I think this book and the story has potential however for me there was too much going on. The long list of tropes emphasize my point, it felt like the author wanted to put too much of them in there. I feel that the focus could have been more on the single parent x enemies to lovers part, for me it was all over the place.

Read if you like:
- single parent
- billionaire mmc
- enemies to lovers
- fake dating
- fake engagement
- mafia vibes
- brother's ex-girlfriend
- ex-boyfriend's older brother
- forbidden love
- workplace romance

The storyline was good but the writing style wasn't my favorite. Personal preference but not for me.

What can I say?!? Do you enjoy:
- Single dad trope
- Billionaire trope
- Enemies to lovers
- Fake dating &
- Forbidden love
Then this book is for you. I’m a sucker for all those and I devoured this book.

This was such a good premise but just fell short for me, I love a single dad but i just couldn’t click with him or the FMC unfortunately. But this is only my opinion and can see why people are loving it !!

I really enjoyed reading this book, it’s had all the makings of being a great read but lacked in some areas. I felt like there was a lot pushed into one book, I wish there were less things happening to give more depth to the characters and plot lines. The author was able to get things resolved nicely, but some of it felt instant or rushed when they could have given more time for the reader to get engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. This book started slow for me and I almost decided to DNF it but I’m glad I didn’t. I enjoyed reading this story and like how once I got into it, it had me diving in and wanting to keep reading. This was insta-love so if that isn’t something you like in books maybe this one isn’t for you. There is a miscommunication between the characters initially, but eventually, it becomes a great romance. Also, the spice didn’t disappoint. I would recommend it.

I'd recommend this book if you enjoy:
- Single dad trope
- Billionaire man trope
- Enemies/dislike to lovers
- Fake dating/engagement
- Forbidden love
- Workplace romance (boss x employee)
- A hint of mafia
- A short romance book
- Brother's ex-girlfriend
- Ex-boyfriend's older brother

This book starts out when Summer Davidson is involved in an altercation at a high-end fashion boutique called Baubles. To get out of it, she reluctantly agrees to work at the store for free after Christoph, the owner, offers her a deal.

Overall I think this story's length suited the plot and timeline. There was a lot going on but it was resolved well. I liked that it didn't drag some scenes on and the spicy moments had enough space between them as well as not being too graphic.

Thank you for letting me read this book.

Sadly I didn't really got into the story.

I am not really sure, what caused this problem and I am really sorry for this.

3/5⭐️

I'd recommend this book if you enjoy:
- Single dad trope
- Billionaire man trope
- Enemies/dislike to lovers
- Fake dating/engagement
- Forbidden love
- Workplace romance (boss x employee)
- A hint of mafia
- A short romance book
- Brother's ex-girlfriend
- Ex-boyfriend's older brother

This book starts out when Summer Davidson is involved in an altercation at a high-end fashion boutique called Baubles. To get out of it, she reluctantly agrees to work at the store for free after Christoph, the owner, offers her a deal.

Overall I think this story's length suited the plot and timeline. There was a lot going on but it was resolved well. I liked that it didn't drag some scenes on and the spicy moments had enough space between them as well as not being too graphic.

The bond between Christoph and his son was one I feel was written well. You got to see a side to the MMC that was soft and endearing in comparison to how he is perceived by others. The exploration of grief was handled delicately and I appreciated that as I have experienced this emotion, even if not in the same way. I loved the addition of the pet hamster and the bonding moments it brought between the characters.

However, I feel like from the giant list of tropes listed above, the author tried to fit as much as they could into this one story when I don't think it was needed. An example of this being that the original deal from the shop altercation to the whole fake fiancee thing. It was like the story had been planned to go one way but switched later on to make it go another. I did enjoy the fake engagement plot line as that trope is something I find interesting in books.

Another qualm I had with this book was that it felt VERY insta-love and I don't like this trope in novels. From their very first meeting, albeit a whole got-off-on-the-wrong-foot vibe, there was an obvious attraction between them and the spice even began too early for my liking. I do ship the characters together but it could've been more developed in some areas.

I'd read another book by this author and would still recommend it overall.

A forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance that involves a billionaire boss? Who could say no to that? Summer is a Robin Hood type while Christoph is a billionaire boss who lost his wife in a car accident and now is a single father to his son, Jaxon. Summer steals from Christoph so he forces her to work off her debt. Yet when Christoph is forced into a marriage to get his son's future money, he comes up with a plan. He plans to fake date and be engaged to Summer, his brother's ex.

I loved this book. It was decently written and had a great plot. Very spicey and a great palate cleanser

I loved this book!
This was a quick and spicy read with a great plot.
I also really enjoyed the characters! They had great character development. I loved how strong Summer was and how protective Christoph was.
The enemies to lovers trope was done so well!
I loved all the tropes!
- Billionaire romance
- Single dad
- Forced proximity
- Fake dating
- Enemies to lovers
This was the first book I’ve read by Maci Rowan and I can’t wait to read more!

Thank you to NetGalley, Maci Rowan and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

This book was great. It was a cute, short, quick summer read. It had all the spice a romance reader typically wants, but wasn't lacking in storyline. The characters were great and well thought of and executed. I think the only thing negative for me was that I wanted more. I wanted more of the in between, more of the good stuffs, more at the end so that it didn't have to end.
Who doesn't like a single dad who's a good dad? Trying to make a life for himself and his son? Add to it of course that he's a billionaire dad who finds himself entranced by a shoplifters beauty. It has all the spicy things romance readers wants.

10/10 recommend. Go get this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An Unforgettable Romance!

"Forbidden Single Dad Protector" by Maci Rowan is an absolute gem! From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the heartwarming and intense storyline. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their journey together both thrilling and deeply emotional.

The protagonist, a strong yet vulnerable single dad, is portrayed with such depth and authenticity that it's impossible not to root for him. His protective nature and undeniable charm make him an unforgettable character. The female lead is equally compelling, with her resilience and compassion shining through every page.

Maci Rowan has a unique talent for weaving together romance and suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat while also delivering those heart-melting moments. The forbidden aspect of their relationship adds an extra layer of tension and excitement, making the book impossible to put down.

The writing is superb, with vivid descriptions and dialogue that feels real and engaging. The emotional highs and lows are perfectly balanced, making the reader feel every moment alongside the characters.

"Forbidden Single Dad Protector" is more than just a romance novel; it's a beautifully crafted story about love, trust, and the power of connection. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and heartwarming read. Maci Rowan has truly outdone herself with this one!

My only change would be the title of the book, but I still loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Maci Rowan for the ARC read.
*All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone*

I quite enjoyed this book, with the fake dating and forced proximity. This was a quick read considering there were 20 chapters.

It was quite a fast paced book so I wished it had more of a slow burn. But other than that I liked the story and the plot. I also wished there were more interactions between Summer and Jaxon.

The scene when she got kidnapped and Christoph of course saved her, it was really cute and love those scenes.

An easy, fun, and enjoyable read from Maci Rowan. The main characters Christoph and Summer showed their dislike for each other to be followed by falling in love. It was a great romance story of opposites finding love.

Christoph Pierce has it all. He’s a billionaire with way more money than he knows what to do with, flourishing businesses & also a terrific kiddo, Jaxon. However, his wife passed away in a car accident & seems to carry around the guilt & grief with him even though it wasn’t his fault.
Summer Davidson and her best friend Trinity are out shopping one day when she pretends to steal an expensive handbag from one of the stores Christoph owns. When he finds out & comes to the store & sees her…his rage is instead gone & instantly lights on fire with desire for her. He decides to handle this incident in house & has her work off her debt for free in return for him not pressing charges against her.
In a weird turn of events - Summer ex-boyfriend is Christoph’s younger brother; who recommends that they pretend to be engaged in order for Jaxon’s trust to be released from Christoph’s parents. Instead of them continuing to “fake it until they make it”, they both realize over time what has happened…
They both fell in love with one another! However, someone else stands in the way of that & Christoph will go to WHATEVER length he needs to in order to protect Summer…

Story follows the meeting and relationship of Summer Davidson and Christoph Pierce.
She’s and idealistic dreamer with a Robin Hood mentality while Christoph is a billionaire who lost his wife in a car accident and is Father to a son - Jaxon.
Christoph’s parents are withholding Jaxons trust until he can find a new partner.
Summer is at a high end boutique where she’s talking with her friend Trinity about how if rich people would just do some good with the money they spend on luxury goods - the would would better off. In a stupid tirade she’s about to walk of the store with a designer handbag and security catches her before she even gets to the door - Trinity rushes out of the store and leaves Summer all alone - waiting for the Owner and the cops to arrive.
He sees Summer in the back office and is awestruck at her beauty - he doesn’t want to let the cops handle this so when they arrive he advises that it will be dealt with in-house.
In order to keep Summer around he makes her work for free until she pays off the price of the bag.
In a weird turn of events - Summer ex-boyfriend is Christoph younger brother; who recommends that they pretend to be engaged.
Little do either of them realize that a fake relationship wouldn’t be fake for long.
She shows Christoph the benefits of helping others by donating your time and money to a homeless shelter in the Bronx. Christoph shows her that she’s worth being loved and how much money you have doesn’t mean you are any less worth being loved especially when he finds that his son Jaxon has fallen for her as well.

I enjoyed this book. Perfect blend of strong male lead and female lead. The book was quite short so nothing felt like it was going on too long. The only thing I didn't like is the name of the book, feel like it could be a bit less obvious with the title!

Summer has a Robin hood complex, Christoph is a billionaire windower with a kid and several high-end boutiques. When summer is caught trying to steal from one of the boutiques, Christoph decides to have her repay him instead of fiking a police report. They start out hating each other, but that hate soon turns to something hotter!

This is a quick and easy read. Although I enjoyed the storyline and romance in this book, it all did seem a bit rushed too me. I would have liked to get to know the chraacters more and see them grow together.