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Decrypted
Love wasn't in the program -
but she rewrote the code.
Grumpy, single dad Lincoln Fisher is finished looking for love. The constant dating scene is taking a toll on him and keeping him from spending precious time with his daughter, Charlie. So when his most recent date ends as a dud, the much younger woman who accidentally stumbles into the men's restroom is exactly the one night stand he needs. He can have a night of fun and then focus on his daughter, his reclusive mom, and the cybersecurity company he owns with his brothers.
Recent college graduate Sierra Thomas is ready for a fresh start. Transplanting herself to the small town of Cheatham, Kentucky to be a nanny for a single dad raising his sassy six-year-old and caring for his grief-stricken mother seems like the right move. Ready for a new life, Sierra kicks things off by looking for love. Unfortunately, when her date turns out to be the literal worst, she finds herself crying in the bathroom instead of panting in the bedroom. That is, until an older stranger makes her a deal she can't refuse - one single night.
Or so they thought...
When Sierra shows up for duty at the adorable farmhouse she'll be calling home, the last person she expects to see is the man who swore to be a stranger the night before. He's the single dad. And she's the nanny.
but she rewrote the code.
Grumpy, single dad Lincoln Fisher is finished looking for love. The constant dating scene is taking a toll on him and keeping him from spending precious time with his daughter, Charlie. So when his most recent date ends as a dud, the much younger woman who accidentally stumbles into the men's restroom is exactly the one night stand he needs. He can have a night of fun and then focus on his daughter, his reclusive mom, and the cybersecurity company he owns with his brothers.
Recent college graduate Sierra Thomas is ready for a fresh start. Transplanting herself to the small town of Cheatham, Kentucky to be a nanny for a single dad raising his sassy six-year-old and caring for his grief-stricken mother seems like the right move. Ready for a new life, Sierra kicks things off by looking for love. Unfortunately, when her date turns out to be the literal worst, she finds herself crying in the bathroom instead of panting in the bedroom. That is, until an older stranger makes her a deal she can't refuse - one single night.
Or so they thought...
When Sierra shows up for duty at the adorable farmhouse she'll be calling home, the last person she expects to see is the man who swore to be a stranger the night before. He's the single dad. And she's the nanny.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 10, 2026
“So I hooked up in the bathroom with the man I’m interviewing with…”
And honestly? That sentence alone tells you exactly what kind of ride Decrypted is.
Meribeth Richards delivers a sharp, spicy, laugh-out-loud romance that blends workplace tension, sizzling chemistry, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages like your dignity depends on it. The banter is top-tier, the attraction is immediate (and unapologetic), and the decisions? Questionable in the most entertaining way possible.
What I loved most is that this book knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t pretend to be slow burn or overly polite. The characters are confident, flawed, impulsive, and very aware of the sparks flying between them—even when they probably should not be acting on them. The power dynamics are handled with intention, and the emotional layers underneath the heat give the story real substance.
Yes, it’s spicy. Yes, it’s messy. And yes, I was fully invested from page one.
And honestly? That sentence alone tells you exactly what kind of ride Decrypted is.
Meribeth Richards delivers a sharp, spicy, laugh-out-loud romance that blends workplace tension, sizzling chemistry, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages like your dignity depends on it. The banter is top-tier, the attraction is immediate (and unapologetic), and the decisions? Questionable in the most entertaining way possible.
What I loved most is that this book knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t pretend to be slow burn or overly polite. The characters are confident, flawed, impulsive, and very aware of the sparks flying between them—even when they probably should not be acting on them. The power dynamics are handled with intention, and the emotional layers underneath the heat give the story real substance.
Yes, it’s spicy. Yes, it’s messy. And yes, I was fully invested from page one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I truly loved this book and look forward to reading more by Meribeth Richards. The story was well written and had me not wanting to put it down until I had finished. The characters were top notch and I loved the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Meribeth for trusting me to be and ARC reader of your novel.
A well deserved 5 stars for book 2 in the Phishing for Love Series.
Lincoln, Charlie and Sierra
I just love a grumpy man and boy did Lincoln deliver. I just loved all the stages of Lincoln and Sierras relationship. Him being so grumpy and to the point and Sierra knowing exactly how to push Lincoln's buttons and wind him up.
A special mention to Sharon the boys mum. She truly progresses in in this book and its evident where Charlie gets her fiery attitude from!
If your looking for a romantic comedy with angst, tension, laughter, a plot that will hook you in and lots of f bombs then this book is for you!
Its an interconnected standalone so you dont have to read book 1 but I highly recommend it to get the full experience.
I cant wait for book 3 to meet Camden properly.
A well deserved 5 stars for book 2 in the Phishing for Love Series.
Lincoln, Charlie and Sierra
I just love a grumpy man and boy did Lincoln deliver. I just loved all the stages of Lincoln and Sierras relationship. Him being so grumpy and to the point and Sierra knowing exactly how to push Lincoln's buttons and wind him up.
A special mention to Sharon the boys mum. She truly progresses in in this book and its evident where Charlie gets her fiery attitude from!
If your looking for a romantic comedy with angst, tension, laughter, a plot that will hook you in and lots of f bombs then this book is for you!
Its an interconnected standalone so you dont have to read book 1 but I highly recommend it to get the full experience.
I cant wait for book 3 to meet Camden properly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
Lincoln needs a nanny, but what he doesn’t realize is that the woman about to show up on his doorstep is the same one he had a one-night stand with.
Sierra’s first day starts off anything but ordinary. Her very first task? Get Lincoln’s mother out of the house and fast. When she succeeds, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore.
Their story is filled with heat, longing, and irresistible chemistry that will keep you turning the pages, wondering who will finally give in to what they both want.
If you love an age-gap romance with a single dad/nanny dynamic, be sure to check out Decrypted.
Sierra’s first day starts off anything but ordinary. Her very first task? Get Lincoln’s mother out of the house and fast. When she succeeds, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore.
Their story is filled with heat, longing, and irresistible chemistry that will keep you turning the pages, wondering who will finally give in to what they both want.
If you love an age-gap romance with a single dad/nanny dynamic, be sure to check out Decrypted.
February 4, 2026
Spicy, delicious, easy to read... did I mention spicy? If you like controlling but lovable MMCs and no nonsense FMCs who just want to be loved, then this is the story for you!
I flew through this book - just devoured it! There were a couple of scenes where I thought the spice was a bit unnecessary but that also makes the book fun and the genre that it is so no real complaints here!
Sierra and Lincoln are a match made in heaven and while this is the 2nd book in a series, its essentially a stand alone romance as each book follows a different Fisher brother (so if you haven't read the first one like I hadn't, you won't be too lost).
I really appreciated the POV switch to include a bit of a recap of what had immediately happened but from the other POV, to provide some context for the next chapter.
Excited for the next installment, Camden deserves love too!
I flew through this book - just devoured it! There were a couple of scenes where I thought the spice was a bit unnecessary but that also makes the book fun and the genre that it is so no real complaints here!
Sierra and Lincoln are a match made in heaven and while this is the 2nd book in a series, its essentially a stand alone romance as each book follows a different Fisher brother (so if you haven't read the first one like I hadn't, you won't be too lost).
I really appreciated the POV switch to include a bit of a recap of what had immediately happened but from the other POV, to provide some context for the next chapter.
Excited for the next installment, Camden deserves love too!
January 28, 2026
Single dad + nanny with an age gap, grief and loss rep, plus-size representation, a crazy ex, and family drama, this book truly had everything. The plot kept me guessing the entire time, and I genuinely didn’t know what was coming next. It was laugh-out-loud funny, emotionally layered, and extra spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️. I’m absolutely continuing this series and will be auto-reading this author from now on.
January 10, 2026
[ARC Review]
First, thank you for trusting me to read and review your work before it’s released 🩶
I loved the banter between Lincoln and Sierra, I loved that she took on the role as Charlie’s mom and gave her the love she deserved. I absolutely cannot wait until book three is released!
First, thank you for trusting me to read and review your work before it’s released 🩶
I loved the banter between Lincoln and Sierra, I loved that she took on the role as Charlie’s mom and gave her the love she deserved. I absolutely cannot wait until book three is released!
January 12, 2026
My best friend Meribeth, knows sappy romances are not my thing, but her storytelling hooks me in every time. This second book in the series was right up my alley with the daddy dom who knew exactly what to say. I can’t wait for the third installment. Keep the spice coming! And the Fishers cumming.
January 6, 2026
Ohh this was a fun quick read. Thank you to the author for giving me an arc of this book!
I loved the back and forth banter and the longing and tension!
I love a good single dad/ nanny trope and this book did not disappoint.
The fierceness that Lincoln had for her and how protective he was of her especially regarding the fat shaming she received was one of my favorite attributes in the book!
Really excited to see what else this author puts up I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next book!
I loved the back and forth banter and the longing and tension!
I love a good single dad/ nanny trope and this book did not disappoint.
The fierceness that Lincoln had for her and how protective he was of her especially regarding the fat shaming she received was one of my favorite attributes in the book!
Really excited to see what else this author puts up I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sweet, but dark and spicy! I loved Decoded and don't usually like a second book more but I definitely loved Decrypted more. Now I am even more excited to see what happens in book three. They can be read as a standalone but I feel it's much better to start with Decoded as the characters are in all the books and it just helps to keep building their characters as you go along.
January 6, 2026
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! This book was so damn good. I love the relationship between Lincoln and Sierra. Charlie is the sweetest little bit ever. Seriously this book had me crying, laughing and yelling like a mad man! 6 stars all day long.
January 6, 2026
This book did not disappoint! Lincoln and Sierra’s story is fully of love, chemistry and spice. The banter between all the characters is great. Charlie is the cutest and just adds to the story. Maribeth has easily become one of my favorite authors!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE this story!
It's the second in the Fisher Brothers Phishing For Love interconnected standalone series.
I really liked Decoded, but I feel that Decrypted shows the POTENTIAL and BRILLIANCE of the author!
The chemistry between Sierra and Lincoln is hot and fun!
Charlie is probably my ALL TIME FAVORITE book kid! There wasn't a scene with her that I didn't love! Which includes the scenes from the previous book!
I was really looking forward to Lincoln's story since reading the first brother's (Keaton and Anna) story!
I'm really impressed that the author did so well with the difference in writing style to capture the brothers' different personalities.
Now I'm even MORE excited to read the next brother's (Camden and Skyla) story! There were quite a few scenes that set up their story without it being obvious- which I appreciate as it's a kind of unusual feat.
Often I feel with interconnected standalones (especially of brothers) each book is the same with just enough difference in plot to be separate. I appreciate that I didn't FEEL any repetitive story-telling.
While these are clearly standalones, I don't recommend reading one without the other!
You literally won't miss or gain any extra information, it just shows the relationships in such a complete and beautiful way!
It's the second in the Fisher Brothers Phishing For Love interconnected standalone series.
I really liked Decoded, but I feel that Decrypted shows the POTENTIAL and BRILLIANCE of the author!
The chemistry between Sierra and Lincoln is hot and fun!
Charlie is probably my ALL TIME FAVORITE book kid! There wasn't a scene with her that I didn't love! Which includes the scenes from the previous book!
I was really looking forward to Lincoln's story since reading the first brother's (Keaton and Anna) story!
I'm really impressed that the author did so well with the difference in writing style to capture the brothers' different personalities.
Now I'm even MORE excited to read the next brother's (Camden and Skyla) story! There were quite a few scenes that set up their story without it being obvious- which I appreciate as it's a kind of unusual feat.
Often I feel with interconnected standalones (especially of brothers) each book is the same with just enough difference in plot to be separate. I appreciate that I didn't FEEL any repetitive story-telling.
While these are clearly standalones, I don't recommend reading one without the other!
You literally won't miss or gain any extra information, it just shows the relationships in such a complete and beautiful way!
January 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
*Curvy FMC
*One night stand
* Grumpy Single Dad
*Mental Health Representation
Well this book had me hooked from the first chapter this book is packed full of hot spicy moments as well as great banter and a great plot with plot twists aswell which i loved. Lincoln is a single dad who looks after his daughter and mother who has depression and anxiety since his father passed. Lincoln is on a date that isn't going great. Sierra has just gotten into town and is on a date that goes from bad to worse in seconds when the date arrives and starts body shaming her. One thing leads to another her and Lincoln end up sleeping together but don't share names.
They both get a shock when Sierra turns up to the farm house to start work as the nanny. I love how Sierra would be real sassy to Lincoln throughout the book to get under his skin. Lincoln showed Sierra how a real man should treat her and worship her. The connection between Sierra, Lincoln was something else they brought the best version of themselves out with one another. I loved Sierra's bond with Lincoln's daughter that last part of the book made me cry my eyes out.
This book needs to be on your 2026 TBR you wont be disappointed
I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
*Curvy FMC
*One night stand
* Grumpy Single Dad
*Mental Health Representation
Well this book had me hooked from the first chapter this book is packed full of hot spicy moments as well as great banter and a great plot with plot twists aswell which i loved. Lincoln is a single dad who looks after his daughter and mother who has depression and anxiety since his father passed. Lincoln is on a date that isn't going great. Sierra has just gotten into town and is on a date that goes from bad to worse in seconds when the date arrives and starts body shaming her. One thing leads to another her and Lincoln end up sleeping together but don't share names.
They both get a shock when Sierra turns up to the farm house to start work as the nanny. I love how Sierra would be real sassy to Lincoln throughout the book to get under his skin. Lincoln showed Sierra how a real man should treat her and worship her. The connection between Sierra, Lincoln was something else they brought the best version of themselves out with one another. I loved Sierra's bond with Lincoln's daughter that last part of the book made me cry my eyes out.
This book needs to be on your 2026 TBR you wont be disappointed
I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Decrypted
This is the second book in Meribeth Richards' " Phishing For Love" series and it is a winner. I loved the first book and this one gave me the same feels. Such great writing, amazing characters and a fun plot with lots of sass, spice, love and a touch of angst. I was so immersed that I didn't want to put it down.
Meribeth has again given us characters full of depth. Exploring grief and how everyone deals and moves on from great loss in their own way touched me deeply. The topics were covered with compassion but also with a determination to show that you can make it through.
Sierra and Lincoln have the type of chemistry that burns the pages and sorches your soul. Their passion is off the charts as is Sierra's sass. Oh my lord, I'm here for it.
And speaking of sass, my new all-time favourite child character is in this book. Charlie had me laughing from her very first line. And the rest of the characters envelop you and bring you deeper into their world.
This is a must read addition to a must read series and I highly recommend this book. 5 stars from me.
This is the second book in Meribeth Richards' " Phishing For Love" series and it is a winner. I loved the first book and this one gave me the same feels. Such great writing, amazing characters and a fun plot with lots of sass, spice, love and a touch of angst. I was so immersed that I didn't want to put it down.
Meribeth has again given us characters full of depth. Exploring grief and how everyone deals and moves on from great loss in their own way touched me deeply. The topics were covered with compassion but also with a determination to show that you can make it through.
Sierra and Lincoln have the type of chemistry that burns the pages and sorches your soul. Their passion is off the charts as is Sierra's sass. Oh my lord, I'm here for it.
And speaking of sass, my new all-time favourite child character is in this book. Charlie had me laughing from her very first line. And the rest of the characters envelop you and bring you deeper into their world.
This is a must read addition to a must read series and I highly recommend this book. 5 stars from me.
February 5, 2026
3.5 stars ~
Plus size FMC • brat x brat tamer • one night stand • nanny x single dad • dual POV •
Loved the dedication ~ I’m definitely a sarcastic brat 🤭
If you’re looking for a light, slightly cheesy romance with a plus size, funny, bratty FMC and a MMC who needs to “tame” her, look no further!
Lincoln finally decides he needs help caring for his mother and daughter. His assistant hires Sierra, a fresh graduate needing a job to keep her jerk stepdad away.
I loved the couple’s dynamic. Well written spicy scenes for a brat and her tamer.
While I did enjoy the story, I found some of the writing a bit cheesy or “off.” Also maybe choosing Sierra’s occupation as a therapist wasn’t the right choice, as I feel she went about things the wrong way. That’s just me though, my opinion. But it did make me chuckle in the end.
Plus size FMC • brat x brat tamer • one night stand • nanny x single dad • dual POV •
Loved the dedication ~ I’m definitely a sarcastic brat 🤭
If you’re looking for a light, slightly cheesy romance with a plus size, funny, bratty FMC and a MMC who needs to “tame” her, look no further!
Lincoln finally decides he needs help caring for his mother and daughter. His assistant hires Sierra, a fresh graduate needing a job to keep her jerk stepdad away.
I loved the couple’s dynamic. Well written spicy scenes for a brat and her tamer.
While I did enjoy the story, I found some of the writing a bit cheesy or “off.” Also maybe choosing Sierra’s occupation as a therapist wasn’t the right choice, as I feel she went about things the wrong way. That’s just me though, my opinion. But it did make me chuckle in the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this was a good book. in my last review i stated she's a baby author and needs the reader to know that. I stand by that. this book took a darker tone and it relates on a different direction than the first. the mc is a hot head. and I could not warm up to him. it also has a very heavy daddy kink. once again not my thing and definitely not her fault because I don't like that trope. yes I knew both dark and daddy were triggers but it was a lot more than I expected.
I truly loved all the characters in this book but the mc. especially the off characters. they play big roles in the story and future reads.
so in all if you enjoy the higher levels of certain tropes this is your book. daddy, dark and sex scenes.
I truly loved all the characters in this book but the mc. especially the off characters. they play big roles in the story and future reads.
so in all if you enjoy the higher levels of certain tropes this is your book. daddy, dark and sex scenes.
February 4, 2026
Loved this book from start to finish! The plot was engaging and flowed so smoothly, keeping me invested the entire time. I especially loved the inclusion of characters from book one—it added so much depth and made the world feel even more connected and immersive. The writing was strong and well paced, and the character development really stood out. Watching the characters grow and evolve throughout the story made everything feel authentic and emotionally satisfying. This was such a solid continuation of the series, and it definitely left me excited for what’s next! 💕📖
January 11, 2026
Well, I’ve packed my bags and I’m ready to move the Cheatham. I adore everything about this series. I love the characters, I love the spice, I love the setting, I just love all the love ❤️ The story of Lincoln and Sierra had me full of emotion. Their banter had me laughing out loud from the get go. The relationships had me in tears of sadness, but ultimately tears of joy. This was a truly enjoyable read and I cannot wait until Camden’s story is released!
January 23, 2026
Cute! And how sexy was Daddy Lincoln Sheesh 🥵 one night stand with a woman you didn’t know was your nanny? I mean come on. And Charlie…I’m not going to lie that 6 year old spitfire was probably my favorite character 🤣 Am I wishing for a book in the future with her? Yes. Yes I am. But seriously, this was a super cute story with a grumpy sunshine, Dom(sorta)/brat thing which called to my brat 😏 spice is like a 3🌶️. His dirty talk was excellent and their banter was on point.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I absolutely loved it. I read this without reading the first book and immediately got the first book after reading this. I loved the chemistry between every character, not just between the mains. Everything seemed to flow seamlessly and paced just right. Genuinely an enjoyable read. I rated this book a 5 because my rating would have been closer to a 5 than a 4.
Read
January 19, 2026Finished in a day! Didn’t want to put the book down. Loved This story.
November 29, 2025
This is such a beautiful love story—but full of spice and f-bombs! Sierra and Lincoln meet and agree to one night, but she becomes his daughter’s nanny. They both have pasts with secrets and hardships that finally catch up to them, but a happily ever after is in the cards! Read the book! It’s hot, fun, and a lovely tale! ❤️🔥❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved Daddy Lincoln and sassy, bratty Sierra!
Here I was thinking I was getting a cute nanny/single‑dad setup, and instead I got a full‑body emotional chokehold. This book opens with a one‑night stand that is so charged, so filthy, and so unexpected that when Sierra walks into Lincoln’s house the next morning as his new nanny… I swear I felt my soul leave my body. The tension is instant, chaotic, and absolutely addictive.
Sierra is fresh out of college, trying to figure out her life, and suddenly she’s nannying for a grumpy, closed‑off single dad who uses the word fuck like it’s punctuation. And honestly? It works. The banter, the frustration, the way they circle each other like they’re both terrified of wanting too much, it’s delicious.
And listen… the dynamic between Lincoln and Sierra? It’s brat/daddy perfection. She pushes his buttons just to watch him lose that careful control, and he meets her fire with this steady, commanding energy that had me kicking my feet. The spice is hot, it’s the kind that feels earned because it’s rooted in trust, tension, and the way he absolutely worships her curves. Their meet‑cute at the restaurant after both surviving terrible dates was the moment I knew I was done for. Two strangers, both annoyed, both vulnerable, both instantly drawn to each other in a way neither of them is ready for. It’s messy, magnetic, and sets the tone for everything that follows.
But what surprised me most was the heart underneath all that heat. Sierra doesn’t just fall for Lincoln; she becomes a quiet anchor for his whole family. Watching her gently help Sharon, Lincoln’s mom, move through her grief felt tender and real. Those scenes hit harder than I expected, and they gave the story so much emotional weight, especially as Sierra was grieving her own loss. Lincoln takes care of her too, he makes sure she feels valued and protected.
And Charlie… that little girl absolutely adores Sierra. Their bond is instant and pure, the kind that makes you root for this messy, mismatched trio to become something permanent. Every time Charlie reached for Sierra, every time Lincoln watched them with that soft, terrified look I absolutely melted.
Lincoln and Sierra fight their feelings with everything they have, but the pull between them is undeniable. It’s messy, it’s complicated, it’s hot, and it’s full of that “we shouldn’t, but we can’t stop” energy that makes nanny/single‑dad romances so addictive. I’m all here for the tension, found family, emotional healing, and a hero who swears like it’s a love language! It’s must read for age gap, nanny/single dad romance lovers! There’s twists, spice, and a whole lot of heart!
A huge thank you to Meribeth Richards for the early copy! Now I need to go back and read Decoded for Keaton & Anna’s story!
Here I was thinking I was getting a cute nanny/single‑dad setup, and instead I got a full‑body emotional chokehold. This book opens with a one‑night stand that is so charged, so filthy, and so unexpected that when Sierra walks into Lincoln’s house the next morning as his new nanny… I swear I felt my soul leave my body. The tension is instant, chaotic, and absolutely addictive.
Sierra is fresh out of college, trying to figure out her life, and suddenly she’s nannying for a grumpy, closed‑off single dad who uses the word fuck like it’s punctuation. And honestly? It works. The banter, the frustration, the way they circle each other like they’re both terrified of wanting too much, it’s delicious.
And listen… the dynamic between Lincoln and Sierra? It’s brat/daddy perfection. She pushes his buttons just to watch him lose that careful control, and he meets her fire with this steady, commanding energy that had me kicking my feet. The spice is hot, it’s the kind that feels earned because it’s rooted in trust, tension, and the way he absolutely worships her curves. Their meet‑cute at the restaurant after both surviving terrible dates was the moment I knew I was done for. Two strangers, both annoyed, both vulnerable, both instantly drawn to each other in a way neither of them is ready for. It’s messy, magnetic, and sets the tone for everything that follows.
But what surprised me most was the heart underneath all that heat. Sierra doesn’t just fall for Lincoln; she becomes a quiet anchor for his whole family. Watching her gently help Sharon, Lincoln’s mom, move through her grief felt tender and real. Those scenes hit harder than I expected, and they gave the story so much emotional weight, especially as Sierra was grieving her own loss. Lincoln takes care of her too, he makes sure she feels valued and protected.
And Charlie… that little girl absolutely adores Sierra. Their bond is instant and pure, the kind that makes you root for this messy, mismatched trio to become something permanent. Every time Charlie reached for Sierra, every time Lincoln watched them with that soft, terrified look I absolutely melted.
Lincoln and Sierra fight their feelings with everything they have, but the pull between them is undeniable. It’s messy, it’s complicated, it’s hot, and it’s full of that “we shouldn’t, but we can’t stop” energy that makes nanny/single‑dad romances so addictive. I’m all here for the tension, found family, emotional healing, and a hero who swears like it’s a love language! It’s must read for age gap, nanny/single dad romance lovers! There’s twists, spice, and a whole lot of heart!
A huge thank you to Meribeth Richards for the early copy! Now I need to go back and read Decoded for Keaton & Anna’s story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Decrypted is the second book in Meribeth Richards’s Phishing for Love series - a set of interconnected romance novels. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Decoded, so of course I jumped at the chance to read this one. Just like the first book, this one features a plus-sized FMC, but this time it is a nanny-single dad situation!
In Decrypted, we get to learn more about Lincoln, one of the Fisher brothers. He is a grumpy (hot) single dad who has given up on the dating scene and just wants to focus on raising his daughter, Charlie, and taking care of his grieving mom. After a disastrous date, he meets a beautiful stranger when she stumbles into the men’s bathroom. No names, no strings, just a hook up, but when she shows up to start her new job as his nanny, spicy chemistry ensues!
Sierra Thomas, a recent college grad, has moved to the small town of Cheatham to start a new life. Trying her hand at dating was a huge mistake, but meeting a very handsome stranger and having amazing no-strings-attached sex more than made up for a rotten date.
I loved these two together. The chemistry was top-notch! Lincoln is a huge grump with a dominant side, and Sierra is the brat who tries his patience. It was hilarious to watch them navigate their attraction for one another while trying to keep their encounter a secret. But who are they fooling? LOL! It was also nice to catch up with Keaton and Anna from the first book! I can’t wait for the next installment!
Thanks to Meribeth Richards for gifting me an eARC of Decrypted. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Decrypted is the second book in Meribeth Richards’s Phishing for Love series - a set of interconnected romance novels. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Decoded, so of course I jumped at the chance to read this one. Just like the first book, this one features a plus-sized FMC, but this time it is a nanny-single dad situation!
In Decrypted, we get to learn more about Lincoln, one of the Fisher brothers. He is a grumpy (hot) single dad who has given up on the dating scene and just wants to focus on raising his daughter, Charlie, and taking care of his grieving mom. After a disastrous date, he meets a beautiful stranger when she stumbles into the men’s bathroom. No names, no strings, just a hook up, but when she shows up to start her new job as his nanny, spicy chemistry ensues!
Sierra Thomas, a recent college grad, has moved to the small town of Cheatham to start a new life. Trying her hand at dating was a huge mistake, but meeting a very handsome stranger and having amazing no-strings-attached sex more than made up for a rotten date.
I loved these two together. The chemistry was top-notch! Lincoln is a huge grump with a dominant side, and Sierra is the brat who tries his patience. It was hilarious to watch them navigate their attraction for one another while trying to keep their encounter a secret. But who are they fooling? LOL! It was also nice to catch up with Keaton and Anna from the first book! I can’t wait for the next installment!
Thanks to Meribeth Richards for gifting me an eARC of Decrypted. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, I really enjoyed getting a more in depth understanding of the characters. Lincoln is a single father who lives with her grief-stricken mother. He does have help from his siblings, but he still takes on a lot of responsibility that he probably shouldn't have to. I read lot of romantic suspense, so I did really enjoy that aspect of this book! While some think it was dark, I don't know I wouldn't classify it as dark. I might just be more versed in the darker romance world. I also wouldn't classify this a strong "daddy kink". Using the word "daddy" and "brat",etc during dirty talk or flirting is probably lower level "daddy kink". If this had been heavy "daddy kink" I probably wouldn't have finished it. This however didn't really phase me because there was so much more to the story. What I love about this book is it takes you on an emotional journey as the characters heal, grow and find happiness. Sierra is such a strong beautiful character who has dealt with a lot of hardships/loss but is still fighting to find a way to keep moving forward. I also love a good character that you can't wait for "Karma" to knock them back to reality and this gave me several! I also absolutely loved how Sierra helped Lincoln's mom to realize she had a lot of life left to live! Highly recommend this author and her books. I think they'll only continue to improve.
January 25, 2026
Vášnivá noc, keď ani jeden zo zúčastnených nechce vedieť meno toho druhého, sa hneď na druhý deň zmení na „Ty ma stalkuješ?“ Takto nejako prebehlo zoznámenie sa Lincolna Fishera s novou opatrovateľkou jeho 6-ročnej dcéry a zároveň psychologičkou pre jeho matku, Sierrou Thomas. Zvládne Sierra život pod jednou strechou s najväčším hundrošom pod slnkom? Obzvlášť keď k danej situácii má veľmi veľa ľudí čo povedať.
Autorke ďakujem za ARC. 🤍 Decrypted je druhá kniha v sérii Phishing For Love (interconnected standalone, takže nemusíte čítať jednotku, aby ste si užili dvojku) a vychádza už 3. 2.❗️
Ak hľadáte oddychovú knihu s plus-size hlavnou hrdinkou, skvelým banterom a trópmi ako single dad x nanny; found family; grumpy x sunshine, potom je tento príbeh presne pre vás. 🤩 Kniha sa čítala ľahko, chémia medzi hlavnými hrdinami „chémiovala“ tak akurát a do vedľajších postáv sa zamilujete snáď ešte viac než do tých hlavných.
Jediné, čo by som tejto knihe vytkla je to, že Sierra sa voči Lincolnovi stále správala ako brat (je na to nejaký adekvátny „posteľový“ pojem aj v slovenčine? 😳) aj v nevhodných situáciách mimo ich vzťahu-nevzťahu, a to mi trošku liezlo na nervy. A nejako som sa nevedela stotožniť ani s prezývkou Little Bit pre malú Charlie - škoda, že to nebolo nikde vysvetlené.
Inak je to však veľmi príjemné čítanie a určite dám niekedy šancu aj ostatným príbehom v sérii. 😊
Autorke ďakujem za ARC. 🤍 Decrypted je druhá kniha v sérii Phishing For Love (interconnected standalone, takže nemusíte čítať jednotku, aby ste si užili dvojku) a vychádza už 3. 2.❗️
Ak hľadáte oddychovú knihu s plus-size hlavnou hrdinkou, skvelým banterom a trópmi ako single dad x nanny; found family; grumpy x sunshine, potom je tento príbeh presne pre vás. 🤩 Kniha sa čítala ľahko, chémia medzi hlavnými hrdinami „chémiovala“ tak akurát a do vedľajších postáv sa zamilujete snáď ešte viac než do tých hlavných.
Jediné, čo by som tejto knihe vytkla je to, že Sierra sa voči Lincolnovi stále správala ako brat (je na to nejaký adekvátny „posteľový“ pojem aj v slovenčine? 😳) aj v nevhodných situáciách mimo ich vzťahu-nevzťahu, a to mi trošku liezlo na nervy. A nejako som sa nevedela stotožniť ani s prezývkou Little Bit pre malú Charlie - škoda, že to nebolo nikde vysvetlené.
Inak je to však veľmi príjemné čítanie a určite dám niekedy šancu aj ostatným príbehom v sérii. 😊
February 5, 2026
Starting over is hard but trying to add love in the mix makes it feel impossible. Decrypted by Meribeth Richards does not just tell the story of a wealthy cybersecurity company owner and a recent college graduate, it is about two people who for the first time found someone to cherish them. Between the loss of MMC Lincoln’s father and Sierra struggling with having to support her abusive step father, making a connection seemed impossible. They had to set aside the night of passion they shared to attempt a professional relationship. This aspect is what drew me in. Considering that both MCs are heavily in touch with their emotions, seeing that constant internal struggle made those heated moments of connection feel like a roaring bonfire. I found it refreshing that Richards chose to have the story take place in Kentucky. However, I wish she would’ve included more descriptions about the town. The lack of description was a common concern I ran into with this novel. Whether it was the setting or the characters. I felt like I have experienced these character tropes before and I wished Richards would have added a unique twist to them. That way we could know them beyond their struggles and desire for each other. Overall this was a nice read and I would like to explore Richard’s works more in the future.
February 3, 2026
Decrypted is a story between Sierra and Lincoln who are seemingly at very different stages in life, yet they come crashing together like it was just meant to be. Recently graduating collage and grieving her mother, Sierra moves to a new town after gaining employment as a nanny. Her new employer? The man who she just spent an incredible night with. Lincoln is a single dad, and a caregiver to his mother who is consumed with grief. He needs help, and he is excited about the new hire until he relizes who she is the very next day. Together they must navigate complex family dynamics, feelings for each other, and separating business/pleasure.
I really enjoyed how much depth was in this story. Despite having heavy themes, there are moments that will literally have you laughing out loud. Honestly, if you enjoy the humour of Olivia Dade or Charlotte Stein, you will like the funny moments in this. I like that Sierra is creative and will fight for what she wants. She challenges Lincoln in ways that I appreciated as a reader. I also loved how Lincoln trusted her, even though he tried to deny what they had... he just knew there was trust and that she belonged in their family.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting, highly recommend!!
I really enjoyed how much depth was in this story. Despite having heavy themes, there are moments that will literally have you laughing out loud. Honestly, if you enjoy the humour of Olivia Dade or Charlotte Stein, you will like the funny moments in this. I like that Sierra is creative and will fight for what she wants. She challenges Lincoln in ways that I appreciated as a reader. I also loved how Lincoln trusted her, even though he tried to deny what they had... he just knew there was trust and that she belonged in their family.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting, highly recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC!!
Sierra new to town and looking to unwind before her first official job as a nanny, finds herself in the wrong bathroom after a date gone bad with a misogynist man child. Lucky for her the hottie from the next table over is looking just as smooth as the wine his date spilled on him. Single Dad Lincoln, tired of the dating scene, is looking for a night of release and then just focusing on his daughter.
What was a great night of no names and mind blowing adult fun, turns into real life the next morning as Lincoln opens the door to his new nanny and finds Sierra standing there waiting! Sierra tasked with helping navigate a mother who has lost the love of her life and the will to live and an adorable sassy little girl who has captured her heart from the start, while trying to keep her job after spending the night with a daddy who isn't very happy she is there! On top of navigating their new dynamics, blast from their past come in threatening to tear them apart!
I enjoyed that this book had a sassy Curvaceous FMC almost as much as I enjoyed the sibling banter! Lincoln has two other brothers that kept the good times rolling!
Sierra new to town and looking to unwind before her first official job as a nanny, finds herself in the wrong bathroom after a date gone bad with a misogynist man child. Lucky for her the hottie from the next table over is looking just as smooth as the wine his date spilled on him. Single Dad Lincoln, tired of the dating scene, is looking for a night of release and then just focusing on his daughter.
What was a great night of no names and mind blowing adult fun, turns into real life the next morning as Lincoln opens the door to his new nanny and finds Sierra standing there waiting! Sierra tasked with helping navigate a mother who has lost the love of her life and the will to live and an adorable sassy little girl who has captured her heart from the start, while trying to keep her job after spending the night with a daddy who isn't very happy she is there! On top of navigating their new dynamics, blast from their past come in threatening to tear them apart!
I enjoyed that this book had a sassy Curvaceous FMC almost as much as I enjoyed the sibling banter! Lincoln has two other brothers that kept the good times rolling!
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