Hired for the Billionaire's Secret Son by Joss Wood
This novel offered few surprises over how much in this genre has changed since I read Harlequin romance novels as a teenager. The main female character, Olivia Cooper grew up with parents who ran their own accounting business. She took an accounting degree and was expected to join the business, but found during her studies that this wasn't something that she would enjoy as a career. She took some time away and has worked as a nanny for several years, for a respected agency used by famous and wealthy families. She's grown close to the owner and is considering buying a share in the company and working to take it over some day. She had a difficult experience where she grew very close to a family she was working for during a very difficult time in their lives and then had to leave their employment. After that she decided to only do short term contracts to avoid getting emotionally involved in the lives of her clients. When she took a break from her family obligations, she knew she had a deadline and that deadline is fast approaching. Her parents expect her to join the family business at that time. She doesn't want to and doesn't know how to go about talking to them about this.
The main male character, Bo Sorenson, is a respected architect. He saw his parents' marriage fall apart, and saw his father live a life that was less focused on responsibility. He determined not to follow in their footsteps and has had clearly communicated expectations from his relationships over the years, that they would never lead to children.
When his recent ex-girlfriend, about to be married, dies with her partner in an accident, he finds he was a father despite his best plans. He doesn't want his child to go into the system, and he can afford to care for his son, but he has no idea how to be a parent, having less than stellar role models. He knows he wants to be a good parent and hires Olivia to be there for the first few months (although he would prefer a longer contract) to show him the ropes, while integrating his son into his life.
Olivia is a strong woman in most areas of her life, and knows her value. It is only with her parents she is less confident. This was one area that struck me as she had a good childhood despite their busy careers, and she seems a good communicator in the other parts of her life. Bo is also a strong character, but he doesn't have traditional expectations. His mother is a good businesswoman, although not a loving mother, and he knows women are equally capable. I think setting this story in Europe feels believable and the situation never feels like a forced plot or outside the characters' personalities.
A light, entertaining read.
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