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Pieces of Us
The nanny is hot for her boss, but she’s been burned falling for a straight woman in the past.
Julianna Bristol is on the brink of success as her fledgling video game design company goes after the opportunity of a lifetime. But her ex-husband is intent on making her fodder for late-night comedy. When she unexpectedly gains custody of her nine-year-old niece, everything in Julianna’s exquisitely planned life changes in the blink of an eye.
Sadie Culpepper is out of work and drowning in debt. She’s as unable to commit professionally as she is romantically. A last-minute nanny gig offers a lifeline, but making it through the summer working for the woman the late-night hosts call Permafrost might take everything she’s got.
Their mutually beneficial business arrangement is threatened as the magnetic pull between them grows stronger with each passing day. Both women are forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Julianna is drawn to the younger Sadie in ways she never imagined possible. And Sadie, scarred by past heartbreak, struggles to trust again, especially with her heart and financial security on the line.
Will they have the courage to defy convention and seize their chance at happiness? Or will they succumb to the pressures of society, letting go of the one thing that could save them both?
If you enjoy seductive, taboo, age-gap romance with a lot of heart, don’t miss the latest collaboration of Miranda MacLeod and TB Markinson.
Julianna Bristol is on the brink of success as her fledgling video game design company goes after the opportunity of a lifetime. But her ex-husband is intent on making her fodder for late-night comedy. When she unexpectedly gains custody of her nine-year-old niece, everything in Julianna’s exquisitely planned life changes in the blink of an eye.
Sadie Culpepper is out of work and drowning in debt. She’s as unable to commit professionally as she is romantically. A last-minute nanny gig offers a lifeline, but making it through the summer working for the woman the late-night hosts call Permafrost might take everything she’s got.
Their mutually beneficial business arrangement is threatened as the magnetic pull between them grows stronger with each passing day. Both women are forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Julianna is drawn to the younger Sadie in ways she never imagined possible. And Sadie, scarred by past heartbreak, struggles to trust again, especially with her heart and financial security on the line.
Will they have the courage to defy convention and seize their chance at happiness? Or will they succumb to the pressures of society, letting go of the one thing that could save them both?
If you enjoy seductive, taboo, age-gap romance with a lot of heart, don’t miss the latest collaboration of Miranda MacLeod and TB Markinson.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2024
441 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
70 books1,152 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 15, 2024
4.25⭐️
A sweet and heartwarming romance by TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.
When Julianna is suddenly called home from a business trip abroad due to a medical emergency and has to take care of her nine-year-old niece Jaydin, her life is turned upside down. She is torn out of her comfort zone and faced with many new challenges, which at first overwhelm her. Fortunately, there is also Sadie, a nanny who is hired at short notice. Sadie grew up in the Foster system with no experience of what the concept of family should be but with all the more experience of what it means for a child to be sent from one home to the next. But the first meeting of the two women was anything but harmonious in all the hustle and bustle. Although I can understand all the excitement, it also made me laugh.
What I like best is how the three of them form a bond with each other and eventually grow into their own little family. Although the background to the new situation for the three of them is very tragic, the two authors once again manage to give the story depth, but also lightness, with a lot of heart and humor. Julianna, Jadyn, and Sadie have already had to deal with some very different kinds of low blows. But all three are warm-hearted, caring, and strong, but also vulnerable and insecure personalities who quickly grow on you. I liked how they helped each other to overcome insecurities, build trust, and resolve conflicts. Julianna’s and Sadie’s transition from a boss/employee relationship to friends is harmonious, but when deeper, romantic feelings are added, the two are faced with new questions and insecurities.
Jaydin is her own sweet little personality, bubbling with joie de vivre, who sneaks into every heart, despite all the traumatic things she has already had to experience.
Rounding out the story is Sadie's best friend Fernando with his own brand of humor and the world's best tamales from his mother, and Julianna's family.
ARC was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet and heartwarming romance by TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod.
When Julianna is suddenly called home from a business trip abroad due to a medical emergency and has to take care of her nine-year-old niece Jaydin, her life is turned upside down. She is torn out of her comfort zone and faced with many new challenges, which at first overwhelm her. Fortunately, there is also Sadie, a nanny who is hired at short notice. Sadie grew up in the Foster system with no experience of what the concept of family should be but with all the more experience of what it means for a child to be sent from one home to the next. But the first meeting of the two women was anything but harmonious in all the hustle and bustle. Although I can understand all the excitement, it also made me laugh.
What I like best is how the three of them form a bond with each other and eventually grow into their own little family. Although the background to the new situation for the three of them is very tragic, the two authors once again manage to give the story depth, but also lightness, with a lot of heart and humor. Julianna, Jadyn, and Sadie have already had to deal with some very different kinds of low blows. But all three are warm-hearted, caring, and strong, but also vulnerable and insecure personalities who quickly grow on you. I liked how they helped each other to overcome insecurities, build trust, and resolve conflicts. Julianna’s and Sadie’s transition from a boss/employee relationship to friends is harmonious, but when deeper, romantic feelings are added, the two are faced with new questions and insecurities.
Jaydin is her own sweet little personality, bubbling with joie de vivre, who sneaks into every heart, despite all the traumatic things she has already had to experience.
Rounding out the story is Sadie's best friend Fernando with his own brand of humor and the world's best tamales from his mother, and Julianna's family.
ARC was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2025
A really gripping age-gap workplace romance! Julianna and Saddie were both fantastic main characters—complex, engaging, and easy to root for. The addition of 9-year-old Jayden brought out such a sweet, tender side in them that added real heart to the story.
That said, I didn’t love the pacing in a few spots. Things definitely slowed down after their first kiss, which felt like an anti-climax after such a strong build-up.
Still, I was fully hooked up to that point, and overall, it’s a solid, emotional read with great chemistry and characters that you want to keep reading.
That said, I didn’t love the pacing in a few spots. Things definitely slowed down after their first kiss, which felt like an anti-climax after such a strong build-up.
Still, I was fully hooked up to that point, and overall, it’s a solid, emotional read with great chemistry and characters that you want to keep reading.
May 20, 2024
T.B. Markinson & Miranda Macleod
Pieces of Us
New Release
Julianna Bristol is embarking on a fresh start after separating from her ex-husband. She goes by the name Home. In the midst of an emergency, she finds herself responsible for her niece Jaydin and urgently in need of a nanny. This is when Sadie steps in to offer her assistance. The story is heartwarming and endearing. I particularly enjoyed the unique aspect of an age gap romance with the nanny trope. Additionally, the dynamic of boss and employee added an interesting layer. It was also fascinating to see one of the main characters involved in video game design, a truly unique and captivating career. The story about both authors was a delightful read, leaving me eager to explore more of their books. I highly recommend this book, which is available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. The chemistry between the main characters was palpable, and the presence of the secondary characters and the two children added depth and warmth to the story. I intend to read more books by these wonderful and talented authors, and I encourage others to do the same. Furthermore, I suggest checking out the iHeart website, as they provide excellent resources for both authors and readers in the community.
Pieces of Us
New Release
Julianna Bristol is embarking on a fresh start after separating from her ex-husband. She goes by the name Home. In the midst of an emergency, she finds herself responsible for her niece Jaydin and urgently in need of a nanny. This is when Sadie steps in to offer her assistance. The story is heartwarming and endearing. I particularly enjoyed the unique aspect of an age gap romance with the nanny trope. Additionally, the dynamic of boss and employee added an interesting layer. It was also fascinating to see one of the main characters involved in video game design, a truly unique and captivating career. The story about both authors was a delightful read, leaving me eager to explore more of their books. I highly recommend this book, which is available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. The chemistry between the main characters was palpable, and the presence of the secondary characters and the two children added depth and warmth to the story. I intend to read more books by these wonderful and talented authors, and I encourage others to do the same. Furthermore, I suggest checking out the iHeart website, as they provide excellent resources for both authors and readers in the community.
December 7, 2025
I think this one is around a 3.5ish read for me, rounded up to 4 with Lori Prince’s stellar narration. This author duo tends to be solidly reliable for me. I almost always either love them, or have a good time and this one was no exception. I really liked Julianna as an MC, I liked Sadie, their dynamic was sweet and fun and Jayden, the niece, was adorable. I think what didn’t push this one up among my favorites were a few minor things. I just… don’t care about video games. I’ve never gotten into them. They certainly weren’t central to the plot, but since Julianna was a game developer??? They came up a few times. I tend to go into some of these boss/employee, more taboo situation romances with sooooomething of a side eye sometimes. A romance has to do more work, for me, to get on board in situations where I’d be irritated or like, this is super unprofessional/inappropriate if a man were involved. Overall, Julianna was pretty professional and the way everything developed worked for me. I did find it odd how quickly and how often Sadie decided these people were her family now, but that might just be a personal thing on my end. Overall, this is a fun one with pretty low angst in the romance department and worth a read or listen. (I’d recommend listen, as it def enhanced my experience, Prince gave Julianna her dreamy voice that I love).
January 13, 2025
Pieces of Us by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod, narrated by the incomparable Lori Prince, is a heartfelt and captivating age-gap romance that explores the complexities of love, family, and trust. With its slow-burn romance and lovable characters, this audiobook is a delight from start to finish.
Julianna Bristol is the epitome of an ice queen—a successful video game designer with a carefully structured life thrown into chaos when she unexpectedly gains custody of her niece. Enter Sadie Culpepper, the struggling but kind-hearted nanny who’s hired to help Julianna manage this upheaval. From their initial awkward dynamic to the growing warmth between them, the chemistry is undeniable.
The slow-burn romance between Julianna and Sadie is beautifully executed, giving the story a natural and satisfying progression. Sadie’s playful charm and Julianna’s icy demeanor create a delightful push-and-pull dynamic that had me rooting for them the entire way. The authors did a fantastic job exploring Julianna’s thawing exterior and Sadie’s journey toward trusting again after past heartbreak.
One of the standout elements of the story is the found family dynamic. Julianna’s relationship with her niece is tender and realistic, and Sadie’s presence brings an added layer of warmth to their evolving family unit. The authors' approach to tackling the challenges of single parenthood, work-life balance, and creating a supportive environment was both heartfelt and engaging.
The workplace romance angle—falling for the nanny—adds spice to the story while also introducing ethical dilemmas that the characters handle with maturity and grace. The tension is palpable, but it’s balanced with moments of humor and sweetness that keep the story from becoming overly heavy.
Lori Prince’s narration elevates this audiobook. Her ability to bring both Julianna’s reserved nature and Sadie’s playful energy to life is superb, making every interaction between them feel real and immersive. Prince’s voice adds depth and emotion, drawing listeners into the story and keeping them hooked.
Pieces of Us is a beautifully written and narrated romance that explores love in all its forms—romantic, familial, and self-love. It’s a heartwarming journey of healing, growth, and taking a leap of faith when it comes to matters of the heart. Whether you’re a fan of age-gap romances, ice queen tropes, or just a good, emotional listen, this audiobook is highly recommended!
Julianna Bristol is the epitome of an ice queen—a successful video game designer with a carefully structured life thrown into chaos when she unexpectedly gains custody of her niece. Enter Sadie Culpepper, the struggling but kind-hearted nanny who’s hired to help Julianna manage this upheaval. From their initial awkward dynamic to the growing warmth between them, the chemistry is undeniable.
The slow-burn romance between Julianna and Sadie is beautifully executed, giving the story a natural and satisfying progression. Sadie’s playful charm and Julianna’s icy demeanor create a delightful push-and-pull dynamic that had me rooting for them the entire way. The authors did a fantastic job exploring Julianna’s thawing exterior and Sadie’s journey toward trusting again after past heartbreak.
One of the standout elements of the story is the found family dynamic. Julianna’s relationship with her niece is tender and realistic, and Sadie’s presence brings an added layer of warmth to their evolving family unit. The authors' approach to tackling the challenges of single parenthood, work-life balance, and creating a supportive environment was both heartfelt and engaging.
The workplace romance angle—falling for the nanny—adds spice to the story while also introducing ethical dilemmas that the characters handle with maturity and grace. The tension is palpable, but it’s balanced with moments of humor and sweetness that keep the story from becoming overly heavy.
Lori Prince’s narration elevates this audiobook. Her ability to bring both Julianna’s reserved nature and Sadie’s playful energy to life is superb, making every interaction between them feel real and immersive. Prince’s voice adds depth and emotion, drawing listeners into the story and keeping them hooked.
Pieces of Us is a beautifully written and narrated romance that explores love in all its forms—romantic, familial, and self-love. It’s a heartwarming journey of healing, growth, and taking a leap of faith when it comes to matters of the heart. Whether you’re a fan of age-gap romances, ice queen tropes, or just a good, emotional listen, this audiobook is highly recommended!
May 12, 2025
Enjoyable read.
Quite entertaining story written by two great authors. I really like TB and Miranda’s books. They are always good and they are always a safe choice. This one is no different. Nice, funny, a bit emotional and solid.
Quite entertaining story written by two great authors. I really like TB and Miranda’s books. They are always good and they are always a safe choice. This one is no different. Nice, funny, a bit emotional and solid.
October 10, 2025
There’s real warmth and feels in this age-gape toaster oven story. Not only between the MCs but also with Jadyn, daughter of ice-queen Julianna. New nanny Sadie is the character I enjoyed most, and her interactions between her straight and then not-so-straight boss throughout their arc, as well as with Jadyn, are all well done.
With Sadie having been brought up in bounced-around foster care and a children’s home, the authors add a super-engaging layer of what it means to be a child that loses their parents. There were some lovely touches in the story that illuminated things I’d never thought about. I’m glad I read Pieces of us for those alone.
Not all the pieces are perfect here. Sometimes a lack of focus on the background, in this case, Julianna’s role as an expert video-game designer, can stand out when placed quite firmly in the background, making it feel more generic than it might. I’d like to have seen more about that. It’s an author choice, at least to an extent, in order to focus on the characters together, so many readers might not agree there’s the slightest issue in this regard.
But what’s good here is very good. I had a lot of fun reading this and really rooting for the girls, all three of them in the family unit.
With Sadie having been brought up in bounced-around foster care and a children’s home, the authors add a super-engaging layer of what it means to be a child that loses their parents. There were some lovely touches in the story that illuminated things I’d never thought about. I’m glad I read Pieces of us for those alone.
Not all the pieces are perfect here. Sometimes a lack of focus on the background, in this case, Julianna’s role as an expert video-game designer, can stand out when placed quite firmly in the background, making it feel more generic than it might. I’d like to have seen more about that. It’s an author choice, at least to an extent, in order to focus on the characters together, so many readers might not agree there’s the slightest issue in this regard.
But what’s good here is very good. I had a lot of fun reading this and really rooting for the girls, all three of them in the family unit.
May 31, 2024
Ok honestly I didn’t finish this one (DNF) when that happens I usually removed the book from my Goodreads as I don’t want for it to count towards my reads for the year … but you know what I had to write a review on this one so I kept it
I understand writing , and fast writing , kindle unlimited, Patreon, where author gets paid per pages .. I really don’t know why write such bad characters, no depth, flimsy back story, cringy dialogues .. I stopped at 59% mind you I had to push myself to continue waiting for it to get better …
I understand writing , and fast writing , kindle unlimited, Patreon, where author gets paid per pages .. I really don’t know why write such bad characters, no depth, flimsy back story, cringy dialogues .. I stopped at 59% mind you I had to push myself to continue waiting for it to get better …
June 9, 2025
3.25 ⭐
September 11, 2024
4.5⭐
My first book by this duo and I really enjoyed it!
A friend of mine and some of the reviews say this is even slower than a slow burn, but I honestly disagree.
Sure, they don't "get together"until like 75% into the book, but they start liking each other pretty early on.
I love slow burn and this could have been even slower in my opinion.
And the way they got together was a little weird to me, they barely talked about it.
The pacing was also kinda off, especially towards the end.
I did really like Sadie and Julianna, but I preferred the chapters from Juliannas "pov".
They were really sweet together.
I usually like children in books but Jadyn was kinda annoying sometimes.
My first book by this duo and I really enjoyed it!
A friend of mine and some of the reviews say this is even slower than a slow burn, but I honestly disagree.
Sure, they don't "get together"until like 75% into the book, but they start liking each other pretty early on.
I love slow burn and this could have been even slower in my opinion.
And the way they got together was a little weird to me, they barely talked about it.
The pacing was also kinda off, especially towards the end.
I did really like Sadie and Julianna, but I preferred the chapters from Juliannas "pov".
They were really sweet together.
I usually like children in books but Jadyn was kinda annoying sometimes.
October 1, 2024
I enjoyed this one a lot.
June 18, 2024
T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod have always been known to deliver engaging, well-written narratives, but this one might be their most commendable yet. Pieces of Us is a tenderly told story that revolves around Julianna Bristol, a video game designer on the verge of success, and Sadie Culpepper, a nanny struggling with debt and commitment issues. Their lives intertwine in complex ways when Julianna unexpectedly gains custody of her niece, causing them both to pause and question everything they’ve believed about themselves and love.
The novel immediately captivates readers and pulls them in with its well-developed storyline and likable characters. Julianna is a talented businesswoman standing on the brink of a major career breakthrough with her video game design. When tragedy suddenly strikes her family, she is given custody of her niece, causing her to navigate uncharted territory and reassess her busy professional life. This balance of corporate ambition and family need proves to be challenging, so she enlists in the aid of a nanny. Bringing Sadie onboard to help her care for her niece sets the stage for a complex and evolving relationship between the women, one filled with self-discovery and love, key ingredients for an engaging read.
The novel’s strengths lie in its exploration of its themes—love, trust, and courage, especially in regards to societal norms. Markinson and MacLeod skillfully depict Julianna and Sadie’s emotional journey as they confront their deepest fears and insecurities. As the story progresses, the women’s relationship evolves and takes shape as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives. This naturally provides an interesting dynamic to the story’s overall composition. Furthermore, it fuels a chemistry between the women that’s completely palpable, creating a compelling interplay that keeps readers thoroughly invested. Most impressively though, it underscores Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as writers, for they effectively use the interactions of these two characters to reveal the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of love, making the story meaningful and convincing for the reader.
Pieces of Us’s major appeal lies in the fact that it is written with real sensitivity, making it incredibly heartwarming. Markinson and MacLeod have consistently earned much acclaim for their writing, but Pieces of Us, in my opinion, is breathtakingly beautiful and a real standout. The way they handle taboo subjects is beyond praiseworthy. Their approach to sensitive, emotional material is scripted with depth and maturity, capturing a truth that makes scenes resonate. Because the duo tackles tender subjects with a delicate touch, they ensure that the narrative remains respectful and thought-provoking. They pursue a delicate dance of family drama and personal ambition, yet are mindful of the love story between Julianna and Sadie, letting it unfold naturally. This allows readers to be immersed into Julianna and Sadie’s journey. Ultimately though, it showcases Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as storytellers.
Not only does Pieces of Us deserve attention for its emotional depth and adept handling of complex themes, it contains strong character arcs. Julianna and Sadie’s journey is well-scripted and relatable, marked by personal growth and self-discovery. The characters’ struggles and triumphs strike a chord with readers, making their story relatable and inspiring. Additionally, their arcs are built upon layers of emotion, creating a depth that allows readers to connect on a profoundly personal level. And because it is attentive to Julianna and Sadie’s relationship challenges, readers are able to easily embrace them, ensuring engagement and satisfaction until the end.
Final remarks…
Pieces of Us by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, trust, and societal norms. The engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and heartwarming romance make it a standout read. The authors’ ability to handle complex themes with sensitivity and depth adds to its strength and appeal. Readers will root for Julianna and Sadie’s happiness as they are immersed in their journey. Ultimately, Pieces of Us is a testament to the power of love and should not be missed.
Strengths…
Engaging narrative
Strong character arcs built upon reliable, reliable emotional depth
Heartwarming romance filled with touching tenderness
Satisfying read
The novel immediately captivates readers and pulls them in with its well-developed storyline and likable characters. Julianna is a talented businesswoman standing on the brink of a major career breakthrough with her video game design. When tragedy suddenly strikes her family, she is given custody of her niece, causing her to navigate uncharted territory and reassess her busy professional life. This balance of corporate ambition and family need proves to be challenging, so she enlists in the aid of a nanny. Bringing Sadie onboard to help her care for her niece sets the stage for a complex and evolving relationship between the women, one filled with self-discovery and love, key ingredients for an engaging read.
The novel’s strengths lie in its exploration of its themes—love, trust, and courage, especially in regards to societal norms. Markinson and MacLeod skillfully depict Julianna and Sadie’s emotional journey as they confront their deepest fears and insecurities. As the story progresses, the women’s relationship evolves and takes shape as they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives. This naturally provides an interesting dynamic to the story’s overall composition. Furthermore, it fuels a chemistry between the women that’s completely palpable, creating a compelling interplay that keeps readers thoroughly invested. Most impressively though, it underscores Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as writers, for they effectively use the interactions of these two characters to reveal the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of love, making the story meaningful and convincing for the reader.
Pieces of Us’s major appeal lies in the fact that it is written with real sensitivity, making it incredibly heartwarming. Markinson and MacLeod have consistently earned much acclaim for their writing, but Pieces of Us, in my opinion, is breathtakingly beautiful and a real standout. The way they handle taboo subjects is beyond praiseworthy. Their approach to sensitive, emotional material is scripted with depth and maturity, capturing a truth that makes scenes resonate. Because the duo tackles tender subjects with a delicate touch, they ensure that the narrative remains respectful and thought-provoking. They pursue a delicate dance of family drama and personal ambition, yet are mindful of the love story between Julianna and Sadie, letting it unfold naturally. This allows readers to be immersed into Julianna and Sadie’s journey. Ultimately though, it showcases Markinson and MacLeod’s talent as storytellers.
Not only does Pieces of Us deserve attention for its emotional depth and adept handling of complex themes, it contains strong character arcs. Julianna and Sadie’s journey is well-scripted and relatable, marked by personal growth and self-discovery. The characters’ struggles and triumphs strike a chord with readers, making their story relatable and inspiring. Additionally, their arcs are built upon layers of emotion, creating a depth that allows readers to connect on a profoundly personal level. And because it is attentive to Julianna and Sadie’s relationship challenges, readers are able to easily embrace them, ensuring engagement and satisfaction until the end.
Final remarks…
Pieces of Us by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod is a captivating novel that explores themes of love, trust, and societal norms. The engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and heartwarming romance make it a standout read. The authors’ ability to handle complex themes with sensitivity and depth adds to its strength and appeal. Readers will root for Julianna and Sadie’s happiness as they are immersed in their journey. Ultimately, Pieces of Us is a testament to the power of love and should not be missed.
Strengths…
Engaging narrative
Strong character arcs built upon reliable, reliable emotional depth
Heartwarming romance filled with touching tenderness
Satisfying read
April 9, 2025
Brilliantly Funny!
Julianna’s just about to get the deal of a lifetime for her video gaming business when she also ends up with custody of her niece. She arranges for a nanny to support her, but Sadie isn’t the typical nanny she expected and life also has no intention in fitting to Julianna’s plans.
A great, fun, age-gap romance that had a mind of its own just like Julianna’s life! The chaos that suddenly surrounded Julianna really put her to the test and challenged her right from the start. That alone brought a lot of comedy and humour. Adding Sadie into that was genius and elevated everything to a good kind of chaos and gave Julianna a chance to remember who she really was and reset her to remembering not everything in life had to be about work.
Sadie really was like a rush of fresh air. She was upbeat, quirky, fun, and most importantly supportive. She had quite low self esteem and seemed to admire Julianna, even when she wasn’t handling things particularly well. But she was also super supportive in helping Julianna understand her niece's needs, as well as her own. They were complete opposites but they worked in a harmonious way that only complimented one another and made them such a strong team.
Really loved every second of this story!
Julianna’s just about to get the deal of a lifetime for her video gaming business when she also ends up with custody of her niece. She arranges for a nanny to support her, but Sadie isn’t the typical nanny she expected and life also has no intention in fitting to Julianna’s plans.
A great, fun, age-gap romance that had a mind of its own just like Julianna’s life! The chaos that suddenly surrounded Julianna really put her to the test and challenged her right from the start. That alone brought a lot of comedy and humour. Adding Sadie into that was genius and elevated everything to a good kind of chaos and gave Julianna a chance to remember who she really was and reset her to remembering not everything in life had to be about work.
Sadie really was like a rush of fresh air. She was upbeat, quirky, fun, and most importantly supportive. She had quite low self esteem and seemed to admire Julianna, even when she wasn’t handling things particularly well. But she was also super supportive in helping Julianna understand her niece's needs, as well as her own. They were complete opposites but they worked in a harmonious way that only complimented one another and made them such a strong team.
Really loved every second of this story!
November 10, 2024
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was a great inciting incident and then plateaued from there. While it was fun ride, it lost a bit of steam for me, which kept me from rating it closer to a five. A fun little story about coming out later in life, unexpectedly finding yourself a parent figure for a child, and putting the vulnerable little person in your charge ahead of yourself once you are their only chance for stability and love.
This was a great inciting incident and then plateaued from there. While it was fun ride, it lost a bit of steam for me, which kept me from rating it closer to a five. A fun little story about coming out later in life, unexpectedly finding yourself a parent figure for a child, and putting the vulnerable little person in your charge ahead of yourself once you are their only chance for stability and love.
November 22, 2024
4.5 stars. First book I’ve read by either of these authors.
I really enjoyed this! What a fantastic story and the characters were so lovable.
This is written in third person with 2 POV’s. Boss/Nanny combo. Toaster Oven. New parent. Age gap (12 years). Slow burn, 2x spicy scenes. Lots of tension! Also deals with childhood trauma.
Audiobook is amazing! Narrated by Lori Prince, so you know it’s done well 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I really enjoyed this! What a fantastic story and the characters were so lovable.
This is written in third person with 2 POV’s. Boss/Nanny combo. Toaster Oven. New parent. Age gap (12 years). Slow burn, 2x spicy scenes. Lots of tension! Also deals with childhood trauma.
Audiobook is amazing! Narrated by Lori Prince, so you know it’s done well 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
July 5, 2024
3.75⭐️ Pieces of us is a cute sapphic, age gap, nanny romance with a little bit of spice. The characters were likeable, the story was good but it kinda felt like there was something missing and I was left wanting more but overall I did enjoy it. I would recommend to anyone who likes sweet sapphic romances.
June 15, 2024
A solid, funny, heartfelt romance! I loved Julianna, Sadie, Jadyn, Fernando, and the rest of the crew. It’s obvious TB and Miranda work well together and enjoy every minute of it!
[But TB and Miranda need to keep better track of their eye colors: this is the second book of theirs in which I’ve discovered the “Are her eyes blue or brown?” offense.]
[But TB and Miranda need to keep better track of their eye colors: this is the second book of theirs in which I’ve discovered the “Are her eyes blue or brown?” offense.]
May 13, 2024
3.5
Usually I enjoy T.B. and Miranda’s book, but this one is a miss for me. I love the nanny trope; the writing was great, the MCs are lovable, and the side characters are adorable. However, the lack of dynamic between the MCs and the story makes me lost interested and struggle to keep reading it
Usually I enjoy T.B. and Miranda’s book, but this one is a miss for me. I love the nanny trope; the writing was great, the MCs are lovable, and the side characters are adorable. However, the lack of dynamic between the MCs and the story makes me lost interested and struggle to keep reading it
May 18, 2024
Two writers who are always hot the mark when they write alone... When they write together...BOOM!
July 20, 2025
Witty and warm, this is a feel-good sapphic romance. The characters are believable and vibrant, the story, charming. I recommend if you like a happy ending.
May 10, 2024
Great start. Genuinely amusing, not only banter but situations.
I have read a fair few books recently that have been fine, but perhaps lacked that urgency to get back to them when I had to put them down. This was different, I was always keen to get back. As I said before I found it amusing but in a particular scene between siblings, very moving.
A really enjoyable romance! 4.5.
I have read a fair few books recently that have been fine, but perhaps lacked that urgency to get back to them when I had to put them down. This was different, I was always keen to get back. As I said before I found it amusing but in a particular scene between siblings, very moving.
A really enjoyable romance! 4.5.
June 24, 2024
This did not feel like a TB Markinson & Miranda MacLeod novel :(
Ive loved their previous books - Devil's Advocate and The AM Show but this one was an average read where I would have loved for the story to have had a bit more depth.
Ive loved their previous books - Devil's Advocate and The AM Show but this one was an average read where I would have loved for the story to have had a bit more depth.
August 11, 2024
This one was a slog to get through and I should have abandoned it but I guess I kept hoping it would get better. To be fair it did occasionally redeem itself briefly with just enough breadcrumbs to string me along to the end but not enough to have a good time. The most surprising part was actually how it managed to make a slightly taboo pairing (falling for the nanny) so achingly boring.
It reads like a ‘made for tv’ movie where the writers are just checking off a bunch of tropes and pre-thought of pieces of dialogue from a list and very loosely stringing them together without much care for the end product or if it even makes sense.
A prime example of this is when we get this cliché moment where the two main characters are in denial about how close they’re becoming and their respective best friends give them the “uh, are you dating her or something?” talk. Potentially cute except it occurs in a part of the book when nothing has even happened between them in private, let alone public enough for their friends to notice. It literally doesn’t make sense for the timeline at all. What are they even reacting to? Maybe the side characters had meta knowledge and were just so bored of the story they were in that they tried to move the plot along. Not that I’d blame them because it felt like it was 900 pages long.
Another problem with the book is that so much of it is constantly told to the reader instead of shown and a bunch of stuff just happens off-page where we only know about it because it’s casually referenced as having happened and we have to fill in the blanks with the imaginary potential of what the story could be. I sincerely didn’t feel even a hint of the chemistry they were supposedly experiencing and their relationship progression seemed like it was only happening because the plot demanded it.
Honestly the only engaging part of this story was the side arc about the niece being traumatised and her dad being in prison. In a romance book. How sad is that? Everything else felt like it was given just barely enough attention to make a vaguely coherent storyline that was so two dimensional even Lori Prince narrating couldn’t bring it to life.
It reads like a ‘made for tv’ movie where the writers are just checking off a bunch of tropes and pre-thought of pieces of dialogue from a list and very loosely stringing them together without much care for the end product or if it even makes sense.
A prime example of this is when we get this cliché moment where the two main characters are in denial about how close they’re becoming and their respective best friends give them the “uh, are you dating her or something?” talk. Potentially cute except it occurs in a part of the book when nothing has even happened between them in private, let alone public enough for their friends to notice. It literally doesn’t make sense for the timeline at all. What are they even reacting to? Maybe the side characters had meta knowledge and were just so bored of the story they were in that they tried to move the plot along. Not that I’d blame them because it felt like it was 900 pages long.
Another problem with the book is that so much of it is constantly told to the reader instead of shown and a bunch of stuff just happens off-page where we only know about it because it’s casually referenced as having happened and we have to fill in the blanks with the imaginary potential of what the story could be. I sincerely didn’t feel even a hint of the chemistry they were supposedly experiencing and their relationship progression seemed like it was only happening because the plot demanded it.
Honestly the only engaging part of this story was the side arc about the niece being traumatised and her dad being in prison. In a romance book. How sad is that? Everything else felt like it was given just barely enough attention to make a vaguely coherent storyline that was so two dimensional even Lori Prince narrating couldn’t bring it to life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
Definitely struggled with this book. I felt the reading age matched closer for a young teen but obviously the genre it is trying to fit into should be a read for much older and sophisticated minds. The narrative is very repetitive. The reasons the two women resisted the urge to act on their growing feelings was pretty weak for me. I have some idea of the initial reaction to resist but after a couple times of energy passing through them, they could’ve easily let go sooner or even had more physical scenes followed by the moments of emotional doubt/fear of committing
Secondly, the descriptions of characters physicality was weak. I enjoy strong imagery when reading and I can barely tell you what these characters (main and supporting) look like… if not for the main cover I would be even more in the dark. Even the way Jules is sweeping Sadie by the arch in her back in the cover is not described vividly enough for me in the book. Their clear height difference would be a great point when describing how their lips meet and this is such a human thing to notice when kissing anyone who’s even a couple inches taller/shorter than you so I feel this was a couple missed opportunities.
Next, I felt confused by the power that was supposedly exuding from Jules throughout. This character trait of hers, is one which many find attractive and she is pinpointed as a strong, uncompromising, working woman but her actions, countenance and emotions are constantly teetering on the edge, like ALWAYS. We all know strong women need their moment of vulnerability as we are human and it would be insulting to suggested otherwise, but I didn’t feel as much strength from Jules other than her Job responsibilities. The woman caves into pretty much everything, even to placate her idiot ex, who gets far too much air time for the length of the book imo.
Which brings me to my last point, a point which dropped this book a whole star for me. I HATED the fact that when finally get to the women admitting their feelings for one another, we have 2 mentions of the ex during an intimate moment. Why not make it an afterthought since the intimacy was described as everything she could ever want. Get that douche out of your head right now. Make it the most fleeting thought ever, if it has to rear its ugly head. Just found this super annoying.
Secondly, the descriptions of characters physicality was weak. I enjoy strong imagery when reading and I can barely tell you what these characters (main and supporting) look like… if not for the main cover I would be even more in the dark. Even the way Jules is sweeping Sadie by the arch in her back in the cover is not described vividly enough for me in the book. Their clear height difference would be a great point when describing how their lips meet and this is such a human thing to notice when kissing anyone who’s even a couple inches taller/shorter than you so I feel this was a couple missed opportunities.
Next, I felt confused by the power that was supposedly exuding from Jules throughout. This character trait of hers, is one which many find attractive and she is pinpointed as a strong, uncompromising, working woman but her actions, countenance and emotions are constantly teetering on the edge, like ALWAYS. We all know strong women need their moment of vulnerability as we are human and it would be insulting to suggested otherwise, but I didn’t feel as much strength from Jules other than her Job responsibilities. The woman caves into pretty much everything, even to placate her idiot ex, who gets far too much air time for the length of the book imo.
Which brings me to my last point, a point which dropped this book a whole star for me. I HATED the fact that when finally get to the women admitting their feelings for one another, we have 2 mentions of the ex during an intimate moment. Why not make it an afterthought since the intimacy was described as everything she could ever want. Get that douche out of your head right now. Make it the most fleeting thought ever, if it has to rear its ugly head. Just found this super annoying.
August 12, 2024
Normally a huge fan of this duo, but this was just TOO slow in the actual romance between the MC's. I loved the overall plot with Jay and the background aspects but this was slower than a slow burn, it was almost non-existent and then bam they are in a relationship and co-parenting?! It just had so much tension but then nothing became of it really and then it was a instant relationship of sorts. I say 'of sorts' because there was no intimacy or real contact. It was just odd. But it won't stop me from reading more from this duo- this just wasn't what I have come to expect from them.
May 23, 2024
Enjoyable romance with well written MCs that had pretty good chemistry together. I also liked the kid in the story. I have kids around the same age and thought she was written in a realistic way. The book lost me a bit towards the second half, after the MCs got together. I felt the romance kind of… fizzled and I was often confused as to where they were in their relationship. Overall a good read.
August 17, 2024
DID NOT PUT DOWN!!!
Absolutely amazing! These two authors knocked it out of the park again with this one! Definitely going on my must read again list❤️
Absolutely amazing! These two authors knocked it out of the park again with this one! Definitely going on my must read again list❤️
October 29, 2024
My goodness!! This was wonderful!! Sweet and domestic “single parent” romances are my absolute favorites!!
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