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40 and Fabulous #1
Frenemies and Lovers
Fake partnership, real attraction, and one hilariously haute disaster waiting to happen...buckle up for this age-gap rom-com.
Carly Rose, forty-five and fiercely independent, is rebuilding her life. Newly divorced, she's determined to make her stylist business blossom, even with the thorn in her side: Audrey, her frenemy with a tongue sharper than her designer stilettos. Enter Andrew, Audrey's son, a charming blend of geek energy and fierce loyalty. Who happens to be Carly’s completely off-limits secret one-night stand.
When a chance for Andrew's dream promotion hinges on a polished public image, he makes an unexpected proposition: a mutually beneficial charade. Carly, facing the gauntlet of her ex's destination wedding in Barcelona, agrees to become his pretend girlfriend. What starts as a carefully curated act evolves into stolen moments whispered over tapas, kisses in front of Gaudi fountains, and feelings as warm as a cashmere scarf on a crisp autumn day.
Caught between ambition and a forbidden yearning, Carly and Andrew navigate a minefield of sabotaged styling appointments; cringeworthy encounters with exes, bosses and disapproving mothers; plus the undeniable truth that attraction doesn't follow age brackets.
Swoon for this steamy standalone romantic comedy featuring fabulousness after forty, making friends with enemies, and finding love with a wildly inappropriate fake date.
(Shh, don't tell Audrey, but Andrew's dimples are definitely the hottest accessory this season.)
Carly Rose, forty-five and fiercely independent, is rebuilding her life. Newly divorced, she's determined to make her stylist business blossom, even with the thorn in her side: Audrey, her frenemy with a tongue sharper than her designer stilettos. Enter Andrew, Audrey's son, a charming blend of geek energy and fierce loyalty. Who happens to be Carly’s completely off-limits secret one-night stand.
When a chance for Andrew's dream promotion hinges on a polished public image, he makes an unexpected proposition: a mutually beneficial charade. Carly, facing the gauntlet of her ex's destination wedding in Barcelona, agrees to become his pretend girlfriend. What starts as a carefully curated act evolves into stolen moments whispered over tapas, kisses in front of Gaudi fountains, and feelings as warm as a cashmere scarf on a crisp autumn day.
Caught between ambition and a forbidden yearning, Carly and Andrew navigate a minefield of sabotaged styling appointments; cringeworthy encounters with exes, bosses and disapproving mothers; plus the undeniable truth that attraction doesn't follow age brackets.
Swoon for this steamy standalone romantic comedy featuring fabulousness after forty, making friends with enemies, and finding love with a wildly inappropriate fake date.
(Shh, don't tell Audrey, but Andrew's dimples are definitely the hottest accessory this season.)
- GenresRomanceContemporary
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
206 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Michelle McCraw
49 books142 followersMichelle McCraw loves reading kissing books and working in tech. One day, she decided to combine her two interests, and now she writes steamy, nerdy contemporary romance that just might make you laugh. Her Synergy workplace romance series features characters who unashamedly love science, engineering, and technology. Her latest series, 40 and Fabulous, features heroines who find passion in the second acts of their lives. Her novels have been finalists in the RWA Vivian Contest, the Contemporary Romance Writers' Stiletto Contest, and the Windy City Romance Writers' Four Seasons Contest.
A native Texan, Michelle has shoveled snow during nor’easters and knows the proper response when someone yells “O-H.” She now calls Georgia home, where she doesn’t miss snow AT ALL. She enjoys reading, traveling, drinking bourbon, and spoiling her extraordinarily ill-behaved but adorable dog.
For updates about her upcoming books and free reads - plus guaranteed puppy pics - subscribe to her newsletter at https://michellemccraw.com/joinme.
A native Texan, Michelle has shoveled snow during nor’easters and knows the proper response when someone yells “O-H.” She now calls Georgia home, where she doesn’t miss snow AT ALL. She enjoys reading, traveling, drinking bourbon, and spoiling her extraordinarily ill-behaved but adorable dog.
For updates about her upcoming books and free reads - plus guaranteed puppy pics - subscribe to her newsletter at https://michellemccraw.com/joinme.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 1, 2024
4⭐️ Muchas gracias Indie Pen PR por enviarme una copia de este libro. Lo disfruté desde el primer momento.
Tropes:
🛍️Fake dating
🛍️Age gap (she’s 45, he’s 32)
🛍️Frenemies to lovers?
🛍️Forbidden romance
Carly se encuentra con Andrew luego de lo que pretendía ser una charla motivacional para mujeres de 40 a más resulta un desastre. El tema no es precisamente la diferencia de edad, es que Carly y la mamá de Andrew son frenemies! Se odian jajaja
Y lo peor es que el ex esposo de Carly se va a casar de nuevo e invita a la boda a su ex! Terrible pues! Antes de eso ya Carly y Andrew inician el fake dating, pero antes habían tenido un one night stand (para saber de eso y del grupo de amigas que se conoce en esa charla, leer deben el prequel gratuito, Fashion & Passion). Disfruté todas las referencias culturales actuales (30 Rock, GoT, etc), las menciones a temas y marcas del mundo de la moda, se me hizo muy ágil la lectura por como está escrito, amé el hecho que deben viajar a Barcelona y las menciones a varios de los lugares emblemáticos de esa ciudad. Es la primera vez que leo a Michelle y es la primera vez que leo un age gap donde ella es mayor y la verdad agradezco encontrar libros con protagonistas adultos.
Thanks Indie Pen PR for sending me a copy of this book. I enjoyed it from the first moment. Carly meets Andrew after an intended to be a motivational talk for women 40 and over. The issue isn't exactly the age difference, it's that Carly and Andrew's mom are frenemies! They hate each other hahaha
And the worst thing is that Carly's ex-husband is getting married again and invites his ex to the wedding! Before that, Carly and Andrew started fake dating, but before that they had had a one night stand (to find out about that and the group of friends they meet in that talk, you should read the free prequel, Fashion & Passion). I enjoyed all current cultural references (30 Rock, GoT, etc.), mentions of topics and brands from fashion world. Reading this book was very quick due to how it is written, I loved that they travel to Barcelona and mentions to several emblematic places of that city. It's the first time I've read Michelle and it's the first time I've read an age gap where she's older and I'm really grateful to find books with adult MC.
Tropes:
🛍️Fake dating
🛍️Age gap (she’s 45, he’s 32)
🛍️Frenemies to lovers?
🛍️Forbidden romance
Carly se encuentra con Andrew luego de lo que pretendía ser una charla motivacional para mujeres de 40 a más resulta un desastre. El tema no es precisamente la diferencia de edad, es que Carly y la mamá de Andrew son frenemies! Se odian jajaja
Y lo peor es que el ex esposo de Carly se va a casar de nuevo e invita a la boda a su ex! Terrible pues! Antes de eso ya Carly y Andrew inician el fake dating, pero antes habían tenido un one night stand (para saber de eso y del grupo de amigas que se conoce en esa charla, leer deben el prequel gratuito, Fashion & Passion). Disfruté todas las referencias culturales actuales (30 Rock, GoT, etc), las menciones a temas y marcas del mundo de la moda, se me hizo muy ágil la lectura por como está escrito, amé el hecho que deben viajar a Barcelona y las menciones a varios de los lugares emblemáticos de esa ciudad. Es la primera vez que leo a Michelle y es la primera vez que leo un age gap donde ella es mayor y la verdad agradezco encontrar libros con protagonistas adultos.
Thanks Indie Pen PR for sending me a copy of this book. I enjoyed it from the first moment. Carly meets Andrew after an intended to be a motivational talk for women 40 and over. The issue isn't exactly the age difference, it's that Carly and Andrew's mom are frenemies! They hate each other hahaha
And the worst thing is that Carly's ex-husband is getting married again and invites his ex to the wedding! Before that, Carly and Andrew started fake dating, but before that they had had a one night stand (to find out about that and the group of friends they meet in that talk, you should read the free prequel, Fashion & Passion). I enjoyed all current cultural references (30 Rock, GoT, etc.), mentions of topics and brands from fashion world. Reading this book was very quick due to how it is written, I loved that they travel to Barcelona and mentions to several emblematic places of that city. It's the first time I've read Michelle and it's the first time I've read an age gap where she's older and I'm really grateful to find books with adult MC.
February 24, 2024
Andrew was happy working for someone else and climbing the ladder despite his mother's wishes otherwise. After his father died of a heart attack at the age of thirty-nine he was determined not to follow down the same road. His father may have built a company, but Andrew didn't need the stress. He liked having the weekends to himself.
When his father died everything fell on Andrew's shoulders taking care of his grieving mother and his two younger sisters solidified that that was not the life he wanted. Been there, done that.
"Treat him like a god, my a$$." He overheard the woman mutter under her breath as she headed for the bar. When she sat back down at the high-top table with her companions he realized he knew the face of one of the women. He had had a crush on her since he first saw her when he was a teenager and since she was no longer wearing a wedding ring. He wasn't a teenager anymore and he wasn't letting the opportunity pass him by.
Carly is standing before the door of the exquisite mansion waiting to give Audrey Hayes a piece of her mind and hoping to avoid her son in the process. Three months ago she had walked out of an empowerment seminar in anger for wasting her money that basically told them to have empowerment they needed to treat their man as a god. The only thing good about that seminar was her new friends.
Friends who had convinced her to let Andrew treat her like a goddess. And boy had he ever, but before he could wake up she had snuck from his bed in the middle of the night. She was only here because Audrey had just lost her a client. A client she much needed as she was rebuilding her life after her divorce and building her styling business.
But if anyone found out about her night with Andrew she would be ruined. Audrey would make sure of it... especially since Andrew was twelve years her junior. The scandal would ruin her and her business.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I would suggest you read the FREE prequel Fashion and Passion before starting this series. It is not only a lead into Carly and Andrew's story, but the friendship between the women who made a pact to support each other.
This book is steamy hot and full of action. It is a reverse age-gap romance as Carly struggles to start a business after divorce, but her insecurities as a woman in her 40s and the stigma of falling for a younger man.
Their story has some unexpected twists and turns as Andrew tries to convince Carly that age really is just a number. Highly recommend!
When his father died everything fell on Andrew's shoulders taking care of his grieving mother and his two younger sisters solidified that that was not the life he wanted. Been there, done that.
"Treat him like a god, my a$$." He overheard the woman mutter under her breath as she headed for the bar. When she sat back down at the high-top table with her companions he realized he knew the face of one of the women. He had had a crush on her since he first saw her when he was a teenager and since she was no longer wearing a wedding ring. He wasn't a teenager anymore and he wasn't letting the opportunity pass him by.
Carly is standing before the door of the exquisite mansion waiting to give Audrey Hayes a piece of her mind and hoping to avoid her son in the process. Three months ago she had walked out of an empowerment seminar in anger for wasting her money that basically told them to have empowerment they needed to treat their man as a god. The only thing good about that seminar was her new friends.
Friends who had convinced her to let Andrew treat her like a goddess. And boy had he ever, but before he could wake up she had snuck from his bed in the middle of the night. She was only here because Audrey had just lost her a client. A client she much needed as she was rebuilding her life after her divorce and building her styling business.
But if anyone found out about her night with Andrew she would be ruined. Audrey would make sure of it... especially since Andrew was twelve years her junior. The scandal would ruin her and her business.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I would suggest you read the FREE prequel Fashion and Passion before starting this series. It is not only a lead into Carly and Andrew's story, but the friendship between the women who made a pact to support each other.
This book is steamy hot and full of action. It is a reverse age-gap romance as Carly struggles to start a business after divorce, but her insecurities as a woman in her 40s and the stigma of falling for a younger man.
Their story has some unexpected twists and turns as Andrew tries to convince Carly that age really is just a number. Highly recommend!
February 1, 2024
Fake? Relationship, Older Woman with Younger Man, Partially Set in Barcelona - Fun!
This book had a lot going for it - setting, tropes, and I normally love Michelle McGraw's books but I had a bit of a harder time with this one because I found I just didn't like either of the main characters.
