What do you think?
Rate this book
Manley Maids #2
What a Woman Needs
What happens when three irresistibly sexy brothers lose a poker bet to their enterprising sister? They get hired out for her housecleaning venture. Now, the Manley Maids are at your service. Satisfaction guaranteed. It’s what a woman needs...
Big shot movie star Bryan Manley is destined for fame and fortune, not a repeat of his penny-pinching "normal" childhood. But a bet is a bet, so he agrees to play maid for Beth Hamilton—as long as he can use his servitude as research for his next role, and then resume his life in the spotlight.
After her husband’s death and the publicity surrounding it, all Beth needs is a quiet, normal life for herself and her children. She never expected a new Prince Charming to show up at her door, let alone as the new maid. But when the paparazzi follow, Beth is sure of one thing: Bryan has to go.
Then flirtation turns into seduction, and Bryan needs to convince Beth he’s more man than maid—or an actor playing a maid. Because this latest gig as the love of Beth Hamilton’s life just might be the role of a lifetime…
Big shot movie star Bryan Manley is destined for fame and fortune, not a repeat of his penny-pinching "normal" childhood. But a bet is a bet, so he agrees to play maid for Beth Hamilton—as long as he can use his servitude as research for his next role, and then resume his life in the spotlight.
After her husband’s death and the publicity surrounding it, all Beth needs is a quiet, normal life for herself and her children. She never expected a new Prince Charming to show up at her door, let alone as the new maid. But when the paparazzi follow, Beth is sure of one thing: Bryan has to go.
Then flirtation turns into seduction, and Bryan needs to convince Beth he’s more man than maid—or an actor playing a maid. Because this latest gig as the love of Beth Hamilton’s life just might be the role of a lifetime…
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 3, 2014
58 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Judi Fennell
111 books266 followersAward-winning, best-selling author Judi Fennell loves to laugh and loves love, so it’s no surprise there’s a little bit of each in every book she writes. Check out her flirty fun… seriously sexy light-hearted tongue-in-cheek paranormal and romantic comedies. From mermen to genies, to men in maids’ uniforms and male strippers, there’s always a laugh and love to be had.
And, in her copious (?) amounts of spare time, she helps authors with all aspects of writing and indie-publishing with her formatting, cover/promotional design, editorial company, www.formatting4U.com.
Judi lives in suburban Philadelphia with a menagerie of four-legged friends, and the minute those creatures start A) singing, B) sewing clothing, or C) cleaning the house will be the day she retires from writing…
And, in her copious (?) amounts of spare time, she helps authors with all aspects of writing and indie-publishing with her formatting, cover/promotional design, editorial company, www.formatting4U.com.
Judi lives in suburban Philadelphia with a menagerie of four-legged friends, and the minute those creatures start A) singing, B) sewing clothing, or C) cleaning the house will be the day she retires from writing…
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 26, 2014
He was giving her an out. It made sense to take it. After all, this wasn't some novel where the suburban housewife ended up with The Sexiest Man Alive and lived happily ever after. Not with five kids, the dog and the disaster zone. p. 90 Beth from What a Woman Needs
The above quote sums up this story exactly. No, a suburban housewife and a box office star shouldn't stand a chance, but that was the fun of reading this one because due to the machinations of a sister and a lost bet, Bryan Manley has entered Beth Hamilton's sphere and magic happens.
This was the second book in the Manley Maids series. I didn't read the first one, but had no trouble jumping into this one. This is mostly because the stories of the brothers taking on their housekeeping tasks all seem to happen at the same time. There's a bit of mingling, but this can definitely standalone.
The story opens with Bryan arriving on the doorstep of widowed Beth Hamiliton's doorstep. Ever since the death of her husband in the plane crash two years ago, things have been let go and out of control. Her five kids, the multiple pets and the house are a disaster which is why her friends bought her a month of housekeeping from Manley Maids. Never in her wildest imagination did she see her new hired help being the famous movie star that is the heart throb of every teen girl and woman out there. However it came about, he's there to do a job and she has to remember that even if it means ignoring the strong flare of attraction she feels just at the thought of him. A two year drought will do that for a woman.
Bryan is there to fulfill his end after losing the bet, but it doesn't take him long to see that he is really needed. Between cleaning up kid and pet-made disasters and repairing things that have been let go since the man of this house, Mike Hamilton, died. The children all accept his presence in their various ways. He curbs the twins fighting and impulsive ways, he gives little Maggie the extra care she needs through playing tea party and toss in the air, he works to shows Jason the teenage oldest son how to be a man and Kelsey the teen daughter how to be around guys, but all the while, he really works to remember the reasons why he can't start something up with their mother.
As Bryan works his way through the housekeeping tasks and becomes someone important to her kids, Beth struggles. She can only worry about what will happen when he's gone, the reporters who sniff around looking for something juicy and her sexed up female neighbors who all envy her. Not that it is all fret and worry. Bryan joins them on perfect family outings and is there for her kids whether its soccer games or building projects. Soon it all must come to an end and she daren't even dream because Bryan makes it clear that suburbia and a ready-made family aren't for him with the career he has always wanted on the rise and she made it clear that living in a fishbowl wasn't for her.
The plot on this one was the fairytale romance type that just is so heartwarming and sweet. It was full of lots more though with the lovely family moments and the everyday life of ordinary people. It developed slowly as a result and it slowed the pace way down. I am a fiend for cute family togetherness scenes so these I didn't mind.
Beth tends to be a worrier so that got annoying at times, but that was only because I wanted her to grab this lovely chance at happiness with both hands. Just the same as Bryan's determination to deny himself for a career had me grinding my teeth.
The romance as I indicated was a long developing thing. Attraction and like were always there and love wasn't far behind, but the disparity of their lives held them back. Bryan was aces in my book because he kissed Beth, but he wouldn't let things run to the physical because he respected Beth and knew that she was a long-term relationship sort of gal even if she seemed willing. The story isn't totally devoid of the steam, but it was just a late proof of how good these two are together.
So all in all, I enjoyed this family-friendly fairytale style romance and my first occasion to read a book by the author. Contemporary romance fans who like a slow build story and a bit of passion might want to try this one.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
The above quote sums up this story exactly. No, a suburban housewife and a box office star shouldn't stand a chance, but that was the fun of reading this one because due to the machinations of a sister and a lost bet, Bryan Manley has entered Beth Hamilton's sphere and magic happens.
This was the second book in the Manley Maids series. I didn't read the first one, but had no trouble jumping into this one. This is mostly because the stories of the brothers taking on their housekeeping tasks all seem to happen at the same time. There's a bit of mingling, but this can definitely standalone.
The story opens with Bryan arriving on the doorstep of widowed Beth Hamiliton's doorstep. Ever since the death of her husband in the plane crash two years ago, things have been let go and out of control. Her five kids, the multiple pets and the house are a disaster which is why her friends bought her a month of housekeeping from Manley Maids. Never in her wildest imagination did she see her new hired help being the famous movie star that is the heart throb of every teen girl and woman out there. However it came about, he's there to do a job and she has to remember that even if it means ignoring the strong flare of attraction she feels just at the thought of him. A two year drought will do that for a woman.
Bryan is there to fulfill his end after losing the bet, but it doesn't take him long to see that he is really needed. Between cleaning up kid and pet-made disasters and repairing things that have been let go since the man of this house, Mike Hamilton, died. The children all accept his presence in their various ways. He curbs the twins fighting and impulsive ways, he gives little Maggie the extra care she needs through playing tea party and toss in the air, he works to shows Jason the teenage oldest son how to be a man and Kelsey the teen daughter how to be around guys, but all the while, he really works to remember the reasons why he can't start something up with their mother.
As Bryan works his way through the housekeeping tasks and becomes someone important to her kids, Beth struggles. She can only worry about what will happen when he's gone, the reporters who sniff around looking for something juicy and her sexed up female neighbors who all envy her. Not that it is all fret and worry. Bryan joins them on perfect family outings and is there for her kids whether its soccer games or building projects. Soon it all must come to an end and she daren't even dream because Bryan makes it clear that suburbia and a ready-made family aren't for him with the career he has always wanted on the rise and she made it clear that living in a fishbowl wasn't for her.
The plot on this one was the fairytale romance type that just is so heartwarming and sweet. It was full of lots more though with the lovely family moments and the everyday life of ordinary people. It developed slowly as a result and it slowed the pace way down. I am a fiend for cute family togetherness scenes so these I didn't mind.
Beth tends to be a worrier so that got annoying at times, but that was only because I wanted her to grab this lovely chance at happiness with both hands. Just the same as Bryan's determination to deny himself for a career had me grinding my teeth.
The romance as I indicated was a long developing thing. Attraction and like were always there and love wasn't far behind, but the disparity of their lives held them back. Bryan was aces in my book because he kissed Beth, but he wouldn't let things run to the physical because he respected Beth and knew that she was a long-term relationship sort of gal even if she seemed willing. The story isn't totally devoid of the steam, but it was just a late proof of how good these two are together.
So all in all, I enjoyed this family-friendly fairytale style romance and my first occasion to read a book by the author. Contemporary romance fans who like a slow build story and a bit of passion might want to try this one.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2014
What a Woman Needs by Judi Fennell is the 2nd book in her wonderful Manley Maids series. I am glad I discovered Fennell in the first book, as she is a wonderful writer, who pulls you into the story right away. The key though is her ability to make you enjoy every moment throughout the story, as well as become totally invested into her fabulous characters. You don’t just fall in love with couple, but also with the secondary characters. This is pure romance, with a couple you are rooting for from the start. As much as I enjoyed the first book, What a Woman Wants, I loved this one even more.
Just in case you missed my earlier review, the premise of this series is how the Manley brothers lose a bet to their sister. She runs Manley Maids, and having won a card game, each of the brothers have to do housecleaning for a few weeks at an assigned client. Our hero in this book is Bryan Manley, who is a gorgeous hunk, and a popular movie star. Bryan is in between his movies, and like his brothers, is not happy to have to be a maid, even for a few weeks, but he honors the bet.
Beth Hamilton is our heroine, who has been widowed for a couple of years. Beth is has no time for any life, as she has 5 children, a dog and cat, who totally run the household. Friends of Beth, trying to find a way for her to get some help, arrange with Manley Maids for a few weeks of help. Of course, no one thought the person coming would be the famous Bryan Manley. When Beth opens the door, she is shocked, as she recognizes who is standing there. What follows is a sweet, wildly fun story of an unlikely romance that begins to build slowly, as you turn each page.
Beth, having her hands full with her family, finds herself attracted to Bryan, but so does all her friends, and everyone else. She ignores her feelings, knowing he is only there for a few weeks, and she does not want to let herself fall for him, since he is a big star, and Beth does not want any kind of spotlight on her family. Bryan though finds himself falling for the beautiful, down to earth Beth, as well as her wonderfully rambunctious family. He wants his career, and knows he doesn’t have time to be in any kind of relationship. Will Beth succumb to Bryan’s hotness? Will Bryan allow himself to stay with Beth and her 5 children? Is there any hope for this relationship?
Judi Fennell has such away with creating characters you care about. Bryan and Beth were a fabulous and hot couple. The children were all wonderful, and it was so nice to see how they became so close to Bryan, and he with them. We even got a kick out of the dog and cat. But best of all was how Fennell continued to build this attraction between a movie star and a mother, who was trying to survive with a family out of control, especially with the death of their father. It was so well done, as we anxiously waited for them to finally succumbed to their lust; and when they did, it was totally sizzling.
This was a wonderful fun filled romance, enjoyable all the way through. If you love romance, a hot sexy couple, a fun family atmosphere, and a wonderful storyline, then look no further then What a Woman Needs.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Just in case you missed my earlier review, the premise of this series is how the Manley brothers lose a bet to their sister. She runs Manley Maids, and having won a card game, each of the brothers have to do housecleaning for a few weeks at an assigned client. Our hero in this book is Bryan Manley, who is a gorgeous hunk, and a popular movie star. Bryan is in between his movies, and like his brothers, is not happy to have to be a maid, even for a few weeks, but he honors the bet.
Beth Hamilton is our heroine, who has been widowed for a couple of years. Beth is has no time for any life, as she has 5 children, a dog and cat, who totally run the household. Friends of Beth, trying to find a way for her to get some help, arrange with Manley Maids for a few weeks of help. Of course, no one thought the person coming would be the famous Bryan Manley. When Beth opens the door, she is shocked, as she recognizes who is standing there. What follows is a sweet, wildly fun story of an unlikely romance that begins to build slowly, as you turn each page.
Beth, having her hands full with her family, finds herself attracted to Bryan, but so does all her friends, and everyone else. She ignores her feelings, knowing he is only there for a few weeks, and she does not want to let herself fall for him, since he is a big star, and Beth does not want any kind of spotlight on her family. Bryan though finds himself falling for the beautiful, down to earth Beth, as well as her wonderfully rambunctious family. He wants his career, and knows he doesn’t have time to be in any kind of relationship. Will Beth succumb to Bryan’s hotness? Will Bryan allow himself to stay with Beth and her 5 children? Is there any hope for this relationship?
Judi Fennell has such away with creating characters you care about. Bryan and Beth were a fabulous and hot couple. The children were all wonderful, and it was so nice to see how they became so close to Bryan, and he with them. We even got a kick out of the dog and cat. But best of all was how Fennell continued to build this attraction between a movie star and a mother, who was trying to survive with a family out of control, especially with the death of their father. It was so well done, as we anxiously waited for them to finally succumbed to their lust; and when they did, it was totally sizzling.
This was a wonderful fun filled romance, enjoyable all the way through. If you love romance, a hot sexy couple, a fun family atmosphere, and a wonderful storyline, then look no further then What a Woman Needs.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
April 29, 2015
heartbreaking and sweet all at once. i really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next two in the series as well.
October 27, 2017
What happens when three irresistibly sexy brothers lose a poker bet to their enterprising sister? They get hired out for her housecleaning venture. Now, the Manley Maids are at your service. Satisfaction guaranteed. It’s what a woman needs...
The book starts with the poker game where Bryan, Liam and Sean lose to their sister, Mary-Alice and are forced to work in her housecleaning company as maids.
Beth Hamilton is a widow and mother of five children. After her husband's death and the events that surrounding it she has no time or interest in being in a relationship. The media circus after her husband's death and how it scared and traumatised her children have made her very protective of them; imagine her horror when a celebrity comes to work at her house.
Bryan Manley is an actor. He is loved and cherished by many. He is on a break between movies and so immediately starts his job as a maid. From the very beginning, he connects with the children having suffered through something similar (His parents also died when he was young). He is also from the very first moment, attracted to Beth.
What a Woman Needs by Judi Fennell is an amazing book. It has a great storyline, real and relatable characters. There are so many things I absolutely loved in this book like the relation Bryan developed with the kids seemed real, the way each of them (children) had their own ways of coping with the loss of their father also seemed very realistic and relatable, the way Beth was still trying to cope with her husband’s death, her learning to love and trust again. It truly is an amazing book.
Ms. Fennell has a great writing style. I liked the first book in this series (What a Woman Wants) but I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to read the next book and hope it is just as good as this one.
March 3, 2022
Beth is widowed way to young and Bryan's movie start career is just now taking off. Bryan is the hottest new star and has also lost a best to his sister and owes her a month of cleaning services. Beth is the lucky recipient of winnings. With Beth's 5 kids there is a lot to clean. Beth is a busy woman with no time to herself much less for dating.
Bryan is falling for Beth and her 5 adorable kids. He is even liking the crazy dog. Beth is so not going to fall for the rugged good looking movie star but she can't help it, he is not just a great body and good looks he is so kind and wonderful as well.
I have mixed feelings on this book. It was good but it took me way to long to get through it. There were times were I could not put it down then I would was like OMG I need to finish this book UGH.
I felt that the story was good but at parts it dragged I guess.
I have mixed feelings on this book. It was good but it took me way to long to get through it. There were times were I could not put it down then I would was like OMG I need to finish this book UGH.
I felt that the story was good but at parts it dragged I guess.
2 Stars
Bryan is falling for Beth and her 5 adorable kids. He is even liking the crazy dog. Beth is so not going to fall for the rugged good looking movie star but she can't help it, he is not just a great body and good looks he is so kind and wonderful as well.
I have mixed feelings on this book. It was good but it took me way to long to get through it. There were times were I could not put it down then I would was like OMG I need to finish this book UGH.
I felt that the story was good but at parts it dragged I guess.
I have mixed feelings on this book. It was good but it took me way to long to get through it. There were times were I could not put it down then I would was like OMG I need to finish this book UGH.
I felt that the story was good but at parts it dragged I guess.
2 Stars
February 27, 2021
Cute and entertaining are the words that best describe What a Woman Needs, the second book in the Manley Maids series. The entire book is based on a poker bet, who loses, and what happens after the loss. This one features Bryan Manley, Hollywood’s latest heartthrob, and Beth Hamilton, a widow with five children. Beth is exactly what Bryan steers clear of, and just maybe exactly what he really wants and needs. Bryan is definitely not what Beth needs. She and her children absolutely do not need the media circus that follows him. They’ve been there, done that, don’t want to do it again.
The characters are engaging. The story isn’t really anything new, but there are a few twists. I liked this one better than the first, What a Woman Wants. I guess I just connected more with the characters. Plus, I’m always a sucker for cute kids, and believe me, Maggie steals the show!
The characters are engaging. The story isn’t really anything new, but there are a few twists. I liked this one better than the first, What a Woman Wants. I guess I just connected more with the characters. Plus, I’m always a sucker for cute kids, and believe me, Maggie steals the show!
May 3, 2023
firt thing I want to say: there is not a single version of this book that has a cute cover, they all suck.
This was one of those books where I am glad I read it despite the ugly cover. Beth was such a good fmc, she always put her kids before her. I enjoyed her character a lot, because we could see her internal battles, she wanted to be loved again, but she was not going to put her heart firts when it could potentially put her kids in a difficult and traumatic experience.
Bryan was a good mmc, I liked him, however there's something about him that makes me not love him (idk what is it). He was always good to the kids, he was great company, and I loved their banter.
overall, it was a good read, entertaining and it made me smile.
This was one of those books where I am glad I read it despite the ugly cover. Beth was such a good fmc, she always put her kids before her. I enjoyed her character a lot, because we could see her internal battles, she wanted to be loved again, but she was not going to put her heart firts when it could potentially put her kids in a difficult and traumatic experience.
Bryan was a good mmc, I liked him, however there's something about him that makes me not love him (idk what is it). He was always good to the kids, he was great company, and I loved their banter.
overall, it was a good read, entertaining and it made me smile.
September 24, 2020
This book was a winner. It was a realistic depiction of a relationship between people who suffered tragic losses. Both the male and female had morals they stood by. What I like is how all the different relationships developed. A male movie star and a widow with five children, a Jack Russel terrier and a cat meet because of a lost bet, and their collective lives are forever changed. I enjoyed the story. This book isn’t for readers who want just sex and no romance or story.
January 3, 2022
Bryan is a big movie star who loses a bet, then ends up having to work for his sister. He ends up going to Beth’s home to work as a maid for a month. She’s a window with five kids, & they have an instant attraction to each other.
Despite dealing with the kids & the paparazzi, they still feel a lot of attraction to one another. Bryan ends up falling for Beth & her kids, too.
Some parts were a bit long, but it was still a nice story to read.
Despite dealing with the kids & the paparazzi, they still feel a lot of attraction to one another. Bryan ends up falling for Beth & her kids, too.
Some parts were a bit long, but it was still a nice story to read.
February 2, 2022
what a woman needs
Wicked sweet! A gaggle of kids, a jack terrier and a cat all added to the family dynamics. Imagine a super stud who happens to be a movie star who cleans; repairs fences, erects clotheslines and takes off panties with drop dead green eyes. Thoroughly enjoyed this romcom.
Wicked sweet! A gaggle of kids, a jack terrier and a cat all added to the family dynamics. Imagine a super stud who happens to be a movie star who cleans; repairs fences, erects clotheslines and takes off panties with drop dead green eyes. Thoroughly enjoyed this romcom.
July 3, 2022
Adorable
Both Bryan and Beth were adorable together. He was crazy about her and the 5 kids from the start. She couldn't help liking him for himself and for his movie star looks. But he caring ways for the children and her melted her heart. But how to overcome his life style and hers. Love will find a way
Both Bryan and Beth were adorable together. He was crazy about her and the 5 kids from the start. She couldn't help liking him for himself and for his movie star looks. But he caring ways for the children and her melted her heart. But how to overcome his life style and hers. Love will find a way
July 13, 2022
Maids
A great story where Bryan and Beth and her five children, whose father died in an airplane accident two years before. Bryan is a movie star who lost poker bet to his sister who happens to own a maid service. As part of the poker lose, Bryan has to provide maid service for a month. Beth ends upbeing his client and love develops from there. A funny story.
A great story where Bryan and Beth and her five children, whose father died in an airplane accident two years before. Bryan is a movie star who lost poker bet to his sister who happens to own a maid service. As part of the poker lose, Bryan has to provide maid service for a month. Beth ends upbeing his client and love develops from there. A funny story.
April 11, 2021
Very heartwarming
Good story but truly make believe. Is there any mother of 5 children, 2 of them twins, who still looks that gorgeous to lure an A-list movie star? I think not! But the story was warm, the characters like able with fun dialogue.
Good story but truly make believe. Is there any mother of 5 children, 2 of them twins, who still looks that gorgeous to lure an A-list movie star? I think not! But the story was warm, the characters like able with fun dialogue.
August 5, 2023
Manley Maids
So, I enjoyed this story, these characters and the silly dog quite a bit. However, it took so very long for Beth and Bryan to agree to give in to love and then… the book ended! I needed a bit more.
So, I enjoyed this story, these characters and the silly dog quite a bit. However, it took so very long for Beth and Bryan to agree to give in to love and then… the book ended! I needed a bit more.
Want to read
December 5, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/5/2021)! 🎁
November 13, 2022
loved the kids
Pretty good. Super predictable of course but still, I liked that he loved the kids and wanted them too and could teach them things a father could.
Pretty good. Super predictable of course but still, I liked that he loved the kids and wanted them too and could teach them things a father could.
December 4, 2022
3++. Very cute cozy!
October 29, 2024
Awesome book!
Once I started, I couldn't put it down! I love the characters and the story! It's so romantic and tragic.
Once I started, I couldn't put it down! I love the characters and the story! It's so romantic and tragic.
July 1, 2014
*throws herself down in a girly swoon* Yeah. What a Woman Needs? Definitely a Bryan Manley. Whewboy. Definitely. I've been having a good time with Judi Fennell's Manly Maids series as the Manley brothers gloriously lose a poker game to their baby sister and end up...working for her as maids at her cleaning business for an entire month. Watching drop dead gorgeous movie star Bryan land a job and wind up with his hands full of a frazzled widow and her whole brood of children who desperately need a little healing was a sight to see. *nods*
There were so many wonderful and touching moments as Bryan slowly helps this family heal from their loss. Moments that choked me up, had me all teary and just falling for the whole lot of them. Some blasted funny ones too since there's really quite a herd--of both the 2 and 4 legged variety. I really liked these two together. Beth and Bryan are from such different worlds. High glamour vs regular life and all it's ordinary moments. But they so worked. Things could get a little awkward as they sussed out their new situation but it was kinda endearing and oh the connection right from the start and the chemistry was nice even if things go way way slow.
Bryan is a pretty great guy. He's got a few hang ups because of his childhood that make him near obsessed with his career but he's a solid one and definitely has a way with kids. He always seemed to know just what to do or say to them to get them past the hurdles life threw in their way. From a surly teen boy that needed help finding his way to a little girl who just wants a friend who will be there for her. He was near too perfect in that regard but honestly those moments were so heart wrenching sweet it worked for me. And oh the things he could do to a woman's heart. Whew.
Then there's Beth. Who is pretty much going on fumes trying to hold her family together. I liked Beth. She and Bryan could both be a bit frustrating with how long they resisted and not always talking things out but I got her worries of not being perfect compared to the glamorous women he was surrounded by, fears of taking a risk and just being overwhelmed and needing a break. She tried her hardest to be supermom and my heart just went out to her as she battled all of the emotional things being thrown her way. Including her supposed best friends who were by far my least favorite thing about the book. Rude and low class all the way as they treated Bryan like meat and tried to push Beth into something she wasn't ready for. I was so glad they had limited page time. Let me tell you. There might have been a throw down if I'd met these women in real life. *nods*
Other than that though, What a Woman Needs was a lovely romance that totally pulled at my heartstrings as this group becomes a family and fights for a happier future. Fennell did an awesome job with such a big group of kids adding chaos, humor and love in perfect measures. They're far from perfect but they're pretty wonderful. It's a great read for those who just love romance and second chances in life.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
There were so many wonderful and touching moments as Bryan slowly helps this family heal from their loss. Moments that choked me up, had me all teary and just falling for the whole lot of them. Some blasted funny ones too since there's really quite a herd--of both the 2 and 4 legged variety. I really liked these two together. Beth and Bryan are from such different worlds. High glamour vs regular life and all it's ordinary moments. But they so worked. Things could get a little awkward as they sussed out their new situation but it was kinda endearing and oh the connection right from the start and the chemistry was nice even if things go way way slow.
"Thank you." She tried to keep the huskiness out of her voice.
"No problem. The dog managed to wedge himself in there pretty good."
---
Beth gnawed on her bottom lip for a second as she watched Maggie skip off, then looked up at Bryan. "I meant for what you just said to Maggie. That I saved Sherman. I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but--"
"Hey, you don't have to explain. Or thank me." He touched her arm in a companionable sort of way--until electrify shot up her arm. His, too, if his reaction was anything to go by because he yanked his hand away so quickly it was awkward.
"I--"
"I'm--"
"What were you--"
"You first."
Awkward reigned supreme.
Bryan is a pretty great guy. He's got a few hang ups because of his childhood that make him near obsessed with his career but he's a solid one and definitely has a way with kids. He always seemed to know just what to do or say to them to get them past the hurdles life threw in their way. From a surly teen boy that needed help finding his way to a little girl who just wants a friend who will be there for her. He was near too perfect in that regard but honestly those moments were so heart wrenching sweet it worked for me. And oh the things he could do to a woman's heart. Whew.
Then there's Beth. Who is pretty much going on fumes trying to hold her family together. I liked Beth. She and Bryan could both be a bit frustrating with how long they resisted and not always talking things out but I got her worries of not being perfect compared to the glamorous women he was surrounded by, fears of taking a risk and just being overwhelmed and needing a break. She tried her hardest to be supermom and my heart just went out to her as she battled all of the emotional things being thrown her way. Including her supposed best friends who were by far my least favorite thing about the book. Rude and low class all the way as they treated Bryan like meat and tried to push Beth into something she wasn't ready for. I was so glad they had limited page time. Let me tell you. There might have been a throw down if I'd met these women in real life. *nods*
Other than that though, What a Woman Needs was a lovely romance that totally pulled at my heartstrings as this group becomes a family and fights for a happier future. Fennell did an awesome job with such a big group of kids adding chaos, humor and love in perfect measures. They're far from perfect but they're pretty wonderful. It's a great read for those who just love romance and second chances in life.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
June 13, 2014
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
Bryan Manley, youngest of the Manley brothers, is on break from his busy movie career. While home visiting his siblings, he loses bet to his sister and has to work for her maid service for four weeks. His plan is to get in and get done quickly. But then he meets Beth, and he doesn’t know if he can hold back his uncontrollable attraction.
Beth Hamilton, widowed (for 2 years) mother of 5, is barely keeping her household together. She’s abandoned her own wants and needs to ensure her kids are doing “okay” without dad in the house. So when her friends hire help from the Manley Maid service, Beth isn’t going to say no. That is until she sees famous movie star Bryan Manley come to her doorstep. Painful memories of the press that hounded her after her husband died piloting a plane surface, and she isn’t sure she can relive anything like that again. Luckily for readers, Bryan sticks around to help with the household upkeep and a lovely romantic comedy ensues.
What a Woman Needs is a delightful, light-hearted romance that I recommend to anyone looking for a happy story which will make you smile. But don’t assume that just because the book is on the lighter side that the author doesn’t insert some tough moments and real emotions behind her characters. There are moments my heart ached for Bryan and Beth as they discussed their impossible situation and what was best in the long term. It’s moments like those that give this book something extra special and made it such a true joy to read.
Right from the start there is a strong attraction between Bryan and Beth. As the pair get to know one another, their mutual feelings intensify, and the reader is privy to every feeling thanks to alternating point-of-views. While I appreciate the hesitation and corresponding frustration when each thinks about “hooking up” with the other, I will say that is the one thing that started to bother me after a while. The constant battle between thinking sexy little thoughts about the other followed by chastising him/herself for those thoughts got a bit old after a while. Luckily, the story moves away from this type of inner monologue and onto more concrete actions before the midway point of the book.
Bryan and Beth are both insanely well-mannered and good-natured. The pair are just so darn sweet and kind, but not in a roll-your-eyes kind of way. I liked that each had little baggage that would weigh down a potential relationship. They do have their individual issues and concerns, but they aren’t over-the-top or obnoxiously contrived. In fact, their problems are based in some very real concerns that made the characters and storyline more relatable. Ms. Fennell pens a few well-timed and wonderfully written intimate moments between the pair that really pulled on my heart strings.
I also appreciate that Beth’s children are not relegated to the sidelines; they are not mere props for the setting or story. All of the kids factor into the story and each have some fun and touching scenes. And surprisingly, I also admired Beth’s friendship with Kara. While Kara annoyed me to no end for most of the book, her blunt discussions with Beth, telling her to live a little, are words from the heart of a true friend.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed What a Woman Needs. From the humorous start to the sweet ending, the story provides the reader with a fulfilling break from reality for a few hours. Even though there are some slower moments, in general I really liked Beth and Bryan both as individuals and together. The story is light-hearted, fun, and enjoyable, accentuating the positives in life and love.
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher
Bryan Manley, youngest of the Manley brothers, is on break from his busy movie career. While home visiting his siblings, he loses bet to his sister and has to work for her maid service for four weeks. His plan is to get in and get done quickly. But then he meets Beth, and he doesn’t know if he can hold back his uncontrollable attraction.
Beth Hamilton, widowed (for 2 years) mother of 5, is barely keeping her household together. She’s abandoned her own wants and needs to ensure her kids are doing “okay” without dad in the house. So when her friends hire help from the Manley Maid service, Beth isn’t going to say no. That is until she sees famous movie star Bryan Manley come to her doorstep. Painful memories of the press that hounded her after her husband died piloting a plane surface, and she isn’t sure she can relive anything like that again. Luckily for readers, Bryan sticks around to help with the household upkeep and a lovely romantic comedy ensues.
What a Woman Needs is a delightful, light-hearted romance that I recommend to anyone looking for a happy story which will make you smile. But don’t assume that just because the book is on the lighter side that the author doesn’t insert some tough moments and real emotions behind her characters. There are moments my heart ached for Bryan and Beth as they discussed their impossible situation and what was best in the long term. It’s moments like those that give this book something extra special and made it such a true joy to read.
Right from the start there is a strong attraction between Bryan and Beth. As the pair get to know one another, their mutual feelings intensify, and the reader is privy to every feeling thanks to alternating point-of-views. While I appreciate the hesitation and corresponding frustration when each thinks about “hooking up” with the other, I will say that is the one thing that started to bother me after a while. The constant battle between thinking sexy little thoughts about the other followed by chastising him/herself for those thoughts got a bit old after a while. Luckily, the story moves away from this type of inner monologue and onto more concrete actions before the midway point of the book.
Bryan and Beth are both insanely well-mannered and good-natured. The pair are just so darn sweet and kind, but not in a roll-your-eyes kind of way. I liked that each had little baggage that would weigh down a potential relationship. They do have their individual issues and concerns, but they aren’t over-the-top or obnoxiously contrived. In fact, their problems are based in some very real concerns that made the characters and storyline more relatable. Ms. Fennell pens a few well-timed and wonderfully written intimate moments between the pair that really pulled on my heart strings.
I also appreciate that Beth’s children are not relegated to the sidelines; they are not mere props for the setting or story. All of the kids factor into the story and each have some fun and touching scenes. And surprisingly, I also admired Beth’s friendship with Kara. While Kara annoyed me to no end for most of the book, her blunt discussions with Beth, telling her to live a little, are words from the heart of a true friend.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed What a Woman Needs. From the humorous start to the sweet ending, the story provides the reader with a fulfilling break from reality for a few hours. Even though there are some slower moments, in general I really liked Beth and Bryan both as individuals and together. The story is light-hearted, fun, and enjoyable, accentuating the positives in life and love.
June 7, 2014
Amanda‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
What a Woman Needs by Judi Fennell is the second book in the Manley Maids series and it is a fun and entertaining story of attraction when you least expect it. Bryan Manley, hot, Hollywood movie star is fulfilling his bet to his sister Mac (Mary-Alice Catherine) as a maid for the next 4 weeks to Beth Hamilton and her 5 kids. When he first meets Beth he can’t believe his good fortune when a harried but beautiful woman answers the door. Unfortunately he steps inside and he sees exactly what he’s getting himself into. Once he realizes she is a widow he tells himself she’s off limits because a ready- made family and a life in suburbia is NOT what he is looking for right now.
Beth can’t believe that THE Bryan Manley is in her house and is her maid for the next 4 weeks. Over the course of a few days she finds out that he is more than just his movie star persona and is a man with good morals and intentions when he takes on more handyman jobs around the house. Beth becomes aware that she’s missed having a partner to help her with the children, to repair those minor jobs that come with a home, and the companionship she had with a loving man. She also realizes Bryan has awakened her libido and would love to be wanted by him. For the last two years she’s been so wrapped up with the kid’s needs that she’s forgotten to take time for herself. She finds herself in a bit of a predicament because her friends bought the maid service for her to find her groove again but she doesn’t want to use him just for sex. Lucky for her she gets an opportunity to find out for herself with one hot sex-filled weekend while the kids are away. I liked Beth. She was a warm and caring woman and loved her children and it showed throughout the story.
What’s not to like about Bryan Manley. He’s not only handsome and a movie star but knows his fans got him there, and he makes him available to Beth’s kids and all their friends. Bryan couldn’t help but feel for Beth’s children because he has been in their shoes himself. His parents were killed at a young age and he knows what it is like to not have a parent. It was nice to see him reach out to Jason, the oldest child, and teach him some very valuable lessons on respect and responsibility. He involved the whole family and treated them with tender loving care. Bryan’s presence changed the mood in the Hamilton home as well as shows Bryan what it is like to be a male figure for the children. He never saw himself as a family man and this experience changed his attitude on what he thought he might never want for himself. Being a maid was a huge eye opener for Bryan and didn’t see a ready-made family in his future.
This story was a pleasure to read and had me chuckling to myself from time to time with the antics throughout the story. The kids were absolutely adorable and acted like typical kids making it real and funny. If you have boys or teenagers you’ll know exactly what I mean. Throw in a high-energy dog, a shedding cat, and a couple of hamsters and you have one very busy house. The pace of the story was steady as the sexual tension grew between Beth and Bryan until they finally got together towards the end of the book. It was a very touching ending too. What a Woman Needs is an entertaining contemporary romance which had me smiling and was thoroughly enjoyable.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
What a Woman Needs by Judi Fennell is the second book in the Manley Maids series and it is a fun and entertaining story of attraction when you least expect it. Bryan Manley, hot, Hollywood movie star is fulfilling his bet to his sister Mac (Mary-Alice Catherine) as a maid for the next 4 weeks to Beth Hamilton and her 5 kids. When he first meets Beth he can’t believe his good fortune when a harried but beautiful woman answers the door. Unfortunately he steps inside and he sees exactly what he’s getting himself into. Once he realizes she is a widow he tells himself she’s off limits because a ready- made family and a life in suburbia is NOT what he is looking for right now.
Beth can’t believe that THE Bryan Manley is in her house and is her maid for the next 4 weeks. Over the course of a few days she finds out that he is more than just his movie star persona and is a man with good morals and intentions when he takes on more handyman jobs around the house. Beth becomes aware that she’s missed having a partner to help her with the children, to repair those minor jobs that come with a home, and the companionship she had with a loving man. She also realizes Bryan has awakened her libido and would love to be wanted by him. For the last two years she’s been so wrapped up with the kid’s needs that she’s forgotten to take time for herself. She finds herself in a bit of a predicament because her friends bought the maid service for her to find her groove again but she doesn’t want to use him just for sex. Lucky for her she gets an opportunity to find out for herself with one hot sex-filled weekend while the kids are away. I liked Beth. She was a warm and caring woman and loved her children and it showed throughout the story.
What’s not to like about Bryan Manley. He’s not only handsome and a movie star but knows his fans got him there, and he makes him available to Beth’s kids and all their friends. Bryan couldn’t help but feel for Beth’s children because he has been in their shoes himself. His parents were killed at a young age and he knows what it is like to not have a parent. It was nice to see him reach out to Jason, the oldest child, and teach him some very valuable lessons on respect and responsibility. He involved the whole family and treated them with tender loving care. Bryan’s presence changed the mood in the Hamilton home as well as shows Bryan what it is like to be a male figure for the children. He never saw himself as a family man and this experience changed his attitude on what he thought he might never want for himself. Being a maid was a huge eye opener for Bryan and didn’t see a ready-made family in his future.
This story was a pleasure to read and had me chuckling to myself from time to time with the antics throughout the story. The kids were absolutely adorable and acted like typical kids making it real and funny. If you have boys or teenagers you’ll know exactly what I mean. Throw in a high-energy dog, a shedding cat, and a couple of hamsters and you have one very busy house. The pace of the story was steady as the sexual tension grew between Beth and Bryan until they finally got together towards the end of the book. It was a very touching ending too. What a Woman Needs is an entertaining contemporary romance which had me smiling and was thoroughly enjoyable.
June 10, 2014
Who ever thought hiring a maid would mean a hunky movie star would come to your house to clean? I thought that the first book in Judi Fennell's series was fun, so I couldn't wait to see how the next Manley brother would handle working as a maid, especially in a house of five kids, a hyper dog, and one determined mother.
Bryan Manley is a huge movie star who's used the reporters and attention. What he's not used to, though, is cleaning up after a family of five kids and their widowed mother. But when he loses a card game to his sister, Bryan finds himself in Beth's life, ready to clean up her house. What Beth doesn't expect when her friends hire a maid service for her, is for a movie star to clean up after her kids. After her husband died two years ago, Beth has barely been able to breath as she works her full time job and keeps up with her five kids. Having Bryan around has felt great and her kids absolutely love him, but Bryan isn't looking to settle down and Beth knows that starting anything with him can only lead to disaster. But Bryan just seems to fit and he doesn't know if he can really leave, or if he even wants to, when the four weeks are up.
Talk about heartwarming and heart-wrenching all in one novel. When we first meet Beth, you can't help but feel for her as she tries to keep up with her five kids after losing her husband. Not only did she have to deal with losing her husband, but also the nosey reporters who all thought her husband was at fault for when his plane crashed, when in reality he was far from to blame. Before his name was cleared, though, the damage was done and her entire family was trying to cope with the unwanted attention and hurt from losing such an integral part of theirs lives. Each of Beth's kids had a special place in this story and all needed someone there to fill the hole that was left from losing their father.
While Bryan is used to the adoring fans, he's not used to adoring children who just love him for him. He was so good with all of Beth's kids, especially Maggie, and it was adorable following him interact and connect with Beth's family. In the beginning, I didn't really buy Beth and Bryan's instant attraction to each other because it seemed so instant and strong, despite the fact that all they had done was talk to each other for 5, maybe 10 minutes. But when they actually started to get to know each other and Bryan spent time with her kids, their relationship made more sense and their connection had an honest, solid foundation. Despite being portrayed as a playboy, Bryan was really sweet and exactly what Beth needed to relax and try to enjoy her life again.
While I wasn't that into Bryan and Beth's chemistry in the beginning, Bryan grew on me throughout the novel and Beth's kids drew me in and wouldn't let go. The romance was sweet and the entire family was a part of the charm of yet another fun Manley Maids novel.
Bryan Manley is a huge movie star who's used the reporters and attention. What he's not used to, though, is cleaning up after a family of five kids and their widowed mother. But when he loses a card game to his sister, Bryan finds himself in Beth's life, ready to clean up her house. What Beth doesn't expect when her friends hire a maid service for her, is for a movie star to clean up after her kids. After her husband died two years ago, Beth has barely been able to breath as she works her full time job and keeps up with her five kids. Having Bryan around has felt great and her kids absolutely love him, but Bryan isn't looking to settle down and Beth knows that starting anything with him can only lead to disaster. But Bryan just seems to fit and he doesn't know if he can really leave, or if he even wants to, when the four weeks are up.
Talk about heartwarming and heart-wrenching all in one novel. When we first meet Beth, you can't help but feel for her as she tries to keep up with her five kids after losing her husband. Not only did she have to deal with losing her husband, but also the nosey reporters who all thought her husband was at fault for when his plane crashed, when in reality he was far from to blame. Before his name was cleared, though, the damage was done and her entire family was trying to cope with the unwanted attention and hurt from losing such an integral part of theirs lives. Each of Beth's kids had a special place in this story and all needed someone there to fill the hole that was left from losing their father.
While Bryan is used to the adoring fans, he's not used to adoring children who just love him for him. He was so good with all of Beth's kids, especially Maggie, and it was adorable following him interact and connect with Beth's family. In the beginning, I didn't really buy Beth and Bryan's instant attraction to each other because it seemed so instant and strong, despite the fact that all they had done was talk to each other for 5, maybe 10 minutes. But when they actually started to get to know each other and Bryan spent time with her kids, their relationship made more sense and their connection had an honest, solid foundation. Despite being portrayed as a playboy, Bryan was really sweet and exactly what Beth needed to relax and try to enjoy her life again.
While I wasn't that into Bryan and Beth's chemistry in the beginning, Bryan grew on me throughout the novel and Beth's kids drew me in and wouldn't let go. The romance was sweet and the entire family was a part of the charm of yet another fun Manley Maids novel.
June 21, 2014
What a Woman Needs, Manley Maids #2, by Judi Fennell
Grade: B
“If you want the right to claim me, Bryan, the claim that right. Don’t ask for it. Kiss me like you want to.”
Bryan Manley never thought he would lose a poker game to his little sister or he would have never promised to be a maid for four weeks if he lost. Now Bryan is cleaning the house of the sexiest woman he has ever seen and being a real life movie stars he is used to beautiful women. The only problem is his new employer is not only a widow but has five kids and any thought of a fling goes right out the window. As Bryan spends more time in the Hamilton household he soon find himself longing to be part of the family and falling for not only Beth but her children.
Beth Hamilton never thought she would be a widow and raising her five kids all alone and after her husband died in a plane crash Beth needs all the help she can get. She is ecstatic when her friends hire a maid for her until that maid turns out to be Bryan Hamilton, movie star. Bryan makes her feel things she hasn’t felt in years but she know he doesn’t live in her world and will not be sticking around for the long haul. After a few days Bryan starts to fill the void of the man of the house and Beth soon finds that along with her kids, Bryan has become a part of their family and they’ve all fallen in love with the movie star who will soon disappear back to Hollywood.
I will be honest and say I did not want to read this book. I liked the previous one but I hated Bryan in it and went into What a Woman Needs dreading having to hear him whine about Beth and her kids. I was pleasantly surprised with this book, couldn’t put it down and liked it even better than the first one. I love when a book surprises you like that and makes you fall in love with a character that you previously despised.
Getting to see things from Bryan’s perspective changed everything and I found myself really liking him and rooting for him and Beth. Bryan does have a bad attitude in the beginning but that changes very quickly when he interacts with the Hamilton children and their mother. There is one scene that was in the previous book and this is the scene that had made me despise Bryan and not want to read his book. Seeing this scene from his point of view changed everything and I stayed up late into the night to see how Bryan and Beth could work out their issues.
The Hamilton children really made this book for me. I loved them all, especially Maggie, and they helped show a side of Bryan that him seem so sweet. Beth is a great character and my heart broke for her a lot during this book. I liked that I never knew how they would work out their issues, which are pretty big but all in all this a beautiful and fun contemporary romance book. I am now adding this series to my must read list and I am very excited to read about the last Manley brother and see how his time as maid helps him fall in love.
Grade: B
“If you want the right to claim me, Bryan, the claim that right. Don’t ask for it. Kiss me like you want to.”
Bryan Manley never thought he would lose a poker game to his little sister or he would have never promised to be a maid for four weeks if he lost. Now Bryan is cleaning the house of the sexiest woman he has ever seen and being a real life movie stars he is used to beautiful women. The only problem is his new employer is not only a widow but has five kids and any thought of a fling goes right out the window. As Bryan spends more time in the Hamilton household he soon find himself longing to be part of the family and falling for not only Beth but her children.
Beth Hamilton never thought she would be a widow and raising her five kids all alone and after her husband died in a plane crash Beth needs all the help she can get. She is ecstatic when her friends hire a maid for her until that maid turns out to be Bryan Hamilton, movie star. Bryan makes her feel things she hasn’t felt in years but she know he doesn’t live in her world and will not be sticking around for the long haul. After a few days Bryan starts to fill the void of the man of the house and Beth soon finds that along with her kids, Bryan has become a part of their family and they’ve all fallen in love with the movie star who will soon disappear back to Hollywood.
I will be honest and say I did not want to read this book. I liked the previous one but I hated Bryan in it and went into What a Woman Needs dreading having to hear him whine about Beth and her kids. I was pleasantly surprised with this book, couldn’t put it down and liked it even better than the first one. I love when a book surprises you like that and makes you fall in love with a character that you previously despised.
Getting to see things from Bryan’s perspective changed everything and I found myself really liking him and rooting for him and Beth. Bryan does have a bad attitude in the beginning but that changes very quickly when he interacts with the Hamilton children and their mother. There is one scene that was in the previous book and this is the scene that had made me despise Bryan and not want to read his book. Seeing this scene from his point of view changed everything and I stayed up late into the night to see how Bryan and Beth could work out their issues.
The Hamilton children really made this book for me. I loved them all, especially Maggie, and they helped show a side of Bryan that him seem so sweet. Beth is a great character and my heart broke for her a lot during this book. I liked that I never knew how they would work out their issues, which are pretty big but all in all this a beautiful and fun contemporary romance book. I am now adding this series to my must read list and I am very excited to read about the last Manley brother and see how his time as maid helps him fall in love.
June 18, 2015
Ohh, I have to say, while I enjoyed Sean and Livvy's story in book 1 of the Manley Maids series, I absolutely LOVED Bryan and Beth's story. Bryan is a leading man, not just as a big-time movie star but how he reacts to working for Beth (a woman he's got the serious hots for) and her 5 kids.
I went into this book with reservations based on how Bryan was portrayed in book 1. We saw him in two scenes that led me to believe that the children were terrors (the shopping scene in which the twins knock down a display) and the family dinner with Gran in which Bryan seems to disparage the entire Hamilton clan. Oh but that was not the true story, indeed!
From the minute Bryan stepped into the Hamilton household, I was just in love with the way he bonded with the kids and how he treated them. Despite all the messes and fights they got into, he was patient and kind and no wonder Beth was melting for him! I especially love the scenes with the youngest Hamilton, Maggie. She was an absolute doll.
If I had to say one thing I don't like, it would be emphatically that I absolutely DESPISED Beth's "friends". I get the happy hour scene when neighbourhood women played up their friendship to Beth in order to try and move in on Bryan but her two best friends included? I think I was most especially angry at Kara who, IMO, deserved a bitch-slap every time she opened her mouth. If I had friends like her, I would become a recluse - she seemed to have absolutely no respect for Beth as a person nor of Bryan and his privacy. Not to mention no respect for her own husband in the way she drooled over Bryan. I wanted to reach into the book so many times and just hit her, I hated her so much. And the worse part of it all was that she got to be the one that was right in the end with Beth getting together with Bryan and overcoming the obstacles. That didn't sit well with me at all. Ugh.
Thank goodness the rest of the book made up for it and I just love how Bryan fit with the Hamiltons. But they never mentioned in the epilogue whether or not Bryan continued his career in movies or settled for the small life with Beth and her kids. That does make me wonder but hopefully we'll get an answer in Liam's book!!
I went into this book with reservations based on how Bryan was portrayed in book 1. We saw him in two scenes that led me to believe that the children were terrors (the shopping scene in which the twins knock down a display) and the family dinner with Gran in which Bryan seems to disparage the entire Hamilton clan. Oh but that was not the true story, indeed!
From the minute Bryan stepped into the Hamilton household, I was just in love with the way he bonded with the kids and how he treated them. Despite all the messes and fights they got into, he was patient and kind and no wonder Beth was melting for him! I especially love the scenes with the youngest Hamilton, Maggie. She was an absolute doll.
If I had to say one thing I don't like, it would be emphatically that I absolutely DESPISED Beth's "friends". I get the happy hour scene when neighbourhood women played up their friendship to Beth in order to try and move in on Bryan but her two best friends included? I think I was most especially angry at Kara who, IMO, deserved a bitch-slap every time she opened her mouth. If I had friends like her, I would become a recluse - she seemed to have absolutely no respect for Beth as a person nor of Bryan and his privacy. Not to mention no respect for her own husband in the way she drooled over Bryan. I wanted to reach into the book so many times and just hit her, I hated her so much. And the worse part of it all was that she got to be the one that was right in the end with Beth getting together with Bryan and overcoming the obstacles. That didn't sit well with me at all. Ugh.
Thank goodness the rest of the book made up for it and I just love how Bryan fit with the Hamiltons. But they never mentioned in the epilogue whether or not Bryan continued his career in movies or settled for the small life with Beth and her kids. That does make me wonder but hopefully we'll get an answer in Liam's book!!
June 24, 2014
I am a sucker for all the new series of books that come out each year. The first book in the Manley Maids series was released in March, I believe, and completely won my heart. I love the concept behind the books: the Manley brothers lose a huge bet to their sister who owns a cleaning business. In exchange, they must allow her to hire them out for housecleaning ventures, in which they meet wonderful, sweet women that they clean for. It really is the perfect fantasy! The first book was adorable and this one followed suit. This story is about Bryan Manley, the big shot movie star. Bryan meets Beth Hamilton when he is hired out to do some cleaning for her. Beth is meek and mild and is just trying to rebuild her life after her husband’s death when she meets Bryan.
Beth’s life if a little tumultuous. Her husband passed two years ago leaving her with five kids, multiple pets, and a whole of life to take care of by herself. Her best friends buy her a month of cleaning service because they know how hard things have been for her: enter Bryan Manley. Bryan sees that he really is needed in Beth’s home. Everything seems to be spiraling out of control. Beth is not the most dainty or put together of women, but her flaws and her emotional heartache is what makes her so real. She is trying her best to pick up the pieces after Mike’s death. She is a very realistic portrayal of what any women would be like in her shoes.
Bryan really becomes connected to Beth’s kids. He quickly learns that he is needed for more than just to clean up the kid’s messes and the messes made by the animals. Her oldest son, Jason, needs some training in how to become a man, and her oldest daughter, Kelsey, needs some training in what to expect from a man and how to be herself around them. He begins spending a lot more time with the kids and his character really begins to flourish when he is in their presence. This is such a heartwarming story for more than just the romantic elements it shares.
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Berkley in exchange for my honest review***
Beth’s life if a little tumultuous. Her husband passed two years ago leaving her with five kids, multiple pets, and a whole of life to take care of by herself. Her best friends buy her a month of cleaning service because they know how hard things have been for her: enter Bryan Manley. Bryan sees that he really is needed in Beth’s home. Everything seems to be spiraling out of control. Beth is not the most dainty or put together of women, but her flaws and her emotional heartache is what makes her so real. She is trying her best to pick up the pieces after Mike’s death. She is a very realistic portrayal of what any women would be like in her shoes.
Bryan really becomes connected to Beth’s kids. He quickly learns that he is needed for more than just to clean up the kid’s messes and the messes made by the animals. Her oldest son, Jason, needs some training in how to become a man, and her oldest daughter, Kelsey, needs some training in what to expect from a man and how to be herself around them. He begins spending a lot more time with the kids and his character really begins to flourish when he is in their presence. This is such a heartwarming story for more than just the romantic elements it shares.
***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Berkley in exchange for my honest review***
April 25, 2015
Ok so 2 stars isn't great but the story was nice, the H and h were nice and everything was just nice. The reason for the low rating was that this book just didn't do a lot for me emotionally, which is how I judge a romance novel. Movie star falls for widowed mother of 5. Mother of 5 doesn't want the spotlight of a movie star on her kids. The premise was ok and the writing was fine but there was insta-love/lust but a slow build up to any action. I like my books with a slow romance build up and some feisty characters or at least characters with flaws. Bryan was the perfect guy, movie star, nice, sweet, good with her kids etc. There wasn't anything about him that really made me take notice. Also, the author uses the word "God" way too frequently. In a few instances it works well with the dialogue but the more she used it, the more I cringed. I would probably read the others in the series but I wouldn't rush out for them. The change in Beth's thinking happened a bit fast for my liking.
Overall a nice, easy read that gets lost with all the other nice easy reads (usually 2 or 3 stars for me) and then gets forgotten.
Overall a nice, easy read that gets lost with all the other nice easy reads (usually 2 or 3 stars for me) and then gets forgotten.
August 3, 2016
I loved the premise for this series, brothers losing a bet with their sister and having to work as maids in for her cleaning business. This book has movie star Bryan working for a pretty ordinary (though she has 5 kids, and is a special ed teacher, so I find her the star! But we're supposed to think he is) widowed mother. Their interactions were adorable as are how the kids take to having a new man in the house! Funny, heartfelt, engaging. The book moved pretty fast, meaning they got to a depth of feeling I didn't really buy for the short amount of time they were together, but hey, it's fiction, so I enjoyed it!
September 19, 2014
Sweet and Tender Romance
The romance between the two main characters unfolds at a leisurely pace as they slowly get to really know one another. It was refreshing to read about a man and a woman who treat each other with respect. Beth is shy of reporters, and Bryan, being a film star, is hounded by reporters; so there was definitely issues that interfered with a blossoming relationship. But I have to be honest and say that Beth's 5 children stole the show. I loved them.
The romance between the two main characters unfolds at a leisurely pace as they slowly get to really know one another. It was refreshing to read about a man and a woman who treat each other with respect. Beth is shy of reporters, and Bryan, being a film star, is hounded by reporters; so there was definitely issues that interfered with a blossoming relationship. But I have to be honest and say that Beth's 5 children stole the show. I loved them.
July 13, 2014
Poor brothers, underestimating their baby sister. Smart baby sister, winning at cards and winning the "services" of her brothers for a month each. Now, that's a way to get some free labor for your new cleaning business! The whole thing's a bit of a stretch but the story's strong, the writing's fun and there's a sweet romance to bring it all together.
July 15, 2014
I loved this second installment in Judi Fennell's Manley Maids series. Not as light a RAF as her earlier books, I found myself moved to tears at a couple points. But, as with all of Judi's books, she quickly had you laughing after. A fun, satisfying read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews