A Very Merry Nanny

A Very Merry Standalone

By: Lyra Parish

Narrated by: Gabriel Spires, Willa Jaymes

He's a grumpy, single-dad lumberjack, and this Christmas, I want to be the ginger in his bread…

Hudson Jolly is, ironically, the biggest Scrooge in Merryville, but I'm not intimidated.

He warns me to stay away from him. However, I'm convinced he's playing reindeer games.

When I learn he's searching for a nanny, I offer to help.

Out of desperation, he hires me.

That's his first mistake.

The attraction is undeniable, and after too much spiked eggnog, lines are quickly crossed. I jingle his bells, and Hudson becomes my ho ho ho, but—because there's always a but with broody men like him—only for the season.

Now, I'm wishing for a holiday miracle because the Grinch stole my heart—or did I steal his?

A Very Merry Nanny is a small-town, single-dad, holiday romance with rom-com vibes. If you're searching for a grumpy/sunshine romance set in a Southern small town, then this book is for you! Each book in the Very Merry series can be enjoyed as a standalone. Each ends with a sweet-as-gingerbread happily ever after.

©2024 Lyra Parish (P)2025 Podium Audio

Cute but

Cute but, not really a nanny romance. First, it took over 8 hours for her to even become the nanny. Then, while there were some steamy moments, that was a very s-l-o-w burn. Extremely. Next, the transitions are kind of abrupt. We go from “I don’t like you,” to “gee I want you,” kind of thing all in one breath. Often there are whiplash comments like, ok I guess we’re doing this now, so there’s a bit of disorganization. That could have been eliminated by some editing, making the book shorter. So, that’s why I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5. The story itself was a good one, and the narrators were fantastic. So I can definitely recommend it with the caveats above. It was a decent listen.

It's a cute story

This is the 2nd book in the Very Merry series, and it's Hudon and Emma (Claire's sister). It's decent and the characters are ok, but I think they were a little annoying at times.

It was nice seeing the side characters from the first book, and I'm looking forward to seeing Lucas' story.

Grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, nanny

Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Emma Manchester & Hudson Jolly are just! so! cute! Willa Jaymes & Gabriel Spires bring out the very best in their personalities with such fabulous dual narration.
🤩 When Hudson whispers in Emma’s ear (in Gabriel Spires’ voice)!
🤩 A little grumpy-sunshine vibes.
🤩 I love when she feels the spark.
🤩 These vibes: “You’ll be begging for me, just like the rest of them,” I tell him. “Don’t think so, sweetheart. I beg for no one.” His eyes sweep over my body. “Not even you.”
🤩 And these: “You can’t fix him, Em,” Jake says.“I don’t want to,” I say. I want him just how he is.
🤩And these: “This is why we shouldn’t be alone.” “Why?” He leans in slowly, my jaw tilting upward. “Because I want to kiss you.” “Why do you resist it so much? Am I not your type?” His mouth hovers over mine, and my eyes flutter closed. “You’re everything I want.”
🤩 The tap on the window with hot cocoa!! LOL funny! 😆
🤩 The baking contest.
🤩 The forced proximity moment had me whooping out loud! 🙌🏻
🤩 Emma’s sweet connection with Colby. 🤗
🤩 Oh my tingly goodness! ❤️‍🔥🫠
🤩 I’m such a sucker for a childhood bedroom. Hudson’s does not disappoint!
🤩 OMG—you just never know what might happen at the salon. More LOL hilarious! 🤣
🤩 The brotherly love and fabulous interactions!

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 One week later? What?! Gimme the sneaking around!

Another amazing Jolly brother story!

This is book 2 in the Very Merry Series by Lyra Parish. Each book is an interconnected standalone that will follow the love story of the one of the Jolly's (there are 3 brothers). These books take place in the town of Merryville. Lyra has it set up to release one Christmas book a year and as you can see, this is year 2.

❄️ Single dad
🪓 Small town
❄️ grumpy/sunshine
🪓 Snowed in
❄️ Age gap

Emma and Hudson are the perfect blend for this fabulous holiday romance. Their chemistry was palpable and you could feel the tension between them. Hudson broke my heart and this insecurities. His ex did a number on him and I really, really disliked her for that. Colby...that sweet boy brought another level to this book and when they became a family....awwwwww my heart just melted. This was a slow burn in the sense that it took them a while to get together but when they did....It was frenzied. Both Emma and Hudson had to learn to trust and this was a favorite part of the book for me. To see them heal and find the love they deserved was beautiful to read. I loved this book so much and if you are looking for that author that just talks to your soul....that is Lyra. She is one of the best authors that I have come across and I will read everything she writes!

I was able to listen to this book after reading a physical copy. Listening brought this book to another level that I appreciate so much. Gabriel Spires and Willa Jaymes put light and emotion into a story that I fell in love with. Their performance really allows the reader to see this book like a movie. With Lyra's amazing writing and the talent of these performers, This is a book you definitely should listen too. I highly recommend not only this audio but the entire series.!

Grumpy/Sunshine at its finest

Grumpy/Sunshine is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes! I absolutely adored Hudson and loved how broody he was. Colby completely stole the show with this book and I loved it! I’m loving this fictional town and wish I could move there!

The only complaint I can give is the audiobook. While it was very good, when the characters were whispering, it was nearly impossible to catch what they were saying — even with turning the volume wayyyy up! I can appreciate the dramatic effect of whispering because that’s what the characters are doing, I wish they didn’t whisper quite so low. The worst of it was when the male narrator was whispering on the female part. But all in all, the audio was amazing!