Hi everyone! Today I’m reviewing two of my most anticipated book releases of 2023, one by a debut author and one by an already beloved author. And I’m happy to say that both of them were amazing reads!
The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
A woman discovers the father of the child she is nannying may be her biggest (Only)Fan in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson.
After losing her job and being on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans finds herself with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But there are no jobs to be found, and as for OnlyFans. . . . Well, there are reasons she can’t go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position seems the solution to all her problems. It’s almost too perfect—until she meets her would-be employer.
Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. She is shocked when he tells her she’s the most qualified applicant he’s met in weeks, practically begging her to take the job. With hands that make her hindbrain howl and eyes that scream sex, the idea of living under the same roof as Aiden feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.
Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all, but instead someone who is very familiar with her—or at least, her body. She finds herself at a loss for what to do, given that he doesn’t remember her. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility—losing the best chance at happiness she’s ever had.
This was such an amazing read and it’s only a debut! Makes my expectations for new work by Lana Ferguson even greater!
I sped through this fun and steamy rom-com about a woman who starts nannying for a single dad and his daughter, until she finds out her new boss was actually her biggest OnlyFans fan but he doesn’t recognize her. Here’s what I loved:
- The fun and unique premise – I loved that this was a fresh take on the ‘falling for your boss’ trope, as there was also the OnlyFans connection. I haven’t read anything like this before and I definitely thought it was a unique premise.
- The pen pal romance trope – Another fresh take of a beloved trope, as it’s not through letters but through an OnlyFans account, but still these two people fell in love with each other without knowing what the other person looked like and I am a sucker for that every single time. That’s why I also loved that we got some snippets of their conversations as A. and Cici through OnlyFans, as it really showed their connection grow through time.
- The single dad trope – Again, I’m a sucker for this trope every time and the bond between Aiden and his daughter Sophie was just too sweet, and Sophie was such a delightful kid. I also loved the bond that grew between her and Cassie.
- The chemistry – The chemistry between Aiden and Cassie is sizzling. Be warned and don’t let the cute cover fool you, this is a VERY steamy read. It was also very sex-positive, which I definitely appreciated.
Overall, this was such a fun read that I highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a quick, addictive and steamy rom-com. For me, the only reason it’s not a 5-star read, is that I personally wanted a bit more slow burn (which I know is slightly contradictory, since I was aware of the steaminess, but the heart wants what it wants 🙂 )
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.
Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week… in front of those who know you best?
A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.
Emily Henry can do no wrong. Every single book she writes has it all: a beautiful, swoony slow-burn romance, characters that feel real and above all, ALL THE EMOTIONS. And Happy Place was another hit in a list of hits.
Now, I still was a bit hesitant going in, because the second chance romance trope does not always work for me. And I did have some mixed feelings about the romance, mostly because there is A LOT of miscommunication. AKA, my least favorite trope of all time. It was clear from the start that Harriet and Wyn were still crazy about each other, but there was so much miscommunication that only served to make the pining last longer. While I do love me some good pining, I’m still not a fan of miscommunication, so that it was made it not a 5-star read for me. BUT other than that, this second chance romance worked really well for me. Maybe the best second chance romance I’ve read so far, so that’s saying something!
Anyway, here’s my quick rundown of everything I loved:
- The alternate timelines – The story was told in both the present (in which Harriet and Wyn are broken up for 6 months already and now have to pretend to still be together on their yearly friend trip) and the past (in which we see Harriet and Wyn meet, become friends and fall in love.) I really appreciated having both timelines, as it allowed me to really get to know both these characters so well.
- The personal development – In most Emily Henry books there is a whole lot of depth, and this was no different. Harriet and Wyn are both lovable, but deeply flawed people. Harriet is a people-pleaser to the core, never complaining, never arguing, always putting herself last. And Wyn is so very deeply insecure about himself. But the character development we see them go through throughout the book is amazing to behold.
- The friendships! This story was an ode to friendships and I loved every single minute of it, even the painful ones. This is a friend group that has become a found family to each other – each other’s happy place. They’ve been together since college and know each other through and through. But now life is taking them all in different directions and they are all handling it differently and it all comes to a head at this year’s trip. This was just such a relatable aspect that made me laugh and cry and swoon.
- The amazing banter – As with every Emily Henry story, the banter was on point!
Overall, I highly enjoyed this story and definitely recommend to anyone who loves second-chance romances, wonderful character development, amazing banter and above all, friendships for life.
Tell Me:
Have you read these books yet? What did you think about them?
I totall agree that this is the best secon chance romance!!
It really was!
I’m hoping to read The Nanny soon, so I’m glad to hear it was a great read for you!
It was, hope you’ll love The Nanny too!
I had similar thoughts about Happy Place. Loved it!
Yay, Happy Place was indeed so good!
I own Happy Place so I’ll have to read it at some point this summer. That sucks to hear it’s full of a lot of miscommunication because that can get old quick.
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I hope you’ll love Happy Place! I’m also not a fan of miscommunication, but I could look past it here because I loved the rest of it so much – hope you will too!