The Right Wrong Promise: A Grumpy Single Dad Romance

The Blackthorn Inheritance #2

by Nicole Snow

The gruffest broken single dad finds home with a spitfire heiress in this stormy and spicy romance by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow.

I inherited a freaking family.
Thanks, Gramps. I expected the lake house, the repairs, and the weird little secrets you left behind.
But sharing this place with Kane Saint and his kids?
Holy potato.

Don't laugh at his name.
There's nothing holy about a man this guarded and growly and scary fine.
He's at war with everything except his adorable munchkins.
It's a classic standoff the instant I let him stay after an awkward mix-up.

I go to work looking for my grandfather's final cryptic gift.
Saint Dadzilla goes to work on me.
A helping hand I never asked for.
The warmest laughs over breakfast feasts.
And when one stolen kiss claims my soul, I forget this is clinically insane.

I'm in shambles.
Every flaming night whispers promises we can't keep—especially when Gramps' legacy has teeth.
What happens if playing house with the wrong man feels like coming home?

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance

474 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2025

About the author

Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.

Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty.

Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.

Find more about Nicole here:

Website: http://nicolesnowbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolesnowbo...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nicol...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleSnowBooks

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nicole-Snow/e/...

Reviews

[Piper Brintnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was better than the first and I liked the characters better. I remember really hating Gigi/Margot in the first book and feel like they were two different people. I liked the mystery component but…let’s do one mystery well instead of two half assed. The book is, once again, too long. The end drags on when it doesn’t need to. And we drag Margot and Kane’s interactions out too much when I was ready to get to the resolution of the mystery.

The characters could be more developed, as well as the plot line. The riddle/scavenger hunt from the Grandpa was a non-starter.

I’m being kind with 3⭐️ but it was fine. Much better than the first.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love them <3

[Sarah Kriebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea how this author has so many five star ratings. Each book is about 250 pages longer than it needs to be. Every single book I find myself skipping multiple pages because of all of the unnecessary words. The books have a good plot, but the author has a very childish way of writing. No one uses the word. “Dude” anymore, but she used it at least 20 times in this book.. I’ve tried to give this author a fighting chance, but this will be the last book of her I will ever read

[Kali Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A case of double-booked home with a rough grumpy man and sunshine polished girl but adorable kids and a little inheritance puzzle to solve and a bit of mystery to save via the alpha hero

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margot Blackthorn is headed to her deceased grandfather's secluded lake house. Her inheritance. The house she has so many wonderful memories with her brother, her BFF and her grandfather. When she arrives, she's not prepared for what she's about to encounter. Kane and his children.
Kane and his kids needed a vacation from regular life. It's been a rough couple of years and the lake house they rented is perfect, except for the shocked, rich girl confronting them about why they are in her house. When the dust settles, they agree that cohabitation might work. Kane and the kids can enjoy the place while Margot decides what is next for the lake house. Perfect for both their needs. What Kane doesn't need is a woman with super model looks tempting him at every turn.
Margot and Kane become close, but they are not ready to define what they have, not that they have anything per se... All they know is that they are having fun and it's temporary, I mean, he has kids and she's working hard being a shoe designer. It's just a fling, just what they both need. But soon it begins to feel a little less temporary and a lot more like forever.

An alpha/dad, ex professional hockey player meets his match with the smart, sassy princess from the Blackthorn family💕 A sexy, spicy read with lots of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages!
Amazing story with fantastic characters and a most definite must read!!!

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Blackthorn Inheritance series and although it could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Vows We Never Made where you will meet Ethan & Hattie - Ethan's sister / Hatties bestie Margot is the leading lady in this book and she goes back to her decreased Granda's house that he left to her and she's tasked with finding something - no idea what that something is but she'll know it when she sees it. Gotta love eccentric relatives!

Unknown to her, the house has been leased out to Dad Kane and his two adorable kids and let's just say they don't get off to the best of starts!!

Cue some attraction, some more attraction, a cute connect, some outside unknown danger and we have a story worth reading!!

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Kane and Margot’s story. Once you start reading you will not want to stop. Margot inherited her grandfather’s lake house and when she arrives she gets a surprise she didn’t see coming. I am never disappointed when I read any of Nicole’s books. Definitely a must read.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A double house stay, a single dad with kids, a quest and trouble, complete this unique experience.
You’ll never know what faith has in store for you. Navigating through it all you’ll get an instant liking, new found love and a future you deserve, unless the troubles prove to be too much.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Blackthorn Inheritance Series and although it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the first book (and if you haven’t you really should because it is SO good) will give you a better idea of the messed up and dysfunctional machinations of the Blackthorn family.
In this book Margot is in the process of sorting out her portion PopPop’s will. One last scavenger hunt orchestrated by her grandfather from beyond the grave sends her to the Lake House where all those previous hunts had taken place. What she finds there is a not-so-empty house.
Enter Kane Saint (AKA Dadzilla) and his adorable twins Sophie and Dan. It is a rather dramatic meet cute, but it establishes just how electric Kane and Margot are together.
And Nicole Snow knows how to write chemistry and kissing scenes! The attic encounter between Kane and Margot is SO hot, and also so funny, because: kids and kissing-interuptus! That is just the start of a blistering chemistry kind of relationship that morphs into something real and enduring.
Nicole also writes some of THE creepiest, hair on the back of your neck standing up, characters I have ever read about. And there are definitely a few to choose from in this story. And I love the little Easter Eggs throughout the story relating to Nicole’s other books.

Ultimately the story is about family, regrets, memories remembered, forgiveness and new memories created. I have read and enjoyed all of Nicole’s books, but the characters in this book are some of my favourites and make the story so worth the read!
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Snow is always a winner for lovers of well-written steamy romance
I have been reviewing Ms. Snow’s books since 2018 but was reading them well before that. She never fails to deliver a satisfying romance in entertaining circumstances covering every trope imaginable. In this grumpy single father meets irritatingly irresistible wealthy woman, we get some of her best deliciousness.
Margot Blackthorn is one of THE Manhattan Blackthorns, heiress to a very impressive estate and at 25yo looking to make a name for herself in the design industry. Her favorite person in all the world, her PopPop has left her the lake house in Sully Bay, Maine with a puzzle to solve. When she arrives however, she meets Kane Saint who at 36yo has twin nine-year-olds, Sophie and Dan plus an absentee ex-wife; Kane and kids have rented the lake house for a getaway. He is trying to avoid a situation in NYC and his children love an adventure. What happens when the grumpy single father meets the no-nonsense heiress? Is PopPop playing matchmaker from the great beyond? Sink your teeth into this delectable romance with intrigue, romance, intimate scenes with a narrative that almost had me coming just from reading it! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Margot finds out what her inheritance is, Gramps leaves her another cryptic message but not as obvious as the one he left her brother. She gets the lake house that has been neglected for years and as soon as she arrives, she finds a surprise….Kane and his twins, Sophie and Dan, who have rented the house for a vacation. The mix up has both of them scrambling, Kane doesn’t want to leave and Margot needs to figure out what her PopPop wants her to find. The two decide that they will all stay, the house is big enough to keep them all apart but their interactions become more frequent and when Kane decides to help around the house with repairs and help her figure out the mystery her gramps left behind….it becomes impossible to ignore their attraction…until a direct threat has Kane sending his kids away and Margot on her own until he comes back….will he make it back in time.
A great read with suspense, steam, humour and amazing characters. Kane, Margot, Sophie and Dan, kept me flipping the pages, I loved the no drama between them, Dadzilla opening up and how easily Margot fit into their family dynamic.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so hoping Margot would get an HEA after her BFF snagged her older brother in the previous book in this duology. And SCORE! And it's a grumpy single dad! BONUS! (who, I might add, was a professional hockey player--swoon*giggle*) Margot has been left the lake house by her grandfather, where she spent so many wonderful summers, and he also left her a cryptic letter telling her to find something. What that something is, we have no idea. But what we do get a good idea of is the simmering attraction to this grumpy dad who can cook. Suspicious neighbors with a resentment and a lot of blueberries. A beautiful lake and a house that needs repairs. And let's not forget a couple of adorable nine-year-old twins who love having a female person around who pays attention to them, unlike their absentee mother. This is a book of new beginnings, where you're not afraid to try something new and discover a love that is true and deep. As usual, Nicole has delivered a humorous, at times love story that flows by and is over before you know it, and you're left all happy inside.

[Jo Collett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally predictable but I enjoyed it

If you want to read a cute easy to read romance with a bit of drama thrown in, this series is for you.

The second book in this series is about the younger Blackthorne sibling, Margot who has inherited a lake house from her billionaire granddad.

Margot drives out to the lake house to do a bit of a recon and to decipher the cryptic message that her grandad left in a letter for her. What she doesn't bargain on is that when she arrives she discovers that grumpy hot single dad Kane and his 2 kids are already renting the property.

Margot decides that they can all stay at the property together (despite being total strangers) throw in nosey neighbours, a treasure hunt and Kane's emotional baggage it turns into a chaotic love story with a few mysteries thrown in.

I could see the plot a mile off and totally predicted what would happen. However this is not necessarily a bad thing because sometimes I just need to read a book that doesn't require too much brain power but makes me feel good.

[Robin Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read and addition to the Blackthorn Inheritance series. Margot is the younger sister of Ethan and best friend of Hattie from the first book in the series, Vows we Never Made. It picks up shortly after the first one ended.
Margot inherited her grandparents’ lake house on the coast of Maine. When she decides to check out the property and attempt to discover what her grandfather had left her in his will she encounters a divorced dad and his 9 year old twins are renting the property. She agrees to let them stay and the story takes off from there.
Many pieces are in play with grudge holding neighbors and an unknown person skulking around leaving ambiguous threats.
There are a few nods to previous series and characters from other books which felt like a little hug from the author.
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review. I will say I highly recommend this one and can’t wait for the cousin’s story!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Nicole Snow, and this book is another reason why. Her stories are easy to read yet completely captivating from start to finish. Margot and Kane get off to a rocky start when they both end up at Margot’s inherited summer house. Kane is searching for a fresh start for himself and his kids after an ugly divorce, while Margot is trying to come to terms with the loss of her beloved grandfather—and unravel the mystery he left behind.

This book truly has it all: romance, mystery, suspense, and undeniable chemistry between Margot and Kane 🔥🔥. I loved every minute of it and definitely recommend it.

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

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this grumpy single dad romance!!! Kane Saint and Margo Blackthorn are the down to the earth famous not famous rich couple we all know and love these days. Kane Saint, the grumpy single dad, who has the world on his shoulders by his jaded past meets the whimsical beautiful sunny single socialite, Margo Blackthorn in this delicious steamy romantic suspense book. Nicole Snow has mastered her craft with this book that’s full of witty banter, hilarious name calling, steamy smexy scenes, and a love story that’s timeless. If you are on the fence for reading this book, this is your sign you should download it today and read it!! You won’t regret it!!! Makes me want to go to Maine to find my own hunky Dadzilla of my own and have an adventure!

[R M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Probably better than book 1, but you should read that for the Blackthorn family dynamics.
Margot is actually a better character here, too. She’s at the lake cabin her grandfather left her, trying to piece together a mystery/puzzle her grandfather wanted her to find.
And surprise, she runs into a tenant leasing the cabin for 2 weeks. He has the body of Adonis, and adorable twins.
They fight, then coexist in the cabin, then explode into something. Fling? Lust? Love?
There are two mysteries here, two death threats. It’s a bit much.
And way too much s3x. Way too much. Not necessary to get the falling for each other storyline.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms snow knocks it out of the park for me every single time!!!!

Wow, now this is how you do a small town romcom! It’s heartfelt drama, entertaining characters, and undeniable chemistry that just hits all the right notes for a fantastic read. This book was awesome! I couldn't put it down. I was so drawn in at the beginning, I read it all in one day. Ms snow knocks it out of the park for me every single time! And this grumpy single dad read is so00000000 good! I absolutely loved it. Definitely needs to be on your TBR list readers. Grab your copy now. Happy reading

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!

This is the second book in this phenomenal series and this is a great addition to this series.
This is a well written, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, secrets, tension, challenges, danger, suspense, intrigue, mystery, making choices, taking chances, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and unconditional love, which leads to an entertaining, heartwarming, and compelling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

hello Stranger

Kane and Margot were simply made to be together. Two people who had really big hearts. They both had troubles n there life and was looking for closure. Kane ex hockey player, started a tech AI job. Unfortunately as it grew the unknown happened causing people to lose their jobs and Margot inherited a house in a small town from her wealthy grandfather. She owned he was renting. Together they went through some things. Love this story. And definitely Kane’s kids need their own story.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charismatic Dadzilla...

This story made me giggle throughout the whole book. The quips that were thrown back and forth between this couple were comical.

Kane Saint is the epitome of a grumpy single dad. Kane and the kids were looking forward to a quiet escape at the lake where they rented a beautiful house. It all goes sideways when the owner of said house Margot Blackthorn, barges in with luggage and an uproar ensues.

Charming, loveable but also very steamy with a HEA to die for, this one hit all my boxes.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margot Blackthorn meets Kane Saint when she arrives at her grandfather's house. The house he left to her in his will. The house that was supposed to be empty. She needs to check on the status of the house and recharge. Instead she ends up catching a falling child and dealing with a super angry father, Kane. Kane has rented the house for the vacation he and his twins are taking. Everyone is there to rest and recharge, and no one expects to find a stranger. So begins an adventure, a mystery and a love story.

[Suzanne Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant release in this series from Nicole Snow.

When checking on her inheritance from her grandfather Margot finds more than she expected in her summer home.

Kane and his children have rented the house from her property manager and they decide to all stay at the rental.

Old grudges of her Grandfathers raise issues for Margot but will she need to address these alone or will she get support fron her new house gurst.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not as good as the first book.

This book just seemed like it was the Energizer Bunny towards the end. It could have ended sooner and without the fluff of getting together in NY.

At least there was ab ending to the Elvira's issues with Leo.

Loved how Margot was able to help Sophie.

Not sure how I feel about a book written for Cleo. There's been minimal mentions of her in the last two books.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After inheriting her grandfather's lake house, Margot is at the cabin when she gets a surprise. Kane and his kids rented the cabin for a break after his divorce, when Margot arrived. This is a sweet, holiday, accidental romance with a great storyline, fun banter, and a happily ever after. The Right Wrong Promise is book two and a great addition to The Blackthorne Inheritance series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Denise F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh, i love a grumpy single dad!

Nicole Snow writes with everything in mind. Humour, sass, romance, mystery, heat, gruffness, sweetness and so much heart! I loved Margot and Kane and their meet cute wasn't quite so cute but it led to the best trope of having to live together right from the start. His 2 kids, Dan and Sophie were a pleasure and helped keep the story sweet. And don't worry, like always there is plenty of heat!

[Deanna Strickland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did anyone edit this book?

A good plot with interesting characters, but in need of some rewrites. Maybe the overall author's style is just disjointed, or maybe the text got hacked up in the editing process, either way there are some very choppy areas that just do not make sense, and others where it makes sense but is not enjoyable to read due to the choppy sentences. Also, this book may have the longest denouement in modern history.

[Brenda Motza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...holy vows written in adrenaline and blood."

Gah! Another dang fine book by Nicole. A total 10 star read.

I just love the suspense, the drama, the banter and the smexy times!

Nicole writes the best heroes. Big men with big attitudes and big, um yeah, heart .

This book is a must read for sure.

[Candy Galindo · Rating 3 out of 5]

romantic suspense that was low on suspense but a cute little romance. we knew who the bad guys were right away, and the mystery dragged on. romance was cute, mostly due to the kids, but also dragged on. I have read several books by this author that were better in both the suspense and romance departments.

[Janet Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery to solve. PopPop and his treasure hunt. It’s always fun to try and figure out what he’s trying to tell his grandchildren from the beyond. There was a twist to the story with Kane’s own drama. Overall is was a good read. I hope Cleo’s story will be coming soon. Until next time y’all happy reading.