While I felt for Carly, and that she was jilted by her ex-husband - I guess I just couldn't relate to her, or respect the way she handled it and couldn't get over it- plenty of people make a living "spraying perfume at Bloomingdales and don't have "high end appliances". And I couldn't relate to how she was so appearance focused in today's world of strong women. Yet, I loved her "girlfriends" characters and the fact that she had wonderful empowering advice for them. And while I liked Andrew, and how he wanted to educate children on math, I also found it hard to respect him since he wouldn't stand up to his bosses or family to live a life that would make him happy even though he was financially independent, educated and 32. That said, I did like their love story, the way that they opened up and were vulnerable with each other, and I loved the scenes in Barcelona.
I do look forward to reading the girlfriends' stories in the hopes that the stories will be as fabulous and that I will better relate to the characters - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This book had a lot going for it - setting, tropes, and I normally love Michelle McGraw's books but I had a bit of a harder time with this one because I found I just didn't like either of the main characters.
While I felt for Carly, and that she was jilted by her ex-husband - I guess I just couldn't relate to her, or respect the way she handled it and couldn't get over it- plenty of people make a living "spraying perfume at Bloomingdales and don't have "high end appliances". And I couldn't relate to how she was so appearance focused in today's world of strong women. Yet, I loved her "girlfriends" characters and the fact that she had wonderful empowering advice for them. And while I liked Andrew, and how he wanted to educate children on math, I also found it hard to respect him since he wouldn't stand up to his bosses or family to live a life that would make him happy even though he was financially independent, educated and 32. That said, I did like their love story, the way that they opened up and were vulnerable with each other, and I loved the scenes in Barcelona.
I do look forward to reading the girlfriends' stories in the hopes that the stories will be as fabulous and that I will better relate to the characters - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 3, 2024
Lo único bueno fue Andrew.
Odie que Carly ayudará a la prometida del ex, o sea la mustia fue la amante, sabía que el infiel estaba casado y ahora que ella es la oficial se hace la buena persona y se le mete a Carly para que sean amigas, . Una cosa es see buena persona y otra ser tonta. No tiene sentido que sea amable con la mustia, pero grosera con Andrew.
"Hayley was a nice girl. I even liked her. I couldn’t blame her for falling for Brad. He was magnetic when he wanted to be. And the last thing I wanted was to make the bride feel less-than during her wedding week."
"We stared at each other for an eternity before she blushed and introduced herself. I shook her hand like an idiot. And then she asked if I was going to take the crystal with me in the divorce. When I remained in stunned silence, she asked if she could see it so she could decide if she’d want something similar.
I was shocked as hell that not only did he not love me, but he’d proposed to someone else without telling me he wanted a divorce."
Son varias escenas en donde Carly ayuda a la mustia 🙄, tal vez se sintió identificada con la tipa, porque Carly no sabía que estaba casado cuando conoció a la rata infiel, pero al final decidió tener una relación con él asqueroso, y Hayley lo supo desde el principio . Entonces, al final que ambas se casaran con tremendo idiota fue su karma, lo malo es que él no pagó el sufrimiento que causó.
Odie que Carly ayudará a la prometida del ex, o sea la mustia fue la amante, sabía que el infiel estaba casado y ahora que ella es la oficial se hace la buena persona y se le mete a Carly para que sean amigas, . Una cosa es see buena persona y otra ser tonta. No tiene sentido que sea amable con la mustia, pero grosera con Andrew.
"Hayley was a nice girl. I even liked her. I couldn’t blame her for falling for Brad. He was magnetic when he wanted to be. And the last thing I wanted was to make the bride feel less-than during her wedding week."
"We stared at each other for an eternity before she blushed and introduced herself. I shook her hand like an idiot. And then she asked if I was going to take the crystal with me in the divorce. When I remained in stunned silence, she asked if she could see it so she could decide if she’d want something similar.
I was shocked as hell that not only did he not love me, but he’d proposed to someone else without telling me he wanted a divorce."
Son varias escenas en donde Carly ayuda a la mustia 🙄, tal vez se sintió identificada con la tipa, porque Carly no sabía que estaba casado cuando conoció a la rata infiel, pero al final decidió tener una relación con él asqueroso, y Hayley lo supo desde el principio . Entonces, al final que ambas se casaran con tremendo idiota fue su karma, lo malo es que él no pagó el sufrimiento que causó.
February 22, 2024
Let me start by saying that it was a total delight to dive into an age-gap romance in which the female lead was the older of the two. At the start of the novel, Carly Rose, a forty-five-year-old divorcée, is trying to make a name for herself as a fashion stylist. After years of setting aside her own dreams to accommodate her jerk of a husband (who has just left her for a much younger model!), she’s ready to put herself first. What she doesn’t anticipate is that a deliciously wicked one-night stand with thirty-two-year-old Andrew will lead to more than just steamy memories. How could it possibly work out when he’s the son of her worst frenemy? One of my favorite things about this book was the dynamic between Andrew and Carly. Andrew was such an amazing guy—thoughtful, smart, and a generous lover, plus he’s a math nerd to boot! I also enjoyed watching Carly’s confidence grow as gains more styling clients and opens herself up to Andrew. Even though he and Carly have the odds stacked against them (in the form of her nasty ex and his domineering mother), I was rooting for them the entire time. The good news is that this book is the first in a new series, all featuring women in their forties. I can’t wait to read the next one!
February 17, 2024
I'm straight up coveting Andrew Jones in all his cinnamon roll hero goodness! I loved this book, and the deeper look into the world of the Jones family, especially Audrey and Carly's frenemy-ship. This book has secondhand embarrassment and messy tangled web of relationships in spades. Their all too frequent run ins with Brad, Carly's Ex, and his overly friendly and misguided new wife were almost too much to bear, but boy was it funny and cringey in the best ways at times.
Carly is trying her best to rebuild her life, and figure out who she is after her 20 year mistake of a marriage ends unexpectedly, and her whole life is flipped upside-down. At times Carly is very deeply entrenched in her hang-ups about the idea of her and Andrew not being real, but who wouldn't be? Andrew is pure cinnamon roll, and he's so great at showing Carly that she deserves so much more than she had with Brad. I loved seeing both characters grow and settle in to who they are, and who they are together. Overall this was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and honestly review an early copy.
Carly is trying her best to rebuild her life, and figure out who she is after her 20 year mistake of a marriage ends unexpectedly, and her whole life is flipped upside-down. At times Carly is very deeply entrenched in her hang-ups about the idea of her and Andrew not being real, but who wouldn't be? Andrew is pure cinnamon roll, and he's so great at showing Carly that she deserves so much more than she had with Brad. I loved seeing both characters grow and settle in to who they are, and who they are together. Overall this was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and honestly review an early copy.
February 23, 2024
4 Star Review Frenemies and Lovers by Michelle Mc Craw
Michelle Mc Craw isa new author to me. I’m not a huge fan of age gap romance, particularly when the woman is older, but since this was a new author and the blurb intrigued me, I dove in.
Carly Rose is 45 and recently divorced, whilst Andrew is 32 and is the son of one of the women in Carly’s old social circle, more of an enemy than a friend.
I had a hard time relating to Carly, whilst I felt for all that she had been through after being dumped I just couldn’t connect to her. I though Andrew was a sweetie, naïve, but he too was hard to connect to.
The story was well written, a bit of a roller coaster and entertaining as their friendship blossomed into love. One of the things I did enjoy was the relationship that Carly had with her girlfriends who were at times a hoot.
Michelle Mc Craw isa new author to me. I’m not a huge fan of age gap romance, particularly when the woman is older, but since this was a new author and the blurb intrigued me, I dove in.
Carly Rose is 45 and recently divorced, whilst Andrew is 32 and is the son of one of the women in Carly’s old social circle, more of an enemy than a friend.
I had a hard time relating to Carly, whilst I felt for all that she had been through after being dumped I just couldn’t connect to her. I though Andrew was a sweetie, naïve, but he too was hard to connect to.
The story was well written, a bit of a roller coaster and entertaining as their friendship blossomed into love. One of the things I did enjoy was the relationship that Carly had with her girlfriends who were at times a hoot.
February 28, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Michelle McCraw but it certainly won’t be the last. Age gap romance is not normally a genre I’m drawn to but the blurb for this book drew me in and I was excited to read Carly Rose and Andrew’s story.
Carly Rose is getting over her divorce and she knows Andrew because he is the son of a woman who mixes in the same circles as her. What follows is a woman not looking for love who finds it where she least expects it.
It took me a while to warm up to this couple but overall this is a well written, entertaining read. I love the friendships that Carly has with her girlfriends who had me giggling and at time’s laughing out loud.
Carly Rose is getting over her divorce and she knows Andrew because he is the son of a woman who mixes in the same circles as her. What follows is a woman not looking for love who finds it where she least expects it.
It took me a while to warm up to this couple but overall this is a well written, entertaining read. I love the friendships that Carly has with her girlfriends who had me giggling and at time’s laughing out loud.
February 28, 2024
This is an age gap romance between older woman with a younger man. Carly is forty-five year old fashion stylist who ex husband divorced her for a much younger woman. One night she meets Andrew and has a one night stand with him. As she tries to navigate life the one night stand with Andrew is turning into more. Between starting her new career, trying to avoid her ex husband and his new girlfriend and her hilarious friends, she must determined if she is willing to open her heart again to Andrew.
February 13, 2024
OMG I absolutely loved this. Life after 40 still exist and you are never too old to start over and go for what you want! Well thats the message I got from this book. Carly was truly amazing I loved that she did not let herself get railroaded and fought for what she wanted. Truly inspiring. Andrew oh my lord Andrew's absolute obsession over Carly was sweet and hot lol. The way I wish I was Carly and have an Andrew of my own is crazy.
February 10, 2024
I loved everything about this story! An older heroine who brings a younger man to his knees (in the best way possible) is my jam. But more than that-- the steam is off the charts. Plus you get wonderful characters, witty banter, and all the feels. Add a few twists and turns I did NOT see coming and this book is a real page-turner. One click with abandon!
March 12, 2024
-Reverse Age Gap
-ONS
-Fake Dating
An interesting story, I'm just not sure if it was for me, it was well written. Andrew is charming but a bit of a doormat and Carly was hard to relate to.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-ONS
-Fake Dating
An interesting story, I'm just not sure if it was for me, it was well written. Andrew is charming but a bit of a doormat and Carly was hard to relate to.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 19, 2024
Strong and relatable MCs, but this story was not for me. If you enjoy age-gap romances, sexy tales, and/or stories that recap at the chapters, then this might be for you, though!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2024
Omg I absolutely love age gap books and this one is definitely one of my favs!!! Carly Rose is 45 newly divorced starting her new life and in comes and Andrew and a one night stand with him. Romantic comedy can’t wait to read the next book.
January 18, 2025
This is an age gap I can approve of, she is 45 he is 32. She just got out of a 20 year relationship and he has had a crush on her since he was a teenager. So many ups and downs and some misunderstandings that are not made up, great friends, and a mom who's in everyone's business.
January 27, 2024
I loved this delightful pair. Feisty heroine plus geeky cinnamon roll hero - total catnip for me. Awesome start to a fun new series!
November 16, 2025
Older lady ,younger man. For me a good read.
November 28, 2025
2.5 nice ending but whoo boy did we have to slog through some insecurity to get there
February 28, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Michelle McCraw but it certainly won’t be the last. Age gap romance is not normally a genre I’m drawn to but the blurb for this book drew me in and I was excited to read Carly Rose and Andrew’s story.
Carly Rose is getting over her divorce and she knows Andrew because he is the son of a woman who mixes in the same circles as her. What follows is a woman not looking for love who finds it where she least expects it.
It took me a while to warm up to this couple but overall this is a well written, entertaining read. I love the friendships that Carly has with her girlfriends who had me giggling and at time’s laughing out loud.
Carly Rose is getting over her divorce and she knows Andrew because he is the son of a woman who mixes in the same circles as her. What follows is a woman not looking for love who finds it where she least expects it.
It took me a while to warm up to this couple but overall this is a well written, entertaining read. I love the friendships that Carly has with her girlfriends who had me giggling and at time’s laughing out loud.
November 7, 2025
Fun, entertaining read. Older woman, younger man; age is only a number moments and great lines on age gaps when guy is older one, too, including the ex marrying someone really young. New-to-me author; looking forward to reading more.
February 22, 2024
4 Star Review Frenemies and Lovers by Michelle Mc Craw
Michelle Mc Craw isa new author to me. I’m not a huge fan of age gap romance, particularly when the woman is older, but since this was a new author and the blurb intrigued me, I dove in.
Carly Rose is 45 and recently divorced, whilst Andrew is 32 and is the son of one of the women in Carly’s old social circle, more of an enemy than a friend.
I had a hard time relating to Carly, whilst I felt for all that she had been through after being dumped I just couldn’t connect to her. I though Andrew was a sweetie, naïve, but he too was hard to connect to.
The story was well written, a bit of a roller coaster and entertaining as their friendship blossomed into love. One of the things I did enjoy was the relationship that Carly had with her girlfriends who were at times a hoot.
Michelle Mc Craw isa new author to me. I’m not a huge fan of age gap romance, particularly when the woman is older, but since this was a new author and the blurb intrigued me, I dove in.
Carly Rose is 45 and recently divorced, whilst Andrew is 32 and is the son of one of the women in Carly’s old social circle, more of an enemy than a friend.
I had a hard time relating to Carly, whilst I felt for all that she had been through after being dumped I just couldn’t connect to her. I though Andrew was a sweetie, naïve, but he too was hard to connect to.
The story was well written, a bit of a roller coaster and entertaining as their friendship blossomed into love. One of the things I did enjoy was the relationship that Carly had with her girlfriends who were at times a hoot.
February 24, 2024
Carly is a forty-five year old stylist and former model whose husband dumped her for a shinier piece half her age. Vulnerable and a little tipsy, she has a one night stand with the second son of one of the Bay Area’s wealthiest and most influential matriarchs.
Andrew is gorgeous and extremely intelligent, and thirteen years Carly’s junior. He’s smarting from the way in which Carly left him after their encounter with no communication and an admonishment to act like it never happened. An opportunity to advance at his day job is complicated when he’s expected to be settled in his personal life if he’s to move up to the position. He enlists Carly to be his fake plus one, and thus they’re thrown together for better or worse, sparks of exasperation and passion in equal measure. Can they overcome the expectations and machinations of San Francisco’s elite while also exploring their burgeoning feelings toward each other?
This was a difficult book for me to review because I had difficulty connecting with Carly: she’s a former model and stylist, and there isn’t much to engender empathy toward her but for being a jilted wife with diminished finances. Andrew has been atttracted to her since his teen years, and somehow he’s eschewed pursuing a serious relationship with anyone other than Carly. I’d hoped this was going to be a much more interesting story, particularly with the theme of a mature woman pursued by a younger man. Andrew is charming and endearing but he veers into doormat territory occasionally. The author is a talented writer for certain, I just didn’t love it.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
Andrew is gorgeous and extremely intelligent, and thirteen years Carly’s junior. He’s smarting from the way in which Carly left him after their encounter with no communication and an admonishment to act like it never happened. An opportunity to advance at his day job is complicated when he’s expected to be settled in his personal life if he’s to move up to the position. He enlists Carly to be his fake plus one, and thus they’re thrown together for better or worse, sparks of exasperation and passion in equal measure. Can they overcome the expectations and machinations of San Francisco’s elite while also exploring their burgeoning feelings toward each other?
This was a difficult book for me to review because I had difficulty connecting with Carly: she’s a former model and stylist, and there isn’t much to engender empathy toward her but for being a jilted wife with diminished finances. Andrew has been atttracted to her since his teen years, and somehow he’s eschewed pursuing a serious relationship with anyone other than Carly. I’d hoped this was going to be a much more interesting story, particularly with the theme of a mature woman pursued by a younger man. Andrew is charming and endearing but he veers into doormat territory occasionally. The author is a talented writer for certain, I just didn’t love it.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
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