His Son’s Nanny: My Enemy, My Obsession

Synopsis

Luci Forrester is a college senior. She hasn’t had the best college experience and is counting down the days to leave the hell that is Kenton University. If she didn’t depend on her scholarship, she’d have already left. She does her best to stay under the radar but to the football and hockey team, it doesn’t seem to matter. She has a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time which has made her their target one time too many. Except for this time when she rescues a little boy named Cole from being hit by a texting driver. His grandmother hires her to watch over him after school and on weekends with the holiday season coming up. Luci thinks things might be looking up with the well paying job until she discovers it’s placed her right back in someone’s sights, her enemy Easton Reed. She writes him off as an entitled wealthy playboy bully, but could she be wrong when she finds out his biggest secret? Easton Reed is the senior center of the Kenton Ice Kings. He’s the team captain and plays well alongside his three brothers who round out the team. He’s every girls dream looks wise. He’s cold and aloof though which only adds to his appeal for his adoring fans. He steers clear of most campus drama but always seems to be around when Luci runs afoul of her tormentors. He makes it clear he isn’t her biggest fan from their first meeting and every time thereafter. But when they are thrown together over the holidays due to circumstances what will happen? When she finds out the secret he’s keeping from his adoring fans will he torment her more?

Review

His Son’s Nanny: My Enemy, My Obsession

If you’re searching for your next alpha obsession, a hero with a chilling exterior but a heart of gold for his kin, and a heroine who’s anything but a damsel in distress, then prepare to dive into “Holiday Hockey Tale: The Icebreaker’s Impasse.” This story promises an exhilarating ride, blending college rivalries, family secrets, and a slow-burn romance that will leave you utterly breathless. It’s a compelling narrative woven with high emotional stakes, undeniable chemistry, and a mystery that will keep you turning pages well into the night.

What I Loved A Lot:

* **The Unforgettable Leads:** Luci Forrester is an absolute breath of fresh air. Far from a perfect, polished heroine, she’s beautifully flawed and fiercely real. Diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, her “scatterbrain” and tendency to get “lost in Wonderland” are portrayed with empathy, not as weaknesses, but as integral parts of her unique charm and resilience. Despite being targeted by the campus jocks and grappling with past trauma from foster care and the tragic loss of her parents, Luci refuses to break. She’s sarcastic, quick-witted, and possesses a quiet strength that shines brightest when she’s protecting those she cares about, especially little Cole. Her internal monologues are gold, making her incredibly relatable. Then there’s Easton Reed, the enigmatic “Icebreaker” captain. Initially perceived as an “entitled wealthy playboy bully,” Easton is a fascinating study in contrasts. His cold, aloof demeanor is legendary on campus, yet beneath that icy facade lies a fiercely protective father whose world revolves around his son, Cole. He’s strategic, disciplined, and capable of a searing anger, but also possesses a hidden vulnerability and a surprising capacity for amusement, particularly when Luci disarms him. The glimpses of his genuine smile, reserved only for Cole, are pure magic, hinting at the depths of tenderness he guards. He’s the kind of complex alpha male that romance readers crave – powerful, a little dangerous, but with a deeply loyal heart.

* **The Explosive Chemistry:** From their very first collision (literally!), Luci and Easton’s dynamic is electric. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers setup, fueled by misunderstanding, prejudice, and a healthy dose of verbal sparring. Luci’s “eargasm” when Easton speaks her name, her involuntary gasp at his chiseled physique, and his sarcastic yet undeniably intimate nickname for her, “sweetness,” all scream undeniable attraction. Their interactions are a push and pull of irritation and intrigue, with Luci’s defiant wit slowly chipping away at Easton’s icy composure. He’s drawn to her authenticity and surprising courage, even as he claims she brings out “the worst” in him. The tension between them is palpable, a tantalizing slow burn that promises to erupt into something truly unforgettable. This isn’t just about physical attraction; it’s about two strong, complicated individuals finding themselves drawn together by circumstance and an unexpected connection that transcends their initial animosity.

* **A World of Intrigue and Ice:** The setting of Kenton University, ruled by the “Four Kings” (Easton and his three equally formidable brothers, all hockey stars), creates a vibrant and often hostile backdrop for Luci’s journey. The world-building subtly introduces us to the power dynamics—the Reed family’s influence in the city, the athletic department’s toxic culture, and the social stratification that keeps Luci on the margins. The secrets surrounding Cole’s parentage, Imogen Reed’s manipulative machinations, and the mystery of Luci’s “curse” create a rich tapestry of intrigue. It’s a world where appearances are deceiving, and hidden agendas lurk beneath the surface, promising a plot full of revelations and emotional twists.

* **Emotional Rollercoaster:** This story masterfully weaves together angst, humor, moments of profound tenderness, and gripping suspense. Luci’s struggles with her ADHD, her financial anxieties, and her past trauma evoke deep empathy. Her fierce protectiveness over Cole and Barrett, her resilience in the face of relentless bullying, and her genuine kindness are truly heartwarming. Easton’s frustration, his deep love for Cole, and his struggle with his manipulative mother add layers of emotional depth. The moments of humor, often driven by Luci’s internal thoughts or her unexpected comebacks, provide perfect balance to the tension. The journey of these characters, especially as they navigate the complexities of family and unexpected connections, is intensely moving.

* **The Heart of the Story – Cole:** Little Cole is the undeniable heart of this tale. His innocent charm, his articulate observations, and his desperate need for affection are the catalyst for everything. It’s his rescue that brings Luci into the Reed family orbit, and it’s his unwavering love for her that forces Easton to confront his prejudices. Cole’s happiness is the paramount concern for both leads, and their shared devotion to him begins to bridge the chasm between them. The scenes with Cole, whether he’s excitedly describing hockey, inventing silly dreams, or innocently asking profound questions, are pure sweetness, showcasing the profound impact Luci has on his young life.

* **Undercurrents of Spice:** While not explicitly steamy in these initial chapters, the romantic tension is palpable and undeniably present. Luci’s physical reactions to Easton, his imposing presence, and the way he singles her out (even to taunt her) hint at a powerful attraction brewing beneath the surface. His “Icebreaker” nickname and Luci’s description of him as an “Adonis” and “damn god” who could “make anyone weak in the knees” speak volumes. The teasing nickname “sweetness” has a possessive, intimate undertone that suggests a more intense connection to come. The groundwork is laid for a romance that will undoubtedly steam up the pages as their relationship deepens and the cold exterior of the Icebreaker begins to melt.

Moments/Parts/Lines that Linger in My Mind:

* **Luci’s ADHD and Wonderland Analogy:** The immediate dive into Luci’s mind, relating her tardiness to the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, instantly establishes her unique perspective and relatable struggles. It’s a brilliant way to invite readers into her internal world.
* **”Eargasm” from Easton’s Voice:** The raw, visceral reaction Luci has to Easton’s deep, gravelly voice is a powerful indicator of their underlying chemistry, setting the stage for romantic tension from their very first interaction.
* **Maxton’s Brutality and Becker’s Subtle Kindness:** The scene where Maxton assaults Luci and Becker intervenes, later sending her an ice pack through a nurse, highlights the dark side of campus life but also hints at the potential for humanity and protection from unexpected sources within the Reed family.
* **Luci’s Heroism with Cole:** Her selfless act of throwing herself and Cole to the ground to save him from a texting driver is a genuinely heartwarming and defining moment, showcasing her inherent goodness and courage.
* **Imogen’s Calculated Deception:** The revelation that Imogen Walters is actually Imogen Walters Reed, Easton’s manipulative mother, and her calculated decision to withhold Cole’s true surname and details from Luci, immediately establishes her as a formidable antagonist and deepens the mystery of the Reed family dynamics.
* **Easton is Cole’s Father:** The shocking reveal, “Luci, this is my daddy. His name is Easton,” delivered by Cole himself, completely reshapes the entire narrative, instantly elevating the stakes and emotional impact of the story.
* **Luci Defending Easton to Coach Humphries:** Despite their hostile dynamic, Luci’s courageous act of taking responsibility for Easton’s tardiness to Coach Humphries, knowing the Coach’s disdain for her, speaks volumes about her integrity and unexpected loyalty. Her line, “You can’t ignore it like anything else to do with me and move on?” shows her defiant spirit.
* **Easton’s Clandestine Practice Sabotage:** Easton deliberately smoking out the rink to cut practice short, purely to take Cole trick-or-treating, is a swoon-worthy moment of alpha devotion, revealing his true priorities and hidden playful side.
* **Easton’s Vulnerability and the “Sweetness” Nickname:** Asking Luci to tend to his injured shoulder, hiding it from his brothers, shows a rare vulnerability. His sarcastic, yet teasing, new nickname for her, “sweetness,” marks a significant shift in their dynamic, hinting at a possessive affection lurking beneath the surface.
* **Luci’s Childhood Trauma and Cole’s Empathy:** Luci sharing the tragic story of her parents’ death and Cole’s innocent “I sorry Luci” moment is profoundly touching, building a deep emotional connection between them and highlighting Luci’s past struggles.
* **Baker’s Quiet Support:** The butler, Baker, quickly recognizing and understanding Luci’s struggles with focus, and offering his silent, steadfast support (“I will say nothing, Luci. It is between you and me. Cole loves you and I love the light you have brought back to his days”), provides a comforting anchor for Luci in the chaotic Reed household.

This tale is a must-read for anyone who loves their romance with a side of mystery, a dash of angst, and a healthy dose of alpha-male protectiveness. If you’re ready to watch an ice-cold hockey captain melt for a uniquely charming, resilient heroine, and witness an undeniable connection spark amidst chaos and secrets, then stop what you’re doing and dive into “Holiday Hockey Tale: The Icebreaker’s Impasse.” Trust me, you won’t regret getting lost in this compelling world!