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Older
Before he discovered my age, he uncovered my heart.
Bruised and abused, and victim to a loveless household, I shimmered with new life the moment he found me drowning my sorrows in a lake beneath the stars.
A chance encounter. An unspoken connection.
I was smitten; he was curious.
But, as everyone knew, fate could be decidedly cruel.
He called me Halley, like the comet.
I called him Reed.
And my best friend?
Well…she called him Dad.
Older is a forbidden, slow-burn, age-gap romance standalone, ending in an HEA.
Bruised and abused, and victim to a loveless household, I shimmered with new life the moment he found me drowning my sorrows in a lake beneath the stars.
A chance encounter. An unspoken connection.
I was smitten; he was curious.
But, as everyone knew, fate could be decidedly cruel.
He called me Halley, like the comet.
I called him Reed.
And my best friend?
Well…she called him Dad.
Older is a forbidden, slow-burn, age-gap romance standalone, ending in an HEA.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2024
About the author
Jennifer Hartmann
17 books8,832 followersJennifer Hartmann resides in northern Illinois with her own personal romance hero and three children. When she is not writing angsty love stories, she is likely pondering all the ways she can break your heart and piece it back together again. She enjoys sunsets (because mornings are hard), bike riding, traveling, bingeing Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and that time of day when coffee gets replaced by wine. She loves tacos. She also really, really wants to pet your dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,636 reviews
September 20, 2024
2 Stars for Whitney and Ladybug only.
I... had a tough time with this book. I thought the premise sounded so good and that it would be something that would check some major boxes for me but unfortunately so many things didn't work for me with this book.
The meeting between the FMC Halley and the MMC Reed was odd to say the least. She's a girl from a broken home and gets frequently abused by her father, so I guess it would make sense why she was randomly sitting in a lake fully clothed at a house party?
Reed shows up by chance looking for his daughter at this party and the two of them engage in the strangest conversation. Idk. It's like Halley is supposed to be this edgy, deep, philosophical girl? Lmao. Yeah, I get that that's what was trying to come across but it didn't hit that way.
From this one meeting and this odd conversation about 90's music bands and 'blips' in time and all the sudden the two of them feel this deep connection to the point they can't stop thinking of each other? Uh. No. It felt so superficial and didn't come across as organic or authentic to me. It just felt forced.
The fact that Halley was just 17 when they first met and Reed was 34 was pretty uncomfortable. Especially considering his daughter is the same age. It really gave off predator vibes. And then just to really twist the knife - the author constantly has the MMC brining up the fact that she is the same age as his daughter over and over and over again. Like we get it.
╰┈➤ Comet is not a cute nickname
Honestly, this was trying so hard to be forbidden/taboo and it landed as gross and ick.
╰┈➤ The fact that he gifts her a fucking beanie baby. Nauuurrr. I can't. Tell me she's a child without telling me she's a child.
No one was very likable in the story except the mom- Whitney and the dog Ladybug. I loathed the FMC. She was so selfish and inconsiderate. Whitney and her bff Tara took her into their home when she had no where else to go because of her abusive father and her drunk mother. And all Halley cared about was her own feelings when it came to Reed.
╰┈➤ Asshole. 🙄
I felt like Reed acted like a 22 year old delinquent instead of a 34/35 year old man. The whole beating up Halley's father outside of the skating rink? - what a loser. What grown ass man does that?
Sigh. I never felt a connection between these two and it just seemed so insincere, hollow and was predictable at every turn. I'm not really sure what happened with Jennifer Hartmann... maybe Still Beating was just a one hit wonder for me because I have not been impressed with any of her other books since.
₊˚⊹♡ "I know that forgiveness, growth, and understanding can be found in even the darkest circumstances. I know that love has power. Power to break and ruin, and power to rebuild." She wiped away a tear. "I know that what is meant to be, will be. You can't rush it. You can't fake it. You just need to wait for the storm to pass and pick up the pieces when the time is right." ₊˚⊹♡ ❤️🩹(Whitney)
💙 Best Friend’s Dad
💙 Age Gap
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 Found Family
💙 Forbidden Romance
💙 Secret Relationship
I... had a tough time with this book. I thought the premise sounded so good and that it would be something that would check some major boxes for me but unfortunately so many things didn't work for me with this book.
The meeting between the FMC Halley and the MMC Reed was odd to say the least. She's a girl from a broken home and gets frequently abused by her father, so I guess it would make sense why she was randomly sitting in a lake fully clothed at a house party?
Reed shows up by chance looking for his daughter at this party and the two of them engage in the strangest conversation. Idk. It's like Halley is supposed to be this edgy, deep, philosophical girl? Lmao. Yeah, I get that that's what was trying to come across but it didn't hit that way.
From this one meeting and this odd conversation about 90's music bands and 'blips' in time and all the sudden the two of them feel this deep connection to the point they can't stop thinking of each other? Uh. No. It felt so superficial and didn't come across as organic or authentic to me. It just felt forced.
The fact that Halley was just 17 when they first met and Reed was 34 was pretty uncomfortable. Especially considering his daughter is the same age. It really gave off predator vibes. And then just to really twist the knife - the author constantly has the MMC brining up the fact that she is the same age as his daughter over and over and over again. Like we get it.
╰┈➤ Comet is not a cute nickname
Honestly, this was trying so hard to be forbidden/taboo and it landed as gross and ick.
╰┈➤ The fact that he gifts her a fucking beanie baby. Nauuurrr. I can't. Tell me she's a child without telling me she's a child.
No one was very likable in the story except the mom- Whitney and the dog Ladybug. I loathed the FMC. She was so selfish and inconsiderate. Whitney and her bff Tara took her into their home when she had no where else to go because of her abusive father and her drunk mother. And all Halley cared about was her own feelings when it came to Reed.
╰┈➤ Asshole. 🙄
I felt like Reed acted like a 22 year old delinquent instead of a 34/35 year old man. The whole beating up Halley's father outside of the skating rink? - what a loser. What grown ass man does that?
Sigh. I never felt a connection between these two and it just seemed so insincere, hollow and was predictable at every turn. I'm not really sure what happened with Jennifer Hartmann... maybe Still Beating was just a one hit wonder for me because I have not been impressed with any of her other books since.
₊˚⊹♡ "I know that forgiveness, growth, and understanding can be found in even the darkest circumstances. I know that love has power. Power to break and ruin, and power to rebuild." She wiped away a tear. "I know that what is meant to be, will be. You can't rush it. You can't fake it. You just need to wait for the storm to pass and pick up the pieces when the time is right." ₊˚⊹♡ ❤️🩹(Whitney)
💙 Best Friend’s Dad
💙 Age Gap
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 Found Family
💙 Forbidden Romance
💙 Secret Relationship
May 12, 2024
Wow this book was perfection.
Age gap, forbidden, omg. Go in blind. Don’t look anything up and go in blind.
I am seriously contemplating whether or not this was better than Birthday Girl. Honestly…. It just might be.
Age gap, forbidden, omg. Go in blind. Don’t look anything up and go in blind.
I am seriously contemplating whether or not this was better than Birthday Girl. Honestly…. It just might be.
April 30, 2024
4.25 stars
Jennifer Hartmann's writing is so good and this one was angsty in the best way. Older is one of those books that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Reed and Halley meet one night and sparks fly. He's much older than her, but she doesn't mind. Until she finds out he's her best (and only) friend's dad. Halley has had an incredibly difficult life and she's resilient. Reed truly cares for her, but knows he can't go there with her. Once she gets a little bit older, things change. With that, there is the conflict of the best friend/daughter still not knowing...
I loved both Reed and Halley. My heart hurt for them. I loved seeing them together, but I really wish we would have had more time with them as a couple. Also, shout out to Whitney. She was the best. If you're looking for an angsty and forbidden romance this is one I would recommend!
Jennifer Hartmann's writing is so good and this one was angsty in the best way. Older is one of those books that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Reed and Halley meet one night and sparks fly. He's much older than her, but she doesn't mind. Until she finds out he's her best (and only) friend's dad. Halley has had an incredibly difficult life and she's resilient. Reed truly cares for her, but knows he can't go there with her. Once she gets a little bit older, things change. With that, there is the conflict of the best friend/daughter still not knowing...
I loved both Reed and Halley. My heart hurt for them. I loved seeing them together, but I really wish we would have had more time with them as a couple. Also, shout out to Whitney. She was the best. If you're looking for an angsty and forbidden romance this is one I would recommend!
April 11, 2024
A chance encounter between Reed and Halley leads to an instant, soul crushing connection. But as the truth about their age difference comes to light, along with the fact that Reed is Halley’s best friend’s dad, the only friend she has, it becomes clear any relationship between them is next to impossible.
“My own scar pulses like it was drawn to hers, like we were in some sort of secret club together. A partner in pain. A companion in violence. Two warriors braving the storm, hand in hand.”
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann book, and unfortunately for her and for other writers in this genre, she has now set the bar incredibly high with this one. While I do tend to love a good age gap/forbidden love story already, primarily for the angsty nature it brings with it, this book is on another level. As in, the moment I finished reading, I had to force myself not to turn around and reread it immediately (does this happen to anyone else? No? Just me?)
From page one, I was completely immersed, not just in our MC’s potential relationship, but in each of their own stories and past traumas. Their connection is profound - in fact it pretty much jumps off the page at you. While each of our characters admit to a strong pull to one another, it was hard, as a reader, not to have a strong emotional connection to them too. This slower burn to the romance gives us time to get to know Reed, Halley and all of the supporting characters (including Ladybug, one of my faves) in depth, which in turn helps to ratchet up the emotional pull. The steam was perfection, never overdone, and never overpowering the story.
This is, in every way, my perfect read - flawed characters you can’t help but root for, a love story that is as broken as it is beautiful, and a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
I want to leave you with this - this book will not be for everyone. It tows the line around age of consent and incorporates a pretty significant age gap between the MCs. However, if you are someone who enjoys these elements, or are a reader who loves amazing angst and deep pining and has an open mind to situations beyond the typical, I think you will really enjoy this one.
CW: child abuse, verbal abuse, animal cruelty (off page), abandonment
✨2024 Favorites
Read if you like:
•forbidden love
•age gap romance
•secret relationship
•all the angst
•forced proximity
•single dad
•tragic past
Thank you Valentine PR and Jennifer Hartmann for the gifted copy.
“My own scar pulses like it was drawn to hers, like we were in some sort of secret club together. A partner in pain. A companion in violence. Two warriors braving the storm, hand in hand.”
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann book, and unfortunately for her and for other writers in this genre, she has now set the bar incredibly high with this one. While I do tend to love a good age gap/forbidden love story already, primarily for the angsty nature it brings with it, this book is on another level. As in, the moment I finished reading, I had to force myself not to turn around and reread it immediately (does this happen to anyone else? No? Just me?)
From page one, I was completely immersed, not just in our MC’s potential relationship, but in each of their own stories and past traumas. Their connection is profound - in fact it pretty much jumps off the page at you. While each of our characters admit to a strong pull to one another, it was hard, as a reader, not to have a strong emotional connection to them too. This slower burn to the romance gives us time to get to know Reed, Halley and all of the supporting characters (including Ladybug, one of my faves) in depth, which in turn helps to ratchet up the emotional pull. The steam was perfection, never overdone, and never overpowering the story.
This is, in every way, my perfect read - flawed characters you can’t help but root for, a love story that is as broken as it is beautiful, and a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
I want to leave you with this - this book will not be for everyone. It tows the line around age of consent and incorporates a pretty significant age gap between the MCs. However, if you are someone who enjoys these elements, or are a reader who loves amazing angst and deep pining and has an open mind to situations beyond the typical, I think you will really enjoy this one.
CW: child abuse, verbal abuse, animal cruelty (off page), abandonment
✨2024 Favorites
Read if you like:
•forbidden love
•age gap romance
•secret relationship
•all the angst
•forced proximity
•single dad
•tragic past
Thank you Valentine PR and Jennifer Hartmann for the gifted copy.
August 11, 2024
Okay I’ve reread this again and it marinated enough in my brain to give it 3 stars 🤠
How can I say this respectfully? Halley is fucking desperate.
This wasn’t for me. Maybe I’ll do a reread down the line.
I don’t mind age-gap books but the main characters in here spent the entire book monologuing their age gap, that he’s much older, that he’s the father of her best friend, that she’s much younger, that she’s the best friend of her daughter. Again and again then repeat and again and again and again. It got tiring. Like I GET IT, okay? I got it the first time and I got it the first 78th times you guys said it. Mentioning it every chapter, every monologue, almost every dialogue is too much, it’s as if they made it their whole personality that they are in an age-gap themed book and it got totally dull to read.
What’s more the FMC, Halley has a really shitty parents and background and she survived, she’s strong but goddamn this girl was not it. She keeps humiliating and throwing herself to Reed who was also giving mixing signals even after the 60% mark. I was screaming, just fucking get on with it! Either be together or not because so far all I can see them being together is fucking misery, if most of the times the couples spend their time together in unhappiness then I, as a reader is also miserable. I was waiting for more than two happy moments where I could see that, yeah, they do belong together but nadaaaa because he is her best friend’s dad, because he is much older, because she’s much younger UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Also the love confession of Halley really cringed me out *shudders* what the fuck was that. She’s so desperate it’s embarrassing to read.
Reed was trying to break up with her or whatever it’s called since they’re not officially together at that point but is sleeping with each other. He is laying out all these facts about why he has to leave and honestly I’m on his side on this one. I also think that Halley is one selfish bitch. She can’t think about anyone but herself considering that it’s her best friend who practically adopted her and gave her safe space. Then for her to go fuck her dad and do everything short of begging him to choose her even when he was telling Halley the bigger picture of what will happen if they continue. Friends like her are the worst. The way her thoughts was villainizing her best friend Tara after all shit went down… Needless to say, I was not rooting for her.
How can I say this respectfully? Halley is fucking desperate.
This wasn’t for me. Maybe I’ll do a reread down the line.
I don’t mind age-gap books but the main characters in here spent the entire book monologuing their age gap, that he’s much older, that he’s the father of her best friend, that she’s much younger, that she’s the best friend of her daughter. Again and again then repeat and again and again and again. It got tiring. Like I GET IT, okay? I got it the first time and I got it the first 78th times you guys said it. Mentioning it every chapter, every monologue, almost every dialogue is too much, it’s as if they made it their whole personality that they are in an age-gap themed book and it got totally dull to read.
What’s more the FMC, Halley has a really shitty parents and background and she survived, she’s strong but goddamn this girl was not it. She keeps humiliating and throwing herself to Reed who was also giving mixing signals even after the 60% mark. I was screaming, just fucking get on with it! Either be together or not because so far all I can see them being together is fucking misery, if most of the times the couples spend their time together in unhappiness then I, as a reader is also miserable. I was waiting for more than two happy moments where I could see that, yeah, they do belong together but nadaaaa because he is her best friend’s dad, because he is much older, because she’s much younger UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Also the love confession of Halley really cringed me out *shudders* what the fuck was that. She’s so desperate it’s embarrassing to read.
Reed was trying to break up with her or whatever it’s called since they’re not officially together at that point but is sleeping with each other. He is laying out all these facts about why he has to leave and honestly I’m on his side on this one. I also think that Halley is one selfish bitch. She can’t think about anyone but herself considering that it’s her best friend who practically adopted her and gave her safe space. Then for her to go fuck her dad and do everything short of begging him to choose her even when he was telling Halley the bigger picture of what will happen if they continue. Friends like her are the worst. The way her thoughts was villainizing her best friend Tara after all shit went down… Needless to say, I was not rooting for her.
August 7, 2024
•Age gap
•Forbidden romance
•Best friend's dad
•Dual POV
•Slow burn
•1990's setting
I really wanted to like this one but it just didn't work for me. I couldn't quite connect with the characters, it dragged on a bit too long & felt like it got repetitive. I did love the 90's era & added an extra star for the nostalgic Spotify playlist.
•Forbidden romance
•Best friend's dad
•Dual POV
•Slow burn
•1990's setting
I really wanted to like this one but it just didn't work for me. I couldn't quite connect with the characters, it dragged on a bit too long & felt like it got repetitive. I did love the 90's era & added an extra star for the nostalgic Spotify playlist.
March 31, 2024
And that my friends is how you write age gap romance!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This book resonated with me on every level when it comes to age gap/taboo romance.
Halley and Reed's first encounter, though started when she was only 17 and he unaware of her age, was all consuming. Halley's difficult home life added depth to her character, and her growth throughout the story was truly remarkable. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her happiness above all else. Reed, as Halley's best friend’s father, was off limits in every way. I loved his character so much. His love, compassion, and care for all the women in his life was incredible.
The chemistry and tension between Halley and Reed was so strong, and their struggle to resist the connection only heightened the angst throughout . When they finally gave in to their feelings, it was electric to say the least. Jennifer conveyed their love so well, making it practically tangible. Even with all the amazing chemistry and romance, I couldn't shake the anxiety knowing the inevitable complications of their relationship. The angst was real but so worth it. This heartfelt story kept me engaged throughout, stirring up so many emotions. It definitely made a lasting impact and is one of my favorite books by this author.
Halley and Reed's first encounter, though started when she was only 17 and he unaware of her age, was all consuming. Halley's difficult home life added depth to her character, and her growth throughout the story was truly remarkable. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her happiness above all else. Reed, as Halley's best friend’s father, was off limits in every way. I loved his character so much. His love, compassion, and care for all the women in his life was incredible.
The chemistry and tension between Halley and Reed was so strong, and their struggle to resist the connection only heightened the angst throughout . When they finally gave in to their feelings, it was electric to say the least. Jennifer conveyed their love so well, making it practically tangible. Even with all the amazing chemistry and romance, I couldn't shake the anxiety knowing the inevitable complications of their relationship. The angst was real but so worth it. This heartfelt story kept me engaged throughout, stirring up so many emotions. It definitely made a lasting impact and is one of my favorite books by this author.
April 19, 2024
♾️ the new level of obsession and love I have for this book. absolutely incredible. but again, it’s Jennifer Hartmann… the best forbidden romance I’ve ever read. God, Reed and Halley have so much heart and passion - I felt like I was experiencing their love story first hand.
Go read this. You’ll devour it just like I did.
Go read this. You’ll devour it just like I did.
April 17, 2024
Man, what a ride.
Books like this make you hate being single fr.
This is one of best stories I’ve read in a while. It has all of my favorite tropes & JH executed them so well.
Books like this make you hate being single fr.
This is one of best stories I’ve read in a while. It has all of my favorite tropes & JH executed them so well.
April 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the tension, and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: the fact that we go from the big conflict solution right into a HEA in an epilogue. It made it feel kinda like it wasn't fully resolved.
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but the H's daughter's reaction and continued feelings were a little annoying to me.
Overall: This author has a tough job of writing the next Still Beating! Even though I tried not to, the idea of some yummy similar angst was super enticing and I know that I had my hopes way too high. I didn't dislike this or anything! I enjoyed their connection, I cried, and I liked the characters. I just think I did it to myself with setting those expectations up there. Overall, it was an enjoyable forbidden romance, and if you like the romances that sit in the grey area, this will be a good read for you! If you haven't read Still Beating yet, read this first -- then make sure to read that one 😅
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Halley and Reed's story. They meet at a house party where Halley lies about her age and they connect instantly, only to later find out that Halley is now living with Reed's daughter and ex temporarily after getting away from her abusive father. Over time, they avoid the possibility of each other, but they can't help but have strong feelings that are hard to fight. There are some secrets revealed, some sweet and sexy times, and some angsty moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Halley and Reed's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: A little slow towards the end. I did find myself skimming a little, but never a lot.
Instalove: Kind of, definitely a instant connection. Not one that bothered me though.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Reed. He was a good man even though he fell for the wrong person. I liked how he fought for and cared for the h
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Halley. I liked her, but I wanted her to be a little more reasonable at times for the H.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No, separation spoiler tag
Separation:Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with a cute epilogue that I would call a HEA ending. I just wish we got more time with them as an actual couple and maybe
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the tension, and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: the fact that we go from the big conflict solution right into a HEA in an epilogue. It made it feel kinda like it wasn't fully resolved.
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but the H's daughter's reaction and continued feelings were a little annoying to me.
Overall: This author has a tough job of writing the next Still Beating! Even though I tried not to, the idea of some yummy similar angst was super enticing and I know that I had my hopes way too high. I didn't dislike this or anything! I enjoyed their connection, I cried, and I liked the characters. I just think I did it to myself with setting those expectations up there. Overall, it was an enjoyable forbidden romance, and if you like the romances that sit in the grey area, this will be a good read for you! If you haven't read Still Beating yet, read this first -- then make sure to read that one 😅
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Halley and Reed's story. They meet at a house party where Halley lies about her age and they connect instantly, only to later find out that Halley is now living with Reed's daughter and ex temporarily after getting away from her abusive father. Over time, they avoid the possibility of each other, but they can't help but have strong feelings that are hard to fight. There are some secrets revealed, some sweet and sexy times, and some angsty moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Halley and Reed's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: A little slow towards the end. I did find myself skimming a little, but never a lot.
Instalove: Kind of, definitely a instant connection. Not one that bothered me though.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Reed. He was a good man even though he fell for the wrong person. I liked how he fought for and cared for the h
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Halley. I liked her, but I wanted her to be a little more reasonable at times for the H.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No, separation spoiler tag
Separation:Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with a cute epilogue that I would call a HEA ending. I just wish we got more time with them as an actual couple and maybe
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not safe for most safety gang readers
April 3, 2024
Older is the perfect title for this book. Halley is about half the age of Reed, the hero. I won't say what the ages are, as that is important to the overall story and how everything unfolds. So age gap aside, it also doesn't help that Halley is best friends with and lives with Reed's daughter and his ex, the mother of their child. Their connection is not ideal for anyone, including themselves. As much as they try to ignore the bond they established during their meet cute, inevitably they end up growing closer and tumble into an intimate relationship that they both know will end in them being together or being broken up and hurting everyone they love.
The forbidden nature of their relationship is what I enjoyed the most. The author had me entranced with Halley and Reed's interactions, each one purposeful and intended to build towards things turning physical and creating a "love" connection. That aside, Halley as a heroine was strong and resilient, given what she'd gone through. Both with and without Reed's help, Halley was able to become an independent, successful women in spite of circumstances that used to hold her down.
However, this isn't going to be a 5 star for two reasons: (1) the meet cute was weird. All I'll say is Reed had no reason to go back to that house party, and I couldn't get over that, and (2) though the characters became intimate and spent time together, it was under the cloak of being forbidden. When their secret blew up in their face, the ending was a bit rushed, and the epilogue was a typical time jump that shows the HEA in the future. Due to how long they weren't an actual couple, I would've loved to see Reed and Halley together more in the open, as they finally deserved. These issues aside, it was still a solid release from this author, and I'd recommend it!
TRIGGER WARNINGS (there were none listed in the ARC, but hopefully they'll be listed in the final version): domestic abuse (father is physically and verbally abusive of heroine, on page), parental neglect (mother doesn't stop the abuse)
The forbidden nature of their relationship is what I enjoyed the most. The author had me entranced with Halley and Reed's interactions, each one purposeful and intended to build towards things turning physical and creating a "love" connection. That aside, Halley as a heroine was strong and resilient, given what she'd gone through. Both with and without Reed's help, Halley was able to become an independent, successful women in spite of circumstances that used to hold her down.
However, this isn't going to be a 5 star for two reasons: (1) the meet cute was weird. All I'll say is Reed had no reason to go back to that house party, and I couldn't get over that, and (2) though the characters became intimate and spent time together, it was under the cloak of being forbidden. When their secret blew up in their face, the ending was a bit rushed, and the epilogue was a typical time jump that shows the HEA in the future. Due to how long they weren't an actual couple, I would've loved to see Reed and Halley together more in the open, as they finally deserved. These issues aside, it was still a solid release from this author, and I'd recommend it!
TRIGGER WARNINGS (there were none listed in the ARC, but hopefully they'll be listed in the final version): domestic abuse (father is physically and verbally abusive of heroine, on page), parental neglect (mother doesn't stop the abuse)
September 8, 2024
I am blown away woth Older. Miss Hartmann certainly knows how to build the plot for forbidden romance. It has been a while since I read a really worthy forbidden romance where the characters have so much complexity to the story.
Both Reed and Halley are just awesome together. The push and pull, the plot and alll the forbidden aspect are front and the center of the story.
5 stars
Both Reed and Halley are just awesome together. The push and pull, the plot and alll the forbidden aspect are front and the center of the story.
5 stars
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April 11, 2024If I could give this book all the stars in the world, I would. Honestly, this book will easily be one of my top reads of the year. The author has a way with her words and storytelling. I knew by chapter four this book would be gut-wrenching yet beautiful.
Honesty, I didn't even know where to start. This review will be vague. I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
I do have a few suggestions: one, go in blind for the best reading experience. Two, have tissues at all times. I couldn't stop crying, especially the last twenty percent. As I write this review, tears stream down my face. Their love is indescribably beautiful. It's beyond words.
Haley and Reed find an instant connection from the first time they meet. It is not just any connection; it’s an intense deep into your soul connection. Halley has seen nothing but pain and abuse. She hides it well from other people. All I will say abide Reed is he sees her. I love him. Reed tries to keep a safe distance from Halley, but with each passing day, he finds it more challenging.
The book takes place in the 1990s, which I adored; it brings me back to my early adulthood. I felt like I was back in time. Plus, I love all the music references. For me, it gave me more of a connection between the characters.
This book will forever live in my mind and soul. Not only is it my new favorite book from the author, but it’s also my top forbidden and age-gap romance. I see many rereads in my future.
April 25, 2024
Right on the edge of my angst line. But it didn't tip me over.
Very beautiful, gut pulling forbidden romance. So good though.
I do feel like the heroine felt a bit too young and too reckless. It was hard to watch sometimes.
And once they started the sex, I felt like the rest of their connection was lost. And it was only about getting off.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
Very beautiful, gut pulling forbidden romance. So good though.
I do feel like the heroine felt a bit too young and too reckless. It was hard to watch sometimes.
And once they started the sex, I felt like the rest of their connection was lost. And it was only about getting off.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
April 14, 2024
I'm so sorry but I'm going to rant. This is for me. And this is coming out of my love and respect for Jennifer Hartmann.
First of all, I've yet to see a cover done by her and her husband as photographers that is bad. But this one is absolutely gorgeous <3
Second I know every single book she wrote, even the ones I haven't marked as "read" because they are so bad in my opinion. And I thought about ignoring this and waiting for the next release. But enough is enough. When an author uses and reuses the same creative devices, needs to be called out.
Here we go: writers use description to describe NOT to fill pages. It's so tiresome to emphasize points time and time again with packed words that have no meaning ("I chewed on my cheek and fidgeted my feet back and forth. And somehow…our toes touched. My naked, wet toes brushed the leather of his boots, and I realized we were a mere waterline apart.
Within the interplay of words and the stretch of frozen-in-time seconds, he’d moved closer to the water, and I’d moved closer to the sand.")
WTF is this? and how are you fidgeting and getting close to s.o on sand while not knowing so?
I'm fucking tired of Jenifer Hartmann trying to hit us with trauma. Every heroine needs to have dark past while being a lovely woman prone to depression.
Case in point: FMC describes herself as addicted to giving love because she has many loveless holes but then she spends the novel pitying herself, describing her life as tragic and bad, wallowing at every occasion.
And let's unpack the romantic premise, shall we: FMC is sitting like a loser outside a party. While she's a teenager (17), she's edgy and deep. The MMC comes by looking for his daughter (34 years old).
In the absolute fucking dark where the FMC can't see his face but she can know he's rugged and handsome, they have the most cringy and boring conversation:
MMC: Are you lost? FMC: No, maybe you are lost. MMC: No, shall I call you a taxi? FMC: No, maybe the person that you are looking for is lost?
MMC: I hope not, it's my daughter. How old are you?
FMC: 21 (a lie), would you keep me company because I'm feeling a bit lost? MMC: introduces himself, his job, his address and askes her if she's in college.
FMC: what I want to do is not career worthy, I'm attracted to blips and fleeting moments like things that pass without us noticing them, like a movie you hit pause to and you laugh at the weird pausing face of the actor.
MMC: Blips... fleeting moments.
FMC: omg he's repeating my words to let them sink in, now I want to know what he smells like and what sex with him would be like.
Needless to say that the rest of the story is a battle of push and pull. A battle of pointless seduction. Of course after FMC is over 18 but the forbidden element within the age gap is hammered home every time he screams internally: "she's a teenager, your daughter's best friend an abused child and she needs a bright future away from a man who's twice her age". OK WE GET IT!!!
Finally why the fuck every FMC written by Jennifer Hartman is not a virgin? Let me explain how this fact is used as a plot device. What Jennifer Hartmann does in every single book is "finding love in hopeless places" her words not mine.
In a sense, she creates stories about people who found each other eventually and after a lot of struggles.
Ok, fine but in Older, you literally played on the innocence of the FMC, on the FMC being young and meeting MMC when she was 17 and on the age gap.
But then you say she was having sex since 15 years old and she's quite experienced.
Secondly, every time a MMC of Jennifer Hartmann books ask (you're a virgin?) it would be with absolute fear and astonishment
Finally, JH will release this summer a new book via a publishing house, not independently like this one. We'll see if editors fixed the weird things she kept doing or not.
First of all, I've yet to see a cover done by her and her husband as photographers that is bad. But this one is absolutely gorgeous <3
Second I know every single book she wrote, even the ones I haven't marked as "read" because they are so bad in my opinion. And I thought about ignoring this and waiting for the next release. But enough is enough. When an author uses and reuses the same creative devices, needs to be called out.
Here we go: writers use description to describe NOT to fill pages. It's so tiresome to emphasize points time and time again with packed words that have no meaning ("I chewed on my cheek and fidgeted my feet back and forth. And somehow…our toes touched. My naked, wet toes brushed the leather of his boots, and I realized we were a mere waterline apart.
Within the interplay of words and the stretch of frozen-in-time seconds, he’d moved closer to the water, and I’d moved closer to the sand.")
WTF is this? and how are you fidgeting and getting close to s.o on sand while not knowing so?
I'm fucking tired of Jenifer Hartmann trying to hit us with trauma. Every heroine needs to have dark past while being a lovely woman prone to depression.
Case in point: FMC describes herself as addicted to giving love because she has many loveless holes but then she spends the novel pitying herself, describing her life as tragic and bad, wallowing at every occasion.
And let's unpack the romantic premise, shall we: FMC is sitting like a loser outside a party. While she's a teenager (17), she's edgy and deep. The MMC comes by looking for his daughter (34 years old).
In the absolute fucking dark where the FMC can't see his face but she can know he's rugged and handsome, they have the most cringy and boring conversation:
MMC: Are you lost? FMC: No, maybe you are lost. MMC: No, shall I call you a taxi? FMC: No, maybe the person that you are looking for is lost?
MMC: I hope not, it's my daughter. How old are you?
FMC: 21 (a lie), would you keep me company because I'm feeling a bit lost? MMC: introduces himself, his job, his address and askes her if she's in college.
FMC: what I want to do is not career worthy, I'm attracted to blips and fleeting moments like things that pass without us noticing them, like a movie you hit pause to and you laugh at the weird pausing face of the actor.
MMC: Blips... fleeting moments.
FMC: omg he's repeating my words to let them sink in, now I want to know what he smells like and what sex with him would be like.
Needless to say that the rest of the story is a battle of push and pull. A battle of pointless seduction. Of course after FMC is over 18 but the forbidden element within the age gap is hammered home every time he screams internally: "she's a teenager, your daughter's best friend an abused child and she needs a bright future away from a man who's twice her age". OK WE GET IT!!!
Finally why the fuck every FMC written by Jennifer Hartman is not a virgin? Let me explain how this fact is used as a plot device. What Jennifer Hartmann does in every single book is "finding love in hopeless places" her words not mine.
In a sense, she creates stories about people who found each other eventually and after a lot of struggles.
Ok, fine but in Older, you literally played on the innocence of the FMC, on the FMC being young and meeting MMC when she was 17 and on the age gap.
But then you say she was having sex since 15 years old and she's quite experienced.
Secondly, every time a MMC of Jennifer Hartmann books ask (you're a virgin?) it would be with absolute fear and astonishment
Finally, JH will release this summer a new book via a publishing house, not independently like this one. We'll see if editors fixed the weird things she kept doing or not.
April 4, 2024
3.5/5🌟 ahhhh okay guys if you know me I am the HUGEST jennifer hartmann fan and have loved every book I’ve read, but this wasn’t my favorite 🙈 I felt like it dragged FOREVER and was missing the satisfaction of a true slow burn since 1) their feelings were obvious to the reader & to each other & 2) their physical relationship started pretty early on. I also didn’t FEEL a super strong connection between Halley & Reed 🤷🏼♀️. I didn’t hate it - I think the beginning was very strong & I was happy with the ending, it just wasn’t my favorite. BUT!!! jennifer is still my favorite 🩷
April 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ Jennifer Hartmann eres una genia 😭 no hay libro tuyo que no me encante, son maravillosos
Porfavor háganse el favor de leer los libros de esta autora, porque son preciosos.
Este libro nos presenta mucho más que un amor complicado (la especialidad de la autora) nos da profundidad con cada personaje, tristeza por los dolores inevitables de la vida, emoción y adrenalina, protagonistas que amas demasiado y que se aman con locura entre ellos, empatizas 100%, con todos, con desenlaces necesarios agridulces pero finales magníficos 😭❤️
Jennifer es experta en escribir sobre amor prohibido (este libro no es la excepción) pero lo hace de una forma hermosa donde expresa perfectamente los conflictos de los personajes, las consecuencias realistas de sus actos, reflexiones muy conmovedoras, y por supuesto una que otra escena spicy que sabe escribir muy bien.
Juraba que le iba a dar 5 estrellas mientras lo leía pero “Still Beating” de esta misma autora tiene mis expectativas por el cielo (Porfavor todo el mundo debe leerlo) así que a comparación creo que lo más justo era darle menos puntuación, ya que sigue siendo superior en varios sentidos a este libro.
Sin embargo “Older” sigue siendo una maravilla, no puedo decir nada negativo, tienen que leerlo.
Porfavor háganse el favor de leer los libros de esta autora, porque son preciosos.
Este libro nos presenta mucho más que un amor complicado (la especialidad de la autora) nos da profundidad con cada personaje, tristeza por los dolores inevitables de la vida, emoción y adrenalina, protagonistas que amas demasiado y que se aman con locura entre ellos, empatizas 100%, con todos, con desenlaces necesarios agridulces pero finales magníficos 😭❤️
Jennifer es experta en escribir sobre amor prohibido (este libro no es la excepción) pero lo hace de una forma hermosa donde expresa perfectamente los conflictos de los personajes, las consecuencias realistas de sus actos, reflexiones muy conmovedoras, y por supuesto una que otra escena spicy que sabe escribir muy bien.
Juraba que le iba a dar 5 estrellas mientras lo leía pero “Still Beating” de esta misma autora tiene mis expectativas por el cielo (Porfavor todo el mundo debe leerlo) así que a comparación creo que lo más justo era darle menos puntuación, ya que sigue siendo superior en varios sentidos a este libro.
Sin embargo “Older” sigue siendo una maravilla, no puedo decir nada negativo, tienen que leerlo.
April 12, 2024
My god, this was phenomenal. Jennifer Hartmann is so masterful in the way she can weave a love story and transport readers to a new time and space. I felt fully immersed in this 90s, I felt the angst alongside the characters, and I adored this with my whole heart.
The angst and taboo is STRONG with this one! Starting off with the age gap: she's 17 and he's 34 in the beginning. (Yes, she initially lies about her age, saying she's older , so he's not actively pursuing a 17 year old. [If it helps, the age of consent where they are is 17 as well. Just throwing this out there.])
Then add in who Reed is in her life. I was kicking and screaming (in delight) over the conundrum the characters found themselves in.
There's heartache, pining and yearning, trauma, healing, and just so much emotion. I felt like I ran an emotional marathon and went through all the feels.
I do feel like while I was rooting for the main couple, there was a certain je ne sais quoi I was itching for. They have this instant connection from the beginning and I would've loved if it ran a bit deeper. If you have two people in such different walks of life getting together, I want to see how and why they should be together much more thoroughly.
I still can't believe I haven't read JH's full backlist yet, but at this point I'm trying my best to savor her works because I don't know what I'll do with myself once I've read them all.
The angst and taboo is STRONG with this one! Starting off with the age gap: she's 17 and he's 34 in the beginning. (Yes, she initially lies about her age, saying she's older , so he's not actively pursuing a 17 year old. [If it helps, the age of consent where they are is 17 as well. Just throwing this out there.])
Then add in who Reed is in her life. I was kicking and screaming (in delight) over the conundrum the characters found themselves in.
There's heartache, pining and yearning, trauma, healing, and just so much emotion. I felt like I ran an emotional marathon and went through all the feels.
I do feel like while I was rooting for the main couple, there was a certain je ne sais quoi I was itching for. They have this instant connection from the beginning and I would've loved if it ran a bit deeper. If you have two people in such different walks of life getting together, I want to see how and why they should be together much more thoroughly.
I still can't believe I haven't read JH's full backlist yet, but at this point I'm trying my best to savor her works because I don't know what I'll do with myself once I've read them all.
September 4, 2024
manifesting me and someone’s dad
April 28, 2024
I love books by Jennifer, her writing is sooo good, expected to really like this but sadly it was a miss for me
April 14, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️
I screamed, cried, laughed and felt all the emotions while reading this book. what a heartbreaking beautiful story. Also have to give props to the best friend for surprising me with how she reacted when she found out about the relationship between her dad and her best friend.
“His brow was wrinkled, features taut and brimming with tension. “Nothing about this is easy.”
“Falling for you has been the easiest thing I’ve ever done,” I confessed through the anguish. “Everything else? Painful. Torturous. Difficult beyond belief. But loving you…” The anger died out, flatlining to a dead pulse. “Effortless.”
I screamed, cried, laughed and felt all the emotions while reading this book. what a heartbreaking beautiful story. Also have to give props to the best friend for surprising me with how she reacted when she found out about the relationship between her dad and her best friend.
May 16, 2024
3.75 stars
Age gap, forbidden, angst, and best friends DAD. The tension that this book gave was just SO good. Different than I thought it would be, but it was still entertaining.
Age gap, forbidden, angst, and best friends DAD. The tension that this book gave was just SO good. Different than I thought it would be, but it was still entertaining.
April 11, 2024
5 stars!
What an unbelievably beautiful story.
My Rating: ★★★★★//5
Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️//4
“𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝. “𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚? 𝙋𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡. 𝙏𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝘿𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪…” 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩, 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙚. “𝙀𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨.”
Friends, I’m telling you right now, this book will be EVERYWHERE! It will be hyped and hugely popular, and I’m here to tell you, it will all be 110% deserved and warranted!
Tropes:
🛼Forbidden romance
🛼 Age gap
🛼 Set in the 90’s
🛼 Hurt/comfort
🛼 Secret romance
🛼 Slow burn
🛼 Single dad
🛼 ALL the angst
Halley and Reed meet one night at a party and share an instant and powerful connection. She lies about her age but soon gets called out by a neighbor, effectively ending their evening.
Some months later, they meet again, but it’s when her best friend introduces her to her dad.
I’m going to say some big words here…this is my new fave forbidden romance/age gap story, even above BIRTHDAY GIRL. 😱 This story is so well done. The author took such care to focus on their undeniable connection, more so than their physical attraction. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still all the spice, but this book is SO MUCH MORE.
Halley comes from an abusive home. Her best friend Tara and her mom take her in and it’s the first safe place she’s ever had. This factor alone adds so much to the forbidden element of this story because Halley had so much to lose. Her best friend is also the only family she has.
Reed is fiercely protective of Halley their chemistry, bond, and attraction was so intense. I could feel it in every scene.
I went through every emotion with this book. And as soon as I finished, it was one of those where I immediately started flipping back to re-read all my fave scenes.
Older is a beautifully told forbidden romance and THE BOOK to read if your a connoisseur of these tropes.
What an unbelievably beautiful story.
My Rating: ★★★★★//5
Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️//4
“𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝. “𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚? 𝙋𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡. 𝙏𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝘿𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪…” 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩, 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙚. “𝙀𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨.”
Friends, I’m telling you right now, this book will be EVERYWHERE! It will be hyped and hugely popular, and I’m here to tell you, it will all be 110% deserved and warranted!
Tropes:
🛼Forbidden romance
🛼 Age gap
🛼 Set in the 90’s
🛼 Hurt/comfort
🛼 Secret romance
🛼 Slow burn
🛼 Single dad
🛼 ALL the angst
Halley and Reed meet one night at a party and share an instant and powerful connection. She lies about her age but soon gets called out by a neighbor, effectively ending their evening.
Some months later, they meet again, but it’s when her best friend introduces her to her dad.
I’m going to say some big words here…this is my new fave forbidden romance/age gap story, even above BIRTHDAY GIRL. 😱 This story is so well done. The author took such care to focus on their undeniable connection, more so than their physical attraction. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still all the spice, but this book is SO MUCH MORE.
Halley comes from an abusive home. Her best friend Tara and her mom take her in and it’s the first safe place she’s ever had. This factor alone adds so much to the forbidden element of this story because Halley had so much to lose. Her best friend is also the only family she has.
Reed is fiercely protective of Halley their chemistry, bond, and attraction was so intense. I could feel it in every scene.
I went through every emotion with this book. And as soon as I finished, it was one of those where I immediately started flipping back to re-read all my fave scenes.
Older is a beautifully told forbidden romance and THE BOOK to read if your a connoisseur of these tropes.
May 31, 2024
3.5⭐️
Oh my gosh the way I feel like I’m still catching my BREATH?!?! What. A. Ride. I seriously feel like I just stepped off the windiest of rollercoasters after finishing this book.
“Imperfections are what bind us together. Our common thread. We’re all capable of screwing up, but we’re all capable of forgiving, too. That’s what makes us stronger humans.”
ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS 😭😭
Two sad souls, Halley & Reed, stumble upon each other one chance of a night and have a next level connection that comes to a “halt” when age is revealed. But these two later come back in each other’s lives when Reed shows back up in Halleys life as none other than the FATHER OF HER BEST FRIEND.
YALL. Halley went through it. Her family is fucking awful and I wanted to scream!! I wanted to cry for her one too many times because she was dealt the shittiest hand of cards in her life. That is until her best friend & mother took her in.
The forbidden feelings between Reed & Halley kept blossoming slowly, but steadily, and their chemistry together when the wall came full down had my WHOLE BODY TINGLING AHHH!! It was quite something! Their love for the same kinds of music also was so freaking cute. And the Photographs. Omg the photographs.
It did feel a bit rushed towards the end and like some things were missing?? I wanted to hear more about some characters we saw at the beginning. I needed more justice for Halley.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Best friends dad
Forbidden romance
Secret relationship
Age gap
Single dad
Oh my gosh the way I feel like I’m still catching my BREATH?!?! What. A. Ride. I seriously feel like I just stepped off the windiest of rollercoasters after finishing this book.
“Imperfections are what bind us together. Our common thread. We’re all capable of screwing up, but we’re all capable of forgiving, too. That’s what makes us stronger humans.”
ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS 😭😭
Two sad souls, Halley & Reed, stumble upon each other one chance of a night and have a next level connection that comes to a “halt” when age is revealed. But these two later come back in each other’s lives when Reed shows back up in Halleys life as none other than the FATHER OF HER BEST FRIEND.
YALL. Halley went through it. Her family is fucking awful and I wanted to scream!! I wanted to cry for her one too many times because she was dealt the shittiest hand of cards in her life. That is until her best friend & mother took her in.
The forbidden feelings between Reed & Halley kept blossoming slowly, but steadily, and their chemistry together when the wall came full down had my WHOLE BODY TINGLING AHHH!! It was quite something! Their love for the same kinds of music also was so freaking cute. And the Photographs. Omg the photographs.
It did feel a bit rushed towards the end and like some things were missing?? I wanted to hear more about some characters we saw at the beginning. I needed more justice for Halley.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Best friends dad
Forbidden romance
Secret relationship
Age gap
Single dad
April 7, 2024
There is just something about a forbidden age gap romance that I will always love.. when two people don't fit in their world but also don't fit anywhere else because they are so undeniably meant for one another.
And Older was the perfect example of this. It made sense why they couldn't be together, why they wouldn't be accepted, why being together meant they could be hurting other people.. but it was also so obvious why these two were supposed to be together. They had that once in a lifetime connection. They understood each other. They respected each other. They loved each other. You could FEEL their chemistry in their little moments, and the big ones too. But it's always in the little moments that I fall. The stolen glances, the tension filled rooms, the electricity in their touch, and in that moment when they give into the temptation and let their desires take over.
And it's at that point when you have to ask yourself, isn't their happiness worth it? Why should two people so clearly made for each be kept apart because of circumstances that are out of their control.
I know age gap isn't for everyone, but I truly feel like Jennifer did it beautifully. While yes, there is a huge age gap, it never felt that way. Halley experienced life in a way that forced her to grow up quickly. Her strength and maturity was so admirable and that just closed the gap for me.
Reed was a man in the most impossible position, and while he may have not handled everything perfectly, I felt the turmoil in every decision he made.. and it made me love him for it, because it all felt so real and authentic.
I hope everyone takes a chance on Older.. and for all my 90s babies, I hope you love the walk down memory lane like I did. I love how Jennifer brought us right back with the vibes, the music, the story. Everything just hit differently, in the best way.
And Older was the perfect example of this. It made sense why they couldn't be together, why they wouldn't be accepted, why being together meant they could be hurting other people.. but it was also so obvious why these two were supposed to be together. They had that once in a lifetime connection. They understood each other. They respected each other. They loved each other. You could FEEL their chemistry in their little moments, and the big ones too. But it's always in the little moments that I fall. The stolen glances, the tension filled rooms, the electricity in their touch, and in that moment when they give into the temptation and let their desires take over.
And it's at that point when you have to ask yourself, isn't their happiness worth it? Why should two people so clearly made for each be kept apart because of circumstances that are out of their control.
I know age gap isn't for everyone, but I truly feel like Jennifer did it beautifully. While yes, there is a huge age gap, it never felt that way. Halley experienced life in a way that forced her to grow up quickly. Her strength and maturity was so admirable and that just closed the gap for me.
Reed was a man in the most impossible position, and while he may have not handled everything perfectly, I felt the turmoil in every decision he made.. and it made me love him for it, because it all felt so real and authentic.
I hope everyone takes a chance on Older.. and for all my 90s babies, I hope you love the walk down memory lane like I did. I love how Jennifer brought us right back with the vibes, the music, the story. Everything just hit differently, in the best way.
April 17, 2024
lol i hate it 😃
I love age gap romance. It is my main food source. I inject it into my veins. I am a feral rat gnawing at my cage for a 17 year age gap.
But this made me uncomfy
First of all the melodrama transported me back to my 2008 emo phase. When this author wrote their dialogue she googled “deep tumblr quotes” and quoted them directly. These two star crossed lovers bonded instantly over their deep thoughts & love for Oasis’s Wonderwall
The age gap actually made me feel awkward. ME!! Like, after he knows she’s 17 you’d think he’d try to avoid her and never talk about the time they almost banged, bc that’s what a normal 34 year old would do. Nope, he follows her around a grocery store and continues their conversation from that fateful night
The FMC has issues. Her father is terribly abusive. She is soooo much more mature than her age because “she’s seen more in her 18 years than most adults have” (direct quote). This felt like a gross way to explain how these two could be compatible despite their age difference. Her trauma + his hero complex = true luv!
Now I’m just being a hater, but the little detail of the hero looking like Jared Leto threw me over the edge. Jared Leto, the literal alleged sexual predator. This is no longer a romance, this is a thriller. I didn’t read far enough to get there, but I’m guessing she joins his cult and he murders her with his Mark Zuckerberg look-alike buddy. Probably.
I love age gap romance. It is my main food source. I inject it into my veins. I am a feral rat gnawing at my cage for a 17 year age gap.
But this made me uncomfy
First of all the melodrama transported me back to my 2008 emo phase. When this author wrote their dialogue she googled “deep tumblr quotes” and quoted them directly. These two star crossed lovers bonded instantly over their deep thoughts & love for Oasis’s Wonderwall
The age gap actually made me feel awkward. ME!! Like, after he knows she’s 17 you’d think he’d try to avoid her and never talk about the time they almost banged, bc that’s what a normal 34 year old would do. Nope, he follows her around a grocery store and continues their conversation from that fateful night
The FMC has issues. Her father is terribly abusive. She is soooo much more mature than her age because “she’s seen more in her 18 years than most adults have” (direct quote). This felt like a gross way to explain how these two could be compatible despite their age difference. Her trauma + his hero complex = true luv!
Now I’m just being a hater, but the little detail of the hero looking like Jared Leto threw me over the edge. Jared Leto, the literal alleged sexual predator. This is no longer a romance, this is a thriller. I didn’t read far enough to get there, but I’m guessing she joins his cult and he murders her with his Mark Zuckerberg look-alike buddy. Probably.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
Ця історія мене зачарувала. Зламала. Відродила. Проросла до самого серця 💔
Просто до кісток, до самого ядра💔
Історія Ріда й Галлеї пронизана чистими та щирими почуттями, які зародилися неочікувано для них обох, які придушувалися, знову ж таки, через неприйняття соціумом, але якщо воно є, то воно є, не виб'єш і кувалдою ❤️
Просто до кісток, до самого ядра💔
Історія Ріда й Галлеї пронизана чистими та щирими почуттями, які зародилися неочікувано для них обох, які придушувалися, знову ж таки, через неприйняття соціумом, але якщо воно є, то воно є, не виб'єш і кувалдою ❤️
July 17, 2024
Не очікувала нічого від книги, але вона дивовижна.
Плакала разом з героями.
Дуже сподобалась історія Ріда і Хейлі.
Троп заборонене кохання, просто тут розкритий на всі 100%.
Плакала разом з героями.
Дуже сподобалась історія Ріда і Хейлі.
Троп заборонене кохання, просто тут розкритий на всі 100%.
June 11, 2024
4.5/5
i am so confused by how much i liked this book…
from the very moment we meet reed and halley i was obsessed, then there was a bit of a lie that took me out of the story. i was genuinely thinking of dnfing this book but i am so glad i stuck with it. i want to preface this review by saying that if this was the real world, or any situation other than a book, i would not be in support of the relationship or the time in which they met. it did throw me and i wish it didn’t happen. the book is so well written that it’s easy to look past the things that really bothered me, not enough to rate this five stars but enough to not hate it.
as a lover of birthday girl by penelope douglas it makes sense why this book worked for me. insanely good and deep emotional connections will do it for me EVERY TIME. and on top of that we had amazing angst. the angst in this book had a big job, it had to convince me to like this couple. it succeeded because it was written so well. i was freaking out on multiple occasions, full on jaw dropped by how good the tension was!!! i also really appreciated how realistic the people reacted. i always feel like age gap romances like to have a big moment where everyone finds out but then two chapters later everyone is cool with it. but you see the ramifications of the relationship and how it prevails, after years, and i think it makes the story. birthday girl had that as well so i mean… greatness recognizes greatness!!!
i am so confused by how much i liked this book…
from the very moment we meet reed and halley i was obsessed, then there was a bit of a lie that took me out of the story. i was genuinely thinking of dnfing this book but i am so glad i stuck with it. i want to preface this review by saying that if this was the real world, or any situation other than a book, i would not be in support of the relationship or the time in which they met. it did throw me and i wish it didn’t happen. the book is so well written that it’s easy to look past the things that really bothered me, not enough to rate this five stars but enough to not hate it.
as a lover of birthday girl by penelope douglas it makes sense why this book worked for me. insanely good and deep emotional connections will do it for me EVERY TIME. and on top of that we had amazing angst. the angst in this book had a big job, it had to convince me to like this couple. it succeeded because it was written so well. i was freaking out on multiple occasions, full on jaw dropped by how good the tension was!!! i also really appreciated how realistic the people reacted. i always feel like age gap romances like to have a big moment where everyone finds out but then two chapters later everyone is cool with it. but you see the ramifications of the relationship and how it prevails, after years, and i think it makes the story. birthday girl had that as well so i mean… greatness recognizes greatness!!!
April 14, 2024
Wow! This book was absolutely, heartachingly beautiful. A new forever favourite.
Older by Jennifer Hartmann is a contemporary romance with a forbidden dynamic and significant age-gap. This story follows Halley Foster and Reed Stephens; Meeting through happenstance when she is seventeen and he is thirty-four, neither of them have any idea of how they are connected or how they will become profoundly and irrevocably entangled.
I'd previously read and loved Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann, but Older exists on a whole other level for me. I don't know if it's the 90s era setting, the specific tropes or Hartmann's breathtaking writing... but this story completely consumed me, wrecked me, changed me.
This book is heavy, full of angst and heartache. I fell in love with Halley and Reed and their individual backstories and despite the very obvious barriers to their relationship, I believed in them. They truly “fit in every way that matters”.
Their story toes the line between responsible and reckless, logical and emotional, seemingly right and seemingly wrong... And it has everything that I love about the forbidden romance trope. The spice is electric and so indulgent, and their romance is absolutely swoon-worthy. Reed Stephens is perfection.
Hartmann's writing in this story is remarkable. The specific musical references throughout are perfectly placed, and the photography motif adds so much depth to the story and Halley's character. Some of Halley's particular struggles were so painfully relatable that they stopped me in my tracks. I could have highlighted the entire book; so many lines stuck out to me — crashed into me — and and now I am wide-eyed, staring at her backlist like I need to read all the rest of her stories ASAP.
Yeah ... I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Extras:
- Official Spotify playlist
(if you're a 90's girl, don't skip this)
.
.
.
.
.
.
Potential triggers: physical and psychological abuse of a minor, mentions of sexual abuse of a minor, PTSD and panic attacks.
Older by Jennifer Hartmann is a contemporary romance with a forbidden dynamic and significant age-gap. This story follows Halley Foster and Reed Stephens; Meeting through happenstance when she is seventeen and he is thirty-four, neither of them have any idea of how they are connected or how they will become profoundly and irrevocably entangled.
I'd previously read and loved Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann, but Older exists on a whole other level for me. I don't know if it's the 90s era setting, the specific tropes or Hartmann's breathtaking writing... but this story completely consumed me, wrecked me, changed me.
We were beautiful. A beautiful, forsaken mess.
This book is heavy, full of angst and heartache. I fell in love with Halley and Reed and their individual backstories and despite the very obvious barriers to their relationship, I believed in them. They truly “fit in every way that matters”.
Their story toes the line between responsible and reckless, logical and emotional, seemingly right and seemingly wrong... And it has everything that I love about the forbidden romance trope. The spice is electric and so indulgent, and their romance is absolutely swoon-worthy. Reed Stephens is perfection.
“Every moment with you fucking hurts. [...]
Every moment without you… hurts so much more.”
Hartmann's writing in this story is remarkable. The specific musical references throughout are perfectly placed, and the photography motif adds so much depth to the story and Halley's character. Some of Halley's particular struggles were so painfully relatable that they stopped me in my tracks. I could have highlighted the entire book; so many lines stuck out to me — crashed into me — and and now I am wide-eyed, staring at her backlist like I need to read all the rest of her stories ASAP.
Yeah ... I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Extras:
- Official Spotify playlist
(if you're a 90's girl, don't skip this)
.
.
.
.
.
.
Potential triggers: physical and psychological abuse of a minor, mentions of sexual abuse of a minor, PTSD and panic attacks.
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