Reviewed by Roberta
TITLE: And Manny Makes Seven
SERIES: A Mannies Incorporated Novel
AUTHOR: Sean Michael
PUBLISHER: Torquere Press
LENGTH: 190 pages
BLURB:
When Adam’s parents died three years ago, he kept his five younger siblings together, playing parent as best a twenty-one year old could under the circumstances. Now his academic mentor Helena has passed away from cancer, and Adam doesn’t know what to do. He’s shocked, but grateful when a reading of the will determines that he’s not only inherited her beloved shi tzus , but also the house, a generous trust for everyone’s education, plus three million dollars, some of it earmarked for hiring a nanny.
Hutch has worked as a nanny since he was nineteen, when he took over the care of his neighbors children when both parents were killed in separate missions overseas. He’s worked with several families since and feels confident he can handle five children aged four through seventeen.
Hutch’s arrival is just what Adam needs and as Hutch begins to turn the big house from Helena’s place into their home, Adam and his siblings begin to see Hutch as more than just the nanny.
Can a path of tragedy and sorrow turn the corner to happiness and love?
REVIEW:
I was pretty interested in Sean’s Mannies Incorporated stories. I think I read the first one, but I couldn’t be sure. So when this book came up for review, I jumped on the opportunity to read it. I’m really happy that I did.
Adam is this young man who has had his life turned upside 3 years ago when his parents passed away and he inherited his 5 younger siblings. Adam has struggled for 3 years to finish college and make a home for his siblings. I felt so bad for Adam, he’s this young guy whose life is not his own and he’s doing and has done the best he could in supporting his siblings. Adam is fried, he’s not yet grieve for his parents nor for his mentor, Helena who bequeathed him her family home and money. Adam is trying so very hard to keep his head above water and succeeding, however, there are too many balls in the air and he needs some serious help. I really liked Adam’s character. He’s got so much going on and he’s doing an overall really good job. He’s such a sweetheart and has only the best intentions for his siblings. I like that he’s so generous and kind and a bit of a pushover, but their family has been struggling for a bit and he’s now able to spoil them a bit.
Hutch is a 35-year old man who has been a manny for years. Hutch has never truly had a life of his own, taking care of other’s children has had him hopping from the tender age of 19. Hutch has just accepted his life the way that it is and doesn’t think that there is any way his life will turn out. Hutch is this really kind, loving, guy who has the most wonderful heart. He’s so sweet and innocent in his experience with men. He’s known that he’s gay, but hasn’t really had the opportunity to explore that part of his life before as he’s pretty much always on call. Hutch is really the sweetest guy. I love that he’s go so much more experience in child rearing and that he was able to come in and really pitch in and take the load off of Adam’s plate. Hutch is kind and loving and so very sweet. I love his enthusiasm for his charges and their big brother.
The children…I don’t even know where to start. Briony is the oldest daughter and she’s after Adam in children order. Briony is a typical 17-year old girl who is sad about the loss of her parents and the constant change that is happening in her life. She’s graduating High School and preparing for college and is just a going through growing pains. Charlie is the next child and he’s a sweetheart. He’s in Middle School and is suffering the growing pains as well. He’s a really good kid who loves his family and is just trying to adjust to being a teenage boy. Now…the Littles. Darla, Felicia and Lizzie. I TOTALLY HEARTED these girls. They were just the sweetest things I have seen on screen in awhile. I loved each and every moment they were on screen. I always smiled and my heart just melted for these three. I love that they were always referred to as the littles and that each child had their own distinct personalities and I loved each one. I really enjoyed how the author incorporated the children into this story and it made it all the better. These kids were at times a pain and at other times, an absolute joy to see. The author did a FANTASTIC job in writing these characters.
Now, as this is an Sean Michael book…you know that there is some sexy times in this story. I will say that they were really well written and they were not gratuitous. The intimate scenes in this book were always there to show the evolving relationship between Adam and Hutch. I will say that I really like the fact that even though Adam was the younger of the two, he had the most experience. I really loved Hutch’s inexperience and the way that he threw himself into his relationship with Adam.
This story is sweet and tender and shows another side of Sean Michael as an author. This is the kind of book that you read when you want something that is light and easy. This story had nothing heartbreaking or big, just a tender, sweet love story. I found for myself that I wanted a bit of angst. I wanted to see them go through something and find their way back together again. But, overall just a really sweet read.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: