Textual Relations

by Lauren Rowe, Andi Arndt (Narrator), John Lane (Narrator)

Grayson McKnight

I haven’t been having much luck on the dating scene lately, ever since my breakup with my longtime college girlfriend. I thought being 25 and single would be a blast, but dating apps are trash, and I’ve managed to get nothing but three fake numbers at my favorite bar.

Thankfully, the actual owner of the third fake number was kind enough to reply to let me know I’d texted the wrong number. She was warm and open and expressed curiosity about the fake number I’d been given, so we got to texting. She gave me some flirting advice, so I can get a real number next time. But she was so hot when dispensing her advice, and also so kind, I saved her as "Hot Teacher" in my phone and mustered the courage to ask her for drinks tonight. Not to get more advice, but to persuade her to give me a shot herself. And she said yes. Well, actually, she said maybe. But I honestly think she’s coming.

Sight unseen, I’m already far more attracted to Hot Teacher than anyone I’ve met on the dating scene, so I’m going to pull out all the stops tonight, if she comes to the bar. The thing is, I might be shy and terrible at flirting, but if Hot Teacher gives me a shot, I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to surprise her behind closed doors. I’ve been studying up so diligently since my breakup, in fact, I’m pretty damned sure I’d be able to blow her beautiful mind, if only she’ll give me the chance.

Textual Relations is a steamy older-woman/younger-man romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud, fan yourself, and swoon your way to Grayson and Selena’s happily ever after.

Note: Portions of the full-length novel, Textual Relations, originally appeared in Lauren Rowe's much shorter novella, Wrong Number, Right Guy, that was only briefly available.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Spicy, He Falls First

6 pages, Audible Audio

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

USA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, walks her dogs, and spends time with her family and friends.
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Selena and Grayson’s story was a lot of fun! I recall reading about Grayson in Max’s book, and I was pleased to obtain his full-length book. He was such a great cinnamon roll hero, and I loved Selena’s relationship with her son. I wish we had seen more of their falling for one another. I feel like the time jumps didn’t do any favors for me, but as a whole, I really enjoyed this one!

Audio book source: Audible Plus
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & John Lane
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 6h 45m

[Kate G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has fleshed out a previous novella she wrote. It was entertaining as a novella but not great as a full novel. Neither main character is very believable and they are pretty cheesy. I like Lauren Rowe but her sex scenes are written so it sounds painful every time. Too much rippling and warping. She does funny characters really well though.

[Miranda Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

pallet cleanser

I really loved how refreshing this book was. I was waiting for the big dramatic “breakup” to come but it never did and I feel like that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun Lauren Rowe book! I got so much enjoyment from reading this older woman, cinnamon roll hero romance. In this book Grayson ends up texting Selena thinking it was a girl named Katie he had met at a bar. Turns out she gave him a fake number. Selena and him start talking and she gives him some dating advice. They decide to meet in person and it goes from there. Grayson is such a sweetie. He is an adorable 25-year-old nerdy guy and Selena is a successful single mom who's about 15 years older than him. I loved their relationship. This is a short book so it does go very quickly but it doesn't feel insta-lovey to me.

Tropes: single mom, older woman, age gap, cinnamon roll hero

[Bibliophile Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely pulchritudinous story!

I am a sucker for a nerdy hero, and Grayson checks all the boxes for me!

I am also a new fan of the age-gap romance, especially when it's a younger hero, older heroine.

This is Selina and Grayson's story, and what a down-and-dirty, funny-as-all-get-out, and total swoonfest!

I loved the patience and persistence of Grayson, and I could empathize with Selina’s trepidation and her need to take things in their relationship at a snail's pace.

This is a quick read that was hard to put down once I started, which is a five-star in my world.

I cannot wait to see what Ms. Rowe gives us readers in this stellar world and the characters she has created.

[Sarandah chrysalis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the low angst, spicy, sweet, golden retriever MMC. I needed this week.

[Sarah (thehireader)]

DNF. there’s endearing, hot nerdy and then there’s wears a fedora and says “m’lady” nerdy. i’ll let you guess which one grayson is.

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 🌟 (Audible Plus Catalog)

Probably my least favorite. Felt like a very "vanilla" story in comparison to the others. Sweet love story, nonetheless.

[Tessa Aldridge · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5💙

[Monica (The Accidental Romance Blogger) Barbosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson McKnight doesn't have the best of luck when it comes to dating. Single after being with his first ever girlfriend for 5 years, he's trying to "get back in the game", but it just happened again: he was given a bogus phone number. He finds out when Selena Diaz kindly answers his text and informs him that someone gave him her number instead. A fun text exchange happens and Grayson decides to try his luck ands asks her to meet him for drinks. He already knows that she is older than his 25 years and not interested in a relationship, but he just can't help wanting to meet this wonderful woman. If she shows up, they'll see what happens from there. They both show up and drinks turn into a mind-blowing weekend in a luxury hotel. NO strings attached. NO promise of tomorrows. But Fate put them together... and now neither wants to be apart. This might have been the wrong number, but she's definitely the right woman.
This book is like a warm hug!  It's also hot AF, as Grayson is a devoted student of one certain guy Ball Peen Hammer's "instructional videos"! Grayson is first grade boyfriend material and I love that Selena is older, Latinx and a mom. Their times together are equally steamy and swoony! Don't be fooled by Grayson's golden retriever ways. He can be super alpha when Selena needs him. You'll see. 
And the epilogue? Awwwww.... Highly recommend! 
Oh, and for the Lauren Rowe fans, they meet at Captain's! 
If you are curious about the friend that goes to the bar with Grayson, you can find what went down with his one night stand with Marnie, Selena's friend, in Who's Your Daddy? 

Thanks, Lauren, for letting me read this in advance!

[Julie D (Audio and Book Jewels) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grayson… you have to love him! The way this book started was pure excellence for me. The text conversations set the tone for.. well.. you’ll have to read to find out.

Selena may not warm up as fast as Grayson.. but when she does… watch out.

Lauren Rowe is an author is love to read. Her stories are always full and satisfying. Age gap, slow burn, sexy times.. mild manner yet alpha male in the bedroom.. was right up my alley. I started it and could not put it down! I loved it and recommend it highly!!

[Jessica Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson has had bad luck in the dating field. Until one day his luck has changed with a wrong number. This book is full of swoon moments, hot loving and in true Lauren Rowe fashion you will find yourself LOL. I find myself not wanting to put this book down. It's been a while when I find myself finishing a book within a day. This book can be read alone.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah! Syrupy sweet….romance to the nth level. A wrong number text opens up into something more for two strangers. This is a swoony romantic novel. Lol, something that happens only in fairy tales it seems. I loved it! Grayson and Selena were perfect! Five stars!

[London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I loved meeting Greyson and Selena in Who's Your Daddy although you don't have to have read that to read this age gap hook up to more rom com. It was full of banter and spice the way only LR can write it. I need more from this little friend group.

[Brandon Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot recommend enough. Loved this book. I would actually give it 10 stars. MCs maintain great communication throughout, despite not always being on the same page. Spice level is great and the guy’s sexy time talk has no cringe unlike a lot of other open door romances I’ve read. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a lot happens in this one. The only real conflict is the age gap that forms half of the premise for the book, but as someone who prefers her men without an ounce of game, Grayson was refreshing and I was happy to cheer for him and Selena to get their happy ending.

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story but where I had some spoilers during book 1 it took the fun out of the milestones. I knew they would be together etc etc. but all in all a really good story !! Very much a pallet cleanser - with a pretty great touch of spice !

[TheSassyNerdBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*RTC*

[Lauren Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable crossover! His & her POVs! 🆓 on Audible Plus! Spicy! So much dirty banter. Age gap, older FMC. Happy ending! Super cute!

[Catmomdani21 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

Cute story. You never know what's behind a wrong number. I like how Selena advocated for herself throughout the book. We need more bad ass boss babes.

[Jade Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Makenna Lang · Rating 1 out of 5]

With the Broski Report on hiatus, romance books have become my new comedy show, but my god this was so cringe and not in a funny way

[Keli]

I usually like Lauren Rowe books, I just got board with this one.

[Brina's Emotional Borrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐ 

Could a wrong number change your entire life?

Textual Relations has to be one of the sweetest romance stories I’ve read in a while. The number of times I had a goofy smile on my face was ridiculously wonderful.

Grayson is the sweetest, most kind, loving, and respectful MMC and wears his heart on his sleeve. What you see is what you get with this guy! 100% golden retriever energy in the best way possible.

Selena tries to take things slow, but Grayson’s personality completely wins her over. She has some baggage from her ex and has a slow thaw toward being with this younger man. Even though this book has very little conflict, it’s still a great read. There are some crazy, silly twists along the way that add slight drama and plenty of laughs. And the epilogue was the perfect way to wrap up their love story.

This is hands down a book to read when you just want that happy feeling. It perfectly captures the idea that "it’s the journey and not the destination".

As a side note, I really enjoyed seeing Max and Marnie in this book and getting an outside glance at their story.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

If all the alpha heroes were standing on a table, I'd sweep my arm and swipe them off cause there's only one person that belongs on the top!
Grayson "hopper" McKnight you have stolen my heart, my breath, my lungs, the air in them, my kidney, my soul, my trembling legs and open arms.
He's adorabilicious, scrumptious, and a gentleman.
stooopid shallow femaledom has done us a favor by fake-numbering him so he is all ours.
He smiles big, laughs a lot, woo-hoos boyishly, grins wide and owns a h-u-g-e dick AND knows how to use it. Jesus take the wheel!!!

“Leave Jesus out of it,” he retorts. “That was all me, baby.”

Along with talented fingers & tongue, a dirty mouth and incredible stamina
Being 25 helps. You young stud, you!
Well done Selena Diaz. Don't let him go, cause there's going to be a long line of drooling women waiting for him
Lauren Rowe! You keep creating men I wanna ride like a rollercoaster and loving every one of them.
This is your finest character after Ball Peen Hammer and that's saying something after all the hunky alphas you have.
I wanna squish his cheeks and poke at his dimples, this...this die-hard romantic which in itself is a dying breed.

"I’m the human equivalent of a Golden Retriever, and I can’t even pretend otherwise."

This book is a Must..Must Read.
A fake number brings Grayson the IT nerd to Selena the Hot Teacher who becomes his guide in helping decipher the dating etiquettes.
One thing leads to another and they just can't keep their hands off or stay away from each other.
It's mirthful delight of epic proportions, a simple yet dorky tale on how to be yourself and get the girl.
Very fresh, very novel approach , dealt with honesty in this book.
Such a wonderful departure from fake alphaisms!!!
5 platinum diamond studded stars for pulchritudinous Love
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[Mervi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Grayson McKnight is twenty-five years old, works in the IT department of a law firm, and describes himself as "shy and on the nerdy side". He's six feet tall, has green eyes and cute dimples, and has been told by women that he has an adorable "baby face".

Grayson hasn't had much luck with women since his long-term relationship of three years ended six months earlier. He doesn't much care for on-line hookups as he's looking for something more serious, and at bars, he's already been given three fake phone numbers. He considers himself to be lame at flirting.

On ringing this last third number, Selena Diaz picks up. Selena is thirteen years older than Grayson, at the age of thirty-eight, is divorced and the mother of Drew, a thirteen-year-old teenager, in addition to being the owner of Daisy, her three-year-old dog.

Grayson immediately falls for Selena, sight unseen, but Selena isn't looking for anything serious, let alone someone that much younger. Grayson, however, is determined to give it his all and tries to talk her into meeting him in person.

This book was not to my taste. The sex descriptions were off-putting, and I'd estimate that half the book was comprised of these scenes. The use of the f_ck word was also excessive and entirely unnecessary, especially considering that Grayson was described as being a shy and considerate person.

I didn't think much of Selena. She says that she doesn't want a young man or a serious relationship, etc. and yet she doesn't stick to her principles. I liked Grayson well enough but, as I said, their sexual relations and language used were a real turn off.

The inordinate number of times that the word "pulchritudinous" was used also grated on my nerves. An inside joke is one thing but there are only a certain amount of times that one would find this amusing or endearing. Definite overkill.

I thought Drew delightful, with his great sense of humour and wit. Sadly, Drew and the very end of the story, especially the epilogue - which I did enjoy - weren't enough to redeem this book.

The narration by Andi Arndt was good, as usual.

Warning: This book contains anal sex.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute adorable swoon fest from Lauren Rowe! Textual Relations made me laugh and sigh. And, it was also insanely hot! When I started the book, I never ever imagined someone shy adorably awkward nerd like Grayson would turn into a dirty talking sexy beast for the right kind of woman. Selena, being a bada&& sexy MILF boss lady herself, brought out the spicy side in our sweetheart hero. Their banter was so entertaining and the spice burned my kindle down.

It all started when Grayson was given a fake number by a woman at bar and it lead him to the original owner of the number. Selena Diaz is happily divorced with a 14 year old son & definitely not looking for a relationship. But their text messages show their magnetic attraction. Grayson convinced her to meet and their chemistry is undeniable. Now all Grayson has to convince her that they are good together forever.

Reverse age gap is definitely a rare trope. And it was very well done here. Selena is very confident in her sexuality and her personality but she was through a bad marriage with a manipulative emotionally abusive husband and she has a hard time letting in people. Specially for her son. But Grayson is such a dorky adorable charmer omg. I don’t know why he was getting fake numbers from women because he is a real catch. Great sense of humor. Sexy in boy next door way. And when given chance, can turn a woman's world upside down in bed. Selena resisted his charm as long as possible and tried to limit their relationship to scorching hot sexy times. But he just got into her heart. They are two different world. Selena being rich and affluent and elite..Grayson coming from a modest background but making a name in technology world on his own. But they are perfect for each other. Grayson made Selena feel desirable and loved and cherished again and Selena gave him true pure unconditional love. The secondary characters were pretty amusing too.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Lynnette]

This wasn’t my favourite Lauren Rowe book, although I did discover afterwards that it’s the book that comes before Who’s Your Daddy?, so once again, that’s on me!

Unfortunately, I found the story quite boring overall. There was definitely chemistry between Selena and Grayson, but I never fully connected with their relationship. The whole “boy toy” and “cougar” dynamic was played up so heavily that it started to give me the ick. I kept hoping Grayson would mature as the relationship developed and that we’d see more growth between them, but he remained very much Selena’s boy toy from beginning to end.

I also felt there was a missed opportunity for deeper character development. Both characters were at very different stages of life, and I would have loved to see that explored in a more meaningful way.

Lauren Rowe certainly knows how to write a confident woman who gets straight to business, and if you’re into a golden retriever hero paired with a sexy older heroine, this one might work for you. Personally, I found Grayson much sexier in theory than in practice. Green eyes, dark hair, long lashes, and a full sleeve tattoo? Sign me up. His actual behaviour, however, felt immature rather than charming.

The revenge-lover aspect did make me laugh though. Selena’s ex-husband being Grayson’s boss was peak drama and probably one of the more entertaining parts of the story.

Overall, I struggled with the dialogue between them. The tone of their relationship just didn’t work for me, and I never found myself rooting for them as a couple.

Not a complete miss, but definitely not one of my favourite Lauren Rowe reads.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes us on an electrifying journey with Grayson and Selena, whose first encounter happens through text messages. They decide to meet for drinks, and the moment they come face to face, sparks ignite. Selena, a divorced woman with a teenage son, isn't interested in relationships. She's looking for something more casual, a companion, with plenty of passion.

Being older and pretty seasoned, Selena is content with her life and her wonderful son. She believes relationships demand too much effort for too little reward. On the other hand, Grayson wants marriage and a family. Their initial connection is hot, and it only grows steamier as the story unfolds.

What I loved most about Grayson and Selena is that they are undeniably meant to be together. Grayson's unwavering desire for Selena, regardless of her past, is incredibly endearing. He offers her everything she never experienced with her ex-husband. While Selena initially has her doubts, given her past experiences, she eventually realizes that Grayson is the one who truly completes her.

In a nutshell, this is a scorching-hot romance that explores the complexities of modern love. The journey of Grayson and Selena, filled with passion and vulnerability, is both captivating and fulfilling. It's a love story that reveals how two souls can come together, no matter their past, and find a deep connection that's truly worth the effort.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

An expansion of an earlier novella, Ms. Rowe has fleshed-out the characters while still retaining the charm of this older woman/younger man romance. In a story with a theme that is one of my favorites, Ms. Rowe nicely balances a cute and clever beginning with a sensuous connection that slowly evolves with each turn of the page. While some of the dialogue gets a bit cheesy in later parts of the story, I found the text messaging between the lead characters to be the real winner here.

Grayson McKnight is a decadently delightful hero, one who's having a hard time with the current single's scene as he's a bit of a dork and having trouble navigating today's dating scene. I found him an endearing hero though and would've been content with just a relationship full of text messaging. I enjoyed seeing the ease he and Selena texted with one another and enjoyed seeing Grayson become more confident as time went on. Though some would say these two are opposites, it's clear they were meant to be together in a relationship that was a bit predictable and cheesy at times, but was still satisfying.

Readers looking for a sweet and sensual tale will get just that with this age-gap romance featuring a near-perfect hero and an engaging build-up for the main couple. Ms. Rowe definitely did it up right with her expansion of a past novella, an expansion that will please long-time fans while gaining new ones!