Simone Livingston agrees to be a surrogate for widower Anthony Powell after the tragic death of his wife. Everything goes well until Anthony is AWOL for his child's birth, and Simone is suddenly abandoned at the hospital with a newborn. Forty-eight hours pass, and Simone faces a difficult allow the child to go into foster care or take her and raise her as her own. She decides the latter and leaves with her unexpected bundle of joy.A year later, Baby Nori's father arrives on her doorstep, soaked to the bone, and explains he was a victim of a vehicle accident that left him in a coma. Simone's world shatters when he demands custody of Nori. She refuses, prompting a custody hearing that leaves her childless. Unable to live with the loss of her child, she considers the unthinkable but is interrupted by Anthony's lawyer, who extends her an offer that is too good to be true...become Nori's live-in nanny.Simone accepts the offer with the stipulation that she'll gain legal joint custody rights to Nori if their arrangement goes south. Anthony eagerly agrees to Simone's proposition, wanting nothing more than to make amends for the pain he caused Simone and their daughter after he cruelly separated them.As time passes, Simone gets a glimpse of the sweet and selfless Anthony she remembered before Nori was born. The close proximity becomes too much to handle as they successfully co-parent and grow closer to one another. A night of passion puts things in perspective for Anthony. He's in love with Simone, envisions them as a family, and will do anything to keep her, but will Simone forgive him for his past transgressions?The Surrogate Nanny takes readers on a journey through grief, trauma, forgiveness, bonding through parenting, and love.The Surrogate Nanny is meant for readers 18+ due to mature themes such as strong language, graphic sex scenes, suicidal ideation and failed attempt, separation of a child from a parent, and permanent injuries due to a vehicle accident.
A. N. Boyden began her writing journey in 2018 as an escape from the pressures and demands of a high-stress social services job. She never expected her nearly illegible scratching to turn into not only a passion but a career three years later. A. N. Boyden's humble beginnings began on Wattpad, where "Spouse Swap" was born. She gained thousands of adoring and supportive followers who gave her the confidence and boost she needed to finally self-publish.
A. N. Boyden's niche is interracial romances and thrillers that feature an abundance of steamy scenes, drama, and countless laughs. The majority of A. N. Boyden's female characters are strong Black women who reside in the great state of Texas, just like her. She sometimes refers to herself as a "one-woman" show, but frequently finds herself pitching her storylines to her husband, who is her number one fan.
This is another enjoyable A.N. Boyden romance where, this time, a widower uses a surogate to have his child with the use of his deceased wife's eggs and the rocky journey towards romance begins. I appreciate that this is not a surrogate trope where the father is using some excuse to impregnate the woman the old fashion way, or the surrogate's eggs are used instead of the MMC wife's. Anthony Powell, the widower, gets into an accident and ends up in a coma for a year while Simone Livingston, the surrogate, delivers and ends up raising the baby. I had to get over the fact that a rich man was missing for a year from his obligations while in the same city at a hospital the entire time. Seriously, no one searched for a John Doe in the area hospitals, or jails the night that his surrogate is giving birth? After I made my peace with that plot hole, here comes get a heart wrenching moment where Anthony suddenly shows up at Simone's doorstep and uses the court to collect his daughter from her without considering joint custody. Thankfully, Anthony's lawyer, Jonathan Baker, comes up with a solution and Simone ends up living with Anthony as a live-in nanny. The book was slow paced at some areas and it went a bit long with the vacation scenes. But for the most part, it's a sweet slow-burn romantic story which sets up Jonathan's own love story in the end with an excerpt of the intriguing "The Widowed Nanny"
This was an ok story. I kept waiting for the climax but realized it was back when Anthony showed up at Simone's door. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't exciting either like the author's other books. I'm looking forward to Jonathan's story more. A good amount of errors... Not a whole lot but I guess if you just use context clues, you'll understand what was meant.
