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Finding Family
When you find your family, you’ll do anything to keep it.
When Charles Macquarrie inherits a fortune and an international clothing company, he also inherits three young cousins he desperately needs help raising. By a stroke of luck, he discovers and hires Jonathan Lamb, who spent his life in a children’s home due to chronic illness, to be his nanny.
If Jon thought a budding romance with his wealthy boss complicated his life, he has no idea of the hardships awaiting him when he’s charged with embezzlement and kidnapping. But even when threatened by accounting discrepancies and mob connections, Jon and Charles won’t let go of the family they’ve built together without a fight.
When Charles Macquarrie inherits a fortune and an international clothing company, he also inherits three young cousins he desperately needs help raising. By a stroke of luck, he discovers and hires Jonathan Lamb, who spent his life in a children’s home due to chronic illness, to be his nanny.
If Jon thought a budding romance with his wealthy boss complicated his life, he has no idea of the hardships awaiting him when he’s charged with embezzlement and kidnapping. But even when threatened by accounting discrepancies and mob connections, Jon and Charles won’t let go of the family they’ve built together without a fight.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Connie Bailey
51 books38 followersConnie Bailey is a Luddite who can’t live without her computer. She’s an acrophobic who loves to fly, a fault-finding pessimist who, nonetheless, is always surprised when something bad happens, and an antisocialite who loves her friends like family. She’s held a number of jobs in many disparate arenas to put food on the table, but writing is the occupation that feeds her soul.
Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.
Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 23, 2024
3 Stars
Finding Family is part romance, part family drama, with a dash of mystery and suspense thrown in for good measure. It also embraces the classic millionaire-falls-for-the-nanny trope, but with an M/M spin.
After a life sheltered away living and then working at an orphanage, Jon’s whole world shifts when he moves to the big city to begin caring for three wealthy children who have also lost their parents and are now living with their busy and detached older cousin, Charles.
Jon gets on fabulously with the kids and they adore him in return, but his connection with Cousin Charles is a little more complex. They share an attraction, but their roles as employer and employee make things a tad more complicated. Jon keeps at a distance as best he can, focusing all his attentions on the well-being of the children, but when a financial crisis leads to Charles abruptly whisking Jon and the kids away to a secluded cabin the woods, dynamics swiftly begin to shift and true romantic feelings begin to grow.
The suspenseful elements of the story were a bit farfetched and too predictable, but it definitely added some excitement and drama to the plot and allowed some of the characters to come out of their shells a bit.
Unfortunately, it was the romance between Jon and Charles that left me feeling the most indifferent. I liked Jon well enough, even if he was perhaps a bit too sweet and perfect for my liking, but Charles never managed to win me over - if anything, I grew to dislike the guy at an increased rate as the story went along. He came across as unappealingly conceited and selfish and even callous towards the children, and I simply didn’t understand what Jon saw in Charles that would make him fall in love so easily. As far as I’m concerned, they didn’t share any remarkable connection on page either, so by the time they were confessing their love (and getting it on OFF PAGE) I was pretty much over it and ready to move on.
What I did really enjoy was the relationship Jon seamlessly formed with the children, all of whom provided good humour and thoughtfulness to the story that I much appreciated. It’s rare I warm to children in my romance reads, but these kids were probably the highlight for me here and I believe they added something special to the story at large.
This was fairly standard fare where the Dreamspun Desires stories are concerned. The story provided nice and easy reading, but was perhaps a little too sweet and simple for my personal tastes, with characters that were kind and caring but not all that memorable when all was said and done.
Finding Family is part romance, part family drama, with a dash of mystery and suspense thrown in for good measure. It also embraces the classic millionaire-falls-for-the-nanny trope, but with an M/M spin.
After a life sheltered away living and then working at an orphanage, Jon’s whole world shifts when he moves to the big city to begin caring for three wealthy children who have also lost their parents and are now living with their busy and detached older cousin, Charles.
Jon gets on fabulously with the kids and they adore him in return, but his connection with Cousin Charles is a little more complex. They share an attraction, but their roles as employer and employee make things a tad more complicated. Jon keeps at a distance as best he can, focusing all his attentions on the well-being of the children, but when a financial crisis leads to Charles abruptly whisking Jon and the kids away to a secluded cabin the woods, dynamics swiftly begin to shift and true romantic feelings begin to grow.
The suspenseful elements of the story were a bit farfetched and too predictable, but it definitely added some excitement and drama to the plot and allowed some of the characters to come out of their shells a bit.
Unfortunately, it was the romance between Jon and Charles that left me feeling the most indifferent. I liked Jon well enough, even if he was perhaps a bit too sweet and perfect for my liking, but Charles never managed to win me over - if anything, I grew to dislike the guy at an increased rate as the story went along. He came across as unappealingly conceited and selfish and even callous towards the children, and I simply didn’t understand what Jon saw in Charles that would make him fall in love so easily. As far as I’m concerned, they didn’t share any remarkable connection on page either, so by the time they were confessing their love (and getting it on OFF PAGE) I was pretty much over it and ready to move on.
What I did really enjoy was the relationship Jon seamlessly formed with the children, all of whom provided good humour and thoughtfulness to the story that I much appreciated. It’s rare I warm to children in my romance reads, but these kids were probably the highlight for me here and I believe they added something special to the story at large.
This was fairly standard fare where the Dreamspun Desires stories are concerned. The story provided nice and easy reading, but was perhaps a little too sweet and simple for my personal tastes, with characters that were kind and caring but not all that memorable when all was said and done.
June 5, 2016
Well, this isn't the most ridiculous romance I've ever read, but it's in my top three. It sounds cute, but it just doesn't work.
June 3, 2016
While this surely reads as a grand romance/suspense/thriller/family story, I had a bunch of niggles with this.
I'll start with those:
- Jonathan, the manny/virgin/orphan, who was just too perfect. Sweet, kind, loving, great with the kids, loyal, smart - there wasn't a single flaw to him, and while that may have worked for me in my younger years, it no longer does. While I surely liked him, his perfection was almost a turn-off.
- Charles, the millionaire/uncle/employer, who hires Jonathan to look after his nieces and nephew, three young kids he 'inherited' along with his clothing empire. Charles is a bit too busy running his business and dallying with his boyfriend, and also doesn't understand children, so he foists them off to the manny. I disliked him so hard initially that he had a hard time gaining my approval later in the book.
It was sticky sweet romance mixed with well done action and suspense, and while I had my niggles, it worked for the most part. I enjoyed reading about Jonathan's time with the kids, and I enjoyed watching him and Charles fall in love. A bit fast on Charles' part, perhaps, but whatever, that was expected. This is Dreamspun Desires, after all, and ooey-gooey HEA is mandatory.
The mystery/suspense/what's happening was much better done, IMHO, and I had the wrong suspect for most of the book. I was actually surprised that the person whom I suspected wasn't the one who'd 'done it', and that was well done, indeed, by this author.
So the action and suspense parts of this story worked better overall, at least for me, than the romance, and the various side notes with Jonathan's basket-weaving hobby, and Charles' somewhat snobby and slightly creepy PA, and the kids being kids, for the most part, were contributing most of the charm to this book. Nice title, too, because in the end, it's all about finding (and making) your own family.
So, I liked it. I enjoyed it. And my niggles are mine, so don't let that deter you from giving this book a try.
Overall, I wouldn't call this book not worth your effort - I enjoyed reading it, and it had some funny, giggly moments.
** I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
I'll start with those:
- Jonathan, the manny/virgin/orphan, who was just too perfect. Sweet, kind, loving, great with the kids, loyal, smart - there wasn't a single flaw to him, and while that may have worked for me in my younger years, it no longer does. While I surely liked him, his perfection was almost a turn-off.
- Charles, the millionaire/uncle/employer, who hires Jonathan to look after his nieces and nephew, three young kids he 'inherited' along with his clothing empire. Charles is a bit too busy running his business and dallying with his boyfriend, and also doesn't understand children, so he foists them off to the manny. I disliked him so hard initially that he had a hard time gaining my approval later in the book.
It was sticky sweet romance mixed with well done action and suspense, and while I had my niggles, it worked for the most part. I enjoyed reading about Jonathan's time with the kids, and I enjoyed watching him and Charles fall in love. A bit fast on Charles' part, perhaps, but whatever, that was expected. This is Dreamspun Desires, after all, and ooey-gooey HEA is mandatory.
The mystery/suspense/what's happening was much better done, IMHO, and I had the wrong suspect for most of the book. I was actually surprised that the person whom I suspected wasn't the one who'd 'done it', and that was well done, indeed, by this author.
So the action and suspense parts of this story worked better overall, at least for me, than the romance, and the various side notes with Jonathan's basket-weaving hobby, and Charles' somewhat snobby and slightly creepy PA, and the kids being kids, for the most part, were contributing most of the charm to this book. Nice title, too, because in the end, it's all about finding (and making) your own family.
So, I liked it. I enjoyed it. And my niggles are mine, so don't let that deter you from giving this book a try.
Overall, I wouldn't call this book not worth your effort - I enjoyed reading it, and it had some funny, giggly moments.
** I received a free copy from the publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
June 1, 2016
What an absolutely delightful story! It has everything I wish for every time I read a ‘Dreamspun Desires’ title. There’s a great cast of characters from Jon, the manny, and Charles, the billionaire businessman, to some very precocious kids, and from loyal friends to slimy, ruthless enemies. There is also lots of humor that caused small smiles and big out-loud laughs and everything in-between as I was reading. And not to forget, there is an intriguing plot around big business, embezzlement, and even kidnapping. It certainly kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I wanted to find out who was behind the nefarious plan to destroy Charles and was willing to take Jon right along with him.
Jon is almost too good to be true. He’s an orphan who was raised by nuns, and he is no stranger to dealing with children. He is patient, clever, has a sense of humor, and is extremely professional. That is why he gets hired by Charles, and everyone quickly discovers exactly how wonderful Jon is. His respect for the children and how he involves them in everyday decisions convinces them he is much better than the twelve nannies they’ve had to endure in the last five years since their parents died. Jon’s quiet insistence on Charles getting to know his wards better takes a little longer to help Charles see the light, but Charles eventually gets there. And when everything falls apart, Jon is the one who holds them all together. His humble, unassuming way even continues when he is thrown into jail.
Charles may be the rich owner of a clothing empire, and he does take good care of his employees, but he has some personal walls around himself that aren’t easy to get through. Not that I can blame him – he has lost his parents and his uncle within a short period and is now “saddled” (his words not mine) with three young children. It takes losing a large part of his fortune, doubting his steadfast friend and lawyer, Albert, and fleeing to a cabin out in the woods for him to come to his senses, not just about his priorities in life in general, but about Jon in particular.
While Jon and Charles are definitely the primary focus of this story, they are very ably supported by the people in their lives. Jon’s quotes of what Sister Grace would do in any given situation range from hilarious to extremely useful. Charles’s best friend, Bunny, is a man he has known since preschool and the kind of friend worth his weight in gold. Then there is Albert, whose duties range from those of a lawyer to those of a butler and personal assistant. And not to forget three of the most adorable kids I have ever met – Madeleine who is twelve going on twenty, Holland, who is a genius with a fixation on bugs, and Juliane, who is too cute to be true.
If you like romances that sweep you off your feet, if two men dealing with themselves as well as young children sound like fun, and if you’re looking for a read that is funny, heartwarming, and very, very amusing, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. This one goes straight into my reread folder!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jon is almost too good to be true. He’s an orphan who was raised by nuns, and he is no stranger to dealing with children. He is patient, clever, has a sense of humor, and is extremely professional. That is why he gets hired by Charles, and everyone quickly discovers exactly how wonderful Jon is. His respect for the children and how he involves them in everyday decisions convinces them he is much better than the twelve nannies they’ve had to endure in the last five years since their parents died. Jon’s quiet insistence on Charles getting to know his wards better takes a little longer to help Charles see the light, but Charles eventually gets there. And when everything falls apart, Jon is the one who holds them all together. His humble, unassuming way even continues when he is thrown into jail.
Charles may be the rich owner of a clothing empire, and he does take good care of his employees, but he has some personal walls around himself that aren’t easy to get through. Not that I can blame him – he has lost his parents and his uncle within a short period and is now “saddled” (his words not mine) with three young children. It takes losing a large part of his fortune, doubting his steadfast friend and lawyer, Albert, and fleeing to a cabin out in the woods for him to come to his senses, not just about his priorities in life in general, but about Jon in particular.
While Jon and Charles are definitely the primary focus of this story, they are very ably supported by the people in their lives. Jon’s quotes of what Sister Grace would do in any given situation range from hilarious to extremely useful. Charles’s best friend, Bunny, is a man he has known since preschool and the kind of friend worth his weight in gold. Then there is Albert, whose duties range from those of a lawyer to those of a butler and personal assistant. And not to forget three of the most adorable kids I have ever met – Madeleine who is twelve going on twenty, Holland, who is a genius with a fixation on bugs, and Juliane, who is too cute to be true.
If you like romances that sweep you off your feet, if two men dealing with themselves as well as young children sound like fun, and if you’re looking for a read that is funny, heartwarming, and very, very amusing, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. This one goes straight into my reread folder!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 9, 2016
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Those who follow my reviews know I love, love, love the Dreamspun Desires stories, primarily because they remind me of my teen years, curled up on my sofa with a decadent (at the time) romance novel. Unfortunately, this one did not have the same feel or the same quality of others I’ve enjoyed.
The story itself is mostly unbelievable and here’s partly why: A twenty-something, good-looking man, orphaned at birth, remains at the orphanage/shelter to “help out” with chores. Later in the story he reveals that he took childcare courses, however, that was not evident at the time he was hired by a pretentious, and totally obnoxious, attorney cum PA for the wealthy and clueless Charles Macquarrie, who needs a “manny” for his neice and two nephews, for whom he now has custody. Oh, and by the way, this gorgeous guy is a virgin.
I’m not even going into details about the totally ridiculous setup that occurred and Charles’s complete willingness to “go on the lamb” with the manny, Jon, and the kids. On a fun side note, I knew they were in Pike County in PA the moment the author mentioned crossing the border into a new state, and especially when “Dingman’s” was mentioned. Unfortunately, most of the departments and job titles in this story are way too metro for that rural county, so I had to suspend belief there.
And what bugged me most was Charles and his boozing. There was rarely a scene throughout 90% of the book that didn’t feature Charles either drinking or drunk, and there were a few mentions of his father’s and his uncle’s alcoholism. I was happy to hear the author allude to a “predisposition” to the disease, but I was immediately irritated by the preposterous idea that “will power” was involved. Even more so later in the story, when Charles admits his drinking is out of control, and then Jon tells him he can have wine with dinner because Jon knows Charles has enough will power to be able to stop. Honestly? If that were the case, there would be no need for 12-step programs and treatment centers. I won’t rant about this here but the info in this story is wrong, very wrong, and obviously a hot button for me.
Moving to a positive note, John Solo has greatly improved as a narrator since I first heard him. I really enjoyed his many vocalizations in this one—from the snide, snarky voice of Albert, the attorney/PA; to the snobby, snearing voice of Cretienne, the ex-boyfriend; to the voices of both girls. But I absolutely loved the voice of Holland, the smart, funny, outrageous young boy, the most. It fit his character perfectly and often caused out-loud chuckles, something embarrassing when you’re in the presence of others who don’t know you have your audiobook earplugs in. :D
Because of Mr. Solo’s narration, I’d move this up from 2 hearts to 2.5. This is not a story I would recommend, however, if you are picking up as many of these Dreamspun shorts as I am, choose the audiobook for this one and you won’t be disappointed that you did.
Those who follow my reviews know I love, love, love the Dreamspun Desires stories, primarily because they remind me of my teen years, curled up on my sofa with a decadent (at the time) romance novel. Unfortunately, this one did not have the same feel or the same quality of others I’ve enjoyed.
The story itself is mostly unbelievable and here’s partly why: A twenty-something, good-looking man, orphaned at birth, remains at the orphanage/shelter to “help out” with chores. Later in the story he reveals that he took childcare courses, however, that was not evident at the time he was hired by a pretentious, and totally obnoxious, attorney cum PA for the wealthy and clueless Charles Macquarrie, who needs a “manny” for his neice and two nephews, for whom he now has custody. Oh, and by the way, this gorgeous guy is a virgin.
I’m not even going into details about the totally ridiculous setup that occurred and Charles’s complete willingness to “go on the lamb” with the manny, Jon, and the kids. On a fun side note, I knew they were in Pike County in PA the moment the author mentioned crossing the border into a new state, and especially when “Dingman’s” was mentioned. Unfortunately, most of the departments and job titles in this story are way too metro for that rural county, so I had to suspend belief there.
And what bugged me most was Charles and his boozing. There was rarely a scene throughout 90% of the book that didn’t feature Charles either drinking or drunk, and there were a few mentions of his father’s and his uncle’s alcoholism. I was happy to hear the author allude to a “predisposition” to the disease, but I was immediately irritated by the preposterous idea that “will power” was involved. Even more so later in the story, when Charles admits his drinking is out of control, and then Jon tells him he can have wine with dinner because Jon knows Charles has enough will power to be able to stop. Honestly? If that were the case, there would be no need for 12-step programs and treatment centers. I won’t rant about this here but the info in this story is wrong, very wrong, and obviously a hot button for me.
Moving to a positive note, John Solo has greatly improved as a narrator since I first heard him. I really enjoyed his many vocalizations in this one—from the snide, snarky voice of Albert, the attorney/PA; to the snobby, snearing voice of Cretienne, the ex-boyfriend; to the voices of both girls. But I absolutely loved the voice of Holland, the smart, funny, outrageous young boy, the most. It fit his character perfectly and often caused out-loud chuckles, something embarrassing when you’re in the presence of others who don’t know you have your audiobook earplugs in. :D
Because of Mr. Solo’s narration, I’d move this up from 2 hearts to 2.5. This is not a story I would recommend, however, if you are picking up as many of these Dreamspun shorts as I am, choose the audiobook for this one and you won’t be disappointed that you did.
June 6, 2016
This was not good, and I am seriously considering cancelling my subscription. There was no chemistry between the characters, you did not get see their relationship develop and there was no sex scenes, so you did not get to see any intimacy between the mcs either. This book was boring, with an unbelievable plot, that jumped from one silly twist to another. Very disappointing.
May 27, 2016
Charles Macquarrie is a wealthy clothier that not only inherited his families business but his three young cousins. He has been through 12 nannies in less than 5 years and not sure what to do. His assistant Albert has hired a new one, this time, a young man from a Catholic orphanage.
Jon is quite content with his life but his Sisters think it's time for him to venture out, and this job seems to be a perfect opportunity for him, and it sounds the three young children need him. Jon is attracted to the wealthy businessman before they meet but knows he is a playboy and straight from all the pictures he sees.
Charles can't believe how well the kids take to Jon and how well they act. He soon finds himself attracted to the enigma that is Jon but can a playboy change and actually have a family?
Ok. This one is hard for me tor rate, so I went with my heart. There is a touch of mystery here as to the embezzlement and kidnapping charges. There's quite a few gaps, and I was left with several questions a to how this person pulled this off. I can't explain without spoilers. If I was rating on that I would give it a 3.
Now having said that...Jon, and the kids are absolutely charming. Charles is dashing and though a playboy he too has a good heart and was put in this position at a ver young age. The romance is sweet and clean and heartwrenching at times. I picked up the story in the afternoon and stayed up till the wee hours reading it. And that's why I have to rate this a 4.
If you are looking for a captivating sweet romance with a touch of mystery, and like stories where the kids have a good part I recommend this.
I received a free copy for an honest opinion
Jon is quite content with his life but his Sisters think it's time for him to venture out, and this job seems to be a perfect opportunity for him, and it sounds the three young children need him. Jon is attracted to the wealthy businessman before they meet but knows he is a playboy and straight from all the pictures he sees.
Charles can't believe how well the kids take to Jon and how well they act. He soon finds himself attracted to the enigma that is Jon but can a playboy change and actually have a family?
Ok. This one is hard for me tor rate, so I went with my heart. There is a touch of mystery here as to the embezzlement and kidnapping charges. There's quite a few gaps, and I was left with several questions a to how this person pulled this off. I can't explain without spoilers. If I was rating on that I would give it a 3.
Now having said that...Jon, and the kids are absolutely charming. Charles is dashing and though a playboy he too has a good heart and was put in this position at a ver young age. The romance is sweet and clean and heartwrenching at times. I picked up the story in the afternoon and stayed up till the wee hours reading it. And that's why I have to rate this a 4.
If you are looking for a captivating sweet romance with a touch of mystery, and like stories where the kids have a good part I recommend this.
I received a free copy for an honest opinion
October 19, 2016
up to half I liked it a lot then the story took a turn that I did not like at all. what a shame!
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June 2, 2016Another fun book in the series. I know I keep saying that but it’s true.
I sometimes do this thing where I don’t read the entire blurb for books. It’s weird, I acknowledge that but it’s what I do and with this I am happy I did and I’ll explain why a bit later.
Jonathan Lamb, talk about a fitting name, is a lovely young man who grew up in a children’s home and raised by nuns. When Job comes of age, he takes on a job at the home instead of leaving as it’s the one place he feels he belongs. When a job offer arrives to be a nanny to three young charges of a wealthy man, Jon interviews, gets the job and the move to the Big Apple happens.
Charles, I sincerely liked. From the beginning you feel for him as he runs the family company and tries to honor his late father’s memory. You feel for him as he skirts around the details of his sexuality with his personal assistant and attempts to keep a foot in the closet. The moment when Charles realizes that he, Jon and the kids are all orphans tugged at my hopeless romantic heart strings and while it was predictable at times, his path to Jon was a joy to watch. Even Charles’ drunk moments were insightful though one time I wish Jon would have tossed something at him…for reasons.
I loved Jon and need to channel his abilities with kids when I am dealing with my own. I loved that this story was a bit different with Charles being the cousin to the kids and not the lonely widower. It leant a new twist on his need for Jon and his true detachment from the kids. But of course, you don’t bring someone like Jon – caring, adorable, trustworthy, and able, a culinary artist in the kitchen – and not have your life changed.
The kids were well written. Holland was a forward and bright young man who I am so glad never fought against Jon being there. Madeline has a strong head on her shoulders yet was still the young girl whose life would end at missing a party and then there is Juliana who I just want to cuddle the heck out of and kiss her cheeks. The kids were all an essential part of the story and never took from Jon and Charles’ relationship, but added more because as the title says, this is a story about finding family.
Now back to me not reading blurbs, I am so glad I didn’t because when Charles whisks Jon and the kids out of town to a remote cabin and police show up at the door with accusations of kidnapping I was gasping under the covers trying not to wake my husband. I went back and read the blurb and sure enough it’s there but it was such a surprise for me and I love that.
The story had moments that were predictable and some that weren’t which made this a fun read. A few niggles with the head hopping, though it could have been my review copy, the lack of a real romance and not exactly feeling the chemistry between the two men and not really getting into Jon’s birthmark and why the blurb mentions it makes it a chronic illness but other than those small things, this was another fun read from the Dreamspun Desire series.
I sometimes do this thing where I don’t read the entire blurb for books. It’s weird, I acknowledge that but it’s what I do and with this I am happy I did and I’ll explain why a bit later.
Jonathan Lamb, talk about a fitting name, is a lovely young man who grew up in a children’s home and raised by nuns. When Job comes of age, he takes on a job at the home instead of leaving as it’s the one place he feels he belongs. When a job offer arrives to be a nanny to three young charges of a wealthy man, Jon interviews, gets the job and the move to the Big Apple happens.
Charles, I sincerely liked. From the beginning you feel for him as he runs the family company and tries to honor his late father’s memory. You feel for him as he skirts around the details of his sexuality with his personal assistant and attempts to keep a foot in the closet. The moment when Charles realizes that he, Jon and the kids are all orphans tugged at my hopeless romantic heart strings and while it was predictable at times, his path to Jon was a joy to watch. Even Charles’ drunk moments were insightful though one time I wish Jon would have tossed something at him…for reasons.
I loved Jon and need to channel his abilities with kids when I am dealing with my own. I loved that this story was a bit different with Charles being the cousin to the kids and not the lonely widower. It leant a new twist on his need for Jon and his true detachment from the kids. But of course, you don’t bring someone like Jon – caring, adorable, trustworthy, and able, a culinary artist in the kitchen – and not have your life changed.
The kids were well written. Holland was a forward and bright young man who I am so glad never fought against Jon being there. Madeline has a strong head on her shoulders yet was still the young girl whose life would end at missing a party and then there is Juliana who I just want to cuddle the heck out of and kiss her cheeks. The kids were all an essential part of the story and never took from Jon and Charles’ relationship, but added more because as the title says, this is a story about finding family.
Now back to me not reading blurbs, I am so glad I didn’t because when Charles whisks Jon and the kids out of town to a remote cabin and police show up at the door with accusations of kidnapping I was gasping under the covers trying not to wake my husband. I went back and read the blurb and sure enough it’s there but it was such a surprise for me and I love that.
The story had moments that were predictable and some that weren’t which made this a fun read. A few niggles with the head hopping, though it could have been my review copy, the lack of a real romance and not exactly feeling the chemistry between the two men and not really getting into Jon’s birthmark and why the blurb mentions it makes it a chronic illness but other than those small things, this was another fun read from the Dreamspun Desire series.
June 7, 2016
When Charles Macquarrie finds that his bachelor life is changed forever when he inherits a fortune, an international clothing company and his three cousins, he finds life as he knows it changed forever. He needs help in raising his cousins so he seeks out a nanny and finds Jonathan Lamb, a man who spent years in a children’s home due to a chronic illness and seems perfect for the job. Jon loves helping the kids and finding his way in a world filled with money, power and a boss who stirs things in him. But before he can even entertain those clandestine thoughts about Charles, he is on the run with his boss and charges, accused of embezzlement and kidnapping. Now it’s up to Jon and Charles to figure out how to keep their little family together and vanquish the bad guys before its too late.
I fell in love with Jon and Charles after the first chapter. The author does an amazing job capturing the hidden vulnerabilities of each character and letting them come out within the story. The cast of characters is highly enjoyable, well written and kept me entertained for the entire length of time I was reading FINDING FAMILY. With the right amount of angst, romance, suspense and action, the readers are treated to a story that steals your heart when you least expect it to. The story flows smoothly and quickly, leading the reader into one wonderful scene after another. I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know if Charles, Jon and the kids would be okay.
Meet Charles and Jon. Two of the unlikeliest of people to fall for one another but I got to admit the sparks flew when these two meet for the first time and continue even as mobsters and being on the run become their new normal. I love how the author keeps Charles and Jon real in a sense that even though they didn’t fall into bed with one another right off the bat, the author does a great job in keeping that romance on simmers while at the same time building up those sparks rather well. The secondary characters kept the story light-hearted and made me laugh at times in pure enjoyment. The characters are spectacular and fairly brim with life.
FINDING FAMILY is a sweet romance that will surely melt your heart. I can’t wait to see what this author follows up next for their readers in the future. If you are looking for a sweet romance that will make you melt, then try FINDING FAMILY and settle in to get your heart stolen by some amazing characters and a story that just sucks you in until the very last page is read.
I fell in love with Jon and Charles after the first chapter. The author does an amazing job capturing the hidden vulnerabilities of each character and letting them come out within the story. The cast of characters is highly enjoyable, well written and kept me entertained for the entire length of time I was reading FINDING FAMILY. With the right amount of angst, romance, suspense and action, the readers are treated to a story that steals your heart when you least expect it to. The story flows smoothly and quickly, leading the reader into one wonderful scene after another. I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know if Charles, Jon and the kids would be okay.
Meet Charles and Jon. Two of the unlikeliest of people to fall for one another but I got to admit the sparks flew when these two meet for the first time and continue even as mobsters and being on the run become their new normal. I love how the author keeps Charles and Jon real in a sense that even though they didn’t fall into bed with one another right off the bat, the author does a great job in keeping that romance on simmers while at the same time building up those sparks rather well. The secondary characters kept the story light-hearted and made me laugh at times in pure enjoyment. The characters are spectacular and fairly brim with life.
FINDING FAMILY is a sweet romance that will surely melt your heart. I can’t wait to see what this author follows up next for their readers in the future. If you are looking for a sweet romance that will make you melt, then try FINDING FAMILY and settle in to get your heart stolen by some amazing characters and a story that just sucks you in until the very last page is read.
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October 1, 2018DNF 45% No rating
I can't do this. Is too INSTA , and too cliche for me!!!
I can't do this. Is too INSTA , and too cliche for me!!!
July 1, 2016
Jon is living in the orphanage he grew up in, though he’s now 20 years old, and it’s time for him to move on. The sisters have found him a job as a nanny to a rich businessman whose cousins are now in his care.
Jon is the picture perfect nanny. The kids love him. The adults think he’s magnificent and the uncle can’t stop thinking about him.
In time the rich uncle, Charles, decides that it’s time to settle down, appreciate the life he’s been given and be more of a family man. Jon is happy to make that happen.
**
This is a non-sex scene story – so be aware – this is a truly old fashioned look at love and family. There’s a bit of a mystery and the kids are pretty funny.
I’d recommend this book to people who love a lot of children in their story, who love the slow burn and witty banter and for people who always wondered what would happen if the sound of music was done featuring two men. ;)
I thought it was a light, easy read, though I did miss the sex and was a bit frustrated that it took til 80% for our MCs to get together.
3.5 of 5 stars
Jon is the picture perfect nanny. The kids love him. The adults think he’s magnificent and the uncle can’t stop thinking about him.
In time the rich uncle, Charles, decides that it’s time to settle down, appreciate the life he’s been given and be more of a family man. Jon is happy to make that happen.
**
This is a non-sex scene story – so be aware – this is a truly old fashioned look at love and family. There’s a bit of a mystery and the kids are pretty funny.
I’d recommend this book to people who love a lot of children in their story, who love the slow burn and witty banter and for people who always wondered what would happen if the sound of music was done featuring two men. ;)
I thought it was a light, easy read, though I did miss the sex and was a bit frustrated that it took til 80% for our MCs to get together.
3.5 of 5 stars
August 2, 2016
This one didn't work for me. I don't get how they got together? Charles was an insensitive a** in the beginning and what got this to 3 stars was the kids and Jon. I felt no connection between Charles and Jon . I felt the love between Jon and the kids but that was it. There were some great scenes but not enough to rate it higher for me.
did-not-finish
December 27, 2016terrible writing and lots of head hopping
March 3, 2018
The writing was terrible, the plot impropable, zero chemistry between the MC's, weird dialogue... There was nothing I liked about the book, and i was relieved when I was finished with it :-(
dnf
April 7, 2018DNF at 18%. The writing was just awful.
August 11, 2016
After reading the blurb for Finding Family, I have to admit I was really excited to get my hands on this book. It looked great and that it had quite an interesting plot. I am also a huge Connie Bailey fan, since reading Until It’s Time to Go. Sadly, I was very disappointed.
Jon grew up in and now works for a children’s home, but the sisters who run the establishment wish for him to live his life outside of the little cocoon he has made for himself. So, he finds himself a job as a nanny for Charles Macquarrie, billionaire owner of an international clothing company. Since Jon has a natural gift with children, he immediately charms his three gifted charges, Madeline, Holland, and Julianna much to Charles’ relief. As it turns out, Jon is the children’s thirteenth nanny since their parents died in a plane crash.
Okay, so things are going great and Jon and the kids have gotten into a comfortable routine. Until things go very, very wrong. Charles is told that he and his family are in imminent danger and must leave town as fast. So, they head to a remote cabin located several states away from their posh New York home.
The children must navigate living life with much less creature comforts, and be, well… children. Jon tries to get Charles to be more active in his young cousin’s lives and see how very special they really are. And Charles needs to figure out what in the world happened, then try to salvage the pieces of a company that seems to be slipping right thru his very fingers, all while trying to come to terms with his growing attraction and affection to Jon.
Connie Bailey did an excellent job developing the children in this book. Their personalities are wonderful and I can see them in real life exactly as she describes them. Of course the two oldest, Madeline and Holland, would be a bit skeptical of Jon at first, and Juliana being only 5 is still guileless and absolutely adorable. Each one of the children has a separate and unique personality that the author captures quite well.
As for the rest of the characters and story, sadly they were ridiculously predictable and boring for the most part. We have seen all these characters before, many times and across all genres. Nanny falls in love with rich employer? Done a gazillion times over since Jane Eyre was published in 1847. Children go thru copious amounts of nannies? Okay, anyone else think Mary Poppins and Nanny McPhee? And, the list goes on. My guess is that the only fresh spin on a much overused storyline is that this time it is centered on a gay couple.
Am I disappointed with this book? Yes, very. Will I read another Connie Bailey book? Absolutely, yes. She is a great and talented author. Would I recommend this book to anyone? Probably not. Tho, my opinion is my own and you may have a very different one after reading Finding Family.
Originally posted at: http://lovebytesreviews.com
Jon grew up in and now works for a children’s home, but the sisters who run the establishment wish for him to live his life outside of the little cocoon he has made for himself. So, he finds himself a job as a nanny for Charles Macquarrie, billionaire owner of an international clothing company. Since Jon has a natural gift with children, he immediately charms his three gifted charges, Madeline, Holland, and Julianna much to Charles’ relief. As it turns out, Jon is the children’s thirteenth nanny since their parents died in a plane crash.
Okay, so things are going great and Jon and the kids have gotten into a comfortable routine. Until things go very, very wrong. Charles is told that he and his family are in imminent danger and must leave town as fast. So, they head to a remote cabin located several states away from their posh New York home.
The children must navigate living life with much less creature comforts, and be, well… children. Jon tries to get Charles to be more active in his young cousin’s lives and see how very special they really are. And Charles needs to figure out what in the world happened, then try to salvage the pieces of a company that seems to be slipping right thru his very fingers, all while trying to come to terms with his growing attraction and affection to Jon.
Connie Bailey did an excellent job developing the children in this book. Their personalities are wonderful and I can see them in real life exactly as she describes them. Of course the two oldest, Madeline and Holland, would be a bit skeptical of Jon at first, and Juliana being only 5 is still guileless and absolutely adorable. Each one of the children has a separate and unique personality that the author captures quite well.
As for the rest of the characters and story, sadly they were ridiculously predictable and boring for the most part. We have seen all these characters before, many times and across all genres. Nanny falls in love with rich employer? Done a gazillion times over since Jane Eyre was published in 1847. Children go thru copious amounts of nannies? Okay, anyone else think Mary Poppins and Nanny McPhee? And, the list goes on. My guess is that the only fresh spin on a much overused storyline is that this time it is centered on a gay couple.
Am I disappointed with this book? Yes, very. Will I read another Connie Bailey book? Absolutely, yes. She is a great and talented author. Would I recommend this book to anyone? Probably not. Tho, my opinion is my own and you may have a very different one after reading Finding Family.
Originally posted at: http://lovebytesreviews.com
June 14, 2016
By Connie Bailey (MM/Romance)
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
***3 STARS***
So, in Finding Family, we have orphan Jonathon Lamb, who is accepted to be the nanny for rich businessman Charles Macquarrie's 3 young cousins. Jonathon was like super nanny, the kids loved him and he could do no wrong. Somehow though, it was hard to connect with him. I liked when he showed quirks like talking to himself, but other than that, I didn't really get sense of his true self.
Charles was...Charles. I didn't connect with him either. The romance between them was sort of...not there. I felt no chemistry even if it was told to us that they were falling for each other. They didn't even really get together until passed the 75% mark on me ereader. It just dragged. The kids were kids. Nothing really special there.
I thought Charles was really dumb for taking somebody's word that his business was ruined before checking it for himself. DUMB. Instead he packed up the nanny and 3 kids he wanted nothing to do with and took of. That did not endear me to him and I was already struggling to finish the story.
Ah, I'll give it 3 stars anyway cause the author tried. I just wasn't into it. The story had potential though.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
***3 STARS***
So, in Finding Family, we have orphan Jonathon Lamb, who is accepted to be the nanny for rich businessman Charles Macquarrie's 3 young cousins. Jonathon was like super nanny, the kids loved him and he could do no wrong. Somehow though, it was hard to connect with him. I liked when he showed quirks like talking to himself, but other than that, I didn't really get sense of his true self.
Charles was...Charles. I didn't connect with him either. The romance between them was sort of...not there. I felt no chemistry even if it was told to us that they were falling for each other. They didn't even really get together until passed the 75% mark on me ereader. It just dragged. The kids were kids. Nothing really special there.
I thought Charles was really dumb for taking somebody's word that his business was ruined before checking it for himself. DUMB. Instead he packed up the nanny and 3 kids he wanted nothing to do with and took of. That did not endear me to him and I was already struggling to finish the story.
Ah, I'll give it 3 stars anyway cause the author tried. I just wasn't into it. The story had potential though.
June 21, 2016
Finding Family is part of the Dreamspun Desires collection and it was an adorably sweet, men with children plotline that I enjoyed. Everything was practically perfect in every way, but it wasn’t annoyingly so.
The writing was simple and easy to follow and the MCs are likable. Charles had a few issues that were easily handled, but Jon—just like the Gary Poppins nickname he’s given in the story—is practically perfect.
The kids, to me, felt a bit older/wiser than their ages, and while it is mentioned by the author in the story, I like it that it was addressed. Children in romance stories are either brats of the first order or a plot device that are barely mentioned. Mads, Holland and Jule are almost perfect pod children to go with the perfect manny. The rest of the cast of characters are interesting, but I think Bunny, Charles’ best friend, is my favorite.
If you are looking for a low-angst, super sweet read, then this book is for you.
Reviewed by Angel for The Novel Approach Reviews
The writing was simple and easy to follow and the MCs are likable. Charles had a few issues that were easily handled, but Jon—just like the Gary Poppins nickname he’s given in the story—is practically perfect.
The kids, to me, felt a bit older/wiser than their ages, and while it is mentioned by the author in the story, I like it that it was addressed. Children in romance stories are either brats of the first order or a plot device that are barely mentioned. Mads, Holland and Jule are almost perfect pod children to go with the perfect manny. The rest of the cast of characters are interesting, but I think Bunny, Charles’ best friend, is my favorite.
If you are looking for a low-angst, super sweet read, then this book is for you.
Reviewed by Angel for The Novel Approach Reviews
April 9, 2018
This did really fulfil the Dreamspun Desires brief of the ‘traditional Mills&Boon style romance’.
We had a nanny that made Mary Poppins look mediocre, blinkered father figure, evil friends, good friends, great friends, precocious kids, miracle working manny. And plot twists at every page turn - riches to rags, taming the kids, arrests, kidnaps, arrogant criminals, homophobic cops, sassy judges - too many to mention.
I did win this in a bundle and whilst I do enjoy a nanny falls for boss story I probably would have passed on this one. However, whilst it all worked out far too perfectly from the get go it was quite engaging and certainly had me reading way later than was healthy! The writing itself was clean and pacy.
So in terms of a rating - the writing itself probably a 4, the story for all its clichéd predictability probably a 3, so 3.5*.
We had a nanny that made Mary Poppins look mediocre, blinkered father figure, evil friends, good friends, great friends, precocious kids, miracle working manny. And plot twists at every page turn - riches to rags, taming the kids, arrests, kidnaps, arrogant criminals, homophobic cops, sassy judges - too many to mention.
I did win this in a bundle and whilst I do enjoy a nanny falls for boss story I probably would have passed on this one. However, whilst it all worked out far too perfectly from the get go it was quite engaging and certainly had me reading way later than was healthy! The writing itself was clean and pacy.
So in terms of a rating - the writing itself probably a 4, the story for all its clichéd predictability probably a 3, so 3.5*.
September 28, 2016
2.5 stars
December 28, 2016
In a word: Maybe read the thing. Overall I just couldn’t make myself like this one. I know the Dreamspun Desires series is supposed to be, like, gay Harlequin romance and that I’m not supposed to take anything about it too seriously, but this one was a bit much. Not in that the happenings were unbelievable, just in the way that everything happened too neatly and conveniently for my tastes. Though, having said that, I wouldn’t have had such an issue with that if the writing were good, but I have problems with the writing as well. The point of view switches constantly and without warning (it’s third person, but still), the dialogue just grates for the most part, there is a lot of ‘tell, no show’ and summarizing, and the chemistry between the two romantic leads isn’t really there (to me, anyway). Charles and Jon are both, in turns, charming and aggravating; the kids are decent, but a bit too well-behaved; and the side characters were mostly hit and miss. The situations the characters find themselves in were a bit over the top, but I was expecting that, the way things played out bothered me, though. Also, the real ‘exciting’ parts of the plot happen about halfway through the book, but up until then it’s boring day-to-day stuff in a land of rich people with two men, who we’re supposed to believe find each other irresistible, with no real chemistry. Or interactions. When the plot actually picks up it’s actually pretty entertaining, and it’s a quick read. If you enjoy soap opera type shenanigans you’ll most likely enjoy this. I can’t speak for the romance part there, I didn’t find there was much to it.
[read the full review at In A Word]
[read the full review at In A Word]
October 11, 2016
Title: Finding Family
Author: Connie Bailey
Series: Dreamspun Desires, Book 11 Audible
Narrator: John Solo
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: Audible.com Release Date: August 4, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Pages: 234 pages
Audio Length: 6 hours and 5 minutes
Heat Level: # 2 flames out of 5
Story Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
Another fun, light, sweet read from the Dreamspun Desires series. Whenever I read a book that I don’t love, I know that all I have to do is grab a Dreamspun Desires book to put me back in my book happy place. This story did not fail me. I got to listen to this story during a long car ride with my son and husband. Yes I totally ignored them and smiled and laughed during the entire trip. The plot of this story has Jonathan Lamb taking a job as a “manny” to wealthy business owner Charles Macquarrie. Charles has inherited his family’s international clothing company and three young cousins after the untimely deaths of his parents and his uncle and his wife. Jon grew up in a orphanage where he stayed on to help the nuns after he came of age. Things change when he is offered the position of caregiver of three young children who have gone through 12 nannies so far. Things are going along great until Charles world starts to crumble around him, and Jon is arrested and charged with embezzlement and kidnapping the very children that he has come to love. There is some strong chemistry between Charles and Jon even though they fight it, they are still attracted to one another. This book has fast pacing with a heartwarming story line. The Dreamspun Desires series are known for their amazing HEA and the character development is what makes this book worth reading. On a side note, I am reviewing the Audio version of this book and Narrator, John Solo did a fabulous job with the acting of this story. He even made the children’s voices seem real
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Finding Family provided by the Dreamspinner Press LLC. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Connie Bailey
Series: Dreamspun Desires, Book 11 Audible
Narrator: John Solo
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: Audible.com Release Date: August 4, 2016
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance
Pages: 234 pages
Audio Length: 6 hours and 5 minutes
Heat Level: # 2 flames out of 5
Story Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
When you find your family, you'll do anything to keep it.
When Charles Macquarrie inherits a fortune and an international clothing company, he also inherits three young cousins he desperately needs help raising. By a stroke of luck, he discovers and hires Jonathan Lamb, who spent his life in a children's home due to chronic illness, to be his nanny.
If Jon thought a budding romance with his wealthy boss complicated his life, he has no idea of the hardships awaiting him when he's charged with embezzlement and kidnapping. But even when threatened by accounting discrepancies and mob connections, Jon and Charles won't let go of the family they've built together without a fight.
Review:
Another fun, light, sweet read from the Dreamspun Desires series. Whenever I read a book that I don’t love, I know that all I have to do is grab a Dreamspun Desires book to put me back in my book happy place. This story did not fail me. I got to listen to this story during a long car ride with my son and husband. Yes I totally ignored them and smiled and laughed during the entire trip. The plot of this story has Jonathan Lamb taking a job as a “manny” to wealthy business owner Charles Macquarrie. Charles has inherited his family’s international clothing company and three young cousins after the untimely deaths of his parents and his uncle and his wife. Jon grew up in a orphanage where he stayed on to help the nuns after he came of age. Things change when he is offered the position of caregiver of three young children who have gone through 12 nannies so far. Things are going along great until Charles world starts to crumble around him, and Jon is arrested and charged with embezzlement and kidnapping the very children that he has come to love. There is some strong chemistry between Charles and Jon even though they fight it, they are still attracted to one another. This book has fast pacing with a heartwarming story line. The Dreamspun Desires series are known for their amazing HEA and the character development is what makes this book worth reading. On a side note, I am reviewing the Audio version of this book and Narrator, John Solo did a fabulous job with the acting of this story. He even made the children’s voices seem real
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Finding Family provided by the Dreamspinner Press LLC. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
October 2, 2016
FR- Alors alors.. alors voilà quoi! C'est toujours pareil! Quoi que je fasse, quel que soit le tome que je lise, j'adore cette collection. C'est mon petit bonheur à moi. Ma petite bulle de bonheur. Mon petit rayon de soleil. Mon petit coin de paradis avec des arcs en ciel et des licornes et des bisounours. Oui, tout ça!
Et celui là ne fait pas exception à la règle. Je l'ai trouvé vraiment tout mignon et comme souvent je suis vite rentrée dans l'histoire. La romance est vraiment toute mignonne et vraiment en second plan.
Ce livre fait plus la part belle à l'intrigue et à la relation entre Charles ou Jon et les enfants. La romance entre Jon et Charles est vraiment toute mignonne même si j'ai vraiment senti dans ce tome là le coté "Harlequin" de la romance. Ils tombent amoureux sans s'être embrassé, on a aucune scene de sexe (alors que j'étais bien curieuse de lire tout ça vu le passif des deux loulous) et bien sur la super happy end trop choupinou.
Comme souvent, quand je chronique un roman de la collection Dreamspun Desires je n'ai pas grand chose à vous dire. Premièrement parce que ce sont des romans courts. Deuxiemement parce que je n'aime pas raconter l'histoire dans mes chroniques et que forcément, ça limite!
Bref, tout ça pour dire que j'ai beaucoup aimé le style de l'auteur même si c'était un poil trop "harlequin" pour moi. Je me suis laissée prendre dans cette romance toute douce qui m'aura, comme les autres tomes de cette collection, fait passer un très agréable moment.
ENG- So well well well... well . It's always the same! Whatever I do, whatever volume I read, I love this collection. This is my little bubble of happiness. My little sunshine. My little corner of paradise with rainbows and unicorns and Care Bears. Yes, all that!
And this one is no exception to the rule. I really found it cute and as often the story starts rapidly.Romance is all really cute and really in the background.
This book is more about the plot and the relationship between Charles or Jon and the children. The romance between Charles and Jon is really quite cute even if I really felt in this volume the side "Harlequin"side of the romance. They fall in love without even kiss, ther was no sex scene (while I was curious to read all that saw two guys' liabilities) and of course the super happy ending soooooooooooooo cute.
As often when I review a novel from the Dreamspun Desires series, I have not much to say. Firstly because they are short novels. Secondly because I do not like to tell the story in my reviews and inevitably, it limits the length of it!
In short, all that to say that I loved the style of the author even though it was a bit too "harlequin" to me. I let myself get into this whole sweet romance that makes me, like the other volumes in this series, passed a very pleasant time.
Et celui là ne fait pas exception à la règle. Je l'ai trouvé vraiment tout mignon et comme souvent je suis vite rentrée dans l'histoire. La romance est vraiment toute mignonne et vraiment en second plan.
Ce livre fait plus la part belle à l'intrigue et à la relation entre Charles ou Jon et les enfants. La romance entre Jon et Charles est vraiment toute mignonne même si j'ai vraiment senti dans ce tome là le coté "Harlequin" de la romance. Ils tombent amoureux sans s'être embrassé, on a aucune scene de sexe (alors que j'étais bien curieuse de lire tout ça vu le passif des deux loulous) et bien sur la super happy end trop choupinou.
Comme souvent, quand je chronique un roman de la collection Dreamspun Desires je n'ai pas grand chose à vous dire. Premièrement parce que ce sont des romans courts. Deuxiemement parce que je n'aime pas raconter l'histoire dans mes chroniques et que forcément, ça limite!
Bref, tout ça pour dire que j'ai beaucoup aimé le style de l'auteur même si c'était un poil trop "harlequin" pour moi. Je me suis laissée prendre dans cette romance toute douce qui m'aura, comme les autres tomes de cette collection, fait passer un très agréable moment.
ENG- So well well well... well . It's always the same! Whatever I do, whatever volume I read, I love this collection. This is my little bubble of happiness. My little sunshine. My little corner of paradise with rainbows and unicorns and Care Bears. Yes, all that!
And this one is no exception to the rule. I really found it cute and as often the story starts rapidly.Romance is all really cute and really in the background.
This book is more about the plot and the relationship between Charles or Jon and the children. The romance between Charles and Jon is really quite cute even if I really felt in this volume the side "Harlequin"side of the romance. They fall in love without even kiss, ther was no sex scene (while I was curious to read all that saw two guys' liabilities) and of course the super happy ending soooooooooooooo cute.
As often when I review a novel from the Dreamspun Desires series, I have not much to say. Firstly because they are short novels. Secondly because I do not like to tell the story in my reviews and inevitably, it limits the length of it!
In short, all that to say that I loved the style of the author even though it was a bit too "harlequin" to me. I let myself get into this whole sweet romance that makes me, like the other volumes in this series, passed a very pleasant time.
