Untouchable

Untouchable (2018) Talia Hibbert

Hannah made a huge mistake several years ago, which cost her a career and child care. Since then she’s been working minimum wage jobs and hating her life. But when a guy she grew up with needs a nanny, his brother recommends Hannah.

“So, just to be clear,” she said slowly, “you are not concerned by my numerous criminal convictions.”

“Nah. I’m used to having a convicted criminal in the house.”

“You… are?”

“Yeah.” He leaned in close, his expression conspiratorial, and she couldn’t help it— she leaned in too. Then he whispered, “It’s me.”

I was extremely reluctant to read this book initially. I really disliked the idea of a guy seducing his nanny, but I was a bit reassured by the fact that the two had gone to elementary and high school together, and each had a crush on the other during their teen years. So the feelings pre-dated her becoming his nanny.

Also, Nate is really really concerned about the power dynamics of any relationship.

“The problem,” Nate said slowly, as if making sure she understood, “is that you work for me.”

“Oh,” she said. “Well, yes. I knew that.” I just somehow didn’t consider it at all, because I was far too preoccupied with pre-teen anxiety about who does and does not like me. Wonderful.

The two characters really are wonderful together, and I am definitely good with their relationship–especially since Hannah is the one who insists on hiding their relationship from her friends.

Another thing I’d like to note is that she did an excellent job with the kids.

“Guys,” Nate sighed, looking up from his coffee. “No arguing before 8 a.m. please.”

Josh apparently took that as a challenge. “But the sun,” he growled, “is yellow!”

“It is not!” Beth snapped. “Because I saw a picture of the sun on the board yesterday, and Mrs. Clarke said astronauts took it, and the sun was on fire and it was orange!”

“I HAVE SEEN THE SUN,” Josh bellowed, “AND IT IS YELLOW!”

First, the siblings act like real kids–arguing one second and then being best friends another. Second, they actually sound like kids, which doesn’t always happen. (I love Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series, but the kids NEVER sound like the age they are supposed to be.)

ALSO, Hannah suffers from depression, and is quite open about it.

“I had a therapist. I learned things. I force myself to remember those things. It works out okay.”

“So, you don’t struggle? You never slip?”

Although it pained her to admit it, she refused to lie. Not about this. “I do. I do slip.” Even when everything was fine, when she should be great, unease stalked her like a predator. Because she knew that at any moment, things might change. Her own fucking brain chemistry, the traitor, might drag her out of her body again.

Oh yes. That would be how it goes.

Also, the story is just fun.

“You look like— have you ever read those books about Hades and Persephone where Hades is inexplicably hot and… okay, you know what? You have definitely never read one of those books.”

It’s a lovely story, and I highly recommend it.

Publisher: Nixon House
Rating: 8/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Bone to Pick » »
• « « Proper English