Bombshell

Hollywood A-List, Book 1

By: CD Reiss

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Christian Fox

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

Hollywood bad boy Brad Sinclair always gets his way, whether it's the role he wants or the bikini-clad model he has to have. But when a bombshell gets dropped in his lap in the form of a dimpled five-year-old from a forgotten relationship, he knows his life is about to change forever.

Cara DuMont isn't exactly thrilled when she gets assigned to be the nanny for the latest box-office king. She has one rule: no celebrity fathers, especially single ones with devilish good looks and rock-hard abs.

But as soon as Cara meets Brad and his adorable little girl, she knows she's in for a world of trouble. Because there's something about the way Brad looks at her that makes her believe that some rules are meant to be broken...

©2017 Flip City Media Inc. (P)2017 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

A Predictable Formula

This is one I that didn't grab me in the beginning but I kept listening because of the ratings.....but it didn't get better. So, I have written a spoiler Haiku (a poetic formula) to retell the story and possibly recapture a little bit of enjoyment from this experience.

Nanny meets rich boy
Predictable angst, sex, angst
Everything works out

This story could have been so much richer. As I sit here writing this review, I want to describe the characters but I really can't recall what they looked like. More character development please. The little girl in the story tragically looses her mother and goes to live with her father who didn't even know she existed but she was just a happy go lucky prop for the main character to feed off of.

This "ins and outs of daily living" kind of story is not intriguing enough to warrant hours of my time. I can get that by ringing up my sister and chatting about the latest scoop on our old high school friends. At least that way I have spent time with my sis. Ugh, just wasn't for me, I need more.

LOVED IT!! THIS IS AN OVER AND OVER LISTEN

I loved this book. The narration was excellent . Buttt it did not sound like Christian Fox. I will go back and listen and get back to you on that. I will listen to this one for years to come. Hot sex, funny kid and great and narration leads to a great audio book. THIS IS A KEEPER. Loved it!!!

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

I'm 80/20 on this book. I loved the story line, I loved the writing style, I loved the characters and I loved the narration! All of those things is why I gave it 4 stars! The only thing is that is was a VERY slow starter. I like a slow burn but this may have been a little too slow for my taste. But once it finally took off, this book was great. It is a feel good, single dad, realistic romance which are all up my ally.

Brad was really wanted to be a good guy but was torn between his career and family. He didn't make the best choices in the beginning but he finally came around. Cara is a nanny who has strict morals and maybe even comes across a little high and mighty. They are exactly what each other needs and it takes a 5 year old to show them that. I would have liked a little more heat between them but I know this was more about family than anything else.

The narrations was great Andi & Christian are favorites of mine so I knew going in they they would be a perfect fit.

Only OK

The plot's premise is very good but the execution was lackluster. Each of them reached ALMOST to the level of really engaging, but then fell flat. I'm not sure I know how to better explain it, except to say that the two main characters lacked some aspect of personality that would have allowed them to "come alive." I suspect it's because the author did a lot of "telling" rather than "showing" so that we heard the internal monologues, but didn't get enough what was actually happening.

I'm not saying this well, I fear, but they just fell flat. I found it difficult to develop a lot of concern over what happened to them - to any of them.

Good listen

If this book were half the length, this would be an entirely different review. I loved the premise and I loved the characters but there was so much down time. So much of the book is just "much ado about nothing". No real drama or excitement or entertainment. Just... eh.

That being said, the parts that were on, they were ON! The chemistry was completely felt between Brad and Cara. I loved them together. I loved Brad's alpha, caveman attitude and Cara's nurturing, gentle heart. I loved little Bombshell, such a perceptive little girl. And I loved how it was all centered around her.

Andi Arndt is always a 5 star performance for me. Christian Fox as well. He brought the steam and sexiness. His voice is fire. Excellent narration from them both.

A COMPELLING ROMANCE THAT DELIVERED SO MUCH

For me CD Reiss is an A list author who I can 100% trust so when a new book of hers in released I excitedly sit back and prepare to be wowed by the next riveting story.. and she never disappoints. This story shows us a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of one of Hollywood's rich and famous stars when he's suddenly met by a very present predicament when a bombshell from his past suddenly shows up. And the lengths this star goes to to untangle himself will only delicously tangle him up more.

Brad thought he had the perfect life.. success, wealth, parties, no strings and lots and lots of women - but overnight that changed when a bombshell landed on his doorstep in the form of a daughter - a daughter he never knew he had. Brad tried to embrace his new role of father.. but it didn't come naturally and it didn't come easy. Since his daughter arrived, she hasn't stopped crying and Brad knows he's out of his depth.. then suddenly sweet silence thanks to an unplanned meeting with a Super-Nanny with a soothing voice and a magical touch. Brad knew he had to employ this Mary Poppins of nannies at any cost because, once she's installed in his house, status-quo could resume and then things would go back to normal.. but Nanny Cara had very different ideas. And the last thing Brad was expecting was to lose his heart to a 5 yr old, give his heart to the woman who challenged and changed him and to freely give up his lifestyle.. and his career. Because, like the film, this Mary Poppins of nannies was going to save the father from himself.

Cara has Nannied for the over-indulged and wealthy for quite a while now so she knows the rules of what to do and what not to do to keep her job and her reputation clean but, when she's in the same room as the gorgeous drool-worthy A list actor/party-boy Brad Sinclair, her reaction to him is nuclear. Cara loves her job, loves looking after children and she's been talked into becoming Brad's new short-term Nanny for his sweet 5 yr old daughter - and Cara naively thought she could resist temptation.. but she was oh so wrong. Because Cara would fall in love with a sweet little girl, she'd also be emotionally pushed/pulled as she warred with the dilemma of duty vs chemistry and Cara's heart would melt by the words and actions of her new employer until lines were blurred.. and eventually broken.

CD Reiss has captured the intense feelings of an insta-Father who is clearly out of his element, who grasped on to a lifeline and slowly pulled to reveal a powerful opponent, a caring ally, a nurturing friend, a passionate partner and eventually, after some rocky roads, a loving wife and mother. And the well written character of Cara had deep layers made up of rigid boundaries, high morals, a tragic past and a dirty imagination - everything that Brad didn't need and shouldn't want.. and yet he did. Tensions, emotions and sexual chemistry ran high while all the "I shouldn'ts" played out.. until eventually these two characters gave in, got on the same page, had sexy times, fell in love.. and learnt how to be a loving and complete happy family. And Brad's cute little daughter was charming, darling and so sweet. Dual POV's and the story, together with its characters, were brought to life by the talented voices of Andi Arndt and Christian Fox - they are two revered narrators who always deliver 5 star performances.

Worth a credit? That would be an absolutely and unshakable shout it from the rooftops YES.

Celebrity/Nanny Romance...Great Narrators!

Listened to this one via Audible.
The narration was excellent!
Christian Fox and Andi Arndt (fave female narrator!) did a great job with all the characters in this story, every voice was perfectly matched to their personality, and are what kept me listening.

I was really excited for this book! Absolutely loved the cover, blurb,
and all the teasers that were out!
But, as I write my review, there's definitely mixed feelings about the story.

As far as characters go, they were all written with really good development.
Which made the story easy to follow along.

The reason I kept this at a 3-Star...
Even though the plot was well written, and characters fully developed,
I never felt that spark of chemistry with Brad, no real connection.
I did appreciate the Dad he had become by the end, it just took a while to get there.
After reading some other reviews, I see in some that Brad was in a previous book called Shuttergirl.
I'll have to check that one out, maybe it will bring more love for Brad Sinclair.

While the first 3/4 of the story was long and detailed, the ending felt rushed to me,
and had me scratching my head a bit.
If you're a reader who loves the average girl falling for a famous person.
Or the Nanny/Single Dad storyline, you'll enjoy this book!

This Bombshell Blew Me Away

I do not know why it surprises me that Christine Reiss has written another extraordinary book. This book has wonderful characters, especially the women. The women are strong, spirited and determined. I am from the south and it "tickles" me to ready a well written southern male character. So often southerners end up sounding like backwoods hicks but not with this book. The southernisms are not just crazy cliches, they are things I have heard all my life. This book is a little lighter than my usual choices amend I loved it anyway because the dialogue is excellent. The sexy parts were great as we have come to expect from Reiss.
I listened to the audiobook of Bombshell and the voice actors performances really added to the experience. Andi Arndt and Christian Fox became the characters as I new they would. These three, author and actors, can't be beat. I am so looking forward to their next books be they together or not.

Exceptional!

Bombshell was such a sweet surprise, it was my first CD Reiss story, but it definitely won't be my last! This is a combination of the best romance tropes - Hollywood romance and single dad are combined with a little bit of the forbidden for one delightful story!

Cara DuMont is the perfect nanny. She expertly navigates the slippery Hollywood landscape by using a carefully crafted set of rules and boundaries. She's never once been tempted to step outside those lines until she meets him. Brad Sinclair is the bad boy of tinseltown, at least that's what everyone thinks. But, Cara can see a side of him that is deeper than the rest of the world can see. And, when he begins bonding with his daughter, Cara can't help but feel the ties begin to bind all of them together.

Bombshell is a fantastic story with strong characters, great plot lines and plenty of heart. The audiobook is exceptional; Andi Arndt is solid as ever and Christian Fox blew me away. The dual-POV presentation enhances the story and the characters. This is definitely a must-listen story! One-click today and prepare for all the fabulousness that is Bombshell!

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: hero, heroine, romance, character development, butterflies and steamy.

4.5 stars

I can honestly say I hated Brad through most of the book. I'm pretty sure that was the point. Brad was the cocky don't give any f@cks movie star. He lived for partying and had the mentality of a 20 year old on Spring Break. I hated him. Did you see that...hated? I don't hate him any more. No, I'm pretty sure I would be one of those simpering idiot girls with their tongues on the floor. Why you ask, why did I make a 560? ( I know you are trying to figure it out right now. A 560, is a 360+ 180. Because this book won't leave you at 180, no these characters will drag you around until you hit the 560 mark. You will be hemming and hawing and straight up angry but you will get there.)

So after this crazy trip in circles, you will see. You will smile just like me. You will have wet eyes and a hopeful glow. So even if you hate Brad, you will learn he grows on you.

He isn't the namesake for the title in the traditional sense but he is definitely what I think of...

Excellent

Thinking long and hard how I would begin to describe this mmmm

One word ... Excellent!

Loved it

Loved how dots were connected .. would recommend it to anyone who loves little secrets n suspends in a story

Just perfect.

This rendition of Bombshell has left me with an absolutely huge smile. Beautifully acted by Andi Arndt and Christiam Fox, the story has woven its way even deeper into my heart than before. Funny, sweet and sexy. Nor always eady to balance, these elements are brought to vivid life in the writing and the reading. I love Brad, Kara and Nicole even more than I did before.

Fabulous

Great insight into nanny-ing
made me laugh and cry, sad and happy tears.
characters were awesome, the writing and expert narration really transport you.
one of the best books I've listened to this year.

A 5 STAR READ

What made the experience of listening to Bombshell the most enjoyable?

It was such a wonderful story, with 5 year old Bombshell

What other book might you compare Bombshell to, and why?

I think it stands on it's own

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I think the opening scene

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Bring me some wet wipes

Any additional comments?

We first met Brad and Cara at the West Side Nannies, Cara is there supporting her friend Blakely who was being interviewed for a new position. When she gets “BRING THE WET ONES” the call for anyone looking after children always uses. The first meeting with Nicole is when she had pooped herself out of fear of being left with strangers. Cara manages to care and clean and soothe the child. Then Brad an A list Superstar who is used to getting his own way hires Cara and Blakely to look after his little girl.
Little Nicole immediately takes a shine to Cara and so does Brad. He falls for from the beginning, but Cara plays by the rules especially after what happened to Blakely. This book is great, the Bombshell from the title is Nicole a 5 year old that has been sent to live with her father after her mother dies. Brad is still in a state of shock not knowing anything about children.
I loved this story, the relationship between Brad, Nicole and Cara was wonderful to watch develop, I can’t recommend this book enough. Come and enjoy another winner from CD Reiss. I’ve already ordered the Audio edition on May 1st, so I can enjoy it all over again.

Meh

I am surprised I actually finished this one. Andi and Christian’s narration is the only reason I pushed through. the story was alright at best but the writing was just not great. Disappointed, wish I did not waste a credit.