Hunter is a cosmetician and the owner of a famous cosmetics company. He is somehow involved with a woman and they have a lovely baby, Chase. Suddenly the mother is killed in a drunk driving incident, leaving Chase in Hunter’s hands.Caught flat footed he asks a friend for help covering day care and is recommended Terry a male baby-sitter. Though a little uncomfortable with a male baby-sitter, even though Hunter himself is a gay cosmetician, he agrees to let Terry stay.Chase falls in love and immediately becomes attached to the long, raven-haired man/boy he calls “mama”.In a strange few days Hunter decides to hire Terry as his live in nanny as well as his next “It” model for an up and coming advertising campaign, even though Terry dislikes make up and notoriety.The virginal Terry finds himself swept up with Hunter’s charm, captivated by Chase’s cuteness and swimming in money and job offers after completing his modeling job.It’s a HEA for this strange pair, now trio (if you count baby Chase) as the threat of a lawsuit from Chase’s maternal grandparents melts away.This is a strange, short book, full of odd phrasing and weird non-sequiturs. Even though this is a book from 2012, the nanny makes a “mix-tape” for the baby. I found that kind of odd.Some of the dialog used is a little odd too. After interviewing Terry for a baby-sitting job Hunter tells him “You sound like a very responsible young man and you have flawless skin.” Without any irony or embarrassment. Terry doesn’t act like it’s a weird statement either.The “mama” thing was a little disconcerting too, Hunter tells Terry he thinks the gender confusion was “kind of cute” and it persists every time Terry let’s his hair down, even though it clearly bothers Terry.I know we can find all kinds examples of insta-love in books and this story line can work depending on how its spun, but in this book, before the two even kiss, or even acknowledge they are attracted to one another, or even establish they are both gay, Terry’s roommate, Joel, asks Terry “Do you love him?” and Terry says “I don’t know what I feel.” Then Terry proceeds to tell Joel that he thinks Hunter feels the same way about him. Huh? Where was I when this happened?Terry next debates with Joel whether or not Hunter is even gay. “Has he gotten an erection in your presence?” asks Joel. “Getting an erection still does not mean anything.” Terry responds. Uh… what? You love him and thinks he loves you but you aren’t sure if he’s gay?I was just a bit confused by all this. The pacing was off and just didn’t make sense sometimes. The relationship between Hunter and Terry had weird vibes too. When Hunter is “seducing” Terry for the first time, he asks him if he wants to watch a movie then sets him in front of a porn and Terry’s response is “Oh, my word,” and covering his eyes. It felt a little creepy to me.It was just an odd, jolting, strange courtship that happened over the course of about a week and never felt authentic or connected. I really don’t mind things moving quickly, but acknowledging the speed helps to normalize it for the reader. This just felt weird.I had enjoyed the last Shawn Bailey book I reviewed, so I was disappointed by the strange, juvenile feel to this book. Nanny Dearest was written earlier than the other book I read, so perhaps this book is just much less polished than her later work.I can’t really recommend it unfortunately and I give it a 2 of 5 hearts. I love this authors writing style, her books are sexy, sweet, loving and did I say sexy? Loved this book, loved Chase of course ...so freakin cute. Hunter is sexy as hell, a great father and totally smitten with Terry. Terry I loved his quietness, a little shy, totally sexy and a great Mama..lol..loved these two characters together, they fit perfectly, very sweet and sexy together. Loved the secondary characters as well. Joel and uncle Adam are great additions to this story. I enjoyed Conquering Kameron by this author and this one was even better, a little short but very well balanced and a great read. Would love to read more by this author. 4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
What do You think about Nanny Dearest (2014)?
2.5*Could have been much better, but was simply too short. CliffsNotes comes to mind:)
—tony
The mama part got old and annoying after awhile.
—TopazBookworm
Cute story but alas a little short. But cute!
—Pbbunny