Read
June 15, 2016A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I think Finding Family was a great story. I enjoyed reading it. It had a little bit of everything. Romance, certainly, but there was financial intrigue, a bit of a mystery, some humor, sex, and the slow road to family happiness. I adored Jonathan. He’s a sweet, helpful young man who turned what others would consider a sad and lonely life into a positive thing. He loves the nuns and other children at the orphanage. He stays busy and has become quite the handyman. I got the impression he was gentle and loving, and the outside world needed him to be in it. I wasn’t too sure about Charles at first. He was gruff and because he knew nothing about children, he seemed almost uncaring. You know who he sort of reminded me of? Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music. The children looked good and had discipline, but he didn’t know how to actually love them. I should have known better because, well, Captain Von Trapp (or Christopher Plummer) was my first love. I was six, he sang Eidelweiss, and I was a goner. Watching Charles slowly become a loving father figure to those children warmed my heart.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I think Finding Family was a great story. I enjoyed reading it. It had a little bit of everything. Romance, certainly, but there was financial intrigue, a bit of a mystery, some humor, sex, and the slow road to family happiness. I adored Jonathan. He’s a sweet, helpful young man who turned what others would consider a sad and lonely life into a positive thing. He loves the nuns and other children at the orphanage. He stays busy and has become quite the handyman. I got the impression he was gentle and loving, and the outside world needed him to be in it. I wasn’t too sure about Charles at first. He was gruff and because he knew nothing about children, he seemed almost uncaring. You know who he sort of reminded me of? Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music. The children looked good and had discipline, but he didn’t know how to actually love them. I should have known better because, well, Captain Von Trapp (or Christopher Plummer) was my first love. I was six, he sang Eidelweiss, and I was a goner. Watching Charles slowly become a loving father figure to those children warmed my heart.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
June 6, 2016
This story has so many interesting twists and turns. Besides the twotwo main characters there are many extras in this story and each of them add their own personalities to the story. Jonathan is a genuine good person without being sugar sweet. While he didn't have a traditional family life he still feels like he's had family is a well-adjusted young man. Charles seems to have more than he needs and seems to be a solid business man but has trouble coping with his personal challanges. But even in business he seems to let others manage things and while he asserts his ideas he ends up in trouble.
When everything starts to fall apart it is Jon who provides the stability this family needs. He comes up with ways to make money, plants a garden, and teaches the children how to be responsible. When the worst seems to happen to this struggling family it is Charles' friend whowho steps in steps in and proves true friendship.
As thing seem to clear we again see Jon's strength and thrift. I think Charles needs to be grateful everyday that he has such a great man in his corner and at his side.
When everything starts to fall apart it is Jon who provides the stability this family needs. He comes up with ways to make money, plants a garden, and teaches the children how to be responsible. When the worst seems to happen to this struggling family it is Charles' friend whowho steps in steps in and proves true friendship.
As thing seem to clear we again see Jon's strength and thrift. I think Charles needs to be grateful everyday that he has such a great man in his corner and at his side.
January 24, 2017
Jonathan Lamb knew his life would change when he left the children’s home where he grew up to became a nanny for Charles Macquarrie. Jon’s expectations were simple. He would care for the wards of Charles and help raise them. He just never expected to be attracted to his boss and knows it can only lead to trouble. If that is not bad enough, he finds himself arrested for kidnapping and embezzlement. Jon and Charles will have to join forces to save the family they are just creating.
You cannot help but fall in love with Jon. He brings a unique perspective in many ways and his interpretations are often a bit different. Charlies finds himself attracted but knows messing with the nanny is off limits. Then everything goes wrong and it is only together that these two can win. The plot was well thought out and the writing allowed us to be there with the characters. Finding Family was fun to read and you could not help routing for a happy ending even when everything seemed to be hopeless. Pick up Finding Family and join Charles and Jon as they search for a way back home.
You cannot help but fall in love with Jon. He brings a unique perspective in many ways and his interpretations are often a bit different. Charlies finds himself attracted but knows messing with the nanny is off limits. Then everything goes wrong and it is only together that these two can win. The plot was well thought out and the writing allowed us to be there with the characters. Finding Family was fun to read and you could not help routing for a happy ending even when everything seemed to be hopeless. Pick up Finding Family and join Charles and Jon as they search for a way back home.
August 18, 2016
Finding Family by Connie Bailey is a cute romance novel where the billionaire falls in love with the nanny. Along with Charles Macquarrie’s business and money, he is entrusted with the care of his nieces and nephew. Unfortunately, he has far less interest in the latter than the former. Enter Jonathan Lamb the happy-go- lucky and virginal.
Bailey spins an adorably predictable tale of finding love you didn’t know you were searching for. Jonathan, Jon, is the ray of sunshine Charles and the children needed in their lives. He was a sweet character who was reminiscent of Maria in The Sound of Music – right down to his former life in a convent.
I must say, his relationship with Charles did not form as organically as it could have. Still, the book was a nice escape from reality. If you enjoy a M/M version of classic stories, don’t miss Finding Family. Four stars.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Bailey spins an adorably predictable tale of finding love you didn’t know you were searching for. Jonathan, Jon, is the ray of sunshine Charles and the children needed in their lives. He was a sweet character who was reminiscent of Maria in The Sound of Music – right down to his former life in a convent.
I must say, his relationship with Charles did not form as organically as it could have. Still, the book was a nice escape from reality. If you enjoy a M/M version of classic stories, don’t miss Finding Family. Four stars.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
June 15, 2016
4.5 Stars
This is my first book by this author and I stupefied as to why I haven’t read more of her books. This is another book in the Dreamspun Desires series. At first I was a little unsure when the author takes the turn into a somewhat mystery but as I read further I just could put the book down. The character development was great even though Jon appeared to be somewhat naïve. I loved the secondary characters almost as much as the main characters. Even though this book can be consider a light mystery it also had humor in it. I really love when a just seems to know the exact point to inject humor into the story. The children in this story were a perfect fit and I love all of them. Overall this was a great story and I would love to hear more from Bunny.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by this author and I stupefied as to why I haven’t read more of her books. This is another book in the Dreamspun Desires series. At first I was a little unsure when the author takes the turn into a somewhat mystery but as I read further I just could put the book down. The character development was great even though Jon appeared to be somewhat naïve. I loved the secondary characters almost as much as the main characters. Even though this book can be consider a light mystery it also had humor in it. I really love when a just seems to know the exact point to inject humor into the story. The children in this story were a perfect fit and I love all of them. Overall this was a great story and I would love to hear more from Bunny.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2016
This was great story. I understood why Charles was an a***hole in the beginning and all was forgiven at the end.
At the beginning he was depressed, and drinking along with grieving and overwhelmed with raising his cousins.
The time spent on the run allowed him to get to know the kids better and was told a few truths by Jon the nanny. They sunk in and when he was abducted he was scared for himself, the kids, and Jon. With finally being sober he realized all the important things, he loved the kids, he loved Jon, and he was done wallowing.
As for no sex scenes as one reviewer complained about; who cares, use your imagination. If your reading a book to get tittelated by sex scenes maybe you have a personal problem or need to stick with reading erotica!
At the beginning he was depressed, and drinking along with grieving and overwhelmed with raising his cousins.
The time spent on the run allowed him to get to know the kids better and was told a few truths by Jon the nanny. They sunk in and when he was abducted he was scared for himself, the kids, and Jon. With finally being sober he realized all the important things, he loved the kids, he loved Jon, and he was done wallowing.
As for no sex scenes as one reviewer complained about; who cares, use your imagination. If your reading a book to get tittelated by sex scenes maybe you have a personal problem or need to stick with reading erotica!
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