A lesson on how to give up your dream and settle for less.

Also there is a fair bit of whining in this too.

DNF

When her career plans fall through, Jemmy ends up being a nanny for a single father with three children. When they agree upon a marriage of convenience, will their feelings grow and develop into something more? This was a charming read, with enjoyable characters.

4.5 Stars
This is book 3 in the Prickle Creek series and it features Jemima and Ned. They’re both getting something out of this marriage of convenience but they get so much more than they bargained for. Jemima wears her heart on her sleeve so it’s not hard to see where her feelings are headed. Ned is a little harder to read. The sparks were definitely flying between these two.

Fantastic story! Great, well developed characters. There’s plenty of emotion, family interactions, and cute kids. I can’t wait for more!

3.5 stars
I enjoyed the troupe of this story, although I was very frustrated with Ned who seems totally unwilling to look to a future with Jemmy, and the two of them really not communicating about what’s important in their relationship. This book is set in the Australian Outback, and some terminology is new to me. I was happy to find a list of terms in the back of the book!

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review.

4.5 stars

Annie Seaton wrote a sweet, interesting, fun story. In fact, this was a one day read for me because I had to see where the story was going, how they were going to work out their arrangement and when Ned ws going to realize that this was more than a business arrangement.

Jemima was a sweet woman with a huge heart. She fell in love with Gwennie the moment she spoke with her and was surprised at what she was doing. But, when she met the rest of the children, she knew that she had to make the proposal to Ned … let her be the Nanny. But, she was totally surprised with his alternate proposition. As she agrees to the business proposition, she can’t help but wonder if she’s making a mistake in agreeing to a platonic marriage. Especially when she sees Ned relax, smile more and play with his children. She has to guard her heart … Ned constantly reminds her that it’s a marriage of convenience not of love.

Ned was trying his best. Losing his wife changed everything for him. A single Dad, he needed to make more time for the children, get the ranch up and running again and hire some people to help him out. The only thing holding him back is the bank. Loan denied … until Jemmy walks in holding Gwennie’s hand. One misunderstanding, one outrageous plan and he has the loan, hired hands and … a wife. But, as the children grow more and more attached to Jemmy, he knows that he didn’t think everything through and may have a bigger problem to face – his heart.

As things progress, as Ned asks Jemima to back off on her affection towards the children and as Jemmy’s heart breaks, Ned knows that he can’t let her stay the full year, he has to let her go before any of them become more attached. But, he can’t … even though he told her to go, he can’t let her go.

His Outback Nanny was such a sweet story. Romantic? Not so much until the end. The story itself was cute but it took a really long time for both of them to finally come around. In fact, there were times that I wished Ned would stop thanking Jemmy, that Jemmy would stop being so insecure and that they both just looked into each others eyes and saw what everyone else saw. The highlight of the story was Kelsey, Gwennie and Ryan. They were utterly adorable and stole my heart, especially Gwennie – she wore her heart on her sleeve and said the damnest things. Ryan was just adorable. And, Kelsey, being the oldest, could have been a lot more snarky and pre-teen, but she wasn’t. Ned and Jemima’s world ended up revolving around the children and it made for an adorable story. On top of all of this, I loved all the Aussie euphemism’s and sayings.

Annie Seaton did a wonderful job in bringing the Australian Outback to life for those of us who have never been there. She let the story flow and was able to draw me in with her descriptions and writing style. I really enjoyed His Outback Nanny and would love to read more of the Prickle Creek series.

3.5 stars--HIS OUTBACK NANNY is the third instalment in Annie Seaton’s contemporary, adult PRICKLE CREEK clean, romance series focusing on a once tight knit family of cousins (Lucy Bellamy, Jemima Smythe, Sebastian Richards, and Liam Smythe) torn apart by the accident that caused the death of their three mothers. This is former fashion model/kindergarten teacher Jemima Smythe, and single father Ned McCormack’s story line. HIS OUTBACK NANNY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.



SOME BACKGROUND: When their aging grandparents called the cousins home, Lucy, Jemima, Sebastian and Liam wanted nothing to do with attending to the family farm but a deal was reached and each cousin would take a turn managing the farm, never intending to fall in love.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jemima and Ned) HIS OUTBACK NANNY follows the fake marriage trope between neighbor’s Jemima ‘Jemmy’ Smyth and Ned McCormack. Following the death of his wife, widower and father to three young children Ned McCormack returned to Prickle Creek to take over the family farm. With little experience and even less financial backing Ned struggles to make a go of it, on his own. Rejected by the bank for a loan, Ned will run into Jemima Smythe, his neighbor and former best friend’s younger sister, and the woman who is about to solve both of their problems.

