Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
A good book about two people afraid to risk their hearts after being hurt in the past. Tate is a well-known TV host, known for her stories from all over the world. On a break between shows, she is supposed to have lunch with her cousin turned adoptive sister, only to find that Kari sneaked out the back door when Tate came in the front, leaving her infant daughter behind. Suddenly Tate finds herself responsible for her niece, and she hasn't a clue what to do. The only message Kari left behind was for Tate to see Kari's ex-fiancé, Linc. Linc is not happy to have another Harper female turn up on his doorstep. Kari had deserted him shortly before their wedding, giving up all parental rights to their son Shaw. But he can't turn his back on little Ellie, so he agrees to help Tate for a while if she will fill in while he looks for a nanny.
I really liked Linc. Yes, he has the whole rich and handsome thing going on, but what got me was what a terrific father he is. He is loving, patient, and involved, and maybe a little overprotective. There are some really sweet scenes between him and Shaw. He also has great relationships with his mom and siblings, who are a terrific support system for him. The cupcake scene illustrates this. He's been hurt in the past, most deeply by Kari, who destroyed his trust in women and his belief that he'll find the old-fashioned kind of woman that he wants.
I liked Tate, too, but she also frustrated me. When Kari was a little girl, she and her mom moved in with Tate's family. Unfortunately, it put it strain on Tate's parents' marriage, and eventually, her dad left them. After that, it seemed that it was Kari's needs that took precedence in the family, especially after Kari's mother died. Kari was spoiled and selfish and manipulative, and Tate left home as soon as she could. For her own peace of mind, she spent as little time with them as possible. When Tate ends up with Ellie, she fully believes that she is not capable of caring for the little girl. Nor does she really want to. She's happy with her nomadic life and career where she doesn't have to get too close to anyone. But the more time she spends with the kids, the deeper the dig beneath her walls.
I liked the development of the relationship between Tate and Linc. They start out very adversarial. Linc makes no secret of his mistrust of Tate. He thinks she is just like Kari. Tate is angry at being measured by Kari's yardstick since she has worked hard to be nothing like her. Underneath it all is a simmering attraction. I enjoyed seeing Tate and Linc grow closer as their little group starts to feel like a family. Neither is very happy to realize that the attraction they've been indulging has turned to love, and each tries desperately to deny it. There are also obstacles to having that happy family. Tate doesn't know how she can be the mom she thinks Linc wants for Shaw and still have the career she loves, or if she's even capable of being a mother to the two children, thanks to her own family issues. Linc's trust issues are deep, and Tate being Kari's sister makes the trust even harder to come by.
An unexpected twist at the end creates a dilemma for Tate, one that sends her running after all. I ached for the pain she was in as she tried to make a decision. The conclusion was great, as a bit of much-needed communication helped create the best solution for all.
Family played a big part in the story. There were two types. The truly dysfunctional family that Tate had, that spent more time driving the members apart than bringing them together. It really hurt to see how badly Tate's needs were neglected while growing up. On the other side, Linc's family was loud, loving, and accepting. I loved the teasing that went on among them, especially as his siblings saw Linc falling for Tate. They were also there to support each other and could be called on at any time of day or night. I am looking forward to Sage's story, as I think there was a hint that it might be a doozy.
I really liked Linc. Yes, he has the whole rich and handsome thing going on, but what got me was what a terrific father he is. He is loving, patient, and involved, and maybe a little overprotective. There are some really sweet scenes between him and Shaw. He also has great relationships with his mom and siblings, who are a terrific support system for him. The cupcake scene illustrates this. He's been hurt in the past, most deeply by Kari, who destroyed his trust in women and his belief that he'll find the old-fashioned kind of woman that he wants.
I liked Tate, too, but she also frustrated me. When Kari was a little girl, she and her mom moved in with Tate's family. Unfortunately, it put it strain on Tate's parents' marriage, and eventually, her dad left them. After that, it seemed that it was Kari's needs that took precedence in the family, especially after Kari's mother died. Kari was spoiled and selfish and manipulative, and Tate left home as soon as she could. For her own peace of mind, she spent as little time with them as possible. When Tate ends up with Ellie, she fully believes that she is not capable of caring for the little girl. Nor does she really want to. She's happy with her nomadic life and career where she doesn't have to get too close to anyone. But the more time she spends with the kids, the deeper the dig beneath her walls.
I liked the development of the relationship between Tate and Linc. They start out very adversarial. Linc makes no secret of his mistrust of Tate. He thinks she is just like Kari. Tate is angry at being measured by Kari's yardstick since she has worked hard to be nothing like her. Underneath it all is a simmering attraction. I enjoyed seeing Tate and Linc grow closer as their little group starts to feel like a family. Neither is very happy to realize that the attraction they've been indulging has turned to love, and each tries desperately to deny it. There are also obstacles to having that happy family. Tate doesn't know how she can be the mom she thinks Linc wants for Shaw and still have the career she loves, or if she's even capable of being a mother to the two children, thanks to her own family issues. Linc's trust issues are deep, and Tate being Kari's sister makes the trust even harder to come by.
An unexpected twist at the end creates a dilemma for Tate, one that sends her running after all. I ached for the pain she was in as she tried to make a decision. The conclusion was great, as a bit of much-needed communication helped create the best solution for all.
Family played a big part in the story. There were two types. The truly dysfunctional family that Tate had, that spent more time driving the members apart than bringing them together. It really hurt to see how badly Tate's needs were neglected while growing up. On the other side, Linc's family was loud, loving, and accepting. I loved the teasing that went on among them, especially as his siblings saw Linc falling for Tate. They were also there to support each other and could be called on at any time of day or night. I am looking forward to Sage's story, as I think there was a hint that it might be a doozy.
La-Shauna F. (SHADY) reviewed The CEO's Nanny Affair (Billionaires and Babies) (Harlequin Desire, No 2533) on + 1266 more book reviews
What a sad ending for Kari! All through the book the reader thought she was irresponsible to just leave Ellie without an explanation, but she knew she was dying and I believe she knew that Tate and Linc would love Ellie; and that Linc would love Tate.
Tate and Linc had incredible chemistry together and they both loved Shaw and Ellie although Tate tried to second guess her heart.
Tate and Linc had incredible chemistry together and they both loved Shaw and Ellie although Tate tried to second guess her heart.
