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 a HEA.
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After years of physical abuse at the hands of her father, Halley finds an escape and a chance to start again when she is taken in by her best friend's mother. Living in a stable and loving home is foreign to Halley, but even as she revels in her new environment, she struggles with the aftermath of years of abuse. She also can't forget the connection made with an older man at a house party the previous summer. Their interactions were impactful and meaningful and she hopes there can be more... until she learns that the man who has captured her heart is her best friend's father.
One of my favorite aspects of Jennifer Hartmann's writing is her ability to create characters who feel like living, breathing beings, whose every emotion feels like they are my own. Halley and Reed were perfect examples of this. A young woman who desperately needed to be seen - and wanted. And the man who saw her clearly - and wanted her desperately. While theirs was a forbidden love, it never once felt as if Hartmann was writing a trope. This was the story of two people who connected, who loved, and were in an impossible situation. Could a love be right when it was sure to leave so much collateral damage in its wake? While Older was not as dark as some of Hartmann's previous books, the angst and heartbreak were in full effect. The pining and the longing were delicious torture. And while Hartmann always delivers an HEA, it's a long, heartbreaking road to get there. But for characters and stories as well written as Older, it's so worth the journey.4.5 stars
Meet
Jennifer
Jennifer 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.
Thirty-four-year-old Wren Waters believes that if
you pay attention, the universe will send you exactly what you need. But her
worldview shatters when the universe delivers two life-altering blows she
didn’t see coming, and all she wants to do is put the whole heartbreaking mess
behind her. No one is more surprised than Wren when she discovers that
geocaching―the outdoor activity of using GPS to look for hidden objects―is the
only thing getting her out of bed and out of her head. She decides that a
weeklong solo quest geocaching in Oregon is exactly what she needs to take back
control of her life.
Enter Marshall Hendricks, a psychologist searching for distraction as he
struggles with a life-altering blow of his own. Though Wren initially rebuffs
Marshall’s attempt at hiker small talk, she’s beyond grateful when he rescues
her from a horrifying encounter farther down the trail. In the interest of
safety, Marshall suggests partnering up to look for additional caches. Wren’s
no longer quite so trusting of the universe―or men in general―but her inner
circle might argue that a smart, charismatic psychologist isn’t the worst thing
the universe could place in her path.
What begins as a platonic road trip gradually blossoms into something deeper,
and the more Wren learns about Marshall, the more she wants to know. Now all she
can do is hope that the universe gets it right this time.
Eve Hatch lives for surprises! Just kidding. She expects every tomorrow to be pretty much the same as today. She loves her cozy apartment in Brooklyn that’s close to her childhood best friend Willa, and far from her midwestern, traditional family who has never really understood her. While her job is only dream-adjacent, it’s comfortable and steady. She always knows what to expect from her life . . . until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.
The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve’s loyal friendship with Willa is feeling tense, right when she needs her the most. And it’s actually Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help Eve. He has always been friendly, but now he’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is . . . suddenly kinda hot? Then, as if she needs one more complication, there’s the baby’s father, who is (technically) supportive but (majorly) conflicted.
Up until this point, Eve’s been content to coast through life. Now, though—maybe it’s the hormones, maybe it’s the way Shep’s shoulders look in a T-shirt—Eve starts to wonder if she has been secretly desiring more from every aspect of her life.
Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.
When a one night stand leads to an unplanned pregnancy, Eve is thrown for a loop. With two failed relationships behind her and stagnating in an unfulfilling job, parenthood wasn't exactly part of plan. Add to the mix Eve's best friend (Willa), who was dealing with fertility issues, and her decidedly lukewarm response to the news, plus the revelation that the baby's father (Ethan) had a serious girlfriend... and Eve was left feeling even more conflicted. Enter Shep, Willa's brother and Eve's lifelong friend. As Shep became her main source of emotional support, Eve navigated pregnancy, new career options, and an evolving relationship Ethan.
This was my first from Bastone and there was a lot to enjoy. Eve's conflicting feelings about impending motherhood felt realistic and made her all the more relatable. Ethan's struggle to accept his new reality while placating a jealous girlfriend and Willa's inability to fully support her friend due to her private challenges add layers that complicated matters, but never felt like unnecessary drama. But the shining star was Shep: the too-precious-for-this-world man who stocked Eve's refrigerator, gave foot rubs, bought a bicycle with a baby carrier, and provided unwavering support. While the middle of the story seemed to lag a bit and make the book feel overly long, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the true-to-life characters created by Bastone. This is one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
If you can't trust your head, can you trust your heart?
If she had been found moments later, Amelia's heart would have stopped and never recovered. Instead she was taken from the desolate beach to the nearest hospital just in time to save her life. When her sister Lexi arrives from New York, Amelia's heart is beating, but the accident has implanted a series of false memories. These memories revolve around a man named Sam, and a perfect love story that never existed.
Determined to help her sister, Lexi enlists the help of Nick, a local vet who bears a striking resemblance to Sam. Together, Lexi and Nick recreate and photograph Amelia's dream dates in the hopes of triggering her true memories.
But as love starts to stir between Lexi and Nick, they must navigate a complex web of emotions. How can Lexi fall for Amelia's dream man without hurting her sister?
Sisters Lexi and Amelia had always shared a special bond. When Lexi received the devastating call that Amelia was found unresponsive and is now hospitalized, she immediately left her life in New York City and returned home to Somerset. Reuniting with Amelia was bittersweet because as relieved as she was to see her sister, Amelia's repeated questions about her husband Sam's whereabouts were troubling to say the least. Because Amelia was not married and Sam did not exist. Intent on helping Amelia by any means possible, Lexi meets Nick, a man who looks exactly like Amelia's drawings of Sam. Lexi embarked on a journey to recreate Amelia's "memories" with Sam by staging photographs with Nick, hopeful that they would somehow jolt Amelia from her confabulation.
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of the story but it was the execution that brought the characters to left and dealt an emotional punch. The bond between the two sisters was something magical (in more ways than one), and the relationship that formed between Lexi and Nick was heartwarming and gave meant-to-be vibes. I sat back in wonder as the story unfolded. Like a movie, I watched each scene play out and I was completely invested. Atkins delivered a few twists that I did not see coming and by the end I was shedding tears and smiling, despite my battered heart. This is not my first from Atkins (I enjoyed the equally moving The Story of Us) and it will certainly not be the last.
violence/death (mostly off page), physical abuse (off page)
Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?
Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.
No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.
Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.
A scorching kiss over fabric samples makes me question all my choices. But is it too late to change my entire life to get more of them?
Anne had been her mother’s loyal companion and dutiful
daughter since the death of her father six years ago. It was a role she did not
begrudge but at the same time many aspects of her life had stagnated over the
years. When she feared for her friend’s safety and was determined to journey to
her and rescue her if needed, she approached Felix Hartford for help. Six years
ago, Felix broke her young heart and despite her lingering feelings for him,
her disappointment in him stoked the fire of their now antagonistic
relationship.
Felix, the second son of an earl, was viewed as something
of a bon vivant, always up for a good time or a wager on a curricle race.
Privately, Felix was shouldering heavy responsibilities that he took pains to
keep secret. Continually viewed as frivolous by both his family and the genteel
society, Felix was actually noble, loyal and kind. His pursuit of Anne was
positively swoon-worthy and I adored both his witty flirting and his grand
gestures as he courted the only woman he’d ever loved.
Female friendship continues to be a theme in this series,
and I enjoyed seeing the connection between the women (the Four Horsewomen)
evolve. Grief and family loyalty are also explored, and both added such
humanity to the main characters and made their actions all the more believable.
Anne’s devotion to her mother was admirable, even while her mother’s grief had
become toxic and manifested in the tight control she maintained over Anne.
I loved the character growth in both Anne and Felix and watching
as they made peace with their past. Their interactions were filled with snarky
banter, with Anne’s intelligence and sharp wit always evident. As their
relationship began to evolve and their exchanges grew more serious, I melted
each time they laid down a part of their past and laid bare their true
feelings. Felix was more free with both his words and his actions and the way
he showed his care for Anne, in small ways and large, was the epitome of romance.
I’m a sucker for pining and yearning and there were epic levels of both here.
There is much to love in this second chance romance: a mother with a familiar spirit named Dmitri, snappy banter, a temperamental kitten, a hero with an entrepreneurial spirit, a bombastic nephew, shared secrets, toe-curling kisses and swoony embraces, friends to frenemies to lovers, and a climactic scene at a holiday house party that was written to perfection.
Whether you’ve already enjoyed the prior books in the
Belles of London series or not, The Lily of Ludgate Hill can easily be read on
its own and is one I highly recommend. 4.5 STARS
Note: I was provided an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
From small-town romance author, Brooke Montgomery, comes a family saga series based in the fictional town of Sugarland Creek set in the Mountains of East Tennessee. Readers who love steamy romances will enjoy Here With Me: a forbidden age-gap romance.
A forbidden age gap stand-alone from small-town romance author Brooke Montgomery about a daring horse trainer and her off-limits ex-boyfriend’s dad…
Whenwe met at the rodeo, I only knew his first name.
Sparks ignited between us, and we spent an unforgettable night together. It's not until the morning after when I recognize his last name do I realize who he is.
So I do what any rational woman would and make the walk of shame while he sleeps. It's not like I'll ever see him again or have to explain why I left.
But I'm proven wrong when he shows up at my family's ranch as the new farrier.
We can't be more than friends—for many reasons. He's twice my age, workplace relationships are off-limits, and he moved back to rebuild a relationship with his son—the one I used to date.
Getting involved would ruin everything.
As we struggle between right and wrong, our connection deepens even though his traumatic past makes him doubt he deserves a second chance.
But it doesn't matter when everything's against us, including a rival who's out to get me and my ex who's determined to win me back.
After a riding trick goes wrong on his watch, he insists on taking care of me. Even though the odds are stacked against us, we keep the truth to ourselves.
But secrets don't stay hidden for long in a Southern small town.
Here With Me is book 1 in the Sugarland Creek series. Contains 20+ year age gap, ex-boyfriend's dad, workplace romance, opposites attract, and secret relationship vibes. Each book in this Southern, small-town series is a stand-alone and ends in a happily ever after. Please read the content warning before the prologue.
I feel as if I've been waiting for this book for ages. When Brooke Montgomery shared the synopsis, I was thrilled. When I read the prequel (Come With Me), it only amped up my excitement. So finally having Here With Me in my hands had me positively giddy. And it did not disappoint.
Noah is a horse trainer at her family's ranch and retreat. She meets Fisher at the rodeo and the attraction is instant. Figuring out that he's her ex's father the morning after has her hightailing it out of there, certain she'll never she him again - until he shows up at the ranch where he's been hired as the new farrier. What follows is a delicious push and pull between Noah and Fisher as they try to keep their distance, but are drawn to one another again and again.
Here With Me was one of those books that I flew through because I couldn't bare to put it down. I was so invested in Noah and Fisher, in the side characters, and the minor suspense element. Montgomery has created a small town in Tennessee that makes me want to drop everything and go visit. From the small town setting, the Hollis family ranch, Noah's rowdy brothers, her loving parents... this first book in what is sure to be an addictive family saga was right up my alley.
Fisher's back story was utterly heartbreaking and he carried a mantle of guilt and grief. I admired his determination to reconnect with his son and the patience he had when Jase did not always welcome his return. The acceptance he found with Noah led to such healing and I loved his journey.
The romance was simply... *chef's kiss* The chemistry, the banter, the spice - it was all done so well. Noah was sassy and a total adrenaline junkie. Fisher was older, more settled, with a rodeo career already behind him. Despite all the obstacles they faced, they had a connection that was undeniable.
Fair warning: the prologue is a bit intense and Montgomery does provide a message stating that sensitive readers can easily skip it as the content is covered briefly in other parts of the book, but in less detail.
Unless it's not already obvious, I loved this first full-length novel in the Sugarland Creek series. The epilogue provided a perfect set-up for next book, and the bonus epilogue melted my heart. All that's left to say is: I want more!
Rating: 4.5⭐
Tropes: age gap, small town, family saga, ex's father
Content warning (highlight to view): suicide attempt, loss of a child, grief, depression
About Brooke Montgomery
Brooke has been writing romance since 2013 under the USA Today Bestselling author pen names: Brooke Cumberland and Kennedy Fox, and now, Brooke Montgomery. She loves writing small-town romance with big families and happily ever afters! She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, wild teenager, and four dogs. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, watching ASMR and reading vlogs on YouTube, or binge-watching a TV show she's most likely behind on. Brooke's addicted to iced coffee, leggings, and naps. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.
BEFORE I LET GO Kennedy Ryan Format: eARC Source: Netgalley Genre: Contemporary romance, women's fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life
delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love
alone couldn’t solve or save everything.
It couldn’t save their marriage.
Yasmen wasn’t prepared for how her life fell apart, but she is finally starting
to find joy again. She and Josiah have found a new rhythm, co-parenting their
two kids and running a thriving business together. Yet like magnets, they’re
always drawn back to each other, and now they’re beginning to wonder if they’re
truly ready to let go of everything they once had.
Soon, one stolen kiss leads to another…and then more. It's hot. It's illicit.
It's all good—until old wounds reopen. Is it too late for them to find forever?
Or could they even be better, the second time around?
With every Kennedy Ryan novel I read, I feel at a
complete loss to do them justice with a review. I don’t have adequate words to
convey just how powerful and moving her writing is. Ryan’s latest, Before I Let
Go, is no exception. She has woven a story of loss, healing, and second chances
that is stunningly good.
To friends and family, Yasmen and Josiah were relationship
goals - a shining example of a happy marriage – until they
weren’t. Blow after unexpected blow
shook their once rock-solid marriage to its foundation and created a chasm they
seemed unable to bridge.
Post-divorce, Josiah and Yasmen found a new normal:
running their successful restaurant together and co-parenting their two
children. What didn’t change was their deep love and respect for one another. Josiah
never wanted the divorce and was shaken to his core when he lost the one thing he believed in, the one steady presence in his life that he was sure
would never abandon him. Yasmen felt Josiah’s absence like a physical ache. He
was her first love, but drowning under the weight of grief and trauma, divorce
seemed the only option.
While Yasmen found a therapist she connected with and
began to claw her way out of the darkness, Josiah only began therapy to serve
as an example for his young son. Stubborn and skeptical at the start, Josiah
started to confront past trauma and acknowledge the ways it had impacted his
life, and his relationship with Yasmen. Their lives were still irrevocably intertwined, between the children and the business, and their love for another was evidenced in every shared memory and inside joke. When
a business trip forced them together, lines were crossed and all the old
feelings that had been hidden under a layer of hurt and recrimination spark to
life.
Before I Let Go was tender and poignant while packing a
powerful emotional punch. There was laughter and tears and most importantly:
hope. Yasmen and Josiah’s struggles felt all too realistic and the unexpected
place they found themselves in was heart wrenching. The love was still there
but buried under grief and pain.
Kennedy Ryan has been candid about her own struggles with
depression and mental health, which came to a head while writing this novel. That
intersection of real life and fiction likely went a long way in making this
remarkable story that much more realistic. Ryan is a born storyteller and Before
I Let Go is an achingly beautiful story of two people who stumbled and fell,
only to travel a rocky road back in hope that it leads them home.5 STARS
ABOUT KENNEDY RYAN
A RITA® Award Winner and Top 25 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts.
She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta families living with Autism, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.
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