The Manny

by Beau Brown

Jack Wayan keeps to himself for a reason: no one can be trusted.

In high school, Jack put his faith in the wrong people and ended up going to prison because of it. He’s done his time and has worked hard to keep his nose clean ever since. He keeps out of other people’s business and he expects the same in return.

When a family tragedy strikes, he’s forced to take in his late, estranged, sister’s five-year-old daughter. Jack doesn’t know the first thing about kids. He’s never even met his niece until now because she was raised in another state. His future plans didn’t include children, but now he’s stuck with a kid.

For the first time in a long time, he has to ask for help. Even if he could connect with his grieving niece, Mia, he lacks the desire. However, whether he wants to be close to the child or not, he’s legally responsible for her safekeeping. Since he can’t emotionally give Mia what she needs, he decides to hire a professional.

Thomas Andrews is a carefree soul who adores children and believes in helping others. He loves his job as a manny and is thrilled to help bring happiness to Mia’s world. What he doesn’t expect is to butt heads with Jack as often as he does. Jack’s cold hands-off approach to caring for Mia irks Thomas more than he can say.

But Thomas being Thomas, he can’t hold his tongue, and his criticisms don’t go over well with his new employer. What really has Thomas mystified is why he cares so much what Jack thinks, or why he feels attracted to the surly man. He knows he should just collect his generous paycheck and keep his mouth shut.

With someone as opinionated as Thomas, that’s easier said than done.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2021

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dramatic, heartwrenching, sweet and entertaining. When Jack's sister dies, he gets custody of his niece, Mia. Panicked about raising her, he hires a nanny, but at the last minute, the nanny becomes the manny. Thomas is the most asked for caregiver at the agency, but he and Jack rub each other the wrong way from the start. Jack is a man who likes to be alone, he doesn't trust people and has never had a relationship. He resents having his life turned upside down, and he tells Thomas that he won't be involved with Mia much. Thomas is caring and determined, he tries to get Jack more involved, but Jack is slow to come around. When Jack figures out that lust for Thomas is part of the problem, he suggests a no strings affair, which Thomas is all for. Things go south when Jack hears something he doesn't like, and he pushes Thomas away. It's hard on both of them living in the same house, and very sad. Thomas was exactly who Jack needed, and it's a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. This is the story and Jack Wayan and Thomas Andrews. Jack is a loner that life has taught some very hard lessons. He and his sister Jules grew up with an alcoholic, abusive father and an absentee addicted mother. Kindness and nurturing did not take place in his house growing up. Being betrayed by his best friend in his teens, cemented the tone walls he had built around his life and heart. When his estranged sister and her boyfriend are killed in an accident, Jack steps up to take care of his niece Mia. She is just five years old and has had her whole world upended. He is prepared to house, feed and clothe her but that is where it stops. He believes himself incapable of love and emotional support. So her hires a nanny Charity to handle that part of Mia's life. The night before Mia is scheduled to arrive, Charity is hospitalized and unable to be the nanny. Enter Thomas. The nanny service offers Thomas as a replacement manny. Thomas is highly sought after as a manny. He is cheerful and lightness. The complete opposite of Jack. He knows he can help Mia through this difficult time. He is prepared to go to the mat to help her. And if that means that he has to encourage/prod Jack to do certain things, then that is what he is prepared to do. Mia comes first. His and Jack's comfort come a distant second. The sparks fly between Jack and Thomas from the first moment they meet. But due to the current employment situation, neither is prepared to take action. Both men are lonely but they don't recognize it right away. This is their story. I will warn you that it is not all smooth sailing for these guys, but they get there in the end. Enjoy the journey. I rated this book 4 1/2 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love their story (at first) and I like how their relationship is build but when dramas make an appearance, a never ending drama to boot, suddenly it become too much for me to handle.

What I hate the most about this book is Thomas' attitude. He's SO EASY to score another date when the thing he has with Jack doesn't work. First time meeting the man named Crispin (Scott's fuck buddy), both drunk and both are passionately kissing in front porch of Jack's house, unbelievable!!! And then, he and Crispin become friends, the drama still continue~

The reason I give it 2 stars because Thomas stated to Aiden "We've FOOLED AROUND a little, but the moment HAS NEVER FELT RIGHT to go all the way.” Not because it felt wrong or it felt like he betrayed Jack but the he time hasn't come yet to go all the way. Bleghhh!!! Give it a chance, I bet Thomas won't hesitate to bed Crispin! Even though he said "I’d hoped to use Crispin to get over Jack. But my feelings for Jack were so strong." REALLY THOMAS???!!! I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!!!

Thomas and Crispin, I hate them both!! If Sue Brown ever make a book with Scott ended up with Crispin, poor Scott. He's WAY BETTER with Brody than with manwhore like Crispin!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written story of a bossy manny and a man who doesn't know how to love. Jacks walls are so high that he can't see over it to see the man who he loves. Thomas is a manny and is hired by Jack to watch after his niece Mia after his sister dies and leaves her to him. Resisting Thomas's push for him to give Mia attention, the two butt heads. Attraction is there though and after a sexual encounter, Jack runs scared and turns cold. Thomas tries to find another man to give his love to, but it just doesn't work. Jack however is being fed stories of Thomas having sex with another man and Thomas is fed the same misinformation. It takes an accident to wake up Jack and at the very end we readers get our HEA and the slowing down of our hearts as calm finally descends on Jack, Mia and Thomas lives. An excellent story. Unfortunately I am not into such an angsty read, although I know it will definitely be high on others lists of must reads. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book. +

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit conflicted about this book and it's characters for a while. I liked the beginning when little Mia arrives and the two men are adjusting to life with her. I loved seeing Thomas and Mia together. It was really heartwarming. I understood Jack's point of view not wanting his whole life altered to now revolve around a child that wasn't his that he suddenly has to raise. I also understand that he himself wasn't raised with affection and so isn't comfortable giving affection. He has a cold-shoulder parenting style because that's what he knew growing up. He could have handled things a little better in the beginning, but he did care in spite of being stubborn. The drama later in the book with other people, and Jack himself, frustrated me a bit. Eventually I got the happy ending I wanted though. I enjoyed the book. 4 stars.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing better than love/hate relationships. Jack needs a live-in nanny to help take care of his niece after his sister dies. Jack is not an emotional person and thinks that as long as he is providing her with a home he doesn't need to be affectionate or being for her. Thomas is a bossy, sassy, very opinionated person and lets Jack knows how he feels even before he hires him. Mia is a sweet little girl and she's scared of Jack from the moment she sees him. Thomas brings out the worst and best of Jack and Jack can't understand why he lets Thomas gets to him.
The two are attracted to each other from the moment they meet but doesn't act on it. The book is sweet, romantic, funny, a lot of angst, Their sexy times are hot and we get to see why Jack is the way he is. The book had my attention from start to finish and I didn't want it to end.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two strong willed and lonely men, brought together for the sake of a child.

Jack had been dealt a bad hand in life. Determined to live his life as he sees fit, fate threw him an unexpected curveball, parenthood. After his sister's death, he became the guardian of his niece, Mia.
Not knowing what to do,he seeks the help of a manny.

Thomas is an opinionated and free spirit, who loves caring for children. Caring for Mia should be no exception. Too bad there is always a but. This time, an uncle whom he does not get along with, much.

Time, patience, the love of a little girl and tearing down walls - brought these two weathered souls, together.
Excellent!

**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the risk and open up, people will surprise you. Jack, lived a life alone and closed off from people by choice. He owned a mechanics garage which had a good reputation. Upon the death of his sister, Jules, he inherited his niec Mia. He approached a nanny service. Through a series of unfortunate events, Thomas got the job as Manny. Thomas was in high demand as a manny who cared. He worked for and championed the client's child's best interest. Jack and Thomas clashed from personalities approaching life from opposite directions. Can they get on the same page uniting to care for Mia? Nice story of acceptance, communication and confidence working toward growth and trust. Good story, nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack is given custody of his niece when his estranged sister dies in an accident. He’s a closed off man who wants to be alone, but he doesn’t want to abandon Mia, so he hires a manny.

Thomas is a bright star who loves children and helping people. He immediately locks horns with the grumpy Jack about what the child needs from him. But, because he gets Jack thinking, he becomes privy to the deep hurt under Jack’s grumpiness, through to the caring side has for Mia, and for him.

It’s a battle to the end, when Jack’s fear makes him back off from depending on Thomas, until he’s given a wake up call, giving them both a real chance at love and family.

A good story about recovering from pain and growing instead of hiding, with what a difference real support can make.

KU

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Wayan becomes guardian for his niece, Mia, when his estranged sister dies. Jack has a difficult past and doesn't trust anyone. He will do what he has to do for Mia but he won't become connect with her. Jack finds a nanny, Thomas Andrews, to help take care of Mia. Thomas does a great job and easily connects with Mia who is confused and upset. Thomas and Jack disagree about many things and Thomas contemplates leaving but doesn't feel he can leave Mia who has had so many changes in her life. Jack and Thomas begin a relationship, but Jack doesn't really relationships because of his lack of trust. Things blow up and Jack and Thomas have to decide how to proceed. This was a satisfying story.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack was definitely hard work and I appreciated that the author didn't dwell too much on his time in prison.  Some authors really do delve into the gritter seamier side of a story, which can be quite off-putting.

Thomas is a great foil to emotionally closed off Jack and it was lovely that they got their happy ever after with little Mia making their family complete.

It's a well rounded story and there are some good supporting characters. It's a shame that I've finished it but I look forward to more if it's going to be a series.

Scott and Brody get my vote. Crispin needs someone completely different to tame him as he's too similar to Scott.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Thomas are both lonely men. It was easy to see with Jack but it took a bit for me to see it with Thomas. Both are also strong-willed and opinionated without any fear of speaking their minds. It makes for an intense mixture. Poor little Mia is the catalyst and the buffer for a lot of their more volatile encounters. When they put aside their friction things heat up and while Thomas wants more Jack's lifelong reaction is to run. Jack's inclination to push people away, while understandable, was frustrating to see and was a bit wearing to me.
Highly recommended author

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written opposites attract romance between Jack and Thomas. The author brings strong characters and weaves an entertaining romance filled with drama and tons of emotions and takes them on their journey towards one another. He moves the story fluidly with his detailed and descriptive writing and delivers a great read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[DANNETTE HUGGINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. New author for me.

Jack and Thomas.These two were a cute angst couple. Single uncle who inherited a niece. Hires a nanny but ends up with a Manny instead. There smoke and where there smoke there fire. Just have to fan the flames. They make attracted to each other but fight it because of boss employee and there a little girl involved. they will have to decide what it is they really want for each other.

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love lays waiting for the right time.

The chemistry between Jack and Thomas is hard to grasp in the beginning. It's the love/hate situation. Jack doesn't let his guards down throughout the book. You just hope that he does. He's a creature of habit and he suffers. Thomas just bears all of it without question but he does question Jack to break down his walls. You'll hate Jack throughout this book.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I liked Jack and Mia, I even liked Thomas although he kept rubbing me the wrong way. He just so freaking pushy, he came on strong from the minute they met. Things between him and Jack would have gone much more smoothly if he hadn't insisted on things going at his timetable. All in all it was an enjoyable read, just frustrating at times.

[Marjorie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME❤️🔥❤️

I’m not used to Beau Brown writing contemporary but it was so great! Jack at first was a hard character to like more less love but it got easier but then I wanted to smack him! Good thing Thomas is such an amazing and patient man! They are a good combination and then add in Mia who is funny and just precious! I couldn’t put this book down!

[Maryke Bettinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult to like...

Jack was a piece of work and not easily liked, regardless of his past, very few good moments where I liked him at all. That said, I have a much bigger complaint...the absolute over use of the word "chuffed", seriously I felt every chapter that word was used repeatedly, why?? Tell me there are not enough synonyms out there to replace it.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was amazingly written. Once I started I couldn’t put it down till I was finished. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get their happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t

[Karen Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Manny book from Beau. I love these stories. Jack, Thomas and Mia. Thomas is sent to Jack's as a manny as Mia is coming to live with Jack (her Uncle). Sometimes I wanted to smack Jack upside the head in regards to his stupidity but I really enjoy their story and Beau is a insta buy for me.
I highly recommend this book.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me laughing and in tears

I love books from Beau brown, I liked how it was changed up from mpreg but all the books are awesome anyways. This story had me happy, sad, frustrated, and in tears. All the makings for a good read. I look forward to reading this series.

[Slick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't work for me, I really didn't like/care for either of the two main characters and the little games they played with one another. Two stars because Mia was precious and precocious although she acted/sounded older than her years. All in all a bit of a disappointment.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. Thomas was the best manny ever. I loved his bickering relationship with Jack. It was an enjoyable read and I was really happy with the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴 DNF @20%

[Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars - didn't really work for me

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[pasghetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need a book for that guy that Jack used to hook up with. With that guy he sucked. Hehe.