Hot Nanny Next Door

Practically Perfect Nannies #1

by Cathryn Fox

My go to author for sexy romance - Lauren Blakely, #1 NYT'S Bestselling Author.

No way was I going to marry some guy to bring two rivalling crime families together.

I was not a pawn, and my virginity was not for sale.

That’s why I snuck away, and took a nanny position in a nice neighborhood.

The next thing I knew, I was all tangled up in another position—with the hot millionaire next door.

Not my smartest move. Not when I knew it could put him and his son in danger.

We were strangers, but that didn’t stop me from giving him…everything.

For the first time in my life I felt free, until danger tapped me on the shoulder.

That’s when I realized I was in trouble…

And that falling for the hot neighbor was going to cost more than my heart.

Genres: Contemporary

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.

Reviews

[TMR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger Warnings: fraud, kidnapping, assault (flashback), unprotected sex dismissal.

Well this novel was sure a doozy. I mean a nanny with mafia connections? I love a good spin on the nanny trope. But sadly this wasn't explored enough for my taste to really enjoy the mafia side.

However, I loved them together, despite the obvious age gap. Both came from such similar worlds (without realising it), and loved his son and tried to go through their lives, fighting their demons from their pasts.

Although I had a few problems with this novel: having unprotected sex and then proceeding to shrug it off, her not chasing her dreams (despite her consistently wanting to do them), her having children (even though she stressed she didn't want them young) - I still did enjoy this novel. The romance was there, steam was all around (maybe too much), and ya know complications weren't a whole lot but they were there.

Maybe this novel wasn't as angsty, complicated, and angry, and heart pounding as I wanted it to be - but it was charming, slightly dangerous, and romantic for a short novel as this, that was trying to cover something.

Maybe I'll have better luck with Cathryn's other novels. Here's to hoping..

Until the next read,

-TMR

[Sue Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got over the fact that Cathryn Fox moved our beloved turtle, Gus, from the Museum of Natural History in Halifax to a museum in Chicago, I settled in and really enjoyed this happily-ever-after romance. I just loved the characters and even the things-to-do/ chore jar. It was a nice evening escape. Thanks.

[Amanda Winterstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully composed novel from master story teller Cathryn Fox.

Anna is a young women who just wants to find her place in the world she had been sheltered from her entire life. Out on her own she takes a job as a nanny not having any idea she will end up working for Alek.

Alek is jaded from his ex-wife who just up and left him with their son. He comes from an underworld family he wants nothing to do with so dating is not something he is interested in.

Anna and Alek collide in a beautiful way, both hesitant but their attraction is not something they can ignore.

A well developed story line which leaves you turning each page wanting to know more about these two.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last.
Very cute, sweet sexy romance.
Anna and Alek were meant to be and their chemistry was amazing.
Throw in the adorable Chase and this team is complete.
Although the story was predictable it was. Still very well written and I still really enjoyed it.
I would have liked to see more related to the mafia side side that was what both of them were avoiding but overall a good fun read.

I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by the author and I enjoyed it. It's kind of a different take on nanny romance, I was surprised by the twists at the end of it. But I think that's why I enjoyed it. Also because Alek and Anna are made for each other even before they know it. I wished the interactions between Anna and Alek's son was more though. I always loved that part of the story when it comes to single parent/ nanny romance. This will not be the last book I'm going to read by the author.

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot nanny next door (Practically perfect nannies 1)

This is the first book in this amazing series by this author and what an amazing start it is with this book. This is the story of Alek and Anna, these two characters have instant chemistry between them from the start. This story has lots of suspense, action, danger, twist and turn and intrigue. This book will have you hooked from the first page till the very last one. This book of course has plenty of hot and steamy scenes to help the story move along nicely. This is an addictive page turner of a read from this amazing author.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review

Release date - 07 Dec 2021
www.obsessedbookreviews.com

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars
Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review. First book in the Practically Perfect Nannies series and it was so good! Story is a single dad, age-gap, (employer-employee) forbidden romance trope.

Chemistry between Alek and Anna was insta-attraction, sizzling steaminess but it had that slow burn aspect that just exploded. Both try to fight their pull to each other but give in, in the end. However both are keeping secrets wanting to just live in the monent, unaware that their lives are going to be upended by other lies, deceit, subterfuge.

Although it was a predictable storyline, the likeable and well-developed characters kept it interesting and the pacing and intrigue of the story kept me glued until the end. Loved the relationship between Alek and Chase, he is such a fantastic dad! Alek may appear rigid and domineering but he was so sweet and protective of Anna. However the mafia part of the story didn't come across strongly enough and kind of just faded as a background. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Sherri Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this story to read and give my honest review.
The story starts with a Sicilian mafia Princess, who is being forced into an arranged marriage with a Russian mafia man, but she wants more for her life. So she ends up running away from her family. The problem with that is, she doesn’t get far because she has no money of her own, so she becomes a nanny. While working as a nanny, she meets a man in a grocery store and it’s instant attraction. What she doesn’t know is that the man, who is a single dad lawyer, is the Russian mafia guy, who also refuses to be set up by his parents. The ensuing romance between these two is oh so swoony, sweet, and fun. (To-do List jar!) But, then reality comes crashing in. When misunderstandings are blown out of proportion, and accusations are made, you think their relationship is over and done. But, you should never underestimate the help of a close friend.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot of this story, it was predictable but a lovely read. I was invested in finding out if my predictions were correct and they were right on point. I feel there could have been more drama and double-crossing, especially as it’s, sort of, mafia-related, although there wasn’t quite enough mafia deliciousness involved for me.

Anna has run away at eighteen years old. No way is she having an arranged marriage just to satisfy her family. She finds herself a nannying job and things get messy with the next-door neighbour, Alek.

Alek is a delicious single dad who finds himself very attracted to the young nanny next door. Their relationship is hot and conflicting. They both try to hold back due to family problems that they both seem to share.

The characters are lovely and, as I’ve said before, the plot plods along nice and predictably. This was an enjoyable read.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

Hot Nanny Next Door is the first book in the Practically Perfect Nannies series and was a fantastic single dad, forbidden romance read. I’m a huge fan of Cathryn Fox’s hockey romances and was excited to get my hands on this gem - I was not disappointed!

Alek and Anna share an incredibile chemistry that cannot be ignored. Their attraction to one another is complicated by the fact that both are keeping secrets. She’s on the run, hiding from her powerful family and a future she wants no part of. Although not running from anyone, Alek is keeping secrets too and avoiding anything to do with love and family. But fate and some creative meddling steps in, and the two fall hard and fast for each other.

Their happily ever after is not easy but it is an incredible journey. I really enjoyed this book and am giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fanatics story , I am such a huge fan of Cathryn fox’s writing . She is not only so freaking talented but she is also one of my very favorite authors. I can honestly say there has never been a book I’ve read by her that I have not genuinely adored . Hot Nanny Next Door is the first in a brand new series and is Alek and Anna’s journey , a journey that’s filled with suspense, off the charts chemistry, witty banter , humor , angst , heartbreak, unexpected surprises and so much more . I guarantee that once you meet both Alek and Anna you are going to fall completely in love . Both so likable and relatable as well as intriguing and Muti layered . I tend to read a lot of dark romances so this awesome book was such a welcome change . I can already tell the the Practically Perfect Nannie Series ( is going to very quickly become one of my faves !!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna is a young woman who has run away from home in order to not have to find herself in an arranged marriage. Alek was burned by his ex, and he's not in the market for another relationship, but he never saw Anna coming. She needs a job so she ends up as Alek's nanny, and with her sheltered upbringing, she never saw Alek coming. These two have quite the attraction for each other, but they're doing their best to not act on it despite all the sparks flying but that chemistry won't be denied for very long. I really enjoyed Hot Nanny Next Door as there were some original aspects to it even as it was a bit predictable, but that didn't change the fact that I couldn't put it down until I knew everything. I'm excited for more of this new series, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged marriages, old world beliefs and meddling parents figure prominently in Hot Nanny Next Door. Alek Hail and Anna Milano really sizzle together despite the odds being stacked against them. He's 32, single dad, successful attorney and her employer. She's 18, has lots of big dreams, is looking to make her own way in the world and is his son's nanny. Her seeming innocence and lack of experience are a siren's call to him. Holding her back from her dreams wouldn't be fair but letting her go is unthinkable. Altering her plans is an easy decision for Anna once she admits her feelings for Alek. But, fate has other plans. Cathryn Fox delivers a twist you may not see coming but gives these two an HEA in the end.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good. Anna is fleeing her family's attempt to rope her into an arranged marriage. In doing so, she ends up as the nanny for a special needs child, Sophie, right next door to a hot, single father, Alek, or an adorable, little boy, Chase. The boy's nanny unexpectedly leaves just before her employers tell her that she's being replaced. The lies of omission, on both Anna's and Alek's part, just continue to pile up until the house of cards falls apart, as expected. The story does have a wonderful ending.

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Mzlegz · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating of this book comes from the excess use of blasphemy, like really?? If this author uses this language in all of her books, it's safe to say this will be my first and last read by her. There were a lot of people lurking in corners and in the background so that Alek and Anna were never really alone. Both sets of parents were plotting and planning to further their own agendas as different and the same as they may have been. Chase made the story funny and Theresa was sooooooo not good at hiding her hands after she threw her rocks.

