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The Contractor's Rose
He’s her dad’s best friend, but she’s the only one he wants to nail down.
At 27, Rosemarie Carter thought she was finally living her dream—owning a cozy bookstore passed down from her grandmother, tucked into the heart of her hometown, with her parents’ office right next door. But when a burst pipe floods the shop and leaves her surrounded by waterlogged shelves and ruined pages, her dreams start sinking fast.
In walks Gavin Miller.
At 52, Gavin has spent most of his life playing by the rules. Widowed, single dad, business partner and best friend to Rosemarie’s father, he’s kept things strictly professional. Strictly off-limits.
He’s here to help. That’s what he tells himself when he offers to take on the repairs. But every second in Rosemarie’s orbit pulls him deeper into danger—the kind that tests every promise he made to stay away.
She’s too young. Too sweet. Too forbidden.
And Gavin? He’s about to find out that fixing the floor is easy.
It’s keeping his hands off her that might break him.
At 27, Rosemarie Carter thought she was finally living her dream—owning a cozy bookstore passed down from her grandmother, tucked into the heart of her hometown, with her parents’ office right next door. But when a burst pipe floods the shop and leaves her surrounded by waterlogged shelves and ruined pages, her dreams start sinking fast.
In walks Gavin Miller.
At 52, Gavin has spent most of his life playing by the rules. Widowed, single dad, business partner and best friend to Rosemarie’s father, he’s kept things strictly professional. Strictly off-limits.
He’s here to help. That’s what he tells himself when he offers to take on the repairs. But every second in Rosemarie’s orbit pulls him deeper into danger—the kind that tests every promise he made to stay away.
She’s too young. Too sweet. Too forbidden.
And Gavin? He’s about to find out that fixing the floor is easy.
It’s keeping his hands off her that might break him.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
9 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 22, 2025
The cover is really beautiful but. . . that's it 💀
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: age gap, forbidden romance, daddy kink
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: age gap, forbidden romance, daddy kink
November 3, 2025
This book is was an emotional demolition and romantic reconstruction, and I am obsessed.
When Rosemarie's bookstore goes underwater (thanks to a broken pipe) the only one by her side is her dad's best friend, Gavin Miller. As Gavin uses his contracting skills to get her bookstore back into business, they can't resist giving into the heated spark that ignites between them. And he can’t help with the way that Rose dresses. Many instances “are you trying to kill me.” And she barks back you do the same. Gah I loved them and their banter.
Rose, she was soft but strong because no one was there for her. And the contractor Gavin. He knew what he wanted but kept from crossing that line but Rose was hard to resist in the end. He just wanted her.
I loved that we got to experience Rose finding her place and Gavin opening up to love again! And that's not mentioning the spice, the way Gavin takes his time with his Rose, making sure she's comfortable and talking her through it, phew! He was perfection and any book boyfriend SWOON.
What really made this story stand out was the undeniable connection between Rose and Gavin (it was like it was radiating off the pages with the stolen glances.) It's not just lust, it's layered with longing, vulnerability, and a deep emotional pull that neither of them expected. The spice is absolutely incredible, Gavin is all about pleasure and Rose is eager to experience it all with him. I also loved the quiet moments that they shared, the stolen glances, and the way Gavin saw Rose for who she truly is, that made my heart ache in the best way. Kait captures that intoxicating blend of comfort and danger that comes with falling for someone you're not supposed to want, and she does it with raw honesty.
The connections between all the characters is woven in so perfectly as well. Rose and her best friend Elodie knows Gavin's daughter, and there's plenty of tension in the scenes with Gavin and Rose's dad that has you flying through the pages- due to their long standing friendship and I am sure Roses dad was feeling the betrayal when the news of their relationship came to, but in the end, it was a happy ending for them. I want to know what happened between Elodie and Teagan! The tension and then them bumping to one another years later and the tension still between them and the freak out…?
This was the perfect blend of forbidden romance and spice and soft, stolen moments. I loved this so much!
(And the bonus epilogues - oh my GOD.)
When Rosemarie's bookstore goes underwater (thanks to a broken pipe) the only one by her side is her dad's best friend, Gavin Miller. As Gavin uses his contracting skills to get her bookstore back into business, they can't resist giving into the heated spark that ignites between them. And he can’t help with the way that Rose dresses. Many instances “are you trying to kill me.” And she barks back you do the same. Gah I loved them and their banter.
Rose, she was soft but strong because no one was there for her. And the contractor Gavin. He knew what he wanted but kept from crossing that line but Rose was hard to resist in the end. He just wanted her.
I loved that we got to experience Rose finding her place and Gavin opening up to love again! And that's not mentioning the spice, the way Gavin takes his time with his Rose, making sure she's comfortable and talking her through it, phew! He was perfection and any book boyfriend SWOON.
What really made this story stand out was the undeniable connection between Rose and Gavin (it was like it was radiating off the pages with the stolen glances.) It's not just lust, it's layered with longing, vulnerability, and a deep emotional pull that neither of them expected. The spice is absolutely incredible, Gavin is all about pleasure and Rose is eager to experience it all with him. I also loved the quiet moments that they shared, the stolen glances, and the way Gavin saw Rose for who she truly is, that made my heart ache in the best way. Kait captures that intoxicating blend of comfort and danger that comes with falling for someone you're not supposed to want, and she does it with raw honesty.
The connections between all the characters is woven in so perfectly as well. Rose and her best friend Elodie knows Gavin's daughter, and there's plenty of tension in the scenes with Gavin and Rose's dad that has you flying through the pages- due to their long standing friendship and I am sure Roses dad was feeling the betrayal when the news of their relationship came to, but in the end, it was a happy ending for them. I want to know what happened between Elodie and Teagan! The tension and then them bumping to one another years later and the tension still between them and the freak out…?
This was the perfect blend of forbidden romance and spice and soft, stolen moments. I loved this so much!
(And the bonus epilogues - oh my GOD.)
October 20, 2025
"I don't need you to be perfect," I said, low and sure. "I just need you to be mine."
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
When Rosemarie's bookstore goes underwater (thanks to a broken pipe) the only one by her side is her dad's best friend, Gavin Miller. As Gavin uses his contracting skills to get her bookstore back into business, they can't resist giving into the heated spark that ignites between them.
I was so hooked on this from the start - Rose is the sweetest, and you absolutely feel for her as her beloved bookstore gets destroyed. And this brings in her dad’s best friend – competent, handsome, protective Gavin, who can’t help his (thoroughly mutual) attraction. Who truly sees her as the days pass as they fix up her bookstore together, and who is willing to commit to everything and anything (even taking the blame with her parents) if it ensures that she’s happy. He had me absolutely swooning!!
The tension throughout is captivating, the “we shouldn’t” moments, the giving in, and my favorite – running into each other in public and balancing the urge to pretend they’re not together while unable to stay apart. There were so many moments that had my heart racing for every reason, all while being such a cozy and comforting and emotional read. I loved that we got to experience Rose finding her place and Gavin opening up to love again! And that’s not mentioning the spice, the way Gavin takes his time with his Rose, making sure she’s comfortable and talking her through it – phew! Perfection.
The connections between all the characters is woven in so perfectly as well - Rose and her best friend Elodie know Gavin's daughter, and there's plenty of tension in the scenes with Gavin and Rose's dad that has you flying through the pages. I am so excited for more in this series - I want to know what happened between Elodie and Teagan!
This is definitely going to be a comfort read of mine – the perfect blend of forbidden romance and spice and soft, stolen moments. I loved this so much! 💖 (And the bonus epilogues - oh my GOD. I will never be able to look at my tool kit without thinking of them!!)
Tropes & Tags:
🌹 contractor x bookstore owner
📖 forbidden romance
🔨 age gap
🌹 single (widowed) mmc
📖 virgin fmc
🔨 d@ddy kink
🌹 spice & comfort
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Kait Monroe! 📖]
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
When Rosemarie's bookstore goes underwater (thanks to a broken pipe) the only one by her side is her dad's best friend, Gavin Miller. As Gavin uses his contracting skills to get her bookstore back into business, they can't resist giving into the heated spark that ignites between them.
I was so hooked on this from the start - Rose is the sweetest, and you absolutely feel for her as her beloved bookstore gets destroyed. And this brings in her dad’s best friend – competent, handsome, protective Gavin, who can’t help his (thoroughly mutual) attraction. Who truly sees her as the days pass as they fix up her bookstore together, and who is willing to commit to everything and anything (even taking the blame with her parents) if it ensures that she’s happy. He had me absolutely swooning!!
The tension throughout is captivating, the “we shouldn’t” moments, the giving in, and my favorite – running into each other in public and balancing the urge to pretend they’re not together while unable to stay apart. There were so many moments that had my heart racing for every reason, all while being such a cozy and comforting and emotional read. I loved that we got to experience Rose finding her place and Gavin opening up to love again! And that’s not mentioning the spice, the way Gavin takes his time with his Rose, making sure she’s comfortable and talking her through it – phew! Perfection.
The connections between all the characters is woven in so perfectly as well - Rose and her best friend Elodie know Gavin's daughter, and there's plenty of tension in the scenes with Gavin and Rose's dad that has you flying through the pages. I am so excited for more in this series - I want to know what happened between Elodie and Teagan!
This is definitely going to be a comfort read of mine – the perfect blend of forbidden romance and spice and soft, stolen moments. I loved this so much! 💖 (And the bonus epilogues - oh my GOD. I will never be able to look at my tool kit without thinking of them!!)
Tropes & Tags:
🌹 contractor x bookstore owner
📖 forbidden romance
🔨 age gap
🌹 single (widowed) mmc
📖 virgin fmc
🔨 d@ddy kink
🌹 spice & comfort
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Kait Monroe! 📖]
October 17, 2025
Contractor’s Rose is a steamy romance that had me hooked from the dedication alone (iykyk). If you love an age-gap romance, forbidden tension, and small-town charm, this one’s for you.
Kait Monroe’s debut novel is everything I crave in a spicy romance: forbidden love, emotional depth, and characters that feel like they could walk off the page. Rosemarie Carter is a 27-year-old bookstore owner whose life is upended by a burst pipe, the story quickly heats up when Gavin Miller, her dad’s best friend steps in to save the day.
Let me just say: “Daddy” Gavin Miller is deliciously dangerous. The tension between him and Rose is palpable from the moment they connect. To everyone else she is Rosie, but to Gavin she is Rose, his Rose. Monroe doesn’t shy away from taboo tropes, and she leans into the age gap and the “dad’s best friend” dynamic with bold confidence. But what really surprised me was the emotional core of the story. Rose isn’t just a woman caught in a whirlwind romance; she is navigating her independence, and the pressure of living up to her family’s expectations. While Gavin is battling grief, and the strained relationship with his own daughter who happens to be the same age as Rose.
The writing is sharp and evocative, with just enough humor to balance the steam. Monroe’s voice is fresh, and I loved how she layered the romance with real-life stakes. The Bayridge setting adds cozy charm, and the bookstore backdrop made my bookish heart sing.
What really made this story stand out for me was the undeniable connection between Rose and Gavin. It’s not just lust, it’s layered with longing, vulnerability, and a deep emotional pull that neither of them expected. The spice is absolutely incredible, Gavin is all about pleasure and Rose
is eager to experience it all with him. I also loved the quiet moments that they shared, the stolen glances, and the way Gavin saw Rose for who she truly is, that made my heart ache in the best way. Monroe captures that intoxicating blend of comfort and danger that comes with falling for someone you’re not supposed to want, and she does it with raw honesty.
If you’re into age gap romances or forbidden love with a side of emotional healing, this book delivers. I can’t wait to see what Kait Monroe writes next!
A huge thank you to Kait Monroe for the early copy of her incredible debut novel!
Kait Monroe’s debut novel is everything I crave in a spicy romance: forbidden love, emotional depth, and characters that feel like they could walk off the page. Rosemarie Carter is a 27-year-old bookstore owner whose life is upended by a burst pipe, the story quickly heats up when Gavin Miller, her dad’s best friend steps in to save the day.
Let me just say: “Daddy” Gavin Miller is deliciously dangerous. The tension between him and Rose is palpable from the moment they connect. To everyone else she is Rosie, but to Gavin she is Rose, his Rose. Monroe doesn’t shy away from taboo tropes, and she leans into the age gap and the “dad’s best friend” dynamic with bold confidence. But what really surprised me was the emotional core of the story. Rose isn’t just a woman caught in a whirlwind romance; she is navigating her independence, and the pressure of living up to her family’s expectations. While Gavin is battling grief, and the strained relationship with his own daughter who happens to be the same age as Rose.
The writing is sharp and evocative, with just enough humor to balance the steam. Monroe’s voice is fresh, and I loved how she layered the romance with real-life stakes. The Bayridge setting adds cozy charm, and the bookstore backdrop made my bookish heart sing.
What really made this story stand out for me was the undeniable connection between Rose and Gavin. It’s not just lust, it’s layered with longing, vulnerability, and a deep emotional pull that neither of them expected. The spice is absolutely incredible, Gavin is all about pleasure and Rose
is eager to experience it all with him. I also loved the quiet moments that they shared, the stolen glances, and the way Gavin saw Rose for who she truly is, that made my heart ache in the best way. Monroe captures that intoxicating blend of comfort and danger that comes with falling for someone you’re not supposed to want, and she does it with raw honesty.
If you’re into age gap romances or forbidden love with a side of emotional healing, this book delivers. I can’t wait to see what Kait Monroe writes next!
A huge thank you to Kait Monroe for the early copy of her incredible debut novel!
October 24, 2025
Buckle up, because I’m about to gush like a busted pipe in a Victorian greenhouse. The Contractor’s Rose by Kait Monroe? Oh honey. This book is a blueprint for emotional demolition and romantic reconstruction, and I am obsessed.
Let’s start with the obvious: the title. “The Contractor’s Rose” sounds like it could be a gritty HGTV special meets poetic heartbreak, and guess what? IT IS. Every line, every glance, every emotionally loaded silence between the leads feels like it was measured with a laser level and sealed with a kiss of drywall dust.
Rose? A walking contradiction in the best way. She’s soft but steel-reinforced, like a velvet hammer. And the contractor (aka Gavin)? Don’t even get me started. He’s got forearms that could carry a beam and a soul that’s been weathered by storms. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and feed him soup, then yell at him for being emotionally constipated. It’s that kind of love.
The pacing? Immaculate. Kait doesn’t rush the renovation. She lets the tension simmer like a slow-cooked stew, rich, savory, and just when you think you’ve tasted every flavor, BAM! she keeps going. A moment so tender you clutch your chest and whisper “oh no” even though it’s a very good “oh no.”
There’s grit. There’s grace. There’s a line about grief that hit me so hard I had to put the book down and stare into the distance like if I was in a perfume ad lmaoo.
5 stars, a standing ovation for sure, I'll be repeating that truck scene for a loong long timee!
Let’s start with the obvious: the title. “The Contractor’s Rose” sounds like it could be a gritty HGTV special meets poetic heartbreak, and guess what? IT IS. Every line, every glance, every emotionally loaded silence between the leads feels like it was measured with a laser level and sealed with a kiss of drywall dust.
Rose? A walking contradiction in the best way. She’s soft but steel-reinforced, like a velvet hammer. And the contractor (aka Gavin)? Don’t even get me started. He’s got forearms that could carry a beam and a soul that’s been weathered by storms. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and feed him soup, then yell at him for being emotionally constipated. It’s that kind of love.
The pacing? Immaculate. Kait doesn’t rush the renovation. She lets the tension simmer like a slow-cooked stew, rich, savory, and just when you think you’ve tasted every flavor, BAM! she keeps going. A moment so tender you clutch your chest and whisper “oh no” even though it’s a very good “oh no.”
There’s grit. There’s grace. There’s a line about grief that hit me so hard I had to put the book down and stare into the distance like if I was in a perfume ad lmaoo.
5 stars, a standing ovation for sure, I'll be repeating that truck scene for a loong long timee!
December 22, 2025
This was a truly wonderful debut by Kait Monroe. Our FMC, Rose, is a bookstore owner. Our MMC, gavin, is Rose's dad's best friend. Let me tell you how weak in the knees I get for this kind of forbidden romance.
Kait had me in love with Daddy Gavin before the end of the first chapter!
When the book starts it very much feels like Rose is a damsel in distress, and she kind of is, but Gavin sees her strength and resilience, and through him we see it too.
The connection between Gavin and Rose was immediate. They are intrinsically drawn together and are vulnerable with each other in a way they aren't with anyone else. They truly SEE each other and support one another. It was so beautiful to witness.
Gavin lost his wife 9 years ago, but Rose has awakened parts of him he thought were forever dormant. And our beautiful Rose....it's like she just KNEW she needed to wait for Gavin, so she could give him all of her. Iykyk
Kait had me all up in my feels swooning, tearing up, sweating, laughing and cheering! I literally squealed at Gavin's steady assurance that Rose was it for him and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way!
And the mouth on this man and his dominance in the bedroom....I was a puddle on the floor panting for more!
I'm not sure if this is going to be a series, but I would love to find out the history between Rose's best friend and Gavin's Daughter!
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what we get next from this author!
•Dad's Best Friend
•Virgin FMC
•Age Gap 27/52
•Secret Relationship
•Daddy K!nk
3/5 🌶️
Kait had me in love with Daddy Gavin before the end of the first chapter!
When the book starts it very much feels like Rose is a damsel in distress, and she kind of is, but Gavin sees her strength and resilience, and through him we see it too.
The connection between Gavin and Rose was immediate. They are intrinsically drawn together and are vulnerable with each other in a way they aren't with anyone else. They truly SEE each other and support one another. It was so beautiful to witness.
Gavin lost his wife 9 years ago, but Rose has awakened parts of him he thought were forever dormant. And our beautiful Rose....it's like she just KNEW she needed to wait for Gavin, so she could give him all of her. Iykyk
Kait had me all up in my feels swooning, tearing up, sweating, laughing and cheering! I literally squealed at Gavin's steady assurance that Rose was it for him and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way!
And the mouth on this man and his dominance in the bedroom....I was a puddle on the floor panting for more!
I'm not sure if this is going to be a series, but I would love to find out the history between Rose's best friend and Gavin's Daughter!
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what we get next from this author!
•Dad's Best Friend
•Virgin FMC
•Age Gap 27/52
•Secret Relationship
•Daddy K!nk
3/5 🌶️
October 20, 2025
🌹🪜📚ARC Review📚🪜🌹
Thank you for this ARC of The Contractors Rose! I DEVOURED this book, reading it in one evening!
Rose is in the middle of a full on crisis, water is flooding into her bookshop creating so much damage and heartbreak! When in walks Gavin, her dad’s best friend and business partner also the man that Rose has been crushing on for most of her life, to save the day!
Gavin doesn’t like to see Rose cry, fighting his feelings for her for the past 3 years, he just can’t help himself, so what does he do he takes her upstairs to her apartment comforts her and makes her some hot coco and a grilled cheese🫶
Some flirting turns into him taking care of her which turns into passion and dare I say love? When she tells him she is a Virgin and she shrinks back thinking he won’t want her anymore, when in fact it makes him want her more! The way these characters are with/around each other makes the age gap of 25 years insignificant because of the way that these two MCs admire and are there for each other!
Some chaos ensues between Gavin’s Daughter Teagan and Ross’s best friend Elodie,and I really hope we get more Teagan and Elodie in a future book! 🖤 along with life updates for Rose and Gavin 🤭
Tropes:
🌹Virgin FMC
🪜Age Gap
📚Forbidden
🌹Mutual Pining
🪜Daddy K!nk
📚NO Third Act Break-up
October 26, 2025
The Contractor’s Rose by Kait Monroe is a sweet, spicy, small-town romance that had me hooked from the very first chapter. It blends the perfect amount of emotional tension, slow-burn chemistry, and that irresistible “dad’s best friend” forbidden element we all secretly love.
Rose is strong, independent, and a little bit guarded—she’s not about to make it easy for anyone to break down her walls. Then there’s him—the contractor who’s all rugged charm, quiet confidence, and knows exactly how to make a girl feel seen. Their banter is flirty, their attraction undeniable, and watching their relationship unfold felt like a comforting mix of tension and tenderness.
While I loved the characters and the small-town feel, I did wish a few parts had been developed just a little more—especially some of the emotional buildup toward the end. That being said, the story still delivered on every promise: heart, heat, and a happily ever after worth rooting for.
If you’re into age-gap, single-parent, small-town, or dad’s best friend tropes, this book deserves a spot on your TBR. Kait Monroe is definitely an author to keep an eye on—I can’t wait to see what she does next in the Bayridge series! 💕
Rose is strong, independent, and a little bit guarded—she’s not about to make it easy for anyone to break down her walls. Then there’s him—the contractor who’s all rugged charm, quiet confidence, and knows exactly how to make a girl feel seen. Their banter is flirty, their attraction undeniable, and watching their relationship unfold felt like a comforting mix of tension and tenderness.
While I loved the characters and the small-town feel, I did wish a few parts had been developed just a little more—especially some of the emotional buildup toward the end. That being said, the story still delivered on every promise: heart, heat, and a happily ever after worth rooting for.
If you’re into age-gap, single-parent, small-town, or dad’s best friend tropes, this book deserves a spot on your TBR. Kait Monroe is definitely an author to keep an eye on—I can’t wait to see what she does next in the Bayridge series! 💕
October 29, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
This was one of those rare age gap books that just missed the mark for me unfortunately. I mean, a short and sweet age gap novella with some k!nk, a small-town romance, comfort with spice... I enjoy all of these especially age gap romances.
Rosemarie and Gavin, the MCs, lacked chemistry (or even a spark of it for me). Their secretive and slightly forbidden relationship didn't actually feel that way to me at all. And yes, I realize this is a novella and part of a series, so it's definitely setting up for the successive books. However, there were just a few too loose ends for me with side characters and the plot.
Overall, it's not bad if you want something quick (I flew through it) and the tropes are to your liking. I think the series has potential, so I'd like to see what K. Monroe releases in the future!
🤎age gap
🔨 bookstore owner x contractor
📖 virgin fmc
🤎 parents' best friend
🔨 widowed mmc
📖 daddy k!nk
🤎 small town vibe
🔨 secret relationship
📖 comfort with spice
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
This was one of those rare age gap books that just missed the mark for me unfortunately. I mean, a short and sweet age gap novella with some k!nk, a small-town romance, comfort with spice... I enjoy all of these especially age gap romances.
Rosemarie and Gavin, the MCs, lacked chemistry (or even a spark of it for me). Their secretive and slightly forbidden relationship didn't actually feel that way to me at all. And yes, I realize this is a novella and part of a series, so it's definitely setting up for the successive books. However, there were just a few too loose ends for me with side characters and the plot.
Overall, it's not bad if you want something quick (I flew through it) and the tropes are to your liking. I think the series has potential, so I'd like to see what K. Monroe releases in the future!
🤎age gap
🔨 bookstore owner x contractor
📖 virgin fmc
🤎 parents' best friend
🔨 widowed mmc
📖 daddy k!nk
🤎 small town vibe
🔨 secret relationship
📖 comfort with spice
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!
October 6, 2025
This is my first read of October, and I fear I'll be chasing this high all month!
This book is absolutely perfect...from the plot that pops off from page one to the characters I couldn't help from falling in love with, this is a book I will most definitely revisit over and over. I really appreciated how delicate issues like grief and troubled parent-child relationships were explored, and the friendships in this story were just as important as the romance. The balance was so refreshing and thoughtful.
The spice is *chef's kiss* perfection, with just the right amount of slow to the burn, leaving me wanting to peek behind that curtain just one more time! I also really enjoyed the descriptions of scenes...the writer gave just the right amount of detail to paint a picture while still leaving some pieces to the imagination. And Gavin, well 🥵. Let me tell you, he is officially in my top 5 MMCs of 2025! That man can come fix anything in my house anytime...
This book is absolutely perfect...from the plot that pops off from page one to the characters I couldn't help from falling in love with, this is a book I will most definitely revisit over and over. I really appreciated how delicate issues like grief and troubled parent-child relationships were explored, and the friendships in this story were just as important as the romance. The balance was so refreshing and thoughtful.
The spice is *chef's kiss* perfection, with just the right amount of slow to the burn, leaving me wanting to peek behind that curtain just one more time! I also really enjoyed the descriptions of scenes...the writer gave just the right amount of detail to paint a picture while still leaving some pieces to the imagination. And Gavin, well 🥵. Let me tell you, he is officially in my top 5 MMCs of 2025! That man can come fix anything in my house anytime...
October 22, 2025
This is an incredible debut by Kait Monroe!
Kait has a way of writing that makes you feel like you're right there in the story, going through all the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that the characters are faced with.
I was drawn in from page one, heartbroken for the FMC- Rose, and very intrigued with the MMC-Gavin, all at once.
Rose is devastated when tragedy strikes her bookstore, but her Dad's best friend Gavin shows up with all the right tools to help her, in more ways than one 😉.
You will absolutely adore and devour this book if you love age gap (she's 27, he's 52) daddy vibes, father's best friend, hurt/comfort, no third act breakup 🥳, and great side characters.
I cannot wait to read more from Kait Monroe!
Kait has a way of writing that makes you feel like you're right there in the story, going through all the emotions, struggles, and triumphs that the characters are faced with.
I was drawn in from page one, heartbroken for the FMC- Rose, and very intrigued with the MMC-Gavin, all at once.
Rose is devastated when tragedy strikes her bookstore, but her Dad's best friend Gavin shows up with all the right tools to help her, in more ways than one 😉.
You will absolutely adore and devour this book if you love age gap (she's 27, he's 52) daddy vibes, father's best friend, hurt/comfort, no third act breakup 🥳, and great side characters.
I cannot wait to read more from Kait Monroe!
November 17, 2025
🧇🌹🥪The book was absolutely breathtaking! It tells the captivating story of Rosemarie, whose beloved bookshop is suddenly flooded, and introduces Gavin—her dad's best friend and business partner—who rushes to her rescue, offering support and helping her rebuild her bookshop. The novel is packed with instant chemistry between Rosemarie and Gavin,were they hold back there attraction to not hurt their loved ones. However, their undeniable connection and growing love become impossible to ignore. The story also delves into the deep friendships and the tense, complicated relationship between Gavin and his daughter. The book is Truly mesmerizing, I can’t wait to see what the author writes next! 💚🧡♥️❤️
October 22, 2025
The Contractor's Rose follows the story of Rosemarie and Gavin. & honestly, this fast paced forbidden romance hit all the marks for me. I love an age gap. I love an age gap even more if it's the dad's best friend.
Call HIM DADDY.
Okay, sorry folks I got a bit ahead of myself. Anyway, this story starts off with Rose dealing with a crisis and Gavin stepping up and in to help Rose. They've always had a thing for each other but it was never appropriate to act on the feelings.
These two navigate their feelings, the disaster and their families with so much patience and grace. I really loved this book. I gobbled it up in one afternoon.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Call HIM DADDY.
Okay, sorry folks I got a bit ahead of myself. Anyway, this story starts off with Rose dealing with a crisis and Gavin stepping up and in to help Rose. They've always had a thing for each other but it was never appropriate to act on the feelings.
These two navigate their feelings, the disaster and their families with so much patience and grace. I really loved this book. I gobbled it up in one afternoon.
I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2025
Rosemarie is having the worst day ever. One of her pipes burst and she had enough. Now she’s crying and wet. When her father’s best friends walks in and takes care of her. Hot chocolate to the rescue. Gavin is losing his mind. She is his best friend daughter she’s off limits. How does it feel perfect having her in his arms. Will she think he’s too old. Will she hate him he makes the first move? When he takes her side when her parents tell her to move on from her bookstore. She finally finds her home in the arms of Gavin.
October 20, 2025
oh my! I think my pipes burst reading this! one, it had me at bookstore lol. and 2, being older myself, I can see how a 52 year old guy is hot.
so this book was a win for me all the way around.
Rosemarie was just the sweetest. and i really felt for her when the pipe burst and ruined so much of her store. and then Gavin walking in and radio l ready to fix everything. including her lol.
just the fact they they knew that should stay away from one another bit couldn't was great. and to finally throw caution to the wind and get together was hot! I absolutely loved this book.
so this book was a win for me all the way around.
Rosemarie was just the sweetest. and i really felt for her when the pipe burst and ruined so much of her store. and then Gavin walking in and radio l ready to fix everything. including her lol.
just the fact they they knew that should stay away from one another bit couldn't was great. and to finally throw caution to the wind and get together was hot! I absolutely loved this book.
November 17, 2025
What a great debut novel! There is absolute undeniable chemistry between the main characters, from the get-go. Gavin is older and knows exactly how to treat a lady. Rose is younger, a little naive at first it seems, but there's more to her than meets the eye. This book got deep and emotional, and included real, everyday scenarios and themes. The spice was great and I really enjoyed watching their relationship flourish and seeing just how down bad Gavin truly was.
She was a fucking weapon in the wrong hands—and in mine? She was lethal.
She was a fucking weapon in the wrong hands—and in mine? She was lethal.
December 12, 2025
3.9 ⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️.8
im ovulating leave me alone 😂
fast paced af like he stepped in her shop and never left again 😂 thank god there wasnt third act breakup and surprisingly her fam and his took it so well 😂 almost too well i was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
this was cute read of age gap romance, daddy kink,
small town romance and many more 10/10 would recommend as a refresher for your reading.
im ovulating leave me alone 😂
fast paced af like he stepped in her shop and never left again 😂 thank god there wasnt third act breakup and surprisingly her fam and his took it so well 😂 almost too well i was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
this was cute read of age gap romance, daddy kink,
small town romance and many more 10/10 would recommend as a refresher for your reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
Two words: Daddy Gavin!
This was such a spicy, short novella, perfect for an evening read. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline, it was quick but still had depth. I’m realizing that age gap romances might be one of my favorite tropes! Gavin was perfect, and I loved that he truly saw Rose for who she was.
This was such a spicy, short novella, perfect for an evening read. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline, it was quick but still had depth. I’m realizing that age gap romances might be one of my favorite tropes! Gavin was perfect, and I loved that he truly saw Rose for who she was.
October 24, 2025
hallmark swoon worthy with some spice!!
This has been such a sweet, romantic and cozy vibe/read. Giving all the feel good, giddiness and some extra heat where it mattered! Age gap? Yes please! Patient and attentive daddy? Check! Some real world problems and challenges, also there. All wrapped up in a warm blanket to chase your cares away 🥰💞
This has been such a sweet, romantic and cozy vibe/read. Giving all the feel good, giddiness and some extra heat where it mattered! Age gap? Yes please! Patient and attentive daddy? Check! Some real world problems and challenges, also there. All wrapped up in a warm blanket to chase your cares away 🥰💞
October 24, 2025
This book. Once I picked it up it was so hard to put down. Kept telling myself one more chapter as we do, next thing I knew it was midnight. If you like age gap spicy novellas, this one is for you! 🔨🌹🪛🤎
October 9, 2025
For a short ARC novella it was damn good! The spice was top tier and Daddy Gavin was HOT AF!
December 17, 2025
when was the last time a novella made me cry?
this was spicy and emotional - I love age gaps and single dad romances because of the humorous moments 🤭
Absolutely loved!
this was spicy and emotional - I love age gaps and single dad romances because of the humorous moments 🤭
Absolutely loved!
October 21, 2025
I’m so freaking in love. I mean, WHAT A DEBUT 🫶🏼
In TCR we meet Rose, a very responsible bookstore owner, whose livelihood quite literally gets flooded out when a pipe bursts and ruins her store + her feelings. Then, daddy Gavin walks in to save the day, our much older dad’s best friend. & not only is he going to help you with your store, he’s gonna help Rose out in the process 😉😉
TCR has so many things that I think everyone can relate to! ex - saying things are fine when they are quite literally not. & I cannot wait to maybe see what happens next ✨
In TCR we meet Rose, a very responsible bookstore owner, whose livelihood quite literally gets flooded out when a pipe bursts and ruins her store + her feelings. Then, daddy Gavin walks in to save the day, our much older dad’s best friend. & not only is he going to help you with your store, he’s gonna help Rose out in the process 😉😉
TCR has so many things that I think everyone can relate to! ex - saying things are fine when they are quite literally not. & I cannot wait to maybe see what happens next ✨
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