Surprise Baby for the Silver Fox: A Forbidden Father's Best Friend Romance

by Elise Monroe

I slept with my father’s best friend who happens to be my new boss. Now I’m pregnant with his baby.

Bastian Wolfe knows exactly who I am the second I walk in—and makes it clear I’m just another employee who won’t last.

Too bad failing isn’t an option.

After my father died, my mother’s boyfriend drained our accounts.

Now I’m broke, responsible for my younger brother, and one mistake away from losing everything.

So I work. Harder than anyone before me.
And slowly… Bastian notices.

What starts as tension turns into respect.
Respect turns into something sharper. Hotter. Dangerous.

He’s controlled. Ruthless. Untouchable. Until it comes to me.

Passionate nights with him are unforgettable.

His ex-fiancée is determined to expose me as an unqualified hire - because of the friendship between Bastian and my father - who doesn’t belong in his world.

She wants me gone.

Now the man who could fire me is the only one I want.
And the only one who could ruin me.

Because I just found out I’m pregnant with his baby.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2026

Reviews

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book, and I found it a quick and easy read. One of the things I liked best about this book, and why I’m giving it a high rating, is that it was such a quick and easy read. I enjoy books like this when things become too much - they’re a great escape; there’s a troubling point in the middle to overcome, but there’s always a happy ending. The storyline had enough drama and tension to keep things moving between the two main characters without things feeling stagnant or overplayed. The heroine is equally compelling. She’s strong, capable, and carrying just enough vulnerability to make her journey feel real. Her reactions, fears, and hopes are written with authenticity, and her chemistry with the hero is undeniable. Their connection builds in a way that feels natural and earned — full of soft moments, gentle tension, and the kind of emotional intimacy that makes you root for them from the start. The “surprise baby” element is handled beautifully. Instead of leaning on drama for the sake of drama, the story focuses on communication, trust, and the sweetness of building a family from unexpected beginnings. The emotional beats land perfectly, and the tender scenes are some of the strongest in the book. The pacing is smooth, the writing is warm and engaging, and the small‑town touches add just the right amount of charm. Elise Monroe has a talent for creating characters who feel real and relationships that feel meaningful. By the end, I was smiling, swooning, and wishing for more. This is a comforting, heartfelt romance that celebrates mature love, new beginnings, and the beauty of finding exactly what you didn’t know you needed. If you love protective silver‑fox heroes, sweet emotional chemistry, and romances that leave your heart full, this one is a must‑read.

[Emily Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You showed me that control isn’t the same as connection. That money can’t buy the things that actually matter.”

This short romance novel is what you’d expect it to be, based on the title, a trope-y billionaire age gap romance with a surprise pregnancy. There is some safety and comfort in knowing what you’re getting right of the bat that makes the reading experience almost cozy.

I found the conversations in the book very repetitive, it felt like they were saying the same things in practically the same way multiple times in the story. This did make it an easy to digest, but I wish there was some more variety into the types of discussions Bastian and Nadia have. Most notably, I was surprised that there shared history never really comes up at all. Bastian being Nadia’s father’s best friend was really only a used as a way to make Nadia seem like she would have been a pity hire, where it could have led to some more complex relationship development.

In the same vein, I was surprised that the only real conflict between Nadia and Bastian was the tension between Nadia’s desire to be treated as an equal and Bastian’s need for control. There were a lot of layers to their relationship that were never explored that I think could have made this more complex and interesting: the dynamics between their different ages, socioeconomic status, family backgrounds, etc.

Overall, if you are looking for a romance with the tropes described in the title, something easy and a bit steamy to help you escape from reality this is a fine book. Don’t expect anything too complex or out of the ordinary that will keep you on your toes. I received a free copy of this book.

[Jonathan Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about reading this book is how the author balances workplace tension with the softer side of romance. Nadia Rowan is doing her best to support her brother Alex, while forty-five-year-old Bastian Wolfe keeps people at a distance behind his wealth and polished corporate image. Their relationship has an interesting contrast between the pressure of Manhattan business life and the more intimate moments, like sharing late-night coffee in a snowbound office. Things take a more dramatic turn when Vanessa Aldridge leaks Nadia’s pregnancy news to sabotage the Midtown project. I enjoyed seeing Bastian fight back to protect the family he’s beginning to build, and the scenes with baby Eva bring a welcome tenderness to all the corporate drama. It’s an engaging romance with a mix of ambition, family, and emotional stakes.

[Telitha Lucier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book, and I found it a quick and easy read. One of the things I liked best about this book, and why I’m giving it a high rating is that it was such a quick and easy read. I enjoy books like this when things become too much - they’re a great escape, there’s a troubling point in the middle to overcome, but there’s always a happy ending. The storyline had enough drama and tension to keep things moving between the two main characters without things feeling stagnant or overplayed. There was romance and sex in the book but it wasn’t gratuitous. It added to the storyline rather than being the point of the story. This is an ARC review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows Nadia, a young woman drowning in financial stress who lands an executive assistant job under Bastian Wolfe her late father's college friend, a notoriously cold and ruthless CEO. Naturally, professional boundaries don't survive very long, especially after a surprise pregnancy enters the mix. There is definitely plenty of delicious angst, a wonderfully hateable villainous ex-fiancée, and some very spicy moments. If you love forbidden workplace romance, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a strong heroine who won't let herself get sidelined, this is a super fun, fast-paced read! Perfect for a cozy weekend binge.

[Ava Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the fact that Nadia isn’t simply looking for romance. She has real responsibilities, particularly her determination to look after her younger brother after her family lets her down financially. She’s trying to build a secure future while dealing with circumstances that are often beyond her control. Bastian, meanwhile, is a man who has spent much of his life keeping people at a distance and believing that control is the answer to everything. Their differences create some interesting tension, particularly as Nadia tries to maintain her independence and Bastian struggles to let someone into his carefully controlled world.

[Paula Deberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an emotional workplace romance with a lot of heart. Nadia Rowan is trying very hard to hold her life together after her father’s death. She needs money, worries about her younger brother Alex, and starts a difficult job as executive assistant to Bastian Wolfe, her father’s best friend. I felt worried for Nadia from the first chapter because she has so much pressure on her shoulders. I liked Nadia because she is strong but still feels real. She is not rich or powerful, but she works hard and does not want pity. I also liked the connection between Nadia and Alex. Their small jokes and care for each other made the story warmer.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy forbidden romance packed with familiar tropes, workplace tension, and unexpected twists. The chemistry between the determined heroine and her cold, ruthless billionaire boss, who happens to be her late father's best friend, creates plenty of delicious tension. Financial struggles, a jealous ex-fiancée, and a surprise pregnancy add drama to an already complicated relationship. While the storyline leans into familiar romance territory, it's an entertaining read with plenty of emotional intrigue.

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this book, the feelings in this story are top noutch. Nadia who was trying to keep her life together while working hard and caring for her younger brother, Bastian too is a powerful man but he also has feelings and problems of his own. Their connection brings many difficult moments, and I wanted to know how they handle them. The story has a deep romance, family issues, and some surprising events. I liked seeing the characters grow and learn more about each other. It is a simple and entertaining romance for readers who like emotional stories with a little drama

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this age-gap romance between a wealthy executive and a financially struggling assistant. The storyline has drama, chemistry, attraction, a surprise baby and a nasty ex to deal with. The MCs are defined, capable, engaging, and must deal with complications before a HEA is possible. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. It was short, steamy and even sweet at times.

Nadia starts out as an assistant to the billionaire businessman, Bastian. She is extremely capable at her job, and the sparks fly between them early on. The drama unfolds as they both try to figure out how to navigate their relationship within the world they live in. It’s a good read, with lots of drama and steam.

[sarah waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short novel

This romance novel was a nice ride albeit a short one. Due to the length, the romance does move very quickly. I wouldve loved to have seen more build up and anticipation between Bastian and Nadia. Other than that, i enjoyed their dynamic and the writing. The villian wasnt too evil and overall this is a feel good story. Its a nice quick read.

[Jessica Maready Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of the silver fox and surprise baby tropes, this book is a super fun afternoon read! The characters have great banter and undeniable chemistry. Because it’s a quick read, the plot moves along rapidly, but it hits all the satisfying emotional beats you want from a forbidden romance. Recommended for romance readers looking for something engaging, steamy, and sweet!

[Melanie Dively · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice story of struggling and hard work. The characters were lovable and Nadia was relatable from the beginning. A short enjoyable read!