K Webster

The Dirty Bits from Carina Press give you what you want, when you want it. Designed to be read in an hour or two, these sex-filled microromances are guaranteed to pack a punch and deliver a happily-ever-after. It started as a job. It turned into so much more. Mr. Blakely is strict with his sons, but he’s soft and gentle with me. The powerful businessman is something else entirely when we’re together. Boss, teacher, lover…husband. My hopes and dreams for the future have changed. I want—no, I need—him by my side. This book is approximately 33,000 words Editor’s note: All characters in this story are over eighteen and all sexual interactions are fully consensual. One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise! The Dirty Bits from Carina Press: what you want, when you want it. Over-the-top sexy microromances designed to be read in an hour or two.

Mr. Blakely

Lauren Sullivan

I should’ve realized this was a “romancing the babysitter” book from the blurb, but… I didn’t (whoops). While the age difference didn’t really bother me that much (he’s 43 and she’s 18, a senior in high school), the power differential had the potential to be problematic for me. However, I felt like the consent issues were handled well.

“’Hey, Quinn,’ he calls out as I start for the door. I turn to see him watching me with furrowed brows. ‘You don’t have to be in control of everything always. It’s okay to not know what the fuck is going on or how to fix it.’
My shoulders stiffen and I crack my neck. ‘Having complete control is the only thing that keeps me sane these days.’ I need it. My life. My family. My job. Everything is planned, everything has rules and parameters, everything has consequences.”

After his divorce, Quinn Blakely hates to admit he needs help, but there’s no way he can run his successful advertising business and take care of his two sons at the same time. He reluctantly asks a friend for a babysitter recommendation, and soon Ava Prince is sitting on his doorstep with her AP Pre-calc homework. From the first, they’re both attracted to each other, but they both realize it’s taboo and try to fight their feelings. There’s a lot of things separating them – their age difference, the fact that he’s her boss and she’s the babysitter, that she’s still in high school and doesn’t even have a car, and that he’s rich while she lives in a trailer park with her mom. They also have a lot of things in common – they’re both driven to excel at their jobs (or school), both exceptionally hard workers, and they both have a thing for Paris.

“Suddenly, I very much know what I’d like to do for fun.
Him.”

The sex scenes were hot, especially since they have a d/s thing going on. It takes a while (nearly forever in a book this short) for them to finally give in to their feelings, but the tension was excellent. As for cons, I thought the easy acceptance of their relationship by Quinn’s sons wasn’t particularly realistic, though I did enjoy Ava’s interactions with them. I can’t imagine my 14-year-old self being ok with my dad hooking up with someone from my own school!

Overall, this was a quick, sexy read – exactly as advertised!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Mr. Blakely

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