Daring Wicked Love

by Rachel Donnan

FREDERIC
Everyone calls me the Ice Man.
Cold. Brutal. Unforgiving.
But when my daughter, the only thing I care about, is on the verge of being taken from me, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.
Even if it means hiring the walking, talking personification of sunshine as her nanny.
Having Orla’s constant positivity and beautiful smiling face in my home, capturing my daughter’s heart, makes me feel things I swore never to feel again.
After my divorce, I locked my heart away and threw away the key.
But the more time we spend together, I fear she is slowly picking open the lock, and what scares me more is I am not sure I want her to stop.

ORLA
Losing my job isn’t part of my big life’s plans, then again neither is becoming a nanny to an emotionally unavailable and lethally handsome single dad’s daughter.
Where I wear my heart on my sleeve, Frederic Dade hides his behind shards of thick ice.
I took this job out of sheer desperation, to fulfil the obligations of my past, and to build the stepping-stones of my dream of being a full-time artist.
But somewhere between fairy-tea parties, finger-paints, and glimpses of the true Frederic, I begin to find something I didn’t know I was missing.
A home, a family, and a broken-hearted man daring me to fall in love with him.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

About the author

Rachel Donnan is an Irish author who loves nothing more than writing and daydreaming about love stories. She loves to write fast-paced romance stories that include morally gray men that make you swoon, strong female leads to root for, and spicy scenes (because who doesn’t love a bit of spice?).

Fueled by copious amounts of tea and cinnamon buns, she spends most of her time filling her countless notebooks with new ideas, getting lost in the pages of any romance novels she can get her hands on, cuddling her two fur babies, and exploring the greenery of the island she calls home with her second-hand camera.

Reviews

[sam | sammylou.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

CALLING ALL MY BILLIONAIRE ROMANCE LOVING BABES!! Boy, have I got the series for you.

Single dad x nanny always slaps & Daring Wicked Love is no exception!! I've been dying to read Frederic's story since Sweet Wicked Vows & I have to say, I now have a new favorite Dade brother 🤭 Sorry, Jaxon.

This story brought out all the emotions—I was giggling, screaming, & even crying at one point. And let me tell you, Rachel does not hold back on the spice 🔥🔥

If you haven’t started this series yet, I recommend reading Sweet Wicked Vows first—it makes their story hit even harder!! Can't wait to read about the remaining brothers!!

Read if you enjoy:
-Billionaire romance
-Single dad x nanny
-Age gap (10 yr)
-Grumpy x sunshine
-Forced proximity

Fav quotes:
“Are you going to sit there and watch me? Or are you going to crawl on my lap and ride my cock like a good girl?”

“I’ll tell her that she will always be my sunshine, but Orla, you are my moon and my stars. The two of you are the lights guiding me out of the darkness.”

[Aleksandra_m · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this book and was luckily chosen to review it as an ARC, but I’m thankful to my lucky stars for it!!
First of all, if you’re into spicy, single-dad, age-gap storylines
-what are you doing with your life? Go running to Amazon to buy it!
I’m so completely shocked by this book (and the fact that I haven’t read the first one yet). It had everything it needed and more. Around 80-ish% we got a twist you can’t foresee. It made me bawl my eyes out, and being able to connect to the FMC so much through it was amazingly exceptional. I completely adore Orla-where can I buy your paintings?? I want to give a huge cuddle to Pen and shake Fred’s hand to congratulate him for the journey and changes he has been through.

[Abi Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the Arc. 4.5 stars ♡

Im a sucker for grumpy x sunshine, age gap combo and when you add that to single dad x nanny and a heavy dose of past trauma and emotional turmoil you've got me hook, line and sinker.

There is something so beautiful and moving about two broken people finding the love they never thought they would have and the shared healing it brings. Rachel created such authentically messy and flawed characters and their journeys really resonated. 

I absolutely loved Orla and all her sunshiney, word vomiting, bratty glory. She's a force to be reckoned with, resilient as shit and Frederick and his lone wolf persona didn't stand a chance against her. Watching her slowly chip away at Frederick 'the ice-man' had me grinning like a fool and when the real man underneath started showing up I was swooning like a fool. 

Penelope stole the show with her cute and perceptive nature and is one hell of a matchmaker 😅 she was the light both our MCs needed and im so glad she got the family she deserved.

I wasn't expecting the depth of emotions I would feel while reading, both Fred and Orla have a mountain of past trauma that they carry around and are both prone to pushing it down in an attempt to survive.

Watching Orla challenge Fred to open up and evolve and watching Fred show up for Orla and make her see how brilliant she was had my eyes leaking. Humour and flirty banter sprinkled in to break up the angst, and two idiots trying and failing not to fall.

The spice was a delicious blend of need, heat and connection. I frothed the combo of assertive 'daddy' Fred and bratty, teasing Orla and the 'we really shouldn't but can't help it vibes'. 

And emotionally charged whirlwind story between the 'ice-man' and his 'sunshine- hurricane', a journey of healing, facing fears and a 'daring,wicked love' 

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring Wicked Love was an absolute delight to read😩🤌🏻
Frederic and Orla’s story had me hooked from the first page & didn’t let go until the very end. I love how their relationship unfolded, from initial tension to friendship and finally to a love that felt so real & hard earned. And let’s not forget Penelope—Frederic’s five-year-old daughter and the heart of this story. She completely stole my heart and added so much warmth to every scene.

This book has everything I adore: grumpy x sunshine, single dad x nanny, billionaire romance & of course, that slow unraveling of walls around a guarded heart. At first, Frederic seems distant and unapproachable, but the more you learn about him, the more your heart aches for everything he’s been through.
Orla feels like home, warm & full of love. Her strength & kindness shine through every chapter & the way she bonds with Penelope is beautiful beyond words🤌🏻💓

There are some heavy moments and trauma, so do check the trigger warnings. But trust me, watching these two fight for their happiness and build a family is worth every single page. The writing is addictive and the love story? Utter perfection. I laughed, I cried & I fell completely in love with this little family.

Loved this so much. I’m diving straight into book one while waiting(impatiently) for the next in the series.

If you love grumpy billionaires with soft hearts, strong and caring heroines, and a romance that feels like home, Daring Wicked Love is a must-read!

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ll tell her that she will always be my sunshine, but Orla, you are my moon and my stars. The two of you are the lights guiding me out of the darkness.”

Frederic Dad is also known as the Ice Man since his ex-wife wanted to take his all. He drew a line at her also taking his daughter Penelope to New Zealand. He needs a nanny to look after Pen and after her she meets Orla, Pen decides that she should be her new nanny. Frederic isn’t too fond of her decision, but he‘ll do anything for his daughter.

Wow! 🤩 I loved it!! Frederic is so sweet and an amzing dad. When he sets his mind to something, he goes through with it. He is always there and, eventhough it is hard for him and the last thing he wants to do, he goes to therapy to be better for both his girls.
Penelope is the cutest five year old out there! She brightens up every conversation! She made me smile on many occasions.
Orla - my heart hurts for her. She didn’t deserve what happens to her. I love how she is literally the perfect match for Frederic! They complete each other in their own ways!

I can‘t wait to see which Dade brother will be next in line, and if we have already met their love intrest! 🤩

Thank you Rachel Donan for the e-ARC! 🤍

[Shivany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a banger! I absolutely love this author’s writing—the way she builds stories, characters, and setups always leaves me obsessed.

Orla is truly the sunshine of this book. She doesn’t want children of her own, yet her heart immediately bonds with a little girl who belongs to someone that barely acknowledged her when they met in the elevator. Little did she know—that their elevator rides was the start of everything, because that man soon becomes her new boss!

Frederic, who we first met in book one as a cold, revenge-driven man, is completely unraveled here. We finally get to see the *why* behind his icy demeanor, and the pieces of his past are revealed with heartbreaking precision. Watching Orla slowly build a home in his heart was so beautiful—it truly felt like watching two puzzle pieces lock perfectly into place.

And speaking of puzzles, the sweetest piece of all is Frederic’s daughter, Penelope. She’s the glue that ties everything together, and honestly, the most lovable character in the entire book.

I’m completely wrapped up in the love of this little family, and I can’t get enough of their journey.

Tropes:
Nanny X Single Dad
Dislike to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Trauma Healing
Grumpy X Sunshine

[Briana Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Daring Wicked Love;
-Single Dad x Nanny
-Grumpy x Sunhine
-Age Gap
-Forced Proximity
-Billionaire Romance
-Dislike x Lovers

This is book two of the Wicked Dade series! You get to follow Frederic and Orla. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it since Frederic wasn’t on my good side after book one lol I will say he did grow on me and Pen helped, that little girl was the cutest! Orla was amazing, I loved her character from beginning to end! She is another reason why Frederic grew on me lol Their chemistry made this read such a good one, I love this little family!

Favorite line:
•"Daily horoscope—July 20th: ‘Putting yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Saying yes to happiness means learning how to say no.’
•”I dare you to kiss me.”
•“What if your Prince Charming already had a child? Like what if he had a daughter? Would you still love and marry him?”


#review #bookstagram #books #booklover

[lilysbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was the first time I was a candidate for an arc, and omg, what an amazing surprise!

I read the book in two days; it's a pure addiction. I enjoy Orla, this little sunshine, ready to be here for her people. Even if you'll probably dislike Frederic at first, you'll be totally in love with him during the book! And do we really need to talk about how Peneloppe has taken my heart the second she talked with Orla? 🥹

I enjoyed the plot; I was stressed out with the characters and cried with them (multiple times, by the way)... I enjoy as much as I can my time with them, and I'm happy about it. Rachel's writing is soooo addictive... I can't look away from the book for more than two minutes!

I was in a reading breakdown; I couldn't read anything, but this book just took my heart and my tears and got me through it!


Now I just have to wait for book three... 😭

[Starry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring wicked love review
I would like to start this review by thanking Rachel Donnan for the ARC of Daring wicked love in exchange for an honest review.
Daring wicked love follows Frederic, a single dad who is battling in court for custody of his daughter against his ex wife and Orla, who lost her job due to budget cuts. Frederic’s daughter, Penelope, meets Orla and wants her to be her nanny so Frederic hires Orla as a nanny for his daughter. You can see from the first page that Frederic would do anything to keep Penelope. The characters are very beautifully written and the plot is so good. I recommend this to everyone. Single Dad x Nanny, Grumpy x sunshine, Age gap romance, Open door spice, Forced proximity, Billionaire romance, Happily Ever After Dual POV and this is book two of the Wicked Dade series (interconnected standalones.)

[Beena K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting an easy read, one filled with the tropes and cliches I love, like age gap (10 years) and nanny x daddy, but this book was sooo much more.

First of all the emotional package and wreckage both Orla and Frederick carry is a lot. I went into this book without reading the first one in the series and honestly I could manage it, but now I will very probably go back and read that.

The banter between them is great, the storyline flows perfectly and doesn't feel forced. They go through a lot and the evolution from enemies (he totally ignored her everytime they met in the building) to lovers who support each other in such a beautiful way was amazing. I wish I could go back and read this book again for the first time.

Thank you Rachel Donnan for the eArc copy and can't wait to read the next book in the series

[Emily Jasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER 💛

I loved this story. I was a little nervous as this was the second book in a series of interconnected stand alone books (Wicked Dade) but I don’t feel like I missed anything in terms of plot but I do want to go back and read the first one because this book was just that good!

Tropes: Single Dad x Nanny
Grumpy x sunshine
Age gap romance
Open door spice
Forced proximity
Billionaire romance
Happily Ever After
Dual POV

There’s something about a grumpy x sunshine trope that absolutely pulls me in and Rachel Donnan did a fantastic job of using the trope but not feeling like it was something I had already read before!

I loved Orla and Frederic and Penelope. The way they all meshed together so perfectly had me crying happy tears!

This book just came out last week and if any of those tropes appeal to you go and find it, you won’t regret it!

[Charlotte Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I absolutely loved it. I was hooked and invested as soon as Orla found out about the job. The swimming pool scene and the tension leading up to it will forever be etched into my brain. Frederic is my favourite Dade brother and his grumpy no nonsense attitude attracted me like a moth to a flame. I LOVED his backstory. It was so clearly explained and portrayed throughout both SWV and now his own story. I am obsessed with Orla's personality. She is the ultimate sunshine character and her connection with Penelope just enhanced her even more! Pen was a fantastic little character and I loved the snippets where they were all acting as a family unit. Their dynamic was magnetic and I I don't think I'll ever get enough.
A huge well done! Such an amazing story (and my favourite to date!) Thank you so much for sharing the BETA with me! 🩵🥰

[RASHI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring Wicked Dreams dives deep into the chaos of custody disputes and broken families. A divorced father, fighting to keep his children, reluctantly hires a nanny—only to find solace, sparks, and a forbidden tenderness where he least expects it.
What begins as a professional agreement turns into something far more complicated—and compelling. He’s fighting for his kid; she’s healing from her past. Together, they discover that sometimes love is worth the fight.”

I loved how both of them stood up for each other, fought on their behalf when the other was weak to..

It broke my heart to know how both of them suffered in life and willing to be strong enough for others 💝💝🥺🥺

Thank you much Rachel for giving me the arc
I really loved the book ❤️❤️

[Rosana Rainhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 - 𝐹𝓇𝑒𝒹𝑒𝓇𝒾𝒸 𝓍 𝒪𝓇𝓁𝒶 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ɪᴄʏ ʙᴜꜱɪɴᴇꜱꜱᴍᴀɴ/ꜱᴜɴꜱʜɪɴᴇ ᴀʀᴛɪꜱᴛ | ʙɪʟʟɪᴏɴᴀɪʀᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ | ɴᴀɴɴʏ x ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ | ᴄᴜꜱᴛᴏᴅʏ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ | ᴘʟᴀʏꜰᴜʟ ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ

You might think you’re ready for Orla & Frederic - you’re not. This is a gorgeous story of love, trauma, and finding one's way. I have laughed, ugly cried, and even flung myself off the sofa because WHAT WAS THAT SPOT ON TWIST?!

Rachel has outdone herself yet again with this second instalment of the Wicked Dade series of interconnected standalones (highly recommend you start from the beginning to get the full experience - Jaxon is his own deliciousness to devour, too!)

[Elysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎨 Single Dad x Nanny
🎨 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎨 Billionaire Romance

OMG THIS BOOK!!! I am a sucker for a grumpy x sunshine and this book DELIVERED 🫡 I had so much fun reading this ARC and doing so me drawings for it! I’m so excited to read more by this author!

I loved Frederic and Orla so much, Fred is everything you want in a possessive and spicy MMC. Orla’s character and how she seamlessly fit into the family was the sweetest thing, I loved reading about her with Penelope too. Frederic watching them together was even better 😭🧡

Daring Wicked Love releases 29th of August and highly recommend you go check it out!!

[Rhiannon_2024 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book 🥺
It was absolutely amazing!!
Frederic and Orlas love story was so good to read
I love it so much, the relationship between them both and seeing them go from dislike to friends to love was outstanding
And the relationship between Orla and Penelope was so cute! And hit me right in the feelings!
There is some trauma so please check trigger warnings but to see this couple outreach everything they could!
After a bitter divorce he needs a nanny to help keep his daughter from moving across the world and Orla needs a job he friend sets up an interview and it wasn’t Fredrick who hired her it was his daughter 😍

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I *yet* have to come up with a good review, but let me say that this, is a masterpiece, I loved it!
I was really honoured to read this as an ARC🫶🏻💜✨
Frederick and Orla's relationship throughout the whole book has been a very entertaining rollercoaster and all the mental health matters was absolutely well done. I really love when in a romance book are themes that need to be treated in a book with all the main characteristics of this one, I won't tell you anything more because you need to read it!!
please, hear me out on this🙌🏻🤧💞✨

[Crystal Counelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review
* Single dad x nanny
* grumpy x sunshine
* billionaire romance

I really enjoyed this story! I love me a grumpy x sunshine, and this was nicely done! I feel like there were so many eliminates to the story, and they were done pretty well. You have childhood trauma for both, dealing in their own different ways. Family drama, heartbreak, rebuilding trust, and love. ( chef's kiss ) All and all sweet love story with a lot of work toward what they both needed.
🩷Thank you so much, Rachel Donnan, for this e-arc

[The Baker and the Bookmark Nikki Montalvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daring Wicked Love is Book 2 in the Wicked Dade series.

We meet Frederic in book 1 where is bitter and revengeful but we learn why in this book. He is fighting for custody and hires a nanny, Orla. And she is bringing trauma from her past. So they are both healing and needing support. It starts out a professional relationship than heats up and escalates into something neither one of them expected.
Such a great series!! Can’t wait for book 3.
I received this book as an advanced read and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you so much to Rachel for the ARC! This was AMAZING.

The single Dad x Nanny trope has been changed for me after this. I loved this book. Orla was an actual angel and Penelope😭 and Fredric the Ice Man was so sweet deep down.

The writing flowed easily, and had me laughing at Orla’s word vomit. It was such a lovely story about overcoming trauma and allowing yourself to love and be loved.

I’m gathering thoughts currently and will add slightly more details I just had to post immediately 😂

If you love the Nanny x Single Dad trope. Read this book!!😍

[Michelle Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we met Frederick I didn’t think he had any redeemable qualities given that he was so closed off and as he was called the “ice man” but I loved seeing him slowly but surely thaw his heart and really put in the work to be everything his daughter and Orla needed to be so that he really felt worthy of their love. I loved Orla and Frederick’s relationship and their banter but honestly the true standout relationship was with his daughter. The last 20% of the book broke my heart with Orla and I’m so glad she found her way again. There were parts of the story that kind of felt incomplete and I had a few questions but I truly loved this story and really felt their connection

[whaterireads | Eri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good!!! It got me hocked since the first chapter! I love Orla so much! I pictured her like literally a pixie 🧚 like Frederic says she’s a sunshine hurricane ☀️ I love how she calls Frederic’s bullshit 🤣 they have so much chemistry together 🩷 one of the things I love the most about Frederic is how good of a dad he is! I love when the mmc puts his daughter first 😮‍💨💖 the banter was great and the spice ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 *chefskiss*

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo! I really really loved it. It had the perfect amount of spice, it had awesome characters. And the story telling was just sooo good!
If you’re into a Grumpy x Sunshine / Rich Boss loves Sweet nanny, then this is absolutely perfect for you.
Spice, humor, hurt, sweetness… I really adored it. 💕💕💕🌶️❤️‍🔥

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Frederic made me crazy for at least half the book, he's so emotionally closed off from everyone and has no hesitation cutting people out so they don't have the opportunity to hurt him. Enter Orla, the nanny, who is sunshine and rainbows and is determined to make a better life for herself and achieve her dreams. Their relationship takes a lot of working on themselves and processing trauma and it's captivating to see the Ice Man go from being so isolated to so smitten.

[Amy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored every second of this grumpy x sunshine romance! I mean, I already have a soft spot for single father main characters getting their second chance at love, but mix in some nanny x father, grumpy x sunshine—I was instantly sold.

For the first time in a long time, I was on the edge of my seat, breathless, waiting to know what was going to happen to Fred and his daughter. I legitimately exhaled in relief!

And five seconds later, I had my heart torn to pieces again. Seriously. I’m going to have to go to therapy. Donnan owes me.

And the spice?! Good GREIF. I needed a cool wash cloth! 😂 seriously. You will not regret reading this one!!

[Yellowing Book Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book this morning and loved it! Frederick's relationship with Penelope was everything 💚 i loved that the book had real stakes to it and the characters had to actually confront what they were going through!

I really enjoyed this book <3

[Megan_readsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

(AD-gifted e-ARC)

*4.75 ✨

He’s cold and cruel at times but all your head will be screaming at you is ‘I can fix him’

Orla and Fredric both went through a lot growing up and I am glad that they both found one another because when they were together I felt like they were healing a part of one another everyday

Altogether this story will have you going through all emotions, you’ll smile, you’ll laugh, you’ll fall for yet another fictional character but at times you will also be crying that much your eyes will burn

[Chloe young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was the best! Flew through both books in 2 days! Amazing!

[Charlotte Higginson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3⭐

Me gustó el cambio de Frederic.