I received a free review copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Angie Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hot Nanny Next Door” by Cathryn Fox, book 1 in the Practically Perfect Nannies series, was a sweet, age gap story of young & innocent Anna, who breaks out on her own and takes a Nanny job, running from her family’s demanding traditions. And Alek, who’s tall, dark & handsome and a successful lawyer; also avoiding the drama of his own family. A brief encounter at the grocery store, you could tell there was chemistry between them. Little did they realize they would be seeing more of one another… as neighbors! This book was a fun, flirty and steamy read with a side of mafia drama & adventure. Looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series. ~Angie❤️

[SJ]

DNF and should never have started. This type mf is so not my jam. It’s badly written and a filler book for the readers who are into this stuff. Why did I try to read it? For the cover guy. He is my absolute favorite cover guy, though I usually see him on the mm romances that I read. He is so handsome and it’s interesting to me that I haven’t seen him shirtless on any covers, which adds to his attractiveness and mystery. Would love to know who he is to see his Instagram. So, that’s why I felt I should give this book a try. Lesson learned. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Nanny Next Door by Cathryn Fox is the First book in the Practically Perfect Nannies Series.
This is the story of Alek and Anna. Alek has been burned by his ex so he isn't looking for anything just trying to have his son. Anna has run away at 18 a young sheltered women who didn't want to be in an arranged marriage. But when they meet the sparks fly between these two reserved people. I will be looking for more from this author.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series and is Alek and Anna’s story. When Anna finds out that she is going to be used as a pawn between two rival crime families, she escapes to new town. Alek is a single dad to his son and is a sexy billionaire next door, but she does not want to bring any drama to Alek and his son. This is a good story which is filled with suspense, danger, twists, intrigue, and is a thrilling and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Patty Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will have to say this book was well written and it actually was quite funny and serious all at the same time and I loved it. I thought the Character built up was very well thought out and made the most sense for this type of story and this is my opinion. I thought the Story line was well researched and well written and it made this a good book to read and this is my opinion. I received this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC, with an honest review freely given.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and it wont be my last. I usually don't read nanny type series in general, but I did like this one. Anna and Alek were perfect for one another and I so loved the twist at the end. I certainly didn't expect that. While she was so much younger than Alek, he was so loving and a great single father in my opinion. I received an advanced reader copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced story with just enough heat and romance to have you captivated. The chemistry between Alek and Anna is instantaneous and you can feel it radiate off the pages. The story is filled with secrets and unexpected twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. Even with the instant attraction between these two it did have a slow burn feel to it. An overall entertaining story that has a little surprise at the end.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Nanny Next Door is the first book in the Practically Perfect Nannies series and Alek and Anna’s story. Anna runs away from home in order to escape an arranged marriage. Alek is a single father, and after his ex, he’s not looking for any kind of relationship. Anna needs a job, and Alek hires her as his son’s nanny. I loved Alek and Anna, and despite the age gap between them, they fit perfectly together. A terrific read and one I recommend.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Was easy to read and had a great flow to it. This book is about Alek who is a single father to Chase and Anna who is a nanny. Anna is working as a nanny next door to Alek. She routinely helps out with Chase when he comes to play with her charge. Anna is running from her family that still believes in arranged marriages. Alek wants what is best for his son. Can they be happy together. Better grab this book to find out.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story by author Cathryn Fox. A spicy romance of a sheltered girl whose starting out as a nanny and and Alek whose jaded daddy next door who suddenly needs a nanny. The chemistry can’t be ignored from the moment they meet and keeps you reading. Interesting characters and well developed storyline. *I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review. I look forward to reading more books by the author, this my first book and hooked me.

[Kaya]

DNF @ 30%

I wanted to like this because it was not your typical nanny romance. A cross-section between hot-for-boss and mafia? Yes please.

Unfortunately, the pacing seemed off to me, and the characters are just not relatable. Well, except for the kids.

I also felt like it tried to do too much with all of its tropes without anything to tie it together.

[Rebecca Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cathryn Fox's books - lots of smexy fun! Hot Nanny Next Door has all the things you want from a nanny romance - age gap, stepping over the forbidden employer/employee line, alpha dude who's also a great dad...and then she adds a fun little mafia twist. The book pulled me in, perfect for getting me out of my reading slump.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I felt so bad for Anna. But I give her thumbs up for doing something about it. Alex has his own problems with his parents as well. There's an age gap between them, but can they work through what their families want. I love the surprise at the end. Nannies are worth it.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review .

[Summerlynn83_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I loved this fast paced, sweet and spicy read.
Alek and Anna’s story provided the perfect escape with their instant chemistry and then the way they slowly built their unexpected relationship. I enjoyed the twists in their story and sweet Chase was a great added bonus. I curious to see where the Practically Perfect Nannies series will take me next.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eighteen and being forced to marry a man she doesn't know is all it takes for Anna to run away. Getting a job as a nanny seems like a good way to hide from her family. Lots of unexpected things start happening, she gets fired, then she gets hired by the next door neighbor and all the time she feels like someone is watching. I enjoyed the surprise ending in this very steamy romance.