The Younger Man

by Zoë Foster Blake

Abby runs her own agency, providing beautiful girls for promotional events. She needs a new website and when she calls in the web contractors, none other than the gorgeous, sexy, young Marcus turns up. Abby had met Marcus at a party a few weeks earlier and they had an amazing one-night stand. Abby is not unhappy to see him again. He is rather divine, after all. It's just that she's 33 and he's 22, so how can she ever expect anything to come of this relationship. But Marcus is determined and sets out to prove to Abby that he is wise beyond his years and knows what he wants. Abbie is not so sure and when she escapes to Italy and meets someone else, she must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Adult Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

Zoë Foster Blake is an Australian author and the founder of Go-To skin care. Yes, she is writing this in third person.

Zoë writes mostly for young women, because she thinks they're wonderful and deserve nice books.

Zoë has published five fiction titles, THINGS WILL CALM DOWN SOON, AIR KISSES, PLAYING THE FIELD, THE YOUNGER MAN and THE WRONG GIRL (made into a network TV series in Australia).

Zoë has also written four non-fiction titles: a dating and relationship guide called TEXTBOOK ROMANCE, (written with Hamish Blake), AMAZINGER FACE, a compilation of beauty tips and tricks, BREAK-UP BOSS, (also an app) and LOVE!, essays from a decade spent writing relationship advice. She published CLEAN SLATE, an Audible Original about infidelity in a seemingly perfect marriage in 2020.

She also writes picture books: NO ONE LIKES A FART, which won the ABIA Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2018 because farts are where it’s AT, BACK TO SLEEP, FART AND BURP ARE SUPERSTINKERS (titled NO ONE LIKES A BURP in the US), SCAREDY BATH, BATTLE MUM, HAPPY FARTER’S DAY, and BEST PRESENT EVER.

When she's not updating her goodreads bio she's writing her new novel, out Oct 2026.

Reviews

[Catriona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually kind of enjoyed this one. I mean, I knew it was a load of complete and utter crap, but it took me away from my own life, and let me fantasize a little.

The writing was basic. It’s easy to read, holds the flimsy plot, and, well, doesn’t make you think too hard. It’s chic lit. If there were any deep philosophical themes underlining this ‘great’ love, then no one would want to read it. Chic lit is supposed to be crap, and easy to read nonsense is just what we want sometimes…am I right?

Like I described above, it’s flimsy. There’s no other way to describe it. A beautiful young man meets a hot older woman and they get it on for a bit, then they break up…you can probably guess what happens in the end. I’m not going to put a *spoiler* sign at the top, as anyone who doesn’t know the ending of a story with the words ‘He was only supposed to be a bit of fun’ on the front cover should not be on this planet anymore.

Which leads me to the characters. The three main girls (the protagonist clearly being Abby although it’s in third person) are all beautiful, skinny and successful. These kind of books can only ever have one type of climax (everything turning to shit- lost jobs, gained weight, breakups), which doesn’t really leave much room for reader imagination.

This is chic lit through and through, and if you’re a fan of this genre, or just looking for a romantic fix, the plot and characters will not bring you down.

I’m going to give it a 29/50, as it’s not particularly gripping or intelligently written, but it fills a hole, and is great for procrastination!

Recommended for fans of romance/chic lit and ‘Sex and the City’.

Read more of my book reviews on my tumblr: http://bemyfriendandbreatheme.tumblr....

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I finally know what a contemporary novel is. Zoe Foster has written a pretty decent book with The Younger Man and it is absolutely for your twenty-something to thirty-something crowd. It reads like Sex and the City for Aussie girls.

Her characters are your best friends and sisters and the women you work with, highly relatable and very realistic, I wouldn't be surprised if they're actually based on Foster's own friends.

Marcus is an amazing male lead. Albeit it a bit unicorny, and by that I mean it's utterly impossible that a man like him exists. I definitely did not like Alessandro, I just found him to be conjuring all the wrong stereotypes.

The writing style is light, fun and quite humorous and I absolutely powered through it, I don't even think it took a full 24 hours to get through.

My major criticism for this book though, is that it is absolutely RIDDLED with errors in spelling, punctuation, tense and continuity and there were a bunch of instances where the wrong word was used: threw instead of through. I also disliked the abundance of americanisms in a novel written by an Aussie author and set in Australia, along with the narration, it switches from 2nd person back to 1st and vice versa, it drove me a little nuts.

Essentially, loved Marcus. Found new friends in Abby, Chelsea and Mads. Found a new author to read when I need to let my brain be mush.

Final rating 3.5/5

See more of my reviews at www.wordsandwarpaintblog.wordpress.com

[Meegz Reads]

*DNF*

Not for me unfortunately. A couple of chapters in and just not really feeling it.

[Sarah-Jane Woodward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read two of her books in close succession, I’m really perturbed by Foster’s constant references to her characters’ weight! Genuinely off putting to have female characters fat shaming each other so consistently!

[maryanne]

This book sucks and Zoe should be embarrassed

[Maddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice light read that started off slow but finished really beautifully! I love Zoe Foster-Blake’s writing but I think I definitely preferred The Wrong Girl to this one!

[Hannah Niccol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just…. No

[LucyE · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this book, it was a bit slow to start but once you got into it was an easy read. I enjoyed the dynamic of how she had written the characters - the character development was great. I thought it ended nicely.

[Michelle_Mck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up last night because the book I was reading was doing my head in, my off again fella kept ringing me and I was feeling in need of something that would make me forget about my own heartache for a moment in time and instantly thought of Zoe Foster's new book which I had fortuitously picked up from the library. I knew I secretly wanted to save the book for a rainy weekend but with no Prozac on hand it was to TheYounger Man I clung/groped umm I mean read.

I wasn't disappointed, having never read one of Zoe's books before but having been reader of her tumblr and her posts to Momma Mia I felt certain that she was "my kinda people" and I wasn't wrong, she is one top chick!!

The book is everything I wanted it to be, it was fun, it had fashion, it had hot young man body, dresses, macaroons and Italy!! There is no finer combination of things that could be in any book. The book isn't perfect, and I didn't want it to be. In 295 pages it isn't going to be the finest character study of the 21st century but it made me feel good.

The book follows Abby, at the start I loved her because she has Missoni towels, and I'm obsessed with Missoni homewares.. She has a sexy young man in her bed and she is checking herself out in the harsh bathroom light after sexy romp with young man. Abby has rules, like not letting sexy boys stay over after a one night stand. She gets him out of her house with a not so creative excuse (one which secretly I think many of us have used in the past) and things she will never see him again. She does and so what she thinks will be another random encounter turns out to be something more.

Along the way we have exercise, coffee, brunch with her 2 besties Chelsea and Mad's who have their own hiccups along the way, it did annoy me that every name gets shortened but that is a very Australian thing, personally I hate Mich but I get it all the time. I would have liked the sub plots with them fleshed out a little as the seemed a little one noted but the story is about Abby and Marcus.

The plot with her business and Charlie didn't ring true especially the way it is sorted out, that would never happen and Abby is an assertive woman, I'm not spoiling anything in saying that but wanted a bit more..

Those are my criticisms though and I loved it far far more, would love to know what the peach dress she wears on her last night in Italy looks like, sounded sexy as hell and am still thinking about how wonderful Marcus' skin really is!!

[Amy (Lost in a Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this book. I don't think I liked it as much as I liked The Wrong Girl, but I did enjoy it. Abby is a woman in her mid-30s, accomplished, self-employed and not looking for a relationship. Naturally, this idea is challenged when she meets Marcus, a guy of 22 who was only meant to be a one night fling. I liked the dynamic between these two, Foster plays them off one another and as they clash and blend it's a great read.

I liked that Marcus was mature and serious, but knew how to have fun as well. He reflected back against Abby's insecurities and her constant doubts and it made the reader see Abby's failings. The story wasn't predictable to the point of fault; it was more like you knew where it was meant to go if only Abby could get her act together. She was the one that needed to learn and grow up ironically. But seeing her turmoil and the journey they go on is rewarding as well. The story isn't will they/won't they, it's how long and what will we have to sit through before Abby gets herself together. Which was different, it didn't have the usual climax and drama, I was almost starting to think it wasn't going to have one to be honest.

Foster could have added more to the story but in a way I think it works, even with the abrupt ending she's gone with. There could have been extra pages that wrap things up nicely, that give more details, hope, happy endings, but it works without it. Foster wraps things up in stages so there are a few mini conclusions before the book ends which until the end you don't realise were mini conclusions. It was a surprise but when I thought it through it works quite well.

This review was published on my blog Lost in a Good Book

[Teagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick little rom com that is quirky and true to form. The novel highlights that often our realities are way better than the make believes that go on in our land of dream. I enjoyed the contemporary wit that is used throughputs Zoe Foster Blake's writing. A good read for when you want a laugh and don't need to over think it!

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Abby drove me crazy sometimes, by the halfway mark I could not put this book down. Cleverly written, I absolutely loved it!

[Sam Hetherington · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

Huge fan of Zoe but this felt like it minimised her talents.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my girl crush on Zoë Foster Blake deepened as a result of reading The Wrong Girl and Air Kisses, I decided to give this one a go. And I was not disappointed.

Light-hearted, relatable and easy to read chick-lit seems to be Foster Blake’s specialty. Abby Vaughn, 33 year old business owner in the sexual prime of her life, assumes she will never again see that sexy, 22 year old stranger as she kicks him out of her house at 2am, warning him off with tales of a fake fiancée.

That is until she hires a web design company to totally overhaul her company website. And who should work for that web company, but her one night stand Marcus. As his company creates a new website that’s so great that she finally has some resemblance of free time from her own company, Abby spends more time with Marcus. What’s the harm in a little fun with the kid? Nothing serious could ever come out of it, after all. She’s over a decade his senior. He’s a child. He must have some growing up to do, right?

Meanwhile, Abby’s close friend Mads struggles with IVF to try and get pregnant. Their friend Chelsea deals with the relationship baggage that comes with dating an older man. Abby takes on an assistant to help with the running of the business so that she can take off to Italy for 5 weeks. Does she make the right decision, leaving her home, her business and Marcus?

Just as I found Foster Blake’s other books easy to read, this palate cleanser left me wanting more. My only complaint is that some of my questions were left unanswered. Sometimes cliché and predictable, but overall, everything I look for in a light-hearted chick-lit.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my pile of ‘to read’ for longer than I’d like to admit. It took me awhile to get to, but it was a great read when I finally got around to it. Let’s call it what it is though: light hearted, rom-com, and charming. If you want a book to read while you’re on holidays, that you can pick up and abandon and not have to devote too much brainpower to, this is a winner.

It was funny, it was clever and frothy. The characters aren’t in depth, the situations are caricatures and if this is an accurate representation of what life is like for 30-something Sydney dwellers, then I’m doing something wrong with my life. Having said all of that, I genuinely love Australian writers, I love when I read a book set in familiar landscapes and I love seeing the Australian humour, grammar and linguistic quirks showcased.

A good, light hearted read that doesn’t take itself seriously, and I enjoyed for what it was.

[Helianthus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not usually one to read 'chick lit', but as The Younger Man was work's book of the month I decided a change may be nice. I wasn't wrong here, but I also wasn't entirely right...

The humour in this story was probably my favourite bit about it, very clever, and lighthearted. As a general rule I wasn't enamoured with the characters and their interactions, there was something just that little bit too familiar about them which became a little unnerving. As well as this, there was something sickly sweet about Marcus which I could never seem to ignore. Despite this, as a whole, the story was amusing, and a lighthearted, comfortable read; a lovely break from the intense literary texts I've been reading for uni. However I wasn't entirely convinced, and honestly, probably won't be reading another of the sort any time soon.

If you're after a fun, easy read, with a rather charming love interest, then this is definitely the novel for you!

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as chick lit goes, I think Zoe Foster Blake wins the crown.

This book was so easy to read and kept my attention the whole time. The characters are so likeable and believable and like I said in my review of her other book, Zoe writes like a regular Aussie girl in her twenties/thirties would speak. It's like reading about your own friends' lives (perhaps more dramatic though)!

I would recommend "The Younger Man" and "The Wrong Girl" to anyone looking for a very light but fun and scintillating beach (or anywhere) read.

[Josie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I ended up skimming through this and the only reason it wasn't a DNF was because it was the only book I had on hand. The MC was atrocious. She cheats, is judgy, rude, insufferable, and selfish (just to name a few of her memorable qualities). I feel sorry for every secondary character that has to deal with her. She also acted like she had one foot in the grove; as someone in the same age group, I have not met a single person like her. This was ridiculous.

[Steffi Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok
Only ZFB book I’ve ever read, and didn’t inspire me to read any more.
Didn’t connect to the characters or the plot, and found the ending really silly ... I remember little about this book but I remember reading the main man (Marcus) be repeatedly called “Cussy” in the final act and that made me want to throw this book on a fire.
That said, I finished it, which means it wasn’t that bad.

[Sadiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about a women called Abby who’s 33 and she finds herself entangled with a 22 year old man. For a chick lit, this was good. I enjoyed the plot and sub plots because there was always something new happening, it’s written so you feel like you’re actually friends with the main character and actually rooting for her. Lacked a bit of substance but it’s an easy, cruisey read if that’s what you’re looking for. I give it a 3.5/5

[Sacha Bodell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great vacation book, easy to read and likeable characters for the most part. It all wrapped up very quickly though (almost like a midday movie!) - I wished that the readers could have had a few more plot lines ended. I literally went looking to see if there was a sequel! This was the first ZFB book I’ve read, I’ll definitely check out her others now 😊

[Sian Langridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you need a juicy romcom full of friendship and boy problems this is the one that will keep you giggling and reminiscing. Biased with it being based in Australia also and parts in Italy, along with the happy ending.

[Jen | jenreadsx · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed with this book - especially since I had such high hopes!

It sounded like a fun, flirty read. But it ended so suddenly for every character. Basically a cliff hanger for everyone you could say!

Basically I didn’t get my fun, flirty read

[Sarah Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was spicy, romantic, full of passion and was an absolute page turner! I couldn’t put it down - such an easy and fun read for those looking for something light hearted and romantic. Love ❤️‍🔥

[Steph Rowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to preface this with.. it’s a book written in 2012, and I am probably not the target demographic.

The book was fine, problematic language used indicative of the time it was written and was a bit boring in parts. But, overall very easy to read.

[Juliana Sayago · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of the facts that books is full of predictable events, it's well written and entertaining and makes you want to have a Marcus around

[Brittany Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, lighthearded

[Marijana Stojanovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is funny, easy to understand and quick to read.

[Kim Tee Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and frivolous. Nice distraction on a busy and stressful month.

[*Lee* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably a 2.5 - had its moments.