Dad’s Best Friend’s Secret Baby

by Valencia Rose

I committed the ultimate betrayal. Instead of helping my best friend’s daughter, I claimed her innocence and got her pregnant.

After a few years I had gone back to visit my lifelong friend.

By then, I had built my tech empire in NYC and was in search for a special-needs-nanny for my 3-year-old daughter suffering from selective mutism.

My friend suggested his daughter, a childhood education graduate.
The unspoken rule was obvious; keep my hands off his daughter.

But then I laid eyes on her…

She was the one whose legs were wrapped around me just the night before.
And the one whose luscious body I had wildly devoured.

She’s half my age and every man’s dirty fantasy.

I tried keeping my distance, but she was like a wildfire consuming my self-control.
And the only person to bring my daughter’s smile and speech back.

Now she is pregnant, and I will stop at nothing to claim her as mine, even if it means losing my best friend.

***

“Dad’s Best Friend’s Secret Baby” is a scorching off-limits, billionaire boss, virgin, age gap romance in the “Off-Limits Baby Daddies” Series. A complete stand alone with no cliffhangers and a satisfying happy ever after, guaranteed to leave you breathless.

Genres: Romance

606 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2024

About the author

Valencia Rose is an Indie Author who loves to create a world of love and happy ever afters for her readers to escape from the crazy times we currently live in. She loves to breathe life into sizzling hot stories revolving around Sexy Billionaires, Alpha Bosses and Dominant Playboys who will stop at nothing to get who they want, when they want and how they want.

If you like Steamy Contemporary Romance books, make sure to subscribe to Valencia's Club to grab your very own copy of one of her latest steamy romance novellas for free here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8h4cfh6qfv. And as a member of Valencia's Romance Club you get to receive first dibs on her new releases, share your feedback and suggestions about what stories you'd love to read more of in her books and which hot bad boys you'd like to see more of on her covers. You can also drop her an email anytime at Valencia@ValenciaRoseAuthor.com.

Reviews

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book was a little drawn out for me. But around 40% it really started to pick up and get spicy. From there and on it really gave me whiplash there was plot after plot and twist after twist. I loved the evolution of their relationship. It was definitely a cute spicy read with an HEA !!!

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie and Ethan

I enjoyed reading this book! It’s an age-gap, dad’s best friend storyline.
Evie goes to work for Ethan, he has a daughter with special needs and Evie has a degree in psychology.
As the story progresses they, Ethan and Evie become close.
This storyline has tragedy and healing. The love scenes are hot 🔥 and they fall in love!

[Mel B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid.

**SPOILERS**

Ethan Thorne is a billionaire whose robotics company is at the top of its game, but his personal life is a mess. His wife is deceased and after witnessing her mother’s death his little girl Sophie has withdrawn into her own mind. She’s unresponsive and mute. After reconnecting with his best friend James, James suggests that his recently graduated daughter (a psychologist and EC teacher) become Ethan’s new nanny and daughter’s therapist. Ethan wants to say no, because unbeknownst to James Ethan had hooked up with James’s daughter, Evie, the day before James made his request. Eventually Ethan caves. He desperately needs a new nanny, he owes James a favor, AND Evie has the right credentials. It becomes quickly apparent that Evie is GREAT with Sophie, and is honestly helping her to begin to interact with the world again. Ethan and Evie begin to see one another, but an outside force threatens their happiness. Someone is threatening Ethan, threatening to reveal the “dirty” truth of his relationship with Evie unless he releases the CCTV footage in his house from the day his wife died. The footage that Ethan doctored because he was scared that the authorities wouldn’t believe the fact that he did not kill his wife. The footage shows an angle that makes it appear as if he pushed his wife down the stairs, when the truth was she fell down the stairs herself in a drunken rage. Now Ethan has to decide what is more important; keeping the secrets from that horrible night secret, or protecting Evie from the inevitable scandal that would occur if the world were to know about their behind the scenes activities. Add in a VERY ANGRY, best friend (James walks in on Ethan and Evie in a compromising position) and a surprise pregnancy, and it’s a race to the finish to find out if Ethan and Evie will get the HEA.

**THOUGHTS**

This was a well thought out, well written book. It took the well used, age-gap, best friend’s daughter tropes and wove them together in a carefully crafted, exciting and interesting way. Evie and Ethan were well fleshed out characters and each were distinctive and carefully detailed enough to make them both believable and endearing. Evie is smart, kindhearted, sassy but vulnerable, and Ethan is strong, dominant, but equally soft-hearted (he adores his daughter) and kind. Their past baggage melds in a way that makes them connect with one another, and make the reader avidly invested in their relationship and having them end up together, happily. I liked that the “villain” was a truly misunderstood woman who was going after Ethan because she thought that he had killed her best friend, it made the fact that he didn’t press charges against her reasonable. It also made her redeemable. Before this book I read a string of books where the villains were so thoroughly unlikable and unredeemable and yet there were no satisfying consequences for their actions that I had begun to believe that authors today just didn’t want to exact punishment on their villain written characters. I’m glad that this book proved that there was a way to have both tension and a villain, but conclude the book in a satisfying manner that made the plot arc make sense and leave the reader satisfied.

[amaareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t hate it; I just strongly wished it would end.

[Brian Lembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the book quite short it is really good. I wish Evie and Ethan's relationship couldve been more longer and have more scenes so that it doesnt feel rushed.

I was edged twice🫣🤣 like girl, I really thought they were going to do it already but the author added suspense and tension really well on those scenes.

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

[Pierrette Israel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Long and long winded

Lots of words. All not saying much. Book borders on predictable and boring. Unnecessarily long. It could have been half the length with more depth. I found myself turning pages wondering when it would end. Flashbacks were random and seemed just a way to add pages. Glad to be done.

[SherrecePQ Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan and Evie are an unlikely match, especially given that Evie is the daughter of Ethans best friend from college.

Ethan has a daughter, Sophie, who due to a tragic turn of events, has become extremely withdrawn, and mute, not uttering a single word, or expressing emotion since the night her Mum died. Ethan loves his daughter so much, that would do anything to have back is little girl, to hear her speak.

Evie, is the daughter of Ethans best friend, and is the apple of her Dad's eye. Evie lost her Mum to cancer several years prior, and it has just been her and her heartbroken Dad, to navigate life without her. Evie wants to follow in the dream her Mum once had, of working with special needs children, children like Sophie. She has put in the hard work and study and now just needs to do some volunteer work to cement her chances of a place at the academy her Mum also wanted to be a part of.

After meeting without names, and not recognising each other, imagine their shared surprises when Ethan comes to visit. The conversation turns quickly to his daughter, Sophie, and him wanting so much to help her. Of course James (Evie's Dad) offers his daughter, but after what they had only the night before, Ethan says otherwise. Evie, remembering Sophie and knows she needs to help, pleads her case.

Of course this sees the sparks intensify, as they try to keep things professional, but those desires are too strong. Evie has her own demons, which Ethan has been privy too and eventually she shares with him, and this sees a shift in the nature of their relationship, and a giving of herself in everyday. Sophie blossoms with Evie, but there are those who threaten to tear this all apart, from outside influences, even down to Evie's Father. There is, of course, a pregnancy that seeks to unsettle or to heal.

I have read only one other of Valencia's books, and I loved it, like I have loved this. This had heart in my throat moments, and has had me finishing this book in record time, as I couldn't bear not knowing what was going to happen next. Highly recommend this easy read, with the right amount of spice, book. I look forward to reading more.

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

[She's Reading.... · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unnecessarily long.

I was gonna give it 3 stars, but decided against it. Felt like the author had to reach a certain word count or number of pages, so she just start adding needless details.

*Example:* "I headed to the water dispenser. Then, I grabbed one of the disposable cups. The water trickled into the cup when I pressed the button." WHY?!

"I decided to drive my Audi Q4 e-Tron. Clenching my fist against the wheel, I revved out of the gates." We already know he is a billionaire, he can afford whatever car he wants. He can't simply get into a car and drive he has to get into his "red Ferrari" "Mercedes Maybach" "black Mercedes" new "black, sleek Mercedes".

Then she has to describe what they wear.
*Example:* ""She was in a spaghetti-strapped Barbie singlet and pink bum shorts." Constant description of clothing that adds nothing to the story. Just say y'all got dress to go out, fuck! Then every one is wearing a singlet! Me *fuming* because I had to look up what a singlet is. Can't we just say cami, damn!

Also, there were quite a few inconsistencies that threw me off. She says one thing, then two paragraphs later she says another.

*Example:* "His hands supported my head as I bobbed it in an up-and-down motion." He's standing and she's kneeling, it's a back and forth motion. *rolls eyes*

"It was impossible to take all of him, but I took as much as my gag reflex could let me...'Good girl.' he fisted my hair even tighter. 'I like how you take all of me." She just said that was impossible to do. *rolling eyes HARD*

Some of the text was repetitive as well, like every time she goes to knock on Sophie's door.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

She starts as his daughter's nanny and therapist

A lovely, well written story, with a slow-build steamy romance, drama, humour, secrets, trauma, misunderstandings, twists, spice and a great HEA. The third in the Off-Limits Baby Daddies series but can be read as a standalone.

Evie has recently graduated in psychology and special education when her dad's best friend stops by for a visit. He's needing a cover nanny and therapist for his daughter and James suggests she can help. But Ethan's unsure if it's a good idea after recognising her as the girl he'd been kissing the night before.

He takes her back with him to NY and she starts trying to help Sophie who hasn't spoken or shown any emotion since her mum died. But she finds herself helping him with work as well, becoming his secretary for part of the week, and as they spend more time together their attraction for each other can't be denied for long.

Ethan is helping Evie with her own demons but when they are caught on camera secrets start to come to light, can they help each other and how will James react when he finds out?.

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

[LoveRomance · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it, which gets automatic 2⭐️, but I don't know why I finished it.

He was a cold, clinical robot, unclear where her initial attraction to him came from. His dismissiveness and sexy time/cold shoulder flip-flopping were cruel, esp for 21 yo virgin.

Should have been edited by 50%. Writing was terrible -- simple, short sentences.

Complicated side plots were unnecessary and uninteresting. Dialogue was awkward and limited (did they even talk?). As a new college graduate in psychology and education, FMC's off-the-cuff expertise in drones and robotics was ridiculous; MMC has military contracts and his nanny without training or clearance is suddenly a critical member of the team?

Given MMC's precarious past, the repeated decisions to drink & drive that could draw police attention seemed out of character and stupid. Especially since he had a driver.

Seriously, I wish I'd DNFd instead of holding out hope.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Thorne and Evie's father James have been best friends since college. After college, Ethan chose a career in tech, which did very well and he is now CEO of a successful business in New York. James chose a career in carpentry, which he enjoyed. Both men had unfortunately lost their wives.
Evie and her father had moved from New York to Minnesota, but James and Ethan still kept in touch. Evie is twenty-one and has graduated college with double major in psychology and special education. Ethan forty-two has a special needs daughter who is in need of a nanny. Ethan hires Evie to be Sophia's nanny, then they are off to New York.

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

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad’s Best Friend’s Secret Baby” is a scorching off-limits, billionaire boss, virgin, age gap romance in the “Off-Limits Baby Daddies” Series. This was a great book and a wonderful addition to the series. The author does a great job developing the story and brings it to life with her descriptive scenes. The writing style made for an easy read. Their chemistry was off the charts, and despite their forbidden situation, they couldn't stay away from each other. Highly recommend this easy read, with the right amount of spice, book. I look forward to reading more.

[Tara D Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fine.

I mean there was this big drama in it involving blackmail but the resolution was boring. I mean it worked out in his favor as it should but man it was lack luster. But that's just me I guess.

And then like the description of the book alluded to him knowing about the pregnancy and that is what made him try harder. But that's far from the actuality. So that kind of irritated me.

I enjoyed the book none the less. It just didn't grasp my attention a whole lot and it went a whole different way than I was expecting due to the description discrepancy.

[Georgia A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just not a good book. I skimmed a good deal of it. Too many words that don’t matter at all. What’s with all the separated paragraphs? Several sentences didn’t make sense. Also, Sophie is triggered by red but hey, let’s wear a red dress while getting engaged. The whole Laura/Judy things was lame. Was a poorly executed way to add danger to the story. The baby wasn’t even really a secret. A few things were brought up, but never really explained. Overall just not that good.

[Ashley Durden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good book with plot twist and this one had some really juicy ones. I was not a huge fan of the MMC,Ethan. He was very closed off and flat out rude to Evie at times. But I do love how he begged for her forgiveness.
It had just the right amount of spicy and an edge to darkness with the plot twists.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Ethan and Evie’s story. After a few years he went back to visit his lifelong friend. By then, he’d built my tech empire in NYC and was in search for a special-needs-nanny for his 3-year-old daughter suffering from selective mutism. His friend suggested his daughter, a childhood education graduate. It was an interesting read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jennifer Ann Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story was okay….

…but this seriously needs like 2-3 more rounds of editing. I grew frustrated with this as I read the story. Honestly, you can only call eyes “orbs” so many times before it’s just creepy.
The story line was great, a strong desire to know how it ended is all that got me through this book.

[Carli Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful

This book had SO many errors and the formatting is awful. It was like A.I. wrote it and nobody proofread it before publishing it. If somebody did proofread it, they should be fired. One of the worst books I have read. I dnf’d at 50%. I couldn’t get through all the errors and horrible writing. Cringe.

[chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a strange book if you ask me

[cassie౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIRL I FINISHED THIS BOOK IN ONE NIGHT!!! It was so good. Some parts almost made me cry, like when Sophie spoke. I loved this book.

[CN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truly infuriating read for me. Took way too long, the climax was disappointing, and the tension was lacking.

[Jane Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story line

I gave three stars due to the poor editing. You need a better editor and proofreader. Good story line though. Quick read.

[Courtney perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a longer romance book, but it didn’t feel long. I read it in one sitting because I couldn’t not know, these characters overcome so much together.

[Veronica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

COULDN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT PAGE!!!

This is the BEST Storyline EVER!!! I've read similar tales, but Nothing like this one!! It's DEFINITELY A MUST READ!

[Cherie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic amazing story loved it.
Was so awesome.
✨️📚💞🔥🔥💞📚✨️🔥🔥💞✨️📚💞✨️💞🔥📚

[D · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf 38%

Mmc kind of an unstable grouch. The book wouldn’t move forward just flashbacks it was a little too hard to deal of the whip lash of the chef, the boss, the kid.

[Amber Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one day

This was a great read! Detailed enough to get the picture but not overly detailed. Ethan Thorne was a great character!

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok

So the story was alright but the spice was lacking for me. Also too much angst for a grown ass 42 yr old man and evies father was kind of a dick to his daughter.

[Ashley Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little worried with the title of this book. This is definitely a slow burn but gets really good at about the halfway mark. The book also continues the story so there isn't an abrupt end which I really appreciated. It could've used one more run through editing but overall a good read.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this is such a hot explosive read! Evie and Ethan meet at a bar. They get hot and heavy then go their separate ways. Little do they both know that they will meet again in surprising circumstances. Ethan agrees to let Evie help his special needs child Evie and Ethan's explosive chemistry is still there, but will they take a step towards happily ever after together? Can Evie help Ethan's child and keep her intense attraction to Ethan in check? Does Ethan continue to deny his true feelings for Evie or does he decide to keep them a secret? Would Evie and Ethan get through all the trials and tribulations and realize they've found their missing piece and become the family they've dreamt of? I ABSOLUTELY recommend this 5⭐ winner to find out the answers to these questions and much more. I just didn't want to put it down.I'd give it 10⭐s if I could. This story has alot of family drama, excitement, mystery, a secret or two, explosive hot passionate encounters, and love. So, what do you get when you add a special needs child, a grief filled friend, and a clueless best friend? Why you get so much more spice than you think you can handle that you'll need a fire extinguisher to put out the spice. Whew!🔥😁🔥 This amazingly talented author deserves a standing ovation for her writing. She grabs your attention from word one and doesn't let go. Her descriptive writing has a hold of your emotions and gets you so involved in her characters lives that you find yourself giving them advice or maybe a good talking to. I did have some words with Evie. You forget that you're an adult and you make your own choices. So Evie, make them and remember that you made the choice so it's on you. Ethan has a multitude of issues to deal with.😁 I most certainly encourage you to get this surefire hit to find out if Evie really did listen to me and if they find the author of mysterious emails. I can guarantee that you will love this ebook as much as I do. You won't be disappointed I promise you!😁❤.

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