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Broken Daddy

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Rules single dads should never break… I hired Gen to be my live-in chef, not my future baby mama.

She’s supposed to be baking me a cake. Now I’m the one putting a bun in her oven.

Between business deals and bedtime stories with my 9 year old baby girl, my plate is full.

Definitely, don’t have time to be playing patty cake with the chef.

It’s only for three months. I got this.

But somehow, late nights in the kitchen have me lifting her onto the island and tasting what she has to offer.

If the appetizer is this good I can't wait for the main course.

So when an ex shows up to threaten her life, he’ll find just how far this Daddy Warbucks will go to protect what’s his.

Nobody messes with daddy’s girls…
Not when a second helping of fatherhood is on the way.

292 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2023

610 people are currently reading
223 people want to read

About the author

Emma Blake

27 books146 followers

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5 stars
402 (49%)
4 stars
233 (28%)
3 stars
129 (15%)
2 stars
36 (4%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy Grepares.
175 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2023
This was my first book by Emma Blake, and she did not disappoint! Nathan runs his own company and Genevieve is a chef. They have a hot and dirty one night stand, and they find out that Nate is Gen's brother's best friend. Nate hires Gen as a personal chef, and they find that they can't keep their hands off each other. A surprise pregnancy rocks them both. Nate was supportive of Gen and her dreams. I adored the interactions between Nate and his daughter. This steamy surprise pregnancy was everything and more!

*I received an ARC from the author for my honest review*
Profile Image for Cherie Clark.
4,246 reviews16 followers
February 17, 2025
Fantastic story loved it.
💞✨️🔥📚💞🔥✨️💞✨️
Profile Image for Em.
230 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2023
This is the story of a one night stand that evolves into a closer relationship as fate brings them back together. The story was cute and a pretty fast read.

Some of the pacing felt off and the relationship development was a bit odd.

I’d definitely recommend this to people who like secret baby and single dad tropes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Julie.
33 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2023
After a one night stand with a stranger, Genevieve's life comes crashing down around her as a gourmet chef. With the help of her brother, she lands a temporary summer job as a personal chef for a single dad. Quickly, she learns is her brothers best friend, Nathan is her new boss as well as her one night stand and the rollercoaster that is her life begins. Absolutely loved this one and will definitely be reading more from Emma Blake.
Profile Image for Geri.
1,188 reviews6 followers
November 27, 2023
A bit lackluster

Not sure where to start in describing what I felt was a somewhat reluctant relationship (of sorts) between Nathan and Gen. These two just didn’t seem to mesh well together. Nate was grouchy, cold, and unfriendly while Gen was a bit more fun loving, but didn’t seem to want Nate as a romantic interest either. I guess I was expecting them to want to be with each other.. want to get to know each other better.. but that wasn’t what I read. Overall, it was a bit boring unless they were bumping into each other knocking each other’s clothes off 🙄 otherwise, this was a snooze. Even the pregnancy was handled more matter-of-factly and not with any real emotion.
35 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
Everyone Loves Desserts!

I had a little trouble getting into this book, but I believe it must have just been me, because I loved everything and everyone in this book.

The author took a flailing dad, a precocious daughter, brothers from one family and another brother and sister and combined their lives.

Even though it began in an alley as a one night stand, it takes more to prevent this family from becoming one.

There were a few different turns that I had not encountered before. New to me but I loved it.

I can’t wait to read another book by Ms Emma Blake.

This is my honest review and I purchased my own book.
Profile Image for Kelly Viccars.
102 reviews
October 25, 2023
Broken Daddy by Emma Blake, is a single dad romance with a little drama, a little spice, and intrigue thrown in; building to a happy ending that isn’t necessarily predictable.
She’s off limits for a number of reasons… he’s grieving, she’s his best friends little sister, and he’s trying to manage single parenting and survive a major catastrophe for his company. She’s had a career crisis, lost her job and her new employer (whilst she reinvigorates her reputation/ career) just happens to be the mystery guy from the hottest one nice stand she’s ever had.
Genevieve and Nathan have both suffered emotional trauma personally and are battling to save their careers.
Both deserve their happily ever after if they can just see it and take hold of it.
Nathan’s protective and can be your hero if you let him but can he reach out and communicate for his own needs and desires?
The book is a nice quick read as it is under 300 pages and is well paced with the main themes/ plot established in the first third of the book.
Given the length of the book, a deep dive into the characters lives isn’t required - there’s a nice balance to support the storyline. It doesn’t raise questions that aren’t answered.
Character development occurs throughout the book, so the build to understanding the main characters and what makes them tick flows well. I read this book in one sitting over the course of afternoon.
The book demonstrates the happiness that can be found in the family you choose to surround yourself with; and what makes you happy as important themes. Some conclusions can be drawn early on, but there are also some surprises.
The book emphasises the importance of communication, how we understand each other, and creating opportunities. An enjoyable read with a nice mix of a little bit of spice with the romance.
The themes touched on in the book: foster care, broken families, communication, the need to protect those we love, friendships, single dad romance, age difference romance, grief and loss, love and happiness.
I received this book as an ARC review (my first). It was the second book I have read from this author and an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Ashley.
236 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2023
3.5 stars. As a whole, I liked the story, or moreso the idea of it. I liked that it differed from a normal nanny/boss trope with her being a chef and having real goals. I understood the hesitation after the first encounter figuring out who each other was, and then, when it became a professional issue. But, when they clearly decided to continue on with their relationship, the wishy-washy ways got annoying. Especially from her. I understood not wanting to give up a good opportunity and follow her dreams but I couldn't stand how she threw out how he was disregarding her feelings, which to a extent I didn't think he was, just pointing out facts and asking real questions, but meanwhile she was constantly disregarding his feelings and rights. You plan to just up and take his kid to another country, on another continent, and feel he doesn't have a right to wonder how it'll work, or have feelings about not being able to be apart of his kids life? Bust steadily talking about how she wished she had more family, but barely giving a thought to the brother she has, he was a passing thought and character, and wishing to herself she could stay, but its her idea and choice to leave. Then having the stalking issue but carrying on like she doesn't and he's just being over protective. And she constantly wanted him to open up and bare his thoughts and feelings, especially towards her, meanwhile giving nothing back except to make sure he knew she planned to leave. She just irked and baffled me. Not to say he didn't have his issues, like how he took his father's sins out on the half-brother. But aside from his sometimes unwarranted attitude and grumpy behavior, I actually liked his character except when he lashed out at the dinner party. But even still, I understood his frustration with her. I would have liked a secondary or extended epilogue for when the baby was born or a year later, but overall not a bad read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,206 reviews20 followers
December 13, 2023
This story is about a billionaire romance with her brother’s best friend. However, she didn't know, that when they had their one-night stand alley sex, it was with, Nate. Yup, her brother, Russ's best friend. It's not until she has a falling out, and is fired at the 5🌟 restaurant where she was head chef, and her ex had staged a coup and had her fired. Russ pulled a favor from his billionaire friend, to have her cater his event. Nate had to meet and see her ability because she would then become his personal chef, for him, and his daughter.

This is a book, I am not too sure how I feel about it. I can’t say I dislike it, because I don’t. The writing was good and it made me think since it’s, left me in a quandary. However, it’s not like I did like the book at the same time. The tension and angst were enough to keep me reading. So, the writer’s good at her job, but it just seemed by the end of the book, to leave me dissatisfied. Yes, Genevieve finally got what she wanted, and, Nathan grew as a man, but it all came too quickly, and not gradually over the course of the story. Oh, and I loved, Chris what happens to, Chris does he get his happily ever after?

You never find out why, Russ, Gen’s brother seemed so out of sorts all the time. Why were they really not so close, like they are supposedly mentioned to be, stated separately by, Gen and, Nate? Then, there is the constant hurtfulness that, Nate subjected the mother of his child to, and his solution is s-x? Really???? Yes! You get my point. But, it could be my view is off, so please read it, and let me know. Like I said, I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it.
Profile Image for Manda .
872 reviews11 followers
November 10, 2023
Gen has a hot one night hook up with a tall, buff, businessman that she thinks she recognises. When she's in need of a job and her brother suggests she take on the live in personal chef position for his best friend, Nate, turns out she does.

Nate has kept himself and his heart isolated since the death of his wife. He has his daughter, Eva his brother, Chris and his best friend, Russ, work to keep him busy and the occasional hook up. He thought he was happy with his life until Gen enters bringing life, energy and joy into his home. It doesn't help that he can't keep his mind or hands off of her either.

Nate's gruff, grumpy shell gets chipped away at by Gen's relaxed, sunshine personality. Can these two be honest enough with each other to make a future together or will it only ever be an intense, passionate interlude? Add in an increasingly violent stalker and these two have their work cut out for them.

Emma writes beautiful, hot romances with great world building, likeable, real characters and unput downable storylines. Really looking forward to her next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Assh.
934 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2023
Nathan et Geneviève (sœur de Russ Walker)

Milliardaire et menuisier, Chef cuisinière (1 etoile)

‐ Jenson et Mel (Boss’s Fake Fiancée)
-


📖
Règles que les pères célibataires ne devraient jamais enfreindre…
1. N'embauchez pas la petite sœur de votre meilleur ami.
2. Ne la laissez pas emménager.
3. NE la mettez PAS enceinte.
J'ai embauché Gen pour être mon chef cuisinier résidant, pas ma future petite maman.
Elle est censée me préparer un gâteau. Maintenant, c'est moi qui mets un petit pain dans son four.
Entre affaires et histoires au coucher avec ma petite fille de 10 ans, mon assiette est pleine.
Décidément, je n'ai pas le temps de jouer aux galettes avec le chef.
C'est seulement pour trois mois. J'ai eu ça.
Mais d'une manière ou d'une autre, les nuits tardives dans la cuisine me poussent à la soulever sur l'île et à goûter ce qu'elle a à offrir.
Si l'apéritif est aussi bon, j'ai hâte de voir le plat principal.
Ainsi, lorsqu'un ex se présente pour menacer sa vie, il découvrira jusqu'où ce papa Warbucks ira pour protéger ce qui lui appartient.
Personne ne s'en prend aux filles à papa…
Pas quand une seconde étape de paternité est en route.


📕
Profile Image for Shari Jahn.
360 reviews10 followers
October 24, 2023
Nate and Gen’s story. Gen works in a Michelin rated restaurant. She is a first class chef. This book starts out full speed and steamy with a alleyway hookup between strangers. Gen thinks the guy is familiar but he is hot and she is ready so they go to town. Next thing she know she is out of a job and trying to get something going. She asks her brother if he knows of anything available and he hooks her up with his best friend to work as his personal chef for him and his daughter for summer vacation. It’s just part time but it will tide her over until she finds something permanent. When she goes to the introduction meeting she spills wine all down the front of him. It’s the guy from the alleyway. He’s her brother’s best friend growing up.

From a quick and heated start until the perfect ending this story is very entertaining. There is some mystery, she gets a stalker, there is older man younger woman. This story will keep you guessing who the stalker is and what will happen next between these two independent people. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for judy.
572 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2023
If you are looking for a page turner that is passionate and taboo this book won’t disappoint. It has action and drama. It focuses on family and friendships. What can two strangers have in common? It turns out it can be a lot . They have immediate raw sexual chemistry. An unspoken desire to remain strangers after a hot encounter against a brick wall behind a restaurant. Genevieve does muse that” the guy fucking me against the brick wall in the back alley looks vaguely familiar…”What happens when they find out how connected they actually are? That is where the drama begins. This is a sexy story about an older man , Nathan, who is a billionaire widower with a ten year old daughter. He meets a feisty younger woman , Genevieve or Gen, who is a career minded chef. This book deals with the discovery of loss, love family , career choices and betrayal. I could not put it down all the characters are realistic and interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kat  McDonnell.
21 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2023
Are you ready for the main course?

After an incredible one night stand, Gen and Nate meet again..... Only for Gen to discover that Nate is her brothers' best friend.
Navigating careers while trying to figure out what they mean to each other, this story gets hot in the kitchen (in more ways than one).
Genevive (Gen) is trying to save her reputation and move on with her career while Nathan (Nate) is navigating being a single parent and saving his business, can they come together and play nice while fighting their chemistry? Read it to find out!
This story had me on the edge of my seat and I just couldn't put it down, I literally devoured it!
This is the third book that I have ARC for Emma Blake and each story and her writing just keeps getting better and better, I'm always at a loss once I finish one of her stories. Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for rosalinda.reads.
92 reviews17 followers
October 21, 2023
This book immediately caught my attention right from the start because the male lead has a pov right away😍. I'm happy that I read Nathan's POV because I don't need to guess what he feels or what he's thinking 😅😂 .
Because there are books where the protagonist is a man, but the female lead has more pov .It's kinda rare that I read a book where the guy has a POV right away and when that happens I'm really happy❤️.
I like Gen's character, she is strong and knows what she wants, like fulfilling her dreams. Her character here is admirable as a woman. I am so proud of her.
Nathan and Gen are perfect for each other. I like the whole plot of the book.
Not now but it looks like I will read all of your books Ms. Emma Blake.
This book is perfect for my taste 😆. Overall it's 5 stars for me ❤️.
9 reviews
October 22, 2023
"Broken Daddy" had me in all my feels. Nate and Genevieve is one of my favourite couples I've read about this year, that's how much I adore them. Nathan Sharpe, the grumpy man who just happens to be the sweetest daddy to the sweetest little girl Eva, was not ready for the firecracker our girl Genevieve was and boy, did he like it. Genevieve is a headstrong, talented FMC who knew what she wanted from the beginning, and yet vulnerable at times. Nate and Gen were so perfect for each other, Nate being the calmness that grounded her and Gen bringing colour to his life. They had their ups and downs, but ultimately it all tied up together making the sweetest story.

I received an ARC via BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gloria Garcia.
509 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2023
OMG this one definitely grabs from page one.
A Michelin Star Chef and a Billionaire CEO will take you on a journey of hot steamy nights, a crazy stalker, betrayal, brother’s BF, forbidden romance, unexpected pregnancy, following your dreams and finding what you really want.
When single dad Nathan does a friend a favor he finds life in an uproar when he hires Genevieve as his Personal Chef and things begin to heat up. I totally found this book absolutely captivating and read it in one sitting. The story is interesting, well-written. The characters are well-developed and have chemistry. All drama leads to a well deserved HEA. Would I recommend said book and author: YES

I have voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC provided by said author and
Profile Image for Pennie Morgan.
2,336 reviews10 followers
October 30, 2023
I loved this one from the beginning. It starts out hot and did not disappoint from there. Nate and Gen do not know who each other are at first but when Nate needs a private chef his best friend suggest his sister and it turns out to be Gen the chef he hooked up with. She is recently fired and now looking for work. Even though they try to keep it professional there is no way this chemistry can keep the steam out of the kitchen and soon there is more cooking in the kitchen than just food. Nate's protective instincts really come alive when Gen's past comes into her future and tries to disrupt their home. No way is anything getting to his "girls." This is the first book I have read by this author but definitely not the last!

**Received this ARC for review**
769 reviews
October 31, 2023
Nate and Gen are so good together.They have a one night stand without realising who the other is.When they find out they are shocked.
Nate is Gen's older brother's best friend.
Nate hires Gen as a personal chef to him and his ten year old daughter Eva as a favour to Russ.
The sizzling chemistry between them is difficult to deny and they keep giving into it.Eva is so cute and love the bond she forms with Gen.
When Gen is targeted by a stalker Nate becomes overprotective.
With twists and turns,friendships,family,emotions,steam,romance and a happily ever after.
Another great read by Emma.Kept me turning the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barbara Abatzis.
301 reviews19 followers
November 1, 2023
Sort of lost me in the second half

My rating: 3.5

Tropes: BFS - Chef - Baby - Suspense - Single parent

Heat: 7/10
Emotion 6/10
Story: 6/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 6/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating/No OW sex

"Broken Daddy" is a cute bfs - forced proximity story.

What I did Like:
- The way the MMC was protective to his beloved ones
- No unnecessary drama (except for keeping mentioning dead wife)

What I did not Like:
- Lack of communication
- I didn't really feel the emotions involved

Overall, it was OK, steamy, with some suspense thrown in (resolved quickly).
I will try one more book from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bird.
191 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2023
What can I say?
Brothers best friend but didn't know. Age gap. Grumpy/sunshine. Single dad/personal chef. Bit of praise kink sprinkled in to make it spicey too.
Eva lives to work her dream and Nate lives to work to earn as much money as possible. Both had hard childhoods but deal with things so differently. Nate does not know what to do with Eva's sunny disposition and Eva ignores Nates grump as much as possible. When a danger presents itself Nates protective instincts battle with his head to create a forced proximity situation but nothing serious.
This book has everything and is so well written it was a wonderful read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
134 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2023
Another ARC from Emma....yes please!!!! This was probably my favourite story yet, so many of the tropes I adore!!! Nate (older guy and brothers BFF) and Gen have chemistry right off the bat! After their initial steamy night, Gen finds herself working for Nate as his personal chef/nanny....awkward!!! But the banter between the two of them is hilarious and had me begging for more. Boss/employee wasn't their only hurdle to overcome but the way Nate protected Gen was making my heart melt!!! If you're looking for a HEA quick read, this is the book for you!!!

I received an ARC of this book and am giving my honest review!
Profile Image for Anna.
1,072 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2023
Gen and Nate first meet as a casual hook up not realizing who each other was. When Gen loses her job her brother Russ just happens to ask his best friend a favor and that is to hire her to cook for him and his daughter. And so, the story begins and once you start this book you won’t want to put it down. There is a lot going on in this book other than the brother’s best friend trope. You have drama, family surprises and a grumpy daddy and a sweet little girl and lots of heart. I really enjoyed Emma’s book but I always do.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angi Everett.
739 reviews
March 23, 2024
Why must all my reviews talk about how crappy the proofreaders are lol it was mentioned in one chapter that Jenson lost his mother a couple years prior but when he meets the hero he talks about her in present tense and she's alive. Plus repetitive nonsense as per usual when authors write books longer than 150 pages lol

And then let's not forget that the hero thinks to himself "How is it I’ve had this woman several times already and still feel like I can’t get enough?" When in reality they've only literally had sex twice before. Everything else has been oral or masturbation. I've yet to read that they've even kissed at 42%
Profile Image for BP34.
6,283 reviews46 followers
October 22, 2023
You'll like Gen and Nathan's story, and it will grab your attention right from the beginning. There's a strong POV for the male lead, so it was nice to know his thoughts. She's his chef, and her brother gets her a job as a personal chef with a single dad. No shortage of chemistry or steam. They are so perfect for each other. A great book that grabs your attention right at the beginning. Well-developed characters and an emotional story line. I read an arc via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Sylvia Tucker.
13 reviews
October 25, 2023
This book is something else. The characters are fantastic for each other and watching the growth throughout the book is *chefs kiss*. It’s interesting and lovely. Sent me through emotions, hot and steamy, teary eyed (in more ways than one) and genuinely happy. I honestly would truly enjoy reading more of their story. Sometimes I felt pretty infuriated wanting to yell “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER” but it’s very true to life and saying that it’s very easy reading both people’s perspectives. Phenomenal read; would pick up again.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,911 reviews
October 26, 2023
Wow what a hot and steamy story. A one night stand should remain a one night stand, but not in the case of Nathan and Genevieve. After a steamy night, they discover that she is the younger sister of his best friend. It doesn't stop there because they also have to deal with the fact that he is her boss and the father of a cute girl and an unexpected pregnancy. This is a recommended read. In any case, I enjoyed their story.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2023
Best friend little sister – WOW! This is about Gen and Nate. Although the story starts off HOT, it’s the second chapter that starts off the book as Gen is fired and needs a job and her big brother has a gig for her. Only when she realizes who the “gig” is really about – well things get awkward and wine is spilled. Love Eva, Nate’s daughter, and the reason he needs to hire someone to personally cook for her. Great read – I couldn’t put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danica Kristl.
219 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2023
I love Nathan! He is such a grump but Eva evens her out before he met Gen. I love their character development throughout the story. I love how mature they were in tackling their problems. I love Eva as well! She just needed a second mom and took to Gen immediately.

All the while I thought Julia died because of a stalker. 😅
Oh! And I had to Google Jenson. Because Nathan Sharpe sounded really familiar to me so I just had to. 😬.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ljamison.
1,523 reviews
October 30, 2023
Nate and Gen have a spicy moment in the alley behind a restaurant. She is convinced that he looks familiar well she was right Nate is her brother’s best friend. Nate is planning to hire Gen to be his personal chef for the summer. Now these two truly can’t keep their hands to themselves. Nate is having business problems and Gen has a stalker and she’s pregnant. Great story of a single dad who loves his daughter and wants to love again but is just afraid and a girl who desperately wants love too. This book is connected to Boss’s Fake Fiancée but they are both complete standalones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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