In sun-drenched Jamaica, Jax and Audrey's whirlwind romance ignites with an intensity that neither could have predicted. Five days of fun and five nights of passion have both of them too much in their feelings for what should be a simple vacation fling. But as the sun sets on their perfect getaway, Audrey makes a heartbreaking decision, convinced that their different paths in life and age difference are obstacles that can’t be conquered. Fast forward three years, and fate throws them together once more, this time within the walls of a conference room of a start-up Marketing firm. Audrey, now an executive, finds herself face-to-face with Jax, and finds her unresolved feelings bubbling to the surface with every stolen glance and interaction. Torn between want and hesitation, Jax and Audrey fight the undeniable pull between them, each haunted by memories of the incredible week they once shared. As they navigate the complexities of their professional and personal lives, they find themselves in a delicate dance of secrecy and sacrifice, risking it all for a chance at a love. They discover that true love knows no bounds—and that sometimes, the greatest risks yield the sweetest rewards. "His Missing Piece" is a story of love lost and found, of second chances and the power of love to conquer all. In the end, love wins, proving that with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, we all deserve to allow ourselves to find love. And it’s never too late for your happily ever after.
"I've thought of you as a puzzle piece. My puzzle piece. How you fit against my body, how I fit inside you, how it feels when I'm around you."
This was my first book by this author, and I honestly can't believe I waited so long to pick it up! I've read some reverse age gap stories before, but this one is hands down the best! It was a fun ride—fast-paced, sweet, and spicy, with the right amount of forbidden elements and a touch of angst. What stood out to me was the fantastic communication between the main characters. The story is simple yet super relatable and meaningful. The side characters are great, and the friendships in the book are such a joy to read about. I just loved everything about it!
The plot follows Audrey, who, after her boyfriend breaks up with her, gets a surprise week-long vacation in Jamaica from her friends. There, she meets Jax, who’s also on vacation celebrating his graduation with friends. They share a whirlwind fling, but when it’s time to part ways, they realize they've developed feelings for each other. Since Audrey feels unsure about their age gap, she leaves without saying goodbye. Fast forward three years, and they cross paths again—this time, Audrey is Jax's new boss! Neither of them has truly moved on from that magical week, and as they’re thrown together again, all those old feelings start bubbling back to the surface.
What I loved about this book is how the FMC truly holds the power! She’s older, super successful in her career, and even has her own penthouse. Plus, she’s the boss of the MMC! I enjoyed the unique dynamics in their relationship that I don’t often see in other books. Even though the FMC has more success and money, the MMC isn’t insecure. Jax knows he’s great at what he does and is okay with Audrey taking the lead sometimes. I appreciated how supportive he was and how he made her feel like she was exactly what he needed. Their honesty and clear understanding of what they wanted in their relationship made it even better. There was no unnecessary drama, and everything wrapped up perfectly at the end!
This was such a delightful read, and I can't wait to dive into the rest of the books in this series!
"He taught me to love out loud, and I know I'm the luckiest woman in the world that he's mine."
In His Missing Piece we follow Audrey who is a successful woman that is 39. While one a trip that her friends sent her on to help her get over a recent breakup she meetss Jax who is 16 years younger than her.
I’m not a huge fan of the age gap trope but the reverse age gap in this story was done so well that I found myself rooting for them. The characters were beautifully written in a way that they will stay with me forever. I even liked the FMC friends. They were top tier. Being left with a cliffhanger at the end got me anticipating the next book!! I’m looking forward to reading more about Audrey & Jax 🤎
Thank you @ashley & @yours for a chance to read this ARC 🩷
Thank you to the author and Truly Yours PR for an advanced copy for an honest review. I loved this book from start to finish. It was a breath of fresh air with an older FMC and a young MMC! This was fun and flirty and emotional. And both characters were mature and handled situations in a good way! I can't wait to read more from this author!
I have never read a reverse age gap trope before and was not sure how I would like it. Well let me tell you…I ENJOYED it! “His Missing Piece” by Ashley Warren was a delight.
Ashley and Jax meet on vacation in Jamaica. Ashley, who is 16 years older than Jax, and a little insecure about her older body doesn’t want to hold him back from experiencing all that life has to offer. Jax, newly graduated from college and ready to start his career and have a fun vacation with friends, is still drawn to Ashley, and the way he cares for her is what we all dream of.
They have an amazing romance in Jamaica, with all the sweet feelings and spice. However, saying goodbye to each other at the end of the vacation broke my heart and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Especially knowing they both had feelings for each other. It was one of those moments where you want to yell at them to wake up and realize what they have.
I was so ready when the story picks up three years later, and Ashley is starting a job at a new firm. Jax is successful in his career, and life but has never fully gotten Ashley out of his mind. When they realize that they are now going to be working at the same firm? Old feelings rise to the surface. The fights, the banter, but way they respect each other, and Jax supporting her as a girl boss was everything. He help Ashley realize that she is worthy and beautiful in all forms and I. Am. Here. For. It. I can’t wait for book two and the development of the other characters that have been introduced. Ashley you have me hooked!
This book had a little bit of everything in it. From the reverse age-gap between Jax and Audrey (16 years), to their vacation fling that eventually led us to a second-chance with a dash of workplace romance. The recipe for success was already there in the tropes.
There was a perfect balance of sweet moments (i.e: Jax learning how to make Audrey’s coffee in the morning) to spicy ones (i.e: Jax’s filthy little mouth).
One of the things I loved most about this book was Audrey never lowering her standards. Despite her being at an age where she wanted to settle down and start a family, she didn’t give up her career goals or settle for just anyone.
Audrey found everything she was looking for in someone younger and it was definitely a life lesson for me (i.e: a horrifyingly single lady) to value the characteristics of a potential significant other rather than traits like height and in this case age.
This book was amazing and I am a sucker for a good HEA, so i enjoyed how everything wrapped itself up in a nice bow at the end.
I also love the tease for the rest of the serious with Linc, Melanie, Marcus and Gigi. They were such great side characters and I’m excited for them to get their spotlight moment!
There’s so much that I want to say about this book!!!! I LOVE Audrey and Jax.
After a FT break-up 39 year old Audrey is beside herself. There’s a lot she feels is on her shoulders, especially as an only child with her parents waiting for grandkids while she’s not getting any younger. With failed relationships behind her, she feels like she may be the common denominator. Her bestie Melonie and GiGi don’t let her wallow for long though, as they scheme to send her yo Jamaica for the week. They think it’s just what she needs, a weekend in paradise with a potential hook-up waiting.
Jax just graduated with a Marketing degree from Boston University along with his two best friends Linc and Marcus. Their parents gift them a week at a resort in Jamaica as a graduation gift! A chance to relax before the stress of the real world and their prospective job opportunities get to them.
When Jax and Audrey meet at their resort. The romance is a WHIRLWIND and they’re swept up in each other far too quickly. They both feel the same way but Audrey feels like she just might ruin Jax’s life being so much older than him. She leaves him without a goodbye and convinces herself she’s going it for his good.
3 years later, their paths cross again as Audrey is hired in an executive position at Jax’s current job. It’s back to the craze all over again.
This book was absolutely wonderful! The spice scenes were absolutely perfect, descriptive and light enough where they didn’t take over but packed a punch 😉 I loved the hinting to puzzle pieces throughout the book, it was so fun to follow along. Their friend groups and connections brought me such joy, they knew eachother so well and had eachothers backs. The set ups for what’s to come was perfect!
Thank you so much Truly Yours PR and Ashely Warren for an ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review!
This was Ashley's debut novel and to say I was blown away is an understatement. I fell in love with her characters so quickly. Audrey was such a relatable, career driven FMC who just wanted to find love. Jax was one of the best golden retriever MMC's l've ever read who was wise beyond his years. Audrey + Jax together were magical and the connection could be felt from the moment they met.
I am obsessed with this story! Ashley did a fantastic job with this reverse age gap. The writing was so well done and the story made me feel like I really knew the characters! I was rooting for them. This was an emotional rollercoaster but in the best way. Audrey is almost 40- a workaholic and single, with the help of her friends they decide it’s time for a vacation. This is where she meets Jax and they have an instant connection. They have a whirlwind vacation romance but when it seems like it is becoming too real and not just a vacation bubble Audrey leaves the trip early. Three years later they still cannot get each other out of their head. They continue on with life but both want a fresh start with work. They end up working for the same company. When Audrey and Jax finally reunite Jax acts like he does not know her. But, it is only a matter of time before sparks fly again and they realize their connection from that vacation never went away.
I highly recommend this book, and cannot wait for book two!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Dual POV 🌊 Reverse age gap 🌊 Second chance 🌊 Insta love 🌊 Workplace romance 🌊 Vacation fling 🌊 Golden retriever MMC
Thank you to the author and Truly Yours PR for the arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ashley Warren, the author of this truly delightful romance, decided at the beginning of 2024 to write a book. Like, for the first time ever. And His Missing Piece is what she came up with. To say that I am impressed is the understatement of the century.
This reverse age gap (16 years) story was so well done — with a unique plot that sucked me in from the beginning. I loved both main characters, Audrey and Jax, so much. They were written so vividly and with such depth — you couldn’t help but love both. I loved that Audrey was the one with the penthouse…with the fancy job…with the power dynamic. We don’t often see this reversal in romance books and I thought it was such a fresh take. At the same time, I related so much to Audrey and her worries about being so much older than Jax. I can imagine I’d feel the same kinds of insecurities in her position.
But when they fell…they fell and no years between them was going to stop it from happening. That’s why, even after a complicated “goodbye” after a week in paradise together — and a subsequent 3-year time apart (due to fear of the unknown and insecurity) there was no way they’d not find each other again when circumstances made it so. I’ll leave out details so as not to spoil anything but just know, your heart will break a little when Jamaica ends and you read “three years later” in a subsequent chapter. But it’ll also swoon with all the feelings when these two find their HEA.
Ashley set us up perfectly for book 2 (with several Easter eggs masterfully placed throughout this story). She also gave us great side characters, a bit of a villain, spicy spice (ooeyyyyy) and a bit of a breathtaking love story.
Kudos on a truly remarkable book, Ashley — thanks you you and Truly Yours PR for the chance to read this ARC!
Audrey just got dumped by her boyfriend of 3 years. Jack has been out of a relationship for over a year after being cheated on, focusing on his career.
They both end up on the same flight to Jamaica, taking a vacation. Audrey needing to get past the moping stage of her break up and Jax needing to live a little after graduating college and before starting his career. But after meeting one another in Jamaica, it seems like all they need is each other.
Audrey can’t take the intensity and runs out on Jax on their last day in Jamaica. They both know that what they feel is unlike anything else. And somehow, three years later, the universe brings them back together. They can’t fight their feelings any longer, but they have to fight quite a few obstacles to reach their happily ever after. The obstacles are nothing compared to the love they feel for one another. In this story, love wins. And I’m so glad it did. A reminder to never give up and to always take chances when it comes to your heart.
You have to take this for what it is which is a light and swoony reverse age gap romance. No, there wasn’t a ton of substance, but I enjoyed it for what it was!
This was fast paced and it moved in a way where I felt like I was watching a movie. I didn’t vibe with the writing completely, but I did very much enjoy the story!
The sex scenes were a bit cringey and I never thought I would say this, but there were too many that were all pretty much the same. I overlooked it much like I’m sure Audrey did as I was also in love with Jax. Their insta love chemistry was off the charts and I had no reservations believing that they were incredibly in sync.
Overall, this was a fun light read and I love these reverse age gaps! Keep them coming! 😍
This book was too good I truly enjoyed and loved reading this book!
I LOVED the FMC & MMC … they were the sweetest couple and it had me going through emotions and I felt so happy then sad then shook. Unsure what would happen next ….
(Jax I need you😫 ) phew the mmc really was something and treated the FMC with everything she deserved. Even the spice was good! 🌶️ hehe but the friends to the main characters had were IT! 🤟🏾🙌🏾 willing to just want the best for them 😌🧡
and towards the end how the couple worked together for their relationship was chefs kiss 💋 🤌🏾
Thank you Yours truly & Ashley Warren for sending me the arc , I APPRECIATE IT 💘💘
I loved this book! I read the entire thing in one evening.
His Missing Piece has: 🧩 Reverse age gap 🧩 Cinnamon roll MMC 🧩 Successful FMC 🧩 Second chance romance 🧩 Forced proximity 🧩 Secret workplace romance
I absolutely loved how Audrey was so relatable. She’s 39 and successful, but her love life has been somewhat of a rocky road. Seeing her journey from heartbreak to finding love in unexpected places and feeling obligated to make difficult decisions about it was an emotional experience. My heart hurt for her because I could understand where she was coming from and how she wanted to sacrifice her feelings to do what she believed was the right thing. Her character development and journey towards self-acceptance was inspiring.
I absolutely LOVE Jax. He’s the sweetest! He’s loving, considerate, remembers the small things, AND has a habanero spicy side?! Top tier cinnamon roll book boyfriend material 🥹🩷
Here’s one of my favorite Jax quotes:
"Then it's my job to remind you during those times that our relationship is our own and the world doesn't have a say in what we have." 😭
I loved that the book ended with a resolution for Audrey and Jax’s story, and I’m excited to read about next couple’s story in book two!
Thank you so much to Truly Yours PR and Ashley Warren for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review 🩷
this book exceeded my expectations. part 2 was the best for me, part one was a slight struggle to get into. I loved the dynamic jax and aud had. it was so free-flowing given their challenges. detested gavin. liked Greg and his ability to stand up for what's right. I loved the friendship and family dynamics as well. curious to read the next book. thank you to truly yours pr for the arc.
Audrey and Jax meet on vacation and have a week long fling that has feelings of more than just a causal fling. However Audrey is older than Jax and feels like she just might mess his life up and leaves without a goodbye. Fast forward three years and Audrey gets a job where Jax is working. The feelings are still there and ….
Such a good read! Timing is everything and sometimes if it’s meant to be it will all work out. 💕
"Ever since Jamaica, I've thought of you as a puzzle piece. My puzzle piece. How you fit against my body, how I fit inside you, how it feels when I'm around you." 🧩
Little blurb: Jax and Audrey's story was beautifully heartwrenching. They meet on the plane on their way to Jamaica after Audrey went through a heartbreak. They agree to have a vacation fling and just enjoy their time during their 5 days stay. None of them both expect that this would be so much more than just a fling. Audrey is so cautious about their age difference and decides to leave him behind for good. Three years later fate brings them back together and Audrey starts working at the same marketing company as Jax.
Love me a goood second chance romance and this was it! 🫶🏻 I started reading this book on Thursday after work and normally I am mostly ready to pass out but no. This one got me hooked right away and I could not stop reading. 📖
The first few chapters took place three years ago when everything started between Jax and Audrey and it was SO SO sweet to witness how they were falling for each other! Jax is a total sweetheart and he is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, who can talk about his emotions and feelings. He is such a gentleman but damn this man has a mouth in bed! ufff 🥵. The way he treats Audrey is 👩🏻🍳💋 [chef's kiss]! Jax is the reason why the standard are getting higher and higher! I can not rave enough about this man! 🤭
The romance between these two was beautiful. It put me through some hell of emotions but I caught me giggling like crazy, blushing and crying. Everything I love experiencing while reading tbh! You could feel their attraction through these pages and at some parts I could feel how my heart broke in little pieces buuuut Ashley Warren put everything back together at the end! 🥹🫶🏻
Besides the romance I adored their friends. Melonie, Gigi, Marcus and Linc were the cutest and it also made the story even more special and fun! I love how supportive they were and always got each other's back. It was the little things I really adored like the little fist bumps. If you know, you know. 🥰
Tropes I was loving and I think you would reaaaally enjoy: - second chance romance - vacation fling - reverse age gap (older FMC, younger MMC) - Workplace romance - golden retriever MMC - Dual POV
I really really loved this one and I definitely recommend this to everyone who loves a good second chance romance with one of the best MMC's out there! 🫶🏻
Thank you Truly Yours PR and Ashley Warren for this amazing arc! ❤️ All opinions are my own :)
*Thank you to Truly Yours PR for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5⭐️/ 4🌶️
I am officially in my reverse age gap romance era! With the few reverse age gap romances I’ve read, I’ve quickly become OBSESSED WITH THIS SPECIFIC TROPE! So, when I saw this story had that very trope, I knew I had to read it! This story followed, Audrey and Jax. Audrey, thirty-nine, and reeling from the aftermath of her boyfriend breaking up with new needed a change of scenery. Thanks to her besties, they arranged for her to take a little vacation to Jamaica! For Jax, being a twenty-three year old, newly graduated from college was ready to have some fun with his best friends before settling into his new adult internship/job. Unbeknownst to both Jax and Audrey, their trip in Jamaica was going to change them.
This story was split into two parts. The first part introducing both Jax and Audrey, and how they met in Jamaica. Seeing how fast Audrey and Jax fell for each other while in Jamaica might seem a bit rushed for some people, but I thought it was perfectly fine. The way Jax and Audrey were together was lighthearted, passionate, and unique. I could tell that little by little within the week they spent time together, both Audrey and Jax felt deeper feelings for each other than they expected. For Audrey, being the older woman, she didn’t want to “hold back” Jax from experiencing his life especially post grad, starting a new job, etc. On the other hand, Jax wanted to pursue a relationship with Audrey even if that meant doing a long distance relationship. As much as I’m a hopeless romantic and want everything to be happy for everyone, I do think that Audrey had the good sense to let Jax do his own thing instead of rushing into a new relationship.
The first half of the story was fun, gave summer vibes, and a whole lot of Audrey and Jax spending time together. On the surface, the age gap was indeed big, but with the good chemistry, and natural ease together, I found Audrey and Jax to be a good match together. I also loved seeing Audrey unwind, have fun, and enjoy herself carefree. Jax also had his fun, but I also liked seeing how infatuated he was with Audrey. As much as there was plenty of romance and spice in the air between Audrey and Jax, when their trip came to an end, it was a bit sad especially seeing how both of them fell for each other.
Just when I thought I was going to be sad in seeing Audrey and Jax go their separate ways…NO! Fast forward to three years later (present time) and Audrey was starting her new job at a new firm. Jax was thriving in his job, and despite the occasional thoughts about Audrey, he managed to get by day to day. The big shocker though was when Jax and Audrey found out they were working in AT SAME FIRM! OMG! Work place, and forced proximity people! With Audrey being Jax’s superior, it brought back all the emotions from their time spent together, but also created a bit of discomfort with how things ended between them. Although some moments were a bit tense, it was nice seeing Audrey and Jax be around one another, and come on, we all know that despite the week they shared years ago, they never got over each other!
When it came to Audrey and Jax, they weren’t over each other. Being back in each others lives, it was clear to both of them that, if given another chance Audrey and Jax wouldn’t let it pass them. I enjoyed seeing Audrey and Jax fully together in their relationship from making coffee for each other, having date nights, basically being together whenever they could was equal parts sweet and passionate.
Jamaica truly was the place that brought Audrey and Jax together, but through working things out, they finally reached a healthy place in their relationship. I liked the way the story showed some of the highs and lows that Audrey and Jax experienced. From their week in Jamaica, to being without each other, to falling back into their feelings, and working through the issue of working at the same firm. Romance isn’t always easy, but Audrey and Jax cared so much for each other that they did whatever they could to ensure they had each other’s backs.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. No complaints especially since I’m a sucker for reverse age gap romances! Audrey and Jax had good chemistry, loved one another deeply, were passionate, and caring. I also loved Jax and Audrey’s best friends. With the little details mentioned towards the end of the story it made me excited for the future books! Yes! This book did a good job of capturing Audrey and Jax’s feelings for another, and as they worked through their growing relationship. Plenty of spice, romantic moments, and lighthearted characters.
Tropes: Multiple-ish POVs Reverse age gap (16 years) Second chance romance Workplace romance
Summary: 39 year old Audrey has been down in the dumps since her boyfriend of 3 years ended their relationship through FaceTime. I know, classy right? To get her out of her funk, her best friends, Gigi and Melonie, book her a solo 5-day vacation in Jamaica in hopes to get their friend back. 23 year old Jax just graduated college and as a congratulatory gift from his parents, they gifted him and 2 of his closest friends, Linc and Marcus, a trip to Jamaica. The usual guys trip where “boys will be boys” in the best way.
Audrey and Jax take a nosedive into their fling, hoping it’s just a vacation thing, but it quickly becomes more than they bargained for, especially Audrey. She leaves without a word, thinking that their age difference or being in different phases of their life would be a hinderance to their could’ve been relationship. Jax is left heartbroken, confused, and upset.
Fast forward 3 years, their paths cross once again but now, they’re coworkers. Audrey is an executive at the firm that Jax has been working at, making her his superior. Have things changed enough to get their relationship another chance?
My thoughts: I haven’t read any books with an age gap trope, let alone a reverse age gap, before. I pleasantly enjoyed this book! I loved the chemistry between Audrey and Jax. Their dynamic is very passionate and true. Heads up, this is VERY spicy. Possibly one of the spiciest books I’ve read so far, ARC wise.
I also enjoyed the side characters as well. Realistic older friendships. Warren did a wonderful job with describing them and even setting up for future books in this series.
bookscoffeebrews Book Review: His Missing Piece Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Author: Ashley Warren
I absolutely loved this book.Ashley Warren has a hit on her hands. The older FMC and younger MMC is just what us ladies have been waiting for.
Tropes: 📚Reverse Age Gap 📚Forced Proximity 📚Second Chance Romance 📚Vacation Fling 📚Secret Work Place Romance
Audrey is 39 years old and is doing her best to get over her recent breakup. Her besties arrange a trip to Jamaica for a much needed little vacation for Audrey.
Jax is 23, a recent college graduate who has a degree in marketing and is ready to find some fun in Jamaica with his best friends.
Audrey and Jax end up meeting on the plane to Jamaica. They end up having a great fling and then have to go their separate ways.
Flash forward three years later and Audrey starts to work at a marketing company which also happens to be the one that Jax works at. Audrey and Jax learn that they must let the past go and learn to work together. Worse part is that they are falling for each other all over again and they are trying to ignore it. Will Jax and Audrey be able to work together as platonic coworkers or are they going to take it to the next level and really rekindle that hot romance?
This was a great story and romance. I loved the age gam and second chance they appear to get. The gentle love these two have for each other was so precious and it me rooting for the relationship to work.
Quote: “I had just opened a bottle of wine as i hear the ding of my door opening. Jax rounds the corner prowling towards me in the kitchen. He does not say a word.”
Thank you Ashley Warren for the ARC of this fabulous book and to Yours Truly PR for allowing me to be part of this team!
When Audrey gets broken up with via FaceTime after a 3 year relationship she has a mini depression moment. Her friends gift her a 5 day stay at an adult resort in Jamaica.
Jax just graduated from Boston College. Him and his 2 best friends get gifted a stay in Jamaica from their parents. Ready to get a vaca in after working hard in college and before he starts his internship.
Both meeting each other on the plane but really meeting in depth at the bar at the same resort they both are staying at. They hit it off until Audrey finds out he’s 16 years younger. She struggles with that but when they both agree for a fun 5 day trip together alongside his friends. They spend a lot of time together and start forming real feelings. That’s when Audrey leaves early in the morning on an earlier flight so she doesn’t have to face Jax and a goodbye.
3 years later, Audrey joins a new marketing company. She was overlooked for a promotion at her old job so she knew she needed to move on. The first week is chaos. Getting to know staff and be up to date with all the accounts. When she meets a team within the company she’s shocked to see Jax.
Jax plays it off like he doesn’t know her but after a couple of days he gives in and demands they get everything off their chest. Knowing the pull and chemistry is still as hot as it was back in Jamaica 3 years ago, they try to be civil. Until the pull snaps. Now they have to figure out how they will work together as a couple and also work in the same company as well.
Tropes: Reversed Age Gap (16 years) Vacation Fling Fuck It moment Forced proximity Secret Relationship Second Chance
Audrey is a marketing executive who just got dumped over facetime. She's approaching 40 and a workaholic with no romantic prospects and her friends force her off to Jamaica to reset and get her groove back. Jax has just graduated with a marketing degree and is celebrating with his two besties also in Jamaica. When they lock eyes on the plane, it's game over, and a vacation fling ensues. They spend 5 days in the sheets. As their holiday comes to an end, they begin to develop feelings. In an attempt to avoid heartbreak, Audrey books an earlier flight and sneaks out on Jax leaving him a note.
It's been 3 years since Jamaica and they've both tried to move on with no luck. They keep comparing new romantic prospects to each other. Jax has moved on from his internship and works at a start up firm. Audrey finally decides to move to a company that can offer a leadership position. It just happens to be the same start up Jax is at.
On her first day, Audrey is surprised when Jax pretends he doesn't know her. But she's his superior and they try and keep their distance. But when they're both given company tickets to a baseball game, sparks fly and their electric connection is still there.
Does Audrey get a second chance after breaking Jax's heart and abandoning him in Jamaica?
~
Tropes: Age Gap (she's older!) First and Second Chance Vacation Fling Insta Love
I loved this book! Ashley Warren did such a good job capturing the vacation haze and transitioning to reality. I can't wait to read the next book.
His missing piece follows Audrey, a 39 year old successful and strong female character, trying to navigate her successful career while also trying to find love. We also follow Jax, a 23 year old college graduate who is just starting to navigate his career and also find love.
The reverse age gap in this story was so well written and I absolutely loved the love story between Audrey and Jax. The balance of sweet and intimate/spicy moments along with witty banter and drama was perfectly done. I found myself able to connect with Audrey’s character. While her career and work life are exactly where she wants, she still has struggles and insecurities with relationships and love that are relatable and impactful to the story’s dynamic. She has struggled to find a relationship that is meaningful or a man that is willing to love her the way she deserves. We also see Jax as he is about to start his career and see how even at 23 he has already been through heartbreak, but when these two come together, the sparks are instantaneous and their love is beautiful.
They never lowered their standards for each other. Both characters, despite being at different points in their lives were able to make a connection and fall for each other while also just being themselves and encouraging each other and supporting each others goals.
I absolutely loved this story, it was beautifully written, unique, and I also loved the side characters and can not wait for more to dive deep into their stories and follow more of Audrey and Jax’s story.
Thank you so much Ashley for a chance to read this ARC, it was such a wonderful story and I can not wait for more.
His Missing Piece is a beautiful story of self-discovery and second chances. It follows Audrey who’s almost 40 and has just gone through another break-up. She’s had success in every other area of her life except for love. Her friends send her on a trip to Jamaica for a much needed reset where she meets Jax. Jax has just graduated college and is on vacation to celebrate. He’s unbothered by the age gap between the two and decides to spend the week showing Audrey a good time. I LOVE Jax. He was SO hot to me 😍 He was such a cinnamon role but like a spicy one. The bar scene at the beginning of the book with the lime (iykyk) was so hot and don’t get me started on the spicy scenes 😋🥵. I’m giving the book 3 stars overall because it did miss the mark on a few things for me. One, there was no meet-cute, they just kind of notice each other and decide to start hooking up. I would have loved for them to have literally bumped into each other on the plane, or for there to somehow have been a mix up with the tickets where they were forced to sit together on the way there. It would have made the story more engaging from the beginning and made their interest in each other seem more genuine. Secondly, I could have used a little more playful banter. Jax and Audrey’s conversations seem so “normal” at times and I could have used more witty back and forth throughout. Overall, this was a super cute read and I loved how it addresses real struggles of heartbreak, falling in love, and finding yourself.
Thank you Ashley Warren and TrulyYoursPR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is giving The Idea of You (I say this while I haven’t seen the movie yet so….)
I entered this book being excited about the concept of a reverse age gap add that with holiday romance cuz how tragic would that be…
The book starts us off with Audrey, single, late 30s, successful woman, who had a fresh break up from her ex. To help her out, Audrey’s friends booked her a solo trip to Jamaica to hopefully link up with new people, maybe get laid.
From there, she meets Jax, a young recent graduate, celebrating his graduation with his friends by going on this Jamaica holiday.
They were instantly attracted to each other, and at first a bit timid and unsure whether to approach each other because of their age difference. They eventually conversed while at a bar and things started to hit off. They spent a lot of time with each other during the holiday until it’s time to go on their separate ways, thinking they’ll never see each other again.
Many years later, they meet again as colleagues at a marketing firm. And then things get more heated up, now that Audrey is literally his superior.
I feel I would enjoy the book more if there was angst. The conflict of the book is that Audrey and Jax are on different paths in life, both professionally and personally. They also got together too quick for me and all the chapters after that are just them being couple.
I wish I could like this book more but good for most people who has read and finished this book!
Thank you Truly Yours PR and Ashley Warren for sending me this ARC for an honest review 💕
ARC review for His Missing Piece by Ashley Warren. 🧩
I’m not usually into an age gap romance so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it in reverse. I loved Audrey, the older woman by 16 years, who is fresh from a breakup and ready to get over her ex by getting under Jax while on vacation in Jamaica🌴. Audrey’s concerns about continuing their relationship in the real world seemed realistic (and ultimately caused her to push Jax away) but when they reconnect three years later, she struggles to not give in to their undeniable chemistry. And no wonder… Jax is wonderful, attentive, honest, and completely head over heels for Audrey from pretty much the first second he sees her. Now I’ve personally never met a man in his 20s who was so open and honest and willing to say what they want without playing games but I sure hope they are out there because Jax has set a new standard.