Jemima Smythe is a former runway fashion model who has come home to live a peaceful and quiet life as a kindergarten teacher but her previous life in the public eye finds our heroine on the outside looking in when she is rejected by the local school board for her lack of experience and her history of moving around. Seeing an opportunity, Jemima makes Ned an offer he can’t refuse, an offer that will break our heroine’s heart as Ned sticks to the ‘marriage in name’ only arrangement throughout their entire relationship.

Once again, be forewarned, because the author lives in Australia, HIS OUTBACK NANNY contains expressions of slang and language terminology that may not be familiar to North American readers. The author adds an index of terminology at the end of the book.


HIS OUTBACK NANNY is a bit of a frustrating read in that Ned is unable to let go of the past. His relationship with Jemima is mostly platonic and in the end he will push Jemima out of his life, and the lives of the children she has grown to love. Ned’s inability to see Jemima anything more than a nanny and housekeeper is heartbreaking on so many levels, a heartbreak that is experienced by Jemima herself, and the children he will be forced to raise alone. Ned’s constant reminders that their time is drawing to an end is depressing and neutralizes any hope for a happily ever after. In this, the relationship feels cold, unloving and purely business like-there is no sexual chemistry or palpable sexual attraction.

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I'm hooked on these stories. Nanny and the single dad. Must read. Go get it.

I’m going to need to keep an eye on Annie Seaton, because I really enjoyed His Outback Nanny. I mean, I couldn’t stop. Having read a few nanny-turned-lover stories recently, it seems I have developed a taste for them. And I already know I love a good fake relationship story!

His Outback Nanny very much had traditional gender roles at its heart. Ned was The Farmer, strong and hunky, the physical labourer and strategiser. Meanwhile, Jemima took the role of housekeeper, cook, and gardener, plus doing the most work to take care of Ned’s children, though he came in to lavish love on them. (Basically, he wanted to do all of the fun stuff while she handled the messy stuff.) And for their personalities, this division of labour did make sense. I can appreciate that not everyone wants the same kinds of things out of life, and despite knowing that, if I ever have kids, I will want childcare to be more of a shared responsibility, all women have the right to choose, and Jemima genuinely loved taking care of the children.

I would say my only criticism with the book was that there was a weird hiccup in the development of the romance. There was a scene towards the start that involved unintentional kissing when the kiss really could have been avoided, and neither character backed away or addressed it afterwards. It was a cute scene, but it didn’t go anywhere. And then there wasn’t really enough build up for me to the stronger feelings. Plus, why oh why did it have to be fade-to-black? I was really enjoying their chemistry!

Overall, this was a tamer romance with not too much drama. It was sweet and easy to read, perfect for anyone needing something gentle and happy.

Annie Seaton wrote a sweet, interesting, fun story. In fact, this was a one day read for me because I had to see where the story was going, how they were going to work out their arrangement and when Ned ws going to realize that this was more than a business arrangement.
Jemima was a sweet woman with a huge heart. She fell in love with Gwennie the moment she spoke with her and was surprised at what she was doing. But, when she met the rest of the children, she knew that she had to make the proposal to Ned … let her be the Nanny. But, she was totally surprised with his alternate proposition. As she agrees to the business proposition, she can't help but wonder if she's making a mistake in agreeing to a platonic marriage. Especially when she sees Ned relax, smile more and play with his children. She has to guard her heart … Ned constantly reminds her that it's a marriage of convenience not of love.
Ned was trying his best. Losing his wife changed everything for him. A single Dad, he needed to make more time for the children, get the ranch up and running again and hire some people to help him out. The only thing holding him back is the bank. Loan denied … until Jemmy walks in holding Gwennie's hand. One misunderstanding, one outrageous plan and he has the loan, hired hands and … a wife. But, as the children grow more and more attached to Jemmy, he knows that he didn't think everything through and may have a bigger problem to face – his heart.
As things progress, as Ned asks Jemima to back off on her affection towards the children and as Jemmy's heart breaks, Ned knows that he can't let her stay the full year, he has to let her go before any of them become more attached. But, he can't … even though he told her to go, he can't let her go.
His Outback Nanny was such a sweet story. Romantic? Not so much until the end. The story itself was cute but it took a really long time for both of them to finally come around. In fact, there were times that I wished Ned would stop thanking Jemmy, that Jemmy would stop being so insecure and that they both just looked into each others eyes and saw what everyone else saw. The highlight of the story was Kelsey, Gwennie and Ryan. They were utterly adorable and stole my heart, especially Gwennie – she wore her heart on her sleeve and said the damnest things. Ryan was just adorable. And, Kelsey, being the oldest, could have been a lot more snarky and pre-teen, but she wasn't. Ned and Jemima's world ended up revolving around the children and it made for an adorable story. On top of all of this, I loved all the Aussie euphemism's and sayings.
Annie Seaton did a wonderful job in bringing the Australian Outback to life for those of us who have never been there. She let the story flow and was able to draw me in with her descriptions and writing style. I really enjoyed His Outback Nanny and would love to read more of the Prickle Creek series.

I tried with the book, but it just wasn't for me sadly

His Outback Nanny follows the story of Jemima and Ned, who decide to marry each other for convenience. Jem is a model and she's gotten over the world of fashion and the pressure that comes with it. She's always aspired to be a school teacher and goes back to her hometown, in order to pursue her dream. But, nobody will hire her to be a teacher since she's apparently overqualified for the position. That is why she decided to agree on a marriage of convenience with Ned. He's a widowed father of three and the work that needs to be done in the farm he decided to take over, is too much for him to handle on his own. He can't afford to hire any help and that is why he cannot resist the arrangement. Both of them get tangled up in this seemingly innocent settlement, even though it'll obviously hurt more than they had originally anticipated, when it will inevitably come to and end.

First of all, this one was a very fun and quick read! I really enjoyed its premise and I was very interested in seeing how it would develop. The writing style was great and the story line itself, was something different from what I've read in the past. I really like Jemima as a main character but, I couldn't fully connect with her. She was okay as a main heroine and I could definitely understand her struggle but, at the same time, she had no traits that I found impressive or admirable. I guess the relationship she slowly built with Ned and his children was great but, at the same time, I can't ignore the fact that everything about it seemed underdeveloped and rushed.

Ned was also a pretty good guy and I loved his devotion to making sure his family was taken care of. At the beginning, their agreement seemed to have a pretty absurd reasoning but, as the facts unfolded, I could see it actually happening in reality. Not that marriages of convenience aren't a thing but, as a hopeless romantic, I've never really supported or liked them for that matter. I feel like they both handled it a mature way, up until the point where they started falling in love and decided to give up and stay away from each other, instead of trying to make things work and pursue their happy ending. They obviously had the chemistry needed to make things work and Ned's kids were quite in love with Jemima so, why the intended heartbreak when things started getting serious? I'm pretty sure I have an answer for that particular question. We all tend to be afraid of going after the things we truly want, in case they end up being completely different from what we had expected. Which is basically human nature. But, if you won't risk for it, you'll never know how good having it feels. Whatever that is.

To wrap things up, I think that, my biggest issue with this book was how rushed it felt from the moment I started reading. I always state whether a book is fast paced (which is what I personally prefer as a reader) and when it's rushed. Which are two completely different things, in case you're wandering. Rushed usually means a combination of an underdeveloped plot and its characters. The author rushed through the facts at the speed of lightning and I was not satisfied with it. Everything happened extremely fast and even though quick reads are the best, this one didn't really have anything to make it stand out from the rest. No plot twists were thrown in, nothing exciting happened and the ending, even though it provided the closure us readers are always after, was quite predictable.

Overall, this was a very sweet story that I enjoyed reading and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, easy and light read. I don't regret picking this one up but, it definitely wasn't something that will stay with me for a long time.

His Outback Nanny is a sweet read. It's the third in the series, but would work just fine as a standalone--the only "spoilers" are who ends up with whom in the first two books, which you can figure out by reading their blurbs, so... ;)

Jemima is an international model who really just wants to be a teacher. (I know, it seems like a bit of a stretch, but there you have it.) A cute but slightly silly mixup has her entering into a fake relationship/business deal with one of her older brother's good friends growing up, slightly overwhelmed single dad Ned.

Ned's wife died four years earlier (their youngest doesn't remember her) and he's since moved his three kids back to where he grew up to make a go at farming in the hopes that he'll be able to spend more time with his kids. He needs help around the ranch, though, which requires a loan to pay salaries...and, well, marrying Jemima suddenly becomes crucial to this plan. So they draw up a contract, visit a justice of the peace (or the outback equivalent...) and, well, you can guess where this is probably going to go.

The journey to their HEA is sweet, but not without its frustrations. Ned is bound and determined not to fall in love again--not just with Jemima but with anyone, because of how tough things were when his first wife died in an accident. Because of this, it takes him a really long time to admit what is happening, which makes Jemima miserable and makes you want to give him some mean side-eye. A few of the decisions he makes along the way and asks Jemima to cooperate with add to the frustration, though it's definitely in his favor that he loves his kids and loved his first wife, I still wanted to give him a good shake at times. The ending is very sweet, though, and when he finally decides to get his head out of his butt he does put on a good show.

Seb's story (the last of four cousins called back to Prickle Creek by their grandparents) is next--he's been quite a mystery all this time so I'm curious to see where it will lead!

Rating: 4 stars / B

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Jemima Smythe is home and ready to start a new career as a teacher, as long as she can find a job. However, for the time being, she's determined to get some experience with kids and what better way to do that than offer Ned McCormack help with his children. Jemima never imagined being Ned's wife would feel as good as it does, but when it comes time to walk away, it's not easy. Will Ned and Jemima give their marriage a real chance, or will they walk away from their chance to be completely happy?

Having really enjoyed the first two books of this series and getting to know a little about Jemima, I couldn't wait to dive into this book, and I've got to say that it's the best story yet. Not only because it encompasses the brother's best friend trope, but because the main and secondary characters were fantastic; the dialogue was a wonderful combination of intense moments and enthralling banter between the characters; and the storyline had me loving the obstacles these two had to overcome to be together. Will the pair be able to protect the kids from hurt when they go their separate ways, especially since the kids come to love Jemima so much? Will both be able to stick to the arrangement they've made without things getting too complicated? Will Ned be able to let go of his past to give a relationship with Jemima a real chance?

Both the main characters were relatable, likeable and I loved every interaction between them, as they begin to get to know each other again. I also liked the heroine's interactions with the hero's children, as she wins them over and it isn't easy for her to be able to walk away. Yet, the heroine is resilient, brave and I liked how hard she's worked to get to where she in her life. Really, she's done well for herself in her modelling career, but I liked how determined she was to become a teacher and hopefully prove she's more than just a pretty face. While the hero, I liked how determined he was to make things better for his children by making the move that he has in order to spend more time with them after losing their mother. I also liked that he takes Jemima up on her offer, even though it's not easy for him to take advantage of such fortune.

Overall, Ms. Seaton really impressed me with this book where the chemistry between this pair was intense; the romance on the sweet side, but definitely showed how right these two are for each other; and the ending had me so happy that the hero makes things right with the heroine because Ned needs Jemima to fully heal from his past. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of the heroine's surprise. I would recommend His Outback Nanny by Annie Seaton, if you enjoy the brother's best friend trope or books by authors Fleur McDonald, Nicki Edwards, Margaret Way and Rachael Johns.

am loving this series, stories of four cousins returning to the country town they grew up in. MS Seaton knows how to pull a reader in with her heart-warming trip to the outback this time it is Jemima’s turn to get her HEA and what a HEA it is, a gorgeous family in need of a Nanny and with Jemima in in the right spot at the right time and she has the biggest heart and caring nature.

Jemima is a top fashion model and she has done well but it has never been where her heart is, that has always been for caring and her love of teaching and nurturing children and now that she has come home to Spring Downs to help on her grandparents farm Prickle Creek, getting a job teaching at the local school is what she wants but when that falls through fate comes knocking when a little girl is asking for a new Mummy, and life as Jemmy knows it is about to change forever.

Ned McCormack is a single Dad to three children times have been tough, but he has moved back to where he grew up to try and make a new start for his family but running a farm and looking after three kids is not easy and when he runs into and old friend on the first day of school, things might just about to start looking up for him and the kids.

When Ned and Jemmy come to an arrangement that a marriage of convenience will suit them all everyone seem happy but keeping to the arrangement is harder that they thought and with the kids falling for Jemmy as well emotions are running high. This really is a beautiful story truly there were tears of joy there was laughter as Jemmy tries her hand at cooking (not one of her strongest points) but in every other way Jemmy is the best and Ned is such a gorgeous hero, and soon this family are all smiles, as I was. Thank you MS Seaton for another fabulous story, I can’t wait for Seb’s.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

His Outback Nanny is a sweet, clean and tender romance with cute little kids and a “relationship deal” gone real.

Ned, a single dad with three kids has moved back to the family farm in order to give his children a better life. Unfortunately time, with three kids under the age of 11, is in short supply as is money.

At the same time, Jemmy has finished working as an international model and is ready to settle down in her hometown. She wants to do what she’s always dreamed of and studied for: teaching children. Considering her former career though, no one is taking her seriously.

A misunderstanding about the nature of Jemmy and Ned’s relationship leads to what could be a win-win situation for both of them. A marriage of convenience means she’ll help him with the kids and the farm issues, and this will show the townspeople she means business. This could work as long as they remember this deal has an expiration date.

With three very charming little kids and a handsome and caring dad, Jemmy’s heart soon starts falling. But their time together is short and she can’t let herself lose her heart completely. Jemmy was sweet, caring and nurturing. All she really wanted was to be needed and she had a very tender nature.

Very soon, Ned is fighting off his feelings from growing too deep. A tragic heartbreak means he’s not eager to open himself to that kind of hurt again but he was a great dad, dedicated and caring.

I really liked how they all gradually became a family, and how the kids had such a big role in the story. Occasionally I’ve found in other books, that kids are just a prop and not really integrated into the story so that was a plus.

What didn’t work for me was the fact that Jemmy and Ned did not freaking communicate with each other. All the relationship angst stems from them being closed off with the other and not actually sharing what’s going on with them. I was also bugged by Jemmy’s self-confidence issues along with Ned’s unwillingness to deal with the loss he suffered (it’s been over 4 years when this story unfolds).

Still, His Outback Nanny was a sweet, no monkey-business, family romance with some awww moments and some sexy kisses. All in all, a good way to spend an afternoon.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*

I’m coming a big fan of this author even thow this is only the 4th book I’ve read by her and she already has me coming back for more. She writes stories that pull you in and takes you on a journey with the characters as they find there HEA. They feel like there your friends than just characters your reading about. The author has down a fantastic job with this book and I would highly recommend this author and this book.

Staying on the track of wanting some good ole romance but it also to be a bit different I dived into this one. It also was a way to get away too on a different place with different ways to do things even at times. I have also read the other ones in this so had to go forward. Seems too that small towns and views can be anywhere and the feeling to prove to them there also like in this one. This centers around Jemima and Ned who are both in need so what better way to help each other out. These kind of arrangements usually end up different than expected with having a mind of their own. The interesting part is seeing where it goes with the emotions getting in there too. This also becomes a heart to heart one with your heart right in there too. How this closes is the best too.

His Outback Nanny, by Annie Seaton is an enjoyable contemporary romance, and the third book in the Prickle Creek series.

Jemima "Jemmy" Smythe is a successful model, yet her dream is to teach primary school. When she returns to her hometown, Jemmy is excited to interview for a new teaching position, yet her model career is a deterrent to most schools. However, her brother's childhood friend offers Jemmy a nanny job that leads to even more.

Ned McCormack is a single father with three children, as well as a failing family farm to run. The local bank won't provide a loan to him, until the rumor of Ned and Jemmy's wedding spreads throughout the small town. So, they decide to follow through with a marriage of convenience for a year.

His Outback Nanny is geared towards those who enjoy reading contemporary romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I love this Pickle Creek series; while I have not read all of them, I did read the book with Liam and Angie's story. It is not necessary to read all of the series to follow the story so it is easy to read as a stand alone.

Jemima and Ned were so great together that it was really hard when Ned would be so distant with her and Jemima was falling for Ned and his children. When Ned decided it was time to end it, that was a tough chapter to read, but loved that in the end he changed his mind!

The last chapter of the book was so good and I loved the epilogue - what a great HEA. Looking forward to reading Seb's story, he sounds pretty interesting!