Not a fan of books with developing relationships with the nanny or in this case an au pair which is much much less younger and innocent. I couldn't get over that to even finish the book which is very very odd since I loved A Thousand Letters which featured Charlie who was one of my favorites. I was so disappointed that he fell for the au pair.
Another issue I had was this is supposed to be book 3 of the Austens series....all of the other three books are modeled after modernations of an Austen book...but which Austen book is this modeled after? Grant it, I'm not a huge Austen fanatic, but I can usually spot an Austen themed book. If this is a modernation, which book is it? If a theme is created, follow it. ( )

Hannah feels drawn to help Charlie and his two children, like she's their only hope. She'd wanted to run, to return home to Holland, but the au pair position was available and it felt right. Charlie's wife had abandoned him, left him broken and not suited to rear their two children. She also left him lonely and lost, a feeling Hannah knows well. Together she helps him, by caring for his children and overtime caring for him as well. They both have issues though, pasts that make their dreams difficult and a lack of trust that may tear them apart before they even begin.

"A moment hung between us, just a few heartbeats with our eyes on each other. And then he looked away."

I expected something illicit, the promise of forbidden love between a nanny and her employer drew me in, but the sweet cover and blurb promised so much more. Staci Hart's A Little Too Late is the kind of contemporary romance that draws you in like a warm blanket does on a cool day. You think you'll read a few pages and soon you're weeping, desperate to continue turning pages to find that Hannah and Charlie can find the happiness they so deserve. I loved Hannah from Holland, I loved her mannerisms, her dialogue, her love of baking, and every chapter written from her point-of-view. Charlie, too, is the kind of character you find yourself falling for. He's honest and flawed, his chapters filled with insecurities and struggles, but also with hope and longing.

"And I touched my lips that had almost tasted him and wished he'd whispered a lie."

Their romance is the kind you'd find in old classic romance novels, a bit forbidden, over the top sweet, and the stuff dreams are made of. Their love is the sweep you off your feet kind, the kind that changes everything, but it also is the easiest to break, tumbling like a tower of cards. I loved how realistic the relationship was, Staci Hart makes it come to life and the difficulties they face felt true to the situation. The scenes with the children were so accurate, there were so many laugh out loud and awe-so-sweet moments. Together, as a team of five, with Katie the cook included, they shared love and laughter, lessons and heartbreak. Like all good books, particularly those written by Staci Hart, there is angst and twists that keep the story moving forwards. As a reader I was desperate for a happily ever after, left anxious turning pages as fast as I could to reach the end. I was so wrapped up in A Little Too Late, so in love with the characters and their darling story that I never wanted it to end.

"We would try. I would have her, and she would have me."

A Little Too Late is a sweet, slightly predictable contemporary romance that all love story fans will want on their shelf. It's the sort of book you read again and again, slipping into Hannah and Charlie's sugary world and leaving the real one behind. It's fantastically written, just the right length, and a passionate romance readers won't be able to put down. I have a bit of extra sentimental love for A Little Too Late as I've been raised with my Swedish heritage surrounding me always and Hannah and her family felt so similar to mine. It made me cry a bit and it made me happy, in fact this book will be one of those I read at Christmastime, when I miss my Grandmother the most.


ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ( )

4 stars

How can you go wrong with a story about a single dad, kids, and a nanny? You can't. Nice story progression, add some chemistry, and a splash of steam and you've got the perfect blend of romance. ( )

This is my first book by Staci Hart, and I am ashamed it took me so long. This book it a typical angst ridden romance. It was a lovely book that introduced me to more about what an au pair is, because to honest I had no clue. I feel that the book was well developed the plot twists were not contrived at all, and the feels where strong with this book. One moment I am cheering on the main characters the next I am wanting to punch them, and to me that is the sign of a good author. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up, you can't go wrong.

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