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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 7, 2024
About the author
T.B. Markinson
61 books1,005 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 107 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.
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.
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.
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 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
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!
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.
August 8, 2024
Overall, the plot is solid, and I enjoyed the writing style and story as I went along, but I felt the build-up to the mc's coming together romantically was engaging at first, but then when it actually happened it just felt a bit 'Meh' the spark just fizzled out for me, they make a cute couple and this is lovely to read though but I wanted more.
So a 4 star for me if I felt the spark and heat it would be a 5 star.
So a 4 star for me if I felt the spark and heat it would be a 5 star.
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❤️
June 18, 2024
This book was a delightful read, as always from T.B. Markinson! Typically, her books include smut at most twice, which I'm generally fine with. However, in this particular book, the smut appeared after I had already read over half of it. Overall, it was still an enjoyable read!
July 22, 2024
CEO of a game design company who falls for their nanny!? Hello!
What did I like:
Sadie, Julianna and Jayden’s relationship, they had such a cute dynamic.
The slow burn, it was cute seeing Julianna come to realise she was in love with Sadie.
What didn’t I like:
Preston.
Fernando - at times, but overall I found him likeable.
Julianna (40) the CEO of a game design company and Sadie (28) is the nanny hired to look after her niece who has recently come to life with her. It’s an age-gap (12 years) ice-queen slow burn romance that I loved so much. Throw in an ex-husband who tries to blackmail Julianna for her ideas and it’s just, a really good book.
Their first meet wasn’t so smooth as Julianna pretty much fired her straight away, but once Sadie got over the icy exterior, it was smooth-ish sailing.
This is my second read my McLeod but my first for T.B and the fact it was a co-wrote, I wouldn’t have known! This is a must read for anyone who’s a fan of romance, especially sapphic age gap romance 🫣
Edit: This is actually my second book by this duo. 🫣
What did I like:
Sadie, Julianna and Jayden’s relationship, they had such a cute dynamic.
The slow burn, it was cute seeing Julianna come to realise she was in love with Sadie.
What didn’t I like:
Preston.
Fernando - at times, but overall I found him likeable.
Julianna (40) the CEO of a game design company and Sadie (28) is the nanny hired to look after her niece who has recently come to life with her. It’s an age-gap (12 years) ice-queen slow burn romance that I loved so much. Throw in an ex-husband who tries to blackmail Julianna for her ideas and it’s just, a really good book.
Their first meet wasn’t so smooth as Julianna pretty much fired her straight away, but once Sadie got over the icy exterior, it was smooth-ish sailing.
This is my second read my McLeod but my first for T.B and the fact it was a co-wrote, I wouldn’t have known! This is a must read for anyone who’s a fan of romance, especially sapphic age gap romance 🫣
Edit: This is actually my second book by this duo. 🫣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
I need to stop reading kindle unlimited romances and I know that! This looked cute though, but was genuinely so boring.
May 18, 2024
This is another excellent story by TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod. I love every time they write together, and they never disappoint.
Julianna Bristol, recently separated from her husband and the company they once co-founded, finds herself on the brink of a major opportunity to propel her new venture into the big leagues. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when a phone call from her parents informs her that she must take on the responsibility of caring for her 9-year-old niece. With little experience in childcare, she decides to hire a nanny.
Meanwhile, Sadie Culpepper is grappling with the challenges of securing stable employment and managing her college debt. When an urgent job offer from the nanny agency she's affiliated with comes her way, she never anticipates its profound impact on her life.
The narrative delves into the complexities of Julianna and Sadie's lives taking care of the sweet Jaydin, with a poignant depth. While Sadie's background carries weight, it's handled gracefully and sensitively. Adding to the richness of the story is the delightful presence of Julianna's best friend Fernando, whose antics and good humour infuse the narrative with warmth and fun.
Overall, this book captivates with its compelling storytelling and well-drawn characters, showcasing again the talent of my favourite dynamic writing duo.
On a minor note, one aspect that slightly detracts me in particular, is the repeated use of "tamale" as the singular form of "tamales” instead of the right one that is “tamal”. It's akin to saying "actresse" instead of "actress" or "ashe" instead of "ash." This small linguistic inconsistency gives me pause, but it doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the story.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Julianna Bristol, recently separated from her husband and the company they once co-founded, finds herself on the brink of a major opportunity to propel her new venture into the big leagues. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when a phone call from her parents informs her that she must take on the responsibility of caring for her 9-year-old niece. With little experience in childcare, she decides to hire a nanny.
Meanwhile, Sadie Culpepper is grappling with the challenges of securing stable employment and managing her college debt. When an urgent job offer from the nanny agency she's affiliated with comes her way, she never anticipates its profound impact on her life.
The narrative delves into the complexities of Julianna and Sadie's lives taking care of the sweet Jaydin, with a poignant depth. While Sadie's background carries weight, it's handled gracefully and sensitively. Adding to the richness of the story is the delightful presence of Julianna's best friend Fernando, whose antics and good humour infuse the narrative with warmth and fun.
Overall, this book captivates with its compelling storytelling and well-drawn characters, showcasing again the talent of my favourite dynamic writing duo.
On a minor note, one aspect that slightly detracts me in particular, is the repeated use of "tamale" as the singular form of "tamales” instead of the right one that is “tamal”. It's akin to saying "actresse" instead of "actress" or "ashe" instead of "ash." This small linguistic inconsistency gives me pause, but it doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the story.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 10, 2024
Age gap, hot boss, cute kid - it's another TB/Miranda collab hit (4.5 stars)
Authors TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod have a well honed and seamless collaboration in their co written books; Pieces of Us is no different in that respect. I've read several of their co writes and while the tropes and shenanigans in the plot differ in each of them, they write with a singular voice where I have yet to determine who writes which passages or chapters. I always look forward to reading their work (co-writes and solo writes) in part because they tend to toss their characters into wild and/or unusual circumstances; this story was a tiny bit more dramatic than I expected, with family dynamics and childhood trauma addressed in the book at certain points, but there is humor and romance that offsets it well enough. If you're a fan of age gap and hot bosses, or love heat steaminess and swoon worthy scenes in your romance reading give this book your time and full attention. I found it to be a fast easy read. It kept me entertained and got me attached to the well being of several beloved characters in the cast, not just the scene stealing kid Jadyn. I recommend this book and all the other books I've read by these authors so far, and look forward to reading whatever they publish next, together and separately.
Authors TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod have a well honed and seamless collaboration in their co written books; Pieces of Us is no different in that respect. I've read several of their co writes and while the tropes and shenanigans in the plot differ in each of them, they write with a singular voice where I have yet to determine who writes which passages or chapters. I always look forward to reading their work (co-writes and solo writes) in part because they tend to toss their characters into wild and/or unusual circumstances; this story was a tiny bit more dramatic than I expected, with family dynamics and childhood trauma addressed in the book at certain points, but there is humor and romance that offsets it well enough. If you're a fan of age gap and hot bosses, or love heat steaminess and swoon worthy scenes in your romance reading give this book your time and full attention. I found it to be a fast easy read. It kept me entertained and got me attached to the well being of several beloved characters in the cast, not just the scene stealing kid Jadyn. I recommend this book and all the other books I've read by these authors so far, and look forward to reading whatever they publish next, together and separately.
August 12, 2024
"Pieces Of Us" by T.B. Markinson & Miranda Macleod
Julianna Bristol is on the verge of a breakthrough with her video game design company. Still, her ex-husband's antics and the unexpected custody of her niece upend her carefully planned life. Meanwhile, out-of-work Sadie Culpepper takes a nanny job to care for Julianna's niece, only to find herself falling for Julianna. As their business arrangement turns into something more, both must confront their fears and decide if they're willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness.
I first came across this book thanks to a post by @sapphic_booknerd, who gave it five stars and YES, very well rated given it’s a beautiful novel.
The trope and plot of the story are skillfully crafted, resulting in a good flow of chapters. However, just when you think the story is over, the writers give you a little more.
I see it as a coming-out story for any woman in their 40s. Julianna’s self-discovery journey is moving, as is her relationship with her family. Sadie is a sweetheart and the wife everyone deserves; she’s faced her battles but is loving, caring, and impossible not to love.
The book feels like a slow burn but it’s much more than that. There are two steamy scenes, one of them being Julianna’s first time with a woman. Her thoughts, emotions, and what she feels during intimacy seem accurate and realistic to a woman’s first sapphic experience.
Jaydn is a very lucky kid to have Julianna and Sadie in her life raising her. They both stand out as great, caring parent figures in her life.
Julianna Bristol is on the verge of a breakthrough with her video game design company. Still, her ex-husband's antics and the unexpected custody of her niece upend her carefully planned life. Meanwhile, out-of-work Sadie Culpepper takes a nanny job to care for Julianna's niece, only to find herself falling for Julianna. As their business arrangement turns into something more, both must confront their fears and decide if they're willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness.
I first came across this book thanks to a post by @sapphic_booknerd, who gave it five stars and YES, very well rated given it’s a beautiful novel.
The trope and plot of the story are skillfully crafted, resulting in a good flow of chapters. However, just when you think the story is over, the writers give you a little more.
I see it as a coming-out story for any woman in their 40s. Julianna’s self-discovery journey is moving, as is her relationship with her family. Sadie is a sweetheart and the wife everyone deserves; she’s faced her battles but is loving, caring, and impossible not to love.
The book feels like a slow burn but it’s much more than that. There are two steamy scenes, one of them being Julianna’s first time with a woman. Her thoughts, emotions, and what she feels during intimacy seem accurate and realistic to a woman’s first sapphic experience.
Jaydn is a very lucky kid to have Julianna and Sadie in her life raising her. They both stand out as great, caring parent figures in her life.
May 11, 2024
A very beautiful and vulnerable story
Julianna is the head of her own gaming company now that she has been divorced for eighteen months from her husband and partner in the business. When her nine year old niece, Jadyn, is suddenly thrust upon her to raise, she hires a nanny. Sadie, a product of the foster care system, comes with experience and is so loving. Her relationship with the little girl is priceless!
I truly loved this story. Julianna, Sadie and Jadyn were such vulnerable characters with a connection that was so believable and authentic. They really got to me... in a good way. The visit in the prison with Jadyn's dad was so emotionally powerful that it filled my heart and my tear ducts.
In this book, TB & Miranda's writing is emotional and loving, yet also interspersed with humor provided by Sadie's best friend Fernando. What a gem he is!
Pieces of Us is a very vulnerable story - emotional, heart-wrenching and heart-warming filled with love and humor. Brava, ladies! I LOVED it!!!
Julianna is the head of her own gaming company now that she has been divorced for eighteen months from her husband and partner in the business. When her nine year old niece, Jadyn, is suddenly thrust upon her to raise, she hires a nanny. Sadie, a product of the foster care system, comes with experience and is so loving. Her relationship with the little girl is priceless!
I truly loved this story. Julianna, Sadie and Jadyn were such vulnerable characters with a connection that was so believable and authentic. They really got to me... in a good way. The visit in the prison with Jadyn's dad was so emotionally powerful that it filled my heart and my tear ducts.
In this book, TB & Miranda's writing is emotional and loving, yet also interspersed with humor provided by Sadie's best friend Fernando. What a gem he is!
Pieces of Us is a very vulnerable story - emotional, heart-wrenching and heart-warming filled with love and humor. Brava, ladies! I LOVED it!!!
May 14, 2024
This is a classic ice queen business woman falls for the nanny of the child she didn't have.
Her 9 year old niece is sent to live with her as her parents are unable to cope anymore. She is not even in the country at the time so her PA hires a nanny to meet the child at the airport.
The fun then begins.
The nanny is sporting rainbow hair and driving a rainbow decorated car. The child is sent to the wrong airport. The ice queen catches up with them and is severely jetlagged.
The child has had too many losses and needs security and love.
The nanny was brought up in the care system. so knows how to support the 9 year old with her loss and not having a permanent home.
The ice queen is mid divorce and her husband's friends have been making fun of her on late night tv. I don't understand that bit but then again I don't watch much tv.
The nanny cares for them both and they fall in love and become a family.
Another thing I don't really understand is what appears to be the high percentage of redheads who are lesbians?
Her 9 year old niece is sent to live with her as her parents are unable to cope anymore. She is not even in the country at the time so her PA hires a nanny to meet the child at the airport.
The fun then begins.
The nanny is sporting rainbow hair and driving a rainbow decorated car. The child is sent to the wrong airport. The ice queen catches up with them and is severely jetlagged.
The child has had too many losses and needs security and love.
The nanny was brought up in the care system. so knows how to support the 9 year old with her loss and not having a permanent home.
The ice queen is mid divorce and her husband's friends have been making fun of her on late night tv. I don't understand that bit but then again I don't watch much tv.
The nanny cares for them both and they fall in love and become a family.
Another thing I don't really understand is what appears to be the high percentage of redheads who are lesbians?
May 19, 2024
This was another light, fluffy, low stakes romance from Markinson and MacLeod. It's what they're good at and why I keep reading their books.
The romance between Julianna and Sadie was good. The chemistry was popping and there was pining and angst from both MCs for a good portion of the book before they eventually took the plunge. One of my only complaints is that they never say the words "I love you" to each other in a meaningful way. There is exactly one declaration of love and it is in the midst of sex, which we all know doesn't count, and neither one of them acknowledges or ever talks about it again.
I enjoyed most of the characters in the book, and I of course adored Jadyn. She actually came across as an age appropriate child. Something a lot of authors struggle with. She didn't talk above or below her given age really. She wasn't wise beyond her years. It was nicely done.
There is no third act breakup. There is still some drama that unfolds to keep our MCs engaged, but it's relatively minor and a lot of time is devoted to the little moments between them.
The romance between Julianna and Sadie was good. The chemistry was popping and there was pining and angst from both MCs for a good portion of the book before they eventually took the plunge. One of my only complaints is that they never say the words "I love you" to each other in a meaningful way. There is exactly one declaration of love and it is in the midst of sex, which we all know doesn't count, and neither one of them acknowledges or ever talks about it again.
I enjoyed most of the characters in the book, and I of course adored Jadyn. She actually came across as an age appropriate child. Something a lot of authors struggle with. She didn't talk above or below her given age really. She wasn't wise beyond her years. It was nicely done.
There is no third act breakup. There is still some drama that unfolds to keep our MCs engaged, but it's relatively minor and a lot of time is devoted to the little moments between them.
June 15, 2024
another great collaboration
T.B and Miranda are an epic duo when it comes to writing. Time and again they have hit after hit. This one, I did have a few issues with though.
The main characters are great, however I feel as though you don’t really get to know them until over halfway through. The snippets we get before that only make sense once you have the bigger story.
Side characters are a mixed bag I’m sure you’ll agree. One I thought was a little overbearing but redeemed himself by the end. Another needed a kick to the nethers.
The character holding this book together has to be Jaydn. For a 9 year old that’s big shoes to fill.
There is a lot of time skips in this one, and maybe that’s why I felt we missed out on so much. It was kind of meet, fire then rehire, do I like her?, internal I love yous, get together and…. I’m left lacking.
This won’t stop me from reading other books my this pair, and it shouldn’t stop you reading this. It is a fun read, it’s just not the best of them.
T.B and Miranda are an epic duo when it comes to writing. Time and again they have hit after hit. This one, I did have a few issues with though.
The main characters are great, however I feel as though you don’t really get to know them until over halfway through. The snippets we get before that only make sense once you have the bigger story.
Side characters are a mixed bag I’m sure you’ll agree. One I thought was a little overbearing but redeemed himself by the end. Another needed a kick to the nethers.
The character holding this book together has to be Jaydn. For a 9 year old that’s big shoes to fill.
There is a lot of time skips in this one, and maybe that’s why I felt we missed out on so much. It was kind of meet, fire then rehire, do I like her?, internal I love yous, get together and…. I’m left lacking.
This won’t stop me from reading other books my this pair, and it shouldn’t stop you reading this. It is a fun read, it’s just not the best of them.
May 8, 2024
Very sweet toaster oven romance…
These two authors do their usual impeccable job of melding their styles to create another sweet romance. This one sees ice queen Julianna being forced to take on the care of her niece, Jaydyn, assisted by the very capable nanny, Sadie. In her personal life, Julianna is embroiled in a messy divorce and Sadie is determined not to fall for another straight woman (having been burnt before).
There’s no insta-love in this, just slow growing feelings as Julianna comes to respect Sadie, then become friends with her, before questioning whether her feelings run deeper. The relationship between the two women and Jadyn is also lovingly brought to life as both fall for the little girl who has suffered some traumatic losses, but still bounces back with positivity.
No ‘break up before the make up’ (thank goodness for that!) just a really sweet toaster oven romance. A recommended read…
These two authors do their usual impeccable job of melding their styles to create another sweet romance. This one sees ice queen Julianna being forced to take on the care of her niece, Jaydyn, assisted by the very capable nanny, Sadie. In her personal life, Julianna is embroiled in a messy divorce and Sadie is determined not to fall for another straight woman (having been burnt before).
There’s no insta-love in this, just slow growing feelings as Julianna comes to respect Sadie, then become friends with her, before questioning whether her feelings run deeper. The relationship between the two women and Jadyn is also lovingly brought to life as both fall for the little girl who has suffered some traumatic losses, but still bounces back with positivity.
No ‘break up before the make up’ (thank goodness for that!) just a really sweet toaster oven romance. A recommended read…
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