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Close Quarters #1
Suddenly Daddy
JUSTIN:
Falling for my nanny is the last thing I need.
I never expected to be a father—until I inherited Grace. Now I’m in over my head. I want to be the adoptive dad she needs, but my busy career and the scars from my past are getting in the way. That’s why I hired Presley.
A nanny was supposed to simplify things, but Presley is complicated. He’s a natural with Grace, and he’s more than just gorgeous—he’s the first man I’ve ever wanted. I think I’m falling for him, but a secret from his past could threaten our future together. Even so, he may be the one temptation I can’t resist.
Presley has simultaneously made things easier and harder.
PRESLEY:
Falling for a straight man is such a bad idea.
I’m nannying to cover the cost of grad school, but the more I get to know Grace, the more I think this isn’t just a job. I enjoy being a caregiver, and not just because her dad is a brilliant photographer—and the most striking man I’ve ever met.
I can’t keep my mind off Justin, but there are two problems: he’s never been with a man before, and he’s my boss. To make matters worse, I’m haunted by the secret that made me leave my old life behind, and it might ruin things for all of us. But I’m already falling for him, and I can’t keep letting my past decide my future.
Maybe it’s finally time for me to stop running.
This is the first book in the Close Quarters series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
Falling for my nanny is the last thing I need.
I never expected to be a father—until I inherited Grace. Now I’m in over my head. I want to be the adoptive dad she needs, but my busy career and the scars from my past are getting in the way. That’s why I hired Presley.
A nanny was supposed to simplify things, but Presley is complicated. He’s a natural with Grace, and he’s more than just gorgeous—he’s the first man I’ve ever wanted. I think I’m falling for him, but a secret from his past could threaten our future together. Even so, he may be the one temptation I can’t resist.
Presley has simultaneously made things easier and harder.
PRESLEY:
Falling for a straight man is such a bad idea.
I’m nannying to cover the cost of grad school, but the more I get to know Grace, the more I think this isn’t just a job. I enjoy being a caregiver, and not just because her dad is a brilliant photographer—and the most striking man I’ve ever met.
I can’t keep my mind off Justin, but there are two problems: he’s never been with a man before, and he’s my boss. To make matters worse, I’m haunted by the secret that made me leave my old life behind, and it might ruin things for all of us. But I’m already falling for him, and I can’t keep letting my past decide my future.
Maybe it’s finally time for me to stop running.
This is the first book in the Close Quarters series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2020
347 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 2, 2020
This book is the author at his top-notched best! Throughout he managed to draw out so, so much emotion from me. I have to fess up that there were multiple times he had me ugly crying... and I loved it everytime! That in no way means this book isn't sexy cuz OMG it so is! The chemistry between Presley and Justin is just off the charts and I just loved both of them. And Grace is beyond adorable! Over all this was an incredibly wonderful love story!!!! Since this book is the first in a series I am hoping that books 2 & 3 are Noah, and then Graham's HEAs in whichever order the author wants to write them... cuz I can't wait to read them!
August 14, 2021
Justin becomes a daddy to his niece, toddler, Grace, because he is her only relative after his cousin died, and he needs a nanny.
Justin is straight, a successful photographer,
and interviews college grad student, Presley.
Presley is gay and came from a big family,
so he knows kids needs. His family has since disowned him, plus his ex was horrible to him, and left him trusting no one.
Justin was raised in foster care after his loving mom died when he was young. The foster couple was verbally abusive to their children, which left Justin with severe anxiety triggers.
Grace likes Presley, and he gets along well in the huge mansion, where super model, Noah and Restaurateur Graham live also. The college friend have shared the huge home since it was inherited.
Justin finds himself drawn to Presley, the feeling are real, and he's never felt this for anyone else, just Presley. GFY.
Their sexy times sizzle as they move forward, each angsty to see what happens. With Presley's past, where people who loved him turned against him, he's leery. Justin doesn't know love, and hasn't seen it since his Mom died. But, our men are deeper in love as time passes. I wish Grace had more of a role, but we know Presley cares for her, takes her to the park, etc. Justin grows more at ease with Grace, and all is well, until Presley's secret comes out. These two needed more talking, communication is key.
Later, Presley gets a chance to confront his Mom, and his ex, which leads to his epiphany, and he's going back to Justin and Grace the day after he left. No more running, only fighting for what's his.
Terrific characters, therapy for Justin's anxiety is successful, too.
ENJOY !
=====
Justin is straight, a successful photographer,
and interviews college grad student, Presley.
Presley is gay and came from a big family,
so he knows kids needs. His family has since disowned him, plus his ex was horrible to him, and left him trusting no one.
Justin was raised in foster care after his loving mom died when he was young. The foster couple was verbally abusive to their children, which left Justin with severe anxiety triggers.
Grace likes Presley, and he gets along well in the huge mansion, where super model, Noah and Restaurateur Graham live also. The college friend have shared the huge home since it was inherited.
Justin finds himself drawn to Presley, the feeling are real, and he's never felt this for anyone else, just Presley. GFY.
Their sexy times sizzle as they move forward, each angsty to see what happens. With Presley's past, where people who loved him turned against him, he's leery. Justin doesn't know love, and hasn't seen it since his Mom died. But, our men are deeper in love as time passes. I wish Grace had more of a role, but we know Presley cares for her, takes her to the park, etc. Justin grows more at ease with Grace, and all is well, until Presley's secret comes out. These two needed more talking, communication is key.
Later, Presley gets a chance to confront his Mom, and his ex, which leads to his epiphany, and he's going back to Justin and Grace the day after he left. No more running, only fighting for what's his.
Terrific characters, therapy for Justin's anxiety is successful, too.
ENJOY !
=====
July 2, 2021
Another excellent Jason Collins book.
In this book Presley gets a job as a nanny for Justin's daughter. In fact, Grace is not Justin's daughter but the daughter of a cousin who is given to her when she dies.
The attraction between the two is visible right from the start but both of them have personal problems to deal with. And they both have serious problems.
But nothing that love and a child won't help to get to their HEA
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
In this book Presley gets a job as a nanny for Justin's daughter. In fact, Grace is not Justin's daughter but the daughter of a cousin who is given to her when she dies.
The attraction between the two is visible right from the start but both of them have personal problems to deal with. And they both have serious problems.
But nothing that love and a child won't help to get to their HEA
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
May 31, 2020
I loved this book. I liked both characters, both Presley and Justin are great characters, even if I sometimes wanted to knock some sense into Justin for acting in what semmed like an insensitive way towards poor Presley; but then I remembered what Justin himself had gone through and what his hang-ups were, and I forgave him.
The story has just the right amount of angst, a good dose of steaminess and a helping of sweetness, thanks to cute little Grace sprinkled on top!
The story has just the right amount of angst, a good dose of steaminess and a helping of sweetness, thanks to cute little Grace sprinkled on top!
July 21, 2020
Presley is the worst
As charecters go these are the worst. While Justin and Grace where loveable even that had their moments. Grace was your basic kiddo who was more like an accessory item than an actual person. She was there for plot reasons and that was all. While Justin was pretty awkward at first before turning into this loveable doormat. Presley though, see that guy is why I gave this otherwise neat story two stars. The drama caused between then was really due to lack of communication but the things he said really brought it home just how much they lack chemistry.
Firstly, Presley constantly jumps to the worst conclusions. He doesn't even bother to talk things out. Instead it goes on these overly dramatic rants that end up leaving Justin confused and hurt. He actually causes him to have a number of panic attacks with his words. Something he doesn't truly apologize for. He is completely self centered in that even when the truth comes out it is still everyone else's fault. He doesn't care about anyone else but himself. If he did he would have spoken to Justin about his problems and wouldn't have blamed him for a lot of the mishaps that had taken place.
For example, the last fight between them was due to someone leaking information about them. Despite both knowing who could have done it Presley goes on attack mode and blames Justin despite having zero proof. He says some pretty harsh things. Later when he realizes he was wrong he still stands by what he said. Only later does it take some of it back but he doesn't really apologize. He more so does a "I love you" ordeal and expects all to be ok. And it freaking works. Doormat J takes him back with no problem. No making problems to talk things through. No explaining how much he hurt him and how he needs time to think about it. He instead welcomes him home with open arms and bad news about how his daughter *maybe* being taken away. Because yes, what one truly needs during such a stressful time and a manipulative and borderline abusive SO to make things extra spicy. I will not be reading the other books in the series. Despite finding them to be better characters I can't seem them being played out any differently. There is bound to be some easily explained drama that will be exacerbated to give the book a bit more meat to an other fairly decent premise.
As charecters go these are the worst. While Justin and Grace where loveable even that had their moments. Grace was your basic kiddo who was more like an accessory item than an actual person. She was there for plot reasons and that was all. While Justin was pretty awkward at first before turning into this loveable doormat. Presley though, see that guy is why I gave this otherwise neat story two stars. The drama caused between then was really due to lack of communication but the things he said really brought it home just how much they lack chemistry.
Firstly, Presley constantly jumps to the worst conclusions. He doesn't even bother to talk things out. Instead it goes on these overly dramatic rants that end up leaving Justin confused and hurt. He actually causes him to have a number of panic attacks with his words. Something he doesn't truly apologize for. He is completely self centered in that even when the truth comes out it is still everyone else's fault. He doesn't care about anyone else but himself. If he did he would have spoken to Justin about his problems and wouldn't have blamed him for a lot of the mishaps that had taken place.
For example, the last fight between them was due to someone leaking information about them. Despite both knowing who could have done it Presley goes on attack mode and blames Justin despite having zero proof. He says some pretty harsh things. Later when he realizes he was wrong he still stands by what he said. Only later does it take some of it back but he doesn't really apologize. He more so does a "I love you" ordeal and expects all to be ok. And it freaking works. Doormat J takes him back with no problem. No making problems to talk things through. No explaining how much he hurt him and how he needs time to think about it. He instead welcomes him home with open arms and bad news about how his daughter *maybe* being taken away. Because yes, what one truly needs during such a stressful time and a manipulative and borderline abusive SO to make things extra spicy. I will not be reading the other books in the series. Despite finding them to be better characters I can't seem them being played out any differently. There is bound to be some easily explained drama that will be exacerbated to give the book a bit more meat to an other fairly decent premise.
June 22, 2020
This was just not good! Not good at all!
Also, just to make important note, you just hired the guy, you get home and he’s already there taking care of your kid?!? No conversation, no guidelines, no orientation, he just moved in before you got home and he’s already aware of the lay of the land?!? This is just so fucking weird! This book was absolutely horrible and I most definitely know that there’s one more author I’m staying very very very far away from! Just not for me at all!
For the record if your cousin has a kid, then that kid is just your cousin, I’m pretty sure that’s how it works! The kid is only your niece if a brother or sister had a kid! So Grace technically is only your cousin, not your niece! Do your freaking research if you’re going to make familial claims!!
Right back to Kindle Unlimited this goes!
Also, just to make important note, you just hired the guy, you get home and he’s already there taking care of your kid?!? No conversation, no guidelines, no orientation, he just moved in before you got home and he’s already aware of the lay of the land?!? This is just so fucking weird! This book was absolutely horrible and I most definitely know that there’s one more author I’m staying very very very far away from! Just not for me at all!
For the record if your cousin has a kid, then that kid is just your cousin, I’m pretty sure that’s how it works! The kid is only your niece if a brother or sister had a kid! So Grace technically is only your cousin, not your niece! Do your freaking research if you’re going to make familial claims!!
Right back to Kindle Unlimited this goes!
June 16, 2020
dnf = 1 star
21% and I can't read any more. Its not god awful but its not good. The night I was reading it I just did not have it in me to push through the other 80%. maybe its a 2 star. I don't know and I don't care.
21% and I can't read any more. Its not god awful but its not good. The night I was reading it I just did not have it in me to push through the other 80%. maybe its a 2 star. I don't know and I don't care.
June 3, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Presley and Justin. Presley was a grad student and was going to interview for a live in nanny job when he stopped for coffee. When he heard a voice behind him quoting Moby Dick, Presley turned around and saw the most handsome man. The man talked to Presley for a minute then fled. When Presley showed up for the interview, he was shocked to see Justin was the man from the coffee shop. Presley was hired to look after Grace and learned he would be moving into a house with Justin that he shared with his best friends Graham and Noah. Justin was given custody to his cousin's daughter Grace after she died and he never knew his real family. Justin grew up in foster care and is unsure how to care for Grace. Presley tries to teach Justin how to be there for Grace, and they get closer. Justin starts to have feelings for Presley, even though he is straight. Presley is very attracted to his boss, but he knows it is a bad idea to have a crush on his straight boss. When Justin kisses Presley, he admits to wanting him and they start to see each other, but Justin has never had a relationship and Presley doesn't want to be another fling. Presley was used before and doesn't want to be treated that way again. Can they work this out? i really loved this book. I really thought it was emotional and i really felt for Justin. I think he was scared of opening up to someone and getting hurt. Presley had his own secrets and was unable to completely trust Justin. I liked them together and loved how they were with Grace. She was adorable and so lovable. I look forward to reading Noah and Graham's stories.
June 5, 2020
4.5 Stars
I love Jason Collins and this is one of my new favorites from him! Man, Presley and Justin are a bit of a hot mess with all of their issues, but I really did love them together. They both really grow together and learn to be open and honest about what they want and they need and finally find happiness together.
Presley is a grad student looking for a nanny job, something he thinks sounds like fun. Justin is a famous photographer who recently became dad to Grace after her parents died and he's her only family. Presley and Justin have a fantastic meet cute even before Justin's interview and their story just grows from there. Both of these men have some major issues though, and it certainly gets in the way of their new relationship a few times.
I was definitely rooting for these two though, even in their toughest moments, it's easy to see the love they have for each other. I really liked seeing Justin stand up for himself and I loved the way their story came together. These two definitely made my heart happy! I really do hope that we get more of these two, I really loved them and Grace! Another great read from Jason Collins!
I love Jason Collins and this is one of my new favorites from him! Man, Presley and Justin are a bit of a hot mess with all of their issues, but I really did love them together. They both really grow together and learn to be open and honest about what they want and they need and finally find happiness together.
Presley is a grad student looking for a nanny job, something he thinks sounds like fun. Justin is a famous photographer who recently became dad to Grace after her parents died and he's her only family. Presley and Justin have a fantastic meet cute even before Justin's interview and their story just grows from there. Both of these men have some major issues though, and it certainly gets in the way of their new relationship a few times.
I was definitely rooting for these two though, even in their toughest moments, it's easy to see the love they have for each other. I really liked seeing Justin stand up for himself and I loved the way their story came together. These two definitely made my heart happy! I really do hope that we get more of these two, I really loved them and Grace! Another great read from Jason Collins!
September 22, 2020
Delicious start to a new series! Presley, interviewing to be a first time nanny. Anxiety off the hook! Pres, literary nerd doesn't always get when a female is hitting on him. He was trying to summarize Moby Dick to the barista when a beautiful stranger, Justin quoted from the book. Turns out Justin is the person with whom Presley has an interview. Presley is out. Justin is straight, but Presley peaks his interest. Grace is an unexpected Blessing for Justin who has no idea how to connect and let her in. He loves her, but he's clueless. Justin, coming from a large family and a larger extended family is a lock for being good for Grace and showing Justin how to connect and get his nurture on. Preston has some serious baggage from his past that is connected to his belt. Justin wonders, will that stop him from getting to know Presley better? There are all sorts of moving parts with this new group. Will the movement go smoothly? Will there be stops and grinding? Mr Collins has written another book with engaging complex adorable characters and a good theme. Well done! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2020
BECAUSE SOMEONE SAYS YOU’RE A DISGRACE DOESN’T MAKE YOU ONE
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
Preston Walsh is a grad student who has been disowned by his family and betrayed by his lover. He interviews for a nanny job and gets the position from a man that he’s fallen in love with at first sight. Preston’s hang-ups and distrust of people along with his beliefs that nothing good can happen to him. Justin, a famous photographer is the man that Preston is nannying for. Preston has had a life of pain that leads to him having anxiety attacks. These two men try to make a relationship while dealing with all of their past pains.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
Preston Walsh is a grad student who has been disowned by his family and betrayed by his lover. He interviews for a nanny job and gets the position from a man that he’s fallen in love with at first sight. Preston’s hang-ups and distrust of people along with his beliefs that nothing good can happen to him. Justin, a famous photographer is the man that Preston is nannying for. Preston has had a life of pain that leads to him having anxiety attacks. These two men try to make a relationship while dealing with all of their past pains.
June 14, 2020
OMG! It was painful reading this, there was a lot of angst here, it hurt reading it, Justin and Presley, Presley more so, go through so much to be together. Justin appears straight but maybe bi, Presley definitely gay, they are attracted to each other immediately but it seems the world will throw one thing after another to break their hearts. As usual this author gives us a lovely, well written story with characters of great detail.
August 5, 2020
Am I seriously going to believe that a man who has been straight his ENTIRE life, but suddenly finds himself attracted to a man is not going to freak the fuck out and have to come to terms with that? Also, said player all of a sudden rolls over and becomes a bath mat for his love interest to litterally run over with muddy tires??? This was a force finish for me... no go for the rest of the series....
August 23, 2020
Justin and Presley
These two men had a whole host of insecurities between the two of them that made their love story complicated. When I think of a single dad romance, I expect the child to play at least a partial major role in the story, however Grace was more of a third character than anything. This story did result in a happily ever after which is all you can hope in a romance.
These two men had a whole host of insecurities between the two of them that made their love story complicated. When I think of a single dad romance, I expect the child to play at least a partial major role in the story, however Grace was more of a third character than anything. This story did result in a happily ever after which is all you can hope in a romance.
July 28, 2024
Gods! Presley was a proper drama queen! I know he'd been through a lot, but early on he tells Justin they need to communicate better, then doesn't bother to do so himself.
Poor Justin, the only time he actually did anything wrong was near the end when he said Presley should leave, yet he was always there picking up the pieces.
Also I love a GFY when the straight MC doesn't constantly question themselves and just accepts it.
Poor Justin, the only time he actually did anything wrong was near the end when he said Presley should leave, yet he was always there picking up the pieces.
Also I love a GFY when the straight MC doesn't constantly question themselves and just accepts it.
October 29, 2020
There were obvious plot holes in this story. I don’t do spoilers so I’m not gonna explain. But trust me you’ll notice immediately. A straight guy decides he’s bi curious and acts on it. Pardon the pun but this was a straight up writing mess but there was something that snagged me and kept me reading. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
February 19, 2021
3.5
I have to say that even though I liked these two, they were both overreacting idiots. I lost count of how many times they would just jump to conclusions over tiny things in casual conversations not including the actual conflicts that kept breaking them up. I still enjoyed it but wow was it repetitive.
I have to say that even though I liked these two, they were both overreacting idiots. I lost count of how many times they would just jump to conclusions over tiny things in casual conversations not including the actual conflicts that kept breaking them up. I still enjoyed it but wow was it repetitive.
June 30, 2021
Complex characters, an adorable child in Grace, I loved how Justin and Presley met, both had difficult pasts and needed to stop living in their heads in fact at times I could have slapped them. When they came together it was explosive. A keeper.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
June 3, 2020
Amazing!!
A new author to me, Omg, I fell in love immediately! If you love feeling many emotions this is for you! Ups, downs even a few twists and turns, it was a score and I couldn't imagine anything better! I was hooked start to finish! Thanks for an amazing read!
A new author to me, Omg, I fell in love immediately! If you love feeling many emotions this is for you! Ups, downs even a few twists and turns, it was a score and I couldn't imagine anything better! I was hooked start to finish! Thanks for an amazing read!
August 10, 2020
Good Beginning, then ... Less
The beginning of this story drew me in easily, but as the story progressed, the focus changes and the book becomes more porn than romance and lost me in the process. If you want to read about men having sex, then maybe this will interest you.
The beginning of this story drew me in easily, but as the story progressed, the focus changes and the book becomes more porn than romance and lost me in the process. If you want to read about men having sex, then maybe this will interest you.
September 8, 2020
Couldn't finish it. I praise the author for having the balls to write it and put it out there, but he should have added more to the story. Nothing was earned. It was choppy and random. It was so choppy that any good emotions were lost as the boat sunk. It started out good, but died shortly after.
September 14, 2020
Fabulous read A MUST READ
This is the first book from Jason Collins and I loved it.
Justin and Presley story wasn’t what I expected.
Though there were twist and turns I felt every emotion they had.
This is definitely a must read.
This is the first book from Jason Collins and I loved it.
Justin and Presley story wasn’t what I expected.
Though there were twist and turns I felt every emotion they had.
This is definitely a must read.
February 28, 2021
I enjoyed the book
I read the book I liked the it took awhile to get thru the book. Maybe it was the trauma that held me back . the hurt the child the sex tape............ I don't know
I read the book I liked the it took awhile to get thru the book. Maybe it was the trauma that held me back . the hurt the child the sex tape............ I don't know
May 23, 2022
great story of love regardless of gender labels
This great story shows how you need to stopped being trapped by the judgements of other and love who you loo or be…. And trust love does not/ should not hurt.
This great story shows how you need to stopped being trapped by the judgements of other and love who you loo or be…. And trust love does not/ should not hurt.
July 24, 2023
I really liked this book. I thought it was sweet and kind.
A little concern over Justin, a straight guy, so willing to become gay over a VERY short time within the pages of the story, but. . . it still was fun.
A little concern over Justin, a straight guy, so willing to become gay over a VERY short time within the pages of the story, but. . . it still was fun.
June 3, 2020
3.5 Stars!
IMO, Justin was so good and forgiving in this ( he was awesome ) but Presley need to grow the eff up.
IMO, Justin was so good and forgiving in this ( he was awesome ) but Presley need to grow the eff up.
June 14, 2020
dnf 25%
July 6, 2020
DNF at 31%
Read
July 19, 2020Dnf 25%. Wow this is terrible.
July 21, 2020
Unusual for me with this author but I found this book slow going and I really could have hit Justin with a tripod and dunked him in developer solution!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews