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Notting Hill Diaries #0.5
To Kiss a Prince
Notting Hill Diaries Prequel
Anna's life is falling apart. First she gets fired--totally not her fault!--and then she comes home to find her boyfriend in bed with the neighbor. But a job offer across the Pond gives her the perfect excuse to chuck it all and start again. As the nanny of adorable twins, she finds her new boss, Bella, cold and oh-so-proper, but Notting Hill is nothing short of magical. And as Valentine's Day approaches, Anna realizes anything is possible. Even capturing the heart of a prince.
The prequel of the new contemporary romance series, Notting Hill Diaries, from the international bestselling author of the Sunwalker Saga.
Book 1 - Kissing Frogs
Book 2 - Kiss Me, Chloe
Book 3 - Kiss Me, Stupid
Book 4 - Kissing Mr. Darcy (available October 2015)
Anna's life is falling apart. First she gets fired--totally not her fault!--and then she comes home to find her boyfriend in bed with the neighbor. But a job offer across the Pond gives her the perfect excuse to chuck it all and start again. As the nanny of adorable twins, she finds her new boss, Bella, cold and oh-so-proper, but Notting Hill is nothing short of magical. And as Valentine's Day approaches, Anna realizes anything is possible. Even capturing the heart of a prince.
The prequel of the new contemporary romance series, Notting Hill Diaries, from the international bestselling author of the Sunwalker Saga.
Book 1 - Kissing Frogs
Book 2 - Kiss Me, Chloe
Book 3 - Kiss Me, Stupid
Book 4 - Kissing Mr. Darcy (available October 2015)
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
64 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Shéa MacLeod
135 books455 followersShéa MacLeod has dreamed of writing novels since before she could hold a crayon. She totally blames her mother.
Her favorite poem as a child was ‘Jabberwocky’, and Her favorite authors were Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Which probably explains a lot.
After a six year sojourn in London, England, a dearth of good donuts has driven her back to her hometown. She now resides in the leafy green hills outside Portland, Oregon where she indulges in her fondness for strong coffee, Ancient Aliens reruns, lemon curd, and dragons.
Because everything's better with dragons.
Shéa is the author of the SUNWALKER SAGA (a fast paced urban fantasy series with a kick-ass heroine published by Montlake) and DRAGON WARS (a post-apocalyptic series with dragons)as well as the Cupcake Goddess novelettes.
Her favorite poem as a child was ‘Jabberwocky’, and Her favorite authors were Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Which probably explains a lot.
After a six year sojourn in London, England, a dearth of good donuts has driven her back to her hometown. She now resides in the leafy green hills outside Portland, Oregon where she indulges in her fondness for strong coffee, Ancient Aliens reruns, lemon curd, and dragons.
Because everything's better with dragons.
Shéa is the author of the SUNWALKER SAGA (a fast paced urban fantasy series with a kick-ass heroine published by Montlake) and DRAGON WARS (a post-apocalyptic series with dragons)as well as the Cupcake Goddess novelettes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 21, 2016
A short novella with sweet romance, just right for reading over a lunchbreak or commute.
An American art teacher loses her job and her boyfriend so is looking for a change. She ends up in London working as a nanny with a visa arranged by a total stranger. The twin boys she has to mind are recently orphaned and their aunt and uncle, both unmarried and from different sides of the family, are in need of help. The folks here are well off and some snobby friends make the American's life a little unpleasant. But romance is in the air. I'd rather the gentleman had some gainful employment or worked for a charity, as otherwise he comes across as something of a layabout, though a very pleasant one. An enjoyable light read.
The author says she has lived in London, but the book gets the floors of the house wrong. The floor on the ground is the ground floor. Up stairs will bring you to the first floor, as in first above the ground, then the second floor is above that one. In such an old town house there is likely to be a basement, where once cooks and coal and scullerymaids were out of sight of the owners. The book has the floors explained to the girl the American way, though she is jet lagged.
Also the author can't come up with an explanation for why the American art teacher is requested to work in London. If you get an e-mail from someone you don't know offering you work, it's likely to be a fraud. She doesn't even google the sender or location to check before hitting a reply which might infect her computer or ask her for ID details that enable identity theft. Why would the wealthy people not get a nanny from Norlands, the famous high-standard nanny college? At the very least we should be told about a connection who has recommended the girl.
The author made this available free. This is an unbiased review.
An American art teacher loses her job and her boyfriend so is looking for a change. She ends up in London working as a nanny with a visa arranged by a total stranger. The twin boys she has to mind are recently orphaned and their aunt and uncle, both unmarried and from different sides of the family, are in need of help. The folks here are well off and some snobby friends make the American's life a little unpleasant. But romance is in the air. I'd rather the gentleman had some gainful employment or worked for a charity, as otherwise he comes across as something of a layabout, though a very pleasant one. An enjoyable light read.
The author says she has lived in London, but the book gets the floors of the house wrong. The floor on the ground is the ground floor. Up stairs will bring you to the first floor, as in first above the ground, then the second floor is above that one. In such an old town house there is likely to be a basement, where once cooks and coal and scullerymaids were out of sight of the owners. The book has the floors explained to the girl the American way, though she is jet lagged.
Also the author can't come up with an explanation for why the American art teacher is requested to work in London. If you get an e-mail from someone you don't know offering you work, it's likely to be a fraud. She doesn't even google the sender or location to check before hitting a reply which might infect her computer or ask her for ID details that enable identity theft. Why would the wealthy people not get a nanny from Norlands, the famous high-standard nanny college? At the very least we should be told about a connection who has recommended the girl.
The author made this available free. This is an unbiased review.
July 22, 2023
When I purchased this, it was labeled as book 2 in the Notting Hill series...but I see now that it's #0.5, which makes more sense. This is more of a short story/filler that moved too quickly, despite having some connections with book 1.
December 16, 2016
A sweet romantic read. that will make your swoon short and adorable read
October 23, 2016
When Anna loses her job and decides Togo see her boyfriend for some condolences, the last thing she expects is to find him in bed with someone else. After heading home, she finds an email offering her a Nanny position. WhenAnna contacts them, she's more than surprised to find the job is in London. When Anna arrives, the lady she is Nannying for, Bella, is at her whits end, she seems to not like Anna, and even worse, Bella hates that her brother in law Evan seems to like Anna. As Anna's affections for Evan grow, she discovers things that mean she doesn't have a chance with him, the main one, his girlfriend Tamzin, the wicked witch will do anything to make Anna's life hard.
This was a beautifully enjoyable story to read, the characters were great, and not as they always seemed, that was refreshing, and made the story less predictable. I'm looking forward to
The rest of the series
This was a beautifully enjoyable story to read, the characters were great, and not as they always seemed, that was refreshing, and made the story less predictable. I'm looking forward to
The rest of the series
January 8, 2017
I tried to read this book, really, I did. Before I read it, I checked out a few reviews, to make sure it wasn't continued. First, the storyline just doesn't work for me. She spends new years eve drinking alone and spending $$$ she doesn't have. She gets a job from a random email from someone she doesn't even know? Really?
So the plot itself just doesn't work for me. But the deal-breaker for me was the author's short, choppy 3 or 4 word sentences. I quickly decided that I couldn't stand a whole book peppered with these.
So the plot itself just doesn't work for me. But the deal-breaker for me was the author's short, choppy 3 or 4 word sentences. I quickly decided that I couldn't stand a whole book peppered with these.
January 25, 2018
Refreshing
Anna,an American Art teacher looses her job, decides to go get some comfort from her boyfriend. She finds the door unlocked. He is in his bedroom naked in bed with with the neighbor.
She leaves.
She receives an email of a job offer to be a nanny. She takes the job.It is in London.
Bella and Evander are the twins guardians.
Evander is a Prince.
Evander has eyes for Anna.
He shows her around London. He also helps with the twins at times.
Anna doesn't look for love.
Love finds her.
There was instant attraction.
HEA.
#25 BNB Challenge
Anna,an American Art teacher looses her job, decides to go get some comfort from her boyfriend. She finds the door unlocked. He is in his bedroom naked in bed with with the neighbor.
She leaves.
She receives an email of a job offer to be a nanny. She takes the job.It is in London.
Bella and Evander are the twins guardians.
Evander is a Prince.
Evander has eyes for Anna.
He shows her around London. He also helps with the twins at times.
Anna doesn't look for love.
Love finds her.
There was instant attraction.
HEA.
#25 BNB Challenge
March 13, 2019
This is a very quick read, only took me under an hour. Great love story with a great friends story within. Anna loses her job and her boyfriend in the same day. She gets an email offer for a nanny position in London and Anna needing a change of space takes it. It was a rocky start with her new employer Bella Talbot and a not so rocky start with Bella's brother in law Evander Cartwright ; ) It's a great, full developed, quick read and I guarantee you will love it!!!
July 21, 2022
Abruptly ended
This book 2 in the series had such promise. I enjoyed the 1st so much. Unfortunately this book recycled ideas from the 1st book. As if we didn't remember she used the exact same idea. Characters started of with normal character development then it just flipped and there was a rush to end the story. It could have been so much better had the author stayed the course. If you marry a Prince don't leave out the proposal. Just felt rushed.
This book 2 in the series had such promise. I enjoyed the 1st so much. Unfortunately this book recycled ideas from the 1st book. As if we didn't remember she used the exact same idea. Characters started of with normal character development then it just flipped and there was a rush to end the story. It could have been so much better had the author stayed the course. If you marry a Prince don't leave out the proposal. Just felt rushed.
September 30, 2017
Wow, happily ever after!
All goodness with a a few bump's in the road, all rolled into this cute and funny story. What a way to start over and what a way to start over. With none other than a prince. What girl does not dream about that at least one time. Sigh....
All goodness with a a few bump's in the road, all rolled into this cute and funny story. What a way to start over and what a way to start over. With none other than a prince. What girl does not dream about that at least one time. Sigh....
December 4, 2017
To Kiss A Prince
Anna and Evan were attracted to each other upon meeting. This story was short and romantic, in matter of fact it was too short. It seems like just when the story really got interesting it ended. Overall it was a good read.
Anna and Evan were attracted to each other upon meeting. This story was short and romantic, in matter of fact it was too short. It seems like just when the story really got interesting it ended. Overall it was a good read.
June 23, 2018
Story caught my interest
Not a bad book but ends very abruptly. You get into the story and it ends with an epilogue of they get married. I wish there was more about their relationship.
Not a bad book but ends very abruptly. You get into the story and it ends with an epilogue of they get married. I wish there was more about their relationship.
June 7, 2017
Fantastic
This book was an honour to be give the chance to read and see that different sciences can have the chance for happyness
This book was an honour to be give the chance to read and see that different sciences can have the chance for happyness
April 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. A sweet short love story about an Art teacher/nanny meets a prince and falls in love. Remind me of a Hallmark movie.
December 30, 2018
Too wordy, predictable and filled with cliches. I couldn’t finish it.
April 25, 2019
I love this author and this genre. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
Quick read. Nice and not to heavy on the romance, but ending was a bit abrupt.
March 21, 2022
Totally enjoyed reading this book
February 18, 2022
A short and sweet romantic novella.
October 19, 2016
A WONDERFUL FUN AND ENJOYABLE STORY
Anna Lucas is having a bad day, she is unjustly fired from her job teaching art at a really good school after only 6 mos. She wants to talk it over with her boyfriend but arriving there, finding the door usually locked- not locked she is worried and goes in to check it out. No one answer her calls, finally she hears him and goes in...but he isn't dressed or alone, quickly ending that relationship she goes home. So New Years Eve finds her alone, a glass of wine,TV on Times Square, laptop open for online shopping for much need art supplies (she doesn't do that often). Surprisingly, since she hadn't signed up on any employment sites yet, she gets an email about a job-not as a teacher but a nanny in London for twins who have just lost both parents a month ago. Now their mother's sister has day care of them and their father's brother has 50 % input of their care too. Never having kids and suddenly getting two 5 year old boys, she knows she needs help. Anna answers when can I start. New job in a new country, good pay and it sounds like she needed. This will change her life forever. She enjoys the boys and quickly bring them under control surprising everyone the way they will listen and do what she wants even to eating what they don't want.Drawn to the uncle but he is taken and way out of her class but still except the friendship. Love being with him and the kids, when he joins hem on days out. Helps the Aunt adjust to being 'a new parent' giving advice and help when she sees she really wants to be involved in their lives but don't know how. Valentines Day bring more surprises and a year later HEA ending.
Anna Lucas is having a bad day, she is unjustly fired from her job teaching art at a really good school after only 6 mos. She wants to talk it over with her boyfriend but arriving there, finding the door usually locked- not locked she is worried and goes in to check it out. No one answer her calls, finally she hears him and goes in...but he isn't dressed or alone, quickly ending that relationship she goes home. So New Years Eve finds her alone, a glass of wine,TV on Times Square, laptop open for online shopping for much need art supplies (she doesn't do that often). Surprisingly, since she hadn't signed up on any employment sites yet, she gets an email about a job-not as a teacher but a nanny in London for twins who have just lost both parents a month ago. Now their mother's sister has day care of them and their father's brother has 50 % input of their care too. Never having kids and suddenly getting two 5 year old boys, she knows she needs help. Anna answers when can I start. New job in a new country, good pay and it sounds like she needed. This will change her life forever. She enjoys the boys and quickly bring them under control surprising everyone the way they will listen and do what she wants even to eating what they don't want.Drawn to the uncle but he is taken and way out of her class but still except the friendship. Love being with him and the kids, when he joins hem on days out. Helps the Aunt adjust to being 'a new parent' giving advice and help when she sees she really wants to be involved in their lives but don't know how. Valentines Day bring more surprises and a year later HEA ending.
January 2, 2017
I found this book free made available by the author, and this review is honest and impartial.
I was wondering why it was too short, then I found out it was a prequel of some sort. Though every book has a different couple in them though, so I’m not sure where this couple comes in.
But anyway, this book will give you all the feels! If you like fairy tales and princes, you better read this.
Every good romance is like a Cinderella story, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The prince was very dreamy; the heroine was feisty – if only the author can make a longer version or a continuation of their book.
It got a bit cheesy towards the epilogue though, with all the ‘prince’ references, and I would have loved a look into the marriage proposal as well, but it was still really good.
If you love prince and princesses, and the cuteness overload of little boys making a mess, this must be the book for you. Cute, clean, sweet and a fun romance.
I was wondering why it was too short, then I found out it was a prequel of some sort. Though every book has a different couple in them though, so I’m not sure where this couple comes in.
But anyway, this book will give you all the feels! If you like fairy tales and princes, you better read this.
Every good romance is like a Cinderella story, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The prince was very dreamy; the heroine was feisty – if only the author can make a longer version or a continuation of their book.
It got a bit cheesy towards the epilogue though, with all the ‘prince’ references, and I would have loved a look into the marriage proposal as well, but it was still really good.
If you love prince and princesses, and the cuteness overload of little boys making a mess, this must be the book for you. Cute, clean, sweet and a fun romance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 adorbale stars
March 13, 2015
Meh. I really enjoyed the beginning of the story (everything going to hell all at once and finding the perfect escape) but the rest felt kind of formulaic. I know a novella can't exactly be deep but I should still be pulled into the main romance. And the prince thing? Well, that annoyed the crap out of me because it takes up probably four sentences in the entire novella yet I spent a good chunk of time distracted by the title as I read, thinking "is it a metaphorical prince or a real prince? 'Cause I'm not seeing a real prince". I could have done without the whole Prince thing in the end.
March 27, 2016
An intriguing beginning however the story felt rushed and some inconsistencies in characters made it hard for me to get swept in the magic. I felt there should have been more to encourage Bella's shift in temperament. There could have been more moments with the Prince before the kiss.... More hints to who he truly is so even though as readers we know it's coming.... We want to shout through the pages Anna look at the clues!!! I felt there was potential; much could have been sparked dynamically in little details. A story like this should be a full blown novel.
February 9, 2016
This book is totally adorable in every way. Anna is an endearing main character that readers will love to root for, and her trip across the pond is nothing short of extraordinary as she finds love. The romance is a wonderful slow burn, and in addition there is a fantastic friendship story that develops. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a prince of your own, you’ll love this romantic Valentine’s Day book.
October 26, 2016
A quick read. Having one of the worst days in your life and making a choice to move to a different country is what I call brave and a good story-line. I enjoyed the Historical and cultural references but I believe the author might have a thing or two mixed up- or maybe I am getting confused by what is meant? I was sure some of the things were opposite of what was said. This a good clean read and love story. Today's fairy-tale.
January 5, 2017
Whirlwind romance
Anna has just been fired from her job due to so called down sizing. She has left her boyfriend after catching him in bed with another woman. So when opportunity offers employment as a nanny in England she decides to leave Portland. Her employer, Evan, sweeps her off her feet. When I said whirlwind I mean the novel seems to take place within the span of one month total.
Anna has just been fired from her job due to so called down sizing. She has left her boyfriend after catching him in bed with another woman. So when opportunity offers employment as a nanny in England she decides to leave Portland. Her employer, Evan, sweeps her off her feet. When I said whirlwind I mean the novel seems to take place within the span of one month total.
February 7, 2015
I wish this book is not a novella. The story is not atypical from other wish-upon-a-star stories, but I like how the story has developed. The romance is not instantaneous which is a plus to my preference. A courtship is involved, in which I wish it is longer. Also, this book is not rated R. Young adults can also read it. It is like a short version of Jane Austin's novels. :-)
November 27, 2016
Just what I needed today--a cute, sweet, easy romance without complications. In just one day Anna lost her job and her boyfriend. With nothing keeping her in Portland she heads to London to take a job as nanny to twin boys. For some little girls dreams can come true. And for Anna her prince just happens to be the twins uncle.
January 4, 2017
I'm giving this short novella three stars for what it is - a short, sweet story - and not against all my other three star reviews. It's hard to even put it in the same category as those books because it's not really even a novella. Still, if you're looking for something sweet, cute, and clean, this should make you happy.
December 26, 2016
Cute story and a quick read
This is a lovely little story about the commoner meets a prince and falls in love. The book can easily be read in one sitting and was a bit short for my taste. Some interesting character development of the mistress/sister-in-law in relation to the children, but otherwise very predictable happily ever after. Have a cup of tea and enjoy!
This is a lovely little story about the commoner meets a prince and falls in love. The book can easily be read in one sitting and was a bit short for my taste. Some interesting character development of the mistress/sister-in-law in relation to the children, but otherwise very predictable happily ever after. Have a cup of tea and enjoy!
November 1, 2016
This book was more of a 2.5 read for me. It was a super short read, and I just had a hard time getting into it. The writing was good, but the storyline was predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews