Damaged Daddy

by Nelly Adler

Unforgettable nights with the man who always keeps me safe—
And now I’m carrying his baby… and it finally feels like home.

Nate Bennett is the gruff, silent legend everyone in Ember Ridge whispers about.
Broad shoulders. Haunted eyes. A past wrapped in shadows he refuses to name.

Years ago, an ambush overseas took everything from him—his best friend, his loyal K9.
Since then, Nate’s buried himself in hard work and harder silences.
He shows up at my rescue shelter claiming it’s about the dogs, never about me.

But I see the truth in the way he looks at me.
The way his voice drops when we’re alone.
The way our late-night talks turn into even later nights tangled in sheets.

Somewhere between his walls crumbling and mine finally falling—
I fall for him. Hard.

But just as we finally let ourselves believe in more, danger finds us.
He throws himself in front of a bullet meant for me.
Now I’m the one pacing hospital hallways.
Praying the man I love survives long enough…
To meet the child who already calls him daddy in my heart.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Hello, Friend!

Welcome to my little corner of the romance world—where grumpy heroes fall hard, sassy heroines steal hearts, and happily-ever-afters are always guaranteed
I'm so glad you're here. Below is a list of my steamy, feel-good reads, perfect for curling up with a cup of coffee... or a glass of wine (no judgment here!).

The Grumpy Billionaire Collection
My Grumpy Billionaire’s Nanny
Enemies to lovers. Best friend’s brother. Surprise pregnancy.

My Grumpy Billionaire Mountain Man
Brother’s best friend. One wedding. One bed. One mistake that feels way too right.

My Grumpy Billionaire Protector
Runaway bride. Best man. Secluded resort. He was never supposed to be the one…

My Grumpy Firefighter Daddy
Mistaken identity. Single dad. ER nurse. Sparks fly and hearts collide.

And now I have a
A BRAND-NEW SERIES!

The Wildfire Pact Series – Book 1
The Firefighter’s Fake Fiancée
Runaway bride + fake engagement + small-town chaos = one blazing hot second chance.

Book 2, Damaged Daddy, coming soon!!

Thank you so much for being here. I hope you fall in love with these characters the way I did while writing them. Your support means the world to me!

With love and a little steam,
Nelly Adler

Reviews

[L V · Rating 3 out of 5]

One can never resist a puppy looking at you with adoring eyes and snuggling up to you. That’s what happened to the big brute Nate that day that he stopped at the shelter. There was nothing hotter than a man with a soft spot for dogs, and, Piper, the owner of the shelter, saw that, too.

The story was nice and sweet, and the overall read was pretty good. I mean, who wouldn’t like a dog story? I just kind of found it to be a mild read with a slow and steady pace. Overall, this was a fairly nice romance.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Damaged Daddy, by Nelly Adler. Piper and Nate's story is emotional, suspenseful, and romantic with an added dash of cute fury animals, a uniformed hero, and lots of baked goods.
This is book 2 of the Wildfire Pact series about four friends who survived a horrific fire, but can be read as a stand alone.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compelling story centers around cute furry friends and a damaged man who lost too much in the military. He is back home and trying to get his life in order when he connects with Piper. Their relationship touches the heart and has you in their corner cheering them on to getting their chance for happiness.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Damaged Daddy” by Nelly Adler

-An emotional, tender romance filled with hope, healing, and second chances. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Nate, a wounded soldier, finds light again through Piper’s warmth and strength. This is book 2 of a series about four girlfriends who survived a fire together.

Furry friends, baked goods, and deep friendship add heart to every page. A touching story of love after loss and the power of supportive women.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the weather is cloudy out and you just want to stay inside and read a really wonderful romance book grab your kindle and this book right here by Nelly. This is the type of book that will stay with you from start to finish and might bring a few unshed tears to your eyes in the process of turning the pages. I thought that Piper and Nate were two enjoyable and romantic characters to read about. Nelly has done a fabulous job writing this engaging and entertaining must read book.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged Daddy by Nelly Adler is the second book of The Wildfire Pact Series.

Piper and Nate's story is an emotional heartfelt second chance romance. Piper and Nate are characters actually have depth, so you’re invested in them beyond just the romance. I loved their story, Nelly Adler has written another great book in The Wildfire Pact Series.

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

[Sheila M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and steamy book that features the love story of Nate and Piper. I enjoyed the book and appreciated the emotional depth of the bond between the MCs and the relationship between the MCs and their friends. The MCs had a deeply caring and fun relationship, and they quickly went from friends to lovers. If you like well-written, tasteful and steamy love with a strong woman and alpha male, this may be an enjoyable book for you.

[Loretta Saxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where was the editing?

The storyline was fine but there were so many editing mistakes. Sentences, paragraphs and even chapter 9 were duplicated. I've purchased quite a few books written by Nelly Adler and the lack of editing in this one makes me leary of purchasing any more.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're like me and decide to step out of your normal read, this is the one to step out with. If you can get past the cover of this beautiful rough looking man, the story is well worth it!