by Judi Fennell
Series: Manley Maids #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
What happens when three irresistibly sexy brothers lose a poker bet to their enterprising sister? They get hired out for her housecleaning venture. Now, the Manley Maids are at your service. Satisfaction guaranteed. It’s what a woman wants... Resort entrepreneur Sean Manley was all set to buy an historic mansion at a great price, making a name for himself while making millions, when the seller and a poker bet change the game. Now he’s in the place as a hunky male maid and there’s one more complication: Livvy Carolla. The house is Livvy’s inheritance. Her plan? Unload it to the highest bidder and use the cash to start her own bakery business. One look at "the help” and she’s hot to take him with her. Until she finds out he’s got a secret agenda. But when Sean falls for the free-spirited, strong-willed Livvy, he has new ideas for the estate—and Livvy’s part in it. If all goes well, they’ll both be getting what they want. And then some.
What a Woman Wants is the first novel in the Manley Maids series by Judi Fennell and when I read the synopsis I immediately wanted to read it. Three brothers dressed as maids? At the mercy of their sister? Count me in! Fennell made me laugh, swoon and giggle as we watched Sean Manley become the hunky maid at the Martinson estate. Mini review: Sweet, suspenseful, hot and humorous from a crazy animal herd to change in plans this tale was delightful.
The prologue shares how the three Manley brothers’ find themselves working as maids for their little sister and I will leave you to discover the how and why. Sean Manley is a resort entrepreneur and decides to pay his dues at the Martinson estate. He has big plans for the estate and none of them include Livvy. Livvy Carolla hasn’t been back to the estate since she was a child and now it’s her inheritance. She fully intends to sell it to the highest bidder and say good riddance. Her grandmother has other plans, and in order to inherit the mansion, Livvy will have to meet the conditions of the will. Will Sean help or hinder her? Will Livy run from her past or embrace it? The tale that unfolds has a quest, an unusual herd of animals and quite possibly a happy ending.
Fennell presented us with two lovable and flawed characters. Sean Manley looks dreamy in his tight maid uniform. I envisioned Sean vacuuming while I watched from my chase lounge by the fire. He is successful, confidant and close to his family. Livvy lives in a co-op and bakes the finest desserts and breads you have ever tasted. She is a free spirit, lover of animals and very organic. She has abandonment issues thanks to her parents and grandmother. The physical attraction between them was electric from the beginning providing us with some delicious chemistry. Livvy was enchanting despite her issues, and you couldn’t help but smile at her antics. Sean struggles between his business aspirations and his attraction to Livvy. We see character growth as the relationship develops. While the romance developed quickly, Fennell did a good job of making it feel genuine. We briefly meet Sean’s brothers, sister and grandmother, and I am looking forward to learning their stories. The herd, oh my! Calling all animal lovers, you will adore the herd. From peacocks to a dirty mouthed parrot they were a hoot and added humor and tenderness to the story.
What a Woman Wants was a delightful tale that is sure to make you smile. The terms of the will were interesting and added a little suspense and a twist for the romance. The overall ARC of the series regarding the three brothers as maids is hilarious. I really connected with Livvy and enjoyed her from her naughty thoughts to her crazy herd. The romance was sweet, with moments of heat. It was a feel good romance with some sappy, gooey moments that made me smile. There were threads that were left unanswered which disappointed me. Sean has a disability, and I wish it had been more thoroughly addressed. We learn a little about the sister and grandmother scheming, and I would have loved to learn more. I am hoping we get the details about this scheme in a future novel. The pacing was well done, and I easily consumed this. The conflict and climax were enjoyable although we knew all along what could shatter this relationship. What a Woman Wants left me with a smile on my face.
Fans of romantic comedy and adventure will enjoy What a Woman Wants. What a Woman Needs is the next book in the series and will release on June 3, 2014.
Three and half cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lily B
I can’t stop laughing, that is so funny. Men dressed up as maids? Oh yes, I want to see that
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun Lily 🙂
Cyn
Oh gosh, this one sounds pretty hilarious! I’m always up for rom-com, swooning and giggling! Will definitely have to check this one out (: Glad it was a fun read. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Cyn it was hilarious and sexy!
Pamela D
Okay, you have officially got me curious with this book, and why the guys are maids for their sister. I am going to have to mark my calendar! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun Pamela!
Lauren
This sounds like such a fun story! I think the idea of three brothers being roped into being maids is hilarious. Glad you connected with Livvy and enjoyed this overall, even with the missing threads. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
this was a fun romp Lauren 🙂
Rashika
I heard something about baking??
I am in.
And men dressed up as maids?
Tee Hee..
I AM IN.
I AM IN IN IN
Great Review, Kimba!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh the baking was fun, and yeah this was hilarious!
Michelle
I was smiling when I was reading your review. I definitely want to read this book! I’m already thinking of all the possible hilarious situations. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Michelle it made me smile
aurian
I absolutely want to read this series. I just wish her books were cheaper, I have wanted to read her other series as well but did not buy them because of that.
kimbacaffeinate
Well darn, hopefully there will be a price drop.
Lindy
I love romantic comedies! This one sounds good! Guys cleaning in maid costumes at the hands of their sister. I am really curious about Livvy’s antics! I love humor in the story, and animals always add a fun element as well. Too bad all of your questions weren’t answered. Hopefully in a further installment… Wonderful Review Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a hoot Lindy, and the herd just made me smile and giggle.
Stephanie
This sounds like a fun read! I am curious about why the brothers dress up as maids- I am thinking a bet… Love a book with interesting characters and humor. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Stephanie I laughed throughout and enjoyed the romance in this one 🙂
Amir
Three brothers dressed as maids?
– this made me think of 3 hunky guys in a French maid uniform. LOL.
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..that would be totally hilarious!
Angela Adams
Simply reading the blurb had me chuckling!
kimbacaffeinate
This was such a fun read Angela 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Kimba, OMG what a great premise
thanks for the great review
Deb
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Debbie this was such a fun read!
anna
Aws yeah they were the cutest naughtiest herd. I loved them! I’m with you on Sean’s disability. I would have liked that explored a bit more too. I’m hoping maybe it’ll pop up in one of the following books. Will definitely be picking them up. Too fun to resist 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh agreed I will be reading book two for sure!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I like that the guy has a disability. Usually it’s the woman in the story. This one does sound like fun and a cute series as well!
kimbacaffeinate
this was such fun and you will adore the herd!
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Aww! 🙂 This sounds too cute, but I hate the cover (I’m willing to overlook it). I always love a feel-good, fun romance.
kimbacaffeinate
It was cute and funny. IDK, I like the cover..LOL
Heidi
This sounds so fun, three guys dressed as maids, too fun. I saw a thing on the news about guys here in Portland who are naked maids, do they do that?
kimbacaffeinate
Now that would be interesting…no fairly clean novel Heidi. I did see they are opening up a topless male coffee shop out there though.
Jenea
This sounds like a really fun kinda read. Hopefully all the unanswered questions will brought up in the next book. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenea this was adorable 🙂
sherry fundin
Looking at the cover, I would pass. After reading the blurb, I couldn’t help but laugh and changed my mind. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
kimbacaffeinate
That is funny you are the second person to say that..but this was hilarious and sweet!
Jenny
Well yay! Mary just did a short review of this one and she really enjoyed it as well. It’s too bad some of the threads are left unaddressed, but other than that this sounds like a fun read. Love a book that leaves me with a smile on my face!
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.
Tanja
“Three brothers dressed as maids? At the mercy of their sister?” This I need to see! It sounds so funny and I’m glad that it really was. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..it was such fun Tanja!
blodeuedd
Awww I love smile books, but who does not
kimbacaffeinate
This will make you smile and giggle Linda 🙂
kindlemom1
I think I am about due for a good romantic comedy and this one sounds fabulous!
Fantastic review Kim! I hope you have a great weekend. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes Ali, I think you will adore this 🙂
Kristin
This is one of the best story ideas I’ve heard in a long time!!! I can see why as soon as you read the synopsis you wanted to pick this up and read this!! I think this will be a go-to for me at the library – a fun read with a crazy story!
kimbacaffeinate
This was hilarious, sweet, sexy and I hope you pick it up!
Mary
Sean’s disability seemed to just be thrown in there — I don’t know how much it added to the story or why it was there (sympathy for a character who’s constantly lying to the woman he’s falling for?). No matter. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to those other manly maids!
kimbacaffeinate
right? It was weird, and since my youngest suffers from it the whole thing bothered me, but overall I adored this 🙂
Jessica
Well, it sounds like the book lived up to the blurb, and that blurb!! Stop making me get more books, LOL. I need to find a way to manufacture time. Then we’ll both be beloved by all–you for your excellent book recs, and me for making it possible to READ ALL THE BOOKS 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am always looking for a time device, but usually I walk around in a sleep deprived daze after a late night of just one more chapter 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
OMG, you had me at the blurb. This sounds so fun and hilarious. I just wish this maid service was real! I would have the cleanest house ever.
kimbacaffeinate
This was Jennifer, it is one of those books that makes you laugh and smile.
Melliane
you always have some new romances for me. So of course I didn’t know this one but it sounds really sweet and the romance sounds really nice as well. It’s always great to have books like that.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Melliane, I love that I am introducing you to new romances 🙂
Bheiy
I’ve read loads of Manga and while I read the synopsis, I actually envision three men, literally in “Maid” outfit. Maid, meaning girl and not a butler. LOL!
kimbacaffeinate
hahahaha..now that would have been down right hilarious!
Lupdilup
Sometimes a read/listen like this is just what we need. This sounds like fun, and this is the kind of book that can easily earn and extra start with the right narrator 🙂
Thanks Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
This would probably be fun on audio, I know I laughed and smiled the whole time
Christy
LOL – Oh man, I had a good laugh while reading the synopsis. All through high school and college one of my good friends and I talked about starting a business like this with hunky guys. I have to show her this book. It sounds like a fun read for sure! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
This was so hilarious Christy, I had tears.