For more than two years, Rose has been the nanny for James Harwood’s daughters. She adores the girls, but she tries to maintain a professional distance with James—no matter how attractive she finds him. However, when his engagement falls apart and he starts to look at her differently, Rose no longer sees him only as her boss.James isn’t the kind of man to fall for his nanny, so he doesn’t know … doesn’t know why he can’t stop thinking about her in very wrong ways. He’s determined to resist, to keep his life simple and to find an appropriate substitute for his wife who died.
But with a manipulative ex-fiancée, two precocious daughters, Rose’s interfering Southern grandmother, a short-lived fake engagement, and feelings that won’t be denied, nothing remains simple for long.
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I love the boss/employee trope. Make the heroine the nanny, and I’m gobbling it down. Exactly as I did this book.
I adored this couple! They were both pretty laid back and easy going. Although James had a lot more on his shoulders, once he recognized what he wanted he didn’t fight it. Through his thoughts, it’s obvious that what he feels for Rose is different, and better even, than what he felt for his wife. That’s always a deciding factor on how much I enjoy the deceased spouse story line.
Rosie was perfect in every way, while being very real. I loved the relationship she had with the girls. And oh my gosh! The girls totally stole the show. They were adorable and this author presented them realistically making them more so because of their childish behaviors.
When this story reaches its high point of conflict, I was a tad disappointed in the response from Rose, but the resulting action by James made it worth it. I love gestures that don’t quite work out the way they’re envisioned to go and with two adorable little girls, a nervous hero, and an interfering grandmother, this ending gesture was classic.
This is fast paced and can be read as a standalone within a short period of time.
Lily Cosgrove was begged by her cousin to please take her place at the altar. Betsy had been ruined by Tom Farrington and he had run to the Continent. His cousin offered for Betsy even though it was not his duty. Lord Gervase Revelston Dainard, Marquess of Westford, had never married and had vowed to never do so. But his cousin was his heir and he couldn’t allow him to ruin their name.
Lily was rarely given new clothes and she had to wear Betsy’s castoffs. There was no money for her Dowry, her mother died while she was an infant and her father died two years ago. Her Uncle only gave her the bare necessities. She did not mind, she had enough.
There were a few twists to this wonderful tale of literally Complete strangers marrying. The uncle and his wife were not terribly nice people and they felt imposed on by Lily. But they had her do stuff that a maid might do. Betsy gave her a few things so she had a nice dress to marry in and a really nice clip for her hair. Lily was fearful because she knew it was wrong. The marquess had quite a temper. It surprised me. I thought the characters were lovely. Sir Stephen was his best friend and a very nice man. He had lost his wife several years earlier. The novel was easy to read, kept your attention and was very entertaining.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
The Substitute Bride is part of a series that I think is good to read when looking for something that is fun, entertaining, comfortable and easy to read with just enough intrigue to peak your interest.
Excellent book!
Great read. Thanks.
Great romance
It was a nice story. The kids were cute. The ex was a bit over the top. The hero and heroine were a bit stiff.
Enjoyed the characters and the story. I think everyone needs a Grandmama like this.