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Colton Palmer’s world has just imploded. In addition to sorting through his grief in the wake of unexpected betrayal, he also has to face the fact that his life as a stay-at-home dad is no longer a reality. Hiring someone to take care of his 3-year-old son is the last thing Colton wants… but he’s out of options.
Emily Burns is desperate to find a nannying job that allows her to stay in Sandalwood, even one working for the pompous jackass she exchanged verbal blows with at the bar. The guy might be an angry you-know-what, but he’s been through a lot and she decides to cut him some slack. Besides, beggars can’t be choosers, after all.
When lines are crossed and their relationship becomes physical, Colton and Emily are faced with the difficult task of deciding whether this thing between them is just a little fun, or a possible forever. But when it comes to matters of the heart, how can anyone ever be sure?
This is the first book in the Sandalwood series, about smart, sexy, swoony single dads navigating love and life with a little one in tow.
Emily Burns is desperate to find a nannying job that allows her to stay in Sandalwood, even one working for the pompous jackass she exchanged verbal blows with at the bar. The guy might be an angry you-know-what, but he’s been through a lot and she decides to cut him some slack. Besides, beggars can’t be choosers, after all.
When lines are crossed and their relationship becomes physical, Colton and Emily are faced with the difficult task of deciding whether this thing between them is just a little fun, or a possible forever. But when it comes to matters of the heart, how can anyone ever be sure?
This is the first book in the Sandalwood series, about smart, sexy, swoony single dads navigating love and life with a little one in tow.
351 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2022
11 people are currently reading
2029 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Liota
34 books441 followersJillian Liota is a Southern California native currently living in Kailua, Hawaii. She is married to her best friend, has a three-legged pup with endless energy, and acts as a servant to two very temperamental cats.
Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and her books have been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization.
She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband, reading romance, watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home.
Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and her books have been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization.
She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband, reading romance, watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2022
4 stars
This is a gorgeously emotional romance. A single dad/nanny love story that is sweet and slow burning, and I loved it.
Colton’s life has just fallen apart. He has lost his wife, and in his grief, he learns of a devastating betrayal. He’s now all alone with his adorable 3-year-son, dealing with his loss and his anger, and he now has to face up to returning to work after happily being a stay-at-home Dad.
Emily has endured a difficult childhood and has pulled herself out of an awful situation to become a nanny. It’s a job she’s passionate about, but her small Californian town doesn’t have a lot of options. She’s almost out of luck when she is offered a position working with Colton. Sandalwood is a small town, and she’s met Colton before when he wasn’t at his best. She isn’t thrilled to be working for him but can’t afford to pass up the job, plus, Colton’s son Teddy is completely irresistible.
Things are initially very tense. Colton resents that he has to have a Nanny, and he doesn’t hide that from Emily. Though even his jaded eyes can see that she loves little Teddy, and he is flourishing under her care. He slowly comes to accept her place in their lives and the two of them develop a friendship that is tentative at first, but soon becomes a lot more intimate, and when attraction sparks, their draw to each other is impossible to resist.
The passion between these two is sizzling, and there’s a strong emotional connection between them that makes it all the more intense, and though they agree to keep things physical at first, the progression of their relationship feels so natural. They are there for each other in a way that they need, and everything between them is so easy! But Colton has been so badly hurt, and he doesn’t want to take advantage and be the cliched widower sleeping with the nanny. And Emily is strong and sensible, devoted to her career and wanting to be there for both Colton and Teddy, but she also knows her place and doesn’t want to complicate things between them.
It’s a messy situation, but Liota has written their stories well. They are both of them at a crossroads in their lives, and I loved watching them figure out what they want in order to find their happy, and then fight to hold onto it.
This is a really sweet romance. It’s a quick read, but still packs an emotional punch, and I loved these characters and loved watching them come together.
4 stars.
This is a gorgeously emotional romance. A single dad/nanny love story that is sweet and slow burning, and I loved it.
Colton’s life has just fallen apart. He has lost his wife, and in his grief, he learns of a devastating betrayal. He’s now all alone with his adorable 3-year-son, dealing with his loss and his anger, and he now has to face up to returning to work after happily being a stay-at-home Dad.
