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MArry Christmas Nanny
Christmas is a magical time. But will its spell work when a free-spirited nanny and her uptight stickler for the rules employer collide? As their battle of wills heats up, so does their attraction.
Professional live-in nanny Marlin never met a kid she couldn’t handle.
Brats? Dealt with. Temper tantrums? No problem. Picky eaters? Nothing a bit of ketchup won’t fix.
As for the parents?
To date, Marlin could charm them all.
But just before Christmas, she meets her new boss, neurosurgeon Arizona. A tightly wound lover of rules, Arizona never tires of micro-managing life in her palatial home.
Good thing her kids are cute.
As Arizona and Marlin engage in a battle of wills, Marlin realizes something rather enticing: Underneath Arizona’s harsh shell is a beautiful woman, just looking to have her rules broken.
Arizona loves her job but her first love is her kids.
Trouble is even though she adores them, being the best in her field has a price: Time.
After a messy divorce and a string of substandard nannies, she puts her faith in Marlin.
At first, it seems she’s made another mistake. Marlin pushes Arizona’s buttons to no end – but the kids adore her.
Soon, Arizona finds that the infuriating nanny awakens passions and desires within her she thought dead forever.
And suddenly Arizona must wonder: Aren’t some rules meant to be broken?
Professional live-in nanny Marlin never met a kid she couldn’t handle.
Brats? Dealt with. Temper tantrums? No problem. Picky eaters? Nothing a bit of ketchup won’t fix.
As for the parents?
To date, Marlin could charm them all.
But just before Christmas, she meets her new boss, neurosurgeon Arizona. A tightly wound lover of rules, Arizona never tires of micro-managing life in her palatial home.
Good thing her kids are cute.
As Arizona and Marlin engage in a battle of wills, Marlin realizes something rather enticing: Underneath Arizona’s harsh shell is a beautiful woman, just looking to have her rules broken.
Arizona loves her job but her first love is her kids.
Trouble is even though she adores them, being the best in her field has a price: Time.
After a messy divorce and a string of substandard nannies, she puts her faith in Marlin.
At first, it seems she’s made another mistake. Marlin pushes Arizona’s buttons to no end – but the kids adore her.
Soon, Arizona finds that the infuriating nanny awakens passions and desires within her she thought dead forever.
And suddenly Arizona must wonder: Aren’t some rules meant to be broken?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2022
102 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Woods
28 books103 followersAlexa Woods is a romance author living a quaint life in Massachusetts. After a lifetime of creating stories in her head, Alexa decided to write them down and share them with her readers. Her novels are about strong and fascinating women finding their happily ever afters.
When she's not writing, she is an avid reader of romance books or spending time with her family, her troublemaking dog, and her sphinx cat that surely thinks he's a dog, too
Subscribe to Alexa’s newsletter for news, exclusive content, freebies, and sneak peeks!
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When she's not writing, she is an avid reader of romance books or spending time with her family, her troublemaking dog, and her sphinx cat that surely thinks he's a dog, too
Subscribe to Alexa’s newsletter for news, exclusive content, freebies, and sneak peeks!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 6, 2023
An OK story - I read out all, no skipping, that could have been deeper, seemed to skirt around difficult decisions and circumstances.
January 8, 2023
3 stars - enjoyable read but uneven
For me the story started off strong. I am a fan of the nanny trope (Temptation by Kris Bryant being the gold standard for me).
While I did generally like the story there were just too many little things that bugged me.
1. Too many ridiculously unique names. Marlin, Arizona, Honey, Steele, Misha.
2. I am sorry but if my husband cheated on me with my mom and left me to be with her? Ah hell no. That would be the last time I ever spoke to them again unless legally required. I just could not with this bit of the story
3. Supernanny Marlin on her very first day, working for what appears to be a strict ice. Queen boss goes off the rails of her instructions, and not only takes the kids to the zoo, but comes home with a smelly, stray dog. On day one.
4. Arizona, who has never had a romantic encounter with another lady is suddenly completely proficient and confident from word one.
For me the story started off strong. I am a fan of the nanny trope (Temptation by Kris Bryant being the gold standard for me).
While I did generally like the story there were just too many little things that bugged me.
1. Too many ridiculously unique names. Marlin, Arizona, Honey, Steele, Misha.
2. I am sorry but if my husband cheated on me with my mom and left me to be with her? Ah hell no. That would be the last time I ever spoke to them again unless legally required. I just could not with this bit of the story
3. Supernanny Marlin on her very first day, working for what appears to be a strict ice. Queen boss goes off the rails of her instructions, and not only takes the kids to the zoo, but comes home with a smelly, stray dog. On day one.
4. Arizona, who has never had a romantic encounter with another lady is suddenly completely proficient and confident from word one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
Not exactly classic literature, but cute, funny and heartwarming with relatable, lovable characters and so a nicely entertaining read, that even gets rather hot at the end.
December 16, 2022
I was expecting more, especially because Alexa's books usually are so much hotter
It was fun in the beginning, I actually lol when Arizona first meets Muffin, and all "the universe" thing
Also, is really hard to believe in Marlin, like, she's so "perfect" that felt unnatural, unbelievable, I didn't like it.
It was fun in the beginning, I actually lol when Arizona first meets Muffin, and all "the universe" thing
Also, is really hard to believe in Marlin, like, she's so "perfect" that felt unnatural, unbelievable, I didn't like it.
December 19, 2022
Cute romance. Marlin starts as a nanny for Arizona who is a busy neurosurgeon. Marlin is the free spirit for the two children, compared to the more rigid, rule and directed parent. There is some fun chaos from the universe in the form of Muffin the dog they adopt. Arizona is drawn towards the younger Marlin which is a sexual awakening to her. It doesn’t make her hesitate when things get steamy. I think I wanted a little more romance between the two. Not think about what it will mean to you and your career if you come out. And things wrap up in a bit of a rush. But worth enjoying.
December 7, 2024
Cute, sweet and light. Misha is younger than Steel in the book so the cover is a little misleading or maybe I missed the part where she's a tall little 6 year old? Anyway that's just a little observation I made. It's a good read overall.
January 29, 2023
I don't know about other people but the book was so unrealistic for me and I didn't really like it. It msy be something other people can read but not to my taste.
January 9, 2023
Comfort reading with a happy ending guaranteed
Another hit for me, loved how the story unfolds, sort of feel good even though there's some angst aspect to it, but nothing substantial, I liked very much all the characters (except a certain duo), both MC are very likeable, and even though Arizona has all the potential to be a bitch Ice queen, she isn't. You can sympathise with her even if she's still an IQ. Marli is lovely and all her interactions with the kids, adorable little guys, were just sweet.
Another thing I really liked was how it wasn't instalove/lust; mind, I love these too, but it's been a while since I've read a book where both MC acknowledge to themselves or each other their attraction, but don't act on it like hormonal impulsive teenagers and don't let it get in the way. It feels like a breath of fresh air after so long.
Anyway, this is one of those few (sort of bigger - 14 years) age gaps with one of the MC under 25 that didn't bother me. Mainly because Marli isn't naive and sheltered, so she isn't one of those starry-eyed young adults that normally would make me rather uncomfortable to see fall for a much older woman, because even when they aren't a toxic/abusive person, it often feels off TO ME, but again, not the case here. It was lovely.
One last thing, what a first impression! When Arizona started talking in those first pages I was in shock as in "I can't believe what I'm seeing" meme, blinking very slowly. And every time I was confronted with that info, I felt the same again. Jesus! She's a better person than I'd ever be, because if that shit happened to me that's one of those situations Reddit is right and I'd go NC FOREVER!!!!!!! It triggered me so bad that even though I loved the book and everything about it, I cannot stop thinking about this bit and cringing.
Another hit for me, loved how the story unfolds, sort of feel good even though there's some angst aspect to it, but nothing substantial, I liked very much all the characters (except a certain duo), both MC are very likeable, and even though Arizona has all the potential to be a bitch Ice queen, she isn't. You can sympathise with her even if she's still an IQ. Marli is lovely and all her interactions with the kids, adorable little guys, were just sweet.
Another thing I really liked was how it wasn't instalove/lust; mind, I love these too, but it's been a while since I've read a book where both MC acknowledge to themselves or each other their attraction, but don't act on it like hormonal impulsive teenagers and don't let it get in the way. It feels like a breath of fresh air after so long.
Anyway, this is one of those few (sort of bigger - 14 years) age gaps with one of the MC under 25 that didn't bother me. Mainly because Marli isn't naive and sheltered, so she isn't one of those starry-eyed young adults that normally would make me rather uncomfortable to see fall for a much older woman, because even when they aren't a toxic/abusive person, it often feels off TO ME, but again, not the case here. It was lovely.
One last thing, what a first impression! When Arizona started talking in those first pages I was in shock as in "I can't believe what I'm seeing" meme, blinking very slowly. And every time I was confronted with that info, I felt the same again. Jesus! She's a better person than I'd ever be, because if that shit happened to me that's one of those situations Reddit is right and I'd go NC FOREVER!!!!!!! It triggered me so bad that even though I loved the book and everything about it, I cannot stop thinking about this bit and cringing.
December 9, 2022
I truthfully picked up this book because it was one of the first wlw holiday romances I could find (if you can rec me some, please leave them in the comments!).
Marlin is an experienced, professional live-in nanny who is literally the most PATIENT person. The way she listens and makes others feel special is a true talent. If I had ever needed a nanny as a child or needed to hire one for kids now, Marlin is who I want. What will Marlin do when she starts to be attracted to her boss?
Arizona is a workaholic doctor trying to balance home and work life. I relate to this so hard. Every week I am trying to juggle running a small business, managing a household with lots of pets and people, and working a full-time job. She handles things with grace and attempts to live life through lists because that’s how she can manage. Can she let loose when this chaotic young woman comes into her life?
This story is a ride. Let’s see - a puppet show about a potato, bringing home a dog on the first day of a new job, and flu that hits right before Christmas. I was engrossed with Marlin’s imagination to keep the kids entertained, she is a one of a kind nanny and my heart grew when the kids begged for her to stay. The universe through lemons and she made delicious lemonade. Arizona let others decide a majority of her goals and beliefs from a young age; to watch her eyes open to new perspectives and see a different way that life could be like, filled with joy and quality time, was beautiful. I would love to read this story again or pick up a sequel if there was one.
Marlin is an experienced, professional live-in nanny who is literally the most PATIENT person. The way she listens and makes others feel special is a true talent. If I had ever needed a nanny as a child or needed to hire one for kids now, Marlin is who I want. What will Marlin do when she starts to be attracted to her boss?
Arizona is a workaholic doctor trying to balance home and work life. I relate to this so hard. Every week I am trying to juggle running a small business, managing a household with lots of pets and people, and working a full-time job. She handles things with grace and attempts to live life through lists because that’s how she can manage. Can she let loose when this chaotic young woman comes into her life?
This story is a ride. Let’s see - a puppet show about a potato, bringing home a dog on the first day of a new job, and flu that hits right before Christmas. I was engrossed with Marlin’s imagination to keep the kids entertained, she is a one of a kind nanny and my heart grew when the kids begged for her to stay. The universe through lemons and she made delicious lemonade. Arizona let others decide a majority of her goals and beliefs from a young age; to watch her eyes open to new perspectives and see a different way that life could be like, filled with joy and quality time, was beautiful. I would love to read this story again or pick up a sequel if there was one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2023
I loved the nanny!
Arizona is a divorced neurosurgeon with two children, eight and six, who hires Marlin as the nanny. The doctor works long, strenuous hours that prevent her from spending time with her kids and it starts to eat away at her. On the other hand, the nanny is wonderful with her kids. She's capable, loving, fun to be with and she adores the children. When Arizona is around her she feels things she hasn't felt before, certainly not in her marriage to her husband. When she finally gets together with Marlin, it is just pure, raw, honesty and it's hot!
It's a very interesting story with very likeable characters. Marlin is so patient and a wonderful listener while Arizona does a lot of soul searching in both her private and professional lives, but it could have used another round of proofreading. The author kept changing tenses and there were typos to be fixed. Another pet peeve of mine is when the cover does not match the author's description. The boy is supposed to be older than the girl and have dark hair. I know I'm being picky, but it was the cover that attracted me to buy the book! Beyond that, in all fairness, I really enjoyed the story!
Arizona is a divorced neurosurgeon with two children, eight and six, who hires Marlin as the nanny. The doctor works long, strenuous hours that prevent her from spending time with her kids and it starts to eat away at her. On the other hand, the nanny is wonderful with her kids. She's capable, loving, fun to be with and she adores the children. When Arizona is around her she feels things she hasn't felt before, certainly not in her marriage to her husband. When she finally gets together with Marlin, it is just pure, raw, honesty and it's hot!
It's a very interesting story with very likeable characters. Marlin is so patient and a wonderful listener while Arizona does a lot of soul searching in both her private and professional lives, but it could have used another round of proofreading. The author kept changing tenses and there were typos to be fixed. Another pet peeve of mine is when the cover does not match the author's description. The boy is supposed to be older than the girl and have dark hair. I know I'm being picky, but it was the cover that attracted me to buy the book! Beyond that, in all fairness, I really enjoyed the story!
January 28, 2025
DNF drop it after 50% I really love the plot of this book. Supernanny and the ice queen employer fall in love? Count me in. Its just some of it doesnt make sense and make me a little mad. Especially the husband and mother one. If my husband cheated on me and and dawg its with my own mother who i trust who come to my wedding who even helped me during the wedding and see her daughter get married with the said man, oh you know you gonna see me on news. I dont understand how Arizona can forgive them so easily. Oh also the pace is too fast like how can you dont like someone one day then suddenly thinking about taking her breath away in another literally less than a week. Oh dont forget the cliche part where she never feel like this with anyone. It have potential but welp its wasted ig
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2022
She was the nanny and not she is not!
Marlin saw it as another babysitting job but after meeting the list taking mother Arizona, things went south from there. Instead of taking the children walking around the house, Marlin takes them to the zoo and brings back a dog! So starts a story of maybe the mother was too regimental and she could take more more time from working at the hospital. Two different women, one older and one filled with love. Enjoy!
Marlin saw it as another babysitting job but after meeting the list taking mother Arizona, things went south from there. Instead of taking the children walking around the house, Marlin takes them to the zoo and brings back a dog! So starts a story of maybe the mother was too regimental and she could take more more time from working at the hospital. Two different women, one older and one filled with love. Enjoy!
December 30, 2022
Sweet and Romantic story
A middle age crisis or a cliche? This is all about. A romantic story with some more intense moments. Two likeable characters and a good ending. However, the story is a bit on the surface, never going deep enough to understand the how and the why. Plus everything happens too fast thus the two main protagonists never had the time to understand and learn each other. Nice to read
A middle age crisis or a cliche? This is all about. A romantic story with some more intense moments. Two likeable characters and a good ending. However, the story is a bit on the surface, never going deep enough to understand the how and the why. Plus everything happens too fast thus the two main protagonists never had the time to understand and learn each other. Nice to read
February 22, 2023
Really Nice Story
Alexa, you did a really nice job with the main characters and developing their relationship. Interesting about ex-husband and mother. Loved the writing and how the story finished. As noted by another reviewer, your cover does not match the characters as described in the story. The children appear to have opposite ages and the one who matches the description of Arizona appears much younger than the other woman who is supposedly Marlin.
Alexa, you did a really nice job with the main characters and developing their relationship. Interesting about ex-husband and mother. Loved the writing and how the story finished. As noted by another reviewer, your cover does not match the characters as described in the story. The children appear to have opposite ages and the one who matches the description of Arizona appears much younger than the other woman who is supposedly Marlin.
December 23, 2022
Wow amazing Christmas story
Wow amazing Christmas story I loved the main characters chemistry and their journey to be together was outstanding it's beautifully crafted piece of art made for a warm blanket and a Christmas feels that keep you wanting more definitely worth reading congratulations
Wow amazing Christmas story I loved the main characters chemistry and their journey to be together was outstanding it's beautifully crafted piece of art made for a warm blanket and a Christmas feels that keep you wanting more definitely worth reading congratulations
January 14, 2023
Lesbian age gap romance
I liked that Arizona and Marlin dealt with coming out to extended family and to children so well. They used frank and honest verbiage and allowed those they were springing this new concept on time to process their own feelings to decide how to include them in their family group.
I liked that Arizona and Marlin dealt with coming out to extended family and to children so well. They used frank and honest verbiage and allowed those they were springing this new concept on time to process their own feelings to decide how to include them in their family group.
December 8, 2022
Marlin is very down to earth and amazing with kids. Good thing she gets the two kids to live her so much day one that their mother Arizona can’t actually fire her at the end of it. I really enjoyed the comedy thrown in and how Marlin and Arizona slowly come together.
December 27, 2022
Hot Christmas!
A very hot Christmas romance with a wonky unconventional family and two of the cutest kids.
The busy working mother and live in nanny have the hots for each other and against the odds, they get their HEA. So, what’s not to love?
A very hot Christmas romance with a wonky unconventional family and two of the cutest kids.
The busy working mother and live in nanny have the hots for each other and against the odds, they get their HEA. So, what’s not to love?
January 3, 2023
A Christmas joy
I liked how the doc found her true self & came into her own with help of a true authentic soul direction you could ask for a better Christmas present 🎁 wrap in love.👍
I liked how the doc found her true self & came into her own with help of a true authentic soul direction you could ask for a better Christmas present 🎁 wrap in love.👍
January 3, 2023
A Christmas age-gap romance that it’s low on angst, with cute kids and even though it’s a slow burn romance, I at least didn’t minded because of how good of a book it was.
I’m so glad I found this new author, I’ll make sure to read more from Alexa Woods’s work.
I’m so glad I found this new author, I’ll make sure to read more from Alexa Woods’s work.
March 4, 2023
It's Okay
The book had potential to be really good but it was just ok to me personally. Too many thoughts and not enough dialog. Parts that should have been slow was fast paced and vice-versa. I didn't feel the the connection between the characters. Like I said it was ok
The book had potential to be really good but it was just ok to me personally. Too many thoughts and not enough dialog. Parts that should have been slow was fast paced and vice-versa. I didn't feel the the connection between the characters. Like I said it was ok
May 2, 2023
Good read but not what you expect
enjoyed this book but disappointed that it dragged so long, almost to the end of the book, for the MC's to even have their first kiss. Slow slowburn with not much heat, but storyline could have been more epic.
enjoyed this book but disappointed that it dragged so long, almost to the end of the book, for the MC's to even have their first kiss. Slow slowburn with not much heat, but storyline could have been more epic.
December 4, 2022
Adorable
Greatly enjoyed reading this book. A very cute and sweet Christmas romance. The characters in the story were a delight. I think I fell a l title in love with Muffin!
Greatly enjoyed reading this book. A very cute and sweet Christmas romance. The characters in the story were a delight. I think I fell a l title in love with Muffin!
December 8, 2022
Great Christmas story
I gave you five stars Because it was a good book and I read it in one setting love the characters I hope there's another book
I gave you five stars Because it was a good book and I read it in one setting love the characters I hope there's another book
December 10, 2022
lovely
Beautifully written with strong character and unique storylines. When you find love, the one that’s lasting it brings you the best life that is meant for you.
Beautifully written with strong character and unique storylines. When you find love, the one that’s lasting it brings you the best life that is meant for you.
December 13, 2022
A good story, but the ending felt too rushed for me and there were just so many typos/changes that weren't caught(?). One or the other, ok, but both brought it down for me.
December 18, 2022
Sexier than I thought that's for sure. I enjoyed it even though I think some scenes were unnecessary.
December 28, 2022
Great read, great storyline, plenty of emotion for the main characters, age gap romance, happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews