My Dad's Best Friend

by Lindsey Hart

A Gothic Baker x A Celebrity Chef = 🔥🔥🔥

He was my dad’s best friend…
The man I grew up hearing stories about—the legend who could turn food into magic.
The one who vanished after betraying my family.

Now my family’s bakery is dying, and my dad has one impossible
Find Luca Carson.
And bring him home.

Except Luca isn’t the man I imagined.
He’s scarred, brooding, and hiding away in a lakefront mansion where secrets go to rot.
And I didn’t expect him to make me laugh.
To make me feel.
To make me forget every reason I came here in the first place.
He thinks I’m someone else.
And when he finds out who I really am…
I’ll lose the one man I never meant to fall for.


✔️ Dad’s Best Friend
✔️ Forbidden Age Gap
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔️ Beauty & the Beast vibes
✔️ Small Town Bakery
✔️ Foodie Romance
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Explosive Chemistry

A forbidden, age-gap, steamy romance served warm with a side of pie and heartbreak.


ALL BOOKS IN THIS SERIES IS A STANDALONE AND CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Lindsey Hart specializes in sweet to extra hot and dirty romance and strongly believes in happily ever after. If you are looking for a page turner, then you are in for a wild and naughty ride with feisty heroines and alpha male heroes.

Reviews

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Love Worth all the Risks -
Dulcie’s plan to get Luca to agree to go back with her didn’t go as planned, as she felt an inexplicable pull towards him, that made her anxious the longer she spent time with him. Even though Dulcie tried to enjoy the time she spent with Luca, her guilt wouldn’t allow her continue, so she decided to reveal the entire truth, which included her deception. Luca had been living as a recluse ever since his accident, so his feelings for Dulcie grew quickly when she didn’t make him feel different.

However, Luca started spiralling the moment Dulcie revealed her secret, but after having time to calm down and think about everything he agreed to Dulcie’s request, as he believed her feelings for him were genuine. Luca and Dulcie’s relationship grew over their journey back to her hometown, especially after the care she gave him during the trip. Unfortunately, whilst Dulcie’s dad was initially happy to see both of them, his attitude changed once he discovered their relationship was more than platonic.

Luckily, Luca and Dulcie didn’t give up on each other, but instead took their time to get to know each other better, whilst planning for their future and waiting to complete the reason she asked him to go back with her. Nevertheless, Luca and Dulcie ultimately got to have the happy lives they wanted after all the obstacles in their path were removed. This is a fantastic forbidden romance story with lots of drama, amazing passion-filled moments and a captivating storyline that kept me engaged and unable to stop reading until I reached the end. This is a definite must read book.

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

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luca and Dulcie

Dulcie grew up in a pie world. Her parents, her grandparents, ran a bakery and baked pies. But things aren’t quite what they use to be. Year after year they were the best, but it’s now been years since that happened and the bakery is going downhill fast. That’s when Dulcie’s parents come to her, telling her the story of those early years, and Luca.

Luca was once well known in the culinary world. But after an accident, he barely ever leaves the house. That doesn’t stop his parents from trying to set him up though. And that’s Dulcie’s way in.

Now she just has to figure out a way to get Luca to trust her, after deceiving him, and go home with her to save her family’s bakery.

Cute story. There are several things to like about this story. To start, it’s quite different which is always a good thing. Luca is the quiet, reserved one, with a difficult situation, which is usually the female character. Love the switch up. Love the strong female and her reactions to everything. Strong. Positive. Heartfelt. Caring. Judging based on what’s inside, heart and soul. A lot of lessons in this book people can take and learn from. Good read!

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. After listening to her Dad complaining about his friend that left the bakery and never returned. He feels that the bakery could have been more successful if he had stayed. Dulcie decides to go visit him to see if she can persuade him to come back. However it is not a simple task, Luca has become a recluse after an accident at work left him facially scarred.
His parents are always trying to marry him off but the 'would-be brides' have to sign a non-disclosure contract. Not to be deterred Dulcie heads off and signs the contract using a false name. When she reveals her true purpose and who her dad is he panics but eventually agrees to go back to meet up with her Dad.
I loved the chemistry between Dulcie and Luca and the way the story unfolded. Another great read in this series.

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

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book, a little different from the age gap trope, so be ready to be entertained.

Let's start that this story revolves around a bakery with a superb pie, but is declining, and to bring it back Dulcie will have to get the help of her dad's best friend and recluse extraordinaire, Luca. She finds a way to enter into his life without revealing her true name or hopes, he has been hiding after and accident left scars, But as she sees past his facade, they start falling, and he starts to come out of his shell that is until who she truly is comes to light. Can they survive this?

The story is fast paced well crafted, it has a fairy tale kind of vibe in some parts. THe back story of his fall, their chemistry, and love will have you swooning and cheering for them!.

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

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd enjoyed reading this older man-younger woman romance story. This story is about Luca a recluse baker after a fire accident disfigured him and Dulcie a baker who was sent by her father to return Luca back to save their struggling family bakery business known for their pies. Her father believes Luca cursed them when he left and became famous. Dulcie is unsure that Luca would listen to her because of who her family is, so she reinvents herself. Dulcie visits Luca and he accepted her, and they become close and romantic, but will Luca help her family when she tells the truth? I'd liked the characters; the drama was realistic, and the romance was steamy in this story. I'd volunteer to read and review this enjoyable copy I'd received.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book read differently to others by Lindsey but was no less brilliant. Dulcie wants to do right by her Dad to ease his pain of the failing family bakery. She meets Luca, her Dad’s muse, from years ago. He has no idea who she really is and an attraction builds between them. He has become a recluse following an incident in one of his restaurants and Dulcie slowly brings him out of his shell. Dulcie sees the world differently to Luca and her beautiful way with words enchants him. Rather than a raunchy steamy book this is a beautiful love story with underlying heat. I loved this well written story and highly recommend it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dulcie needs help saving the family bakery, so her father sends her to find Luca. Luca is someone she had grown up hearing stories about, but when she meets him in person, they are instantly drawn to each other. Luca was Dulcie's dad's best friend, who became a recluse after a fire left him scarred, but meeting Dulcie has changed everything for him. This age gap, dad's best friend, instalove romance has a good storyline, believable characters, and a happily ever after. My Dad's Best Friend is book three and a great addition to the Scandalous Billionaires series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is asked by her father to find a man to help save the family business but in order to accomplish it Dulcie pretends to be someone else. Her deception works but she has also fallen for the very man she is to bring home to help save the family business. When the truth comes out will Luca and Dulcie be able to handle to fallout. This story has beauty and the beast vibes and had me all caught up in Dulcie and Luca.

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for a taboo, age gap romance that is sweet as pie and very spicy too. Dulcie needs to save the family bakery, know for it's amazing pies, by finding her dad's best friend, Luca. He's become a recluse after a fire has left him scarred. Dulcie pretends to be someone else in order to get close to Luca, but is unprepared for the attraction between them. Once he finds out who she really is, will he be able to trust her? A good story with good, in depth characters. Great chemistry and lots of great pie.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dad's Best Friend is a taboo age gap romance between Dulcie, who works at her parents failing bakery and agrees to help her father by seeking out Luca who was his partner in the past, and Luca, an award winning chef whose restaurant caught fire leaving him aa a scarred recluse. With the help of a friend who is a hacker, Dulcie finds him but they have a steamy encounter prior to his finding she is the daughter of his best friend needing help. This is another fantastic romance by Leslie Hart.

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

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of the story starts with the blurb and then unfolds from there. I found myself particularly intrigued by the word "curse," which actually serves as the reason for the MCs to meet, so it's not all bad. The FMC is clearly onto the MMC, and he’s aware of her too. It’s quite amusing to see how the FMC handles him. I’m pretty sure the MMC is a bit bewildered about how to deal with her. There were a few surprises along the way that added some interesting twists to the story.

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

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dad’s Best Friend by Lindsey Hart is one of those rare finds that you simply can't put down. This age gap romance is a slow burn in the best, most tantalizing way, perfectly blending quirky charm with steamy tension. The central theme—pie—might sound unusual, but Hart weaves it into the narrative so seamlessly that it becomes a delightful symbol of connection, comfort, and, surprisingly, seduction.

The characters are refreshingly interesting, each layered with depth and authenticity. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their journey from tension-filled interactions to passionate love utterly captivating. The plot is wonderfully crafted, with twists that keep you engaged without overshadowing the tender emotional growth of the characters.

