Off Limits Daddy

Heart of Hope #23

by Ajme Williams

The 3 rules of fake Rule 1: Don’t sleep with your hot gym buddy in the sauna of your gym. Again.Rule 2: Don’t get involved in his adoption case!Rule 3: Don’t even think about getting pregnant… I’m committed to my career as an FBI agent, which doesn’t leave much room for romance. But when a handsome older man I had a steamy encounter with in a sauna re-enters my life, the heat is on in more ways than one… Duncan Ashworth is twice my age, and now he wants me to play his fake fiancée for the social worker that’s overseeing his adoption… and I don’t know how much longer I can resist the silver fox. When tension sizzles, I give in… Only to end up with a surprise that does not fit into my life or Duncan’s. But it’s a surprise I want to keep… OFF LIMITS DADDY is a full-length spicy standalone with tropes like age gap, surprise pregnancy and fake fiancée! Binge read now for your daily dose of daddy.

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Action

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2024

About the author

Ajme Williams - mother, wife, daughter, dreamer, an avid reader and a writer.
When she's not writing romance, Ajme can be seen sipping coffee, gorging on dark chocolate, exercising, or travelling with family and friends. Cooking is therapeutic for her and she drools over Italian food...and men.
What to expect from her books?
Ajme loves variety, so expect a lot of second chances, secret babies, office romances, big fat fake weddings, curvy heroines and alpha heroes. HEA? Always, baby!
If you're a fan of emotional angsty contemporary romance, then you'll enjoy Ajme Williams.

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written age gap romance with strong characters in Veronica, Duncan and his foster son, Aiden. The author does a great job developing their story and pulled me in with the suspense and danger and adds in the steam and growing love. She brings it to life with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jessica]

❗️SPOILER-ISH❗️
⚠️I will give a warning where you should stop so you don't see spoilers.

I was gifted an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. This book is written in first person dual POV, and a part of the heart of hope series but can be read as a standalone. I thought this was a cute story, and had a decent plot.

✔️Age gap (20 years)
✔️Fake Fiance
✔️Pregnancy
_____________________________
❤️ "I wasn't a perfect man, but I was kind and honest. I had a romantic streak when adequately motivated, and I had a great deal of love to give. The reason I wasn't married with kids was that I hadn't yet met a woman whom I felt I could give a lifetime of love to."
_____________________________
SUMMARY
Veronica is an FBI agent who met Duncan at the local gym where they had a one night stand. However, a case leads her onto his door step to help protect his foster son, Aidan. In order to solve the case and protect Aidan, she agrees to a fake engagement so Duncan can keep Aidan and that she can gain Aidan's trust to help her find the bad guys. During the fake engagement, Veronica finds herself pregnant and not sure what she wants to do, she never planned to have children or get married, she wanted her career and didn't think she could have it all.

For the most part, I loved both characters. Veronica was strong, and dedicated to her job, but she was also unnecessarily bitchy at times. I think she could have still stood her ground and dealt with her feelings differently. Especially because Duncan was such a cinnamon roll. He never asked her to give up her career and he was the one who did (and enjoyed) all of the domestic aspects of the house. I mean, who doesn't want a guy who cooks, cleans and does the laundry (he folds too!) I did enjoy Duncan, he had a lot of love to give, especially to Aidan. And it just melts my heart when a guy wants to be a Dad so bad, and shows that kind of love. Dare I say, he was perfect?

⚠️ You should stop here if you don't want to read "spoiler-ish" thoughts I had while reading.

SOME THOUGHTS I HAD WHILE READING ⬇️
▪️ The sauna, the desk, need I say more? 🔥 🤤
▪️ Veronica mentioned not wanting to tell anyone about their fake engagement but she opened up to way to many people. I can get going to her boss, but then she told a few other detective as well Oliver, who then told Lindsey and Brett. I felt like the fact that Aidan's social worker came to the FBI in the first place, was setting that situation up for failure. But - it never came to light.
▪️ Without ruining it, I felt like it was predictable of who was going to be involved. Maybe I should join the FBI.
▪️ Duncan owned a gym, and was this big scary looking guy, but he was such a sweet and vulnerable man. I loved when he came to Veronica and told her he just needed her.
▪️ I love how excited Duncan was when she said she was pregnant but during their fight, he does mention that he would never ask her to give up work, and then when she gets a phone call to go to work he throws it in her face saying she cared about work more than him and Aidan. That seemed out of character, but I'll chalk it up to him having his heartbroken.
▪️ It always takes almost losing the person you love, to make you realize that maybe you wanted all of those things you didn't think you wanted in the first place.
▪️ I can't wait to read Lindsey and Oliver's story!

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate Brought Them Together At the Right Time -
The last person Veronica expected to see when went looking for the foster father of the witness was Duncan, the man who had rocked her world at the gym she used. Duncan couldn’t believe the woman he hadn’t been able to forget was an FBI agent who was working on a case that involved his foster son. Even though they were attracted to each other, they knew they had to put that aside to ensure the little boy’s safety, whilst he helped in the investigation.

Even though Duncan and Victoria tried to maintain a platonic relationship, the sparks between them ignited to a point that their will power could no longer hold. This led them to embark on sexual relationship, as they continued with the ruse for the public. However, just before the perpetrators were found, Veronica discovered the plans she had made for her life were about to be disrupted with the change that was about happen in her life, which caused her to make decision about her relationship with Duncan.

Unfortunately, Duncan’s life was put in danger whilst protecting his foster son, whilst Victoria was busy at work, which made her realise that she actually wanted a forever family with Duncan. Luckily, Victoria and her colleagues were able to find the information that led them to catch the perpetrators, as well as convincing Duncan to give them a chance at getting the happily ever after they both deserved.

Wow! Ajme Williams has done it again with this story. If you are looking to explore the depths of the human psyche, as you meet the unforgettable characters who will capture your heart and soul, as you eagerly turn the pages, then I urge you to grab a copy of this book now. If you want to get the full picture of this storyline, then I urge you to read Snowed In with My Best Friend's Dad and Secret Triplets for Christmas (in that order).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a standalone but its would probably help to read the book before this in the series. I didn’t but I was still able to enjoy it on its own.

We meeting FBI Agent Veronica and she is meeting with the brother of a murdered informant and the informants girlfriend. She is struggling with her role or lack thereof in that case… Fast forward to later in the evening and she stops by the local gym to work out and meets a handsome stranger and they have a no names encounter in a sauna.

Little did she know that she would run into him (Duncan) again in connection with a case because he is fostering to adopt a boy (Aiden) who might have witnessed a double homicide connected to the case of her murdered informant.

After a series of unlikely events Veronica is going to question Aiden and comes upon his case worker trying to remove Aiden from Duncan’s home so he can be put in a two parent home. In a panic, Duncan announces that Veronica is his fiancee to keep Aiden in his life.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved these characters. Though the set up is a little fantastical, the story a the relationship between Duncan and Aiden and Duncan and Veronica made for a great read. Add on top of that the suspense that had just the right amount of twist and terns to make me keep turning the pages.

I rarely give 5 Stars but this is a solid 4.5

Great story, Great Characters, Great Read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful addition to the Heart of Hope Series! We meet Duncan in the previous story and learn he’s going to get a precious 6 year old boy, Aiden from foster care with the intention to adopt. The investigation of Liam’s murder is on going and secrets and wrong doings are happening in places they shouldn’t. One night while at his gym a beautiful young woman comes in and they have an adventure in the sauna that neither has forgotten. Veronica is a FBI agent investigating the recent kidnapping and killing of those under suspicion of Liam’s death. When she shows up to question Aiden she discovers who his foster father is, Duncan. She’s all professional due to her past so when Duncan is put in an unfathomed situation he gets Veronica to play his fake fiancé to guarantee the adoption. She agrees allowing her have access to Aiden hoping he opens up providing much needed information on the kidnapping. One would say meeting is one of fate where Veronica fights her feelings for Duncan and he is heartbroken over their struggles. Then when trouble comes their way all their thoughts and feelings align for all the right reasons. When those responsible for their wrong doings justice is found, Aiden is safe, their relationship has a chance to become more fighting for family and love! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that had glued to the pages right from the start with a hot and steamy encounter and with twists and turns, danger, homicide, witness, fake fiancée, older man with younger woman storyline that just couldn’t get any better. Veronica Marsden is an FBI agent who after a boring day heads to the gym where she meets a sexy older man and the have a hot and steamy time in the sauna with no names and then it’s over. Duncan Ashworth is the owner of the Gym who is in the middle of adopting his son to be Aiden when he meets a sexy younger female at the gym and they have a very hot one night stand in the sauna and then it was over and now they meet again and he learns she is a FBI agent Veronica Marsden thats on a case that she believes Aiden witnessed a double homicide. Now they meet again when the child he is adopting could be a witness to a double homicide and comes to question him but upon her arrival a case worker is trying to take his son because he is a single dad but he tells the case worker that Veronica is his fiancée and she goes along with it.how does it all turn out in the end, get this great book to find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completes the story started in Snowed in with my best Friends Dad (Brett and Miranda)and Secret Triplets ForChristmas (Lindsay and Oliver). The story revolves around a crime ring that is stealing foster kids social security numbers. In this book Duncan (best friends and business partner with Brett) is in the process of adopting Aiden who is a very shy withdrawn 6yr old. Agent Veronica Marsden meets Duncan when she chooses his gym to work out in when the one she usually uses is closed and the two make use of the Sauna together but never give last names. A short while later she is given a picture drawn by a foster child that shows the crime that took place in the last book. Turns out it all revolves around the stolen ss#s and the child turns out to be Aiden and Veronica is shocked to see Duncan is his adoptive father. In order to keep Aiden safe and help get him to open up,Veronica agrees to be Duncan’s fake fiancée when social services threatens to remove Aiden to place him with a two parent home. Things get very complicated with feelings and the danger increases while they rush to find the proof they need to prove who is behind the crimes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3 rules of fake dating:
Rule 1: Don’t sleep with your hot gym buddy in the sauna of your gym. Again.
Rule 2: Don’t get involved in his adoption case!
Rule 3: Don’t even think about getting pregnant…
I’m committed to my career as an FBI agent, which doesn’t leave much room for romance. But when a handsome older man I had a steamy encounter with in a sauna re-enters my life, the heat is on in more ways than one…
This book was a page-turner from the beginning to the end. It has suspense, action, and steam, lots of steam! Veronica and Duncan were instantly attracted by their first meeting at his gym. He is adopting a boy who is a foster child and to carry it through he needs a fake fiance. They have quite a bit of drama but love wins out overall. This book kept me so interested I read it at one time! Yes, I stayed up too late to see what happened next ;) Great story, I know you'll enjoy it too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off Limits Daddy is part of the Heart of Hope series but can be read as a standalone. It is an age gap, fake fiancée, surprise baby romance all rolled into one with a twist. It follows FBI Agent Veronica Marsden and gym owner and new foster parent Duncan Ashworth. They met in his gym where they end up having a steamy one night stand never even exchanging names. What neither of them could of imagined was they would soon be intertwined in a case to protect his new foster son Aiden even pretending to be engaged to help find the answers. While they attempted to stay platonic the chemistry between them couldn't be extinguished and soon they succumb to their desires. Unfortunately danger comes knocking on the door and threatens everything. Will they get a chance at a happily ever after or will miscommunication, hurt feelings and life get in the way?

I must say Ajme has hit it out of the park with this one. Don't miss out on this amazing book.

I received a free ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off Limits Daddy is a steamy, instalove, age-gap, OTT, fake relationship, romantic suspense story. Veronica is a sassy, feisty, career driven FBI agent, Duncan is a hunky gym owner and silver fox. Veronica is working a homicide case and goes to blow off some steam at the gym where she and Duncan have a sexy encounter in the sauna. She doesn't expect to see him again, but her case brings her to his door as his foster son, Aiden, may have witnessed something. Duncan is trying to get custody of Aiden but is being challenged as a single parent by his caseworker when Veronica shows up. In a panic, he ends up stating she is his fiancé to help his case.

I loved this story. I totally adored Duncan, a hot, tatted, silver fox who wants to be a dad? Yes, please!! And he just has a heart of gold. Veronica did annoy me at times, but their chemistry could not be denied...holy hotness 🔥😍. The story had a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing and ended on a happy note. This was an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really do love a good williams romance, she really gets the sort of books with fluff and swoon and a little bit of smut that i want to read after a bad day!!! i loved the fake fiancee trope and how we could slowly see veronica beginning to trust duncan and not just to sort the case. i love the developing trust especially towards the end and love that veronica and aiden clearly have for each other. the gym and the desk??? whew. perfect. the ongoing lurking danger and impending doom kept me enthralled and i read this in maybe 4hrs? it was a i can't put it down, not going to bed till i finish it kind of book and i just love those!!! this book was everything i hoped it would be, maybe I'm being dense but i wondered if veronica's mother was involved in some way - i would have liked that to play a part but it did keep us guessing as there were points where i wondered if oliver was really the good guy and i loved that it kept me on my toes - it could just be i missed obvious hints but i loved it. this was so good and such a cosy floof to read!!

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the previous books in this series and Duncan was a huge part of those stories from the sideline. I was therefore excited to read a book with him as the main focus and it did not disappoint. Duncan’s status as a gentle giant with a heart of gold was cemented and additional layers were added to his character. Veronica is prickly to start with but she is worth continuing with as she has hidden sweetness and strong emotions underneath.
It is lovely to see glimpses from the lives of the characters in the previous books and see how they adapt to changing situations and events. I like that this book ties up some of the loose ends from the previous book but you could read this book as a stand alone as well. Personally I think it helps to have read the whole series and I would recommend all three books in the series.
I will happily read more books by this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica is a career-driven FBI agent. Raising her siblings growing up, she never wants marriage or children. The case about stealing foster children’s identity is really bothering her. When she runs into Duncan in the gym, she doesn’t expect he will change the course of her plan. Duncan wants to foster and adopt Aiden, who may have witnessed a double murder connecting to the main suspect of the stolen identities. To keep Aiden, Duncan asks Veronica to be his fake fiancé. Veronic agrees because she wants to investigate Aiden’s case. They are a coldhearted woman and a bald bear-sized man trying to keep a 6-year-old shy boy safe. There are under currents between them. Ever since they have sex in the gym sauna, both are having fantasy of doing it again. That thin thread is keeping them connected. The story has a very interesting plot. Anyone will feel protective of Aiden. But not everyone will change their life to do so.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsa this book was so good and will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flows throughout the book. We get to see Duncan's story and hopefully find out who is behind the murder of Liam finally. Duncan is a foster father to Aiden and part owner of a gym he has a time thing with Veronica ,but when Christmas morning she shows up as FBI agent and needing Aidens help will Duncan allow it? This book was so good and will definitely have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who is behind liams murder .when feelings start will Veronica change her mind and heart and go with it or will she break her own heart? Great story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So surprised that this wasn’t just a plotless smut book. The title definitely gave that impression. Because of that it blew my expectations out of the water. The suspense/mystery aspect was just as much prevalent as the romance. I did not read the other books in this series and I do feel like I was missing some points that overall weren’t important to this book. So it could be a standalone, but if you’re detail oriented probably should read the other books first. The dynamics between the MMC and FMC was fun to see. She’s definitely the grump. I wouldn’t call him sunshine but unquestionably a cinnamon roll. Actually very sweet outlook on adoption, you know if you don’t think about the crazy killer part lol. Great book.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. I enjoyed reading this book and just couldn’t put it down at all. Duncan and Veronica were total opposite and he has at least ten years on her but they didn’t really care about the numbers. They way they meet was great and the connection was just instant that neither one could ignore, even if they Wanted too. This book omg was just too good. I loved how the book flowed, how it all came together and the characters were just so thought out. From their pasts to the future. I was hooked from the first page to the last and I just couldn’t put it down. So amazing highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ice queen starts to thaw when the right "Daddy" leads her opening the sauna door.
Following on from triplets for Christmas this story follows Agent Marsden in her journey to put an end to the stolen social security numbers. The job though just so happens to lead her to a cabin door, and behind it is Duncan her hot, older, generously sized, exciting sauna sex lover.
If you drama drama, angst, dual pov writing, strong willed females, spice, alpha males, single dad, closed off female leads, he falls first, HEAs then this is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a guy being a foster dad Ducan to a six-year-old Aiden the boy seeing things he should not see. In comes FBI Veronica to find out what Aiden seen and to help him. For that to happen she has to be Ducan fiancée to keep him in Ducan home. She also must be a foster mother to A0den to keep thing as they seem. When her boss removed the protection will that end up with the people looking for Aiden to get him? Verronica finds out she is pregnancy and what nothing to do with Ducan; what will it take to change her mind?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise in that it wasn't how I thought it would be. She's a devoted FBI agent trying to solve a case that has haunted her for a while and the guy she had a steamy gym encounter with turns out to be the foster father of a possible witness. Things get really complicated when the boy's situation is threatened, and she has to go undercover as his potential foster/adoptive mother. While trying to find the bad guys in time, she may find something that she didn't even know she was looking for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off Limits Daddy: An Age Gap, Fake Fiancee, Pregnancy Romance story of Duncan and Veronica..Gym owner and a Foster parent and the woman who got under his skin,the feisty,sassy,gorgeous,headstrong with commitment issue and an FBI agent..A page turner read,suspenseful,intense,with angst,steam,romance and new beginning..Solving a case with a young boy as a witness,protecting him and give him a normal life safe and happy is a big undertaking but he will do anything even to have a fake fiance with the Agent who doesn't want a relationship..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

OFF LIMITS DADDY is a full-length spicy standalone with tropes like age gap, surprise pregnancy and fake fiancée written by the amazing and talented author Ajme Williams and is part of: Heart of Hope series. This is Duncan Ashworth & Veronica Marsden romance story. This was a fast paced page turner that I really enjoyed! The characters had crazy hot chemistry. I'm truly enjoying this well written series with all the amazing characters that keep this series going. Each book is a unique and extremely entertaining read.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series so far and loved that this one was about Veronica and Duncan. How they originally met was just steamy as heck, and their second encounter was heated in a different way. I loved how sweet and caring Duncan was, and how Veronica complimented him. Though she can be abrasive and a bit curt, she does have a heart of gold. I liked how well they fit together, and enjoyed the bit of action and suspense in this book.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duncan is a gym owner, who needs a fake fiancé to appease the social worker overseeing his adoption case, and Veronica is focused on her career as an FBI agent, which leaves no time for romance.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, with an age gap, fake fiancé, action, suspense, undeniable chemistry, tension, surprises, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica is a strong woman with a successful career with the FBI. Some how she manages to end up with a hot daddy while investigating a identity theft ring. Duncan's newly fostered son is now at the center of the drama. She is so deep in Denial she needs more than a paddle to get off that fast flowing river. Strong feelings...and desire...propel Duncan and Veronica into each other's arms. So hot, so much intrigue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan and Veronica had me all caught up in this age gap romance. Veronica is a FBI agent that is all in when it comes to her job but when Duncan asks her to become his fake fiancé sparks ignites and what was supposed to fake turns into anything but in this sizzling romance that had me from page one cheering on this couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica has dedicated her life to her work. As an FBI agent, she has to be extremely careful on who she spends her time with. When a handsome older man crosses her path, all bets are off.
Duncan needs the help of a woman. Veronica is just the woman to pass as his fake fiance. What he didnt expect was feeling to go along with the attraction.
Will the two find their HEA?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

more than the title

This book continues the crime story from another book, and while it gives back story - I am glad I had read it before this one bc it would confusing.

The love story was secondary.

I got teared up with the details of Aiden, the little boy this is centered around.

There is a lot of build up - and then it is all a bit rushed in the end that’s why I gave it 3 stars.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heart pounding older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Duncan, Veronica and his foster son, Aiden. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, suspense, danger, realization and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful age difference story, with plenty of steamy tension, chemistry and attraction, pregnancy and much more. You feel involved in their story from the start and it also ensures that you cannot put your book down. Great storyline and characters.

I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duncan and Veronica’s story has this coming in at the end of another book with Duncan adopting a child from prior book and her showing up to help on a case his bf was involved in. So when the case looks like his son is danger he asks for her help. Along the way they develop feeling and get a hea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.