He’s been my life, my entire life since the day he was born.
And now I’m going to have to hand my life to someone else.
Emily has endured a difficult childhood and has pulled herself out of an awful situation to become a nanny. It’s a job she’s passionate about, but her small Californian town doesn’t have a lot of options. She’s almost out of luck when she is offered a position working with Colton. Sandalwood is a small town, and she’s met Colton before when he wasn’t at his best. She isn’t thrilled to be working for him but can’t afford to pass up the job, plus, Colton’s son Teddy is completely irresistible.
Things are initially very tense. Colton resents that he has to have a Nanny, and he doesn’t hide that from Emily. Though even his jaded eyes can see that she loves little Teddy, and he is flourishing under her care. He slowly comes to accept her place in their lives and the two of them develop a friendship that is tentative at first, but soon becomes a lot more intimate, and when attraction sparks, their draw to each other is impossible to resist.
“I don’t want to push away from you when everything is screaming at me to hold you close.”
The passion between these two is sizzling, and there’s a strong emotional connection between them that makes it all the more intense, and though they agree to keep things physical at first, the progression of their relationship feels so natural. They are there for each other in a way that they need, and everything between them is so easy! But Colton has been so badly hurt, and he doesn’t want to take advantage and be the cliched widower sleeping with the nanny. And Emily is strong and sensible, devoted to her career and wanting to be there for both Colton and Teddy, but she also knows her place and doesn’t want to complicate things between them.
It’s a messy situation, but Liota has written their stories well. They are both of them at a crossroads in their lives, and I loved watching them figure out what they want in order to find their happy, and then fight to hold onto it.
Emily feels like the best choice I could ever make, and if that means I’m risking my heart again, so be it.
This is a really sweet romance. It’s a quick read, but still packs an emotional punch, and I loved these characters and loved watching them come together.
4 stars.
April 6, 2022
I’m so used to woman being insecure and walking away because people are doubting her in this type of books that I was taken aback by how the heroine is strong and independent and self aware. The best part of this book is to see the woman asking to be treated the way she deserves, I loved it.
Unfortunately that is not enough for me to love this book because I felt like the ex wife took a huge part in the story even though she was dead. I have questions about why she was married to a guy she didn’t love and wasn’t faithful to? Why she had a kid she didn’t want to? Why she was a doctor if she clearly lacked compassion and respect of others? I mean the whole marriage was really strange and it was a big part of the story while it shouldn’t have been if the author didn’t have answers to give.
I hated the in laws. I felt like his dad was super weird and his mother a bitch and I didn’t appreciate the fact the hero was an asshole most of the time. I think he just needed a therapist and a fuck buddy and that’s basically what the heroine was so it’s hard to believe they were really in love if their relationship was only about him moving on from his dead wife.
Unfortunately that is not enough for me to love this book because I felt like the ex wife took a huge part in the story even though she was dead. I have questions about why she was married to a guy she didn’t love and wasn’t faithful to? Why she had a kid she didn’t want to? Why she was a doctor if she clearly lacked compassion and respect of others? I mean the whole marriage was really strange and it was a big part of the story while it shouldn’t have been if the author didn’t have answers to give.
I hated the in laws. I felt like his dad was super weird and his mother a bitch and I didn’t appreciate the fact the hero was an asshole most of the time. I think he just needed a therapist and a fuck buddy and that’s basically what the heroine was so it’s hard to believe they were really in love if their relationship was only about him moving on from his dead wife.
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February 20, 2023DNF at 45%
it's not that it's necessarily a bad read...i just couldn't get into the characters and felt sort of a disconnect with the writing
but if you enjoy the widowed, single father x nanny trope, this might still be the read for you
it's not that it's necessarily a bad read...i just couldn't get into the characters and felt sort of a disconnect with the writing
but if you enjoy the widowed, single father x nanny trope, this might still be the read for you
April 17, 2022
I was given this ARC by the author in return for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
This book is such a sweet love story, I really loved every second of it and also managed to read in one day. It is a really quick easy read that is full of so many different emotions.
