Because You Loved Me

Willow Shade Island

by Victorine E. Lieske

A nanny with a secret, a dad with a past—love was never part of the job description.

Kiki's got a secret mission on Willow Shade Island - to sneak a peek at the daughter she had to give up. But life's got other plans when she lands a job as her own kid's nanny! Talk about complicated, right? And don't even get me started on Tobias, the hunky single dad who's got Kiki's heart doing somersaults.

Tobias thought he had it all figured out - successful business, check. Raising his brothers, check. Adopting an adorable little girl, double-check! But when his wife bailed, it left him with a broken heart and trust issues a mile wide. Enter Kiki, the new nanny who's got more secrets than a spy novel. She's turning Tobias's world upside down and making him wonder if maybe, just maybe, love deserves another chance.

Single Dad, Millionaire, Nanny, Secret Identity, Opposites Attract, & Small Town. This is a sweet/clean romance with swoony kisses.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Small Town Romance, Clean Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

Reviews

[Anisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this storyline! A woman seeks out her daughter who she put up for adoption many years ago when she was young. Now she's found her and wants to only to get a glimpse of her but as fate would have it she becomes the little girls nanny. The single father who adopted her isn't to sure about the new nanny, but he finds himself drawn to her. As sparks fly between them the FMC starts to wonder how long could this last before the MMC finds out and will the family she's always wanted be short lived once the truth comes out.

I love how the story is heavily family focused. You get to know the three younger brothers of the MMC (who also have their own love stories I plan to read) their personalities made the story so much funnier I truly enjoyed the found family aspects and just the kindness of everyone the FMC encountered who welcomed her with big loving arms.

Sweet rom-com hilariously funny, I recommend listening to the audiobook as well (free on YouTube), no language, no spice, all the feels ❤️

[Margaret · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The writing is so choppy - it felt like I was reading a string of texts from my mother. Not to mention, the major plot point was fed to us by the second page like… girl! Edge us on for a second or something

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to put this one down, or for it to end. I loved reading Kiki's story of love and redemption. And watching Tobias share all of the love he has in his great big heart. Such a beautiful story. I cried and cried. But amid the crying, I also laughed and had a great big smile on my face so much of the time reading this book.

Tobias was so fun to watch being a big brother to his brothers whom he has raised after the death of his parents, as well as watching him be a sweet and loving father to his little girl. Talk about adorableness! Then add in Kiki and her connection with the little girl and watching the three of them together...melt my heart!!!

I love reading anything written by Victorine E. Lieske! She's a fabulous author and draws me in completely through her characters and storylines. Especially this one. It can be a bit of a heart wrenching story but it's also a beautiful story about healing, forgiveness, family and love. It was truly beautiful! A book I highly recommend all readers enjoy. I love it so much that I want to start reading it again right now. And guess what?!!! This is book one so we're going to be seeing these characters again. I can't wait for book 2! The Epilogue sets us up nicely to know what it will be about!!! EEEKKK!!!! Soooooo Excited!!!!!

Content: Clean. There can be some potential triggers for some readers, the author did a great job of being sensitive to the topics and wrote it in a beautiful and healing way. ****Birth of a child out of wedlock, prison, death of parents, being disowned by parents.****

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiki and Tobias have intertwined lives but both of them don’t know it. One major theme of this story is how long and deep far-reaching our choices can be when we operate on just our feelings. Eventually they get to this point: “I couldn’t hate you. You spent so much time hating yourself, there’s no hate left for me.” Thought provoking.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Victorine has a new book out!! Boo! I have to wait for the next instalment! I was completely hooked on this story and I read it all in one setting. I. Loved. It!!! I cannot wait for the next one! So, so good!! Squee!

[Valeriem · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- I wanted to like this book. I loved the premise, but from the beginning, I was shaking my head. No parent would hire a nanny for the sole reason that they showed up at church. A parent with as many overprotective tendencies as Tobias isn’t going to bring someone into their home to care for their child without a background check. From that to the fact that she is lying about who she is- has been in prison- is hiding her tattoo…. I just couldn’t keep reading because nothing was adding up. I also did not connect with either character. I couldn’t feel sympathy for her because she was lying. I can 100% understand her wanting a relationship with her child, but she is being deceitful
about TOO many things.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard Victorine Lieske had a new book coming out I couldn't wait to read it. This is a heartwarming and emotional romance that will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting for the characters.

Kiki, a woman with a past she's trying to escape, finds herself unexpectedly drawn into the life of the daughter she gave up years ago. Posing as a nanny, she finds herself navigating a complex web of emotions, struggling with guilt, and fear of losing the connection she's finally found.

Tobias, is a single father who has also been raising his three brothers since their parents died. He has trust issues since his wife left him and their adopted daughter, Skyler, which made me worry about what was going to happen when he found out Kiki's secret. I couldn't imagine him handling it well, but I was wrong.

I really liked how the women of Willow Island accepted Kiki. I loved the relationships in this family: Kiki and Tobias, Kiki and Skyler, Tobias and his brothers--they were all so sweet. This story gave me all the feels with its themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family. Thanks to the epilogue, I'm already looking forward to book two.

4.5 stars

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that she's out of prison, Kiki is ready to start her new life - but first, she just _has_ to see the daughter she gave up for adoption and make sure she has a good life. Unfortunately, it's not as easy to be anonymous in Willow Shade Island, and she's soon drawn into the community. Finding herself her daughter's nanny is either the best or the worst idea she's ever had. Tobias loves his daughter but struggles to trust women since his wife walked out. Kiki raises plenty of red flags, but as he gets to know her more, he starts to see there's more to her than he realised. But she still has secrets, and there seems no way either of them can come out of this unscathed…

A delightful read, full of heart but also with plenty of fun. Kiki has had a hard time, and it shows, but seeing her gradually soften under the influence of love - from both the family and the community - is inspiring. Tobias' brothers and their relationships with him are interesting and at times amusing, which definitely adds to the story. And his (and Kiki's) daughter is a great character, in more ways than one. There were times when, like the characters, I couldn't see how things were going to work out, but I'm so glad they did (and the way it was done worked beautifully). All in all, a really good read and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does everyone deserve a second choice or forgiveness?

The writer weaves a picture of someone experiencing the loss of their ambition, but finding a second chance to seek peace with the choices that they've made. The book follows the mystery of Kiki's presence in WIllow Shade and her hidden story. I found it realistic and at the same time quite thought evoking. The characters were vivid and the language that she used about the characters brought real emotions that I imagined the characters would feel. No spoilers here but well worth the reader. Will without a doubt continue the series arc as it's left us with some interesting questions of what next?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Giselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little story to take my mind off things. It does have an incredibly sappy HEA. And ends in a cliffhanger. To its credit, the novel wasn’t too long. 254 pages for a little nonsense romance is so much better than the current industry standard of 400+ pages. I read this in one day, in two sittings. It didn’t drag at all.

[Natalia I · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant compelling story. Kiki only ever went to Willow Shade Island to look, never to speak or get to know her. But nothing ever goes to plan for Kiki. Her life has been one mistake after another until the last one cost her the ultimate price, and now she just needs to see she's alright. Tobias has brought up his brothers since their parents died unexpectedly. Then he adopted a gorgeous little girl to please his wife but she still left them and are now divorced. Life is hectic but he wouldn't change anything because he loved his family. All he needs is a Nanny to help with Skylar. When he's introduced to the new woman on the island he isn't impressed and makes assumptions on her clothes and demeanour. The story unfolds and Kiki becomes a nanny, but Tobias knows she's hiding something but can't figure out what. When the truth comes out how many hearts are going to be broken. Or will Kiki leave and disappear without looking back. I loved everything about this book the characters and storyline is so realistic and the ending I wasn't expecting such a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next installment and look forward to Noah, Levi and Micah's stories, especially Levi

[Carolina CHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and unexpected story about second chances and the importance of forgiveness and family. I honestly can’t wait for the following book in this series.

Kiki made a horrible mistake when she was young and has been carrying the consequences and guilt for the rest of her life. When she went looking for the daughter she gave up in adoption years ago, she never expected to find family and new opportunities in her future. Tobias, the men who adopted Kiki’s little girl, Sky, and his brothers gave her a life beyond Kiki’s dreams. Now that she knows about them, how can she be expected to let them go?

There are four Barrett Brothers and I guess each one would get his story, however I have a strong feeling that if the books are not read in order there is much you’ll be missing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Genesis DeLosSantos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on my toes!

It's very funny from the start and then tastefully goes from0 to 100 real quick.

The Characters have excellent character development and backstories. This book had me gasping, panicked, crying, feeling compassion. Their personal life decisions not only added to the character, but also were relatable life lessons. Through thought process of characters, memories, and references to other characters, one not only understands their storyline, but connects with the characters. The southern setting adds a spunk and flare to the "culture" and traditions life on the island. There is great banter and family moments. BEWARE though, this is a Slow burn, so don't expect characters just like the each other for no reason. The MC's backstory is also very emotional. You really experience a huge life decision being made through the lens of a hopeful teen and watch it unfold ,how she grapples with the cards she delt in life because of her naivety. Overall, great story, and the ending… expected but unexpected. Have water nearby while you are reading this book, cause you gonna be gasping and giggling.

[Danielle Dyann]

I recently had the pleasure of reading Because You Loved Me (Willow Shade Island: Book One) by Victorine E. Lieske. In this sweet romantic novel, Kiki Emerson/Anderson has newly arrived in Willow Shade Island with a secret. Meanwhile, Tobias Barrett is a slightly jaded newly divorced dad who is only looking to raise his daughter, help his brothers launch their lives, and manage his businesses. When a meddling church lady pushes the two together sparks fly and who knows what will happen!

I really enjoyed reading this novel and found the characters to be very interesting and three-dimensional. This was one of those books that I had to stay up late to read just one more chapter to see what was going to happen. I also found this book to be a good story because it had a compelling romantic plot while mostly adhering to modesty and chastity in the swoony scenes, although the scenes do have some more detailed kissing scenes so it might not be some those who avoid scenes like that.

Victorine E. Lieske currently has three books in the Willow Shade Island series (all about the Barrett brothers) including: Because You Loved Me, You’re Still the One, and How Sweet It Is. She has many other books which can be found on Amazon. If you are looking for an author with a similar vibe to these books, I would suggest you check out Jess Mastorakos.

Many thanks to Victorine E. Lieske and BookSirens for an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are offered freely and are entirely my own.

[Sigy George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Victorine E. Lieske’s Because You Loved Me is a heartfelt start to the Willow Shade Island series, blending romance, redemption, and the struggles of family responsibility. Kiki Emerson arrives on the island carrying secrets and scars, determined only to glimpse the daughter she gave up. Instead, she collides with Tobias Barrett, the protective adoptive father whose world is already weighed down by his daughter, his brothers, and the shadow of past heartbreak.

The story is layered with small-town charm. Meddling neighbors, church socials, and whispered matchmaking, but it’s the emotional depth that makes it shine. Kiki’s desperation and Tobias’s guarded strength create a slow-burning romance full of tension and tenderness. The dual perspectives allow readers to live inside both their vulnerabilities, which makes their eventual connection feel earned.

Yes, there are moments of melodrama and a few convenient plot turns, but they never outweigh the heart of the book: a story of second chances, parental love, and the courage it takes to risk trust again.

Because You Loved Me isn’t just a romance. It’s a reminder that sometimes love finds us in the very places we least expect, and when it does, it’s worth holding on to.

[Monica C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I kinda loved this one. It's light and fluffy with good hearted characters based on an idealic coastal island in the south.

Head of household and single dad, Tobias carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He's trying to raise his daughter right, guild his younger brothers into independent adults, and keep all his business ventures afloat. Kiki, trying to rise like a phoenix from the ashes of her former life, only wants to see the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption.

Meddling small town folks through these two together and before you know it, Kiki is hired as a nanny for her own daughter.

Tobias is totally a cinnamon roll, incredibly caring and forgiving. Kiki carried so much baggage and regret, but he saw past all that to the person she was. The relationship didn't feel overly rushed and it was kept very pg.

One thing he said brought tears to my eyes, “Oh, Kat. I couldn’t hate you. You spent so much time hating yourself, there’s no hate left for me.”

I've already downloaded the next in this series. This is a perfect, pretend you are relaxing at the beach, read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable quick pick up read on the side of my other heavier currently reading. It was short and because of that, everything happening within a span of 2 weeks felt too fast especially when the main characters are claiming to be in love when it was only a week in getting to know each other. It was written in a way that was almost believable with their instantaneous love for each other.
I mostly picked it up because the premise seemed interesting. Kiki got pregnant in jail and had to give her baby up for adoption. Then when she got out she wanted to look for her baby to which she did and then got to be near her as the nanny. Tobias was judgy and rude but I liked that the characters themselves were aware that they were later on in the story because the way he was judging her in the beginning had an alarm in my brain going off. He wasn’t my type of mmc but I loved his love for his brothers and daughter.
Kiki was almost always crying and internally struggling of course with all the lies so it felt a little repetitive at times but it made sense.
All in all, a nice quick read

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First installment of a the Willow Shade Island series and the Barrett Brothers is a hit! The first of the brothers, Tobias, has been the brothers rock. The eldest of the bunch took on the role of provider for his younger brothers at a young age not leaving much time for himself. After a failed marriage he’s raising his adopted daughter alone, with the help of his brothers. But he needs a nanny because the brothers can’t do it all. Here comes Kiki to town, just to get a glimpse at the daughter she had to give up while she was in prison for some poor life choices. She can’t believe her luck. She’s now Skylar’s nanny. She knows she can’t stay long. She’ll stay just long enough to get to know Skylar and see that she’s doing well. But things start getting complicated. The island starts feeling like a place she could fit in but she’s got to leave before Tobias finds out about her past. The question is will Tobias let her go once he knows? This was a very nice, very engaging sweet romance. I highly recommend and look forward to the next brothers story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wanda Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was lost if found

There is so much emotion as I waiting hoping Tobias and Kiki would find a way to be a family with Skylar. Kiki is on WIllow Shade Island to see the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was born. She just expects to see that she is loved and cared for. When I learned why she gave her up my heart broke for her. But one of the matchmaking ladies of the town takes her under her wing and introduces her to her daughter Skylar and her father Tobias. Tobias has raised his three younger brothers who still live with him. His wife abandoned him and Skylar when she was a baby but he and the three brothers give her all the love and attention she needs. As fate would have it Kiki becomes Sylars’s nanny. Her love for Skylar is immediate and she cherishes the opportunity to spend time with her knowing it can’t last. Her feeling for Tobias grow as fast as the lies she is telling him. The characters were well developed and the story kept me reading. I had to see if Kiki would tell Tobias the truth and how he would respond. I recommend this book.

[Lisa Rector · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. I got 64% of the way through this book. I was using Alexa to listen to it to fall asleep at night. This just really is a vanilla story with vanilla characters. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, didn’t mesh with the characters and their situation. I think this is why I stay away from contemporary romance. The situations and the premises are always boring. Oh, for somebody who picked up this book because of the cover and it was free in a book blast, I really think there should be a kid on the cover. Because I didn’t read the blurb at all and was blindsided by their being a kid in the story. I am not fond of stories with children on page. Yes, that makes me a monster, but all the adult interaction with the kids did not help me to escape. Sorry. I really did try to read another book by this author and it just didn’t work. I think this is my fourth book or so. I just keep hoping that I can see in these stories the same thing that other romance readers see. But I’m not.

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has so many heartstrings to pull while you read. Tobias has already felt the brunt of raising a child alone, because he had to raise his brother instead of going to college. He know what he wants and how he wants to raise his sweet daughter, now that he's a single dad. He is so stoic and determined, it was fun to see his playful side when he was with Skyler.

I loved how much Kiki wants to do the right thing and just have the chance to see the daughter she gave up, and that she is safe and cared for. There is an instant connection when she meets Skyler and Tobias. I felt for her the entire book, her pain and sadness.

I love the island and the small town feel, with all the people and I love the Barrett brothers! I can't wait to read all of their stories, because they are good guys but I can see the trouble they might cause.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Victorine E. Lieske before, OMG this was fantastic!! This is book one in The Willow Shade Island series. Kiki Emmerson was pregnant and in jail, she gave birth to a baby girl; whom she put up for adoption. Out of jail and having a small bit of money, she hires a PI to locate her baby. Kiki travels to Willow Shade Island where her baby is supposed to be, she is now five years old. She spots her in church, she looks just like Kiki. She talks with Tobias, the adopted father and Skyler the little girl. She finds out he is in need of a nanny, but he doesn't hire her. Can she change his mind with her lies? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Victorine E. Lieske!!!

[Melody Tregear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

This is a lovely, clean story, but I rated it at 3 stars instead of 4 because the timeline is off big time. It speaks about them knowing each other for only a week and then only two ..but inbetween she has been to several weekly quilting sessions, he was away on business for a week, she has mingled with some of the locals long enough to become good friends...so yes. Timing. Is. Off. She worked for him longer than is stated it seems. The ending is a bit of a mix. Their story ends nicely then you have the epilogue which is more about Noah. On top of that the author tosses you a curve ball and you can read the result of that curve ball in a chapter you can get if you sign up for her newsletter. I've done so, but personally I don't like this strategy.

[Brooke Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiki: a young mother who just wants to see the baby she gave up for adoption
Tobias: a little uptight, raised his own brothers, now raising the daughter he adopted with his ex wife
Skylar: the sweet little girl who just wants a Mommy

I received a free copy if this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

A nice, clean romance read. Kiki and Tobias are nothing alike, but they both share their love for Skyler. We see Kiki change from an insecure girl to a confident woman, rising from the ashes of past mistakes much like the pheonix is her tatoo. Tobias isnt looking for love, he just needs a Nanny to take care of his daughter while he tries to finish raising his brothers. Perfect set up for a Hallmark-esque story.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 - 4*
Firstly be warned. Your heart is going to break then slowly start beating again before you rush off to get your hands on book 2, You're still The One. I would get frustrated at the on/off communication between the main characters and then become maudlin. It eventually came together, but I wonder if the final sub-plot was necessary at the end. I'm not a favourite of cliff-hangers, but I needed to read Noah's story.
When Kiki shows up on the island, Tobias is put off by her appearance, but gets the elderly folk at church nominating her quite forcefully as well as wily, as the nanny for his daughter.
This is a new to me author and her style of writing did grow on me, and yes I did rush to get book 2. I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Amanda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Tobias and Kiki's story. I like how the author, had a lot of foreshadowing so you just wanted to keep on reading because you wanted to know what was happening next. Tobias is a likeable character once you meet him. He first came across as standoffish because of the life he has lived. I just loved all the characters and what personalities they all had.

I loved their story and I can't wait to read the next story of the brothers and I want to figure out what is going to happen....

It was a great clean read that I didn't want to put down! I would highly recommend this book and any book by Victorine E. Lieske.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because You Loved Me

Kiki and Tobias have a sweet story. All Kiki wants is to see the daughter she had to give up while in prison. She never expected to be hired as her own daughter’s nanny. Tobias has been running a successful business while raising his brothers after being orphaned and raising his daughter alone since his ex-wife walked out on him. Hiring a nanny for his daughter has become necessary. He is not looking for romance since the disaster of his last marriage ended. Why then is he falling for the nanny? What will happen when he discovers the nanny’s true reason for coming to the island?

[Jesica · Rating 3 out of 5]

CLASIFICATION: 3.2 ESTRELLAS

La historia es sobre una chica que por malas desiciones en su adolescencia, debe dar en adopcion a su bebe y en la actualidad ella quiere conocer a su hija y bueno tambien a las personas que la crian. Es asi que termina siendo la nanny de su propia hija y enamorandose del padre adoptivo de su propia hija.

La premisa general estuvo interesante pero siento que a la ejecucion le falto mas. Y bueno en general el final siento que fue apresurado. En fin me entretuvo pero decidi que no volvere a leer mas a esta autora, porque no siento que su pluma haya cambiando ni para bien o mal.

[Dina Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific story!
Kiki and Tobias are linked through their daughter, although Tobias is unaware of this connection. Kiki's past is filled with struggles and regrets, and Tobias has already faced heartbreak in a previous relationship. When Kiki becomes his daughter’s nanny, sparks begin to fly. I really enjoyed the tension between them as their relationship developed. Their chemistry and shared love for Skylar were palpable, and it was intriguing to see them navigate the minefields of hidden truths and secrets.