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Xander
My whole life, I've been good at taking care of people. Friends, siblings, the babies my neighbors spit out. I'm a caregiver. It feels good to know I'm having a positive influence on someone. So naturally, I became a nanny.
But accepting a job with Xander Marino changed everything. His adorable baby girl Sofia became everything to me virtually overnight, and Xander himself? Hard-working, dedicated, and so sexy it's hard to look at him? It took a minute for me to admit that maybe he was becoming everything to me, too.
And if he has his way, I might just learn what it means to be the one taken care of for the first time in my life.
This isn't dangerous at all.
But accepting a job with Xander Marino changed everything. His adorable baby girl Sofia became everything to me virtually overnight, and Xander himself? Hard-working, dedicated, and so sexy it's hard to look at him? It took a minute for me to admit that maybe he was becoming everything to me, too.
And if he has his way, I might just learn what it means to be the one taken care of for the first time in my life.
This isn't dangerous at all.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2024
10 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Jensen
37 books383 followersOctavia Jensen is a coffee addict, a tale-spinner and a hopeless romantic, usually in that order. She spends her free time chasing adrenaline rushes or writing steamy, romance novels, and sometimes, those feel like the same thing.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 24, 2023
Another short, spicy & absolute knock out by the queeeen.
I am shockingly obsessed with Octavia’s books, and how she manages to give you just enough so you’re connected to the characters but also short enough that I can read it in one sitting and get my quick spice fix.
BIG SLAY
I am shockingly obsessed with Octavia’s books, and how she manages to give you just enough so you’re connected to the characters but also short enough that I can read it in one sitting and get my quick spice fix.
BIG SLAY
October 16, 2024
3⭐️
3🌶
Xander is a new father. When his ex abandoned him and their new daughter, he turned to his family for help, but with his sister's due date around the corner, the need for a nanny becomes apparent.
He's not supposed to fall for the nanny. He's not supposed to stalk her dates. He's not supposed to do a lot of things.....
My Thoughts
Short sweet and to the point.
Leland is the perfect sweet heart. She swoops in to help with an effervescence that is contagious. He personality lights up the pages as she navigates the little family she finds herself nannying for. She is kind, thoughtful, helpful, and full of naughty thoughts about her new boss.
Xander is the gentleman personified. He desperately wants to show her how valued she is and how much he appreciates all her efforts towards his daughter. The problem is that he also wants her to want him. He stalks her in the sweetest ways. Protection and possession collide in the cutest ways.
The SPICE! There isn't much of it. Only the last 10 or so pages. But what there is.........steamy!
I wish this had been longer. I don't feel like I got enough of the characters to really get to know them. I guess I have to settle for this glimpse into romance.
3🌶
Xander is a new father. When his ex abandoned him and their new daughter, he turned to his family for help, but with his sister's due date around the corner, the need for a nanny becomes apparent.
He's not supposed to fall for the nanny. He's not supposed to stalk her dates. He's not supposed to do a lot of things.....
My Thoughts
Short sweet and to the point.
Leland is the perfect sweet heart. She swoops in to help with an effervescence that is contagious. He personality lights up the pages as she navigates the little family she finds herself nannying for. She is kind, thoughtful, helpful, and full of naughty thoughts about her new boss.
Xander is the gentleman personified. He desperately wants to show her how valued she is and how much he appreciates all her efforts towards his daughter. The problem is that he also wants her to want him. He stalks her in the sweetest ways. Protection and possession collide in the cutest ways.
The SPICE! There isn't much of it. Only the last 10 or so pages. But what there is.........steamy!
I wish this had been longer. I don't feel like I got enough of the characters to really get to know them. I guess I have to settle for this glimpse into romance.
December 7, 2023
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - parental / partner abandonment, lying about being on birth control (sc), cheating (MMCs ex, past mentioned), light stalking (affectionately)
CW - light breeding
Tropes - novella, single dad, age gap (22F 28M), nanny, possessive
Xander (MMC) and Leland (FMC) were so cute I could die
Lee swoops in and saves the day when Xander is looking for a new nanny for his 4 month old, Sofia - the absolute cutest.
I notice 2 things 5% into this book
1) Xander has BDE in waves without even trying
2) I'm going to love the epilogue of this book
Both of these things ending up being true 😉
I loved the cameos from Xander's family in this book and I can't wait for Octavia to write more about them. Adrian (Break Me Twice - defo recommend) absolutely sent me this book and proved that the possessiveness is clearly genetic
Xander and Lee both tried to keep it professional and have some hiccups trying to figure one another out but it was so worth it in the end 👅
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - parental / partner abandonment, lying about being on birth control (sc), cheating (MMCs ex, past mentioned), light stalking (affectionately)
CW - light breeding
Tropes - novella, single dad, age gap (22F 28M), nanny, possessive
Xander (MMC) and Leland (FMC) were so cute I could die
Lee swoops in and saves the day when Xander is looking for a new nanny for his 4 month old, Sofia - the absolute cutest.
I notice 2 things 5% into this book
1) Xander has BDE in waves without even trying
2) I'm going to love the epilogue of this book
Both of these things ending up being true 😉
I loved the cameos from Xander's family in this book and I can't wait for Octavia to write more about them. Adrian (Break Me Twice - defo recommend) absolutely sent me this book and proved that the possessiveness is clearly genetic
Xander and Lee both tried to keep it professional and have some hiccups trying to figure one another out but it was so worth it in the end 👅
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List
January 15, 2024
This was cute and a super easy read. I loved the novella length because it held my interest and I flew through it.
Xander is a new father, and he’s completely devoted to his baby daughter. However, since his daughter’s mother has left them and he’s a working man with no childcare, he needs some help around the house. He hires Leland to help, who’s had a lot of experience and is desperately needing a job. She’s broken up with her boyfriend, and her roomie is in a new relationship. Leland’s ready for a change.
Both Xander and Leland are attracted to each other, though the boss/nanny roles prevent them from doing anything. However, the more they spend time together and fall into a routine of a real family, the lines blur. I liked both characters: they’re easy and sweet and you just really wanted them to get together to be the family they needed.
Xander is a new father, and he’s completely devoted to his baby daughter. However, since his daughter’s mother has left them and he’s a working man with no childcare, he needs some help around the house. He hires Leland to help, who’s had a lot of experience and is desperately needing a job. She’s broken up with her boyfriend, and her roomie is in a new relationship. Leland’s ready for a change.
Both Xander and Leland are attracted to each other, though the boss/nanny roles prevent them from doing anything. However, the more they spend time together and fall into a routine of a real family, the lines blur. I liked both characters: they’re easy and sweet and you just really wanted them to get together to be the family they needed.
May 11, 2024
5/5 ⭐
2/5 🌶️
Gahhhh that was so cute and hot and all the things. It was a much slower burn than I expected, but the tension in the beginning and Leland's little voyuer moment still kept things spicy from the start.
I love single parent romances, especially when they end up seducing the nanny. Babies make things so adorable and sweet and swoon worthy. I adored Xander, he was so perfect with Sofia and I loved Leland with her too.
I started this series/world with getting to Jagger's story in mind as a friend rec'd it. He didn't exactly make the greatest first impression, but I'm still so excited to get this fudge boi's story. I loveeee a good reformed play boy romance.
2/5 🌶️
Gahhhh that was so cute and hot and all the things. It was a much slower burn than I expected, but the tension in the beginning and Leland's little voyuer moment still kept things spicy from the start.
I love single parent romances, especially when they end up seducing the nanny. Babies make things so adorable and sweet and swoon worthy. I adored Xander, he was so perfect with Sofia and I loved Leland with her too.
I started this series/world with getting to Jagger's story in mind as a friend rec'd it. He didn't exactly make the greatest first impression, but I'm still so excited to get this fudge boi's story. I loveeee a good reformed play boy romance.
December 23, 2023
This is a sweet novella with some of my favourite tropes- nanny, boss/employee and age gap.
I enjoyed the build up and the slow burn between Xander and Leland. I love the revisit of previous characters, especially Adrian and Raegan.
I enjoyed the dual POV and the thought process of the characters. I wanted more of the epilogue.
I received an advanced copy of this book and the review is mine and voluntary.
