Falling For The Single Dad; A Review Of A Whole New Play by Britt McKenna

Right, let me tell you about A Whole New Play by Britt McKenna because, honestly, it’s everything. You know how the nanny-and-single-dad trope can sometimes feel a bit overdone? Like, we’ve seen it a hundred times, and it’s always a bit predictable? Well, this book took that trope, flipped it on its head, and served it up with an extra dollop of spice and depth that I didn’t even know I needed.

First off, there’s history between the two main characters, which makes everything so much juicier. It’s not just a random nanny falling for her boss; there’s a history that makes it so much juicier. I mean, DELICIOUS. The tension? Off the charts. You can feel it simmering from the very first page. It’s the kind of slow burn that keeps you up at night, desperately flipping pages because you need to know when they’ll finally give in. And when they do? Oh my days. The spice is absolutely gorgeous—not over the top, but just enough to make you blush and maybe need a glass of water.

But what really sets this book apart is how deep it goes. Yes, it’s spicy and romantic, but it’s also raw and uncomfortable at times. Carter Jones, the baseball star, is dealing with some serious baggage. He’s not just a hot, brooding dad; he’s a man who’s been through the wringer, trying to raise his kids and keep it all together after losing his wife. The weight of his grief is palpable, and it shapes so much of who he is. And Valerie, the nanny? She’s not just some random woman—they actually met on holiday. She’s vibrant, ambitious, and carrying her own wounds, which makes her so much more than just a love interest. And here’s the kicker: when she agreed to be his nanny (her dad is his coach, by the way), she had no idea it was him. Imagine the shock when she walks in and realises she’s about to work for the man she had that unforgettable connection with. The awkwardness, the chemistry, the unspoken history—it’s all there, and it’s electric.

The kids? They’re not just props in the background. They’re fully fleshed-out characters with their own struggles, which makes the stakes so much higher. Carter’s eldest is grappling with the loss of his mum while trying to protect his younger sibling, and it’s heart-wrenching to see him shoulder so much responsibility. Valerie doesn’t just step in as a caretaker; she becomes someone they can trust, someone who slowly starts to heal the fractures in their lives. When things get messy between Carter and Valerie, it’s not just about them. It’s about the kids too, and that adds this layer of heartbreak and complexity that had me fully invested.

There are moments where you’re like, “Oh no, this is too much,” because the tough times hit hard. There’s one scene (no spoilers, don’t worry) where everything just falls apart, and it’s so raw and real that I had to put the book down and take a moment. The way Britt McKenna handles those moments is masterful—she doesn’t shy away from the pain or gloss over it. She lets you sit with it, feel it, and understand why it matters. But that’s what makes their journey so satisfying. They don’t just fall into each other’s arms and live happily ever after. They work for it. They go through the trenches, and when they come out the other side, it feels earned.

Also, can we talk about the writing? Britt McKenna knows how to balance light and dark so beautifully. One minute you’re swooning over a sweet, tender moment, and the next, you’re clutching your chest because it’s all gone pear-shaped. The dialogue feels so real, the emotions are raw, and the pacing is just right. It’s such a rollercoaster, but in the best way.

So, in short, you need to read this book. It’s not just a romance; it’s an experience. It’s spicy, emotional, messy, and utterly gorgeous. If you’re into nanny/single dad romances but want something with a bit more bite, A Whole New Play is the one. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Oh, and here’s the best part—it’s a standalone book, so you don’t need to worry about cliff-hangers. But it’s also part of the Whole New Game Series by Britt McKenna, so if you fall in love with her writing (and you will), there’s more waiting for you!