The CEO's Nanny Affair has a classic theme, but I never expected some of the twists and turns that Ms. Wood through in. I very much enjoyed this book and loved all of the interactions with the kids and the Ballantyne family. What a fun crew to get to know.

MY RATING: 3.5/5 STARS

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The CEO'S Nanny Affair was something I wasn't expecting. Our single father, Linc Ballantyne has actually a lot of kids that he takes care magnificently. He's a family man all around and it was refreshing to read from a Harlequin Desire book. 

However, I'm quite picky with my harlequin novels. Some might say I'm old schooled and I prefer romances with characters that grow families together and have no children from past relationships. I know. I hear you booing. In real life, I'm much different. It doesn't matter to me but in books, I want things to be cookie cutter perfect. So, needless to say, this book was a little odd for me to adjust to since this book was basically cheaper by the dozen two. 

Moving forward, it was beautiful to watch Linc and Tate grow closer together. Through multiple failed attempts at hooking up, it was extra special to see when they finally did. They both seemed to want to keep their feelings light, not too complicated, which also led to a lot of misunderstandings about the state of their relationship. 

The ending was satisfying. Tate was a career woman who didn't want to give up her dreams of being a travel writer because she simply loved her work but she also loved Linc and the kids too. In the end, she had to make a decision of whether or not she could live suitcase to suitcase or settle down or even...a compromise. 

MY RECOMMENDATION

Read this one if you love big happy families.

The CEO's Nanny Affair is an example of what I find something fascinating about author Joss Wood. Her stories are contemplative and surprisingly wise works of art. It takes a complex person to drive a story that has twists that are hard to identify and still keep the story on track and readers interested. Ms. Wood makes that skill seem like a piece of cake. The dialogue flows smoothly, the characters come alive and the heart finds an emotional connection. Love, life and wisdom are the core Tate and Linc's journey to romance. It may be a heartbreaking journey but I deeply enjoyed the ride.

4 1/2 STARS!

Fiery attraction beats out common sense! He swore he'd never trust again ... and when it's another Harper woman in the picture, he ups the ante on that promise even more. She's different though ... her eyes show her feelings, her heart spreads kindness, she's unique. We're drawn to this couple and their story and can't stop being invested until we see them get that happiy ending they both so desperately deserve.

Tate Harper can't believe her irresponsible and flighty sister has done it again! She asked her to meet up with her and then ducked out, but left the present of a baby behind! She has to find her and there's only one man to turn to for help!

Linc Ballantyne wishes he could say he was surprised, but he has his own toddler that was left behind by his ex, so he's none too forgiving to the woman. They both find themselves in need of help ... Tate needs to track down her sister and make her take her baby back ... Linc needs a temporary nanny for his son. As they agree to help each other and settle into this temporary situation, sparks burn out of control ... can they truly walk away from each other?

My Thoughts:

I had a really hard time liking the characters in this book at the beginning. Linc, who is the ultimate single dad, is cold and doesn't seem to care at all that Tate is in trouble. Even though Ellie, Tate's niece, is his son's half-sister, Linc seems perfectly fine to let them go and wash his hands of them completely.

Tate is freaking out in every way. She never intended to be a mother or even to stay in the same place for more than a few months. Immediately after Ellie is left with her Tate sets about to find a way to get rid of her. Tate is determined to track down Ellie's mother or to find another suitable solution that doesn't include Tate retaining custody.

These characters were unlikable to me in the beginning of the book because they are deeply flawed and so well written. I came to care about what happened to Linc, Tate, and the children. It's always a sign of a good book (in my opinion) if the author can make me love the characters as much as the characters love each other. THE CEO'S NANNY AFFAIR did just that. By the end of the book, I had tears in my eyes and a satisfied smile on my face.

Rating:

the book girl gives THE CEO'S NANNY AFFAIR a 4/5

A fun short-ish read which will have you curious till the end. The novel lacked a little depth for me, but that was made up for by the interesting story line and dialogue.

Linc is a great character, he's alpha male, but loves children and understands the importance of family. However, his heart has been ripped out one too many times. Mainly by Tate's sister who he has a son with. Tate is the opposite, doesn't have family she is close to and tries to have as few ties as possible.

I'd definitely read more by this author. The attention to emotion is really well done.

Tate and Linc's romance started with hot chemistry and kept moving at that pace until the end. I finished this read in hours. I had a couple unanswered questions and there were dropped storylines that I think would have added depth but I enjoyed the happy-ever-after ending. I would read more from this author.