Taylor's Father

by Penelope Ward, Jessica Royer Ocken (Editor)

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE contemporary, forbidden romance…

Genres: Forbidden Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 22, 2026

About the author

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty novels.

In 2014, Penelope’s fourth book, Stepbrother Dearest, became the #1 bestselling independently published Kindle ebook of the year on Amazon.com and was credited with igniting an entirely new subgenre of romance. Her 2016 smash hit RoomHate debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller list. Penelope is an Audie Award Winner and three-time Goodreads Choice Romance of the Year Nominee. Her books have been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review).

Penelope’s novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

She can often be found chatting live with her readers in her private Facebook group, Penelope’s Peeps.

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR...

❀⋆.ೃ࿔*TAYLOR'S FATHER ❀⋆.ೃ࿔* Is a full length contemporary standalone romance book by author Penelope Ward.

Title: Taylor’s Father
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Age Gap (17 Years), Best Guy Friend’s Father
Single Dad, Forbidden, Second Chance
Protective Hero, Sassy Heroine

Of course I want to read this 🔥🔥 after seeing this doing the rounds on IG and that blurb, throw in my love for this authors books, I needed this book in my life..So I may have squealed a little bit when this landed on my kindle..

I really enjoyed this, the flirty banter pulled me in straight away, and the holiday fling got its hooks into me, smiling from ear to ear, swooning over all things Tate. This man embodied that true essence of forbidden fruit wholeheartedly, the push and pull, the age gap, the best friends father, this was such a fun read and I can’t wait for others to read this.

[Carole Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold, messy, and unapologetically dramatic this book thrives on its taboo twist and doesn’t blink. You’ll either clutch your pearls or turn the pages faster, but you won’t be bored.

[Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that electric, fate-filled, “this cannot be happening, but I’m not walking away” kind of connection? That’s Taylor’s Father by Penelope Ward.

Blair is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and I loved that about her. She’s confident, direct, and not playing games (except maybe the kind that make Tate blush 😉). When she has a chance meeting with Tate, the attraction is instant.

Tate is carrying emotional baggage from his past, filled with regret. He’s guarded, protective, and emotionally wrecked in ways he doesn’t even want to confront. Blair just might be the woman who truly sees him, and that changes everything.
But destiny isn’t done with them after their resort vacation meeting. Of course, the universe places them in the same orbit again, and this time it’s far more complicated, messy, and forbidden.

Penelope knows exactly how to build up tension and the feels. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, she pivots with a twist that hits hard.
I love Penelope’s books, but Taylor’s Father truly hit me in the feels. Tate and Blair’s story isn’t just deliciously peppered with spice it’s filled with heart, healing, vulnerability, and hard choices. The deliciously messy, age-gap dynamic, the chef’s kiss forbidden factor, and that relentless push-and-pull make this one absolutely unputdownable. Taylor’s Father is on my top reads of 2026 list.

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg! I have sooo much I want to say on this book but also we don’t do spoilers so my lips are sealed! 🤐 hehe but I promise this book is well worth the ride.

Penelope ward did a great job with this story and it breaks into two parts chefs kiss 💋 she couldn’t have mic dropped it any better!

You will fall for Tate so hard if your an age gap girly! This man is all the daddy we want and more! I couldn’t help my swoon for him. And he tries his HARDEST to keep young Blair from tempting him, but she is a walking, talking, treat he can’t help but to die for a taste of. That 17 years age gap is built good and hot! 🥵 thank you Penelope!!

These two have all the swoony lines and their connection is smooth and simple. You will laugh out loud, you will swoon, and your heart will break, but you know what? In the end you’ll get the HEA and it’s worth every page of the adventure.

The narrators in this did an amazing job as well. They truly brought these characters to life. Andi arndt and Jason Clark are always top favs of mine!!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Blair Moynihan’s friend gives her a free trip to get away for a bit she didn’t expect to meet a Sexy older man named Tate that she just clicked with from a hookup app. It was perfect…that is until Blair got home and discovered her “older man” was none other than her friend’s father!!! Oops
When they find out who each other truly are can they fight the connection that was growing between them on the island? This is a sweet strangers to lovers, age gap romance told in two parts and with quite the twist. I really enjoyed seeing their bond grow and also felt for all Taylor has been through in his life. A wonderful feel good romance. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an unexpected twist and I am here for it! I loved watching the relationships grow in this book in every way.

[Jen Altman]

I have conflicted feelings and need some time to process before rating / reviewing this book. Full RTC ✨

[Kristen (IG: books.n.snakes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍓𝕋𝕒𝕪𝕝𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣🍓

“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝘿𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙨-𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨…𝙠𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”

📖 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝗱
✍🏼 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗱
#️⃣ 𝟮𝟵𝟴 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
🗓️ 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟮 — 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗨 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: 𝘋𝘶𝘦𝘵
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿(𝘀): 𝘈𝘯𝘥𝘪 𝘈𝘳𝘯𝘥𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦
🪼 ᴀɢᴇ ɢᴀᴘ (17 ʏᴇᴀʀꜱ)
🪼 ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴅᴀᴅ
🪼 ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🪼 ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇ ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ
🪼 ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ
🪼 ꜱɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴅᴀᴅ

𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙃𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢.

📖𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗠𝗖: Blair
𝗠𝗠𝗖: Tate

Thank you so much Hambright for this ARC and ALC!

I am such a sucker for every single trope in this book. With a true age gap of 17 years, and a hot single dad?! 🥵 Yes please!

This was so fun. Blair was so sassy and I loved her personality so much. Doris-Delores 🤣🤣

Tate tried his hardest to resist Blair, the age difference was such a hangup for him. But we love a good “fuck it” moment.

What neither of them could have prepared for was losing touch for four years, when all they yearned for was eachother. And the especially couldn’t prepare for who Tate’s son is. Blair’s best friend Taylor. They have a difficult time navigating how to tell Taylor.

Tate also never expected what he found behind Blair’s door when he finally worked up the courage to go to her house. 👀

I enjoyed this story so damn much!!!!

🎧 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Though I read a good majority of this book via eRead, I was also able to immerse with the audio. I’ve always been such a fan of Jason, so I knew this was going to be great. But this was my first time listening to Andi, and I loved her!

Jason and Andi did such a phenomenal job bringing these two to life! The narration and emotion they put in these characters was fantastic. I can’t wait for this one to be out into the world!

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘
📖 ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ
🎧 ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ ✔️
📱 ᴇʀᴇᴀᴅ ✔️

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor’s Father is a messy best friend’s dad, age gap romance. Blair met Tate on vacation and they had an instant connection. Except that she is way too young for him. Tate fell for Blair’s directness and confidence. For Blair, Tate was complicated but effortlessly charming that was attractive not creepy.

Neither wanted to say goodbye after their sexy vacation, but fate stepped in and they parted for 4 years. Now Blair is at her best friend’s wedding when she runs into Tate, Taylor’s biological dad that he has had a complicated relationship with. Tate could not believe his eyes when he saw Blair for the first time at his son’s wedding. Their simple relationship became very complicated, and 4 years is a long time for things to happen that neither planned. The chemistry between Tate and Blair is perfect, but it was their ability to communicate in a playful yet honest way that made them just click together. There was a lot of heart, healing, and the spice that Penelope Ward does so well! All of the characters were mature and acted in expected and unexpected ways based upon what happened from the moment that Blair met Tate to their HEA. I really liked Taylor as a character. He could have been more childish, but the way he responded to his best friend and his biological father was in character and sensible.

I adored Taylor’s Father! I loved the audiobook! Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke are two of the best narrators. The audiobook matched the humor and the energy of the prose. I could not stop listening, because I needed to know how Tate, Blair, and Taylor were going to get their HEAs. Especially after the unintended consequences of Tate and Blair not knowing each other’s surnames before they left their vacation 4 years earlier.

Thank you to Penelope Ward for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

No cliffhanger
Standalone
Told from both POVs

Tropes:
Age Gap 
Single Dad
Forbidden
Second Chance 

Summary:
Blair set out on a vacation alone to get away from things after a bad breakup with her high school sweetheart. While spending time at a resort she meets Tate, a red hot older man who also happens to be traveling alone.

The only problem, there is a 17 year age gap and Tate is not about to cross the line with someone young enough to be his daughter. That is until they continue to get to know each other and neither can fight the connection they feel.

After spending a week together they know they have to say goodbye, they just never thought they would cross paths again 4 years later.

I don’t give anything away but let’s just say there are quite a few hurdles keeping them from their second chance.

My thoughts:
Absolutely obsessed! I loved everything about this story. I loved the passion, the angst, the banter. Ugh everything.

For this book I had the actual ebook as well as an audio book and a vacillated between reading and listening because I didn’t want to put this book down.

If you like age gap, forbidden romances this is a must read.

The only thing I will say is that I sweat the male voice in the audio book sounds like Joe Goldberg from You, so I had to keep trying to unhear certain things read in a stalker voice. LOL!


#HPRTaylorsFather
#PenelopeWard
#HambrightPR

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This age gap reluctant romance has humor and spice mixed in with the tension. Tate realizes he's too old for Blair, and with his history, he's even more resistant to pursue anything with her. But Blair is quite the persistent little thing. Tempting him every chance she has. Despite his reluctance, he still enjoys her company and doesn't want their time together to end. As their time together at the resort ends, they are forced to go their separate ways, quite heartbroken. Fast forward a few years, and surprise surprise, they meet again... at his son/her best friend's wedding. SHOCK is an understatement. This book goes through the initial attraction, to the separation, to the reunion to the little surprises along the way. Now they they've been reunited, albeit hesitantly, can they navigate this new chapter in their lives without destroying those around them? Will they be able to pick up where they left off? Has too much time gone by? Too much damage to repair? This is a well told story that reads easily and quickly. It is hard to put down... you just want to keep reading to see where they are heading at each juncture. There are laughs, mostly at her doings. There will be tears. And there is some steam. Wonderful and likeable characters. It alternates POVs.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars for what is my favorite read/listen so far this year! Penelope Ward has done it to me again, with all the feelings from laughter to tears, spice to heartwarming moments, and left me with such a full heart!
I alternated between reading and listening so I’ll start by saying that the audiobook as a duet between Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke is just phenomenal and makes you feel like you are listening to a movie! They simply slayed as Blair and Tate and everyone else. Such talent there!
The story itself is beautifully written and each moment so carefully thought out by the author it makes for such a great read.
Blair meets Tate while on a much needed vacation after her break up from her long term boyfriend. And Tate is taking some time away from struggling with his past. From the moment they meet there is undeniable chemistry and attraction but there is also a pretty substantial age gap. Try as they may they cannot deny it. But when the vacation is over so is their time together, or so they think.
What happens next is told in such a way that I couldn’t help but fall in love with these characters and their story. I loved every single moment from beginning to end especially all the unexpected moments in between. Bravo!!!

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

5⭐|2🌶|10%🌶frequency

I don't even know how to describe the connection between Tate and Blair. It's so incredibly. It's so unique. It's just, I think they are soulmates. This extreme magnetism can't be described in any other way. But 17 years is a huge age gap. And, btw, the ones I love the most in romance books 😁. But age is just a number. Fact. Especially because Blair is very mature and Tate isn't "old".

Both didn't know who the other one was (in relation to Taylor). Blair never met her best friend's dad. So it's a different kind of "best friend's dad". And yes, I had a feeling that the meeting would be the way it happened 😁 Best way, definitely 😎

Oh, guys, it's so difficult to say much. This whole story is just one big "secret" and surprises. And yes, I cried a lot 😭 It's so emotional.

The best part was Blair's dad's reaction. Who also became one of Tate's most nightmares 🤣

This isn't one of my longest reviews, but I just don't know what to say more that would be worth the book 🙈


Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


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[Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor’s Father completely pulled me in from the very first chapter, and experiencing it on audio made it even more unforgettable 🎧✨

Blair and Tate’s connection felt so real and magnetic from the start. What begins as this unexpected vacation romance turns into something so much bigger, and when the truth comes out years later that Tate is her best friend’s father… the emotional impact hits hard 😮‍💨 The tension, the longing, and the emotional push and pull had me fully invested in every moment.

Jason Clarke was absolutely perfect as Tate. His voice brought so much depth, warmth, and emotional conflict to the character 🖤 Andi Arndt was incredible as Blair, capturing her vulnerability, strength, and growth beautifully. She made you feel everything right along with her.

Their performances made this story feel intimate, emotional, and completely immersive 🎙️🔥 The chemistry, the angst, and the emotional payoff all landed perfectly.

If you love age gap romance, forbidden tension, and narrators who truly bring the story to life, this audiobook is absolutely worth the listen ❤️🎧

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor's Father, the latest book by Penelope Ward weaves a complicated story of love, lust, loyalty and a whole lot of complications!

This tale centers around THREE main characters but the combustible chemistry is between Tate and Blair! They meet on vacation and click on so many levels! They can talk about anything and physically smolder from the inside out when they touch each other. Once their chance meeting comes to an end they plan to stay in touch but fate interferes in a lonely way until it plays its hand again years later!!

Taylor, Blair's best friend, needs to work through his own issues before moving on in his life too! How their lives mesh together is an addicting read!!

This book is contagious, a not able to put down adventure that keeps you guessing, gushing and going until the very last page!!

[Aimee Crant-oksa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time Penelope Ward writes a new book I can’t imagine how she does it each and every time writing the most fabulous stories. Her words are perfection.
I absolutely loved Taylor’s Father and the audio was amazing. Andi Arndt and Jason Clarke nailed it!
Blair goes to a resort on vacation to get over a breakup. Tate is trying to get some space and get his head together. The two meet and there is an instant connection, nothing like they have felt before. The only problem is the large age gap or so they think at the time.
After a few days together they part ways and plan for it to be just a memory.
I loved the way Penelope set this story up and the plot points that evolved which I will not say so as not to spoil the story.
I loved everything about this story from the first page to the last and everything in between!
One of my favorites from Penelope Ward!

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this story. Blair meets Tate at a resort. While she is trying to get over her high school boyfriend, Tate is trying to figure out his life.
Their banter is fun and heated. While Tate doesn't want to make a move on Blair, she is all in for a little fun. They stick with first names only, but when it is time to leave, Tate gives Blair his phone number in case she needs him.
Four years later, her BFF Taylor is getting married. She never thought she would see Tate there. Turns out that Tate is Taylor's father. Oh, what a sticky mess they find themselves in.
I loved this story; it is filled with fun, flirty banter, family, friends, and love. This is an age gap, BBF father romance.
I highly recommend this one, and you can grab any book by author Penelope Ward; you will fall in love.
I received an ARC of this audiobook, and this is my honest review.

[lashawn Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when starting this one. I knew it was a forbidden, age gap but I like going in kind of blind. I was blown away by the emotions that I went on this one. There is so much going on between so many parties, and my heart would swell and then sink in the next chapter. The complications of Blaire and Tate's relation path are some of the most intricate web that I have read in a while. I fell in love with these two very early and had been routing for them. The banter these two have, specifically Blaire made me smile more than once. I was fortunate enough to also read the audio and Jason and Andi did a phenomenal job bringing the emotions to life. Jason in particular does an outstanding job. The emotions can be heard in his voice and they are so authentic.

[Bookbakeneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙤𝙧'𝙨 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧
22 𝙁𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spending a few unforgettable days with a much older stranger, feeling that intense, undeniable chemistry… only to part ways and lose his contact information forever? That alone would be heartbreaking.

But running into him again at your best friend’s wedding — where he’s there as the father of the groom? Chaos.

And then having to reveal that he’s also the father of your three-year-old… while knowing you still can’t be together for fear of destroying your best friend’s relationship with his father! The emotional tension was next level.

This story is a mash-up of spice, swoon, longing, and gut-punch emotion.
The angst, the chemistry, the impossible situation… perfection and that HEA, hard earned and so satisfying!

[Sarah Geiger-Wealer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to think going into this one, but I absolutely loved this story and found myself smiling ear to ear when the ending credits rolled. I’m a sucker for an age gap, and forbidden romance. This story just grabbed me and didn’t let me go till the very end. It was super cute and I’m not going to lie I was a little shocked with the twist thrown in there. The audio for this was amazing Jason Clarke and Andi Arndt knocked it out of the park with their performance. Never read Penelope Ward before, but loved her writing style, so this won’t be my last!

[jillereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of an age gap romance and this book is top notch. One of my favorites to date. I was rooting for Blair and Tate the entire time. The banter was perfect and I was laughing quite often. Blair was so sassy and I loved every minute of it. Tate was so adorable and I absolutely loved his character.

Thank you Hambright PR and Penelope Ward for giving me the opportunity to read and listen to the eARC and ALC.

[Simone Haeseler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blair and Tate, hilarious the banter, the chemistry, love them. Tate was so nice and insightful, the perfect man, that's for sure. She was funny and sassy and just an overall nice character. Together they were perfect. I was like a woman possessed, could not stop reading, it was so good. A great story loved it from A to Z.

[Lily Rose]

Looking forward to this but I just hope she doesn’t call him Daddy when they are intimate. I see this scenario happening often and is huge turn off for me.

[Jen Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️ my favorite read of 2025. RTC

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exhilarating read!! This book surpassed all my expectations! A love so profound! I laughed, teared up and was actually stunned at unexpected surprise. Phenomenal on all levels!