His Perfect Muse

by Aria Harding

In an unexpected turn of events, Olivia finds herself with a new nannying job. She never imagined this would be her life, but who is she to turn down an amazing opportunity? She adores taking care of Nicky, and looks forward to caring for him everyday. The only downside? His father, Hunter, who seems like he’s doing everything in his power to keep her at a distance. As a natural caregiver, Olivia decides to do whatever she can to help heal the hurt she knows he feels.

Hunter’s no stranger to loss. It’s taken everything he has to push aside the hurt and heartbreak to remain strong for insert name. He’s closed himself off to anything, or anyone, who tries to help. Desperate for help, he hires Olivia to nanny for him, but he never dreamed that she’d become the glue that holds his little family together. Hunter feels an inescapable pull toward her, finding his reason within her joyful eyes, despite the fear of experiencing the pain he’s felt before, again. Can he move forward, away from the hurt of his past toward a new start with Olivia?

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

Reviews

[Karen Wheat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I loved this book. I adored the bond between Liv and Nicky they were the cutest. I felt liv pain and frustration over the push and pull of someone trying to figure himself out. Im glad he finally got it together. I didn't like his sister n law at all she not a nice person. I really loved this book though so much.

[Malin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not very often I give contemporary romance books 5 stars, but wow does this one deserve it!

The slow burn in this one was deliciously burning. I lost count of how many goosebumps I got, how many butterflies I had in my stomach and how many times I cried my eyes out. What a beautiful, broken and healing story.

“Wishing for a life that isn’t mine, one that I have no right to wish for, yet doing it anyway. I hope Allie will forgive me.”

The way Hunter has to navigate his life and feelings after losing his wife is heartbreaking. And Olivia is such a kind and patient soul. The two of them together made so much sense. Such a vulnerable story. I felt like my heart was made of glass, and Hunter made sure to wrap it carefully in bubble wrap.

Thank you so much for letting my receive an ARC for this Aria Harding & Happily Booked PR! I truly loved it ❤️‍🩹

[Brittany Hayley Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished His Perfect Muse by Aria Harding. It’s a small town slow burn romance. It follows single dad Hunter who lost his wife in a car accident, trying to juggle work and raising his four year old son Nicky. He gets word from his employees girlfriend that her friend is looking for work and loves kids and worked with them before and should be considered to be Nicky’s nanny. He meets Olivia. She’s everything he could want for a nanny for his son. As time goes on he’s fighting against his developing feelings for Olivia as he shouldn’t feel attracted and attracted to someone less than a year after losing his wife. So he kinda plays yoyo with her emotions. Olivia the most loving and caring person all she wants after growing up in the foster system bouncing around different homes was a sense of belonging and a home. She finally finds that with her boss and the sweetest little boy in the world. But after finally getting together with Hunter, she meets Hunters sister in law. Which causes Olivia to question what’s going on between herself and Hunter she ultimately leaves. This book is so well written, you can’t help but feel for the characters. The way the story flows and the growth between them and how you can almost if not can feel the connection between Olivia and Hunter and Olivia and Nicky.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia and Hunter's story was emotional. Hunter was dealing with his wife passing the year before and raising his now 4 year old son by himself. Olivia never really had a family until she met Emma and Skylar and was so independent. Becoming their nanny, they both found someone they could be open and trust. Hunter fights his feelings for Olivia, feeling like he's betraying his wife. Olivia fights her feelings because she feels Hunter doesn't want the same as her. Can they finally realize how much they mean to each other and give their relationship a chance?

[Cindy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this ARC up. Getting to read Hunter’s inner thoughts as he struggled with grief and his emotions was written absolutely perfect. The slow burn 👌 and the love between Nicky and Livvy was the sweetness the story needed.
I could not get enough of it and how this love continued. Cannot wait for the next!

@ariaharding_author so excited for others to get to read this.

#arcreader #booksta #bookstagram #hisperfectmuse

[Lou G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I know that might sound like a surprising way to begin a review, but I truly did.

Firstly, unbeknownst to me going in, this is book two in a trilogy. That said, you definitely don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one - although I may now have to go back and do just that!

This story follows Olivia and Hunter.
As we get to know Olivia, we learn that she grew up in the foster system. She’s grounded, knows her own mind, and is a strong, independent woman who never really had much of a family - until she met Emma and Skylar. Skylar’s fiancé, Julian, runs a bar owned by Hunter.
Hunter is also a closeted artist who is still grieving the loss of his wife a year earlier, while learning how to navigate single parenthood with his sweet, funny, and utterly adorable 4 year old son.
Olivia needs work - and she needs it yesterday.
Hunter needs a nanny - and he needs one now.

Watching someone battle happiness after grief is never easy to read, but it was compelling to see Hunter wrestle with his feelings for Olivia. He constantly doubts himself, feeling a sense of betrayal not only toward his late wife, but also his sister-in-law (is she even that anymore? A question he himself asks) and, most importantly, his son. He worries he isn’t good enough for Olivia, fears losing someone again, and doesn’t want to cause any more pain for his child. While his internal conflict is understandable, there are moments where you can’t help but think, okay, make up your mind - other people are involved.
Olivia, on the other hand, becomes deeply invested in both boys. She fights her growing feelings for Hunter because she doesn’t believe they’re reciprocated (but what would a nanny/single dad trope be without mutual longing?) She’s never quite found a place where she truly belongs, so there is a point where you see her finally choose herself and what she feels is best for her in that moment which was a powerful reflection of her strength and resilience.

And while their emotions take both them - and the reader - on a rollercoaster, we can’t forget about Nicky. I really appreciated how the story portrayed the raw reality of a grieving child. The connection Olivia forms with Nicky feels genuine and realistic. He may only be four, but he’s still human, still processing his own pain, and Olivia just happens to be the perfect person to help him navigate that.

It starts as just a job and a nanny. That’s all that’s needed. But they end up gaining so much more - family, support, laughter, and happiness. Watching them navigate not only their romantic connection, but also Hunter finding his creative footing again, was truly lovely to see.
This is a beautiful reminder that there is love and life after loss.

Thank you to Happily Booked PR & Aria Harding for sending me an ecopy to read and review.

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Perfect Muse
By Aria Harding
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Forced Proximity
* Artist x Muse
* Slow Burn
* Found Family
* Workplace Romance
His Perfect Muse is a breathtakingly romantic addition to Aria Harding's His Perfect Arttrilogy, and it completely stole my heart! Building on the emotional momentum of the first book, His Perfect Canvas, this story dives into the electric tension between a brilliant but brooding artist and the vibrant woman who becomes his ultimate inspiration. Harding has a gift for writing "slow burn" romances that feel both grounded and incredibly intense, and watching these two navigate their creative and romantic connection was pure magic.
The character development is a standout, particularly how Harding explores the vulnerability behind the "grumpy" exterior of her MMC. The FMC is a total ray of sunshine whose determination and wit provide the perfect foil to his more serious nature, creating a "forced proximity" dynamic that is both hilarious and heart-melting. I especially loved the "found family" elements—Harding’s signature supporting characters always feel so lived-in and essential to the protagonist's growth.
If you enjoy contemporary romances that balance deep emotional stakes with witty banter and a healthy dose of steam, this book is an absolute must-read. It perfectly captures the messy, beautiful reality of chasing your dreams while falling for the one person who truly sees you. Aria Harding continues to prove she is a master of the genre, and I’m already counting down the days until the final installment of the trilogy!.

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that sneaks up on you, curls into your chest, and refuses to leave. I went in expecting a sweet nanny/single dad romance… and came out emotionally attached to every single page.

Olivia is pure sunshine without being unrealistic. She’s gentle, patient, and has this quiet strength that makes her impossible not to love. Watching her bond with Nicky had my heart doing somersaults — the care, the warmth, the love she pours into him felt so real it hurt. Every scene with those two was like a hug.

And Hunter… oh Hunter. Grieving, guarded, emotionally wrecked single dad men are my weakness and he DELIVERED. You can feel his loss in everything he does, in every wall he’s built brick by brick. The way he fights his feelings for Olivia because he’s terrified of surviving another heartbreak? Ugh. Punch me directly in the feelings.

The slow burn here is chef’s kiss. The longing looks. The tension. The moments where you just KNOW they want to reach for each other but don’t. It’s aching and tender and so beautifully written. Olivia doesn’t barge in to “fix” him — she just exists, loves, and slowly becomes the glue holding this broken little family together. And that made it even more powerful.

This book is about healing, second chances, and finding light after devastating loss. It’s emotional without being heavy, romantic without being overdone, and heartfelt in a way that feels genuine and earned.

If you love:
💛 Single dad romances
💛 Nanny trope
💛 Emotional healing & found family
💛 Slow burn with ALL the feels

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter and Olivia

Tropes:
* Single dad x nanny
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Artist MMC
* Nanny FMC
* Found family
* Slow burn

This was a super slow-burn with Olivia being hired to nanny for Hunter’s son, Nicky.

This was emotional, delving into grief from the loss of a partner, feelings of self-worth, and the pain (and difficulties) of moving on.

You’re going to laugh. You’re going to cry. You’ll want to shake each of the main characters for being so blind.
It’s painful, knowing that Hunter is still grieving his wife and feels guilt about his feelings for Olivia, while she feels like she’s reaching for something that doesn’t belong.

I loved the connection between Olivia and Nicky. It was very sweet and much more realistic than many other single-dad x nanny stories. Nicky was human and had his own issues, and Olivia just stepped into his caregiver role naturally.

The break, when it occurred, made me rage so hard, yet at the same time, I wanted to cry. I felt for Olivia, she’s never quite had a place she belonged… She thought she had found it, and it was ripped away in an act of cowardice. I kind of understood where Chloe was coming from, dealing with her loss, but her actions were outright cruel.

Such a well-written story. And truly one of the only ones where despite constant mentions of the late wife, and feelings of guilt/grief etc, I actually did believe in the love of the MMC and FMC.

Thank you, Aria Harding for the opportunity to read in advance.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “His Perfect Muse”! This was a Grumpy X Sunshine, Found Family, Single Dad Workplace, Slow Burn Romance. This story will have you captivated you from the first page till the last page. It’s a book that is emotional with our getting to heavy . It’s a book that talk about healing, second chance after a loss.

The main character so the story are Olivia and Hunter. First Olivia, she the type of person that you can’t help but fall in the love with. She is kind, patient and warm. The bond is as the with Hunter’s son is beautiful thing to see. Then there is Hunter who grieving the loss of his wife which causes him to be more guarded, grumpy, and emotional. Has you read Hunter’s story you see the battle that he is deals with when it comes to his feeling towards Olivia while not wanting to let go of his late wife.


I felt that story flowed really from beginning to end. I thought the writing was really good. Like I said from the first page you are captivated. As you continued reading you start to become invested in Olivia and Hunter’s story and it all because of the writing.

Overall, “His Perfect Muse” is a good book. It’s a story about moving on after a loss. Olivia and Hunter are good main characters. Their story is one that makes you feel their emotions when they are happy or sad. You can’t help but root for them and be hooked all the way to the end to see what happens with them.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
His Perfect Muse follows Olivia and Hunter in a single dad/nanny romance centered on grief, healing, and new beginnings. Hunter is still navigating the loss of his wife while trying to be present for his young son, Nicky, and Olivia steps into their lives as a much-needed caregiver.

One of the strongest aspects of the story is Olivia’s relationship with Nicky—it’s genuinely sweet and heartfelt, and it adds warmth to the overall narrative. The single dad/nanny trope is familiar but comforting, and the emotional weight of Hunter’s loss is clearly at the center of his character arc.

That said, the pacing felt a bit uneven for me. Some moments seemed to move very quickly, while others lingered longer than necessary, and I would have liked to see a bit more development in Olivia and Hunter’s relationship as they grew closer. The emotional journey is there, but it sometimes felt like it could have been explored more deeply.

While this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, which I appreciated. Overall, His Perfect Muse is a gentle, emotional romance that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy caretaking dynamics, healing after loss, and soft single-parent love stories.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the story of Olivia and Hunter. Hunter lost his wife a year ago and is in need of childcare for his son until he starts school. Olivia is a friend of a friend of Hunter's and they end up connecting and she is hired to take care of Nicky. Her relationship with Nicky is so sweet. And enter the single dad/nanny trope. I felt at times that there could have been a little bit more development of their relationship, there was a lot of pain as Hunter allowed himself to be open to someone else. One thing I noticed in this book and a few other romances I have read lately is the repetitive use of a certain action from a character. In this case, both Hunter and Olivia dart their tongue out, a lot. I had to roll my eyes about half way through at how many times that phrase was used. I just wish authors got more creative or change it up sometimes.

Bottom Line: It passed the time just fine.

**I received a copy of His Perfect Muse from Happily Booked and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just everything. It was the sweetest slow burn ever! You have a single dad of a precious 4 year old, who lost his wife, and his muse for his passion. He owns his own bar and needs help with his son. Olivia gets hired to be Nicky's nanny. Things only progress from there. Her relationship with Nicky is so heartwarming and sweet. Hunter and her instantly have this push and pull dynamic that definitely had me invested and rooting for them. The healing in this book was absolutely beautiful. Hunter with the passing of his wife and finding his inspiration again, Olivia with finally belonging, and even with little Nicky. There wasn't a lot of spice, but it really wasn't needed in my opinion. I think it was just perfect. If you enjoy healing, growth, and found family this would be the perfect book for you!

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Redheaded FMC
-Friends to Lovers
-Nanny/Single Dad Romance
-Found Family

3.5 Stars
1.5 Chili Peppers

This book cut my heart into a million pieces. The MMC and his son are grieving the lost of wife/mother and Aria Harding makes you feel that pain. I spent the first bit of this book, with constant tears, the lost really got to me. But then we get this beautiful story of love after loss and finding room in your family for someone new, while still cherishing the ones who came before.

The book is exactly what you would expect from a Nanny/Single Dad Romance. Very sweet short cute. I love me a redheaded FMC!!!

I received an ARC for this book, save it in your TBR for January 12, 2026

[lauren dedinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨His Perfect Muse Arc Review✨

What To Expect:
- forced proximity
- single dad x nanny
- grumpy x sunshine
- found family
- dual pov

4⭐️

this was such a cute read! my heart went out to hunter, our single dad mmc who lost his wife. he definitely became grumpy and a little closed off since the passing of his wife and it was so lovely seeing olivia, the new nanny fmc break down those walls.

it did take him a little while to figure out what he wanted which bugged me a little bit. i just wanted to shake him and yell at him to figure it out sooner 😂 but other than that i really loved this book and the story. i can never pass up a grumpy sunshine or a single dad trope



thank you so much happily booked pr for gifting me a copy of this e-arc!

[Mandy Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town Romance with Big Emotional Impact

​His Perfect Muse by Aria Harding is a deeply moving, small-town romance that masterfully explores the beauty of healing after loss. The bond between Olivia and young Nicky is precious, making Hunter’s internal struggle with his developing feelings even more poignant as he navigates life as a widower. While the "push and pull" of his grief is heartbreakingly raw, the chemistry between him and Olivia is a delicious slow burn that kept me caught between tears and butterflies. Despite the frustrations of external family tension, the seamless character growth makes this a stunning, vulnerable story about finding a place to belong.

I received an ARC for this from Aria Harding & Happily Booked PR for my honest review.

[Bryana Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book, I was expecting to like it. I was not expecting to full on love it. This is one that provides you so many emotional rollercoaster moments. You’ll laugh, cry, be angry at both main characters for being delusional about their feelings, but love every moment in between. The characters and visuals were written exceptionally well. I cannot wait to read more by Aria Harding. Last night I was reading, and looked up to see it was 4am. All consuming is what this book is and I am not mad about that one bit. Liv, Hunt, and Nicky will hold a special place in my literary heart forever.

So grateful for the chance to read this one early from Happily Booked ARC.

[Dawn Plumb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book and the story. I enjoyed the multiple points of view. While it is a series, you do not need to read the first book to read this one. The author does a great job explaining anything you might have missed from not reading the first book.


Spoilers ahead so read at your own risk……….


I really liked that Olivia chose herself and what was best for her at that moment when time after time Hunter kept pushing her away and denying his feelings and that a decent amount of time passed before they reconnected.
Hunter’s actions gave me whiplash from how many times he acted on his feelings and then denied them.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter + Olivia ++ Nicky.

His Perfect Muse follows the story of Hunter and Nicky. Hunter is our single dad due to his wife passing. Nicky is an absolute delight for a four year old. He is just as much apart of this story as Hunter is because they are a package deal.

Olivia is in between jobs and Emma suggests Olivia as a nanny to Nicky for Hunter. Well, we know where this is going right? Single Dad x Nanny for the win!

I love a single dad (or parent) with a nanny. Sometimes love just finds us and Hunter is doing the most to try and NOT fall for Olivia.

I will say the only thing I did not like was near the end someone shows up and the timing was horrible.. and then the aftermath was even worse. The situation didn't feel 100% genuine on the part of the 3rd party. I don't want to give too much away but your jaw is going to drop when it happens.

Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 4.25⭐️
Spice: 🌶️


I found myself devouring this book.

Hunter lost his wife a year ago, and is looking for a nanny to help out with his 4 year old son, who is his main priority.

Olivia is hired as the new nanny, and finds herself having feelings for Hunter.

Hunter deals with his grief in losing his wife through art. He feels like he’s betraying his wife by having feelings for Olivia, and in turn, his son.

He is dealing with thoughts of not being good enough.

This book is very emotional, and has strong TW, so take care of your self, but you won’t be disappointed if you read this book!

[Jessica Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌹I DEVOURED this book in a day! After I finished it the first words out of my mouth was “Just Wow”! My first 6⭐️read of the year. ❤️‍🩹
🌹His Perfect Muse was an emotional book filled with grief, hope, and love. It had my attention right from the start. My heart broke for Hunter and his son. A single Dad trying to find balance between his new life and mourning his past. Olivia is a breath of fresh air who is also dealing with her own personal issues. There was a character in the book that I wanted to through my Kindle at. 😂
🌹His Perfect Muse was beautifully written and I can’t stop thinking about it. You definitely will want to add this to your TBR! 😊

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter is a bar owner and a sculptor. He and his son Nicky are having a hard time dealing with his wife sudden death a year ago. Nicky is only four and doesn’t understand why mommy can���t come home. He scared every time Hunter leaves for work because mommy left in the car and never came back. Finding a nanny for him has been difficult. So far he hasn’t had any luck.
I loved how the author is trying to take you through the grieving and guilt process. She help us understand it’s a test every day. If you enjoy something that happens maybe you shouldn’t because your loved one can’t. Very good to read.

[Lauren-fabledandfearless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god I loved this book so much. I absolutely ate it up. This was one of those reads that has you laughing, giggling and then suddenly crying at 3am wondering how you got here.

The characters are written so incredibly well that the emotions hit deep. Everything they feel you feel too. The joy, the heartbreak, the quiet moments in between. It’s that kind of writing that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

This book completely consumed me, emotionally wrecked me, and I loved every second of it. Truly unforgettable

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Olivia completely stole my heart, and I adored her dynamic with both Hunter and Nicky. The relationships felt layered and emotional, not rushed, and every interaction added something meaningful to the story. It truly felt like the perfect romance—one that balances heart, tension, and passion so well.

The intensity between Olivia and Hunter? Whew. 🔥🔥🔥🔥 It was off-the-charts in the best way. Every glance, every moment of restraint, every unspoken feeling just built and built until it was impossible not to feel it right along with them. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved how it simmered instead of being handed to us all at once.

Hunter’s internal battle—torn between what his heart wanted and what he thought he should do—was honestly a little heartbreaking. Watching him fight his feelings for Olivia made everything feel so raw and real, and it added such emotional depth to the story. Those moments of longing and hesitation hurt in the best way, because the payoff was absolutely worth it.

Overall, this book delivered romance, intensity, and emotion perfectly. It pulled me in, made my heart ache, and left me completely satisfied. A must-read if you love passionate, emotional romances that stay with you after the last page. 💕📖

[Stephanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This was definitely an emotional read and did it make me cry ?? Oh Yes it did! Hunter is a single dad after his wife’s passing and Hunter is in need of a nanny for his son Nicky. Olivia’s friend Emma recommended Olivia to Hunter and Olivia is between jobs and she really needs this nanny job. Olivia and Nicky have this special relationship and the scavenger hunt was the best lol oh you can’t forget how adorable Nicky is. My heart hurt for Olivia cause she thinks she will never have a family but after Hunter pulls his head out of his butt he proves Olivia wrong ! This book was beautifully written i will be definitely recommending this book. Thank You Aria and Happily Booked PR for letting me be part of the ARC team.

[Amber Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book a lot. I actually ended up finishing it in one sitting. I did find myself frustrated with Hunter a lot.Like Sir…If you had one real conversation with the number of people, none of this would be happening. Olivia had some miscommunication too, but not nearly as bad as Hunter. Olivia and Nicky are so cute together. I definitely find the scenes with them together to be some of my favorites. This is definitely a good book and I do recommend. Just be ready for the slow burn ,miscommunication and a ton of Nicky cuteness.

[Candace Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me preface this by saying that this is not my normal genre. I'm usually engrossed in a book about a shadow daddy with touch her and die vibes, but I fell in love with this book! It hit all the marks. I cried, I laughed and I felt all the feelings. I loved it. It was sweet, it was spicy and it came together perfectly. I didn't feel as if I was reading a work of fiction, it felt like I was reading about someone's life. The detail, the emotion, and the choices that had to be made, felt so real. I loved the writing style and it flowed so eloquently. It was definitely a 6 star read for me!

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Path Forward

Olivia is hired to be a nanny for Hunter's son after having recently losing his wife. Not only does she do a wonderful job taking care of Nicky but the immediate connection with Hunter is indescribable. However, his hot/cold behavior dampens anything beginning to form between them. The hesitation and grief were present in this emotionally charged story, and it left me in tears. A shot at happiness just out of reach always pulls at my heartstrings and I could not wait to find out what would happen at the end.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Kylie Rudsinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay for a single dad x nanny book that DOESNT end with the nanny getting pregnant!!! I know it’s super rare! The single, grieving dad is also not as grumpy as they typically are which is nice. It always rubs me wrong when the single dad is a dick to the nanny that’s just doing their job. This story reads a lot smoother than perfect canvas- you can tell aria put in the extra work. Howeverrrr I’m waiting for Skylar’s story, have been since book 1!

[Cortney Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Happily booked for this e-arc! I love single dad/ nanny trope and this is possibly my favorite one so far. Olivia falls into a new job as a nanny right when she needs a new job badly. She is definitely the sunshine but Hunter wasn’t as grumpy as I expected him to be. He just was deep in feeling guilty for being attracted to Olivia while he was supposed to be grieving his wife. I can’t wait for book 3