Daddy Issues

Aspen Ridge #3.5

by Jenn Plummer

Graham
I’ve been a single dad for over a decade, and raising my daughter alone doesn’t leave much time for me. When my best friend’s daughter—who’s fresh out of college—moves in to be a live-in nanny, my physical attraction to her starts to become a problem. What starts as an illicit affair turns into so much more. When a surprise announcement over Father’s Day brunch threatens to reveal our secret, I don’t hesitate to claim what’s mine. Everything else be damned.

Hailey
I’ve been obsessed with my dad’s best friend for as long as I can remember. He was my first crush, the first man I ever wanted, the first and only man I’ve ever loved. I thought I could control my desire to be with him, but I can’t fight it. Not when playing house together comes as easily to both of us as breathing. One taste of Graham Colson could never be enough. But he’s our town’s most eligible single dad, and my dad’s best friend. Clearly, I have daddy issues.

**Daddy Issues is book 3.5 in the interconnected Aspen Ridge universe and can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed!**

Genres: Novella, Romance, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Forbidden Romance, Contemporary, M F Romance

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Author, wife, mother, lover of reading, overcast skies, chilly weather, and hockey.

A romantic at heart, Jenn has always been a lover of books, and is constantly dreaming up heart-wrenching stories that will have you reaching for tissues and make you blush.

When Jenn's not writing, she can be found reading a spicy romance novel, watching scary movies, and enjoying her quiet life in New England, living out her real-life romance story.

Follow along for more updates and book news.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jenn-Pl...

Instagram @authorjennplummer

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Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nannying the summer before grad school starts, Hailey takes a chance and swipes right on Graham’s Kiss Connect profile.

This was my first read by Jenn Plummer and I started in the middle of a series. Although it’s not necessary to read the other books, now I’m interested in the other stories! Full disclosure, I opted into this one because I thought I was getting a daddy. I mean, he is, in the literal sense. There’s no Dadddddy here though. 🥺 That said, I still enjoyed the book and will check out the rest of the Aspen Ridge series.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤐🥵😊🫠😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult

✨ Tropes: Age Gap (20), Forbidden, Hidden Identity (Brief), Single Parent
 
💫 Microtropes: Friends w/ Benefits-ish, “Good Girl”, One Night Stand

💋 Kinks: 🍑, Edging, Free Use

⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.

🚩 Safety Squad: n/a

📣 Type: Daddy Issues is part of the Aspen Ridge series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s just ok this story nothing extraordinary.
Unfortunately.

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy Issues by Jenn Plummer
4,5/5⭐
3/5🌶️

I loved this novella from Jenn! It was such a delight to go back to Aspen Ridge and reconnect with all the characters. This story is definitely spicy but also feels like a cozy hug. Hailey and Graham have an electric chemistry that hooked me from the start!

Hailey, who we know as Hannah's little sister, lands a job as a nanny for Graham's daughter. Graham is her dad’s best friend, and she’s had a crush on him for quite some time. So, when she stumbles upon his profile on a dating app, she decides to take her shot!

Graham has always thought of Hailey as off-limits. Even though he finds her attractive, he feels she’s too young, and with her dad being his best friend, he tries to keep his distance. But then, when he goes on a date with the girl he matched with—who turns out to be Hailey—everything changes! As she starts sharing her fantasies, he can’t ignore the undeniable spark between them any longer.

I admired Hailey's confidence. She might be young, but she knows exactly what she wants and is determined to go for it. I loved her kind heart, especially in her interactions with Graham’s daughter. Graham is understandably hesitant at first, but once he admits his feelings for Hailey, he dives in wholeheartedly. He has a filthy mouth, but he is also sweet and protective, which made my heart melt. Overall, this is such a fun read if you're in the mood for something quick, spicy, with all the feels!

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️|3.5🌶️

This book had every single thing I could possibly want in a quick & spicy novella. Graham is a single dad and he recently hired Hailey as his live in nanny. She has been eyeing him for a while now and the attraction between them is mutual. When a dating app brings them together one night (all due to Hailey being her bold self 👏🤣), things immediately heat up & ohhhmyyygod was it hot!!!

The age gap was chefs kiss. The forbidden aspect of this because Hailey is Grahams best friends, daughter… yuppp I am eating this up with no crumbs left behind 👏

Thank you so much Jenn Plummer for this ARC 🤍

[Clairsreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Did Jenn Plummer somehow transport herself into my brain and write all of my favorite microtropes/ schminks into one little sweet and spicy novella? Damn right she did.

Hailey Haven is the new nanny for her dad’s best friend, Graham. Who she’s had a major crush on literally her entire life. When they match on a dating app he has no idea its really her behind the dubious picture. Hannah, on the other hand, realizes this is her opportunity to have the man of her dreams.

These two were sweet and spicy and so much fun in all of the best ways. We got all of my faves packed into one lil novella and it was absolutely delectable. Hailey is sunshine as a human being while also being steady and confident in her own way. Daddy Graham just needed a little nudging in the correct direction but after one taste there was no stopping him. And the secret surprise twist??? 😮‍💨 The way that man handles things is just *chefs kiss*. The man that is Graham 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I don’t think its possible for Jenn to write a book I won’t like. Not only are her full length books absolute masterpieces but her novellas are everything you could possibly want in a bite sized piece! Thank you to Jenn + team for the eARC for review 🖤
Daddy Issues releases 05/15!!

[madmanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single dad & nanny but with a delicious age gap and free use kink? SIGN ME UP!

4 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️

💛 Novella
💛 Age gap (20 years)
💛 Dad’s best friend
💛 Single dad X nanny
💛 Forbidden
💛 Free use k!nk

📖 Hailey is hired as Graham’s live in nanny, and when she sees his profile on a dating app, she decides to shoot her shot with her dad’s hot best friend and take care of alllll his needs, nannying and otherwise 😉.

I love Jenn’s novellas! Short, spicy, but also full of feels and the small town goodness that aspen ridge has to offer. When this dynamic was teased in Love Me, I knew I’d enjoy this one… and enjoy I did!

I really loved how balanced this one was. There was tons of spice, yes, but also a really sweet and enjoyable plot!

If you’re in a slump or don’t know what to read, I always recommend a novella and this one was a yes from me 😍.

Thank you so much to Jenn Plummer and her team for the arc of Daddy Issues for me to review!

[Sarah | sarah.onemorechapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something spicy with a single dad and an age gap READ THIS BOOK.

Hailey is the nanny for Graham and his 10 year old daughter. Andddd she’s the daughter of his best friend. Graham is not looking for something series. He swipes right on a dating app and opens up a whole can of worms he was not expecting.

Daddy Issues is packed with forbidden romance, a taboo age gap and healthy amount of spice. I ate this up and it was everything I needed in a novella. I couldn’t get enough of the chemistry between Graham and Hailey. I mean the way he was obsessed with her?? Hot!!

The perfect little novella to break your slump or fill time between arcs. It was a quick & dirty read and just so addicting!

If the “daddy kink” is not usually your thing, please don’t let the title deter you. There was very little use of the word or that specific k*nk. Still give it a go if you like a forbidden & age gap romance!

Thank you Jenn & Smuthood Promo for the advanced copy!

“You like me on my knees for you, Hailey?” 🥵

4 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️
• age gap (she’s 22, he’s 42)
• best friends daughter
• single dad x nanny
• forbidden
• free use k*nk

[carliereadssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun novella, Jenn ALWAYS DELIVERS!

Graham & Hailey are the so sweet and sexy!

Graham is Hailey’s dad’s best friend.. 42 years old.. and Hailey is 22.. ABSOLUTELY YES!

-Age Gap
-Free Use Kink
-Accidental Pregnancy
-Single Dad/Nanny

Five stars all the way, Graham is such an amazing dad and treats Hailey with an admirable amount of respect while also being a complete freak in the sheets and what’s better than that?

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Come* and celebrate Father’s Day with a single dad x nanny, age gap, free use kinky romance!! Way to celebrate daddies with a bang, amiright?

As someone who applied for this arc on a whim with a history of mid but spicy novellas, this book was the one to break the mold! I thoroughly enjoyed this scorching romance. My primary worry was an over saturation of “daddy” (especially given the title) and honestly it felt used just the right amount of times.

The chemistry between Hailey and Graham was f*cking explosive. Let’s be honest, you’re here because you wanted a book with a lot of spice with a dash of plot- but hear me out the plot still carried!! Mila added a warmth to the story that honestly made me adore this family unit.

All in all, I devoured this in a day and appreciate Jenn Plummer for striving to shine a spotlight on uncommon relationships and normalize them.

In her acknowledgments, Jenn said this and it makes me excited to read more of her works: “Love is Love and it’s a beautiful, gorgeous thing when it’s consensual and people mind their own damn business.” Cheers, Queen🥃✨

[Lauren McGuirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooookay this may be my favorite novella of the series now. I’m pretty sure in every review of Jenn’s books I say “I laughed, I cried, I was turned on” and this one was no different.

Honestly, this felt like a full novel. I feel like so much happened in 150 pages! Graham and Hailey are PERFECT. Perfect. I can’t get over it. I felt more connection with Hailey than any other FMC so far (even though I’m way older than she is haha). That’s not to say I don’t love every single strong FMC Jenn writes about, but I just felt such a connection to her. Too bad I’m not her cus DAMN 👀 lucky girl. I hope my husband never sees this.

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think novellas are for me.
I love Jenn's writing, but I wasn't into the instant connection (I guess it has to be-being that this is less than 200 pages). I wanted to have to work for it. If you're into a spicy, age gap, single dad, and you love a short novella, I'd definitely recommend you try it out!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

ARC Review!

I WAS SOOOOO EXCITED for this novella, because I loved meeting Graham and Hailey in the Love Me book and this was sooo good!! 😍

I think Graham and Hailey had amazing chemistry, their meet cute is one of the most interesting and fun “meet-cutes” I’ve ever read and the way they connect on an emotional level was really sweet! 🥹❤️ Mila and Hailey’s relationship was also so fun and sweet to read about!

The smut WAS SMUTTING 🫠🫠🥵🥵 Gosh it was so delicious, Jenn always excels in that department. You could feel the heat and chemistry through the pages! So so good!

The only thing was there were certain “ick” words for me, which is totally a me problem but it didn’t take away from this being still an enjoyable read!! ❤️

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy Issues by Jenn Plummer eARC Review

Need a hot little novella to get you out of a reading slump? If so, this is your book!

This book was spicy, hot and I definitely devoured it in one sitting.

Single dad, nanny, age gap PERFECTION. I couldn’t get enough and I loved being back in Aspen Ridge and getting more of those characters as well. I adored Graham and Hailey and the way their relationship started and developed. Sometimes with novellas they are all spice and no plot, but I actually really enjoyed this story! 😍🔥

Jenn writes a damn good novella and I definitely recommend you add this one to your TBR!

Thank you so much Jenn for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!

[Amanda Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this as an arc** Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this arc! I absolutely LOVED this novella (until the end where it got a little weird). Must be okay with pregnancy trope. Age gap romance. Single dad. I would probably give this a 3.5 if I could, but I’m going with a 4 because it made me want to read the other books in the series since this is just a novella and not one of the full romances. This novella is really great if you want something short, sweet, and spicy!!

[Laura Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am someone who is really hit or miss with age gap and novellas. I didn’t LOVE this one, but I still love Jenn’s writing & will read whatever she writes! If you’re looking for a quick read with age gap, workplace, and dad’s best friend, give this a go!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️/3🌶️

This was a quick, spicy read. Graham and Hailey's chemistry was hot, and the taboo-ness added more to the story. This was my first book by Jenn, and I enjoyed it so much!

I was in a slump, and this novella brought me out of it!

Tropes:
Age Gap
Nanny

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!

I become more and more convinced that is Jenn writes it, I am going to read it!

This was SO FREAKING GOOD!

Hailey I loved how she puts her mind to something and then goes for it. She was such a great mom figure to Mila and loved her so much. Hailey was such a great match for Graham. Also her sass to her mom had me laughing!

Graham was great as well! He was evenly balanced with Hailey, and was seriously such a perfect match for her.

These two had serious chemistry and I am here for it!

[Camilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
90% spice, 10% plot and good vibes. Kinky hot times.

Let me paint you a picture: age gap (22f, 42m), single dad x nanny, small town. and now the fun stuff: free use, 🍑 eating, dirty talking.

I had a great time reading this. Will check out the rest of the series for sure!

Thanks to The Smuthood PR for the ARC!

[Bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun spicy novella!
This was exactly what I needed 🖤

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Jenn Plummer
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Graham and Hailey
Trope(s): Age-Gap, Single Dad, Nanny, Forbidden, Best Friends Daughter

This is my first read by Jenn Plummer. This is a short, sexy read set in her Aspen Ridge Series. I love Age Gap and this one did not disappoint. Add in some kink. Oh hell yes. A woman owning her sexuality. So, so good. This read is low angst, loads of sweet moments, the sexy ones will have you feeling the heat, and I would say want to give the Aspen Ridge Series a twirl if you haven’t already.

Graham Colsonwas living his best bachelor life until ten years ago when child protective services informed him he was a dad. Now he spends his days as one of two master distillers at Aspen Ridge Distillery and his nights being the best dad to Mila.

His hook up days are over. Until he is far too tempted by his nanny. Who just happens to be one of his best friend’s daughter.

Hailey Haven is home from college and looking for a job. For the summer she is a live-in-nanny for Graham. The man she has had a crush on forever.

When they match on a dating app Hailey decides to take some control and show Graham she is all grown up.

Color him shocked when he shows up for his date and it is with Hailey.

Then she wears down his resistance that is at an all time low anyway.

But, when she offers to be his outlet as long as she lives with him.

Well, it’s an offer he doesn’t want to refuse.

[sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Age gap, small town, dad’s friend, single dad x nanny, and free use kink!!! All such a good mix!!!

I really liked the main characters, Hailey & Graham, and their fast burn connection was great for a novella (who wants a slow burn when there’s only a 160 pages!!!??) Graham’s daughter (Mila) was also super sweet and I liked how attentive he was as a dad and how close Hailey was with her.

The sneaking around, shared kinks & desires, and “ooops” situation at the end created a great dynamic for the couple. Where it, unfortunately, dropped for me was the dialogue and ending.

I found myself wincing more than a few times during sex scenes with how they talked (I lovvvveee dirty talk; theirs just felt “cringe” for lack of a better word). As for the ending, novellas are meant to be short but the last chapter and then into the epilogue felt verrrry abrupt. They have an emotional moment and then are having sex with seemingly no transition. & then the epilogue being a time jump with no substantial reference to things that occurred during that jump (even though it was a big thing) left me feeling like I missed out on too much that I was interested in.

Overall — a decent, quick read and good for fans of age gap and lots of spice. Also, I think will be a bigger hit for fans of the series as a whole as there’s good amount of reference to past books’ couples.

Thank you to Smuthood and the author for the e-ARC. Review is my honest opinion.

[St.Peaches · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
🌶️: 4/5
RELEASE DATE: 15/05/25

WE LOVE A MAN WITH BIG APPETITE!!! 😍😍

GODDAMN THIS MAN LIKE TO EAT AND DEVOUR!!!
YAAALLL!! YOU'VE BEEN WORN!!!
TOP TO BOTTOM FRONT AND BACK.
NO SPOT LEFT THIS MAN WILL EAT IT ALL 🤣🤣

If you don't like books or novella with little plot and purely smut.
This book IS DEFINITELY NOT FOR YOU!
But if you love filthy back to back sweet smut!!
LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

He's a single dad.
She's the nanny.
He's her dads best friend and twice her age.
WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT!!!

A little shout out to Hailey and Milas relationship!!
They're so cute with eachother!!

I've read this novella as a standalone but i definitely have a feeling that reading the other books in this series would definitely be better.
But if you decide to still read it as a standalone it's definitely still okay!

Quick filthy read!!

Book Contains:
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Dads Best friend
- Age Gap
- Somno
- Free use
- Man with Appetite
- 🍆 Warming
- DP
- Surprise Pregnancy
- Light Lactation Kink

🍑 HAPPY READING YALL!!!! 🍑

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few things I enjoy more than a daddy romance and this novella was so delicious!

❤️Age gap
❤️Single dad x nanny
❤️Hidden identity
❤️Free use k!nk
❤️Dads best friend

When Hailey starts her nanny job babysitting Graham’s daughter, she is more than happy to be around Graham more. Graham who is her dad’s best friend. Graham who she’s had a crush on since she was a teenager.

But Graham has never seen Hailey as anything but his best friend’s daughter. Until one day, a switch is flipped and Graham can never turn it off.

I can’t even tell you how much I loved this book. Notably I have only read the novellas in this series (don’t ask me why because I have no idea why LOL) but they have all been SO good. This book was soooo spicy and I loved loved loved these characters!

The free use k!nk was so hot and I need more of it!

[Jen | The Jenny Edit · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
While I expected this novella to be extremely spicy, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was also absolutely sweet as can be, with a single dad/nanny romance baked in that was truly heartwarming. I think finding a balance between smut and storyline in the course of a story that’s as short as this one takes some talent, and Jenn absolutely achieved that here.

From a very hot “free use” kink and a bunch of others that I won’t spoil since they come out during the course of the novella, to an absolutely butterfly-inducing love story between our two main characters, Hailey and Graham, I devoured this novella very quickly. It is extremely spicy, which is in line with all of Jenn’s stories, and I honestly have no notes. From beginning to end, I enjoyed the hell out of this story and definitely recommend it.

Thank you to Jenn for letting me read it in advance!

[Next Chapter Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

My oh my, does this author ever know how to write men!! Every book I read of hers the MMC gets added to my list of book boyfriends.
The chemistry! The secret yearning that both MCs feel. The spice! For a novella, everyone still felt so well rounded and real. The author somehow managed to pack so much in (pun intended) to such a short story and I love her for it!

I also enjoyed getting to revisit with some of my favourite characters from other books in the series.

Even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you can definitely enjoy this one!

I received an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy Graham was perfect, dirty mouth, protective and sweet. He hired his best friend's daughter to be his nanny for the summer. Hailey has always wanted Graham even though he's 20 years older. When they match in a hookup app, she decides now is the perfect time to go for it. Graham is totally surprised to see Hailey waiting for him at the bar. They spend a hot and spicy night together, where she gives him free use of her. Their relationship continues once they are back at his house and feelings grow even though they keep it a secret. They both start feeling more but don't bring it up. Father's Day brings life changing news, can they bring their relationship out in the open?

[Franzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It was fast-paced but the relationship still didn't feel rushed. Hailey was very clear on her own wants and wishes, something I always appreciate in age-gap romances. I haven't read a lot of freeuse and the way Hailey approaches it isn't one I've read about but it was really interesting and well done!

One thing that iffed me was how Hailey's dad is Graham's best friend but we clearly see that her dad isn't that great. It's realistic, I guess, but that's not really what we're looking here for now, is it? 😉 Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this and Graham and Hailey are so good together! 🫶🏻

[Michelle Marinello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy Issues
By Jenn Plummer
Pub Date: May 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

Well this was one hot novella! This is actually my first read by Jenn and it did not disappoint one bit. Graham is your hardworking, single dad who put his dating life on hold while trying to navigate through his daughter’s childhood. Hailey is his best friend’s daughter who was hired to be his live in nanny. The attraction between the two is mutual, but neither of them know that until one night a dating app brings them together. Immediately after that, things heat up!

Graham & Hailey’s chemistry was off the charts. This quick read had a great story line that did not skip a beat. This is part of a series, but could be read as a standalone. I don’t want to give too much away because it was that good and a definite must read!

What to expect in Daddy Issues:
🔥 Novella
🔥 Single Dad x Nanny
🔥 Age Gap
🔥 Dad’s Best Friend
🔥 Free Use

Thank you @authorjennplummer & @thesmuthood for this ARC. Daddy Issues is OUT NOW!

#arcreview #daddyissues #jennplummer #thesmuthood #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #booksta #bookish #bookcommunity #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks #booksaremagic #books #bibliophile #bookishpost #booksofinsta #readersofinsta #readreadread #whattoread #mustread

[❦Bookartbabes❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy Issues is a tasty addition to Jenn’s Aspen Ridge universe, giving us a heartwarming blend of romance and family dynamics. In this delicious novella, we’re introduced to Graham Colson and Hailey Haven. Hailey is Graham’s nanny and Graham is Hailey’s Dads best friend and ooooft do these two have some chemistry.

It should come as no surprise that Jenn has once again mixed the balance with heartfelt moments, exploring love, desire and the tough bits of unconventional relationships.

Daddy Issues can be read as a standalone, but why would you when the rest of the Aspen Ridge series is so satisfying and spicey.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯✦⋯⋅๑┈•✦
🥃 Dad’s Best Friend
🔥 Single dad/Nanny
🥃 One-night stand
🔥 Free-use
🥃 Age-gap (She’s 22, he’s 42)
🔥 🐓Warming
🥃 Somn0
✦•┈๑⋅⋯✦⋯⋅๑┈•✦
⭐️ = 4/5
🌶️ = 3/5
✦•┈๑⋅⋯✦⋯⋅๑┈•✦

[Natasha 🖤🍒🎲 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen was on a mission with this book, and she achieved her goal. The sweetest and spiciest trip back to Aspen Ridge, it was impeccable from start to finish.

I knew Hailey would be a character I’d like based on her earlier appearances in AR and she didn’t disappoint. Her and Graham were absolutely perfect together 🥵

If you’re in a reading slump, or just need a quick trip back to AR before Carters story releases then this is the book for you.