed reading Leslie North’s books - they’re usually fun, quick reads that are easily read in a day.
I enjoyed the story but not to the extent that I’ve enjoyed some of Leslie North’s other books, where it felt like there was more depth to the relationships. Her books are typically short, so there isn’t a ton of relationship-building, but this book seemed rushed. The romantic relationship took a backseat to the family dynamics, and that made it so the chemistry was lacking. The timeline was also pretty vague so I didn’t get a real sense of how long Katie and Ian were together as the story went on. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed reading Leslie North’s books - they’re usually fun, quick reads that are easily read in a day.
April 29, 2019
I liked this book as it was an enjoyable and easy read. The storyline of the book is interesting mixing a widowed cowboy H with an disgraced social media h who are both trying to recover from traumatic events. Ian has a young son who has a lot of food allergies and that is where Katie comes into the picture. She was found out to have plagiarized some recipes for a cookbook she was writing and has high-tailed it out of the big city to try and figure out her life. So her uncle, the mayor of the small town where Ian's ranch is located, asks a favor of Ian to have Katie come and be the nanny/housekeeper at Ian's ranch.
After meeting Ian and his son Andy Katie decides her mission is to get them to connect and have a good relationship, as Ian had pulled back from Andy when his wife died. As things progress with Katie's mission Ian also decides he needs to try and get her life back on track. Some things work and some things don't for the two of them so there are some ups and downs, some butting of heads and some feelings getting hurt, as there are in real life.
At the end I found the book to be a bit "rushed" trying to tie up loose ends and get to the HEA while not making it super long. But I did enjoy the story even if there was no real suspense and the couple sex scenes were rather bland.
I received an ARC of this book for my truthful review.
After meeting Ian and his son Andy Katie decides her mission is to get them to connect and have a good relationship, as Ian had pulled back from Andy when his wife died. As things progress with Katie's mission Ian also decides he needs to try and get her life back on track. Some things work and some things don't for the two of them so there are some ups and downs, some butting of heads and some feelings getting hurt, as there are in real life.
At the end I found the book to be a bit "rushed" trying to tie up loose ends and get to the HEA while not making it super long. But I did enjoy the story even if there was no real suspense and the couple sex scenes were rather bland.
I received an ARC of this book for my truthful review.
May 11, 2019
I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts arc.
Ian forgot to get his son into the Strawberry Fest as his son had been in the hospital. He asked his friend the mayor to see if he could find a spot and all they had was cooking. The mayor then asked Ian if he could take in his niece for awhile. Katie could help with taking care of Ian and she cooks. Katie and Andy had been getting closer and she was seeing that Ian needed to interact more with his son. Katie was teaching Andy how to cook the food he could eat which he loved he always wanted to cook. Ian found out Katie’s secret but he wanted to hear it from her. She sees the girls she saw the other day and they were very nosy about herrelationship with Ian. Andy and Katie would work on things together she gleaned some information that could help Ian and Andy. There definitely had electricity between them especially since the outdoor shower. Ian gets a call that Andy was rushed to the hospital he ate something that he was allergic. Ian rushes to Andy and Katie went with him. Ian was so freaked he asked everyone to leave and he wanted Katie gone. Katie decided to leave Ian and Andy and go to work with her friends as a baker. The one thing that did happen was Katie going to the cooking contest to see Andy. Twists,Turns and misunderstanding makes this a good read.
Ian forgot to get his son into the Strawberry Fest as his son had been in the hospital. He asked his friend the mayor to see if he could find a spot and all they had was cooking. The mayor then asked Ian if he could take in his niece for awhile. Katie could help with taking care of Ian and she cooks. Katie and Andy had been getting closer and she was seeing that Ian needed to interact more with his son. Katie was teaching Andy how to cook the food he could eat which he loved he always wanted to cook. Ian found out Katie’s secret but he wanted to hear it from her. She sees the girls she saw the other day and they were very nosy about herrelationship with Ian. Andy and Katie would work on things together she gleaned some information that could help Ian and Andy. There definitely had electricity between them especially since the outdoor shower. Ian gets a call that Andy was rushed to the hospital he ate something that he was allergic. Ian rushes to Andy and Katie went with him. Ian was so freaked he asked everyone to leave and he wanted Katie gone. Katie decided to leave Ian and Andy and go to work with her friends as a baker. The one thing that did happen was Katie going to the cooking contest to see Andy. Twists,Turns and misunderstanding makes this a good read.
March 26, 2020
The Cowboy's Surprise Nanny
Grant Brothers Series, Book 1
By: Leslie North
Narrated by: Mathias Strongbow
Leslie North has a new trilogy out and this first book in the Grant Brothers just leaves you wanting more! Ian Grant is the first brother we meet and he is a force to be reckoned with. He finds himself in a situation, and to get himself out has to give the mayor’s niece, Katie, a safe place to be. His son takes to her immediately because the two share a love for cooking, and with her help he can enter a competition. But there is more to Katie than just cooking, and Ian is suspicious. Will she bring more trouble to his family than she is worth? Will his attraction to her get in the way? And can I get some of the recipes they make? Ian is the protective dad I love. He has a dominant personality and Katie has her hands full! Katie is a blast. I love her honesty as well as her love of knowing her dreams. She is strong and will do anything for those she cares about. This is what I love about Leslie North. She creates characters that feel real, and are people we could know ourselves. It makes the listen so fun and easy to relate to.
Mathias Strongbox brings the twang to this listen. He has a great voice and is a wonderful storyteller. I found he honed in on each character and gave them each distinctive voice and personalities. He was enjoyable to hear.
Grant Brothers Series, Book 1
By: Leslie North
Narrated by: Mathias Strongbow
Leslie North has a new trilogy out and this first book in the Grant Brothers just leaves you wanting more! Ian Grant is the first brother we meet and he is a force to be reckoned with. He finds himself in a situation, and to get himself out has to give the mayor’s niece, Katie, a safe place to be. His son takes to her immediately because the two share a love for cooking, and with her help he can enter a competition. But there is more to Katie than just cooking, and Ian is suspicious. Will she bring more trouble to his family than she is worth? Will his attraction to her get in the way? And can I get some of the recipes they make? Ian is the protective dad I love. He has a dominant personality and Katie has her hands full! Katie is a blast. I love her honesty as well as her love of knowing her dreams. She is strong and will do anything for those she cares about. This is what I love about Leslie North. She creates characters that feel real, and are people we could know ourselves. It makes the listen so fun and easy to relate to.
Mathias Strongbox brings the twang to this listen. He has a great voice and is a wonderful storyteller. I found he honed in on each character and gave them each distinctive voice and personalities. He was enjoyable to hear.
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