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Ravenswood #2
Untouchable
Sleeping with the staff wasn't part of the plan.
Sensible, capable, and ruthlessly efficient, Hannah Kabbah is the perfect nanny… until a colossal mistake destroys her career and shatters her reputation. These days, no-one in town will hire her—except Nathaniel Davis, a brooding widower with a smile like sin and two kids he can’t handle.
Prim and proper Hannah is supposed to make Nate’s life easier, but the more time he spends around his live-in nanny, the more she makes things… hard. He can’t take advantage of her vulnerable position, but he can’t deny the truth, either: with every look, every smile, every midnight meeting, Nate’s untouchable employee is stealing his heart.
The trouble is, she doesn’t want to keep it. Forbidden love isn’t high on Hannah’s to-do list, and trust isn’t one of her strengths. When dark secrets threaten to destroy their bond, Nate’s forced to start playing dirty. Because this reformed bad boy will break every rule to finally claim his woman.
Please be aware: this book contains depictions of depression and anxiety that could trigger certain audiences.
Sensible, capable, and ruthlessly efficient, Hannah Kabbah is the perfect nanny… until a colossal mistake destroys her career and shatters her reputation. These days, no-one in town will hire her—except Nathaniel Davis, a brooding widower with a smile like sin and two kids he can’t handle.
Prim and proper Hannah is supposed to make Nate’s life easier, but the more time he spends around his live-in nanny, the more she makes things… hard. He can’t take advantage of her vulnerable position, but he can’t deny the truth, either: with every look, every smile, every midnight meeting, Nate’s untouchable employee is stealing his heart.
The trouble is, she doesn’t want to keep it. Forbidden love isn’t high on Hannah’s to-do list, and trust isn’t one of her strengths. When dark secrets threaten to destroy their bond, Nate’s forced to start playing dirty. Because this reformed bad boy will break every rule to finally claim his woman.
Please be aware: this book contains depictions of depression and anxiety that could trigger certain audiences.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2018
About the author
Talia Hibbert
33 books32.8k followersTalia Hibbert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in a bedroom full of books. Supposedly, there is a world beyond that room, but she has yet to drum up enough interest to investigate.
She writes sexy, diverse romance because she believes that people of marginalised identities need honest and positive representation. Her interests include beauty, junk food, and unnecessary sarcasm. She also rambles intermittently about the romance genre online.
Talia self-publishes via Nixon House and is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan at Handspun Literary.
She writes sexy, diverse romance because she believes that people of marginalised identities need honest and positive representation. Her interests include beauty, junk food, and unnecessary sarcasm. She also rambles intermittently about the romance genre online.
Talia self-publishes via Nixon House and is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan at Handspun Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 675 reviews
August 14, 2018
Continuing my reprehensible habit of giving my own books five stars (what can I say, I'm a big fan) I thought I'd drop in to let you guys know that this book is great. 10/10 would recommend. (Disclaimer: I wrote it.)
May 1, 2019
#1 A Girl Like Her ★★★★★
#1.5 Damaged Goods ★★★★★
#2 Untouchable ★★★★★
#3 That Kind of Guy ★★★★★
Hannah’s emotions, she had come to accept, were often inappropriate.
In book 1 of the Ravenswood series, we focused on the younger Kabbah sister, Ruth, but we also got the chance to meet her fiercely protective, nursery-teacher-extraordinaire-with-a-criminal-record older sister, Hannah. I enjoyed Hannah Kabbah enough in A Girl Like Her, but I can’t say I got the chance to become terribly attached to her, so I was interested to see what it would be like to spend an entire novel focusing on her (plus, I was a little apprehensive about leaving my sweet babies Ruth and Evan).
She seemed almost alien in her perfection, removed from his reality, as bright and untouchable as a star in the sky. And lonely, too. He didn’t mind the perfection, but he didn’t like that loneliness. He’d been lonely before.
Luckily, there was nothing to fear; while Ruth is still the Superior Kabbah Sister™ for me, Hannah is practically just as brilliant, and perhaps even more relatable. I gotta tell you guys, the mental health representation in Untouchable is absolutely brilliant. We see depression, anxiety, anger issues, and more — and it’s all crafted with so much love, care, and genuineness that it’s no question Talia Hibbert wanted to give us the best rep possible (as always — did I mention that our heroine is also black, bi, and plus-size? MY QUEEN).
“You’re a galaxy, and I am constantly in awe of you.”
On top of how much I adored Hannah, I can’t possibly not talk about how incredible Nate is. He’s such a teddy bear, he’s obsessed with consent and the concerns of power imbalances with his being Hannah’s boss, and he’s a wonderful father to his children. Plus, he’s a big, scary yet attractive, grumpy-looking hottie covered in tattoos. Need I say more?
The final thing I want to mention is that, if you were wondering, yes, we do get to spend a bit more time with Ruth and Evan in this installment, and yes, they are just as precious as you’d expect them to be. We also get to learn a little bit more about Zach (who you might also remember as Evan’s coworker from AGLH!) and their mother, and we get to meet a very special new lady in town, Rae, and her awesome, massive puppy sidekick — who you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for in the series finale, That Kind of Guy!
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September 13, 2018Good Lord I loved this. Talia Hibbert knocks it out of the park again.
Hannah is a brilliant heroine, of the kind that I just know is going to get called unlikeable despite the fact that she's as relatable a character as I have ever encountered. She's ferociously hard-working, independent, protective, self reliant. She is also depressive, has anxiety, and is holding it together thanks to good medication, and she's also bloody angry--at the crap small town and its small minded inhabitants, at her father, at being disqualified from the job she loves because of a criminal record. The combination of all that plus (I think) being on the spectrum or at least off the beaten track means she's put up walls she can't see past.
Nate is guilt ridden, and not in the usual romance hero way. He's guilty about not having been there for his ill mother and brother, and about not doing enough for his kids, but refreshingly, not over his wife's death because it wasn't his fault. And when he employs Hannah as live in nanny he gets super guilt-ridden over his attraction to her, AS WELL HE SHOULD. Generally the 'live in nanny' plot is just the set up for a romance, not the conflict. But it bloody should be the conflict because soliciting sex from someone who is dependent on you for work, income, and housing is a shitty thing to do, and this is one of very few books with this set-up to treat it as the #MeToo situation it actually is.
Obviously, it's also not that because Hannah is intensely attracted to Nate, but her lack of people skills and deep but unacknowledged insecurities interact terribly with his determination to not be abusive scum, so neither of them is prepared to admit first that they're attracted, and then that they're falling in love. This is definitely one of those stories where 'everything could have been resolved early on with a conversation' but the whole point here is that the conversation was literally impossible--Hannah can't make herself vulnerable, and Nate won't make her vulnerable. (Because Nate is able to understand that Hannah can be a competent badass and a genuinely scary and ferocious woman, without becoming magically invulnerable. She's still physically small and financially dependent on him no matter how much of a strong woman she is.)
All the above plus a plotline around misdiagnosed cancer might seem a bit gloomy and serious but in fact it's a wickedly funny book. It reminded me of Glitterland in a way--the near hysterical humour of people on the edge of coping, which is intensely true to life. And the supporting cast is a joy, especially two of the most realistic kids I have ever read and magnificent appearances by sister Ruth and their mum.
Loved it. Love the cover with the big gorgeous woman. Please please PLEASE can Zach get his story next and if his heroine is Rae I will be dancing.
Hannah is a brilliant heroine, of the kind that I just know is going to get called unlikeable despite the fact that she's as relatable a character as I have ever encountered. She's ferociously hard-working, independent, protective, self reliant. She is also depressive, has anxiety, and is holding it together thanks to good medication, and she's also bloody angry--at the crap small town and its small minded inhabitants, at her father, at being disqualified from the job she loves because of a criminal record. The combination of all that plus (I think) being on the spectrum or at least off the beaten track means she's put up walls she can't see past.
Nate is guilt ridden, and not in the usual romance hero way. He's guilty about not having been there for his ill mother and brother, and about not doing enough for his kids, but refreshingly, not over his wife's death because it wasn't his fault. And when he employs Hannah as live in nanny he gets super guilt-ridden over his attraction to her, AS WELL HE SHOULD. Generally the 'live in nanny' plot is just the set up for a romance, not the conflict. But it bloody should be the conflict because soliciting sex from someone who is dependent on you for work, income, and housing is a shitty thing to do, and this is one of very few books with this set-up to treat it as the #MeToo situation it actually is.
Obviously, it's also not that because Hannah is intensely attracted to Nate, but her lack of people skills and deep but unacknowledged insecurities interact terribly with his determination to not be abusive scum, so neither of them is prepared to admit first that they're attracted, and then that they're falling in love. This is definitely one of those stories where 'everything could have been resolved early on with a conversation' but the whole point here is that the conversation was literally impossible--Hannah can't make herself vulnerable, and Nate won't make her vulnerable. (Because Nate is able to understand that Hannah can be a competent badass and a genuinely scary and ferocious woman, without becoming magically invulnerable. She's still physically small and financially dependent on him no matter how much of a strong woman she is.)
All the above plus a plotline around misdiagnosed cancer might seem a bit gloomy and serious but in fact it's a wickedly funny book. It reminded me of Glitterland in a way--the near hysterical humour of people on the edge of coping, which is intensely true to life. And the supporting cast is a joy, especially two of the most realistic kids I have ever read and magnificent appearances by sister Ruth and their mum.
Loved it. Love the cover with the big gorgeous woman. Please please PLEASE can Zach get his story next and if his heroine is Rae I will be dancing.
November 20, 2019
It was alrightttt. I much preferred the novella over this and book 1.
Not much to say since this book isn't going to stick with me. But will I give up reading Talia Hibbert's other books?
Nope!
Not much to say since this book isn't going to stick with me. But will I give up reading Talia Hibbert's other books?
Nope!
February 22, 2022
3.5 stars
This is one of those times I wish I would have read a book instead of listed to it. The male narrator had a nice voice, but I didn’t like him voicing the chapters from Hannah’s perspective. It really took me out of the story. This one was pretty good. Not my favorite Talia Hibbert book but I still liked it.
This is one of those times I wish I would have read a book instead of listed to it. The male narrator had a nice voice, but I didn’t like him voicing the chapters from Hannah’s perspective. It really took me out of the story. This one was pretty good. Not my favorite Talia Hibbert book but I still liked it.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Rupert Channing
Narration Rating: 3 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9h 27m
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 11, 2023DNF at 32%. I loved the first book in this series but this one is not keeping me interested. I’m just bored and the characters are really bland. I might pick it back up at a later time but I can’t keep reading this right now.
I will still read the next book because it is Zach’s story. He had me interested in him since the first book 🤭
I will still read the next book because it is Zach’s story. He had me interested in him since the first book 🤭
September 30, 2018
This is me struggling to put my finger on it.
Let's get this out in the open: I feel really raw in the past few days. So heroes like Nate--perfect, sweet heroes who ask consent and struggle with a perceived power dynamic issue are what I need to soothe the burn. I liked the set up quite a lot. The Hades-looking Nate returning to town after being an emo-type outcast. He's a dad. And, honestly, this is where my enjoyment of the set up would normally falter: Hannah becomes the nanny. This is a plot point I really struggle with, but Talia Hibbert executes it well with a powerful heroine and a shared background.
But here's where some things fall apart for me. Most of the conflict is internal. that isn't always an issue, but Nate is so damn perfect it made his conflict and struggle a bit ugh. And Hannah struggles to be detached, yet in the end felt much more accessible. My major problem is the heroes. So damn perfect with these really imperfect and struggling women. The don't come across as real, even in their speeches, words, lack of fumbling. They almost don't even make mistakes. If they make mistakes, they offer this perfect apology. The two other heroes set up in this series are even perfect (Evan and Zach), automatically assuming Nate is completely in the wrong and has abused the situation. Which is perfect. Even more perfect given one is Nate's brother.
So you see, what development do these characters and does the relationship have other than falling headlong into love ?
I do believe Talia Hibbert is talented and fresh author-my reviews of the earlier books in this series make no secret of that. The wit is wonderful, the heroines are unapologetic. In fact, I think she took more time to explore intimacy in this one that I have felt were lacking a bit in her other two in a sense. This didn't feel as rushed--until it did. What I need to give her five stars is to see her trust her wonderful characters and writing enough to allow them to make mistakes and have flaw and realize we'll love them more for it. It's weird to say in so many many ways I think this exceeded A Girl Like Her, but I can't even come close to rating it the same.
Let's get this out in the open: I feel really raw in the past few days. So heroes like Nate--perfect, sweet heroes who ask consent and struggle with a perceived power dynamic issue are what I need to soothe the burn. I liked the set up quite a lot. The Hades-looking Nate returning to town after being an emo-type outcast. He's a dad. And, honestly, this is where my enjoyment of the set up would normally falter: Hannah becomes the nanny. This is a plot point I really struggle with, but Talia Hibbert executes it well with a powerful heroine and a shared background.
But here's where some things fall apart for me. Most of the conflict is internal. that isn't always an issue, but Nate is so damn perfect it made his conflict and struggle a bit ugh. And Hannah struggles to be detached, yet in the end felt much more accessible. My major problem is the heroes. So damn perfect with these really imperfect and struggling women. The don't come across as real, even in their speeches, words, lack of fumbling. They almost don't even make mistakes. If they make mistakes, they offer this perfect apology. The two other heroes set up in this series are even perfect (Evan and Zach), automatically assuming Nate is completely in the wrong and has abused the situation. Which is perfect. Even more perfect given one is Nate's brother.
So you see, what development do these characters and does the relationship have other than falling headlong into love ?
I do believe Talia Hibbert is talented and fresh author-my reviews of the earlier books in this series make no secret of that. The wit is wonderful, the heroines are unapologetic. In fact, I think she took more time to explore intimacy in this one that I have felt were lacking a bit in her other two in a sense. This didn't feel as rushed--until it did. What I need to give her five stars is to see her trust her wonderful characters and writing enough to allow them to make mistakes and have flaw and realize we'll love them more for it. It's weird to say in so many many ways I think this exceeded A Girl Like Her, but I can't even come close to rating it the same.
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 28, 2019DNF
I can’t read this anymore. Y’all, I am legit bored to tears. It’s a long story how I got started with the second book of this series instead of book 1. Short Version: I read a sample of A Girl Like Her and saw that it was on overdrive but was on a wait. I picked this up to read while I’m on hold and since I got a feel for her sister Hannah in the sample.
Besides me being bored, my main issue relied upon the characters. They were one dimensional and bland. I didn’t like Hannah at all. When she wasn’t in her head with drawn out commentary, she just rubbed me the wrong way. Nate was forgettable and I kept waiting for some sort of chemistry to happen between these two.
This is the second Talia Hibbert book that I have DNfed. I’m honestly thinking that she might not be a romance author for me. Now, I still have A Girl Like Her on hold on Overdrive so I won’t make my final judgment until then. I’m not holding my breath though because I don’t know how I feel about Ruth either…
I can’t read this anymore. Y’all, I am legit bored to tears. It’s a long story how I got started with the second book of this series instead of book 1. Short Version: I read a sample of A Girl Like Her and saw that it was on overdrive but was on a wait. I picked this up to read while I’m on hold and since I got a feel for her sister Hannah in the sample.
Besides me being bored, my main issue relied upon the characters. They were one dimensional and bland. I didn’t like Hannah at all. When she wasn’t in her head with drawn out commentary, she just rubbed me the wrong way. Nate was forgettable and I kept waiting for some sort of chemistry to happen between these two.
This is the second Talia Hibbert book that I have DNfed. I’m honestly thinking that she might not be a romance author for me. Now, I still have A Girl Like Her on hold on Overdrive so I won’t make my final judgment until then. I’m not holding my breath though because I don’t know how I feel about Ruth either…
March 6, 2020
Hannah Kabbah can’t do her preferred job of caring for children, not since a few years back when she took a sledgehammer to the car of the man who emotionally abused her sister. But when widower Nate Davis moves back to the village of Ravenwood with his two small children, he needs someone kind, practical, and capable to help out -- and Hannah exactly fits the bill. As they work and spend time together, they each begin to realize that maybe they’ve found someone to fit into their hearts, as well.This is my third Talia Hibbert novel, and I loved it as much as the first two. Which is funny, because they’re all a little same-y -- a nerdy, awkward, zaftig woman meets a handsome, adorable, ultra-understanding man, each is convinced the other is totally out of their league, but sparks insist on flying anyway. And yet they are same-y in the most wonderful way.
The stories are definitely romances. But at the same time, they’re comedies of manners, where the characters’ internal thoughts carry the story more than their interaction. And Talia Hibbert has a knack for writing the best internal monologues. She has a gift for seeing the absurd, and letting her characters think and experience it. And she generally doesn’t go overboard with it. I’m moved by what her characters are going through, while also laughing at their wry observations and self-critiques.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am so glad this author has a huge back-list for me to work through!
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October 14, 2021couldnt really get into this one :(((
”What I said is that I went on a foul-mouthed rant, stole a ton of marshmallows—” Hannah nodded at the bag on the table “—and threw one into my boss’s mouth. And then I quit my job. Or maybe he sacked me. It was hard to understand him, what with the… you know, the marshmallow.”
“The marshmallow,” Ruth repeated.
“Yes.”
“In his mouth.”
“That’s right.”
“The marshmallow you threw into his mouth.”
“Mmhm.”
Ruth stared for a moment, clutching her Spider-Man mug of tea for dear life. Then, abruptly, she shouted, “Evan!”
Like a particularly handsome Labrador, Ruth’s enormous boyfriend came happily into the kitchen.
coz yes the highlight of this book for me was ruth-evan’s cameo
November 19, 2020
1,000 heart eyes for this book!
Talia Hibbert does it again, but then again I am not surprised! I am hooked on her heroines. Hannah was everything! Quirky, full figured, lover of bold lipsticks, and wore her hair in braids. Nate, oh Nate. I love a single dad that is a good dad...tattoos don’t hurt either and a dirty talking mouth. This book just wrapped me up in its contents and I truly didn’t want it to end. I love live in nanny Romances.
Read this book people!!
Talia Hibbert does it again, but then again I am not surprised! I am hooked on her heroines. Hannah was everything! Quirky, full figured, lover of bold lipsticks, and wore her hair in braids. Nate, oh Nate. I love a single dad that is a good dad...tattoos don’t hurt either and a dirty talking mouth. This book just wrapped me up in its contents and I truly didn’t want it to end. I love live in nanny Romances.
Read this book people!!
June 29, 2021
This was another adorable entry. I just love this series so much.
Nanny romance. Childhood crush is now a single dad with 2 kids.
4/5 stars
Nanny romance. Childhood crush is now a single dad with 2 kids.
4/5 stars
July 27, 2021
I love Talia Hibbert. Let me repeat that: I LOVE TALIA HIBBERT.
Forgive me if another one of my reviews on Talia's books started like this, because I'm having minor deja vu but I'm too lazy to check. And even if I did... the statement stands. Because Queen Talia Hibbert reigns over new age contemporary adult romance in terms of plot, characters, diversity, and damn... the writing.
I read A Girl Like You a few months ago and gave it 3 stars. I liked but didn't love it, if that makes sense. I don't think I connected to either Ruth or Evan - though I liked both of them - but it's still a book I'd recommend.
But she hit it out of the PARK with Untouchable. Is it because I'm biased and Hannah is my absolute favorite type of heroine? Type-a, neurotic, protective, put together, always has a brave face on, doesn't ask for help, trying to be strong? (Ahem, there's a bit of self-projection going on I think.) Maybe. Is it because I'm so into single parent romances right now and Nate was a capital "D" Daddy with tattoos and a nipple piercing and so much love for his kids? Maybe. Is it because the writing was so hauntingly beautiful that I literally put my Kindle down at the end of the prologue and screamed? (Silently screamed - I was at work on my lunch break. I'm not a monster.) I'm going to say it's "d: all of the above".
The middle had some parts that felt like a bit of a slog of internalized monologues of "woe is me" - but there were also great conversations about consent and power struggles, as he is technically her employer and landlord.
Overall this book just gave me the warm fuzzies.
CW: sick parent, death of a spouse, talk about depression
Forgive me if another one of my reviews on Talia's books started like this, because I'm having minor deja vu but I'm too lazy to check. And even if I did... the statement stands. Because Queen Talia Hibbert reigns over new age contemporary adult romance in terms of plot, characters, diversity, and damn... the writing.
I read A Girl Like You a few months ago and gave it 3 stars. I liked but didn't love it, if that makes sense. I don't think I connected to either Ruth or Evan - though I liked both of them - but it's still a book I'd recommend.
But she hit it out of the PARK with Untouchable. Is it because I'm biased and Hannah is my absolute favorite type of heroine? Type-a, neurotic, protective, put together, always has a brave face on, doesn't ask for help, trying to be strong? (Ahem, there's a bit of self-projection going on I think.) Maybe. Is it because I'm so into single parent romances right now and Nate was a capital "D" Daddy with tattoos and a nipple piercing and so much love for his kids? Maybe. Is it because the writing was so hauntingly beautiful that I literally put my Kindle down at the end of the prologue and screamed? (Silently screamed - I was at work on my lunch break. I'm not a monster.) I'm going to say it's "d: all of the above".
The middle had some parts that felt like a bit of a slog of internalized monologues of "woe is me" - but there were also great conversations about consent and power struggles, as he is technically her employer and landlord.
Overall this book just gave me the warm fuzzies.
CW: sick parent, death of a spouse, talk about depression
September 12, 2019
4.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
OMG, where did this book come from! I was completely drawn in and connected with Hannah and Nate’s journey through this entire story. Hannah is dealing with some mental health issues and Talia did an amazing job at making her struggles very relatable. So yes there are some content warnings about depression and anxiety. Nate is a single dad that has returned to Ravenwood to help take care of his mother. Hannah and Ben knew each other as kids and both had secret crushes but life did not have them connecting until later in life. This journey had funny moments, sweet moments that just squeeze your heart, heartbreaking moments that bring tears streaming down your face, and just a well-crafted story about two people learning to love. I read the first book in the series and I must say at this point Nate and Hannah are my favorite couple so far.
This specific video review will be included in the September 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
OMG, where did this book come from! I was completely drawn in and connected with Hannah and Nate’s journey through this entire story. Hannah is dealing with some mental health issues and Talia did an amazing job at making her struggles very relatable. So yes there are some content warnings about depression and anxiety. Nate is a single dad that has returned to Ravenwood to help take care of his mother. Hannah and Ben knew each other as kids and both had secret crushes but life did not have them connecting until later in life. This journey had funny moments, sweet moments that just squeeze your heart, heartbreaking moments that bring tears streaming down your face, and just a well-crafted story about two people learning to love. I read the first book in the series and I must say at this point Nate and Hannah are my favorite couple so far.
This specific video review will be included in the September 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
December 14, 2020
DNF @ 35%
My loan ended on this. But even then, this was really hard to get through for so many reasons and I was tempted a few times to DNF. But my library loan did the job for me.
The hero and heroine had no chemistry for starters. And I don't like how Talia Hibbert writes her heroines. Sorry but I just don't. I tried, I really did even after my disappointing experience with Book 1 A Girl Like Her. This one I really wanted to read because I was intrigued by both leads' backstories. I liked Hannah in the previous book but here she was a real pill and for reasons I didn't really get and had trouble understanding. The writing for her was all over the place and so inconsistent. Her internal dialogue just makes your head spin with all the mental yo-yoing.
Hannah’s disdain of dealing with adults was relatable for the most part but her hot/cold personality overall I really struggled to connect with. It sometimes felt like I was reading the internal dialogue of a hormonal 12 year old instead of a 30+ year old woman. Her internal monologues didn't line up with her actual dialogue and how she carries herself which kept throwing me off. It felt like I was reading about 2 different people. Also the Hannah in this book is a complete 180 from the Hannah in Book 1. Everything is either mortifying, horrifying, embarrassing or ridiculous to her and I didn’t understand why. She needs to over analyze every. single. thing. that it’s exhausting and laborious to sit through. The mental picking apart every thing and going round and round in circles for paragraphs worth of internal monologues just made it really hard to stay engaged.
Hannah suffers from depression which I commend Hibbert for tackling but I wasn't really crazy about how it was used in this. To have her tell Nate first thing during her interview for the Nanny position that she suffers from depression and takes meds just to see his reaction was example of that. I admire writers who write for real people with real issues that shouldn’t be stigmatized. But what I don’t like is when it’s used for a reaction card to see how the hero handles it so he can get another check mark by his name for being *oh so perfect*. She doesn’t let her characters react in any sense of the term to anything and that’s not something I enjoy. And I’m not saying I wanted Nate to go off the handle or be an ass. Not at all. And since she's taking meds I can understand why she needed to tell her future employer since she's dealing with kids but again it just felt very....gimmicky and pandering instead of authentic. My overall problem is Talia Hibbert's heroes come off more like Stepford Husbands rather than real characters with flaws and emotions. Instead we get the much abused "that's very brave™" hallmark reaction whenever the heroine shares something important with them. Nothing more, nothing less. It just falls very flat instead of emotional for me. Now clearly I did not finish this so maybe more was expanded on this later on. But as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, instead of enjoying this and feeling I can relate, it set my teeth on edge.
And another inconsistency for me was the hero, Nate. Not at all what I was expecting after reading Book 1. Tatted, pierced, former Goth, single Dad Nate is pretty much a clone copy of Luke.
He’s pretty much the main reason I gave this book a try. The mysterious grungy brooding older brother of Zack's who is covered in tats and looks scary AF (lord I’m such a cliche). But nope, Nate is all smiles, good humor, sweet natured, and full of bad Dad jokes who has *such* a hard time managing his 2 hellion kids. While I usually love surprising character combos like this, it didn’t really work for me here. It felt forced. Like even the kids are written in such a slanted "omg don't set your baby brother's hair on fire!" angle just to make him come off so frazzled and hopeless and has no idea what he's doing so the perfect heroine swoops in and can manage the kids in 2 seconds flat. And yes I know kids are a handful and half and can be very creative but something about this felt very gimmicky. Once again Habbert deployed the lemme pair up my super prickly uptight insecure heroine with a hero who is so kind, patient and understanding that he’s pretty much a Ken doll. Lord I sound so jaded. Let me stop there.
So yeah, my second shot with this author wasn't so great so I guess this means TH isn't for me. Oh well.
My loan ended on this. But even then, this was really hard to get through for so many reasons and I was tempted a few times to DNF. But my library loan did the job for me.
The hero and heroine had no chemistry for starters. And I don't like how Talia Hibbert writes her heroines. Sorry but I just don't. I tried, I really did even after my disappointing experience with Book 1 A Girl Like Her. This one I really wanted to read because I was intrigued by both leads' backstories. I liked Hannah in the previous book but here she was a real pill and for reasons I didn't really get and had trouble understanding. The writing for her was all over the place and so inconsistent. Her internal dialogue just makes your head spin with all the mental yo-yoing.
Well… that was sweet. So sweet she might do something painfully embarrassing, like thank him.
She couldn’t say that, because Hannah would rather die than ever be so openly enthusiastic.
Of course, the mortifying truth was that she actually quite liked it, because it made her feel like he was comfortable with her. Ridiculous. Ridiculous, ridiculous, ridiculous.
She held her breath and distracted herself from the mounting tension by examining the iridescent rainbow of her own feelings. Each shining shade represented an odd and usually inappropriate emotion. Hannah’s emotions, she had come to accept, were often inappropriate.
Then he said, “You okay?” Absolutely not. How dare you be so very relaxed while I study emotional rainbows in my head? How dare you pull the rug of expectation from under my feet with this complete lack of drama? How fucking dare you?
And yet, here she was, doing it anyway. Because Nate had pretended to make her. She kind of loved him for that—in the general sense of the word, obviously. Not the… well, never mind. The meaning was clear. Totally clear. And since this was her head, and she knew how she’d meant it, she really didn’t need to have this argument with herself anyway, so there.
Hannah’s disdain of dealing with adults was relatable for the most part but her hot/cold personality overall I really struggled to connect with. It sometimes felt like I was reading the internal dialogue of a hormonal 12 year old instead of a 30+ year old woman. Her internal monologues didn't line up with her actual dialogue and how she carries herself which kept throwing me off. It felt like I was reading about 2 different people. Also the Hannah in this book is a complete 180 from the Hannah in Book 1. Everything is either mortifying, horrifying, embarrassing or ridiculous to her and I didn’t understand why. She needs to over analyze every. single. thing. that it’s exhausting and laborious to sit through. The mental picking apart every thing and going round and round in circles for paragraphs worth of internal monologues just made it really hard to stay engaged.
Hannah suffers from depression which I commend Hibbert for tackling but I wasn't really crazy about how it was used in this. To have her tell Nate first thing during her interview for the Nanny position that she suffers from depression and takes meds just to see his reaction was example of that. I admire writers who write for real people with real issues that shouldn’t be stigmatized. But what I don’t like is when it’s used for a reaction card to see how the hero handles it so he can get another check mark by his name for being *oh so perfect*. She doesn’t let her characters react in any sense of the term to anything and that’s not something I enjoy. And I’m not saying I wanted Nate to go off the handle or be an ass. Not at all. And since she's taking meds I can understand why she needed to tell her future employer since she's dealing with kids but again it just felt very....gimmicky and pandering instead of authentic. My overall problem is Talia Hibbert's heroes come off more like Stepford Husbands rather than real characters with flaws and emotions. Instead we get the much abused "that's very brave™" hallmark reaction whenever the heroine shares something important with them. Nothing more, nothing less. It just falls very flat instead of emotional for me. Now clearly I did not finish this so maybe more was expanded on this later on. But as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, instead of enjoying this and feeling I can relate, it set my teeth on edge.
And another inconsistency for me was the hero, Nate. Not at all what I was expecting after reading Book 1. Tatted, pierced, former Goth, single Dad Nate is pretty much a clone copy of Luke.
He’s pretty much the main reason I gave this book a try. The mysterious grungy brooding older brother of Zack's who is covered in tats and looks scary AF (lord I’m such a cliche). But nope, Nate is all smiles, good humor, sweet natured, and full of bad Dad jokes who has *such* a hard time managing his 2 hellion kids. While I usually love surprising character combos like this, it didn’t really work for me here. It felt forced. Like even the kids are written in such a slanted "omg don't set your baby brother's hair on fire!" angle just to make him come off so frazzled and hopeless and has no idea what he's doing so the perfect heroine swoops in and can manage the kids in 2 seconds flat. And yes I know kids are a handful and half and can be very creative but something about this felt very gimmicky. Once again Habbert deployed the lemme pair up my super prickly uptight insecure heroine with a hero who is so kind, patient and understanding that he’s pretty much a Ken doll. Lord I sound so jaded. Let me stop there.
So yeah, my second shot with this author wasn't so great so I guess this means TH isn't for me. Oh well.
August 14, 2018
Again another awesome read from this new to read author. Hannah was complicated but I loved her. She was messy, struggled with depression, over-thinking and feelings of insecurity but she was amazing. I think the shining points in these books are the awesome heroes and Nate was no exception. He is a widower raising two kids who moved back home to be near to his sick mother. Hannah who loves children becomes his nanny. I loved how their unequal dynamics were brought up when in most books the employee/boss relationship is not dwelled much upon. But here Nate feels guilty for being attracted to her because he essentially pays her. I loved how he worked to make it so that they were on an equal footing & he fell in love first which I always love.
June 10, 2020
So....while I do definitely love Talia Hibbert and plan to read more by her, this wasn't it, chief. At least for me. I did like the romance. I did like the main character and related to her in terms of anxiety and self-doubt. I also love a good au-pair/nanny story. However, compared to book 1, this one felt really clunky. Certain scenes, certain moments that felt disjointed and one smut scene that took me out of the scene because...why did that they pick that spot to do that of all places?
July 29, 2019
2.5 stars. Started off strong then lost steam.
But I'm here for the bi, black, plus size (not really though, UK size 16 is a US size 12 and I refuse to live in a world where that's considered plus size), and mental health rep.
But I'm here for the bi, black, plus size (not really though, UK size 16 is a US size 12 and I refuse to live in a world where that's considered plus size), and mental health rep.
February 22, 2020
3.9 stars
I think I like this story way better than the first one. The men in this series are just sweethearts 😍
I think I like this story way better than the first one. The men in this series are just sweethearts 😍
December 11, 2021
[3.5]
Talia Hibbert doesn’t miss! It’s an impossibility! They’re simply the best romance author!
Talia Hibbert doesn’t miss! It’s an impossibility! They’re simply the best romance author!
January 8, 2022
I will never get over Talia Hibbert's writing but something about the added layer of children being involved and stepping into the role of a parent just kicks me in the chest.
I also appreciated stressing the importance of consent and the acknowledgment of the imbalance of power between boss and employee.
My heart can't take falling in love with more fictional characters from Hibbert's brain
CW: explicit sexual content, discussions surrounding depression + anxiety, terminally ill parent, parental abandonment, grief, references to suicidal ideation
I also appreciated stressing the importance of consent and the acknowledgment of the imbalance of power between boss and employee.
My heart can't take falling in love with more fictional characters from Hibbert's brain
CW: explicit sexual content, discussions surrounding depression + anxiety, terminally ill parent, parental abandonment, grief, references to suicidal ideation
November 11, 2022
More a 3.5ish
It was a cute story but somehow didn't manage to grip me as much as book one or the novella between book one and two. There is nothing wrong with this book. Personally, I just wasn't as 'hooked' but I am invested enough to keep reading in the series.
I just really enjoy Talia Hibbert's sweet but sexy heroes, her no-nonsense heroines and her ability to create such heartwarming stories.
It was a cute story but somehow didn't manage to grip me as much as book one or the novella between book one and two. There is nothing wrong with this book. Personally, I just wasn't as 'hooked' but I am invested enough to keep reading in the series.
I just really enjoy Talia Hibbert's sweet but sexy heroes, her no-nonsense heroines and her ability to create such heartwarming stories.
February 22, 2022
Two and half stars
I can't pinpoint anything wrong with the book, per se. It just didn't capture my attention. I didn't get invested in the characters or the storyline.
UNTOUCHABLE
● Nate & Hannah
● photographer / nanny
● single dad
● forbidden romance
● forced proximety
● mental health representation (depression, anxiety)
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Rupert Channing
Length: 9H 27M
August 13, 2018
I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
Cause of death: Killed by too many Untouchable induced feelings.
CW: depression, anxiety, terminal illness, chronic illness.
I’m still trying to gather myself off the floor and put my thoughts into coherent words because TOMORROW IS RELEASE DATE AND I GOTTA SCREAM MY LOVE FOR THIS LITTLE PIECE OF HAPPINESS!!! I’m not sure how coherent this review will be but we shall try. All of Talia Hibbert’s books (the ones I’ve read so far) bring me SO MUCH joy and Untouchable is no exception but it somehow just made me feel more? I sometimes found myself overwhelmed, not gonna lie haha.
The writing is as gorgeous as ever, one thing I loved very much about it is that it fits each of the main characters’ voices perfectly. When reading from Hannah’s POV I could feel the chaos and the thoughts racing in her brain at a thousand miles an hour whereas Nate’s was calmer but also guilt ridden. And that alone made the transition between the two perspective, whenever it happened, flawless. Both are also ridiculously funny, Talia uses some of the weirdest comparisons and word combinations that end up making perfect sense and having me choke on my own laughter at 2am in the morning. I actually have most of them highlighted for when I feel down and need a quick cheer up!
Hannah is the most relatable mess of a heroine I’ve ever read about. First of all she’s snarky, honest and has a tough shell around her. She’s also uptight and a control freak (like yours truly) because she just needs to know how things are going to happen and to be in control of everything in her life. She’s also depressed and deals with anxiety, and both those reps are excellent, the way they’re talked about in such a real, genuine and unfiltered way was really refreshing. I loved that eventhough she knows those are private parts of her she doesn’t *have* to disclose, she does it anyway because she just doesn’t feel the need to hide them. She’s also highly insecure but makes herself believe she isn’t and the scene where she realizes it is so raw, it’s one of my favourites.
Nate, I feel like, balances Hannah’s chaos a little bit. He has struggles of his own he faces, mainly feeling guilty about anything and everything, his energy comes across as a lot calmer to me. He’s such a sweet, caring guy who just wants to redeem his bad boy days the best he can. He also has tattoos, SO MANY TATTOOS. And I. Let’s just say I’m a big fan of that. He’s also a good son AND an amazing dad. A package really. Get me one of those.
I appreciate how the romance between these two was handled because there’s a huge power dynamic at play with her being his kids’ nanny and him you know…paying her wages. But the topics was talked about at length between the two of them until the came to an agreement. No matter how trustworthy Nate is, power is power, you know? And you have to make sure it doesn’t interfer with the romance/sex. Things start a little rocky between them with a LOT of mutual pining and pushing each other away that had me yelling “JUST TALK” which… isn’t easy to do when you think the other person isn’t interested in you. As time goes by and they open up to each other, their conversations are very teasy and flow naturally. Hannah loosens up around Nate and he starts handling his worries better with her around.
Special mention to Nate’s kids who are the most precious little devils, I not only loved their relationship with their dad but also with Hannah. They bonded with her so quickly and were really fond of her, listened to her without her ever having to be this scary authority figure.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
Cause of death: Killed by too many Untouchable induced feelings.
CW: depression, anxiety, terminal illness, chronic illness.
I’m still trying to gather myself off the floor and put my thoughts into coherent words because TOMORROW IS RELEASE DATE AND I GOTTA SCREAM MY LOVE FOR THIS LITTLE PIECE OF HAPPINESS!!! I’m not sure how coherent this review will be but we shall try. All of Talia Hibbert’s books (the ones I’ve read so far) bring me SO MUCH joy and Untouchable is no exception but it somehow just made me feel more? I sometimes found myself overwhelmed, not gonna lie haha.
The writing is as gorgeous as ever, one thing I loved very much about it is that it fits each of the main characters’ voices perfectly. When reading from Hannah’s POV I could feel the chaos and the thoughts racing in her brain at a thousand miles an hour whereas Nate’s was calmer but also guilt ridden. And that alone made the transition between the two perspective, whenever it happened, flawless. Both are also ridiculously funny, Talia uses some of the weirdest comparisons and word combinations that end up making perfect sense and having me choke on my own laughter at 2am in the morning. I actually have most of them highlighted for when I feel down and need a quick cheer up!
Hannah is the most relatable mess of a heroine I’ve ever read about. First of all she’s snarky, honest and has a tough shell around her. She’s also uptight and a control freak (like yours truly) because she just needs to know how things are going to happen and to be in control of everything in her life. She’s also depressed and deals with anxiety, and both those reps are excellent, the way they’re talked about in such a real, genuine and unfiltered way was really refreshing. I loved that eventhough she knows those are private parts of her she doesn’t *have* to disclose, she does it anyway because she just doesn’t feel the need to hide them. She’s also highly insecure but makes herself believe she isn’t and the scene where she realizes it is so raw, it’s one of my favourites.
Nate, I feel like, balances Hannah’s chaos a little bit. He has struggles of his own he faces, mainly feeling guilty about anything and everything, his energy comes across as a lot calmer to me. He’s such a sweet, caring guy who just wants to redeem his bad boy days the best he can. He also has tattoos, SO MANY TATTOOS. And I. Let’s just say I’m a big fan of that. He’s also a good son AND an amazing dad. A package really. Get me one of those.
I appreciate how the romance between these two was handled because there’s a huge power dynamic at play with her being his kids’ nanny and him you know…paying her wages. But the topics was talked about at length between the two of them until the came to an agreement. No matter how trustworthy Nate is, power is power, you know? And you have to make sure it doesn’t interfer with the romance/sex. Things start a little rocky between them with a LOT of mutual pining and pushing each other away that had me yelling “JUST TALK” which… isn’t easy to do when you think the other person isn’t interested in you. As time goes by and they open up to each other, their conversations are very teasy and flow naturally. Hannah loosens up around Nate and he starts handling his worries better with her around.
Special mention to Nate’s kids who are the most precious little devils, I not only loved their relationship with their dad but also with Hannah. They bonded with her so quickly and were really fond of her, listened to her without her ever having to be this scary authority figure.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
September 25, 2022DNF at 58%. It’s lovely but… they get to the point where they are both interested but it’s “not okay” because she is his employee. So, instead of moving forward or being done, they’re going to “only do this once”. As if a one time thing with no convo about power dynamics is less harmful than just talking about the dynamics and making a grown up decision about what they want out of this relationship!?
Sigh. I’m sure it resolves perfectly fine but I’m annoyed and just can’t make myself go back to the book.
Sigh. I’m sure it resolves perfectly fine but I’m annoyed and just can’t make myself go back to the book.
April 1, 2019
4.5/5
It's been a while since I've devoured a romance book as I did with Untouchable. This book was like crack. If you've been following me for a while now, you know that I haven't sat down and finished a book in one day in months, but Untouchable made me abandon all my work and just lay down in bed to finish up this book. I loved everything about it and Talia Hibbert has certainly got a fan in me. :)
In the first book of the series, we met Hannah, Ruth's sister. Untouchable tells her story. When I met her in A Girl Like Her, I knew I would like her, but I didn't think that I would adore her this much. Hannah truly was a breath of fresh air with how relatable she was for me. She was fierce, independent, and such a gorgeously written character. She was also a little bit of a mess, which made her so damn easy to empathize with. I know some readers don't enjoy reading heroines who are complicated and chaotic, but I am not one of those readers. I find heroines like Hannah to be much more interesting because they are much more representative of the women that I know. Hannah was also an angry woman, especially at the messed-up small-town folks in Ravenswood. Even though Hannah might have been a cyclone, she was also someone who was willing to change that. She was absolutely hardworking, honest, and so real. It's safe to say that I had a bit of a crush on Hannah. Nate, her childhood crush, love interest, and new boss, was also a wonderful addition to Untouchable. Man, did I fall hard for that guy or what? He was so swoony. Everyone and their mother knows that single dads in romance novels are kryptonite, and Nate just about upped the sexy factor with how kind and sweet he was. Not to say that his multitude of tattoos and nip piercing didn't add to his hotness (COME ON!), but what really got me was his personality. The way he was around his kids and his willingness to do everything to ensure they were happy even though he barely had time to grieve the loss of his wife made him incredibly attractive.
Nate was the perfect match for Hannah. Unfortunately for the two, their relationship was a little bit precarious since Hannah is hired to be a nanny to Nate's children. The two of them were definitely hesitant since they were both principled people who were very aware of the power dynamic between them. They can't fight the attraction, however. Slowly, their banter and their friendship develops into something much more powerful. It was done all very tastefully. I loved how open they were with each other. Talia Hibbert touches on anxiety and depression a lot in Untouchable through these conversations and the scenes of them sharing their every thought served to make me believe in the strength of their relationship. I also loved how there was this softness to their romance that made me want to squish these two together. Undeniably, the chemistry was also out of this world. I love an author who can write a sensuous sex scene without making me feel like I'm a perv! Talia is definitely talented in that area. Oh, and the side characters were just as lovely as Hannah and Nate. I loved seeing Ruth and Evan being blissfully happy, mama Kabbah being the sublime matriarch that she was, and Nate's two adorable devil-children stealing every scene they were in. I also have to give a special shoutout to Rae and her giant dog, and Zach, Nate's brother. These two are being paired up next and I CAN'T WAIT!
Isn't always so exciting to discover a new author? If you haven't read anything from Talia Hibbert, then don't be an idiot like me and miss out on her books. These are just the perfect books for anyone seeking warm and captivating romances!
It's been a while since I've devoured a romance book as I did with Untouchable. This book was like crack. If you've been following me for a while now, you know that I haven't sat down and finished a book in one day in months, but Untouchable made me abandon all my work and just lay down in bed to finish up this book. I loved everything about it and Talia Hibbert has certainly got a fan in me. :)
In the first book of the series, we met Hannah, Ruth's sister. Untouchable tells her story. When I met her in A Girl Like Her, I knew I would like her, but I didn't think that I would adore her this much. Hannah truly was a breath of fresh air with how relatable she was for me. She was fierce, independent, and such a gorgeously written character. She was also a little bit of a mess, which made her so damn easy to empathize with. I know some readers don't enjoy reading heroines who are complicated and chaotic, but I am not one of those readers. I find heroines like Hannah to be much more interesting because they are much more representative of the women that I know. Hannah was also an angry woman, especially at the messed-up small-town folks in Ravenswood. Even though Hannah might have been a cyclone, she was also someone who was willing to change that. She was absolutely hardworking, honest, and so real. It's safe to say that I had a bit of a crush on Hannah. Nate, her childhood crush, love interest, and new boss, was also a wonderful addition to Untouchable. Man, did I fall hard for that guy or what? He was so swoony. Everyone and their mother knows that single dads in romance novels are kryptonite, and Nate just about upped the sexy factor with how kind and sweet he was. Not to say that his multitude of tattoos and nip piercing didn't add to his hotness (COME ON!), but what really got me was his personality. The way he was around his kids and his willingness to do everything to ensure they were happy even though he barely had time to grieve the loss of his wife made him incredibly attractive.
Nate was the perfect match for Hannah. Unfortunately for the two, their relationship was a little bit precarious since Hannah is hired to be a nanny to Nate's children. The two of them were definitely hesitant since they were both principled people who were very aware of the power dynamic between them. They can't fight the attraction, however. Slowly, their banter and their friendship develops into something much more powerful. It was done all very tastefully. I loved how open they were with each other. Talia Hibbert touches on anxiety and depression a lot in Untouchable through these conversations and the scenes of them sharing their every thought served to make me believe in the strength of their relationship. I also loved how there was this softness to their romance that made me want to squish these two together. Undeniably, the chemistry was also out of this world. I love an author who can write a sensuous sex scene without making me feel like I'm a perv! Talia is definitely talented in that area. Oh, and the side characters were just as lovely as Hannah and Nate. I loved seeing Ruth and Evan being blissfully happy, mama Kabbah being the sublime matriarch that she was, and Nate's two adorable devil-children stealing every scene they were in. I also have to give a special shoutout to Rae and her giant dog, and Zach, Nate's brother. These two are being paired up next and I CAN'T WAIT!
Isn't always so exciting to discover a new author? If you haven't read anything from Talia Hibbert, then don't be an idiot like me and miss out on her books. These are just the perfect books for anyone seeking warm and captivating romances!
July 10, 2023
This was adorable but I think I enjoyed book one far more
Off to read Zach's book!
Content warning: depression, anxiety, sexual content, chronic illness, racism
Off to read Zach's book!
Content warning: depression, anxiety, sexual content, chronic illness, racism
October 18, 2020
Hmm. Not a 5 star read like the first book in the series for me. I think the biggest issue is that Hannah's struggle and issues didn't even make sense after a while. I don't know how to explain it. It just felt like we didn't get this sense of who she was in the last book and then we have a lot of stuff thrown at us about her depression, her sense of self, etc. and Nate though I loved him, was once again way too perfect to be true. It would have been more realistic if he struggled with getting involved with a woman again after losing his wife. There's also the added complication that the book threw in Zach and I now know is the third love interest in book 3 here and it was just way too many people.
"Untouchable" follows Hannah Kabbah. Hannah we know from the last book ended up doing something that cost her the ability to work with kids in the future. She's now floating through retail jobs she hates. When she loses it one day, she promptly quits and then realizes she's jobless again. When Hannah's boyfriend, Evan suggests that she may want to apply to be a nanny for Nate Davis (a guy that Hannah grew up with) and his two kids, she's reluctant, but not for the reasons he thinks. It seems Hannah has had a crush on Nate since they were kids due to him doing something that actually had me swoon a bit too. Hannah thinks about him sometimes, but thinks her crush is under control. Until she interviews and moves in with Nate and Hannah starts to think about him and he starts to think about her.
Hannah was a bit too stiff for me after a while. I think another reviewer said the dialogue was way too internal in this one and it really was. We just have to listen to how Hannah and Nate both feel instead of these two actually having a conversation (a real one) that would have cleared things up between them. It started to drive me crazy after a while. Also I liked the scenes with Nate's kids, but they barely felt in this one. For someone who was supposed to be a nanny, Hannah's main job seemed to be cleaning. I get she liked it, but it was just weird after a while. I wish the kids had been squeezed in more. Same issue with other characters in this one, the book just felt very solitary after a while.
We do get appearances by Ruth, Evan, Zach, and a new character called Rae. Evan actually got on my nerves in this one. He tried this whole speech about Hannah being family that made no sense since they barely know each other it seems and we saw his reactions to her in the last book.
The two sex scenes I think we get are really good, just felt a bit samey since I read the last book right before this. I just think I needed more time for the relationship to develop.
I do have to say though Nate cursing out the yummy mothers was the best scene ever and I howled with laughter.
"Untouchable" follows Hannah Kabbah. Hannah we know from the last book ended up doing something that cost her the ability to work with kids in the future. She's now floating through retail jobs she hates. When she loses it one day, she promptly quits and then realizes she's jobless again. When Hannah's boyfriend, Evan suggests that she may want to apply to be a nanny for Nate Davis (a guy that Hannah grew up with) and his two kids, she's reluctant, but not for the reasons he thinks. It seems Hannah has had a crush on Nate since they were kids due to him doing something that actually had me swoon a bit too. Hannah thinks about him sometimes, but thinks her crush is under control. Until she interviews and moves in with Nate and Hannah starts to think about him and he starts to think about her.
Hannah was a bit too stiff for me after a while. I think another reviewer said the dialogue was way too internal in this one and it really was. We just have to listen to how Hannah and Nate both feel instead of these two actually having a conversation (a real one) that would have cleared things up between them. It started to drive me crazy after a while. Also I liked the scenes with Nate's kids, but they barely felt in this one. For someone who was supposed to be a nanny, Hannah's main job seemed to be cleaning. I get she liked it, but it was just weird after a while. I wish the kids had been squeezed in more. Same issue with other characters in this one, the book just felt very solitary after a while.
We do get appearances by Ruth, Evan, Zach, and a new character called Rae. Evan actually got on my nerves in this one. He tried this whole speech about Hannah being family that made no sense since they barely know each other it seems and we saw his reactions to her in the last book.
The two sex scenes I think we get are really good, just felt a bit samey since I read the last book right before this. I just think I needed more time for the relationship to develop.
I do have to say though Nate cursing out the yummy mothers was the best scene ever and I howled with laughter.
August 20, 2021
*4.5
my heart is v happy
cw (listed at beginning of book): themes of depression and anxiety, parental illness, chronic illness, terminal illness, parental abandonment, discussion of spousal death, reference to suicidal thoughts (Chapter 10), a sex act that is stopped abruptly due to one participants’ discomfort (Chapter 14; there is no dubious consent or non-consent in this book)
my heart is v happy
cw (listed at beginning of book): themes of depression and anxiety, parental illness, chronic illness, terminal illness, parental abandonment, discussion of spousal death, reference to suicidal thoughts (Chapter 10), a sex act that is stopped abruptly due to one participants’ discomfort (Chapter 14; there is no dubious consent or non-consent in this book)
March 16, 2022
I have no idea why I didn’t read this when it first came out. I’m glad it finally emerged from the depths of my TBR. Talia Hibbert is reliably good at interrogating power dynamics and I appreciated the way she handled the employer-nanny trope here, facing it head on. Hannah was a force to be reckoned with and I loved how much Nate and the kids appreciated her. As well they should. It was refreshing to have a widower who has processed his grief. Nate may not be actively looking for love but he’s also in a good place for it, aside from his love interest being his paid live-in nanny. I also appreciated the author raising awareness about misdiagnosis with sarcoidosis and the journey Nate’s mother and their family went through until then.The only downside of this story was the low moment. It felt very unnecessary. I would have also enjoyed seeing more of Nate’s photography, given that was his gift for Hannah.
Characters: Hannah is a 30 year old fat bisexual Black nanny and blogger. She’s also a church-going Christian. Nate is a 30 year old white creative consultant and photographer with dyslexia and a nipple piercing. He has a son named Josh (5) and a daughter named Beth (7). This is set in Ravenswood, England.
Content notes: MMC’s mother has lung cancer , depression (FMC takes medication), anxiety, chronic insomnia (MMC), past death of wife (car accident), racism, ableism (past), secondary character with facial scars, past parental infidelity (FMC’s father was married and got out of their life when his wife had a child; MMC’s dad cheated and left), past vandalism (FMC destroyed sister’s abuser’s car), past bullying, past physical assault, on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, cigarettes (secondary character), marijuana (past), drug references, gendered insults, gender essentialism, ableist language, mention of minor character who drives her kids to school while drunk every morning (everyone in town knows but doesn’t do anything about it??)
Characters: Hannah is a 30 year old fat bisexual Black nanny and blogger. She’s also a church-going Christian. Nate is a 30 year old white creative consultant and photographer with dyslexia and a nipple piercing. He has a son named Josh (5) and a daughter named Beth (7). This is set in Ravenswood, England.
Content notes: MMC’s mother has lung cancer , depression (FMC takes medication), anxiety, chronic insomnia (MMC), past death of wife (car accident), racism, ableism (past), secondary character with facial scars, past parental infidelity (FMC’s father was married and got out of their life when his wife had a child; MMC’s dad cheated and left), past vandalism (FMC destroyed sister’s abuser’s car), past bullying, past physical assault, on page sex, alcohol, inebriation, hangover, cigarettes (secondary character), marijuana (past), drug references, gendered insults, gender essentialism, ableist language, mention of minor character who drives her kids to school while drunk every morning (everyone in town knows but doesn’t do anything about it??)
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