He rescued her in a blizzard. Now this grumpy mountain commander is about to become her Daddy.
When Kayley Banks drives into a Timber Creek snowstorm with a sick baby and nowhere left to run, the last person she expects to save her is a towering, bossy ex–Navy SEAL who answers the door with a gun in his hand and worry in his eyes.
Gavin Messer built Haven 7 on Wedding Cake Mountain to keep the world out and his ghosts in. But one shivering woman and her feverish baby crack his defenses wide open. Protective custody turns into shared hot cocoa, one massive bed, and a baby who will only sleep if she’s pressed between them like a little starfish.
Kayley swore she’d never trust another man. Gavin swore he’d never fail a civilian again.
But when the same shadowy Network that destroyed Gavin’s team comes hunting for Kayley’s baby, this commander will burn the mountain down before he lets anyone take what’s his.
Small town. Found family. One bed. And a mountain man who was never meant to be Daddy—until her.
Welcome to the tantalizing world of Lizzie Sparks, where dark romance blooms like wildflowers in the shadows. Hailing from the lush landscapes of South Carolina, Lizzie crafts gripping tales that delve into the alluring, often dangerous realm of mafia life. With each story, she weaves a tapestry of passion, possessive heroes, and innocent heroines navigating love's treacherous waters.
When she's not conjuring up sultry scenes filled with steamy dialogue and tantalizing encounters, you can find Lizzie tending to her garden, nurturing vibrant blooms that reflect her quirky personality. She believes that just like love, a garden requires patience, dedication, and a touch of daring to thrive.
⭐️⭐️⭐️¾ Commander Daddy by Lizzie Sparks ARC Review
Overall, this was a strong read for me with a lot to love, even if a few elements did not hit quite as hard as I wanted.
The plot was solid and well paced. It kept me engaged from the start and gave enough tension and structure to support both the romance and the found-family dynamic. I never felt lost or bored, and the story flowed smoothly from beginning to end.
The characters were a highlight. Kayley absolutely had grit. I loved her strength, her resilience, and the way she carried herself even when everything around her felt uncertain. She did not feel passive or helpless, and that made her easy to root for. Adrian, the baby, completely stole my heart. He was genuinely adorable and added so much warmth to the story without feeling like a plot device.
The men at the compound were another big win for me. I loved how protective they were and how quickly they pulled Kayley into their family. That immediate sense of belonging and safety was really well done and gave the book a strong emotional core. The found-family aspect was one of my favorite parts.
The spice, however, was where things fell a bit flat for me. I am absolutely fine with Daddy dynamics in the bedroom, but here it felt awkward and somewhat forced, especially when Gavin said it. Instead of feeling natural or hot, it pulled me out of the moment. I also would have liked more spice overall, both in frequency and intensity, to better match the tone of the relationship.
The ending was satisfying and wrapped things up well. It felt earned and gave good closure without dragging. That said, I really wish we had learned more about Harper. She intrigued me, and her story felt like it deserved more page time and depth.
Overall, Commander Daddy was an enjoyable read with strong characters, a solid plot, and a found-family dynamic that really worked for me. While the spice did not quite land and a few threads felt underexplored, I still had a good time reading and would absolutely continue with this world.
What a fantastic story! The characters, the humour, the tropes!!
Strong FMC Kayla finds herself on the run with her newborn nephew Aiden, after the tragic death of her sister. Protective MMC Commander Gavin (ex military) finds her broken down in a snow storm and brings her to Haven 7 -
"Sounds cozy. Is it a rehab center for ex-assassins or something?” - Kayla
"Aidan’s cry slices through the dark like an alarm. Not the sharp, panicked kind—thank God—but the hungry, offended wail of a baby who has decided the world has betrayed him and would like to file a formal complaint immediately." - Gavin
What follows is a wonderful story full of found family, sass and action! Can't wait to read the next in the series.
This was such a good read. I love the humour quotas it has. Protective MC, strong but hurt FMC. I love the group of men, the concept, and can't wait for the next!
"It’s a compound. Definitely a compound. And at this point? I don’t care if it’s run by mountain lions or a bunch of shirtless cult leaders. I’m out of options."
“Sounds cozy. Is it a rehab center for ex-assassins or something?”
"And I don’t like that it’s making me feel like a man again. Because men make mistakes. Men feel. Commanders protect. And I’ve got a bad feeling I’m going to do both."
"I still trust him. But trust doesn’t mean I can survive secrets."
Holy moly! This is my type of book. Dark and twisty with a side of mountain man.
FMC is the recently appointed guardian of her nephew after her sister was in a car accident that’s more sinister then it first appears. Now she’s on the run with a sick baby and people wanting the baby.
MMC is part of an ex military group that have their own land they’ve turned into a ‘war’ room and then their own respective houses. When FMC’s car breaks down? She stumbles upon the group when she needs them the most. Can they crack who’s searching for her and why they desperately want her nephew.
Would have loved if this book was longer but excited to see how book two goes!.
Commander Daddy was a fast‑paced, spicy, and thoroughly entertaining read. I loved the FMC’s attitude and sarcasm — she’s strong, determined, and capable, yet still willing to ask for help when she needs it. The MMC is your classic alpha who fiercely protects what’s his, and their dynamic made the story so much fun.
Baby Aiden was adorable, and I really appreciated that he wasn’t just a background prop — we actually got to enjoy him as a character. My only wish is that the book had been a bit longer so we could dive deeper into the FMC’s backstory and enjoy a little more spice.
Either way, I’m hooked. I’m ready to learn more about the men of Haven 7 in the next books.
• Daddy kink • Virgin FMC • Found family • He falls first • Protective MMC
Kayley - on the run after her sisters's death with her nephew. Her car breaks down on the side of the road in a snow storm. She has to walk to the first building she sees, Haven 7.
Gavin - is on the guys at the security firm and takes one look at her and the baby in her arms and says MINE. He will do anything to protect them.
I am so glad I had the chance to read this book and discover Haven 7. I am hooked and I need to know more right now. its a great story of instant attraction but there is so much more. These characters were so relatable. it could easily have been me in the story and that makes it even better. Gavin and Kayley may find a HEA but the story is NOT over. I am so ready for the next book!
Wanting a quick smut filled read? This may just be the book for you!
Based around a struggling single mum (auntie) who is on the run from unknown enemies, stumbling into a high security unit and all the men living in it.
Her and the main MC have smoking chemistry from the first meet and it just continues to grow. With twists in the plot along the way.
I absolutely blitzed through this and cant wait for the next in the series.
“Commander Daddy” was a great, quick read! It’s not the generic military-guy-gets-the-damsel-in-distress trope. You really feel Gavin’s desperation to help Kayley and the baby, but Kayley doesn’t need to be rescued. I just wished it was longer. BUT that just gives me time to read the next in the Timber Creek Daddies series…seriously, Lizzie, get on that. I can’t wait! #ARC
This is an ARC review! If you’re looking for a quick, smutty, read this is it! Makes a great novella and looking forward to the next book. The story line had the potential to be a lengthy book wi the potential to be a story for each member of Heaven 7, so it did feel a little rushed. Overall pretty descent.
Reviewing an Advance Readers Copy (ARC). On the run, stranded in a snow storm, all with a baby. Kayley is full of snark and finds Gavin who turns out to be the ultimate protector. The story draws you in and keeps you invested until the very end, while setting the scene for the next book.
First book in a series full of grumpy mountain men finding love in a suspenseful way.
It had great plot for the length of the book. Lots of suspense and just enough of a conclusion to feel this book was complete yet enough left to lead you on for the following.