The Sugar Daddy Arrangement

Sweet Connections #1

by Mimi Francis

Can Zander and Daphne find their perfectly sweet connection?

Daphne Barnes is struggling to keep from drowning in debt. Desperate to build a better future for her young daughter and herself, Daphne registers on a website for people willing to pay for companionship. Before she knows it, her inbox is flooded with offers. But only one man catches her eye.

Zander Ashford is a wealthy and successful architect with time and money to burn. He doesn’t want the complications a relationship would bring to his life, but he desires a beautiful young woman to show off to the world. Curiosity leads him to Sweet Connections, a website for sugar daddies looking for someone to spoil. When he finds Daphne, he knows he has to have her.

The chemistry between Zander and Daphne is electrifying, but they are torn between the expectations of the people in their lives and their growing infatuation with each other. They soon discover that sometimes forbidden love is the one worth fighting for.

Genres: Romance

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2024

About the author

Mimi Francis is a sassy romance writer known for her steamy tales of passion that leave readers breathless. When she's not crafting what she hopes is the perfect happily-ever-after, you can find her sipping margaritas and binge-watching Marvel movies or the TV show Supernatural. But her true loves (after her husband, of course) are her four Shih Tzus who keep her company as she spins stories that will make your heart race and your toes curl. Get ready to fall in love with her characters and get lost in the worlds she creates. You can connect with Mimi on Instagram and Facebook at @author.mimi.francis or on her website mimifrancis.com.

Reviews

[MHT Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Daphne found herself in a dire financial spot she did the only thing she could think of become a sugar baby. She wasn’t sure if it would work out, but she had to at least try so she did didn’t lose any more custody of her daughter. When Zander wanted a companion with some spicy times and no commitment he decided to try a sugar baby site. What neither one of them expected was to be so different yet so in sync with each other. Even when both of their best friends were not real pleased with the arrangement, they moved ahead anyway. This was a fun sweet yet slightly spicy novella. I’m so happy we got our HEA at the end because they deserve it.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and an entertaining storyline. The author brings a fun banter and a sweet new love between Daphne and Zander. She brings the story to life with her descriptive scenes, moves it fluidly and delivers a great read.

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

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was absolutely hooked by the premise of this story! The concept of sugar daddies practically screams romance potential, yet it’s surprisingly rare to find books that explore this trope. What made this one stand out even more was how refreshingly upfront both characters were about the nature of their relationship right from the start. Daphne’s desperation when she joined Sweet Connections was palpable. You could feel the weight of her decision to do whatever it took to keep joint custody of her daughter. Honestly, I felt more furious at her ex for threatening to take that away than surprised at her impulsive decision. And then there’s Zander, of course. Finding someone like him was like hitting the jackpot. But what neither of them expected was the electrifying, heart-stopping connection they’d find. Fate really is a wicked b*tch sometimes. Who would’ve thought a sugar daddy website could lead to something so real? Zander’s constant drive to spoil Daphne was utterly swoon-worthy, but what truly melted my heart was his easy acceptance of her being a mother. That alone made him a standout hero in my book. As for Clifford—don’t even get me started. His meddling had me ready to climb into the pages and throttle him myself. He crossed so many lines! On the flip side, I thought Daphne overreacted to the possibility of her ex finding out how she and Zander had met. But given how fiercely protective she was, I understood that her daughter Madi came before everything else. In the end, I had to ask: does Daphne really have to sacrifice one kind of love for another? With compelling characters, deep emotions and a sprinkle of serendipity, this book delivered a romance that was as heartfelt as it was unique.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KittyGrimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sugar Daddy Arrangement by Mimi Francis

The story starts with the divorced mother of a young girl, Daphne, who has a lot of financial problems and is threatened by her ex-husband that he would take full custody of their daughter, because she can’t pay child support for the father, where their daughter lives most of the time even when they have shared custody. As her final source, she decides to sign up for the sugar daddy/ sugar baby website after she had been drinking a bit too much. Next morning, she had been contacted by successful architect Zander Ashford, who is also using the Sweet Connections page for the first time and he is looking for a sugar baby to spoil and spend time with. Both of them feel instant attraction to each other since their first meeting.

Daphne has been written in a really interesting way and is strong no matter the hardships she has faced, but still has a certain kind of vulnerability. Even though Zander has been written in a way that he is pretty much alpha man, he isn’t using his power over her badly at all in my mind, which makes him more cinnamon roll man than an actual alpha.

The story itself was written in a captivating way, so even though the story is quite short read it feels much longer and not hurried at all.

I would recommend this story to everyone who loves age gap stories and are more into cute relationship stories than the ones with a lot of drama.

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

I give this story five out of five stars.

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐

The Sugar Daddy Arrangement by Mimi Francis was a quick enjoyable read for me. Daphine our female lead was down on her luck and put down by her ex making her feel like she wasn’t the best mom. In reality, she was a great mom just not having the best of luck by being in debt. So she signs up to be a Sugar Baby. I have to admit I thought her ex would find out about this differently than he did but I liked the way I didn’t know of better for how he found out.

Zander the male lead was great. He was funny, smart, and caring and really helped Daphine find the confidence in life that she needed. They worked well as a team and I had to chuckle when he had to luck up the meaning of Sugar Daddy.

No matter how much these two worked there was the third act break up that happened. It didn’t last that long and they got back together kind of how I thought they would. The Sugar Daddy Arrangement was a very enjoyable read and I have to say helped me get out of the reading slump.

Mimi Francis told a great story with The Sugar Daddy Arrangement and this is getting three stars for me. It was a great quick read that brought my joy up. The Spice Level for this book is three and you won’t be disappointed when you read them.

If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited this book is included in your membership.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Sugar Daddy . . .

Daphne Barnes is divorced and has a young 5-year-old daughter, Madi. She must share custody with her ex-husband Rory, but he keeps her most of the time and demands she pay child support to him for Madi. She is struggling to get the money, needing to pay rent and paying off student loans, and she is concerned that she may lose custody if she can’t pay Rory the court-ordered support as well. She decides to try the website Sweet Connections which provides connections to Sugar Daddy/Sugar Baby partners, and she meets up with a wealthy architect named Zander Ashford who wants something casual and a pretty lady to show off at events and such. But the two of them have a strong attraction that begins to pull them closer together. Not everyone approves of what they are doing and tries to interfere. Have Clifford’s unauthorized actions messed up Daphne’s custody situation? Will she be forced to give up Zander to remain in Madi’s life? Or are Daphne and Zander ready to stand up and defend their feelings? Do they realize that they want more of a life together? And are they willing to make it happen and become a real family no matter what it takes to bring them all together?

[Poorvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Daphne found herself in a dire financial spot she did the only thing she could think of become a sugar baby. She wasn’t sure if it would work out, but she had to at least try so she did didn’t lose any more custody of her daughter. When Zander wanted a companion with some spicy times and no commitment he decided to try a sugar baby site. What neither one of them expected was to be so different yet so in sync with each other. Even when both of their best friends were not real pleased with the arrangement, they moved ahead anyway.
Omg I love Zander so so much. Like he is the sweetest, even when it’s only arrangement. He made sure she feel comfortable and never crossed a boundary. How sweet he was with her daughter and no only spoiled her but her daughter as well.
I love the epilogue and seeing them happy. The ending was so cute 😭
All i wanna do is punch Clifford and his wife myself, specially his wife. I just can’t stand them and also his ex wife, like he should have security made sure she can’t even step inside the building.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that kept me interested the entire time. I loved the reasons that brought Zander and Daphne to the website where they meet. Each had their own reasoning and it was entertaining that they both approached the situation for vastly different reasons. I loved their chemistry and how quickly they both realized that there was more to the relationship than just money. I agree with both the main characters that the terms Sugar Daddy and Sugar Baby are cringe worthy, and thankfully they weren't overly used throughout the story. My biggest complaint was the ending and how it went from moving in together to an epilogue set 3 years in the future. I would have loved to seen their proposal and wedding as I was invested in this couple and feel like I was cheated out of their truly happily ever after ending.

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

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

The Sugar Daddy arrangement is a short, sweet, and steamy, OTT, instalove, age-gap, opposites-attract, single mom gets her sugar daddy romance. Daphne is a divorced single mom who is financially struggling and afraid she will lose joint custody of her daughter. Zander is a 45 year old, divorced, wealthy, hunky silverfox architect who is tired of being alone. The two end up meeting on a dating site where sugar babies are looking to be matched with sugar daddies. I loved this couple. Both had their reasons for joining the site, and both were up front about what they were looking for. Falling in love was not part of the plan but such an amazing bonus. They had insane chemistry, and the ending was so happy. I loved how Zander immediately accepted that Daphne was a mom even though she kept Madi a secret for a bit. He was such a hunky cinnamon roll hero! I loved it.

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

[Giniro · Rating 4 out of 5]

THank you for the ARC copy

"Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or the half bottle of wine, or more likely the desperation, but thirty minutes later, Daphne was registered on Sweet Connections."

2 AM and a little punch drunk is the best time to make big life choices or send out job applications. This moment had me laughing because I've been there. And then no one calls you back!

The book is a cute urban story that picks up pace really really fast in the romance and relationship, but sometimes that's how life goes.

Zander's friends are nice, having the bro friends be a bit over protective and actually showing they care is different since 'guy friends' are usually shown either being super macho or pretend nothing bothers them.

This was a short book, so I could have done with a slower burn in the beginning, but it made for a nice afternoon read.

[Challis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun and cute!

I thought the set up of the 'sweet connections' was kind of hilarious and I was SO hoping it turned out for the better instead of becoming a dangerous or creepy scenario. Really happy with how this story turned out. It was a fast paced story and romance, yet stayed detailed enough for me to be continuously engaged and entertained the entire time despite the novella length.

Aside from the romance, I thought the side characters were well thought out, too. Each MC had supportive friends in their circle and the sense of family was a nice factor outside of Daphne and Zander's connection.

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

[Kelli Blechle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

This was a truly interesting concept. The main couple had a connection from the very beginning. They fell for each other very quickly. The unconventional relationship they had in the beginning was a fun change of pace from other romance books I have read.

This book was a quick read, and I found myself looking forward to reading it. If you like seeing the FMC getting spoiled, some drama, and interesting relationship dynamics, then you might like this book.

I don't normally care for children being in the story, but it was done in a very well-written way. 

I might not reread this book, but I would recommend it to others who like the tropes in it. It was a nice change of pace and palate cleanser in-between larger more in-depth books. 

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very lighthearted. It had really good pacing.

Daphne is a mother who is basically willing to do whatever she has to in order to support her daughter. Her desperation leads to her taking an unconventional ‘job’. Zander is the one she connects with. He is the man who knows what he wants and has boss tendencies. They have an immediate attraction to each other. Each have to navigate their relationship and other people’s expectations and opinions.

This is a HEA and it does have spice. If you want a low angst and light read this is for you.

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

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphne has a need for some financial assistance and will do what she has to to get it. She decides to become a sugar baby. The sugar daddy that catches her interest is also in need of companionship without complication. Zander decides that Daphne will fill the bill. They actually are a good match, although their besties do not think this is a good idea. They realize that although they don't seem to be a match, they really are and they have good chemistry. An unlikely start but they do get a good finish.

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

[Johna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need a man like Zander. Not just because he has money but because he was so sweet and understanding but commanding at the same time. Talk about a freaking swoon. This is my second time reading this book and I plowed through it in like 2 hours. It’s short and sweet and spicy. It’s pretty woman, mixed with the game plan, and ends in the HEA you’re rooting for from the first to the characters meet on the page.

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up! This story is sweet, but the sugar daddy element wasn’t as central to the plot as I expected. He’s the only one she meets on the site and they go on a handful of dates before moving beyond that label/the allowance, which is pretty central to sugaring. Still a cute story. I have a personal pet peeve about dual POV where they show the same scene twice, but it was still an enjoyable read.

[Alyse P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes life throws us lemons 🍋 and we do our best to make lemonade! Daphne struggles on how to provide but when it gets to much she did the unthinkable. And in the process she found true love. Zander was such a gentleman and his friend Clifford, was too over protective! Can they make this work? Loved this quick read! Maybe there is a sugar daddy out there for all of us….

[Flor Espinoza Sanchez ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed being able to fall into a story while it also being able to be finished quicky. I like how they're able to admit to each other the way they met isn't conventional but it works for them. To see Zander be so willing and open about Madi is absolutely adorable.


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

[Alyse P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes life throws us lemons 🍋 and we do our best to make lemonade! Daphne struggles on how to provide but when it gets to much she did the unthinkable. And in the process she found true love. Zander was such a gentleman and his friend Clifford, was too over protective! Can they make this work? Loved this quick read! Maybe there is a sugar daddy out there for all of us….

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining billionaire age, gap forbidden love, short story, romance, book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Halee Shull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be given this book as an ARC and absolutely loved it! Short and quick read! I smiled throughout most of the book over the banter and love between Daphne and Zander. Hands down one of my favorite couples ever! Thank you Mimi Francis for the opportunity!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Mimi Francis; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Sweet Connections Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Daphne & Zander.

[Abby Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC I've only read one other book by Mimi but this was such a fun and quick read! Loved the story line and the fast pace! Read it in one sitting :)

[Bobbi Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

This was a great short read. Had a good amount of suspense. Really hard to tell who fell first. The love they share is on the page.

[Kasey Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this

I love how I was instantly transplanted and could not put this book down until it was complete!!!! Daphne and Zander were adorable!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

With the exception of a few spelling errors this book was great! I could have kept reading about their story and moving forward together in life.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good insta-love story where the billionaire sweeps the single mom off her feet, but this one didnt do it for me. Even suspending all reality the story felt jolting in places and some characters derailed from their characteristics.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was cute! The premise was good and it had a HEA, but the intimate scenes were a little odd. Overall it was a sweet short novella.

[Vicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars. Good writing style but had a couple of issues for me that I couldn't get past. Daphne and Zander work well together but the book didn’t work for me. Some of the things about custody didn’t make sense to me. Which led me to question the plot.