I do love a pregnancy trope. And bring on a nanny x single dad situation. The Surrogate Nanny is on a whole different level, starting with full-on angst. The story is not easy and has several sensitive themes throughout. But I must be a glutton for punishment because I was flipping through these pages wanting to know what was going to happen next. And the way the author writes, once things appear all nice and calm—boom. However, not to worry. It does end in a HEA. I enjoyed Surrogate Nanny so much that I jumped right into Widowed Nanny. And for those that read on—you’re in for a treat with that one. The spice intensifies, and so does the angst. I’m so excited that there will be a Book 3 and even more so with who the characters are!
This book started with gut punch, I think I was crying first few pages in. My heart was in my throat.
I’ve no idea if there are TW or CW but here’s a quick one
Death of a spouse (off page) Death of a parent (off page) Car accident (off page) Talks/thoughts of suicide (on page and descriptive for the most part)
My feelings about this book are a little convoluted; in the one hand the author did a fantastic job pulling emotions out of me. On the other I couldn’t fully jump on board with the hero, he just caused me so much pain with his actions that I couldn’t move past it.
As for Simone, she deserved better. She’s a better person than me, that’s for sure.
This reminded me of a messy lifetime movie in a good way 🤣 What started off as just a surrogate contract ended up become so much more when she stepped in to become a mother. I was stressed at the start 😅. Honestly shocked that the FMC got over the BIG thing that happened between the characters so quick. I feel like I would have been still heated despite his charm.
There are some *self harm* thoughts which had me tearing up at time but totally understood why the FMC felt like this.
Probably will read the next in the series because I want Mr. Attorney to have a HEA too. He was a good dude.
This was a quick somewhat fluffy read. However there is a dramatic situation in the beginning of this book that will tug at your heartstrings. The premise is interesting and the lead characters are likeable but for me it felt like a little something was missing in the overall execution of the storyline. For the most part it was an alright brisk read.
I absolutely loved Anthony and Someone's story... So in love with baby Nori..I just kept reading and did not want it to end..then I read excerpts of Jonathan's story and then now I can't wait.. 😍😍😍
Definitely different. I was upset about the situation. I don’t think I could have forgiven so easily. It came together nicely. On to the Johnathan’s story.
This read like just another nanny/surrogate story. Surrogate goes to live with birth father so she could continue mothering the baby, and they fall madly in love. Yes, some of the circumstances were different, but overall, the script is the same. The relationship between Anthony and Simone also felt stiff and forced, and the chemistry was lukewarm at best. Disappointing.
Uma das melhores leituras do ano pra mim - não estranhe o título, porque ele não colabora em nada para a montanha-russa de emoções que é "The Surrogate Nanny". Passei raiva com o mocinho, torci muito pela mocinha, mesmo com as circunstâncias; mas a história é tão bem construída que você se vê entendendo todos os lados e apenas encantada em como tudo se desenrola - e como é bem-pensada a trama. Simone Livingston assina um contrato para ser barriga de aluguel de um homem rico, Anthony Powell, e até aí, dentro das leis dos EUA e sendo uma decisão mútua, tudo ok. Anthony parece ser um paizão, ajuda Simone em tudo... Até o dia em que ele não aparece no parto da criança, desaparece, e Simone se vê em uma situação difícil: deixar a recém-nascida ir para o conselho tutelar ou criar a menina como se fosse dela? Ela decide adotar a menina, dar seu sobrenome e criar Nori com todo o carinho, até que um ano depois, Anthony aparece do nada na vida das duas, informando que ficou esse tempo todo em coma por causa de um acidente e deseja ter a filha de volta. Parece uma novela do Manoel Carlos, e se fosse no Brasil seria, porque é muito legal ver como Simone assume essa responsabilidade e ama profundamente Nori, a tal ponto de lutar pela guarda da menina, mesmo que o contrato assinado e a ausência de vínculo sanguíneo (além da grana de Anthony x a vida sacrificada da jovem) a coloquem em uma posição complicada no júri. Como você imagina, Simone perde a guarda da menina e entra numa espiral depressiva que só é impedida por uma proposta do advogado de Anthony, Jonathan (que é uma figura bem interessante do livro), que oferece um novo contrato: que ela viva como babá da criança. Há motivos: Anthony não conseguiu se conectar com Nori, e a menina pede o tempo todo pela mãe. Ou seja, ela não é exatamente a babá de Nori, e sim a mãe dela, como foi por um ano. Isso cobre alguns dos primeiros capítulos do livro, e depois disso, a vibe "novela do Manoel Carlos, só que SPICY" prossegue - e a autora trabalha com maestria como essas duas pessoas de vidas e histórias diferentes, que poderiam ter uma relação massa de co-parentalidade (se não fosse a correria de Anthony), agora estão em uma situação conflituosa e complexa: Simone não é a mãe biológica de Nori, mas é a mãe que ela conhece e ama; e Anthony é o pai biológico que sempre quis a filha, mas uma tragédia o impediu de ter essa convivência. Aliado ao fato de que o acidente (e a ânsia de Anthony) impediram que sentimentos escondidos pelos dois pudessem se revelar em tempo... Mas não direi nada, porque só lendo para saber. Eu AMEI "The Surrogate Nanny" porque é o tipo de romance com drama que tem camadas (há uma subtrama interessante de Anthony convivendo com questões físicas e a bengala que precisa usar após o acidente; além de ser perceptível que a autora do livro é uma mulher negra, dada a forma como a relação de Simone - que é negra - e a filha Nori - que é branca - é trabalhada, e as tensões que aparecem em uma determinada sequência que na hora eu saquei o que ia acontecer naquela loja), é bem construído, a forma como os personagens se encantam, se desencantam e se apaixonam de verdade é bem-feita, não é apressada, é envolvente e tem doses honestas de humor. Anthony era um cara engraçado antes do acidente e aos poucos retoma seu jeito; e Simone sabe dar boas indiretas. Além disso, Nori é um bebê fofo (e o processo de crescimento dela é bem-escrito) - e é muito legal ver essa parte da maternidade e da paternidade se desenvolvendo na história. Ah sim, e os hots são maravilhosos. Eu disse que tinha SPICY na novela do Manoel Carlos né? Eu gostei muito de "The Surrogate Nanny" e já quero ler o livro do Jonathan, que promete (parece menos novela do Manoel Carlos, mas deve ser bacana do mesmo jeito).
Importante: aviso de gatilho para ideação suicida.
Not gonna lie, Anthony was a major jerk off, which tends to be the case with this authors' MMCs. They always seem to be then stereotypical essence of a-hole qualities of privileged white man you can find and the FMC - the generous, forgiving and amendable black woman that is too humble for her own good. Simone was a sweet, naive, young woman that took a chance at getting a better life by becoming a surrogate. Anthony-bitter about life, angry, privelaged, sarcastic , and rich. The unforseen circumstances that altered their paths should have been enough of a reason for Anthony to be considerate of her sacrifices, but he was the typical, cutthroat, prick that rich people tend to be when they don't get their way...brutal in forcing their way, no matter the cost to anyone else. I don't like the accommodating nature of Simone considering how he came at her and manipulated the situation. I prefer my FMCs especially as black women experiencing this harsh, world not to be doormats that can be walked over by everyone. She was WAY too nice, accommodating and forgiving with everyone...and no one was that way with her.
Even the situation with Jonathan's ex, Simone didnt even get to see the result of retribution on her behalf. It would have been nice to see that Karen pay and Simone humble that heffa after what she did. Simone was too much damsel for me. Love an HEA, but not when the FMC is the doormat for everyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have found that with interracial books, the ones that I have really enjoyed are those that have the right balance of discussing the intricacies of interracial relationships and average relationship issues that any couple of any race can face.
I feel like with a lot of interracial books they turn me off so much cause they overdo it with the whole racial stereotypes and the " Oh no I'm black and you are white. Why is this white man talking to me. Oh no why I am attracted to this white man when I should be wanting a brother. Oh lordt what will my friends and family think. What will his family and friends think" Oh and my favourite is when they do the whole "White people are racist but black people are also just as racist too. Everyone can be racist and bad" like fuck no with that bullshit !
Anywho this book had the right balance of just having the average issues that can come up with any relationship and also issues that can arise when you're in an interracial couple. Good book
Ms. Boyden is able to pull in the reader from the first page. Her books range in scope from suspense, family drama, to comedic gems….they are excellent examples of great storytelling. The Surrogate Nanny is the first in the Nanny Series. When Anthony lost his wife he was determined to bring their child into the world. He picked the perfect candidate in Simone Livingston for his surrogate. Kind, loving Simone was happy to help Anthony; and when he disappeared just before the baby’s birth she stepped in to raise the vulnerable child. Suddenly Anthony is back and he wants his baby! Simone is understandably devastated….how will she go on? Will Anthony reconsider and be generous? This story is heart wrenching but also humorous and full of amazing characters. Jonathan’s story is slated for March, 2024. The blurb/sample indicates that the book will be another great story!
Despite the initial trauma that occurred at the start of this story, it was still a very sweet romance.
It was definitely an unconventional family and I can imagine it will be a wild story to tell when the kids are older. I still thought they made an adorable little trio. Simone and Nori’s bond was so strong and the beginning scenes broke my heart because of it. She’s a stronger woman than I am to forgive Anthony and help him nurture his own bond with Nori.
The scene in the boutique and parking lot made me rage, simply because it’s a real occurrence and I felt horrible for Simone. I’m so glad whatsherface got her comeuppance!!
I appreciated that there was no third act breakup, this couple had been through enough! There was also a decent amount of spice but not overwhelming so.
Overall I really enjoyed this. It was a fast and easy read with a sweet sort of found family and I’m excited for the next book!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heat Scale: 🔥🔥 [0] 🤍 to [10] 🖤 Scale: 🤍 A Light Novel: 2/10 🤍
This was soooo good. It was my first book from this writer, so I didn't have a scale to measure it on, but it was phenomenal. My taste in novels usually lean toward thrillers or dark novels, so in the beginning, I had thought I might not be drawn in. However, I was hooked from page one! The characters show true and REAL emotions and feelings, so much so that you feel like you're in the room with them. I teared up, got mad, and laughed during the novel. Ugh, this had me in a chokehold. I started and felt like I was watching a movie from all the feels. The one incredible note I had, outside of the plot, was that this book is consistent. Consistent in that our Characters don't have sudden personality changes and that Nori is their entire world. In some (most) novels, the child in the novel becomes a backdrop, but in this, Nori is there till the end. I will be looking for more books from this author❣️
For this being a short(ish) story, it sure packed a big punch. The characters were fleshed out and had depth. They were real and could be me or you and had real struggles to overcome or accept. The whole nine yards! I wanted to cry so many different times at the beginning and DID cry at the court scene. 😬🥺😮💨THAT scene will stick with me for a LONG time I’m sure. That part struck too close to a mother’s heart. I felt deeply for how the story unfolded. There was so much pain and sadness I wanted to hurry to the HEA which we get in spades btw. All in all, a really great introduction to a new to me authors Em Jay & A.N. Boyden. The stëamy parts almost felt forced and I’m shocked to say, almost unnecessary! The story was so rich and real that it could have stood alone without smëx and I never say anything like that so bravo ladies!!
This book had me crying and definitely in my feelings when the baby was taken away from her. Even with how the mom battled with depression and suicidal thoughts. The depth and intensity in this book was beautiful. I loved how the relationship between the surrogate mom and the dad blossomed from its cold dead and stagnant state.
The MMC was a total douchebag for taking the daughter away when he didn’t know anything about the baby! He was so stubborn that he didn’t want to ask the FMC for help even though she raised the baby while he was gone! When she became his nanny to stay close to her daughter was when the story started picking up beautifully. I throughly enjoyed this book
This was a great read. At first I was pissed at Anthony be I was like damn dude I know that's your baby and she was only the surrogate but she took care of her for a year while you was MIA. Anthony wasn't trying to hear none of that he wanted his baby. Simone was heartbroken and devastated and felt she had nothing to live for when Nori was all she had. I'm glad Anthony's lawyer/best friend Jonathan got there just in time. He gave her a deal that she couldn't resist. I'm glad everything worked out for her and Anthony. Now I can't wait for Jonathan's story.💗💗
A. N. writes as if is second nature to breathing. The Surrogate Nanny gives off those true-to-life vibes. Simone relates to most women that have been surrogates...ok, here is your child. I've carried the child, I've tried not to get attached but oh, those motherly heart-strings are pulled and they take over. It's so precious to read of the bond between the two. Anthony...I sympathize but I don't like your tactics, sir! But thank goodness for Jonathan!!! You will go through a plethora of emotions but the greatest will be sheer joy at the way A.N. takes us along this journey. You will NOT be disappointed.
Definitely didn’t hate it and didn’t love it either. When I initially started reading it was very interesting but half way through I kind of lost interest because the whole taking back Nori only for her mum to be in the picture a week later threw me off, especially since it was so easily accepted. So it’s like Anthony didn’t think after the accident and he remembered he ‘had feelings for her’.
The romance was lacking, and when something did spark it was a little too late because I was skimming just to end it. This was 100% a slow burner romance for sureee. Wasn’t bad but not my favourite.
A very different kind of love story. At times I wanted to smack some sense into Anthony. Simone was only doing what she thought was best for both her and Nori and it just took a turn when Anthony was nowhere to be found. I do think he tried to do what was best it just became too much for a little bit there. I went down a star because without spoiling a dramatic scene, I wish there was more talk about their individual cultures and ethnicities because I only remember hearing about it once and it made a particular scene very confusing for a bit. Otherwise very interesting dynamics and good story.
This blew me away. The way this story unfolded and how it flowed together was beautiful. My emotions were immediately swept up and my heart was into this book. After agreeing to a surrogacy and being stood up at the hospital with a newborn I can understand why Simone would want to keep the baby but girl you signed that paperwork. I was so shocked at how Anthony handled it like sir I felt for you but God he was cruel. But the way their relationship progressed and how they co-parented together oh it was just beautiful. This warmed my heart but definitely had some very real-life situations and though I loved how Anthony tried to handle it I didn't like it. But such a good read.
This was sooooooo good. This book at me dropping alligator tears at 3 in the morning. I could feel Simone’s pain through the pages. I could understand Anthony and why he did what he did but my goodness he could have done things differently. Jonathan being such a good friend saved the day literally. After Simone becomes the nanny, she and Anthony became closer and eventually found their HEALTH. I cannot wait for Jonathan and Kierra’s story. Jonathan definitely deserves his HEA. A.N. Boyden please keep the books coming I love your books.
I read through but wasn't hooked or engaged in the story, it didn't come over as natural, everything in the relationship seemed forced. It wasn't an awful read but it didn't keep me wanting to read I was glad when is finished. I can't put my fingers on it because individually The characters all seemed great but when it was put together it just read a bit stiff. The sex scenes I found just like reading the words and didn't seem to fit the characters and they didn't come over as living or natural between the pair.
In "The Surrogate Nanny," A.N. Boyden delivers yet another captivating romance, portraying the heart-wrenching journey of a surrogate who unexpectedly becomes the primary caregiver for the baby, navigating through a series of unfortunate events. Witnessing Nori's struggle and sacrifice as she finds herself separated from Simone tugs at the heartstrings, showcasing the depth of her love and resilience. The ending, where Anthony and Simone eventually find solace and happiness together, is both satisfying and uplifting. Can’t wait for the next one.
honestly crazy the way this book starts! She should have broken at least ten of his bones! just for initial reparations
I like Simone her state made sense and was well portrayed! But the relationship wasn't that special, their dynamic with Nori is fun but I really think it made more sense to have this story has novella, we get way more of their relationship in the next book.
I would have be prefered to see them during the pregnancy and another half about the after!
The first few chapters of Surrogate Nanny had me in tears. It was an absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful idea. Unfortunately, for me, that was it. Trying to read much past her becoming his nanny seemed without merit. The premise of the story will stay with me. I hope this writer continues to hone her craft and delves further into research.
As always this author story is very entertaining and believable I loved Simone she was struggling to get her life back in order and Anthony provided a way and along that journey was some mishaps and trauma that they got through and found love along the way
This story is a pleasure to read. There was one angst moment where the heroine was considering suicide. I was hoping for an intervention before rather than after. I was all in with reading this book. I stayed up late (thank you for spring break or I would have gone to work bleary-eyed). Now on to book #2.