First off, it was great to be back in Sandalwood, I love a small town and I love seeing characters from other books in a series so it was great seeing Soren again and being in the Lighthouse.
🖤 Small Town
🖤 Single Dad
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Strong Female
Colton was not enjoying life when we first met him, him and Emily certainly made first impressions of each other that were not all that great. Luckily they had the chance to work on this, They really had a fabulous connection and built a great friendship.
I loved Emily’s character so much, this girl knew what she wanted with her life and she was not scared to work hard to get it. She was a force to be reckoned with in so many ways, she was strong but she was also so sweet and an absolute beautiful person, someone you would love to have around you.
Loved the storyline of this book a lot.
I definitely recommend this to everyone.
This book is such a sweet love story, I really loved every second of it and also managed to read in one day. It is a really quick easy read that is full of so many different emotions.
First off, it was great to be back in Sandalwood, I love a small town and I love seeing characters from other books in a series so it was great seeing Soren again and being in the Lighthouse.
🖤 Small Town
🖤 Single Dad
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Strong Female
Colton was not enjoying life when we first met him, him and Emily certainly made first impressions of each other that were not all that great. Luckily they had the chance to work on this, They really had a fabulous connection and built a great friendship.
I loved Emily’s character so much, this girl knew what she wanted with her life and she was not scared to work hard to get it. She was a force to be reckoned with in so many ways, she was strong but she was also so sweet and an absolute beautiful person, someone you would love to have around you.
Loved the storyline of this book a lot.
I definitely recommend this to everyone.
March 27, 2022
Colton is living with the grief of losing his wife...and finding out she was cheating on him during their marriage. He's having a really difficult time with everything and is still trying to adjust to his new situation. He was a stay-at-home dad, but he has plan on re-entering the workforce.
Emily is a live-in nanny by trade, but is in-between jobs at the moment. To make some spare money, she is currently working as a waitress at a bar/restaurant. That's where Colton and Emily first meet, and it isn't a friendly experience. They will never see each other again, right? Right? Well, Colton's parents look for a nanny for Colton's three year old son, Teddy, to help him out, and Emily is the perfect person for the job. After begrudgingly offering Emily the position as his son's nanny.
At first, Emily and Colton try to stay out of each other's way, but that's not so easy. They eventually come to an understanding, but it turns into more after they learn to respect one another. They try their best to separate their working relationship with their personal relationship, and neither are ready for something permanent (Colton is still dealing with anger and grief and Emily won't let herself get sidetracked to own her own daycare by a guy).
I really like Colton and Emily's dynamic. Emily was very straightforward and didn't give Colton any ground when he was acting out. I loved how driven she was and her relationship with Teddy. She was very genuine and was really what Colton needed. I also enjoyed the discussion of gender roles and expectations of when it comes to childcare responsibilities.
This was a really fun book, and I ready it pretty quickly. This is a great hate to love story, and I really think anyone that enjoys this drama will appreciate Colton and Emily's story.
Emily is a live-in nanny by trade, but is in-between jobs at the moment. To make some spare money, she is currently working as a waitress at a bar/restaurant. That's where Colton and Emily first meet, and it isn't a friendly experience. They will never see each other again, right? Right? Well, Colton's parents look for a nanny for Colton's three year old son, Teddy, to help him out, and Emily is the perfect person for the job. After begrudgingly offering Emily the position as his son's nanny.
At first, Emily and Colton try to stay out of each other's way, but that's not so easy. They eventually come to an understanding, but it turns into more after they learn to respect one another. They try their best to separate their working relationship with their personal relationship, and neither are ready for something permanent (Colton is still dealing with anger and grief and Emily won't let herself get sidetracked to own her own daycare by a guy).
I really like Colton and Emily's dynamic. Emily was very straightforward and didn't give Colton any ground when he was acting out. I loved how driven she was and her relationship with Teddy. She was very genuine and was really what Colton needed. I also enjoyed the discussion of gender roles and expectations of when it comes to childcare responsibilities.
This was a really fun book, and I ready it pretty quickly. This is a great hate to love story, and I really think anyone that enjoys this drama will appreciate Colton and Emily's story.
March 21, 2022
Colton is struggling with his life, he wants to be the best father and is, he also struggles with his wife’s affairs and now her death. When things seemed to be changing for the better reality hits and now not only his life but his son’s is upside down. Trying to survive from day to day when his parents see how much he is struggling they suggest a nanny as he gets back on track, but that thought repulses him because he wants to be there for his son and be the best he can possibly be. Emily is a strong independent woman who has worked hard to reach her goals but comes from a nonexistent family that to only treated her badly but were pieces of work themselves. When she is interviewed as the Palmer’s nanny Colton gives her a lot of attitude but she doesn’t hesitate to put him in his place in a very nice way so he sees she is a genuine person and hires her. As they agitate this new roll it takes a lot out of Colton to stand back and allow Emily to do her job, but he can’t keep taking his anger out on her. Their back and forth carries on for a long times and when things seem to be getting somewhat civil things go back to Colton ignoring her or snapping at her. Emily is amazing not only at her job but helping others, working hard, and the bond she has with Teddy is unbreakable. Can Colton let go of his past pains and move forward or is there too much at risk for him to move on? Will Emily be able to help them or will she have to walk away with pain in her heart knowing she gave it to these two who mean more than anything to her? This book was such a great read with all the emotions, overcoming your past, love, passion, the bond of family and friends, and so much more.
March 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this nanny/widower romance. Colton is grieving many things. Betrayal, the loss of a spouse, and a change in what he thought his life was like. His parents push him and he agrees to hire a nanny. Emily is an amazing heroine. She's sweet and giving, but firm and not a door mat. For Colton, the story is about working through the trials and accepting that things have to change. For Emily, it's being firm and steadfast in your goals, but knowing some things are worth a pivot.. As always, great writing, awesome characters. I do want to know how Verona reacted though! I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
March 25, 2022
I really liked this book. It was fun, sexy, sweet, and sad. I cried, I laughed, I was super pissed off at one point. It was just a great read. I was drawn into the lives of Colton and Emily right from the start. I just felt for Colton, his pain was very raw and real. Emily was such a fierce leading lady. She was sassy and sweet. The way she took care of Teddy and gave Colton tough love, that girl was a spitfire with a take no bullshit attitude. This book had me all in and I have no regrets!!
March 27, 2022
emotional damage!!!! loved!
I loved this story. As a sucker for a single dad romance this brought so much more emotions than I thought it would (which was kind of stupid bc this author always brings the feels!). It’s definitely slow burn in my opinion, mild angst and all the emotional damage (said in a tik tok voice). Steam is hot. I’m very excited for this series and new work from this author.
I loved this story. As a sucker for a single dad romance this brought so much more emotions than I thought it would (which was kind of stupid bc this author always brings the feels!). It’s definitely slow burn in my opinion, mild angst and all the emotional damage (said in a tik tok voice). Steam is hot. I’m very excited for this series and new work from this author.
March 19, 2022
To love again can be scary, especially when the unexpected happens. The normal response is to shut down, because you don’t want to get hurt again. Or you fight for yourself because you don’t want what your family represents. You fight to become you, set goals, depending on only yourself. Become a strong independent person.
March 23, 2022
Absolutely loved it!!!!!! Colton and Emily’s journey was one paved in betrayal, grief, pain and drama but so much love! I adored the storyline and especially enjoyed the heartwarming moments involving Teddy. I was a little worried near the end when it felt like the HEA might not happen but the author turned it around quickly and gave into the characters’ feelings like I hoped would happen!
March 22, 2022
This Book!!!!! Absolutely Fantastic. Jillian knocked it out of the park with Colton and Emily's story. From the very beginning, Colton will pull you in. My emotions, all over the place with this guy. This story feels raw, honest, heartfelt and just feels like it could happen in real life. There is ugly to the Colton's story, but he learns and builds back his life and it was so comforting to see. Single dad, Colton is struggling and with the help of his family, Emily the nanny is coming to the rescue. Emily has worked very hard to get where she is and she isn't a pushover. She was great. Enemies, somewhat forbidden, forced proximity makes it all uber hard, but we get to see both their conflicts and inner battles.
I definitely recommend this!!! I was so bummed it was over, I love love these two together. I can't wait for more in this series!
I definitely recommend this!!! I was so bummed it was over, I love love these two together. I can't wait for more in this series!
March 19, 2022
I was given this ARC by the author in turn for an honest review.
Oh I loved this book!! The characters felt so real. Their love, heartbreak and even awkwardness was perfect. I loved the way therapy was talked about. And oh damn it was sexy!! Can’t wait for more in this series!
Oh I loved this book!! The characters felt so real. Their love, heartbreak and even awkwardness was perfect. I loved the way therapy was talked about. And oh damn it was sexy!! Can’t wait for more in this series!
March 26, 2022
Such a heartwarming read! The angst, the secret crush and the spicy love! Emily and Colton have such chemistry even though they both have their own baggage to deal with. Throw in an adorable child and you have the workings of a great love story!
December 31, 2022
heartbreaking and hopeful
This was a beautiful story.
I was a little afraid in the beginning that this was gonna stay dark, and I was happy that Colton wasn’t magically healed when Emily showed up, but I was very very happy to get to some happier times in the end.
This was a beautiful story.
I was a little afraid in the beginning that this was gonna stay dark, and I was happy that Colton wasn’t magically healed when Emily showed up, but I was very very happy to get to some happier times in the end.
April 17, 2022
This book is so amazing and wonderful..this is my new favorite Jillian book! This is a beautiful story of moving on, trust, forgiveness and love.
Colton is devastated after a life changing event. He is a single dad who is just trying to move on, be a good dad and survive his new life.
Emily is a tough, determined young woman who is trying to get ahead in life. She had big dreams and is determined to get there but she just needs a break.
These two characters need one another more than they know. Colton is angry and his emotions are clear when he’s dealing with Emily. She is a saint and is very patient with a Colton…trying to be there for him but not be overbearing.
Jillian does a phenomenal job writing these characters and their emotions. Her writing has you feeling the pain, anguish, passion, happiness and hope of the characters.
Congratulations Jillian on an amazing book!
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
Colton is devastated after a life changing event. He is a single dad who is just trying to move on, be a good dad and survive his new life.
Emily is a tough, determined young woman who is trying to get ahead in life. She had big dreams and is determined to get there but she just needs a break.
These two characters need one another more than they know. Colton is angry and his emotions are clear when he’s dealing with Emily. She is a saint and is very patient with a Colton…trying to be there for him but not be overbearing.
Jillian does a phenomenal job writing these characters and their emotions. Her writing has you feeling the pain, anguish, passion, happiness and hope of the characters.
Congratulations Jillian on an amazing book!
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my honest review.
April 17, 2022
This is my favorite book by Jillian Liota! Colton is a single dad with an adorable relationship with his son Teddy. Emily is a goofy nanny that is really good at her job. I was quickly engrossed in the story that brought Colton and Emily together. In the light of a recent tragedy, Emily and Colton have a no-strings-attached love affair.
I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the author and the above is my honest review.
I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the author and the above is my honest review.
March 31, 2024
This book gave me exactly what I love about Jillian Liota's romances. There is always at least one moment where one character educates the other on a very real situation that they have no idea about. In this case, Emily explains to Colton the danger of turning down a man's advances in certain situations. I absolutely adored this moment. This story was definitely more of a slow burn, and Colton has a lot he needs to work out. The characters are messy and real. The emotions were all over the place. If you want to feel while you're reading, Liota's books will always pull the emotions right out of you! I'm excited to see what Sandalwood will be us next.
January 8, 2023
This was a super slow burn romance with a widower scorned. It took me a bit of time to warm up to Colton. He was harboring a lot of anger and resentment. And while I love a grumpy hero, I couldn’t decide if that was his natural disposition or not. It was good to see the real Colton emerge though throughout the course of the book. Emily was a strong heroine, which I always enjoy. And I loved the dramatic irony of knowing who they both were when they met at the bar and anticipating when they would cross paths again. Ultimately, I felt like these were real characters who could really exist. Their flaws made them seem relatable.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews