Holding on to His Manny

Amber Falls #3

by Rheland Richmond

A single, grieving father.

A manny with a big heart.

Two kids who need them both.

When Dean loses his wife, he wonders how he’s supposed to raise his children alone. Meeting Owen is like a wake-up call... Owen was the lifeline keeping them from drowning… he still is.

Owen loves taking care of Dean and the kids, but he's broken the manny’s cardinal rule: No falling for the father. Especially a straight one.

After six years of one-sided emotions, he knows he can't stay.

Faced with losing Owen, Dean must confront his true feelings for the man who's helped heal his family, and his heart. He only hopes he hasn't waited too long to find the happiness they all deserve.

It's time for a change — and another wake-up call for Dean, before he loses his second chance at love.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Gay For You, LGBT

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2020

About the author

Writes Omegaverse as Skye R. Richmond.

Rheland is the ultimate bookworm, TV enthusiast, popcorn and ice cream connoisseur (Sweet and Salt is the best), and lover of all things cute and girly! From a young age, Rheland has been entranced by the magic of storytelling, diving headfirst into worlds of romance (before she was allowed to), and mysteries.

When she's not reading the latest romance novel or binge-watching her favorite TV shows (no horror, please!), you can find her writing stories of found families and forevers for her men.

Rheland is a hopeless romantic through and through with dreams of happily ever afters and swoon-worthy moments.

Rheland invites you to join her on a journey of laughter, love, and happily ever afters for her characters. So cozy up with a mug of cocoa or a glass of wine and prepare to fall head over heels for Rheland's men.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about you. So if you get a chance... please get in touch.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyeRRichmond/
Twitter: @RhelandRichmond
Instagram: @rhelandrichmondmm
Newsletter: https://www.rhelandrichmond.com/newsl...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhela...

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great add to the series. I actually jump in the series with this book and loved the side characters so much went back to read the others. Dean and Owen are amazing, and I loved the way they connected on many levels. Owen is sweet and strong in the best ways but still breaks your heart at moments. Dean is sexy and seeing him come into his own and realize what is right in front of him is fantastic. Great side characters support these men and others try to drag them down, through it all they fight for each other and the kids. Loved this Universe and can't wait to see what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was super intrigued by the premise of this book and decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed the MCs, Owen and Dean. As well as Dean’s kids and in-laws. I loved how much Owen loved Dean’s kids he Nannied for, as much as he would his own. I loved how Dean treated Owen as a member of the family, and not an employee. Dean’s realization of his feelings towards Owen felt a bit sudden for me.

Real Talk for a minute: I loathed Dean’s work partner and wished I’d known going into the story he was going to be a homophobic jerk who retaliated with some incredibly distasteful and disturbing behavior. His niece’s behavior was just as disturbing. That angle took me out of the story and once I confirmed he wasn’t successful in his behavior it became a DNF for me. I was done.

[Mary Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Manny for six years of course you would love your boss

When he loves his kids treats you with respect and cares about you as part of his family... So isn't it great when you find out he loves you too .. Its all here in this book

[Shana_Bobana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read! It had me feeling every emotion! It mostly had me laughing & smiling but it did make shed a few tears as well. Dean is a widower who is looking for love and Owen is his nanny who has been in love with him for 6 years. Reading about them going from friends to lovers was amazing.

They mostly get support from everyone around them but they do have to deal with a local jerk who wants to end their happiness. Their connection is too strong to be broken though.

From the moment I started reading I couldn’t stop. I just had to know what was going to happen. This is what I would describe as a medium angst story. Some drama but nothing that went on way too long.

I was given a free copy if this book to leave an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family is what you have when your heart meshes with others.
It doesn't have to have a blood tie, but sometimes it does.
Death usually brings families closer together.
Trusting others to have your back forms the deepest bond.

True...but often love comes in the least expected forms and at the strangest of times. Facing your fears and accepting a new reality may be all it takes to bring closure to questions that have suddenly plagued you.

You'll be sure to enjoy this romance...even when those with selfish motives try to destroy it before it can realized. Be prepared for 2 children who will make you smile, tear out your hair, and remind you that love is resilient. You'll fall in love with both of them!

