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Taylor's Father
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Expected 22 Feb 26Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 22:38:23
1 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
From New York Times best-selling author Penelope Ward comes a new, standalone contemporary romance with duet narration....
When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.
Tate was also vacationing alone.
He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.
I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.
I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.
But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity. The problem was? At 19—almost 20—I’d lied and said I was 29.
Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.
But we continued to run into each other.
And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny. While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.
I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.
Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?
Well, four years later, Taylor got married. He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.
What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.
My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.
When my best friend Taylor gifted me a vacation at a resort owned by his grandparents, the last thing I expected was to bond with a man seventeen years older.
Tate was also vacationing alone.
He’d come to Midnight Key to clear his head and reevaluate his life.
I’d come to get over my high school sweetheart who’d dumped me.
I’d spotted the brawny, tattooed Adonis in the lobby on the first day and thought he had to be someone’s hot dad.
But then we matched on an app that paired single men and women by proximity. The problem was? At 19—almost 20—I’d lied and said I was 29.
Tate outed me on our first date, and I fessed up to my real age.
But we continued to run into each other.
And eventually we found our connection was too magnetic to deny. While we agreed to only use first names and to part ways at the end of the trip, I’d really fallen for Tate.
I never forgot him and knew he was the one who got away.
Remember that guy friend who gifted me the trip?
Well, four years later, Taylor got married. He’d been estranged from his dad for years, though recently they’d reconnected.
What I didn’t know was that the man I’d had that torrid affair with at the resort would be standing next to Taylor in the receiving line.
My dream man Tate? Was Taylor’s father.
Audible Audio
Expected publication February 22, 2026
46 people are currently reading
10765 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Ward
99 books25.8k followersPenelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.
In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).
Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR...
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*TAYLOR'S FATHER ❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a full length contemporary standalone romance book by author Penelope Ward. In this you'll meet Blair & Tate.
Title: Taylor’s Father
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Age Gap (17 Years), Best Guy Friend’s Father
Single Dad, Forbidden, Second Chance
Protective Hero, Sassy Heroine
Of course I wanted to read this 🔥🔥 after seeing this doing the rounds on IG and that blurb, throw in my love for this authors books, I needed this book in my life..So I may have squealed a little bit when this landed on my kindle..
Going into this I did have reservations concerning Blair and her maturity levels when dealing with this much older man she meets whilst getting over a broken heart, but she really surprised me, she held her own and came across so much older and mature to the point where that gap in age ceased to exist.
She went into battle when it came to claiming Tate, he retreated, she advanced until she wore him down, they clicked from the first moment they met.
I really enjoyed this, the flirty banter pulled me in straight away, and the holiday fling got its hooks into me, smiling from ear to ear, swooning over all things Tate. This man embodied that true essence of forbidden fruit wholeheartedly, the push and pull, the age gap, the best friends father, this was such a fun read and I can’t wait for others to read this.
❀⋆.ೃ࿔*TAYLOR'S FATHER ❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a full length contemporary standalone romance book by author Penelope Ward. In this you'll meet Blair & Tate.
Title: Taylor’s Father
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Age Gap (17 Years), Best Guy Friend’s Father
Single Dad, Forbidden, Second Chance
Protective Hero, Sassy Heroine
Of course I wanted to read this 🔥🔥 after seeing this doing the rounds on IG and that blurb, throw in my love for this authors books, I needed this book in my life..So I may have squealed a little bit when this landed on my kindle..
Going into this I did have reservations concerning Blair and her maturity levels when dealing with this much older man she meets whilst getting over a broken heart, but she really surprised me, she held her own and came across so much older and mature to the point where that gap in age ceased to exist.
She went into battle when it came to claiming Tate, he retreated, she advanced until she wore him down, they clicked from the first moment they met.
I really enjoyed this, the flirty banter pulled me in straight away, and the holiday fling got its hooks into me, smiling from ear to ear, swooning over all things Tate. This man embodied that true essence of forbidden fruit wholeheartedly, the push and pull, the age gap, the best friends father, this was such a fun read and I can’t wait for others to read this.
December 23, 2025
Bold, messy, and unapologetically dramatic this book thrives on its taboo twist and doesn’t blink. You’ll either clutch your pearls or turn the pages faster, but you won’t be bored.
February 13, 2026
You know that electric, fate-filled, “this cannot be happening, but I’m not walking away” kind of connection? That’s Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward.
Blair is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and I loved that about her. She’s confident, direct, and not playing games (except maybe the kind that make Tate blush 😉). When she has a chance meeting with Tate, the attraction is instant.
Tate is carrying emotional baggage from his past, filled with regret. He’s guarded, protective, and emotionally wrecked in ways he doesn’t even want to confront. Blair just might be the woman who truly sees him, and that changes everything.
But destiny isn’t done with them after their resort vacation meeting. Of course, the universe places them in the same orbit again, and this time it’s far more complicated, messy, and forbidden.
Penelope knows exactly how to build up tension and the feels. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, she pivots with a twist that hits hard.
I love Penelope’s books, but Taylor’s Father truly hit me in the feels. Tate and Blair’s story isn’t just deliciously peppered with spice it’s filled with heart, healing, vulnerability, and hard choices. The deliciously messy, age-gap dynamic, the chef’s kiss forbidden factor, and that relentless push-and-pull make this one absolutely unputdownable. Taylor’s Father is on my top reads of 2026 list.
Blair is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and I loved that about her. She’s confident, direct, and not playing games (except maybe the kind that make Tate blush 😉). When she has a chance meeting with Tate, the attraction is instant.
Tate is carrying emotional baggage from his past, filled with regret. He’s guarded, protective, and emotionally wrecked in ways he doesn’t even want to confront. Blair just might be the woman who truly sees him, and that changes everything.
But destiny isn’t done with them after their resort vacation meeting. Of course, the universe places them in the same orbit again, and this time it’s far more complicated, messy, and forbidden.
Penelope knows exactly how to build up tension and the feels. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, she pivots with a twist that hits hard.
I love Penelope’s books, but Taylor’s Father truly hit me in the feels. Tate and Blair’s story isn’t just deliciously peppered with spice it’s filled with heart, healing, vulnerability, and hard choices. The deliciously messy, age-gap dynamic, the chef’s kiss forbidden factor, and that relentless push-and-pull make this one absolutely unputdownable. Taylor’s Father is on my top reads of 2026 list.
February 15, 2026
Perfect palette cleanser! Big age gap on this one. I liked her personality and how sassy she was, the story was quick paced and i loved that about it, it didn’t feel like i was missing anything and i got plenty from the character development and plot! They talked about the age gap a lot in the beginning but that eventually stopped and they had a 4 year jump.
Read
February 15, 2026I have conflicted feelings and need some time to process before rating / reviewing this book. Full RTC ✨
February 14, 2026
Omg! I have sooo much I want to say on this book but also we don’t do spoilers so my lips are sealed! 🤐 hehe but I promise this book is well worth the ride.
Penelope ward did a great job with this story and it breaks into two parts chefs kiss 💋 she couldn’t have mic dropped it any better!
You will fall for Tate so hard if your an age gap girly! This man is all the daddy we want and more! I couldn’t help my swoon for him. And he tries his HARDEST to keep young Blair from tempting him, but she is a walking, talking, treat he can’t help but to die for a taste of. That 17 years age gap is built good and hot! 🥵 thank you Penelope!!
These two have all the swoony lines and their connection is smooth and simple. You will laugh out loud, you will swoon, and your heart will break, but you know what? In the end you’ll get the HEA and it’s worth every page of the adventure.
The narrators in this did an amazing job as well. They truly brought these characters to life. Andi arndt and Jason Clark are always top favs of mine!!
Penelope ward did a great job with this story and it breaks into two parts chefs kiss 💋 she couldn’t have mic dropped it any better!
You will fall for Tate so hard if your an age gap girly! This man is all the daddy we want and more! I couldn’t help my swoon for him. And he tries his HARDEST to keep young Blair from tempting him, but she is a walking, talking, treat he can’t help but to die for a taste of. That 17 years age gap is built good and hot! 🥵 thank you Penelope!!
These two have all the swoony lines and their connection is smooth and simple. You will laugh out loud, you will swoon, and your heart will break, but you know what? In the end you’ll get the HEA and it’s worth every page of the adventure.
The narrators in this did an amazing job as well. They truly brought these characters to life. Andi arndt and Jason Clark are always top favs of mine!!
February 13, 2026
When Blair Moynihan’s friend gives her a free trip to get away for a bit she didn’t expect to meet a Sexy older man named Tate that she just clicked with from a hookup app. It was perfect…that is until Blair got home and discovered her “older man” was none other than her friend’s father!!! Oops
When they find out who each other truly are can they fight the connection that was growing between them on the island? This is a sweet strangers to lovers, age gap romance told in two parts and with quite the twist. I really enjoyed seeing their bond grow and also felt for all Taylor has been through in his life. A wonderful feel good romance. Told in first person and dual POV.
When they find out who each other truly are can they fight the connection that was growing between them on the island? This is a sweet strangers to lovers, age gap romance told in two parts and with quite the twist. I really enjoyed seeing their bond grow and also felt for all Taylor has been through in his life. A wonderful feel good romance. Told in first person and dual POV.
February 16, 2026
Just finished the audio of Taylor’s Father and WOW. This one was so good.
The voice actors absolutely nailed it — the emotion, the tension, the chemistry… it all felt real. Nothing forced. Nothing overdone. Just natural, believable connection between the two main characters.
I loved how the timeline moved. It kept things interesting without being confusing, and the plot twists? They had me. And honestly, even up to the very last line, there were little surprises that kept me hooked.
This was such a fun read/listen.
Tropes:
✨ Age gap
✨ Best friend’s dad
✨ Second chance
✨ Sassy heroine
If you love messy tension with real chemistry and twists that keep you on your toes, this one delivers
The voice actors absolutely nailed it — the emotion, the tension, the chemistry… it all felt real. Nothing forced. Nothing overdone. Just natural, believable connection between the two main characters.
I loved how the timeline moved. It kept things interesting without being confusing, and the plot twists? They had me. And honestly, even up to the very last line, there were little surprises that kept me hooked.
This was such a fun read/listen.
Tropes:
✨ Age gap
✨ Best friend’s dad
✨ Second chance
✨ Sassy heroine
If you love messy tension with real chemistry and twists that keep you on your toes, this one delivers
February 16, 2026
Audiobook version and absolutely LOVED it !! Blaire and Tate faced many challenges- but the first being their age and the second is that Taylor’s best friend, Blair falls for his father. So age gap, second chances, discovered pregnancy, best friends dad are just a few of the tropes in this one that I enjoyed.
February 15, 2026
This book has an unexpected twist and I am here for it! I loved watching the relationships grow in this book in every way.
Read
February 16, 2026Looking forward to this but I just hope she doesn’t call him Daddy when they are intimate. I see this scenario happening often and is a huge turn off for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I swear, no one flips a forbidden, taboo trope on its head quite like Penelope Ward. I devoured this audiobook in a day & honestly would’ve taken ten more chapters of their HEA without hesitation.
This is messy, forbidden, age-gap goodness done right. Blair is nineteen when she meets thirty-six-year-old Tate on vacation, & from the first interaction, the tension is electric. But what I loved most? Blair is so much more mature & emotionally grounded than you expect. She knows exactly what she wants, & she doesn’t play games. Her confidence, her teasing, her emotional intelligence - LOVED her so much.
And Tate - wow. He is layered, guarded, carrying deep regret & unresolved trauma that makes his pull toward Blair both irresistible & complicated. His emotional turmoil adds so much weight to the story, & watching him slowly unravel & soften around her was everything. When he finally gives into his feelings? Done. I was absolutely done for.
I also loved the structure. The story unfolds in two parts: their initial vacation connection & then a jump four years later when fate slams them back into each other’s orbit in the most perfectly executed twist. It’s the kind of reveal that makes you sit up & think, oh this is about to get messy.
The banter between Tate & Blair is sharp & playful, but what really sold me was their communication. Honest. Raw. Vulnerable. For a relationship that shouldn’t work on paper, they make so much emotional sense together.
🎧 And the audiobook? 10 out of 10. The duet narration by Jason Clarke & Andi Arndt elevates everything. Jason brings such depth & restraint to Tate’s internal struggle, & Andi captures Blair’s confidence & warmth perfectly. They really embody these characters.
This one is sexy, yes. But it’s also about healing, timing, & the kind of connection that refuses to fade. I absolutely loved this one so much & definitely one of my top audiobooks of the year so far.
❣️ Best Friend's Father
💋 Age Gap (17 yrs)
💕 Forbidden Romance
🌴 Vacation Fling
🫶 Second Chance
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration
This is messy, forbidden, age-gap goodness done right. Blair is nineteen when she meets thirty-six-year-old Tate on vacation, & from the first interaction, the tension is electric. But what I loved most? Blair is so much more mature & emotionally grounded than you expect. She knows exactly what she wants, & she doesn’t play games. Her confidence, her teasing, her emotional intelligence - LOVED her so much.
And Tate - wow. He is layered, guarded, carrying deep regret & unresolved trauma that makes his pull toward Blair both irresistible & complicated. His emotional turmoil adds so much weight to the story, & watching him slowly unravel & soften around her was everything. When he finally gives into his feelings? Done. I was absolutely done for.
I also loved the structure. The story unfolds in two parts: their initial vacation connection & then a jump four years later when fate slams them back into each other’s orbit in the most perfectly executed twist. It’s the kind of reveal that makes you sit up & think, oh this is about to get messy.
The banter between Tate & Blair is sharp & playful, but what really sold me was their communication. Honest. Raw. Vulnerable. For a relationship that shouldn’t work on paper, they make so much emotional sense together.
🎧 And the audiobook? 10 out of 10. The duet narration by Jason Clarke & Andi Arndt elevates everything. Jason brings such depth & restraint to Tate’s internal struggle, & Andi captures Blair’s confidence & warmth perfectly. They really embody these characters.
This one is sexy, yes. But it’s also about healing, timing, & the kind of connection that refuses to fade. I absolutely loved this one so much & definitely one of my top audiobooks of the year so far.
❣️ Best Friend's Father
💋 Age Gap (17 yrs)
💕 Forbidden Romance
🌴 Vacation Fling
🫶 Second Chance
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration
February 16, 2026
🍓𝕋𝕒𝕪𝕝𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣🍓
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝘿𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨-𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨…𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
📖 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
✍🏼 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱
#️⃣ 𝟮𝟵𝟴 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
🗓️ 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟮 — 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗨 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿(��): 𝘈𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘈𝘳𝘯𝘥𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
🪼 ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (17 ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ)
🪼 ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴅᴀᴅ
🪼 ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🪼 ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
🪼 ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ
🪼 ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ
𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙃𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢.
📖𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗠𝗖: Blair
𝗠𝗠𝗖: Tate
Thank you so much Hambright for this ARC and ALC!
I am such a sucker for every single trope in this book. With a true age gap of 17 years, and a hot single dad?! 🥵 Yes please!
This was so fun. Blair was so sassy and I loved her personality so much. Doris-Delores 🤣🤣
Tate tried his hardest to resist Blair, the age difference was such a hangup for him. But we love a good “fuck it” moment.
What neither of them could have prepared for was losing touch for four years, when all they yearned for was eachother. And the especially couldn’t prepare for who Tate’s son is. Blair’s best friend Taylor. They have a difficult time navigating how to tell Taylor.
Tate also never expected what he found behind Blair’s door when he finally worked up the courage to go to her house. 👀
I enjoyed this story so damn much!!!!
🎧 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Though I read a good majority of this book via eRead, I was also able to immerse with the audio. I’ve always been such a fan of Jason, so I knew this was going to be great. But this was my first time listening to Andi, and I loved her!
Jason and Andi did such a phenomenal job bringing these two to life! The narration and emotion they put in these characters was fantastic. I can’t wait for this one to be out into the world!
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ✔️
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝘿𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨-𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨…𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
📖 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿
✍🏼 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱
#️⃣ 𝟮𝟵𝟴 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
🗓️ 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟮 — 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗨 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿(��): 𝘈𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘈𝘳𝘯𝘥𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
🪼 ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (17 ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ)
🪼 ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴅᴀᴅ
🪼 ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🪼 ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
🪼 ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ
🪼 ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ
𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙃𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢.
📖𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗠𝗖: Blair
𝗠𝗠𝗖: Tate
Thank you so much Hambright for this ARC and ALC!
I am such a sucker for every single trope in this book. With a true age gap of 17 years, and a hot single dad?! 🥵 Yes please!
This was so fun. Blair was so sassy and I loved her personality so much. Doris-Delores 🤣🤣
Tate tried his hardest to resist Blair, the age difference was such a hangup for him. But we love a good “fuck it” moment.
What neither of them could have prepared for was losing touch for four years, when all they yearned for was eachother. And the especially couldn’t prepare for who Tate’s son is. Blair’s best friend Taylor. They have a difficult time navigating how to tell Taylor.
Tate also never expected what he found behind Blair’s door when he finally worked up the courage to go to her house. 👀
I enjoyed this story so damn much!!!!
🎧 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Though I read a good majority of this book via eRead, I was also able to immerse with the audio. I’ve always been such a fan of Jason, so I knew this was going to be great. But this was my first time listening to Andi, and I loved her!
Jason and Andi did such a phenomenal job bringing these two to life! The narration and emotion they put in these characters was fantastic. I can’t wait for this one to be out into the world!
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ✔️
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️
February 15, 2026
Taylor’s Father is a messy best friend’s dad, age gap romance. Blair met Tate on vacation and they had an instant connection. Except that she is way too young for him. Tate fell for Blair’s directness and confidence. For Blair, Tate was complicated but effortlessly charming that was attractive not creepy.
Neither wanted to say goodbye after their sexy vacation, but fate stepped in and they parted for 4 years. Now Blair is at her best friend’s wedding when she runs into Tate, Taylor’s biological dad that he has had a complicated relationship with. Tate could not believe his eyes when he saw Blair for the first time at his son’s wedding. Their simple relationship became very complicated, and 4 years is a long time for things to happen that neither planned. The chemistry between Tate and Blair is perfect, but it was their ability to communicate in a playful yet honest way that made them just click together. There was a lot of heart, healing, and the spice that Penelope Ward does so well! All of the characters were mature and acted in expected and unexpected ways based upon what happened from the moment that Blair met Tate to their HEA. I really liked Taylor as a character. He could have been more childish, but the way he responded to his best friend and his biological father was in character and sensible.
I adored Taylor’s Father! I loved the audiobook! Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke are two of the best narrators. The audiobook matched the humor and the energy of the prose. I could not stop listening, because I needed to know how Tate, Blair, and Taylor were going to get their HEAs. Especially after the unintended consequences of Tate and Blair not knowing each other’s surnames before they left their vacation 4 years earlier.
Thank you to Penelope Ward for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Neither wanted to say goodbye after their sexy vacation, but fate stepped in and they parted for 4 years. Now Blair is at her best friend’s wedding when she runs into Tate, Taylor’s biological dad that he has had a complicated relationship with. Tate could not believe his eyes when he saw Blair for the first time at his son’s wedding. Their simple relationship became very complicated, and 4 years is a long time for things to happen that neither planned. The chemistry between Tate and Blair is perfect, but it was their ability to communicate in a playful yet honest way that made them just click together. There was a lot of heart, healing, and the spice that Penelope Ward does so well! All of the characters were mature and acted in expected and unexpected ways based upon what happened from the moment that Blair met Tate to their HEA. I really liked Taylor as a character. He could have been more childish, but the way he responded to his best friend and his biological father was in character and sensible.
I adored Taylor’s Father! I loved the audiobook! Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke are two of the best narrators. The audiobook matched the humor and the energy of the prose. I could not stop listening, because I needed to know how Tate, Blair, and Taylor were going to get their HEAs. Especially after the unintended consequences of Tate and Blair not knowing each other’s surnames before they left their vacation 4 years earlier.
Thank you to Penelope Ward for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I found myself grinning the whole time.
This story was the perfect amount of angst, fun and sweetness with the best communication I’ve read ever. Both characters were so open and honest, so raw and vulnerable. I truly felt the chemistry and connection between them.
Both Tate and Blair were incredibly mature, but the bond that was there from the beginning made it impossible for Tate to resist. I truly didn’t mind the age gap, in fact it was a selling point. Tate was so attractive and hot I couldn’t help but immediately fold, but then he had to be also caring and loving and everything nice. His tears were the turning point. I was done for.
Blair truly was iconic. She saw it, played it and got him. She knew what she wanted, her flirting was just the perfect amount of tease and banter and I wanted her to succeed. The heat between them was incredible and I was fanning myself. I don’t want to spoil anything but she was just an amazing character. Her growth and learning made me love her even more.
I truly would have read just 10 chapters more of their HEA. I’m beyond grateful I got to read this early.
Thank you, Hambright and Penelope, for the opportunity!!
Quotes:
"You don't need to be tied down at your age. You'll find out eventually that there was a reason it happened. It left room for something bigger and better."
"Bigger and better is sitting right here, but doesn't want me, either,"
"I’ve never wanted a single person on this Earth as much as I want you right now,"
"Look at you, soaking wet. You feel so damn good. You're fucking mine, aren't you? You've been mine this entire time."
"From the moment I met you, and every day between then and now."
This story was the perfect amount of angst, fun and sweetness with the best communication I’ve read ever. Both characters were so open and honest, so raw and vulnerable. I truly felt the chemistry and connection between them.
Both Tate and Blair were incredibly mature, but the bond that was there from the beginning made it impossible for Tate to resist. I truly didn’t mind the age gap, in fact it was a selling point. Tate was so attractive and hot I couldn’t help but immediately fold, but then he had to be also caring and loving and everything nice. His tears were the turning point. I was done for.
Blair truly was iconic. She saw it, played it and got him. She knew what she wanted, her flirting was just the perfect amount of tease and banter and I wanted her to succeed. The heat between them was incredible and I was fanning myself. I don’t want to spoil anything but she was just an amazing character. Her growth and learning made me love her even more.
I truly would have read just 10 chapters more of their HEA. I’m beyond grateful I got to read this early.
Thank you, Hambright and Penelope, for the opportunity!!
Quotes:
"You don't need to be tied down at your age. You'll find out eventually that there was a reason it happened. It left room for something bigger and better."
"Bigger and better is sitting right here, but doesn't want me, either,"
"I’ve never wanted a single person on this Earth as much as I want you right now,"
"Look at you, soaking wet. You feel so damn good. You're fucking mine, aren't you? You've been mine this entire time."
"From the moment I met you, and every day between then and now."
February 15, 2026
No cliffhanger
Standalone
Told from both POVs
Tropes:
Age Gap
Single Dad
Forbidden
Second Chance
Summary:
Blair set out on a vacation alone to get away from things after a bad breakup with her high school sweetheart. While spending time at a resort she meets Tate, a red hot older man who also happens to be traveling alone.
The only problem, there is a 17 year age gap and Tate is not about to cross the line with someone young enough to be his daughter. That is until they continue to get to know each other and neither can fight the connection they feel.
After spending a week together they know they have to say goodbye, they just never thought they would cross paths again 4 years later.
I don’t give anything away but let’s just say there are quite a few hurdles keeping them from their second chance.
My thoughts:
Absolutely obsessed! I loved everything about this story. I loved the passion, the angst, the banter. Ugh everything.
For this book I had the actual ebook as well as an audio book and a vacillated between reading and listening because I didn’t want to put this book down.
If you like age gap, forbidden romances this is a must read.
The only thing I will say is that I sweat the male voice in the audio book sounds like Joe Goldberg from You, so I had to keep trying to unhear certain things read in a stalker voice. LOL!
#HPRTaylorsFather
#PenelopeWard
#HambrightPR
Standalone
Told from both POVs
Tropes:
Age Gap
Single Dad
Forbidden
Second Chance
Summary:
Blair set out on a vacation alone to get away from things after a bad breakup with her high school sweetheart. While spending time at a resort she meets Tate, a red hot older man who also happens to be traveling alone.
The only problem, there is a 17 year age gap and Tate is not about to cross the line with someone young enough to be his daughter. That is until they continue to get to know each other and neither can fight the connection they feel.
After spending a week together they know they have to say goodbye, they just never thought they would cross paths again 4 years later.
I don’t give anything away but let’s just say there are quite a few hurdles keeping them from their second chance.
My thoughts:
Absolutely obsessed! I loved everything about this story. I loved the passion, the angst, the banter. Ugh everything.
For this book I had the actual ebook as well as an audio book and a vacillated between reading and listening because I didn’t want to put this book down.
If you like age gap, forbidden romances this is a must read.
The only thing I will say is that I sweat the male voice in the audio book sounds like Joe Goldberg from You, so I had to keep trying to unhear certain things read in a stalker voice. LOL!
#HPRTaylorsFather
#PenelopeWard
#HambrightPR
February 16, 2026
I received both an ARC and an ALC from Hambright PR and let me just say this right now — if Jason Clarke is narrating, I’m listening. If the female narrator is Andi Arndt? Immediate one-click. No regrets. Add in that gorgeous duet narration? Lord. It was elite.
Blair and Tate meet on a hookup app while on vacation and somehow it turns into the most endearing, chaotic little love story. Blair absolutely keeps Tate on his toes (yes, she lies about her age — and while that might scare some people off, the way Penelope writes it makes it genuinely funny and light in context).
They spend less than a week together, and on their final night they try to make it last forever… but exhaustion wins 😂 Blair leaves Tate a heartfelt letter that basically says he was exactly what she needed in that moment — and it will tug on your heart.
Then the airport drama hits. You will feel that heartbreak right along with her.
Fast forward four years: Blair is at her best friend’s wedding… and the groom’s dad is Tate. 👀 The history? Still very much there. Tate had opened up about his strained relationship with his son back when they first met, and you see how that time in paradise pushed him to repair it — which I loved.
There are sweet little emotional bombs dropped throughout, both of their moms are adorable, and the chemistry is still chemistry-ing.
Super enjoyable read/listen. Solid 657/10 for me. Thank you so much to Penelope Ward and Hambright PR for this one
Blair and Tate meet on a hookup app while on vacation and somehow it turns into the most endearing, chaotic little love story. Blair absolutely keeps Tate on his toes (yes, she lies about her age — and while that might scare some people off, the way Penelope writes it makes it genuinely funny and light in context).
They spend less than a week together, and on their final night they try to make it last forever… but exhaustion wins 😂 Blair leaves Tate a heartfelt letter that basically says he was exactly what she needed in that moment — and it will tug on your heart.
Then the airport drama hits. You will feel that heartbreak right along with her.
Fast forward four years: Blair is at her best friend’s wedding… and the groom’s dad is Tate. 👀 The history? Still very much there. Tate had opened up about his strained relationship with his son back when they first met, and you see how that time in paradise pushed him to repair it — which I loved.
There are sweet little emotional bombs dropped throughout, both of their moms are adorable, and the chemistry is still chemistry-ing.
Super enjoyable read/listen. Solid 657/10 for me. Thank you so much to Penelope Ward and Hambright PR for this one
February 17, 2026
** Audio Review **
Obsessed! Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward sweet and swoony age gap romance that simply did deliciously good things to my heart and soul! I couldn’t get enough of Blair and Tate’s witty banter and slow-burning love that made this couple everything I wanted and so much more. This is a new fave from Penelope for sure!
Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in duet-style narration, and this narrator pairing is always a win! Andi’s soft, vibrant tone perfectly embodied Blair’s sass and passion as she went for what she truly desired, Tate. Jason’s deep, soothing timbre enveloped all things Tate, emphasizing his protective, conflicted, and dedicated demeanor to a tee, making me melt with every single growl. Both narrators brought the heat and desire in their performances, making you feel every bit of Blair and Tate’s undeniable pull and attraction towards each other.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a best friend’s father romance with a hot viking-like hero, a feisty ambitious heroine, a vacation to Midnight Key Resort, hook up apps, kiddie pool meet up, age gap, witty banter, helmet diving, dinner dates, intimate conversations, f*ck it moments, explosive first kisses, passage of time, love declarations, surprise additions, spicy times, weddings, truths about the past, and a HEA that will squeeze your heart, then you will love Blair and Tate’s story. I always look forward to more from Penelope Ward.
Obsessed! Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward sweet and swoony age gap romance that simply did deliciously good things to my heart and soul! I couldn’t get enough of Blair and Tate’s witty banter and slow-burning love that made this couple everything I wanted and so much more. This is a new fave from Penelope for sure!
Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in duet-style narration, and this narrator pairing is always a win! Andi’s soft, vibrant tone perfectly embodied Blair’s sass and passion as she went for what she truly desired, Tate. Jason’s deep, soothing timbre enveloped all things Tate, emphasizing his protective, conflicted, and dedicated demeanor to a tee, making me melt with every single growl. Both narrators brought the heat and desire in their performances, making you feel every bit of Blair and Tate’s undeniable pull and attraction towards each other.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a best friend’s father romance with a hot viking-like hero, a feisty ambitious heroine, a vacation to Midnight Key Resort, hook up apps, kiddie pool meet up, age gap, witty banter, helmet diving, dinner dates, intimate conversations, f*ck it moments, explosive first kisses, passage of time, love declarations, surprise additions, spicy times, weddings, truths about the past, and a HEA that will squeeze your heart, then you will love Blair and Tate’s story. I always look forward to more from Penelope Ward.
February 17, 2026
ARC/ALC REVIEW
From the start I was hooked on Tate and Blair! Blair was so young and funny and Tate tried his hardest to resist her but he just couldn’t. She made him feel young again and I was grinning the whole time they were getting to know each other on their individual vacations. They were true soulmates and Penelope wrote their connection and vacation departure so beautifully!
I LOVED how the story played out as it had one of my favorite tropes! While I already loved the story, having that extra part made me even more invested in their happy ending. I’ve read several age gap romances but not a lot of the forbidden, best’s friend’s dad so that tension between father and son mixed with the emotion of the situation between Tate and Blair had me reading/listening to this in a day!
Penelope is SO GOOD at writing the forbidden anger and this story was no different.
As for the narrators: I will NEVER be disappointed in an audio narrated by Andi Arndt. Or Jason Clarke for that matter. But Andi, MAN she is probably at the top of my female narrator list. Her emotion and performance is always just so real and fixes the story that extra layer. And Jason has such a smooth, deep voice he was an excellent choice for the older man! They were an excellent pair and I’ll definitely be revisiting this audio!
Thank you so much to Penelope and Give Me Books Promotions for the early review copies!
From the start I was hooked on Tate and Blair! Blair was so young and funny and Tate tried his hardest to resist her but he just couldn’t. She made him feel young again and I was grinning the whole time they were getting to know each other on their individual vacations. They were true soulmates and Penelope wrote their connection and vacation departure so beautifully!
I LOVED how the story played out as it had one of my favorite tropes! While I already loved the story, having that extra part made me even more invested in their happy ending. I’ve read several age gap romances but not a lot of the forbidden, best’s friend’s dad so that tension between father and son mixed with the emotion of the situation between Tate and Blair had me reading/listening to this in a day!
Penelope is SO GOOD at writing the forbidden anger and this story was no different.
As for the narrators: I will NEVER be disappointed in an audio narrated by Andi Arndt. Or Jason Clarke for that matter. But Andi, MAN she is probably at the top of my female narrator list. Her emotion and performance is always just so real and fixes the story that extra layer. And Jason has such a smooth, deep voice he was an excellent choice for the older man! They were an excellent pair and I’ll definitely be revisiting this audio!
Thank you so much to Penelope and Give Me Books Promotions for the early review copies!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2026
A completely satisfying romance, with all of the twists turns and big emotions I am looking for.
Blair is 19 and alone on an island vacation when she meets 36 years Tate. They are both at loose ends in their lives and while he resists her, their attraction is undeniable. I honestly don’t feel like I can say anything else without spoiling this well told story. Let me suffice to say, I yelled at the author as she threw every road block imaginable at these two people, but ultimately I trusted her to get our characters where they needed to go. You should too.
When I hear “age gap”, I often think salacious and taboo but that didn’t feel like the case here. This felt like the story of two people who yes, had a large age difference but were meant to be together nonetheless. There was no crazy, over the top reactions or silly miscommunication. It was just a well told love story that had you rooting for them the whole way.
The audio book was produced in Duet and really elevated the story. Andi Arndt brings youthful confidence and fun to Blair, that transitions into a more grounded feeling when circumstances make her grow up quickly. Jason Clarke just makes you fall in love with Tate. He is strong and sexy and vulnerable. Basically impossible not to fall for.
This is my first Penelope Ward book and will not be my last.
Thank you to Hambright PR and author Penelope War for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
Blair is 19 and alone on an island vacation when she meets 36 years Tate. They are both at loose ends in their lives and while he resists her, their attraction is undeniable. I honestly don’t feel like I can say anything else without spoiling this well told story. Let me suffice to say, I yelled at the author as she threw every road block imaginable at these two people, but ultimately I trusted her to get our characters where they needed to go. You should too.
When I hear “age gap”, I often think salacious and taboo but that didn’t feel like the case here. This felt like the story of two people who yes, had a large age difference but were meant to be together nonetheless. There was no crazy, over the top reactions or silly miscommunication. It was just a well told love story that had you rooting for them the whole way.
The audio book was produced in Duet and really elevated the story. Andi Arndt brings youthful confidence and fun to Blair, that transitions into a more grounded feeling when circumstances make her grow up quickly. Jason Clarke just makes you fall in love with Tate. He is strong and sexy and vulnerable. Basically impossible not to fall for.
This is my first Penelope Ward book and will not be my last.
Thank you to Hambright PR and author Penelope War for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
February 17, 2026
Briar has just gone through a bad breakup. Her best friend Taylor gifts her a vacation at a resort his grandparent's own. While going through check in, an attractive older man (Tate) catches her attention. Deciding she needed a hook up to get over her ex, Blair joins an app and finds the hot guy she seen at check in and clicks on him. He immediately answers and they set up a meeting. However, Blair lied about a few things and he quickly calls her out on them. Finding that she is alot younger than he is, Tate decides that nothing can happen between them, but they do end up spending time together and get to know one another. When their trips near the end, they really don't want to go their separate ways. With the end of vacation imminent and their chemistry off the charts, things suddenly change and they take their friendship to another level. The book then jumps four years into the future, and life has a funny way of bringing them back together, Blair's friend Taylor is getting married, and Blair comes face to face with Taylor's father, Tate. This brings them on a whole new adventure as many things have changed since they left the resort.. though feelings haven't, but how will they work through those without hurting Taylor?? This quickly moved to one of my favorite books by Penelope, that I couldn't put down and finished in one day!
February 14, 2026
This age gap reluctant romance has humor and spice mixed in with the tension. Tate realizes he's too old for Blair, and with his history, he's even more resistant to pursue anything with her. But Blair is quite the persistent little thing. Tempting him every chance she has. Despite his reluctance, he still enjoys her company and doesn't want their time together to end. As their time together at the resort ends, they are forced to go their separate ways, quite heartbroken. Fast forward a few years, and surprise surprise, they meet again... at his son/her best friend's wedding. SHOCK is an understatement. This book goes through the initial attraction, to the separation, to the reunion to the little surprises along the way. Now they they've been reunited, albeit hesitantly, can they navigate this new chapter in their lives without destroying those around them? Will they be able to pick up where they left off? Has too much time gone by? Too much damage to repair? This is a well told story that reads easily and quickly. It is hard to put down... you just want to keep reading to see where they are heading at each juncture. There are laughs, mostly at her doings. There will be tears. And there is some steam. Wonderful and likeable characters. It alternates POVs.
February 15, 2026
All the stars for what is my favorite read/listen so far this year! Penelope Ward has done it to me again, with all the feelings from laughter to tears, spice to heartwarming moments, and left me with such a full heart!
I alternated between reading and listening so I’ll start by saying that the audiobook as a duet between Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke is just phenomenal and makes you feel like you are listening to a movie! They simply slayed as Blair and Tate and everyone else. Such talent there!
The story itself is beautifully written and each moment so carefully thought out by the author it makes for such a great read.
Blair meets Tate while on a much needed vacation after her break up from her long term boyfriend. And Tate is taking some time away from struggling with his past. From the moment they meet there is undeniable chemistry and attraction but there is also a pretty substantial age gap. Try as they may they cannot deny it. But when the vacation is over so is their time together, or so they think.
What happens next is told in such a way that I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters and their story. I loved every single moment from beginning to end especially all the unexpected moments in between. Bravo!!!
I alternated between reading and listening so I’ll start by saying that the audiobook as a duet between Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke is just phenomenal and makes you feel like you are listening to a movie! They simply slayed as Blair and Tate and everyone else. Such talent there!
The story itself is beautifully written and each moment so carefully thought out by the author it makes for such a great read.
Blair meets Tate while on a much needed vacation after her break up from her long term boyfriend. And Tate is taking some time away from struggling with his past. From the moment they meet there is undeniable chemistry and attraction but there is also a pretty substantial age gap. Try as they may they cannot deny it. But when the vacation is over so is their time together, or so they think.
What happens next is told in such a way that I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters and their story. I loved every single moment from beginning to end especially all the unexpected moments in between. Bravo!!!
February 16, 2026
I went into this for the trope and came out of it completely in my feelings.
On the surface it’s the forbidden best friend’s dad and the age gap that makes you pause for a second, but the way this story unfolded was so much more emotional than I was expecting. It had that quiet intensity where the connection feels real and a little dangerous at the same time, and I was hooked before I even realized it.
There’s this constant undercurrent of angst and tension and knowing they probably shouldn’t… but also understanding exactly why they do. And when the emotional moments hit, they hit. That twist especially had me sitting there just staring at my Kindle like I needed a minute to recover because it added an entirely new layer to everything I thought I understood about the story.
I listened to this on audio and I genuinely cannot separate this experience from Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke’s voices. The duet narration made it feel so intimate and immersive and the emotional scenes landed even harder because of it.
This was my first Penelope Ward and now I get it. The angst, the pull, the way the story sneaks up on you emotionally. I didn’t just read this, I lived in it for a little while. Just so soo good!
On the surface it’s the forbidden best friend’s dad and the age gap that makes you pause for a second, but the way this story unfolded was so much more emotional than I was expecting. It had that quiet intensity where the connection feels real and a little dangerous at the same time, and I was hooked before I even realized it.
There’s this constant undercurrent of angst and tension and knowing they probably shouldn’t… but also understanding exactly why they do. And when the emotional moments hit, they hit. That twist especially had me sitting there just staring at my Kindle like I needed a minute to recover because it added an entirely new layer to everything I thought I understood about the story.
I listened to this on audio and I genuinely cannot separate this experience from Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke’s voices. The duet narration made it feel so intimate and immersive and the emotional scenes landed even harder because of it.
This was my first Penelope Ward and now I get it. The angst, the pull, the way the story sneaks up on you emotionally. I didn’t just read this, I lived in it for a little while. Just so soo good!
February 16, 2026
17 year age gap
Single Dad
Second chance
Sassy FMC
Protective MMC
Forbidden
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Jason Clarke & Andi Arndt
Perfect narrators for these characters. They did so good. You can feel teh emotions coming through their performance, I especially love the playful side of the characters.
My first Penelope Ward book and I am impressed. I truly enjoyed the writing and the narrators kicked it up a notch with their voices and acting.
Blair is on vacation trying to find her groove after a break up with her long time boyfriend. She is scooping out the hot guys in her area when she finds a hot older man that peaks her interest, the trouble is he is 17 years older than her. Tate and Blair match on a hook up app but when they meet face to face Tate is questioning how old she really is and he fights the attraction with every last bit of will power he has until he can not hold back anymore. It was so cute to watch these two fall in love and form a bond to then have it taken away but years later reconnecting in a monumental way.
I really loved this book and the characters. It gave me so many feels throughout reading. Well written and plotted, the story is flirty and fun yet has tons of emotions. Easy to follow storyline.
Single Dad
Second chance
Sassy FMC
Protective MMC
Forbidden
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Jason Clarke & Andi Arndt
Perfect narrators for these characters. They did so good. You can feel teh emotions coming through their performance, I especially love the playful side of the characters.
My first Penelope Ward book and I am impressed. I truly enjoyed the writing and the narrators kicked it up a notch with their voices and acting.
Blair is on vacation trying to find her groove after a break up with her long time boyfriend. She is scooping out the hot guys in her area when she finds a hot older man that peaks her interest, the trouble is he is 17 years older than her. Tate and Blair match on a hook up app but when they meet face to face Tate is questioning how old she really is and he fights the attraction with every last bit of will power he has until he can not hold back anymore. It was so cute to watch these two fall in love and form a bond to then have it taken away but years later reconnecting in a monumental way.
I really loved this book and the characters. It gave me so many feels throughout reading. Well written and plotted, the story is flirty and fun yet has tons of emotions. Easy to follow storyline.
February 17, 2026
Blair’s has just broken up with her boyfriend. Her best friend Taylor gave her a vacation to a resort. When she checks in she notices that it’s full of families and couples. But she does notice the one hot dad. She decides to join a hookup app because her ex was the only guy she’s been with, and now is the perfect time to have a fling. To her surprise she matches with the hot dad Tate. When they meet Tate knows she lies about her age, and he knows that she’s also lying about her name. Blair explains that she doesn’t want to give her real name. And admits that she’s nineteen. Tate is thirty six and lets her know that they will not be hooking up. So they end up spending the next several days together. And Tate turns down Blair’s advances, until the last day when he can’t fight it anymore. When they go there separate ways they know that despite their strong connection they aren’t in a place for a relationship. Four years later Blair is attending her best friend Taylor’s wedding. And she’s finally going to be able to meet his dad that he’s had a very rocky relationship with. But she doesn’t expect Tate to be her best friends father. This was such a good forbidden age gap romance. I loved Blair and Taylor.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
5⭐|2🌶|10%🌶frequency
I don't even know how to describe the connection between Tate and Blair. It's so incredibly. It's so unique. It's just, I think they are soulmates. This extreme magnetism can't be described in any other way. But 17 years is a huge age gap. And, btw, the ones I love the most in romance books 😁. But age is just a number. Fact. Especially because Blair is very mature and Tate isn't "old".
Both didn't know who the other one was (in relation to Taylor). Blair never met her best friend's dad. So it's a different kind of "best friend's dad". And yes, I had a feeling that the meeting would be the way it happened 😁 Best way, definitely 😎
Oh, guys, it's so difficult to say much. This whole story is just one big "secret" and surprises. And yes, I cried a lot 😭 It's so emotional.
The best part was Blair's dad's reaction. Who also became one of Tate's most nightmares 🤣
This isn't one of my longest reviews, but I just don't know what to say more that would be worth the book 🙈
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
5⭐|2🌶|10%🌶frequency
I don't even know how to describe the connection between Tate and Blair. It's so incredibly. It's so unique. It's just, I think they are soulmates. This extreme magnetism can't be described in any other way. But 17 years is a huge age gap. And, btw, the ones I love the most in romance books 😁. But age is just a number. Fact. Especially because Blair is very mature and Tate isn't "old".
Both didn't know who the other one was (in relation to Taylor). Blair never met her best friend's dad. So it's a different kind of "best friend's dad". And yes, I had a feeling that the meeting would be the way it happened 😁 Best way, definitely 😎
Oh, guys, it's so difficult to say much. This whole story is just one big "secret" and surprises. And yes, I cried a lot 😭 It's so emotional.
The best part was Blair's dad's reaction. Who also became one of Tate's most nightmares 🤣
This isn't one of my longest reviews, but I just don't know what to say more that would be worth the book 🙈
Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
February 16, 2026
Taylor’s Father
Penelope Ward
🌟Tropes-
Age gap
Single dad
Forbidden
Second Chance
Tate and Blair
Blair needs a vacation…so she is thrilled when her best friend, Taylor, offers to send her to his family’s resort. Once Blair arrives, she wants to have a little fun and signs up on a dating app. She is taken with an older guy and decides to go for it. But their meeting is far from perfect, as they disagree and argue about everything.
Tate is away on vacation, needing a break from everything. He is at his family’s resort, but tends to keep that quiet. Tate signs up on a dating app and has no way of knowing how much that action will change things.
To not have any spoilers, that’s it, that’s all you get. You have to read this! The chemistry and banter are everything. Great story! I had the privilege to read and listen to this book, and the narrators were amazing!! In many books, the male and female only read their pov chapters but not here. The male and female interact throughout the whole book! Excellent! I flew through this and couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to #Hambright PR
Penelope Ward
🌟Tropes-
Age gap
Single dad
Forbidden
Second Chance
Tate and Blair
Blair needs a vacation…so she is thrilled when her best friend, Taylor, offers to send her to his family’s resort. Once Blair arrives, she wants to have a little fun and signs up on a dating app. She is taken with an older guy and decides to go for it. But their meeting is far from perfect, as they disagree and argue about everything.
Tate is away on vacation, needing a break from everything. He is at his family’s resort, but tends to keep that quiet. Tate signs up on a dating app and has no way of knowing how much that action will change things.
To not have any spoilers, that’s it, that’s all you get. You have to read this! The chemistry and banter are everything. Great story! I had the privilege to read and listen to this book, and the narrators were amazing!! In many books, the male and female only read their pov chapters but not here. The male and female interact throughout the whole book! Excellent! I flew through this and couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to #Hambright PR
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Huge thanks to Penelope and Hambright PR for the eARC and ALC.
Oh my gosh… this book was fantastic. It officially made it into my all-time top five contemporary romances.
Age gap romances are such a hit or miss for me. Being 40, I sometimes struggle with younger FMCs who feel immature or hard to relate to. But this one was different.
Blair was amazing. She felt mature and grounded, she held her own, she knew what she wanted, but she was still playful, sassy, and fun. Honestly, she kind of reminded me of myself.
And Tate… ahhh, Tate. He’s guarded and carrying emotional baggage, and I loved how protective he is. He’s constantly trying to do the right thing , not just for himself, but for Blair and everyone around him.
Taylor’s father had everything I could ask for: incredible spice, amazing banter, healing, tender moments, and even a little twist. The tension and chemistry kept me completely hooked the entire time.
This story really hit me in the feels. And the narration by Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke brought it to life so perfectly. I have zero complaints. I stayed up until 4 a.m. because I didn’t want it to end.
Oh my gosh… this book was fantastic. It officially made it into my all-time top five contemporary romances.
Age gap romances are such a hit or miss for me. Being 40, I sometimes struggle with younger FMCs who feel immature or hard to relate to. But this one was different.
Blair was amazing. She felt mature and grounded, she held her own, she knew what she wanted, but she was still playful, sassy, and fun. Honestly, she kind of reminded me of myself.
And Tate… ahhh, Tate. He’s guarded and carrying emotional baggage, and I loved how protective he is. He’s constantly trying to do the right thing , not just for himself, but for Blair and everyone around him.
Taylor’s father had everything I could ask for: incredible spice, amazing banter, healing, tender moments, and even a little twist. The tension and chemistry kept me completely hooked the entire time.
This story really hit me in the feels. And the narration by Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke brought it to life so perfectly. I have zero complaints. I stayed up until 4 a.m. because I didn’t want it to end.
Review of advance copy
Oh my gosh. When I tell you I ate this one upppp!! I could not stop. I'm not a big age gap girl so 17 years is pushing it majorly for me. But it honestly didn't bother me at all. Blair & Tate met when they were on vacation when she was 19 and he was 36. I loved Blair's personality. She may of been 19 but she was so much more mature than that. He tried to stay away from her because of the age difference but they were just drawn to each other. It's like there were magnets pulling them together. Magnetic chemistry.
4 years later, fate brings them back together at a wedding and you know it's about to get messy. And well, you'll just have to read it to see what happens. I feel like these two were true soulmates. They were just honestly made for each other. The tension, the angst, the banner....I AM TOTALLY OBSESSED. Taylor's Father is top read for me this year 100%!
🎧Audio:🎧
This was a duet narration by Jason Clarke & Andi Ardnt and let me just tell you these two absolutely DELIVERED!! 👏🏻 Goodness gracious, these two had me feeling it all!! This is most definitely a top audiobook for me!!
What to expect:
🚫Forbidden
🔥Best Friend's Dad
💞17 year Age Gap
🥈Second Chance
4 years later, fate brings them back together at a wedding and you know it's about to get messy. And well, you'll just have to read it to see what happens. I feel like these two were true soulmates. They were just honestly made for each other. The tension, the angst, the banner....I AM TOTALLY OBSESSED. Taylor's Father is top read for me this year 100%!
🎧Audio:🎧
This was a duet narration by Jason Clarke & Andi Ardnt and let me just tell you these two absolutely DELIVERED!! 👏🏻 Goodness gracious, these two had me feeling it all!! This is most definitely a top audiobook for me!!
What to expect:
🚫Forbidden
🔥Best Friend's Dad
💞17 year Age Gap
🥈Second Chance
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