Father of the Bride

A Family Affair #2

by Daisy Jane

I’m the maid of honor at my best friend’s wedding

And I’m shamelessly in love with the father of the bride

I’ve been in love with Ford since I wore braces. My best friend Kat’s dad, twenty-six years older, stupidly handsome, and the one man I was never allowed to want.

This wedding weekend is killing me tasting cake with him, watching him watch me in a backless dress, and then that moonlit moment that turned into his hand under my skirt while everyone we love danced a few feet away.

Ford Mercer—fifty-two, millionaire, the silver fox every woman in the city swears they’ve had… except none of them have. Turns out he hasn’t touched anyone since his wife died fifteen years ago.

He’s been waiting.

For me.

If Kat ever finds out what we did, what we’re doing, how we feel… she’ll never speak to either of us again.

But Ford says he doesn’t care about rules, age gaps, or lifelong friendships.

He says I’ve always been his future—and he’s ready to prove it.

But then I see something I shouldn’t, something I can’t believe, and everything I know and love about Ford Mercer is called into question.

Is my best friend’s dad the man I’ve been in love with, or someone else entirely?

Father of the Bride is a contemporary, millionaire romance featuring a large age gap between the MCs, and it explores OM/OW drama without any elements of cheating. It is an interconnected standalone and book two in the series A Family Affair.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Spicy, Forbidden Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Billionaire Romance

Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Daisy Jane is a forbidden love romance author, inspired by VC Andrews and more . When she's not penning a hot age gap novel or dreaming up steamy stories, she's enjoying the sunshine and warmth at her home in California. She enjoys reading, true crime, exercise and, of course, romance.

Connect with Daisy!

WEBSITE: DaisyJane.com

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FACEBOOK: Daisy on FB

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PINTEREST: Daisy on Pinterest

Reviews

[Soft Nectarine ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 26-YEAR AGE GAP launching this relationship into the delightfully FORBIDDEN depths…she’s his daughter’s BFF 🤫🤫 vulnerable NOT sleezy!

✨📷🍸 💜 🍸📷✨

Ford is a certified silver fox with tattoos & money but truly just a big softie. For years he’s been avoiding looking at his daughter’s bestie Juliette as to prevent his quiet YEARNING from spill-eth over 💦 But when the floodgates open…not even Juliette’s boyfriend poses an obstacle for the Mr. Ford Money Bags Mercer. Nothing will stop him from giving her the world!

The way this man PRAISES, adores, worships & loves her is outwardly…

YEARNING and quiet OBSESSION building trembling tension! The romance was centred on stolen glances, secret confessions & illicit touches on dark balconies 🫦 This forbidden romance was created impeccably with a true commitment to the solid age gap. Seasoned studs are IN!

📷 he is determined to eliminate all her insecurities

💜 not praise but thorough WORSHIP

📷 he makes her confess all her former teenage crush fantasies

💜 when the mmc flexes on her asshole boyfriend

This was amazingly written full of emotional depth and vulnerability. Instead of sleezy it felt like a raw and thoughtful dive into forbidden relationship. Ford was completely open in his approach to the relationship, which made his intentions appear more honest & true. NOT as spicy as you would think!


forbidden relationship
widowed mmc with adult children
age gap
plus size fmc
praiseeee
breeding kink (lite)
cheating (but her boyfriend is an ass)
strong family bonds
HEA

Thank you to Daisy Jane and the team at Smuthood for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟, 4🌶️

Age gap, best friend’s dad, wedding weekend chaos… I was immediately hooked.

Father of the Bride by Daisy Jane, part of the A Family Affair series, delivers a romance that feels both forbidden and deeply emotional. Ford Mercer is the ultimate silver fox. Tattooed, composed, and quietly devoted in a way that completely unraveled me. Beneath his reputation is a man who has loved Juliette for years, and watching that restraint finally break felt intimate and intense.

What makes their story so compelling is the emotional history behind the tension. This is not just attraction, it is years of longing finally brought into the open. The wedding setting keeps everything charged, but it is their communication that grounds the story. Ford respects her, believes in her, and approaches her heart with care, which made their connection feel intentional and real.

Juliette’s growth adds so much depth to their relationship. Watching her work through her insecurities and accept that she deserves this kind of love made their story even more meaningful. The spice is undeniable, but it is the devotion and emotional sincerity that truly stand out.

A little messy, very passionate, and completely worth the read.

~~~~

Special thanks to Daisy Jane & The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨

[Sienasummerrreads]

DNF at 38%

Unfortunately, I’m struggling. I’m losing interest in the characters because the connection just isn’t there for me. Both of them are constantly pining internally, but nothing is actually happening just lingering glances and maybe a couple of hand holds.

I struggled from chapter one. He had a woman over, then suddenly his daughter, her girl friend, and best friend show up. The daughter announces her engagement, Juliette then needs a lift home, and while I understand the forbidden element and him keeping his thoughts private, the first thing he brings up in the car is her old perfume? It felt random. I want gritty, forbidden, flirty tension not small talk that doesn’t build chemistry that I don’t care for. I’m only just getting to know these characters, and I already feel like there’s not enough substance for me to care.

The repetition also became frustrating. There are only so many ways you can mention the age gap, best friend’s father, or flipping it to daughter’s best friend. It was brought up so often I was over it. Juliette repeatedly calling him “Mr Mercer” after he asked her to call him Forde from chapter one. He even brought this up again in the recent chapters before I DNF’ed. If his internal thoughts showed me he liked her saying it and it did something to him I would have loved it. But I didn’t get much of a reaction so I found it unattractive and inappropriate.

There were missed opportunities as well. At the maybe wedding? Again this is not clear. The way her boyfriend handled her felt uncomfortable, yet no one stepped in not even Forde. No one really noticed. Also, where were the conversations with her best friend? They danced briefly, but that was it. If she’s such a prominent side character why wasn’t there anything happening between the best friend and Juliette during this event or pre event? I’m shocked because the wedding had been a main part of the story and I thought she is a bridesmaid. If you’re a bridesmaid you have more to worry about then your useless boyfriend who doesn’t even know or care for your friends.

I did skim chapter 11 to understand what event I was reading in chapter 10. It was a pre event? Which means from chapter 1 - 10 how much time has actually passed as this storyline feels fast paced but the character side doesn’t seem fast at all. Chapter 11 that I skimmed ends up being the wedding. Also what happened to Juliette to be in tears sitting or laying on the lounge on the balcony? But no conversation was had addressing it. I’m so confused.

I’m honestly at a loss. Daisy’s marketing is brilliant it absolutely pulls you in, but the writing style feels scattered for my personal taste. I found myself backtracking at times as I’m like hold on what’s going on. This wasn’t smooth to read from my own experience.

Unfortunately this is a DNF for me.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 367
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Second Book In The A Family Affairs Series
Tropes or Themes: (NOT complete) Billionaire, Age Gap (26yrs) and Best Friends Dad.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

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[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great age gap romance. Give me a Ford Mercer any day! He was so supportive and encouraging to Juliette but also had that damn goo dirty mouth!! I will absolutely be checking out other books by this author!!

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
3🌶️
🔥Millionaire Romance
💜Age Gap
🔥Best Friend’s Dad
💜Warming & Praise
🔥OW/OM Drama
💜“It’s Always Been You”
🔥Dual First Person POV

Father of the Bride delivers romance that feels forbidden and deeply emotional. The yearning, quiet obsession, and stolen glancces between Ford and Juliette has been building for years. But neither were willing to ackoledge their feelings and risk hurting his daughter and her best friend. Juliette has had a crush on Ford since before she knew what those feelings meant. Her teenage crush turned into more as she got older. Ford has been struggling with his feelings and attraction to his daughter’s best friend for the past few years. Juliette is a strong confident woman who has grown to love herself but still struggles with some insecurities. Ford respects Juilette, believes in her, and cares deeply making their emotional connection all the more intense. Ford is a certified tatted up silver fox with a playboy persona, but behind the reputation is a man who has loved Juliette quietly for years. Watching him unravel and his restraint snap when he finally pursues Juliette was emmotional and romantic. We love an older man who knows what he wants, can communicate his feelings, and is a big teddy bear with a goey center. Now there is some other woman/man drama. Juliette had a boyfriend and Ford’s best friend is a woman, someone Juliette always thought he was seeing casually. Except, their relationship has always been platonic. Juliette has come to reazlise she needs to dump her waste of space boyfriend but she and Ford share a kiss and illicit touches before that happens.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 4
Engaging: 5
Character: 5

Thank you Daisy Jane & The Smuthood for the gifted advanced copy.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Does she realize how her smile alters my brain chemistry, how the sight of her on a bad day turns everything right again?”

“F_€ k!ng hell, Juliette, your lips were made for mine.”

“You think about me when you touch yourself? Is that what you’re saying?" There’s no hesitation. “Yes, Mr. Mercer.”

“Juliette is this intoxicating blend of shy and fearless, vulnerable yet daring, and I know, with a certainty that steals my breath, that she would only ever bare herself like this for me.”

“I love Ford Mercer with the kind of love that has roots tangled around my ribs, and have ever since I was a girl. My love for Ford is terrifying. And that was exactly why it’d destroy us.”

“I'm done being scared. You're mine, sweetheart. And I'm yours. I love you. More than I ever thought possible.”

“Every gorgeous inch. Every moan. Every heartbeat. Mine. Say you understand. Tell me you know who you belong to.”

“You turn me to steel. You make me want more babies. A wedding. You make me want to be a husband and a father all over again. You make me wild with possibility, and that's all you, my beautiful, sexy, talented f_€ k!ng goddess.”

[EllieGraceReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Loved the communication throughout this book!
The fact that Ford approached Kat about how he felt towards Juliette before he properly pursued her, I wish more books were like this instead of secrets that blow up im everyones faces!
As much as Kat wasn’t 100% pleased when she first found out, she handled it so well and just wanted her dad and best friend to be happy which i loved! It didnt effect their friendship!

I am so in love with Ford! He has such a sweet relationship with his brother Geo, the most supportive dad, so kind and caring to everyone around him and just absolutely adores Juliette!

I love how confident and happy Juliette is with her body, even when Harry is being so awful towards her she doesn’t change herself to please others! I really liked her friendship with Kat and loved watching her relationship with Ford develop!

Thank god for communication and no third act breakups🥳

Screaming at the Trace, Ivy and Augustus cameos!!

Thank you Daisy for the ARC🫶🏻

[Baby Got Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well that’s a wrap for me. This is gonna be a DNF at 65%. While I am often a fan of age gap romance this one crossed into red flag territory way too many times.

The constant amount of reminding the reader that they meet when she was 13 and he 38ish. that he watched her grow up and how well he knew things about her because she grew up in their house along side his children. That she fully fell in love with him at 15 when he was kind and helped her tell her parents about her scratching their car.

And when they do finally sleep together talking about nothing first after thinking for years the other has no interest in them he freaks out mid sex and leaves her there naked and confused. He does not explain just books it because he realizes he cares too much.

The other random no go’s for this book:

Juliette has a terrible boyfriend that treats her badly and doesn’t support her and cuts her down all the time but instead of dumping him any of the half dozen times she should (that’s just in the first half of the book when they’ve already been together a year) she just complains and cries about it and does nothing.

This book is called Father of the Bride. From that one could surmise that the wedding would be pivotal to the story. Nope. Not really the wedding of his daughter comes and goes by with very little actual fanfare except that Ford (the father in question) fingers Juliette when he finds her crying yet again over bad boyfriend.

Also Ford keeps comparing Juliette to his dead wife who he and others multiple times call his soulmate and love of his life. So much so he’s actually never slept with another woman in the 22 years she’s been dead BUT has pretended to be a different woman every night kinda guy all this time.

***now if you made it this far this is something that I noticed and found so strangely unappealing but this author constantly writes in product placements and brands in a way that feels like they are sponsored. It’s really jarring especially when a lot of them are very problematic companies and brands. Now sparingly mentioning these things in contemporary I get but this felt really heavy handed.

This was so unpleasant from the how the story progressed to the characters themselves. Even the chemistry and sex scenes felt lacking any real connection or substance.

I would not recommend this.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

I read a fair amount of Age Gap Romances. And I like big age gaps too. I didn’t bat an eye when I saw that Ford’s age is 52 and Juliette’s is 26. I mean, in the book before this one, Father Knows Best, Geo is nearly 60–clearly I’m a big fan.

I have to say that Ford is a favorite, not just for his tattoos or for being a silver fox, or for how touching it is when he gets teary-eyed at his daughter’s wedding. But this man loved his first wife so much that he thought he would never find another love again. He had remained celibate for 22 years.

I loved how much Ford loved his family, and as soon as he acknowledged his feelings for Juliette, you would think everything would fall into place. I didn’t mind that Juliette had a boyfriend during the time she was involved with Ford—that doesn’t bother me, especially the type of guy he was to her. Much of the conflict centered on Juliette’s insecurities. Her boyfriend fed into that.

I enjoyed Father of the Bride—the romance, spice, and forbidden romance of it all. Definitely recommend.

Thank you to @authordaisyjane and @thesmuthood for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel ⭐️🖤💋Dark & Dirty & A Lot Of Smutty Reviews💋🖤⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one even more than the previous book in this series! And I can’t wait to read Cade’s book! Ford was the epitome of a Silver Fox, and went on my book boyfriend’s list. He was absolutely perfect! I was swooning all throughout the book. I didn’t want it to end.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I fell for Ford Mercer, hook line and sinker. If this man existed in real life I would be a puddle on the floor because he is PERFECTION.

We love an older man because they talk about their feelings, they don’t let things fester or let the one they love get away. Ford communicates his feelings for Juliette to his kids and then fights for Juliette 😍 Honestly this man is goner, he never stood a chance.

Ford builds Juliette up, puts her on a pedestal and then worships her on his knees. This kind of love is one of a kind and I was obsessed.

There is tension, spice and a whole heap of love, devotion and care. Ford and Juliette are a beautiful couple and I love the way Daisy has written them to life 🤍

Thank you to Daisy and The Smuthood for the ARC.

❗️WARNING ❗️
There is tiny miscommunication but it gets cleared up super quickly.
Sort of OW drama, Ford has a close female friend, and it takes some time for Juliette to believe that there’s nothing going on between them.
Cheating (not between MC’s), Juliette’s current boyfriend is an asshole.

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father of the Bride by @authordaisyjane was sooooo good. The way that I am feral for Ford Mercer... ugh this man! I loved the way he helped Juliette to see her worth & oh my gosh, just the way he worshipped her *swoon* Juliette The age gap forbidden dynamic made this all the more sweeter. The tension was executed perfectly. Emotional rollercoaster but I seriously couldn't put this done. Another incredible book by Daisy 🥰🥰

[Lauren (laurenreads_7) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start with my review so I’ll just drop my random thoughts below from the read.

Overall, not an inherently BAD book, but there were too many plot holes, too much miscommunication. I should have stopped when he spoon fed her oatmeal like an airplane like you do with children. Alas, I pushed through just to be wholly disappointed by the ending.

Anyways, here are said thoughts:

We love a forbidden age gap romance

Kat & Zennie are cute-new to the Daisy universe not sure if their story is somewhere?

Cade and Noah are DOWN FREAKING BAD and it better unfold in whatever is next

Just call him Ford. Please Juliette I am begging you.

Harry is a piece of work. Manipulating, undermining, controlling. Just break up with herrrrrr. Or hell she should break up with him after getting finger banged on the balcony by her bestie’s dad at said bestie’s wedding

He did not pull out mid thrust and jump ship…

Why is Ford doing this with Harry???? Just for a power move? It feels childish.

We’re getting somewhere, right? WRONG. Okay I like Juliette and understand the trauma she has experienced with Harry but Ford isn’t Harry. And her jealousy and insecurity is almost *too much* at times

I don’t even want to say this is a miscommunication. Because Ford is withholding information with the desire to surprise Juliette but clearly does not understand her need for said communication. It’s a tad insensitive.

We are not feeding a grown woman her oatmeal airplane style…. This cannot be happening right now? Andddd then we jump into a conversation about children (hello breeding kink)

Isn’t she worried about dropping her camera in the middle of this makeup session?

Wait. Wait wait wait. We went through an ENTIRE miscommunication trope, Juliette getting drunk in a long puffer coat, all for us to breeze the fashion show that caused this mess?!? “THE END” WHAT?!


Random after thoughts:
Is he picturing his dead wife’s ring on his love interests hand? I’m confused.

I know Ford is obsessed with Juliette but there are times when the comparisons to his ex wife and the love he had for her make me uncomfortable.

Again, I need Cade and Noah. Will they redeem the Mercers for me??

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Father of the Bride
A Family Affair Book 2
1st Person Duel POV
Available 02.24
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

💜Best Friend's Dad
💜Large Age Gap (OVER 20 YEARS)
💜Curvy FMC × Silver Fox Tattooed MMC
💜Millionaire Romance
💜Praise, worship, warming & more
💜Fun on a balcony
💜OW/OM Drama
💜Cameos from Ford, Sutton & Avery


Wow, Daisy Jane out did herself…a hot older man covered in tattoos that can communicate and fights for his girl?!
I was swooning the whole time and trying to figure out how I can bag me a man like Ford Mercer.

The secret pining? Elite.
The tension? Delicious.
And the communication? We love an emotionally intelligent king. 🙌🏼

Seriously couldn’t put the book down when I started, I will admit I was hesitant because the first book in the series wasn’t exactly on my favorite list but I love so much of what Daisy Jane has written, that I knew I just had to give it a try and I’m so thankful I did!

Ford doesn’t just love Juliette, he downright worships our girl Juliette. He builds her up, puts her on a pedestal, and then happily falls to his knees for her. The devotion, the care, the way he chooses her? I was obsessed.

This book is fun, flirty, and perfectly dirty when the spice hits (and trust me, it hits). Juliette deserves this kind of love, especially after the way Dick & Balls treated her, (IYKYK) and watching her finally get her man was everything.

Huge thank you to Daisy and The Smuthood for the ARC. 💕🔥I can’t wait from more from the series.

[Novels & Needles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a good time with Father of the Bride. Daisy really knows how to take a trope that should probably make me clutch my pearls and instead has me happily devouring the drama like popcorn at a wedding reception. This one leans fully into the delicious chaos of falling for the one man you absolutely should not want…...your best friend’s dad. And honestly? I ate it up.

Ford Mercer is peak silver-fox energy. Confident, a little dangerous, and carrying years of quiet longing that makes every interaction feel charged. The tension between him and Juliette had been simmering for years and when it finally boils over during the wedding weekend…...let’s just say the pages were turning themselves. The forbidden element adds this constant undercurrent of “we absolutely should not be doing this” which of course only makes it hotter.

For me this was a really solid four star read. The chemistry was great, the angst and secrecy kept the story moving, and Daisy's writing is always ridiculously easy to sink into. It didn’t completely emotionally destroy me the way a few five star reads do, but I still had a genuinely great time with it and happily devoured it in one go. If you enjoy forbidden romance, age gaps, and a silver fox MMC who knows exactly what he wants…...this one will absolutely scratch that itch.

[Dawn Smit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford Mercer 🫠 yes please!! Honestly the man is shear perfection

You gotta love an older sexy AF man who knows how to communicate his feelings, fights for his girl and his family, supports and protects her and goes to great lengths to see her succeed

Juliette deserves to get her man, she's waited long enough and especially after the way Dick & Balls treated her

This book is fun, flirty and dirty 😊 when the spice hits it hits the spot perfectly. The chemistry between these two is beautifully written and the side characters are fabulous and there is definitely another book or two hiding there and I can't wait to read it

Thank you Daisy Jane and The Smuthood for this fabulous ARC opportunity

[Aria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Father of the Bride delivers on the age gap, millionaire romance premise with a best friend's dad twist that packs plenty of tension and heat. Ford Mercer is a decadent, brooding billionaire hiding his feelings for his daughter's best friend, and the forbidden dynamic delivers the angst and chemistry you'd expect from the trope.
The writing pulls you into their charged connection, and Daisy Jane handles the push-pull of desire vs. duty well, with spicy moments that live up to the hype. It's a quick, indulgent read for fans of the "daddy" trope and drama.
However, some plot beats felt predictable, and I wanted more depth to the emotional stakes and side characters to elevate it beyond trope fulfillment. Three stars—solid for the genre, but not groundbreaking. Thank you for the ARC!

[Amy Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Jane is the queen of taboo/forbidden, and once again knocked it out of the park! Ahh I loved Ford & Juliette! Juliette has pined for her best friend's dad forever, and he's secretly loved her too?! Yes, please.

I could relate to Juliette as her insecurities reared their head a lot, and seeing her work through them, at times with the help of Ford was so good. I loved the push and pull between them, as they both didn't feel like being together was ever possible. But when they gave in and the spice hit? Holy moly it slapped.

There was a lot of character development, and despite some misunderstandings, I loved how their relationship progressed and flourished. Ford was definitely the man Juliette needed in her corner, and she was the missing piece to make his heart whole again.

If you love a silver fox, huge age gap, totally off limits (or so they thought) with a smidge of cheating (let's face it, D&B should have been put in the trash from the start) then this is for you!

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome age gap romance. Juliette and Ford were so sweet and respectful in this story. I loved that they truly cared about the people around them before just jumping into a relationship. I loved the banter, the build up, and that naughty mouth of his. I really enjoyed reading this. I thought it was fun, sweet, spicy, and steamy.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This was a fabulous time! Every relationship (romantic, friend, familial) in this book was SO mature and healthy - I literally can’t say enough good things about that! Everyone was honest && communicative and it was so refreshing and ROMANTIC!

Ford Mercer is a god among men, and is the ultimate DADDY. and I absolutely loved Juliette - I loved her portrayal as loving herself but still being self conscious because that’s REAL and so relatable.

I had a great time reading this - it was spicy, romantic, emotionally powerful and so easy to get wrapped up in!

I am really hoping Cade’s story is next?! 👀👀

[Just a Little Reading & Reviewing · Rating 3 out of 5]

This taboo romance between Ford and Juliette is full of spice, drama, angst and pining. This definitely had a little bit of everything to keep the story moving but it also had a few twists that the author used to really make this forbidden romance her own.

Ford, who - after having loved and lost his first wife -and years of thinking he was content with his single lifestyle finds himself irrevocably drawn to his daughter's best friend. He just watched his brother find love again - in a very non-traditional way! - and his daughter has just become engaged to the love of her life and planning a wedding. So all this causes an unexpected reaction to the girl turned woman that's always been on the peripheral of his life.

Juliette is in a lackluster relationship with her boyfriend and finally comes to the realization that they aren't right for each other. Gone is the attentive and affectionate man she fell for and in his place is a self centered gas lighter who always manages to tank her self-esteem. But she's settled because the man she really wants is 100% off limits. Right?

Our MCs are fully fleshed out characters that go through the ringer of emotional turmoil while falling in love. I loved that Juliette has Kat and Zennie in her corner. She needed people who loved and supported her and her girl gang absolutely delivered for her. Especially when Ford unintentionally caused some drama. I loved that she was finally able to pursue her photography with people that actually cheered her on but when it came to Ford, I wish she would have made him grovel a little after everything he puts her through. When she started to excuse his sh!t behavior, I wanted to desperately talk some sense into her!

Ford was also a complex character. He's lived a pretty full life already. He'd found the love of his life, been married, had and raised kids and is successful. But he also feels like a fish out of water when he realizes that maybe his love life isn't as dead as he'd thought all these years. I loved that once committed, he pursued Juliette with everything he had. He was supportive, protective and their physical chemistry was OTT spicy. I didn't like that he waffled so much after taking things to the level of intimacy he did with Juliette, both times were awful and I felt so bad for her! And I wish he'd stayed 100% celibate (maybe not for the for two whole decades) for Juliette. His explanation that he was celibate - didn't have full blown sex - but "enjoyed" women in other ways was still a little ick to me. Also his weirdly intimate but platonic friendship with Elle never really felt 100% closed. He might not have felt anything more than friendship for her but Elle sometimes gave me some seriously mixed vibes.

Their conflicts were realistic and I loved how open their family and friends were to their unconventional attraction/relationship. Age gap is hard enough for most people to accept without judgement, but when it comes with close familial ties things can really get crazy. I loved that the author didn't allow this to be one more obstacle to overcome. Instead we get a loving couple with the support of their inner circle - which makes a huge difference.

Father of the Bride is the second book in an interconnected series that revolves around a close knit family and their taboo romances. Does not have to be read in order but there is some cross over characters from book #1 - Father Knows Best (Menage romance where a father and son share a lover). Ford and Juliette's story is quick, steamy and has just the right amount of angst and drama to keep you reading the next page.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Juliette is 26 and Ford is in his 50s

Cheating : Yes, Juliette is in a relationship with she becomes intimate with Ford. Once at the wedding (3rd base) and after the wedding, (4th base, without completion). She breaks up with the neglectful boyfriend eventually but honestly I didn't feel conflict with it. He was very meh and she didn't really experience any turmoil over it.

OM/OW drama : The boyfriend causes some drama but it was very mild. There is some drama regarding Ford's assumed "playboy" reputation. He is a serial dater and it causes jealousy and doubt with Juliette but it's revealed he has not had full blown sex for 20 something years - ever since he lost his wife - but has "enjoyed women in other ways" 🫤

Separation : Two moments. One when Ford panics and runs, leaving Juliette embarrassed and rejected and again when he realizes his mistake and tries to pursue her. This time Juliette is the one that feels wary of their life style differences and is scared of being burned by him again. Both were only days long.

Triggers/Tropes/Content Warnings: Age gap, best friend's father, widowed MCs, mention of past soul mates, second chance, open door spice, breeding kink, praise kink, cock-warming, dirty talk, secret relationship, risky/public sex, bare sex, jealousy, playboy MC, cheating (FMC), side characters in a menage relationship, will-they-wont-they.

HEA/HFN : HEA, one year later epilogue with a marriage proposal (and pregnancy).

[Alexandra Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Releases 2/24!
✨Summary✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
HEA: Yes, no 3rd act breakup
POV: dual
Tropes: Best Friend’s Dad, Age Gap (26/52), Curvy FMC, Breeding K!nk, Millionaire, Tattooed MMC, OWD (kinda)

Juliette has always been in love with her best friend’s dad, Ford, but she never believed she would be his type or that he would ever want her. Ford has quietly loved his daughter’s best friend for years, but between the age gap and not wanting to betray his daughter, he keeps his feelings buried. When they finally realize the attraction is mutual, it is only a matter of time before they give in.

I do want to mention a potential trigger for some readers: there is technical cheating in this book. Juliette is in a relationship in the first half. While she is never intimate with her boyfriend when the story starts and her boyfriend treats her poorly and the relationship is clearly unhealthy, lines are crossed before things are officially ended. If that is something that bothers you, it is worth knowing going in.

That said, I did not find it hard to root for Juliette. She is a curvy female who has worked hard to get to a place where she mostly loves her body, but she still struggles with insecurities. Her boyfriend does not support her or build her up, which only makes those insecurities louder. It takes a few bad moments for her to finally walk away, and I was glad she chose herself.

Because of her boyfriend and Ford’s dating history, Juliette assumes she could never be what Ford wants. From the outside, Ford dates supermodel types and appears to move on easily. In reality, he has been going through the motions. He never got over losing his wife and has not actually been intimate with another woman since she died. He believes intimacy should mean something, which added depth to his character. Juliette is the first person who makes him feel alive again.

One of my favorite parts was how he built her up even before they were together. He sees her, supports her, and protects her confidence when others chip away at it. He is also a genuinely devoted father. As someone who reads a lot of best friend’s dad romances, I appreciated that he actually discusses pursuing Juliette with his daughter. That felt rare and showed maturity and love on his part.

There are a few perceived OWD moments, but it is more insecurity and assumption on Juliette’s part than real other woman drama. She tends to assume instead of directly communicating, which creates some tension without becoming overwhelming.

Once they finally give in to their attraction, the spice is strong. There is a scene where he comes in his pants from making her come, and I know some readers will absolutely eat that up. There is also a breeding kink element, which I know readers can either love or hate, so something to be aware of.

My biggest critique is the pacing. A lot happens quickly, and I wish certain parts had been more fleshed out. Some events feel rushed and the timeline gets a little hard to track in places.

Since this was an ARC, I did notice a few typos and grammatical errors, along with a timeline inconsistency. The blurb and one part of the book mention it has been 15 years since Ford has been with a woman, but based on when his wife died and other references, it would actually be 22 years. I am hopeful those details will be corrected before release.

I want to thank the Smuthood and Daisy Jane for the opportunity to review this book before its release! I truly enjoyed the story!

[McKenzie Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Release date of 02/24
✨Summary ✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual (Juliette and Ford)
Tropes: Best friend’s dad, age gap (26/52), plus-size FMC, breeding kink, tattooed MMC, millionaire

Juliette has always been in love with her best friend’s dad. She would never dare tell Kat, her best friend, that. She has kept this a secret since the beginning of their friendship and she was willing to go to the grave with that knowledge, too. She always told herself that a man like Ford, successful and rich, could never want a girl like her. When they realize that the feelings are mutual, it is only a matter of time before they both give in. 

I will start my personal review by saying that you should definitely check the trigger warnings. Technically, there is cheating. Juliette is in a relationship in the first half of the book. The relationship is extremely unhealthy, and she never has intimate moments with Harry on the page. It’s worth knowing if that is something that bothers you. I also want to mention that there is talk of breeding, and it is a kink they share. Some people love it, and others hate it, so I felt that it was worth mentioning. 

Overall, I LOVED this book! Anything written by Daisy, I scarf right up! Let me just say, I fell for Ford so hard! I would be an absolute mess if Ford was a real human! Daisy absolutely made me fall in love with Juliette right away too! She is hard-working, takes nothing from anyone, and dreams loud! The plus-size rep makes it even better. She truly shows through Juliette the everyday struggle of being curvier. As a plus-size woman myself, every emotion Juliette went through and every inner thought I have felt or said myself. I think a lot of it is a universal experience for all women not considered straight-sized. 

Juliette is a strong and independent character. She can be witty and funny, too. There were so many times that I highlighted witty comments or things she said because they were genuinely funny. I also highlighted so many things that I think everyone needs to hear, especially those with self-esteem issues. Ford is so understanding and patient. He is kind and has such a big heart for those he loves. He is willing to do anything for you, even though he likes to act like he is a big tough guy. He gives reassurance with no hesitation, and he truly lives like he is meant to be on Earth for Juliette and his kids. 

The only thing that I wished we had seen more of is the ending of Juliette’s relationship with Harry. It ended sudden and there really wasn’t a whole lot of resolve when it came to that. The super often demeaning inner monologue of Juliette is something that I wish I could say I wanted to change, but it is something that I think every person of every shape and size needs to read. It is something that I find is often overlooked in many books that have plus-size main characters. 

I want to thank Daisy Jane and The Smuthood for allowing me to read this book before it releases! I truly loved this book from cover to cover and cannot wait to read what Daisy has coming out next!

[Jenny Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Father of the Bride’ by Daisy Jane is a contemporary spicy romance, the 2nd book in the ‘A Family Affair’ series. Thank you to Daisy Jane for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book can be described as:

- [ ] Large Age Gap (26 years)
- [ ] Best Friend's Dad
- [ ] Millionaire Romance
- [ ] Curvy FMC x Silver Fox MMC
- [ ] Praise & Warming K!nk
- [ ] "It's Always Been You"

My honest opinions:

This book was a whirlwind of taboo kinkiness and I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about it at times. But that doesn’t defer me from reading a book and accepting it for what it is… and this book was a great escape into topics and fantasies that, sure… in real life would be total red flags, but in spicy, smutty fiction… it can be a really good time!

Some examples of this would be the cheating and miscommunication tropes. I like how the author didn’t shy away from these topics because it fit so well within the context of the story. I definitely wanted to shake the FMC and tell her to just break up with her boyfriend, a hundred times. And I definitely wanted to smack the MMC on the head for not just saying what he means. But even with those tropes, that I typically avoid, it was entertaining and engaging because I just HAD to know what was gonna happen next! Also, the large age gap (26 years) can be very taboo, but I liked how she wrote this from a “remember when” POV instead of dual timelines. I felt like that made the fact that ‘he knew her as a child’ more “palatable” for readers. I typically do not have a problem with large age gaps so I liked this trope and how it was written.

Next, in true Daisy Jane fashion, she gave us some really great spicy scenes. There was quite a bit but I didn’t feel like it took over the story. I really liked Ford’s dirty mouth and praise for Juliette’s curvy body. Also, I always find myself learning about a variety of k!nks in her books and “warming” was a new one for me! I love when a spicy book can teach me something! 🤭 I would rate this 4🌶️’s.

In addition, I liked getting snippets of the characters from the first book in the series, ‘Father Knows Best’ and getting to know other new characters that I could see getting their own book. So I will definitely be on the lookout for book 3 in the series!

Finally, I enjoyed this book, but maybe not as much as I was hoping. I still struggle with cheating tropes, but that’s just personal preference and nothing to do with the story or how it was written. Overall, I would rate this a solid 3⭐️’s.

[kreader33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passion of the heart
This book wasn’t what I thought it was going to be like, & I’m so thankful for that!!! It was a nice change of premise. I was really happy with the storyline and direction.
Ford’s house was definitely the one that all the kids would hang out at after school. He had to have been the cool and understanding parent that just took in whoever showed up.
I was all in my feels with Juliette roller coaster of emotions. I think everyone has been there a time or two, especially women. “I see the body that took me through life. The body that discovered her love…the body that has taken me through heartbreak and life lessons, that body that has held me up through loss and pain. My hips have gained inches, and my belly is softer than it’s ever been. But in my skin, I feel beautiful.”
I loved how accepting not just Ford was, but his family too. Love was love to them. It didn’t have to be for them or to their tastes for them to love seeing others happy with their choices. Beautiful to see! It’s how it always should be. You love them people in your life while trusting and accepting the choices they make for their own happiness. “I like that you looked. That you want me this much. That you care enough to be jealous. I care about you that way, too.” 📸
I still don’t know if I like Elle. Even after reading the whole book from start to finish, I’m still not sold on her being ‘part of the family.’ 😥😂
Jules was so emotionally strong and too giving at the same time. She was fearless and bold with her body. Confidence is sexy! “I am the size I am. I don’t want shape wear or clothes to hide me. I want to wear what I want to fucking wear…”
Kat was an absolute joy as a friend, daughter, and wife. She’s the bestie you’ve had since middle school and nothing will ever change. She’s so honest, but lovingly so. She will tell you what she thinks, and still accept whatever decision you make.
Ford really was the exact opposite of D&B. He actually knew and supported J on her wants. He went out of his way to make sure she got what she wanted out of life. He didn’t try to wedge her into a box or make her feel bad about wanting to go in a different direction. He knew and remembered everything. Definitely no old man brain there! 🤣
I really hope Noah and Cade work it out! There’s something good brewing there! 🤩

Suggested reading order to date:
1. Father Knows Best
2. Father of the Bride
3. Like Father, Like Son

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

O MY WORD! THIS BOOK! I devoured it in hours! SO SO GOOD! Give me a big age gap and I eat it up! Father of the Bride by Daisy Jane is book two in the A Family Affair series. Give me a HOT, Tattooed millionaire that worships his woman and I AM HERE FOR IT!

Ford Mercer—fifty-two, millionaire, the silver fox every woman in the city swears they’ve had… except none of them have. Turns out he hasn’t touched anyone since his wife died years ago. This man is absolute perfection. I was completely gone for him. Protective, caring, so loving, every adjective. And his playboy image is all a lie. Why? Because he is madly and secretly in love with his daughter’s best friend, 26 year old Juliette . But little does he know, she has also been in love with him. This story!! With her best friend Kat's wedding happening soon, she’s suddenly spending more time around him than she ever anticipated. And on that wedding night, one HOT and SO SPICY moment turns into something neither of them can ignore, and Juliette soon discovers she isn’t the only one who’s been quietly consumed. Can you even imagine? The man you thought was so “unattainable” has always been in love with you?! Juliette. I LOVE her so much. I could relate to her in so many ways, both always struggling with my insecurities as a curvy girl and being verbally abused for so long, it messes your mind so bad! Her character is so beautiful, she is genuine and so loving and DESERVING of everything amazing. I loved seeing how strong she becomes and how much she overcomes by the end. And the passion between these two, HOTTTT! This man’s mouth, yes please!!!

Everything about this book was PERFECT. It was real and raw. It showed how much communication is key. It showed what true unconditional love and devotion is! Go read this book!!! You will fall in love with these two!

Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Best Friend's Dad
Age Gap (26 years)
Widower MMC
Millionaire MMC
Curvy FMC
Praise & Worship
"It's Always Been You”

🩷Thank you to Daisy Jane and The Smuthood for my arc!

#daisyjanebooks #contemporaryromance #millionaireromance #agegapromance #oldermanyoungerwoman #daisyjane #curvyromance #curvyfmc #tattooedhero #afamilyaffair #fatherknowsbest #fatherofthebride #thesmuthood

[Heather Angeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay but LISTEN. This was hands down one of the best stories I’ve read this month.

What happens when you fall for your best friend’s dad? Not just a passing crush. Not a fleeting “she’s hot for an older man” moment. I’m talking years of quiet longing. Stolen glances across dinner tables. Lingering hugs that mean just a little too much. Feelings that both Juliette and Ford have buried deep because some lines just aren’t meant to be crossed… right?

Wrong. 😮‍🔥 Oh so so wrong.

Juliette has secretly loved Ford for years. And Ford? He’s always known better. A 26-year age gap. The fact that she’s his daughter’s best friend. The weight of what people would say. They’ve both mastered the art of restraint… until the night of Ford's daughter's wedding.

And when I tell you that one singular kiss changed everything — I mean everything. One kiss. One tiny slip of control (plus a little something extra below the waist, hehe). Suddenly all that tension? It explodes. The quiet longing? It’s impossible to ignore. The “what ifs” turn into “what now?” Could this really be happening?

The chemistry between Juliette and Ford is absolutely addictive. The stolen moments. The glances across crowded rooms. The brush of fingers that lingers just a second too long. You can feel how much they’ve wanted each other for years, and when that dam finally cracks? Whew. It’s intense without being over the top — just pure, pent-up emotion finally unleashed.

What I loved most is that this wasn’t just about the taboo factor (though let’s be honest, that tension is chef’s kiss). It’s about two people who have grown up alongside each other in different ways. Juliette isn’t a child — she’s a woman who knows what she wants. And Ford isn’t just “the dad.” He’s a man who has denied himself happiness for far too long.

The emotional build-up is what makes this story shine. Every look, every almost-touch, every internal battle had me glued to the pages. I was rooting for them the entire time, consequences be damned. Erica Jane delivered angst, heat, longing, and heart all wrapped into one addictive story. I devoured this and immediately wanted to reread my favorite scenes.

[Brea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Jane did it again and I am once again questioning my moral compass and enjoying every second of it. 🫠🔥
Ford Mercer is a 52-year-old tattooed silver fox, speakeasy-owning menace with a filthy mouth, praise kink energy, and the emotional intelligence of a man who actually knows how to communicate — which frankly should be illegal. Juliette is his daughter’s best friend, 26 years younger, wildly talented, a little insecure, and completely, utterly gone for this man. And listen… the yearning in this book? The pining? The “we absolutely should not be doing this but also I would ruin my entire life for you” tension? I was eating it with a spoon like dessert.
I’ll admit, when I saw the trope combo I had a moment of ma’am… are we really doing this? But Daisy Jane has a talent for taking the tropes people side-eye and turning them into something emotional, addictive, and ridiculously hot. Ford isn’t just some fantasy hot dad stereotype either — he’s supportive, protective, obsessed with Juliette’s talent, and absolutely down bad for her in a way that had me kicking my feet and screaming. When the slow burn finally combusts? GOOD LORD. The man talks, praises, worships, and generally behaves like he knows he won the lottery and Juliette is the jackpot.
What really sold it though was the emotional backbone. These two actually talk about the age gap, the fallout, the risks, and Ford being upfront with his family instead of sneaking around for 400 pages was surprisingly refreshing. But don’t worry — the tension, angst, and chaos are still very much present. There’s messy relationship drama, internal panic, and at least twelve moments where I wanted to shake Juliette and yell GIRL JUST DUMP THE BOYFRIEND ALREADY.
Bottom line: this book is taboo-flavored romance crack. It’s yearning, tension, devotion, and spice wrapped up in a story about two people who were clearly doomed to fall for each other eventually. Daisy Jane continues to prove she can take literally any trope and make me read it like a gremlin at 2am.
Ford and Juliette now live rent-free in my head and honestly? They’re not paying utilities either.
Huge thank you to Daisy Jane & Smuthood PR for the ARC. I devoured this in one sitting like a woman possessed.

[Jenny Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Jane is my favorite not-so-guilty pleasure author, and her latest book “Father of the Bride” is no exception to the pleasure rule. This is book two of the series “A Family Affair” — and it’s a delicious blend of swoony & kinky romance, spun together with Daisy’s signature steam, that had me salivating from start to finish.

This story focuses on Juliette and Ford Mercer (we met him briefly in book one, he’s Geo’s brother and Sutton’s uncle). Juliette has been best friends with Ford’s daughter Kat and has always harbored a secret crush on him; and in similar fashion he has been crushing on adult Juliette for years. They’ve both kept their feelings to themselves; Juliette being in a dead end relationship with horrible Harry and Ford is well-known for his man-about-town ways. And this widower has a secret of his own.

The tropes, and microtropes, within this entire story is where Daisy shines. I am always ecstatic when she leans into some of my favorite forbidden tropes (cheating, best friend’s dad, situational miscommunication). Both Ford and Juliette have inner conflict to overcome to find their HEA. My favorite takeaway of this entire story is how they’ve been quietly observing each other and taking mental notes and pictures — which goes to show that love logic doesn’t account for the time it takes for our hearts and heads to catch up. Or maybe it does, because their love meets them at pivotal time for both — she’s a a talented photographer looking for her break, and he’s all tattooed millionaire status willing to go to the ends of the earth to help her achieve her dreams.

I don’t want to give it all away, but I do want to encourage you to take a chance on this series.

“Father Knows Best” is well-written, unconventional, yet full of real love. I’m not surprised I fell in love with Ford’s charm or Juliette’s aura while reading Father of the Bride, and Daisy brilliantly pulls in details to build up to book three.

Which I’m obviously jumping up and down for.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette being hopelessly in love with her best friend’s dad since her braces era? Already chaotic. Already delicious. And then you add Ford Mercer into the mix. Fifty two. Silver fox. Quietly powerful. A man who has not touched another woman in fifteen years because he has been waiting. For her. I had to put the book down and stare at the wall for a minute.

This entire wedding weekend feels like a ticking time bomb wrapped in silk. Cake tastings loaded with tension. Lingering glances over champagne flutes. That backless dress moment? Criminal. The way he watches her like he has been memorizing her for years and finally decided he is done pretending. The forbidden energy is immaculate.

What makes this story so addictive is that it is not just lust. It is history. It is years of longing. Ford has carried this quiet, steady devotion while playing the responsible father, the untouchable widower, the man everyone assumes belongs to the past. Meanwhile Juliette has grown into herself, into her confidence, into a woman who knows what she wants and is tired of pretending she does not.

The age gap tension is real and intense, but it never feels flimsy. It feels rooted in mutual understanding. In patience. In this almost reverent kind of desire. Ford is not reckless with her heart. He is deliberate. Protective. Certain. And the fact that he says he does not care about rules or gossip or the fallout? I melted.

But then that twist. That moment where everything you think you know about him tilts sideways. I was stressed. My stomach dropped. Daisy Jane knows exactly how to make you question everything before pulling you back in.

Omg I loved Ford and Juliette. Loved the angst. Loved the secrecy. Loved the way their connection felt both scandalous and strangely pure. This is messy and romantic and high stakes in the most addictive way.

Five stars. I will never look at a wedding the same way again. 💍🔥

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Come on, baby, tell me. Tell Mr. Mercer how you got wet for me.”

If I thought that I had a thing for Gio Mercer…well then goodness I am absolutely feral for his brother Ford. Ford Mercer with the tattoos, the praise, the genuine concern for Juliette and the filthiest mouth. Yes, freaking please!

Father of the Bride gives Daisy Jane’s trademark taboo setup but shifts into something softer and more emotionally grounded and honestly, it works so well. The kink is toned down compared to her other books, but don’t worry… the spice is absolutely still there, just delivered with more intention and feeling.

Juliette (26) is a photographer trying to believe she deserves the life she wants and that her talents will take her there. Ford (52) is the power of several successful speakeasies. He’s got this calm, steady presence that makes you understand exactly why she’s fallen for him, but oh wait he’s her best friend’s dad. This title adds a delicious, slow‑burn tension to every moment they try to stay away from each other.

There is cheating, but Juliette’s boyfriend is such a selfish, dismissive turd that it never really overshadows the story. The heart of the story is Juliette and Ford choosing each other.

“But you... you slipped under my skin, made me see a future I put to bed years ago.”

I can’t talk highly enough about the communication in this book. These two talk through everything; their fears, insecurities, the age gap, the fallout, the risk. Ford believes in Juliette’s talent long before she believes in herself, and that support becomes the emotional backbone of their relationship. Their intimacy feels earned, grown, and deeply connected. I mean, Ford knows the risks of their relationship so much so that he talks to his own daughter first about him and Juliette being together.

There are hiccups along the way, secrets, timing, the weight of the taboo but nothing feels forced. It’s two adults navigating something real, messy, and worth fighting for.

“I'm done being scared. You're mine, sweetheart. And I'm yours. I love you. More than I ever thought.”

Honestly, Daisy Jane had me at best friend’s dad romance but I stayed for the emotional longing and tension, the spice that fits these two to a tee, and a man who champions for his woman’s dreams without hesitation

A huge thank you to Daisy Jane and The Smuthood PR for the early copy!