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen has been the family Manny for years. He has struggled to keep his crush in Dean in check. Realizing that is not working he decides it's time to move on. That is just the wake up call that Dean needs.
This is just a wonderfully sweet family love story. I loved how much Owen cares for the kids, as if they are truly his own.
This story has just the right amount of heat, humor and a touch of angst. Great addition to the Amber Falls series.

[Xanthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5**
So I'll start with how much I enjoyed the characters and the family unit of Dean, Owen and the two children. Owen is hired as a nanny by Dean when he moves to town and is struggling to cope with work and two young children just after his wife passed away. Six years later and the kids love Owen, he's really become a part of the family and Dean relies heavily on him for a lot of the day to day stuff around the house. However, Owen has an unrequited crush on Dean and it's gotten to the point where the only thing left for him is to leave. With the prospect of losing him, Dean has several revelations about Owen's place in his life and his feelings for the younger man.
It's a sweet romance between the two men though things occasionally moved a little too fast for me from Dean's perspective. It's wonderful to read as they take their time to get to know each other separately from boss/employee as possible partners and there's a strong undercurrent between them once Dean becomes aware. I did find myself frustrated with Owen several times as well. Whilst what he was going through with regards to his work and relationships, Owen was very rash with some of his decisions that affected everyone but especially the children. This really irked considering how much he professed to love them.
It's a good story overall and I'm definitely a fan of the manny trope. Maybe a bit of time for things to be thought about would have helped me to fall into the story completely. I liked that we got to interact with Ford and Sawyer (book 1&2) again as they give friendship and support to Owen and Dean's in-laws are a wonderful couple that have stood by him throughout everything. One part that came as a surprise was the supposed friend and their intense reaction to Dean and Owen's possible relationship. That definitely brings the tone of the story down and trouble to Dean's door.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding On to His Manny is a fabulous book by Rheland Richmond. The third book in the Amber Falls series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Owen and Dean make for a fun couple, and I adore the way everything unfolds.

Their story is one of a fantastic and sweet gay awakening romance. Their friendship has developed naturally over the years, after Dean hired Owen to be his manny. But the years have just drawn Owen more and more to his boss, as he's now madly in love with him.

What follows is a riveting tale of both men struggling with Owen's decision to move on and leave his position. Owen is heartbroken, but he just can't work anymore for a man he loves, knowing they will never be together.

And poor Dean. He wants love, but can't click with anyone. He's clearly stunned and shaken by Owen's decision to leave. And then...well, just read to find out how everything develops.

The writing is fabulous, flowing perfectly and full of emotion. Written in alternating 1st person pov, the characters immediately come to life and the reader easily follows their motivations throughout.

Holding On to His Manny is a great read. Rheland Richmond entertains throughout this combo of employee/boss, friends to lovers, and age gap romance. I couldn't put it down.

[SandyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This series has established itself as a must-read for me.

Owen and Dean are both sweet MCs and their romance is fun to read. I loved reading how they navigated going from friends/boss-employee (always a sticky wicket for me) to lovers, and the acceptance and support from nearly everyone around them was realistic and also kind of affirming. Secondary characters being good caring people is always a bonus in a romance.

The bleak moment was a bit too much for me - the villains were over the top, and some of Owen’s reaction just didn’t make sense in context with what had happened before. In anyone else’s hands, that plot device would have made this a 3-star read for me, but Rheland Richmond’s writing style and characters suck me into every story I’ve read of hers and this one is no different. Another bonus: the nods to the first two books are done so well that reading them isn’t necessary to fall in love with Dean and Owen and their family.

Copy received for honest review.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean’s sadness and grief echoed through the pages. He was lost, alone and drowning but meeting Owen changed his life.

Dean was totally oblivious to a lot of things especially, when it concerned Owen. I think he finally saw Owen when he was ready to move forward and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. Dean might have been a little confused about his feelings and attraction to Owen but that didn’t deter him from reaching out and finally making his move. I was cheering for Dean every step of the way. I smiled that much more every time Dean affectionately touched or kissed Owen. These two guys were beautiful together.

Owen was a complete sweetheart. He went above and beyond for Dean and the kids and his love for them showed in everything he said and did for them

This was a good read but it dragged in places.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean is trying to survive life and grief after the death of his wife. He is trying and failing to get a grip on raising his two kids on his own. Enter Owen, a young man he meets shortly after moving to a new town to start over. Owen moves in with them and becomes the nanny. This was a good book. Dean is a strong character who just needed help. He gets so comfortable and appreciates the help Owen gives him that his feelings about him don't really register until Owen decides he just can't take it anymore and quits. The real stars of this book are the children. They are sweet and adorable although the 14 year old would probably deny it. Some of the issues that come up in the book could be solved with a little communication and the one friend of Dean was someone I was ready to really punch in the nose. This is a good story however and shows how two people can be so comfortable and right for each other that they just can't be apart.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean and his kids found the perfect person to help them deal with the grief after his wife and their mother died. Owen came in and was just what they needed. However, Owen has always been in love with Dean and realizes it was a mistake to stay so long in an impossible situation. His decision to go prompts Dean to face what he really wants and needs at this time in his life both for himself and for his family. This book will break your heart in places, but is ultimately beautiful story of love and family that will put your heart back together in all the right ways. A superb read and my favorite entry so far in this series.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen is the perfect catch and Dean is in denial. The characters are raising a beautiful family but something is missing. Can Dean except himself as being attracted to his manny? I suggest you read to find out.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holding on to His Manny is the third book in the Amber Falls serie by Rheland Richmond. I liked Dean and Owen's story. They were both so sweet.

[Larissa_S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean, a widower struggling to raise two kids on his own, hires 19 year old Owen as his manny. Fast forward 6 years and we see Owen has become an integral part of Dean’s family. In a fairly common setup, Owen has fallen in love with Dean, but Dean is straight. Due to some self-reflection and prompting from his best friend, Owen finally decides that after pining for Dean for six years, he needs to move on with his life. The book then follows the trajectory from Owen’s decision to leave to Dean’s realization of his attraction and love for Owen, and then the practical implications of being together as a couple.

I really enjoyed the characters and the story, although it started to degrade about halfway through. Owen is loveable and Dean is adorable in his obliviousness, and despite the age difference and boss/employee status, they work really well together. There’s a really nice slow burn element to the development of their relationship, and the decision by Owen to leave and Dean and the kids’ reaction to it is poignant. Unfortunately, the story went a bit off the rails at the point where Dean recognizes his feelings for Owen. The plot and the romance unnaturally accelerated and it seemed like the author was struggling to find some external conflict to interfere with Dean and Owen’s relationship. What he came up with was implausible and contrived in my view.

Overall, it’s still an enjoyable read; I just wish the potential from the first half hadn’t been squandered in the second.

* I received an advanced copy of this book, but there was no obligation to review. This review is provided voluntarily and reflects my honest opinions and views.

[Deli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I rly loved it, there might even have been a tear going down because it was obvious how much Owen loves the kids. Dean takes a bit of time to realise his feelings, but the two of them are really great together, and the kids are awesome.
The only thing i strugled a bit was the end or the "final climax" before the end. Some stuff didnt really play out to my satisfaction but i think a lot of it was me being picky so its still 4* as i rly loved the other 90% of the book, and theres definitely a great HEA for these two.
Its a great read for all who love Manny/family orientated books.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, I adore a good Manny story. And this one is no exception. A bit different from others I’ve read, this is the story of Dean and Owen, after Owen has been the manny for Kennedy and Asher for 6 years. Dean is a widower, after his wife was killed in the line of duty and moved himself and his kids to a small town to start over. Owen came into their lives very soon after the move and is the family’s anchor, even though he doesn’t realize it.

I so enjoyed watching Dean work through his feelings for Owen and how that affects him and his kids. This is pretty much a low angst book, and while there are some emotional issues that all four of them go through and deal with, it’s a very sweet read with some sexy thrown in, especially once Dean realizes exactly what he wants.

Owen, I think, grows up a lot over the course of this book. He has to make some hard decisions, thinking of himself and the family he loves. And while he doesn’t always make the right ones, he does all of it with love.

This is book 3 of the Amber Falls series and I’m definitely going to dive in and catch up on all of the books.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Amber Falls and I wasn’t disappointed. A well written love story between two wonderfully likeable main characters.
Dean and Owen have been in a working relationship for years, with Owen crushing on Dean big time. Dean, a straight single father of two, has no idea and it takes a while for him to see who and what is right in front of him.
Lots of chemistry later, then sweet and tender mixed with hot and steamy, some feels and some angst - caused by bumps along the way lead to a beautiful HEA.
As for side characters, there’s two kids to keep things real!
I found this to be an enjoyable, engaging easy read that wasn’t heavy on the emotions.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es una historia que te atrapa desde el principio, me encanta que Owen se lleve tan bien con los hijos de Dean y definitivamente fue mi personaje favorito. Solo quería abrazarlo y decirle que obviamente Dean estaba loco por él.
Lo único que no me gustó demasiado fue el personaje de Trevor y su sobrina, entiendo que tenía que haber drama en el libro, pero definitivamente me dio tristeza que todavía existen personas que no aceptan la orientación sexual de la otra persona.
Definitivamente es un libro cute, rápido de leer y que te hará adorar a Owen.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber falls' series started with Sawyer's and Ford's story and now expanded with this wonderful book. Dean and Owen's love story is about finding what you needed the most just in front of you. A very sweet and easy to read narration with some angst balanced with many heartwarming and romantic moments in between hot scenes. This book can be read as standalone but I strongly recommend to read it as part of the series to fully enjoyed all the amazing characters and the backstory. Just the perfect reading to enlighten your day in this difficult times. Loved It!

[Amanda D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, low angst romance

While there was a time or two in the book that made me tear up, for the most part this is a sweet, happily ever after romance that’s just the type of book you want to read when you need a feel good book. Owen and Dean’s relationship is not smooth but you can feel the love between the two of them from the start. I like this author a lot and look forward to the next in this series.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, sweet, tug-at-your-heartstrings, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, little bit angsty, engaging, smoldering, amazing, fantastic, and totally awesome story. I must admit to being severely tempted to rattle the teeth of a certain character. It pulled me in from the very first page, and I would definitely recommend getting this gem for yourself.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Manny adventure

This was a fun if not hard at times romance adventure. Loved Owen the manny he is the glue holding Dean and his kids together but he has fallen in love with Dean and after 6 years thinks it’s time to go. Dean has to face his feelings or loss Owen. Together they found happiness and made a safe haven for kids. Great Read

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love manny stories you must read this book. It’s quintessential manny that falls for his boss. You’re also in for a treat for pining, bisexual awakening, awesome friends and sweet yet sassy children. This book really has it all. This series continues to get better with each book. This is definitely a warm blanket on a cold day and a true comfort read.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and my introduction to Amber Falls 😍

Owen is Dean’s anchor as he navigates life as a widower with two young children. Owen habours a secret crush on Dean for many years but thinks his feelings are unrequited as Dean is straight.

Their journey to HEA is incredibly sweet with a few hurdles along the way!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Dean's pull me right into their story from page one. My emotions were on a rollercoaster and I just love that. Rheland Richmond does such an amazing job in making me unable to stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen. Such a sweet heartwarming story.

[Bookcornerng · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I mean I definitely cursed out Dean a few times when he was figuring his shit out but I loved them. They were so sweet.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The storyline is friends to lovers with a side of gay for you and it was well written. I liked Dean. He's kind-hearted but a bit oblivious, especially when it comes to Owen and all that he does for the family. Poor Owen has pined for Dean and I felt his pain at making choices to distance himself. The poor guy feels torn between what he wants and what he has. I liked that Ford and Sawyer were there to give both of them support and guidance. Dean's in-laws were wonderful, they included Owen as part of the family. The kids added a nice element, behaving in a typical fashion for their ages. Trevor felt more like a caricature. He was an over the top 'bad guy' and he and his niece just came across as 'eewwww'.

[Damian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficulty in reading this book.

I originally was going to give thus book a two star rating, but my better judgment won out. The story is heart warming, a single father with two children and nineteen year old that is willing to babysit. The position turns into being a live in manny. Some of the timelines throw you off and again, there is no real conversations between the MCs. Just their thinking. The other thing is that the book is too long and the back stories on the characters are a little choppy. And again, nothing happens to the culbrit.

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this installment of the series. There were some head scratching moments (like why was Dean confiding in Sawyer who he barely knew, why was his friend and partner such a jerk but Dean never knew, and why did the one thing that should unite the characters be what tore them apart), but overall it was enjoyable. I liked Owen and he was so great with the kids. Dean coming to the realization of his feelings and then not questioning them was refreshing and wonderful. All of the side characters were awesome as well. I’m definitely interested in more Amber Falls stories.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews