My Daddy Valentine

Be My Fake Valentine #9

by Lizzie Sparks

When 24-year-old Ella lands a coveted internship at the city’s hottest art gallery, she never expects her boss to be Simon—a brooding, 42-year-old genius who’s more interested in his paintbrush than romance. But when a family wedding threatens to expose her single status, Ella concocts a a fake relationship with her moody mentor.

With quirky dates, accidental paint splatters, and enough awkward moments to fill a gallery, Ella’s determined to show Simon that love can be as vibrant as the art they create. Will their pretend romance turn into a masterpiece of the heart by Valentine’s Day, or will Simon’s fears leave them both on the sidelines?

This standalone includes a steamy paint scene (trust me, they get down & dirty), a grumpy boss, an innocent heroine, a big family with big secrets, and a fake romance that gets a little too real in the bedroom (wink wink)

Join us this January and February for over 15 steamy romances from some of your favorite Romance Short authors! This steamy romance series will be filled with body positivity, OTT protective fake boyfriends, and the magic of unexpected love blossoming around Valentine's Day.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

About the author

Welcome to the tantalizing world of Lizzie Sparks, where dark romance blooms like wildflowers in the shadows. Hailing from the lush landscapes of South Carolina, Lizzie crafts gripping tales that delve into the alluring, often dangerous realm of mafia life. With each story, she weaves a tapestry of passion, possessive heroes, and innocent heroines navigating love's treacherous waters.

When she's not conjuring up sultry scenes filled with steamy dialogue and tantalizing encounters, you can find Lizzie tending to her garden, nurturing vibrant blooms that reflect her quirky personality. She believes that just like love, a garden requires patience, dedication, and a touch of daring to thrive.

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

TROPES:
~instalove novella
~Valentine's
~forbidden love: boss x employee
~age gap (24h, 42H)
~fake dating

This was a super cute read by Lizzie Sparks!! It's about an art protégée who grew up in a well known artsy family. She gets a job as an assistant to Simon, determined to prove her worth to her family. Simon is attracted to her, but he's really gruff in the beginning. They warm up to each other when she asks him to fake date her in front of her family. He agrees and things get spicy!

I really enjoyed this one. <3

SAFETY:
Virgin/manwhore/celibate: virgin heroine, no past on hero
OM/OW: none
Cheating/sharing: none
Kinks: dirty talk, daddy kink
HEA?: yes! <3

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. This book is pure fire! Lizzie Sparks absolutely nails it with this steamy, slow-burn novella that had me hooked from page one. Ella, sweet and inexperienced, ends up working under Simon, her grumpy and closed-off mentor at an art gallery—hello, tension! But when she needs a plus-one for a family wedding, she ropes him into a fake relationship, and that’s when things really heat up. The chemistry? Insane. The push and pull? Addictive. And when things finally ignite—whew! Simon is the ultimate possessive alpha, owning that “daddy” title in every possible way. This story is sexy, fun, and completely unputdownable. Highly recommend—your Kindle might just overheat!

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah, talk about a short read that packs in the punch! This whole read takes you on a winding road of emotions, and I’m here for it!

Let's start with Simon, the broody man who shouldn't be looking Ella's way, like at all. Then there is Ella who is hiding a big secret, her family and their power. Which makes the strong Simon look like a pee ant. Then there is their undeniable and instantaneous chemistry, which is through the roof, if they only get over themselves long enough to establish it. Believe me, you can feel it through the pages.

Would I say read this? Of course! It's got everything someone could want, so don't pass it up!

[Cheri Lexiyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this fun, spicy, short story in literally one sitting. Ella is launching her career in the art world as an intern with Simon's gallery. Their connection is immediate, but they are both hesitant because of the boss/assistant dynamic and their age gap. When Ella needs a fake date for her sister's wedding, she asks Simon to help her out and he agrees, but sets firm boundaries. However, once they arrive and start to feel the pressure from her domineering father, all bets are off and the sparks begin to fly. Once the spice hits - it is red hot and there's no turning back. The story is entertaining, sweet and a very quick read. I enjoyed it.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella begins working for Simon, he is a grumpy, older mentor at an art gallery.
Their chemistry is instant and explosive, but they don’t immediately act on it.
But when Ella needs a plus-one for a family wedding she asks him to play her fake boyfriend and date and that’s when things get really heated.
It’s a hot, funny, slow burn short story with grumpy x sunshine, age gap and a take on forbidden love (boss x employee).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon and Ella’s story
Book Title-My Daddy Valentine: A Be My Fake Valentine Story
Author-Lizzie Sparks
MMC/FMC- Simon and Ella
Genre-holiday romance
Length-novella
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ out of 5 peppers
What I liked-The Writer who wrote this book, Lizzie Sparks, gives us a well written, steamy novella. It is chalked full of chemistry between Ella and Simon that keeps you intrigued to the page to find out what was written in store for them in their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Engrid Eaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

so steamy and romantic!!!

This book is all kinds of HOT!!! Steamy and romantic with an OTT possessive alpha male that def deserves the “daddy” title. It starts slow burn with so much longing and need, and when the ball starts rolling, all I can say is d-mm!!! So sexy in all the right ways with an entertaining plot. Highly recommended. This one will burn your Kindle, folks!

[Amelia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring young woman Ella, fighting to make her own spot in the world of art without her dad’s help, meets grumpy artist/curator Simon. (Deserved the daddy title). Fiery romance blooms, make it obsession. I love the quick read romance and how he helps her break free of her father’s demands, equally wanting to protect her with the perfect amount of spice.

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella . Aspiring artist looking to branch out into the world on her own and away from the reputation her father has .

Simon is a master artist in his own right . He becomes her mentor at the art studio which she takes an internship at .

Their connection is electric … ⚡️ he is super broody and grumpy . She is the sunshine that lights up a room ! Short and spicy 🌶️

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This romance book is coming in HOT and not slowing down until you hit the end. The spice is HOT and will make your heart beat a few beats faster than normal. So, get ready to take a cold shower after you finish reading this book by Lizzie. You're going to need one. :)

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Their attraction was too strong to resist when their plan to help Ella at the wedding is derailed by circumstances. I liked how they realize they love each other and especially how Simon stands up for Ella.

[Leonie]

DNF at 52% did like the story to begin with but after the fake dating attending sisters wedding i personally didn’t enjoy it

[Victória · Rating 3 out of 5]

Virgin h
Non mentioned H
Hfn