I enjoyed the build up and the slow burn between Xander and Leland. I love the revisit of previous characters, especially Adrian and Raegan.
I enjoyed the dual POV and the thought process of the characters. I wanted more of the epilogue.
I received an advanced copy of this book and the review is mine and voluntary.
December 15, 2023
This book was so cute! I was lucky enough to be an arc reader and I loved it! Xander and Leland were amazing and then being so domestic was amazing! It was a slow burn but it was worth it!!! Highly recommend if you need a single dad and nanny romance! Also baby Sophia was so freaking adorable and completely stole the show!
January 8, 2024
I love a single dad/nanny trope and Octavia did an excellent job with this! Leland and Xander were giving me all the feels and the tension between them was everything. Although this was more of a slower burn than other books by Octavia, she definitely doesn’t disappoint with that buildup 😮💨 and when they finally give in it’s *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽.
February 8, 2024
Love a nanny romance
Watching Xander and Leland fight their instant attraction had me begging for the moment I knew was coming. The love they both had for his daughter made the match even more perfect. Seeing the rest of his family that I already know and love was the icing on the cake. Another perfect story from Octavia Jensen.
Watching Xander and Leland fight their instant attraction had me begging for the moment I knew was coming. The love they both had for his daughter made the match even more perfect. Seeing the rest of his family that I already know and love was the icing on the cake. Another perfect story from Octavia Jensen.
December 25, 2023
Heat level: 3/5. If you are looking for a book with a nanny/single dad Romance, definitely try this one out! Praise, dirty talk, and some breeding kink in this slow burn. TWs: wife cheated on MMC & abandoned him and their baby daughter.
September 19, 2024
Good Read
Its something about xander ☺️ he was a dominant man and when it came down to business he definitely delivered as a father and man. Now Lee she just loved Sofia so much that it warms my heart. I'm definitely going to be reading more from this author because now I'm sold.
Its something about xander ☺️ he was a dominant man and when it came down to business he definitely delivered as a father and man. Now Lee she just loved Sofia so much that it warms my heart. I'm definitely going to be reading more from this author because now I'm sold.
October 18, 2024
Very short romance. Wasn't so bad. Its obviously quick but it doesn't feel too short.
Not much to review as its short I can't expect perfection and this isn't. His friend characters were awful and he almost comes across as a bro jock type but he's nicer than that..
Not much to review as its short I can't expect perfection and this isn't. His friend characters were awful and he almost comes across as a bro jock type but he's nicer than that..
October 30, 2024
Leland as a girls name is so stupid, I literally could not get past it because I kept imagining an old bald farmer wearing overalls with a piece of hay in his teeth. Give fmcs normal names I will die on this hill!!! Ugh
February 1, 2025
🌶🌶🌶
I enjoyed this novella very much. It was sweet, cute, flirty, and funny. I'm normally not a fan of single parent trope, but this was very fun to read. I loved baby sofia. I really enjoy this authors writing.
I enjoyed this novella very much. It was sweet, cute, flirty, and funny. I'm normally not a fan of single parent trope, but this was very fun to read. I loved baby sofia. I really enjoy this authors writing.
November 26, 2023
This was an adorable little single dad/nanny romance. Too cute for words. All the pining and adorable will they, won’t they. Such a sweet and spicy read. Highly recommend.
March 20, 2024
Great short story
I’ve always enjoyed the stories this author writes and no different is this one. Good writing, it flows really nicely and very nice characters
I’ve always enjoyed the stories this author writes and no different is this one. Good writing, it flows really nicely and very nice characters
May 9, 2024
2.5/5
May 20, 2024
This is giving trad-wife/pro-patriarchy
May 30, 2025
Too many grammar error for a book with 109 pages it didn't flow with me. I had to reread dialogue over and over which made me cringe. I loved the dynamic of Xander and Leland... but it's the grammar that made me rate the book a 3
January 8, 2024
4.5/5 stars
I really loved this sweet and spicy novella! I read this entire novella in one sitting and could not stop swooning!
Xander hires Leland as a nanny for his baby daughter, Sophia. He is instantly attracted to Leland, but can’t help himself from hiring her. He really tries to set some professional boundaries, but their attraction is too strong.
I loved these two characters so much! Xander is incredibly mature for his age and is only focused on work and being a good dad. He becomes pretty obsessed with Leland and even engages in some light stalking. Leland is always so focused on taking care of other people, so it was so swoony to see how Xander also looked out for her. For a novella, it was a bit of a slow burn, but this author always brings the spice!
In this novella, we meet a character named Jagger. I’m really looking forward to the novella that the author writes about him.
I really loved this sweet and spicy novella! I read this entire novella in one sitting and could not stop swooning!
Xander hires Leland as a nanny for his baby daughter, Sophia. He is instantly attracted to Leland, but can’t help himself from hiring her. He really tries to set some professional boundaries, but their attraction is too strong.
I loved these two characters so much! Xander is incredibly mature for his age and is only focused on work and being a good dad. He becomes pretty obsessed with Leland and even engages in some light stalking. Leland is always so focused on taking care of other people, so it was so swoony to see how Xander also looked out for her. For a novella, it was a bit of a slow burn, but this author always brings the spice!
In this novella, we meet a character named Jagger. I’m really looking forward to the novella that the author writes about him.
January 17, 2024
Xander is a literal DADDY.
This was a slower burn for Octavia but being under 200 pages means you don't have to wait long. And the tension? So good. This was the single father romance I didn't know I needed in my life. I love Octavia's writing with my entire heart & soul...a character in the book may even be a fan of the same football team as I am *eyeballs Octavia*
I devoured this book. I even reread the book right before release because it was just THAT good. Xander is the brother of two characters from previous Octavia books so seeing those characters in his book was so much fun. Xander was a simp for my girl Leland. I loved seeing the relationship not only grow between Leland and Xander, but between Leland and Sofia as well. It was so stinkin' cute. And that epilogue....yes pls.
Read this if you like:
- single dad x nanny
- forced proximity
- sweet & SPICY
- a bit of a breeding kink
- juicy tension
This was a slower burn for Octavia but being under 200 pages means you don't have to wait long. And the tension? So good. This was the single father romance I didn't know I needed in my life. I love Octavia's writing with my entire heart & soul...a character in the book may even be a fan of the same football team as I am *eyeballs Octavia*
I devoured this book. I even reread the book right before release because it was just THAT good. Xander is the brother of two characters from previous Octavia books so seeing those characters in his book was so much fun. Xander was a simp for my girl Leland. I loved seeing the relationship not only grow between Leland and Xander, but between Leland and Sofia as well. It was so stinkin' cute. And that epilogue....yes pls.
Read this if you like:
- single dad x nanny
- forced proximity
- sweet & SPICY
- a bit of a breeding kink
- juicy tension
August 14, 2025
| Xander | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By @authoroctaviajensen
By now I know I’m going to love Octavia’s books. It’s so hard to rate a novella, but I LOVED Xander. It was sooo good. Single dad x nanny oof yes. Theres something so sexy about a hardworking man who takes being a good dad very seriously.
Single dad Xander is looking for a nanny for his precious baby girl. Leland is perfect for the job. Experience taking care of kids, caring, kind, cooks, cleans, fun to talk to, attractive… wait…. Uhh oh. Leland loves kids and loves to nanny. Her new gig is perfect! Adorable baby girl, kind dad, hard working, nice hands, single…
Leland and Xander thought they had the perfect set up for baby Sofia, but is there more to it?
By @authoroctaviajensen
By now I know I’m going to love Octavia’s books. It’s so hard to rate a novella, but I LOVED Xander. It was sooo good. Single dad x nanny oof yes. Theres something so sexy about a hardworking man who takes being a good dad very seriously.
Single dad Xander is looking for a nanny for his precious baby girl. Leland is perfect for the job. Experience taking care of kids, caring, kind, cooks, cleans, fun to talk to, attractive… wait…. Uhh oh. Leland loves kids and loves to nanny. Her new gig is perfect! Adorable baby girl, kind dad, hard working, nice hands, single…
Leland and Xander thought they had the perfect set up for baby Sofia, but is there more to it?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews