Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck: Review

By AMidlifeWifeBook Reviews
Cover of Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck

Last year I was able to read this author‘s first novel which made a splash in the literary world. I had an unpopular opinion as it really was not a favorite for me.

But with a new novel coming out, I thought I would take a chance on Goldbeck again and I am very glad I did. Read my review on this upcoming release below.

Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck
Publisher: ‎ Dial Press Trade Paperback
Publication date: ‎ November 18, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593730812

OVERVIEW:
Sometimes love shows up where you least expect it—right next door.

At twenty-six, Sam Pulaski expected to be thriving in her academic career, living on her own in some exciting city. Expectations meet reality: She has massive student loan debt from studying art history, a dead-end service industry job, a situationship that’s equal parts intoxicating and toxic. And she’s been crashing in her mom’s condo—at least it’s not a basement?—for the last five years. If she can finally get accepted into a PhD program and get out of Ohio, the adult life that’s been on hold for half her twenties will finally begin.

Her mom’s new neighbor, Nick, is the ultimate grown-up. His adult life began the moment his nine-year-old daughter, Kira, was born. Her happiness is Nick’s only priority, especially in the wake of divorce. There’s nothing he won’t do for Kira, including giving up his globe-trotting career for something more stable . . . like managing a chain restaurant.

Sam has zero interest in an ultra-dependable guy pushing forty; frankly, she’s a little afraid of kids. But with just one thin wall separating the two condos, Nick proves difficult to avoid. His quiet confidence forces Sam to grapple with the other men in her life: her emotionally derelict friend with benefits and her actually derelict father. As her unexpected connection with Nick heats up (and steams up his minivan windows), Sam finds herself falling fast for a man whose life is steady and settled—while hers is anything but.

Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck Review

In the author’s first book, You, Again, I really had a difficult time with the characters and their terrible relationship as friends. Specifically, the female main character, I did not care for at all.

I was a little nervous going into this book because I don’t like specific types of characters. Thankfully, this book has a completely different vibe, and it really was an enjoyable story.

Lost in a sea of education that is too expensive and living with her parent and soon-to-be new husband, this FMC is sad and depressed. We see that throughout much of the story as she struggles to find herself and her place in the world.

No real passion or drive for anything. In that aspect, Goldberg speaks for millions of “lost” young adults.

However, this story has a different feel to it. The child in the story allows for lighter conversations, fun, and play. The MMC, yum… is a regular guy. Works a regular job, and they have a spark that is tough to deny.

Daddy Issue’s offers humor, wit, and banter that this writer is becoming known for. Blends of vulnerability with the sexiness of a man who only sees her as her true self, not something she should be or tries to be. Understanding and grace oozes from him. Hot scenes we can only wish for! Until she crashes it.

As with all romance novels these days, we have to have something to mess up the ideal and this one was an interesting one. However, it was something the FMC needed to inspire her and find her path by herself.

The balance between the kid, the hot Daddy, and our FMC made this a delightful, sexy story. A present day journey to finding yourself and the right person for you. You will love it.

4 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.