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A spicy small-town romantic comedy about a single dad that’ll make you cry and laugh your ass off.
After moving to the small-town of Canyon Creek with nothing to her name but an ancient car off of craigslist, and a teaching position at the local middle school, Ivy Bennett quickly learned to love two things.

The two best friends she’s made—her eighty-year-old landlord and a more age-appropriate coworker—and the charming little town nestled in the pines.

The thing she hasn’t learned to love? Her job.

As if fate intervenes, Ivy gets laid off, and a job nannying for her best friend’s brother falls right in her lap.

Enter Wes Cooper.

He’s grumpy, tattooed, hot as hell, and has Ivy so nervous, she can’t help but make an ass of herself.

But when he lets his guard down, when the silence surrounds them, she realizes it’s all a mask to protect him and his daughter's hearts. When he melts for his daughter, and makes sure Ivy’s taken care of, she can’t help but fall.

Ivy has spent most of her adult life feeling alone—like a burden—but when Wes, and the sweetest little girl alive accept her into their life and family, she finally feels whole. Home.

She knows she’s just the nanny for the scowling tattoo artist, but she can’t help but feel like she’s right where she belongs.

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

248 people are currently reading
815 people want to read

About the author

Amelia Markley

3 books46 followers

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5 stars
578 (58%)
4 stars
320 (32%)
3 stars
73 (7%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,770 reviews984 followers
December 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐

This is really, really good. I had no idea this was the author's debut because it was just that amazing. I totally got that "Heartless" vibe from ES, but honestly, it was the writing style that really made it so enjoyable for me.

It's just that, based on experience, a few of the debut novels I've read could definitely use a bit of polishing. However, in this one, I can definitely say that the storytelling is just as good as what you'd find with more famous authors. And if I'm being honest, it's even better than some. 😄

Anyway, I really had a blast with it, and if readers enjoyed the book I mentioned above, they'd probably enjoy this too.

I couldn't give a 5⭐ because the push and pull from the MMC had me losing some hair, but overall, it was still entertaining.


Book info:
- Mini Age gap (h29/H34)
- Single Dad x Nanny
- BFF's brother
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Loss of loved one (past)
- No cheating, separation
- OM/OW (more like jealousy scenes)
- No V (h - more than a year, H - months ago)
- HEA (3 yrs later, married)


Notes:
- OM1. The MMC's brother hit on the FMC, but she wasn't interested in him.
- OM2. The bartender of said brother ⬆️ was also interested in Ivy. He asked for her number, and she gave it (this was around the time Wesley was ignoring her existence). They exchanged a few texts, but it never led to anything more because Wes is still taking over her mind.
- OW1. There was a woman that Wes kissed once in high school, who still couldn't get the memo that he's not interested in her. She approached him twice in the book. Ivy scared her off the first time, and the second time, Wes threatened her by saying he'd file a harassment complaint if she didn't stop bothering him.
- The mom. Wes had been best friends with Sarah (the mother) since they were 10. He loved her as a friend, but it didn’t go beyond that. Once they had a drunken hookup, and it ended up with her getting pregnant. She just ended things with her girlfriend (she was bi, but prefers women more), and Wes hadn't been dating anyone for a few months at that time. So, they just went ahead and did it, and he said it was the most awkward experience of their lives. Sadly, she died of a heart attack two days after giving birth.
Profile Image for Lydia.
24 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2026
I’m already feeling the effects of my book hangover because that was PERFECT
Profile Image for Amy Elias.
17 reviews
October 7, 2025
Such a good book. No third act breakup and Wes Cooper is a MAN! I can’t wait to read about Sophie and Beau🫣
Profile Image for Kloee Scaccianoce.
28 reviews
September 22, 2025
Such an enjoyable rom com read!
I loved this story line and the relationship between all of these characters. Wes Cooper 😮‍💨
Profile Image for Kyla Honey.
363 reviews11 followers
September 14, 2025
How was this her debut novel? holy perfection.

I knew within the first 50 pages that I was going to love and devour this book and I surely did.

Ivy loses her job teaching at the same time her best friend’s brother needs a nanny .. so you can imagine she got the job :)

Ivy and Delilah clicked right away and I was obsessed with them. Lilah was the best edition to this book, she was really the sweetest little girl & I knew Wes was going to fall in love with Ivy as soon as he saw how they were together — twins 🥰🥹

“Are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?”
“Good because that’s all I wanted”

Stop right now my ovaries .

Wes was so jealous and territorial early on about Ivy but he didn’t let her see that— but his family saw it and knew they were gonna be perfect for eachother.

I loved the family, specially the siblings — I knew right away I wanted books for all the side characters. Which can we just applause now? Because yes she made me fall in love with them all and want their stories next .

Rose was the cutest little landlord and edition to ivys life.

I need Sophie and beaus book like I need air, okay?

Another thing I loved? No third act break up . It’s so common & sometimes I just wanna see the couple happy the entire time and this delivered once they became a thing 😍

Tropes :

• Tattoo artist & Nanny
• Found family
• Small town
• Single dad
• Romantic Comedy
• Spicy
Profile Image for Amanda Marie.
31 reviews
October 6, 2025
SUPER impressed for her debut novel! 100000/10 stars 🤩 I’m a sucker for single dad/nanny tropes, so I knew this book would captivate me from Page 1. And it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

The spice was EVERYTHING as well 🥵

Can I also just say I am obsessed with Delilah and Ivy’s relationship? “I lub you Iby” like staaaappp 🥺

This book was truly so so much fun. One of the best I’ve read this year, hands down. I need more from this author ASAP! You hear me, Amelia? 🤣👏🏻
Profile Image for Marylou  Menjivar.
621 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2025
Okayyyyy

This book was ahhhhh!
Fucken swoon!

Read it if you like single dad (yummy)/ nanny, forced proximity, only one time, some cursed couch action 😂
meddling family, found family

This was a debut novel and I loved it!!! Can’t wait for what’s to come 👀
Profile Image for Ashley Abboud.
192 reviews
January 2, 2026
sweetly boring

More telling than showing. It’s sweet. Nothing happens. Even the allergic reaction is lame. Spicy scenes were fine. The woman giggles a lot.
Profile Image for Jamie.
81 reviews
October 3, 2025
I stumbled across this author on TikTok when she was promoting her debut, and her excitement convinced me to pick it up. I’m so glad I did because this was such a refreshing and sweet read.

First, let me say it was so refreshing to read a book where the mother of the child wasn’t the villain. I loved how Sarah was Wes’s best friend and how their one drunken night together let to a baby. Throughout the book, Wes even called her the voice of his conscience and she would call him out (in his head obviously).

Lily and Delia’s relationship was so special. Watching it bloom over time and seeing their love for each other grow was so sweet. And Delia’s obsession with dragons? Absolutely adorable.

Lily and Wes were both great characters, and their development felt realistic. There was no miscommunication, no over the top drama, just a lighthearted, feel good romcom. I loved this one.
Profile Image for Sarah S.
89 reviews
November 13, 2025
This was such a good read! I fell in love with the characters! Glad I found this author on tik tok!!
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,449 reviews
January 13, 2026
I really loved HEADFIRST and the writing grabbed my attention right from the start! Both Wes and Ivy had great POV "voices" and I'm really impressed this was a debut book. The writing was smooth and engaging, the plot was interesting and fun, and the characters were lovable.

We got some great grumpy/sunshine moments as Wes and Ivy got to know each other and I liked that while Wes was grumpy he was never an asshole. He didn't want to be attracted to his daughter's new nanny but he couldn't help trying to take care of her in small ways. Wes was definitely more the strong, silent type who expressed himself through actions rather than words. As he started to fall for Ivy he had these great soft moments that had me swooning. And don't even get me started on this man's filthy mouth, hello praise kink. I loved his chemistry with Ivy and the spicy scenes hit strong because these two were on fire together.

Ivy was also a great FMC with tons of energy, kindness, and resilience. She lost both of her parents at the same time and dealt with a jerk of an ex but she never let that destroy her compassion and zeal for life. I'm always a little nervous about books with kids in them but I actually loved the scenes with Ivy taking care of Delilah. They were really cute together!

All the side characters really rounded out the story and I loved Wes's crazy family. I'm so amazed this was a debut and I can't wait to read more by Amelia Markley.
Profile Image for Jordan Grilley.
177 reviews
September 8, 2025
The book is a damn 6/5 star ⭐️ book for sure.

I absolutely LOVED this book
I was eating this shit up until the last second
The chemistry between them was off the charts
I loved the way Ivy loved Delilah with her entire heart

Ivy loses her teaching job (her boss literally sucked wtf) and her best friends brother CONVENIENTLY needed a nanny the same time frame? I call it fate yall, they were destined to be.

Freaking Wesley, oh my goddddd. Literally he’s a tattoo artist, a single dad, he’s sweet, he calls her honey, and he talks dirty. What more could you ask for actually.

Delilah, the sweet, spunky, sassy, dragon loving girl…omg I couldn’t get enough of her. When she asked if they were boyfriend and girlfriend and then followed up with “that’s all I wanted” 😭😭😭

This story line was soooooo damn good
For a debut novel, I’m obsessed.
The love confession? YOURE KIDDING ME INSTANT TEARS

The fact that there was no third act break up?
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC

The chemistry and the spice?
Holyyyyyy 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Literally so good I can yap about this book and hype it up forever.

Definitely a top read for this year
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Profile Image for Mallory Garcia.
129 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2025
Ivy, a former school teacher, that is still new to town finds herself in need of a job. Coincidentally her best friends brother, Wes, finds himself without a nanny. What luck!

- Tattooed Single Dad/Nanny
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- HE COOKS FOR HER (I will swear by this being a legitimate trope until I die)
- Found Family
- Romcom

Ivy and Wes might be one of my favorite contemporary romance couples. Ivy is just as charismatic as Wes and you will be just as in love with her as you are with him. (You hear a lot about book boyfriends but Ivy is my top book girlfriend!) She is so caring, silly, and charming in how she carries herself. Wes is everything you want in a book boyfriend - he is grumpy and broody, fiercely jealous, and wildly protective but also sweet, nurturing, and just as charming as Ivy.

If you are looking for a lighthearted, fun romance that is free from miscommunication and 3rd act breakups, makes you laugh and kick your feet, you will want to pick this book up immediately but I warn you, I ate this up in 1 day.
Profile Image for Skyler Newhart.
84 reviews
January 3, 2026
I'm blown away by the fact that this was this author's debut novel. Their chemistry is off the charts. Definitely be of the best single dad romances I've read this year and I can't wait for more from her.

My only critique is that I would have liked to see more character development for the MMC. I wanted more insight into his life as a tattoo artist, and just more depth overall. I know Ivy didn't just love him because he's "hot," but it took a decent chunk of the book to understand what she liked about him beyond their chemistry. There's also a few formatting and grammar issues (at one point, the tenses change for a page) but that's just a note. I see Headfirst got picked up by a publisher, so I'm sure that'll be resolved.

Definitely recommend this one and have a feeling it's going to blow up!
Profile Image for Zoe Owens.
122 reviews
October 10, 2025
This book is for sure one of my top 5 books of 2025. I absolutely loved this book so much. The mmc is fucking perfection. I love an obsessed man as well as a considerate, hot, jacked, single dad! Holy hot! And ivy omg I love her so much. I understand her struggle with feeling like a burden and trying to put herself out there in little ways. I laughed and cried and truly felt the love this couple shared. And the love they share for that little girl. I love love love loveeeeee this book. I need more about the rest of the siblings and I loved Wesley’s parents! They are the sweetest and truly what I aspire to have as I get older. If I could score this book higher I WOULD!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ also the spice was fucking perfect and gah damn… 🥵🥵🥵🥵
1 review
September 1, 2025
I loved this book. You HAVE to read it!
From the very beginning, you fall in love with ALL the characters. Ivy? Be my best friend please. Wes? Swoon. Delilah? I CAN’T. Rose? Hilarious. I could go on and on and on and on….
The story is so well done - no stupid miscommunications or annoying interactions, just happy, light-hearted reading. It literally made laugh out loud and also cry, but good stories do that sometimes!
Such easy read, with good spice and jokes on every page.
I know more is coming and I just can’t wait!
Profile Image for Mariah.
354 reviews7 followers
September 9, 2025
like striking gold!

I knew after chapter 2 this was going to be a five star read for me! The character development and plot were so on point and exactly what I needed but the best part was the perfection of the banter. Ivy and Wes are pure gold. And little Delilah with her perfect toddler voice, I could picture them so perfectly! This first book hit it out of the park and I cannot wait for more!

Before I conclude this review, it must be noted that the spice and mouth on this man was beyond anything I expected for this perfect romcom what a banger… literally 😜
Profile Image for Liz.
46 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
I need more!

✨ Don’t you just love when a book completely takes you by surprise?? Because SAME!

I stumbled across Head First on TikTok and thought, “what the heck, why not?” I was in a slump and just wanted something lighthearted… and wow, did it deliver! 😍 I could NOT put this one down—I was hooked from page one.

The banter and wit had me giggling like a schoolgirl the entire time, and honestly? I predict this will turn into such a fun series (manifesting 🤞).

Trust me—you’ll have to read it yourself to see what I mean! 😉📚
Profile Image for Bookish  Hays.
5 reviews
September 28, 2025
Truly one of the best books I’ve read this year!!
6/5⭐️ the amount of spice and banter along with an amazing story line… made me plummet headfirst over this book!

Was currently in a reading slump when I stumbled across this on TikTok. Of course I downloaded it immediately…

Now I’m going to be impatiently waiting for Amelia Markley to publish another amazing book! I personally would love to read more about the other Cooper siblings stories. I’m that invested! Like I have to know more history on Sophie and Beau.

Profile Image for Francine.
71 reviews
September 30, 2025
OMG! Incredible book!

This book had me hooked from the very 1st page. I could not get enough of Wes and Ivy's story! If I could give this book 10 stars, I absolutely would! It had lots of spice There were some parts that had me laughing out loud at how funny it was and it was just a great feel good Romantic story! Have you ever finished reading a book and actually felt sad because the story was over, well that's how I felt when this book ended. I just wanted it to go on forever! For a debut novel, it was a home run out of the ballpark!
Profile Image for Marisa Kirby.
76 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2025
What a charming, kick your feet, squeal multiple times kind of read! I had a blast! This debut novel has to be the start of a series. There are so many adorable side stories I’d love to continue to read about. I can see her be the next Elsie Silver. The writing was so easy to absorb. It had moments of shocking reactions and then immediate relatable ones that justified everything. If you want something that will just keep you cheesing your way through your day, pick up this one. 4.5 star read for me.
Profile Image for Ange.
190 reviews
November 2, 2025
A spicy slow burn that leaves you wanting more!

I’m always nervous when I pick up someone’s debit novel but this book went above my expectations. I found the author on TikTok and devoured this book in one day.

A super slow burn (honestly a little too slow for what I usually enjoy but I was too invested to really mind) that truly leaves you wanting more. I’d have taken 6 more epilogues. Ivy and Wes were truly meant to be.

The spice was top tier.

Found family is one of my favorites tropes so I hope the author plans to expand this series!

Profile Image for Aly.
37 reviews
November 24, 2025
Delicious!!!

I am very pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this book! I was literally laughing out loud “apples don’t make oranges” one of my favorite lines. Every character felt like someone I knew. The found family in this story was by far one of my favorite parts of it. But the tension and spice perfection. Just a truly wonderful, fun, spicy, giddy, heartwarming, belly laugh of a read. 10/10 would read again, and also can’t wait to see if we get more on Sophie and Beau…
Profile Image for Karly.
21 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2025
TikTok treasure!

I saw a blip of this while scrolling and was instantly intrigued. I downloaded immediately and was consumed by this sweet & spicy read.

The book flowed nicely, the story is just so sweet. It’s like a spicy hallmark and that is my favorite. The characters are well built and I hope there are some spin offs on some of the family characters. Lots of foreshadowing and potential. I highly recommend if you’re into a small town, HEA. I’ll definitely be reading more from you, Amelia!
Profile Image for mya..
34 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2025
This is exactly what I needed! Not too intense, but not too fluffy, with some good ol’ smut from a dirty-talking tattooed MAN🤌🏻 I ate this up in 24h

⭐️ = 4.5
📖 = 4
🌶️ = 2.75

-Single dad x nanny
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Found family
-“Just once”
-No third act break up✨
-Broody, obsessed, touch her and ☠️, tattoo artist MMC
-Funny, quirky, kinda awkward, sassy FMC
-B cup rep 👑
-Banter, yearning, tension, oh my
-She’s a writer and he reads her material👀
-Dual POV
-MF HEA

🖤Kinks & Interests🖤
-Praise
-She’s a brat
-Light spanking
-Light spitting
-Semi-public places
Profile Image for Jen.
212 reviews7 followers
September 15, 2025
Amazing!!

I cannot say enough good things about this book!!! I can’t get over how sweet, funny, thoughtful and smutty this book is! I laughed, cried and my kindle blushed HARD 😉 the whole time I read it and it will forever be one of the books that I wish I could read for the first time again! Excellent first book and I hope there’s more to come! I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
Profile Image for Monique Anstine.
14 reviews
September 20, 2025
My new auto buy author

I adored these characters and desperately want an entire series of this family! I've never enjoyed single dad\nanny trope until now. I love the ages, the emotional intelligence, banter, and growth of the characters - the main ones but really all of them. They felt like truly real people who respected each other and grew together and nothing felt contrived or Overly stretched out. Really loved it!
1 review
October 27, 2025
Hilarious RomCom

First I just wanted to say, I NEVER leave reviews, I just don’t think my tiny opinion matters.. but for this book I will!! I was smiling and grinning through the whole thing! All the characters are funny as hell! And I’m really hoping to read more about Sophia and Beau soon!! And maybe more about the other brothers! If you’re looking for a hilarious romcom grumpy vs sunshine this is your book!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
96 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2025
WOW!!!!🤩 I need to erase this from my brain so I can reread it immediately. Omg it was so good so sweet and so damn spicy!!! I loved it. Wesley is a dream and I just loved ivy’s attitude towards life. I know many people aren’t fans of single parent romances but they are truly some of my favorite and this one was done so incredibly beautiful. I’m so excited to see what this author does next because I will definitely be reading what she puts out!!
Profile Image for Liz.
54 reviews
December 9, 2025
Wesley and Ivy are everything!!

The tension 😅
The banter 🤌🏼
The spice 🔥

Grumpy/Sunshine
Tattooed Single Daddy
Nanny who slips inappropriate jokes
Funny 4 year old
Rude but hilarious old bestie

I love that you can feel the tension building for the characters in what I can only assume will be the next books!

Wesley is a case of when you let yourself fall you fall hard. I was never bored reading this book. 10/10!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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