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Leo

After his wife and the mother of his children passed away, Leo Javier believed he would never be whole again. Although he has found peace through the love of his family,there's still something missing. And only when she’s around does that hole seem to be filled. She calls to him in a way he’s never felt before. Not even with his late wife. His Daddy side wants to protect her and take care of her but would she accept him in that role? And, most important, does he have enough room in his heart to love another woman?

Claire

After her cheating husband left her, Claire never wanted to be involved with a man again. She had tried so hard, given up so much and she was just never good enough. But after watching her daughter blossom in her new and unusual relationship, Claire wondered what it would be like to have someone that she could also call Daddy, someone who would look at her like she was the most precious thing in the world. There's only one Daddy she has in mind, though, and she doesn’t think she could ever measure up to his late wife.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2022

605 people are currently reading
413 people want to read

About the author

Kate Oliver

53 books1,422 followers
Kate Oliver has aspired to be an author all her life. From the time she was known as "that girl who always has her nose stuck in a book", Kate Oliver has wanted to be a writer. Currently, fetish romance is her favorite for both reading and writing. Kate has been a part of the fetish community for many years, and strives to write stories that realistically reflect that lifestyle. Her favorite part of writing her own books is dreaming up the hot and steamy, yet loving and strict, Daddies that Littles dream about.


To contact Kate, you can Email her at: kateoliverstories@gmail.com.

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5 stars
1,274 (54%)
4 stars
589 (25%)
3 stars
349 (15%)
2 stars
83 (3%)
1 star
24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for emma | ecvbookstagram.
498 reviews15 followers
December 20, 2022
first off thank you Kate Oliver for asking me to ARC read this series & specifically this book.

absolutely obsessed. this is a continuation of the first 4 books, continuing with Leo (the boys father) & Claire (Kylie’s mom) & it was everything I needed - from realizing feelings, to character development! I’m even pretty sure I got teary eyed within the first like 30 pages & was completely hooked from beginning to end (i mean truly i read this in about 2 hours. could NOT put it down!!)

Kate this one was truly probably one of my favorites of the series so far & probably anticipated this one most because I have love love LOVED Leo since the very beginning & wanted him to have a happy ending.

y’all highly suggest reading this ddlg series. it’s truly a favorite of mine & only keeps getting better.
29 reviews
March 6, 2024
worst yet

Readers please do not take this authors books and try to mimic them. They do not show how this dynamic should look. If you do you will end up hurt or worse. The little has the right to say that is a hard limit for me meaning the daddy is not allowed to do anything on the subs limit list. Safewords are for use. All of these books basically have the sub agreeing to everything and just taking it. Not actual back and forth limits talk. No confirming of color during play. And with a new little that should always happen. And after spankings that leave marks even just red marks that will fade a cooling cream is required. Aftercare is a must or it is abuse. And if they are forgiven after a punishment then they wouldn’t be forced to sit on a surface that hurts. I keep reading hoping the author would have done more research or used better beta readers. But this one was almost worse since the “daddy” is experienced.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
March 3, 2023
Leo & Claire!

This story was a little weird because of the dynamics of the family, and who LEO and Claire were. I loved the storyline and the idea behind the story but I’m still not sure about the whole little thing and them being parents to the all the men and Kylie, it just weirds me out. I don’t love it but I don’t hate it either. I do however love the main characters and their relationship.
Profile Image for Macee Grisenti.
368 reviews13 followers
September 17, 2024
Leo and Claire

TW: att*ck, ass*ult, DV, past ab*se

Maybe it was because of the fact that she was Kylie’s mom but this one felt weird to me. Don’t get me wrong I was dying for them to get together and was super happy for them but like it was the oddest one for me.
I liked them since we met Kylie and her mom so like I knew it was coming but like …
A little cringy. I will obviously live though
Claire was a good FMC and we all knew Leo would be great. He’s been great. I was very excited for them.
This book seemed the shortest? Maybe I’m crazy but it was sooo quick. Like it felt a lot shorter. Maybe because they didn’t have as much explaining since these two had known each other for a year and had been in almost all the other books.

Tropes: touch her and d!e, he’s her daughter’s boyfriend’s father, second love, hurt/comfort, he’s in love but won’t admit it, she fell first, but he fell harder

Spice: 🌶️.5
Steam: 🔥🔥
Sweetness: 💗💗💗💗
Dumb man who should know better: 🙃
Profile Image for Katiesbookland.
211 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2022
Review: Leo.
(Daddies Of The Shadows #5)
By: Kate Oliver.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
ARC Copy.

Leo was amazing! I loved being able to get back into this daddy/little girl world, but through the eyes of the parents in this family. I hope this makes sense! If you have already read book 2 and so on then you know what I mean.

Claire is the mother of Kylie who’s story is book 2, and she sees the DDLG relationship that her daughter has and begins to wonder about it herself. Through her daughter and her Daddy’s family, Claire meets Leo. Who is the father of the men in the family and they then form a friendship. Leo and Claire want more than friendship but they both have personal problems to work through before they take that next step… I hope my review helps! I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Dee H.
420 reviews11 followers
December 27, 2022
Kate wrote this story regarding the grieving of a loved one with grace and care. Leo finally realises that the heart can expand to care for Claire too without losing the memories of his first wife. I arc read this story.
Profile Image for leigh heath.
4 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2022
love this

Have read the others and been waiting for Leo’s story for a while, whilst there was less of a storyline than some of the other characters it didn’t necessarily disappoint, would’ve liked abit more depth to it. Still a fantastic read nonetheless
Profile Image for Kelsey.
1,598 reviews28 followers
January 7, 2023
Love this series

Don't start here. While it's kinda a standalone, it will make more sense if you've read the previous books. The plot here was thin, but I appreciated that everyone solved their problems with a simple conversation. Cute ending that makes you ready for the next book!
Profile Image for Assh.
934 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2023
Leo et Claire (Mère de Kylie : Tome 2)

Daddy et petite fille

📖
Leo :
Après le décès de sa femme et de la mère de ses enfants, Leo Javier a cru qu'il ne serait plus jamais entier. Même s'il a trouvé la paix grâce à l'amour de sa famille, il lui manque encore quelque chose. Et ce n’est que lorsqu’elle est là que ce trou semble être comblé. Elle l'appelle d'une manière qu'il n'a jamais ressentie auparavant. Pas même avec sa défunte épouse. Son côté papa veut la protéger et prendre soin d'elle mais l'accepterait-elle dans ce rôle ? Et, plus important encore, a-t-il assez de place dans son cœur pour aimer une autre femme ?

Claire :
Après que son mari infidèle l'ait quittée, Claire n'a plus jamais voulu avoir de relation avec un homme. Elle avait tellement essayé, tellement abandonné et elle n'avait jamais été assez bonne. Mais après avoir vu sa fille s'épanouir dans sa nouvelle et inhabituelle relation, Claire s'est demandé ce que ce serait d'avoir quelqu'un qu'elle pourrait aussi appeler papa, quelqu'un qui la regarderait comme si elle était la chose la plus précieuse au monde. Cependant, elle n'a qu'un seul papa en tête, et elle ne pense pas pouvoir un jour se mesurer à sa défunte épouse.
📕


🖋️
"Tu es sûr que tu ne veux pas que je vienne te chercher en chemin ?" » demanda Léo.

L’idée de Claire conduisant dans le noir ne lui convenait pas. Non seulement il faisait presque froid dehors, mais comme Noël était si proche, la circulation semblait encore plus folle.

"Je suis sûr. Ça ira. De toute façon, je vais m'arrêter au centre commercial quand je sors du travail pour récupérer le cadeau que j'ai commandé pour Kylie et Ash, » répondit Claire.

Merde. Le centre commercial? Un endroit qui était aussi chaotique et pouvait être dangereux pour une femme innocente comme Claire ? Putain. Mais que pouvait-il faire ? Rien, c'est quoi.

Léo attrapa ses clés sur le crochet de sa cuisine et soupira. "S'il vous plaît soyez prudente. Les gens ne sont pas sains d’esprit à cette période de l’année. Tous ces caramels, lait de poule et cadeaux font oublier aux gens d’utiliser leur cerveau.

Le doux rire qui traversa le téléphone fit légèrement se dissiper la tension dans son corps.

« Je te le promets, je ferai attention. J'ai mon Taser et ma masse dans mon sac à main. Si quelqu'un me dérange, je le taserai jusqu'à ce qu'il soit bien cuit, » répondit-elle, la voix pleine d'amusement.

"Tu ferais mieux," marmonna-t-il.

"Je te reverrai dans un instant", dit Claire.
🖋️
Profile Image for Juniper Raven.
74 reviews
May 1, 2023
Finally! This book follows straight on from the last when Kylie announces why her mum Claire won't be attending the dinner. This snaps Leo out of living in the past. He lost his wife, his little and with it his capability to love another... or did he? Did his sweet little angel from above send her his way? He's been at war with himself, hating the thought of betraying the love he had/has for his wife. Claire who has so many insecurities due to her previous marriage, she doesn't know her worth yet but Leo will show her. He treats her like family and she can see his daddy side coming out but he never takes the next step. She sees was a beautiful relationship her daughter Kylie has wish Ash and want some of that for herself. Determined not to forever wait on a man who is taken by the memory of his wife she decided to go on a date. But when she opens the door will it be the guy from work? This was so sweet and they both help each other heal in this book.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,392 reviews58 followers
July 23, 2023
Leo and Claire have been friends since Claire's daughter, Kylie, and Leo's son, Ash, have been together. Claire wants more but feels she cannot compete with Leo's late wife. The boys have been on Leo to further his relationship with Claire. He wants to stay in the friend zone as he feels he is being disloyal to his late wife if he steps up his relationship with Claire. When he discovers she is going to go on a date, he steps up his game? Will he be successful? Will Claire let down her walls with him?

I enjoyed this story. I also liked that they were not youngsters but in their 50's when they go from friends to more. I appreciated that Claire was only finding her Little and that Leo helped her. I loved Leo's protective streak when Claire runs into trouble. I was glad they family is there for Claire, but Kylie does need to censor herself.

I am enjoying this series and finding out stories I want told are out or will be coming.
Profile Image for els✨.
1,084 reviews45 followers
July 18, 2024
- an age play romance! daddy k!nk, mature couple, forced proximity, found family, hurt/comfort!
- my heart hurts so bad for Claire man :( Leo!! stop being silly
- so proud of Claire for taking a risk and getting herself out there!!
- hehehe jealous Leo, glad he’s sorting his shit out!!
- i do love a romance with older couples
- although it feels kinda weird just cos it’s their parents 😂😂
- well Leo really was all in damn, but i think it doesn’t feel rushed even tho they’re going at lightning speed because their tension has been in the past 3 books
- a lot of sex in this book considering it’s only 150 pages!!
- honestly thought the third act conflict would be around her ex so nice that it was mixed up
- nice that Claire and Kylie are so close but jesus no one should be that close
- super sweet epilogue too!!
- was so excited for this and was exactly what i thought it would be!
165 reviews
April 9, 2024
quick short read of the cutest daddy dom and little. It’s been a while reading a good daddy dom/little girl. Wish it was longer. I felt the angst, that tinge of feeling of her feeling being compared to his past deceased wife. 😭 But being the caring daddy dom he is, he reassured her that both can be loved and there’s nothing to compare. loved that everyone is comfortable with each other of being in their little state of mind. Every time i read a daddy dom, I become more informed about this lifestyle. Like I didn’t know that there were different types of spankings. I assumed what she thought as well. that it would hurt and not be forgiven. Tears were coming for her. also I didn’t know that there’s a way to use a taser. Good information to know. My first book read with this author. Loved it so far. Can’t wait to read more from this author. 🥰

Spice 🌶️🌶️ (Btw I read dark romance)
Profile Image for Cat.
609 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2022
Kate Oliver and her Daddies Of The Shadows Series are simply magnificent.
Leo, Book # 5 proves to us that a person can have more than one true love in a lifetime.
After surviving an abusive marriage Claire is ready to be treated like the precious person she is. Leo give her time and attention but will not allow them to be more than friends. Leo feels that he will betray his late wife is he acts on his true feelings for Claire.
After an attach on Claire, Leo finally decides to open his heart and be the man and Daddy that Claire wants and needs.
Reading Leo left me with such a happy glow. I am looking forward to the next book.
kate-oliver
7 reviews
January 2, 2023
So far so great, love X five.

These stories are fun, intense, and, stronger then coffee. Use caution when reading before bed. If your thinking of sleeping or dry panties then forget about it. I am partial to Leo's and Claire's story because I have been little all my life. I'm 61 but never knew it was a thing. I just let my inner child out sometimes when I was alone. Having a mommy or daddy never a cured to me. I was just the weird woman who gets along with puppies and children then with adults. I now wonder, but doubt I'll ever find a daddy or another little to play with like Claire has. I am just so amazed by these books and have pre-ordered all of them. I see several sleepless nights in my future, and I'm excited.
1,808 reviews39 followers
March 11, 2023
I’m so happy Leo got his own story! Every book I’ve read in this series has been incredible and I couldn’t wait to read Leo’s. Leo is the “father” to all the Shadow’s men, having taken them in when they were younger, with the exception of Beau who is is biological son. He has had so much sadness in his life and is resigned to being alone. That is until Claire comes along. She’s a beautiful woman and a Little. But can he get over his feelings for his late wife and let Claire into his heart? Claire is such a delight! A strong independent woman with a Little side slowly emerging. Can Leo be the one to bring her out fully? I loved the interactions between them and could feel the love they have for each other. They just both need to admit it. Such a great read!!
Profile Image for Raven.
569 reviews
July 25, 2024
I have been thoroughly anticipating reading Leo and Claire’s book, and it did not disappoint. It’s very rare we get MCs who are older and parents of the other characters. Claire is Kylie’s(book 2) mom, and I continue loving the relationship these two have. I think being able to be open with your mom and feel safe doing so is something that most of us wish we could feel. And Leo(the boy’s father) this man, went through some of the most unimaginable tragedies, and still was able to open his heart and love Claire with everything he has. This series has become my comfort series when I’m feeling down and just can’t get into anything else. The found family aspect always warms my heart, and I can’t wait to continue with Maddox being next up in the series.
Profile Image for Lupe.
29 reviews
May 19, 2025
Love Leo!!!

Ok I’m new to Kate Oliver’s books but I have to say I love this series!!! I’m so happy that Leo finally got his book and that Claire who is in her early 50’s was his love interest!!! I couldn’t picture Leo who is in his 60’s with someone younger than 40. I read this with my kindle unlimited subscription but I will be buying this one because it is definitely rereading material!!! Claire had a horrible first marriage with someone who put down her looks and tried to smother her self esteem and Leo was her second chance who only wanted to show her she was desirable and strong!! I can’t wait to read the rest of Leo’s sons books and see who they end up with!!! I recommend reading the series in order.
Profile Image for Debby Huebert.
2 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2022
The Wait is Finally Over!

I’ve been waiting forever for Leo and Claire’s story! Literally have been counting down the days! I loved the low angst and the HEA. The Shadow Daddies series is one of my favorites because I love that the drama doesn’t come between the main characters; instead, they come together as a family and their love for each other is obvious. If you want a feel-good, low angst, sweet and spicy story, then this is for you! After all, who doesn’t love a tattooed dirty talking daddy who goes feral to protect his little girl??? Download and read this story asap!!!
Profile Image for DKH.
101 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2022
This is the story of Leo and Claire, two persons who find love again later in life. Leo is a widower and has been hung up on missing his wife for the last 10 years. Claire is a divorcee who has a horrible first marriage. They meet through their kids Ash and Kylie who are a couple. They’ve been friends for months, but Claire has deeper feelings for Leo. But she is not sure can ever feel the same for her. Kate Oliver does a terrific job of helping them navigate through the obstacles. This is book 5 of the series, if you haven’t read the first 4, start with Knox and work your way back to Leo. Definitely worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
222 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2022
Leo is such a great daddy!!!!

Leo is a father to every boy that ever came through his door. He was a loving Daddy to Sophia before she died, and has missed her everyday since. Now that Claire is in his life, he doesn’t think he could live without her, but has a lot of guilt over replacing Sophia. When Claire takes a date with a coworker because she doesn’t want to be in second place to a dead wife, Leo wakes up and takes charge. They are both lucky to have each other and this is such a great story. Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Tonya Parker.
443 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2023
Finally Leo and Claire's story gets a happy ending! Leo was mourning the loss of his wife. Claire needed a daddy. She didn't want to be in the shadow of another woman so was willing to walk away. Leo finally realized he wanted and needed Claire.
I love Leo and all his "boys"! Every book to this point has been fantastic and this one did not disappoint!! I love reading about all the Daddies and Littles in each book!
This book is another wonderful addition to the series. I am so looking forward to the next one!
Characters are wonderful and storyline is amazing! Definitely a must read!
1 review
January 13, 2023
Sooooo Gooood!

I was blown away with how soon I was sucked into this delicious story of Leo and Claire. I'm talking page 1 people!
I was in a constant state of sexy "turned on fluster", smiling, crying or laughing! So good!
I found myself not sleeping for 2 days because I read it every moment I had free!
However, I do not recommend trying to do it at stop lights in between driving! Lesson learned! ;) But so worth it!
Kate Oliver has me hooked and in love with all of the "Daddies of the Shadows" and their "Little girls"!
Profile Image for MsJodiReads.
195 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2023
Daddy Leo and what a daddy he is!

I’m really enjoying this series. I can’t seem to put these books down and have been going through the series faster than I thought I would.

Leo aka “pop” aka “daddy” to Claire is the father to 7? Boys but only Beau is his biological son, he basically adopted the ear of the boys so they would have better lives.

Please check triggers!

The spice level in this book is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🔥

Daddy Leo is everything, I really loved seeing glimpses of him throughout the series and now his story.


385 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2023
Loving this series

I love this series. The Dd/lg is not my normal genre, but so far, i quit until i finish the whole thing. I love how dominant n alpha these men are. Yet they love n protect their women with equal measure. Each story is a different brother, but they interact with each other thru the books. It's great how they rely on each other n always get their brothers back. Alpha men, spanking, little drama n easily taken care of. ( Thank you, kate Oliver). Each book is mostly about the relationship of the couple. You won't be disappointed.
9 reviews
June 23, 2023
Definitely my favourite so far

I’m going to have to say this is definitely my favourite so far even up to you just before chapter 5 how much they was in that I really love to see the side of Leo and it was really nice. I like Claire and you see her character development everything

And I definitely love to have those as well that’s it. I’m going after her on that date and sometimes in life if I do something click so I’m looking forward to more the books. I think I need to eat and breathe and sleep sometimes but I’m just loving me
Profile Image for Sisi.
815 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2023
Leo o pai de todos os sombras e Clare a mãe de Killie de Ash.
O papai Dom não me empolga, mas o dom sim
E Leo e mais poderoso q os 4 filhos apresentados até agora.
Foi muito uauuuuu
Eles se conheceram qdo ASH e KILLIE ficaram juntos no livro 2, até aqui era só amigos embora todos os filhos tenham sentido o clima entre eles, Leo ainda era o viúvo, e embora se preocupasse com ela deixava claro ser só amizade.
Qdo ela tentou sair com outro cara ele surtou e eles ficaram juntos. As cenas hot foram maravilhosas, mas pelas sugestões do que iremos atos.
740 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2024
Well, Leo finally smartened up!

I couldn't hate Leo throughout this series because I loved his devotion to his dead wife, but surely he could see what was right in front of him? Not so much. What I didn't like was his obtuseness of Claire's feelings. It took her getting in trouble to see the light. A-r-r-r-g-h!!! Poor Claire deserved and needed a Daddy more than the younger girls and Leo kept her in the friend zone. Glad he finally smartened up and quite nicely, but I wish Claire didn't have to pay the price. Minus 1 star.
Profile Image for Mia.
149 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2024
While I like their relationship, the dynamic was just a bit odd and hard to get over when they were with the kids. We also didn’t get much of a description of Claire and only got one of Leo once you were more than half way through the book. Considering I’ve read the others so far, I had a good idea of what Leo already looked like and a little bit of what Claire looked like but I would have had no clue if I hadn’t read the previous books. This was an easy and fast paced read and I’m glad they both got a HEA, but the dynamic was just something I couldn’t really get around…
Profile Image for Beverly McCall.
Author 2 books28 followers
September 24, 2025
Leo is the fifth installment in Kate Oliver’s Daddies of the Shadows series. In it, readers witness a second chance at love and age-play romance between Leo and Claire. Leo is the patriarch of the Daddies of the Shadows and a widower. Claire is Kylie’s mother and a divorcee freed from an abusive relationship. I am enjoying working my way through this entertaining series. This is truly a character-driven plot. Ms. Oliver’s skill with creating multi-dimensional leading characters that are strong, determined, confident yet vulnerable. I like to see how she captures their growth as the story progresses. Likewise, I appreciate Ms. Oliver’s skill with descriptive scenes. They pull her readers into this riviting tale. Nicely done, Ms. Oliver.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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