And the ending? Pure happiness. It wraps up their story with warmth and satisfaction, leaving a smile on your face long after the last page. If you're looking for a romance that’s both weirdly erotic and heartwarmingly sweet, this book is a must-read.

[Sue Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok age-gap romance. Whilst I did enjoy this story of bakery family member, Dulcie & her father’s previous employee, Luca I found it lacked the pace of other books I have read from this author. I loved the development of the romance between them, and the two main characters are very likeable with Dulcie a kind, caring and mature young woman who immediately finds chemistry with scarred and reclusive Luca. The story is fairly gentle with few surprises and a predictable HEA.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dulcie pretends to be a blind wife potential to Luca in order to convince him to reconcile things with her father. With their age difference, neither expected to feel the instant, intense chemistry and connection they had. Through chemistry, laughter, soul searching, pies, and cats, they build an unbreakable bond.

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

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely sweet, sassy, funny story that although did have a bit of sadness with Luca's injuries but also about the relationship with her dad.
I l9ved the inner monologue & the loving chemistry between Dulcie & Luca that kept you hooked til they took their relationship to the next level & got any happy ever after.

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

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dulcie is playing a dangerous game that if it fails, she will lose the man she has fallen for. She is pretending to be someone else so she can talk to him but didn't expect their attraction. Can these 2 find a way to gain the trust back and find their HEA? Great novel.

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

[Judy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really well written and covered an often overlooked part of society. Facial disfigurement and the traumatic effects of it were discussed in a very real and open manner, with wit and charm. I loved the characters in this book. Luca and Dulcie seemed destined for each other.

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

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We follow Dulcie’s story with her family, their bakery, the high and low of a business and a mysterious Luca. Prepare to be charmed by this adventure filled with lots of misunderstandings but fabulous family moments. I fell in love with Luca. I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us an older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Luca and Dulcie. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with forbidden desires, connection, secrets, insecurities and steam.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca isn't the same man he once was, he's been hardened by his experiences. Maybe Dulcie, the daughter of his once best friend, can be the balm that soothes him, like Belle in Beauty and the Beast. A steamy read with small town vibes, age gap dynamics, and a touch of taboo/forbidden too. A great read.

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

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good pie baking experience can achieve is insurmountable, years of hurt, dissatisfaction and dreams not achieved can be resolved.

An interesting read of love through the ages that could be taboo but also refreshing.

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

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best age gap romance books I have read this year! So hot! I could not put this book down and finished the entire thing in a single sitting. Chores and life itself was forgotten once I started this book. Definitely a must read if you love romance! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drool worthy

My Dad's Best Friend is the third book in the Scandalous Billionaires series. This is a mouthwatering story, and not just because of the delicious pie that the bakery makes. The story is an age-gap, father's best friend, secret identity and recluse trope mixed together into a fun, swoony, tasty and passionate reading experience.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really intriguing story,it’s age gap romance, second chance in life to get happiness.
The story has also twist, not always what they thought was real or thrue.
Great characters. It’s emotional rollercoaster, great ending.

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

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Scandalous Billionaires Series, but can be read as a standalone. You'll love Dulcie and Luca's slow burn romance. He was a wonder in the culinary world until an accident forced him into seclusion. Dulcie's family owns a struggling bakery and the only person who can save it is Luca. She is determined to bring him back and goes undercover as someone else to convince him. Their chemistry is strong, but what happens when he finds out she deceived him? Well written with a strong female lead. A great book with a predictable HEA. I received a free copy of this book via the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the slow burn romance. Dulcie is a strong character who draws Luca back out. I'm glad they fell in love. Their helping the bakery is a nice bonus.

[Amanda Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of how the H and h met and them getting to know each other. Once the story got to the H and h returning home and meeting up with her parents, it seemed everything was rushed and felt kinda awkward.

[J P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both main characters in this book. A damaged soul and a loving daughter who were very believable. With her trademark wit and humor, this author once again wrote another great story.

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

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent age gap!
Liked the Beauty and the Beast type feel of the storyline. And who can resist a bakery!.

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

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad’s best friend was Dulcie and Luca’s story. It was an entertaining read. I received an early copy via bs. And voluntarily leaving this review.