Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

It was him. It was Holden. It was this man who I wasn’t supposed to be with, and who I suddenly couldn’t see myself being without.

Listening to this book was a bit of an impulsive decision, as it was included with my Storytel subscription. I’m very glad I listened though, because it was a very lovely story, and felt like a pretty realistic representation of what a story like this might be like in real life. It’s about Holden who lost his marriage because of being absent a lot, and who sort of lost the relationship with his three youngest children.

Dealing with the guilt from his fuckups, rebuilding trust and relationships, *and* falling for the georgeous live-in nanny your ex wife hired? Can’t be easy. The kids are a big part of the story, and from the (very limited) knowledge I have about kids, it seemed like they actually acted their age. None of that ‘5 going on 50’ stuff a lot of kids in books have going on.

Both MCs were very likable, and I thought they were sweet together. The well-being of the kids was very much the top priority for both of them throughout (which I appreciated), but they didn’t really seem positive about a relationship or the future together, which resulted in me being negative about it too for a while. Thankfully, the epilogue was lovely and showed how they managed to prioritize each other as well eventually.

Also, I don't want to be hateful, but I do so wish the author would put more effort (or money) into the book covers. They in no way represent the quality of the writing and stories. I imagine a lot of people overlook these books because of the covers. Or maybe that’s just me projecting. Also, if you read Daddy/boy or age play books like I do, you might get why I initially thought it looked like an age play story, lol.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Live-in nanny
Age gap
Single dad
PTSD
Silver Fox
Secret relationship
Slow burn
Secret relationship
Romantic getaway
Mirrored ceiling shenanigans

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
PTSD
Explicit sexual content
Themes of failed marriage and divorce (not between MCs)
Mentions of past stabbing
Injured child and hospital trip (sprained ankle)
Mentions of absent parent

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
MCs age: 30 and 44
Kids’ ages: 19, 8, 7, 3 + 14 y/o ex stepdaughter
Pages: 432