🔄Reverse age gap 🖇️Workplace romance 👩🏻❤️👨🏻Dual POV 💞Second chance romance 👩🏻💼Successful driven FMC 🐶Golden retriever MMC
3.5/5 ⭐️ Almost an easy 4 stars but for me personally I could have used a little more conflict (I’ll admit I’m a sucker for some drama🎭 and their relationship almost felt too easy for me) but overall this was an easy lighthearted read with a lot of spice🌶️ and humor😂 and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you Ashley and @yourstruly.pr for providing us with this ARC!
I absolutely love this story, Audrey and Jax are so relatable there is swoon, tension, laughs, fun friends on both sides that holds each of them accountable. There are many Easter eggs and sets up perfectly for the 2nd book I am ready for it.
Audrey the FMC is successful she has everything but is lacking in the relationship department after her 3 year relationship ends. To get her out of her emotions her two best friends book her a trip to Jamaica to get her groove back like Stella.
Jax just graduated college with his two best friends and their parents book them a trip to Jamaica to celebrate. Like Audrey he is recovering from a relationship that ended a year before and has been in a spell.
They come together in this whirlwind romance for 5 days in Jamaica, and with her understandable reasoning she leaves him behind to return back home. Fate brings them together 3 years later and you know the love never left but the resentment is also there for Jax.
What I loved the most was how both of their friend’s groups held them accountable for their feelings while still being supportive. Run don’t walk to read this one especially before book 2 because you will want book 2 as soon as you finish this one.
~~What to Expect~~ 🧩Reverse Age Gap (16 Years) 🧩Second Chance 🧩Vacation Romance 🧩Filthy Mouth Cinnamon Roll MMC 🧩Successful FMC 🧩Fun, Loyal and Supportive Friend Group 🧩Workplace
~~Quote~~ 🌊Then it’s my job to remind you during those times that our relationship is our own and the world doesn’t have a say in what we have.
Right from the start, I was impressed by Ashley Warren. She's a brand-new author who decided to write a book this year. And boy did she write a book! The book starts off as "Three Years Ago..." Audrey, nearly forty, is going through a break-up. To help her move on, her best friends Gigi & Melonie book her a five-day trip to Jamaica. Jax, recent college grad, and his best friends are gifted a five-day trip to Jamaica as a graduation present from their parents. Once their flight lands in Jamaica, Jax notices Audrey and can't help but think she is absolutely gorgeous. They exchange a few words before exiting the plane and heading to the shuttle. Jax notices Audrey again on the shuttle realizing that she may be traveling alone. After discussing "Plane Woman" with the guys, Jax determines Project Plane Woman is on. Audrey and Jax are drawn to each other from the start. Despite their age-gap. They agree to spend the remainder of their vacation together. On their final day, Audrey is determined they would never work out and disappears without saying goodbye. Three Years Later: The universe brings Audrey and Jax back together. Audrey just got hired as an executive the same marketing firm that Jax works at. As they navigate through their lives, both personal and professional, they realize they want to be together no matter what and give it ago. Facing challenges along the way. His Missing Piece is a lovely story. I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more about The Ladies of Back Bay!
Tropes Featured: Reverse Age-Gap (16 years), Vacation Fling, Second Chance, LOTS of Spice, Dual-POV, Golden Retriever MMC, Workplace Romance
Final Rating: 3/5⭐️
Our story follows Audrey, a recently single 39 year old who has been shipped off to Jamaica by her two best friends to recuperate post-breakup, and Jax, a 23 year old college graduate who is celebrating his accomplishment in Jamaica with his two best friends. While there, they find themselves in a whirlwind vacation romance with an expiration date - or so they thought.
I really really wanted to love this book. I thought there were great elements involved, like the main characters' individual personalities, the friend groups that each of them have, and the commitment to their careers. However, the whole story just felt underdeveloped. The pacing was EXTREMELY fast, with a lot of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing.’ I would say about half of the book is spice, which is typically fine with me as long as the plot isn’t sacrificed in place of it, which I unfortunately feel happened here. I felt that there were a lot of places that could have been delved into deeper, instead of just giving us surface level conflict and then resolving it in a matter of a few pages.
I liked the overall story-line of this book, but I would have enjoyed more depth on almost all of the elements/plot lines. However, it was still a cute, quick, and easy read! Honestly would be a good palette cleanser if you are in between heavy books!
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬…..when I saw this was a reverse age gap I signed up so fast! I’ve really been loving this trope and this was another hit.
𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐲’𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐮𝐩 with her over the phone and she took it pretty hard…not because she lost the guy but the fact that she feels life is passing her by. She's alone, shes at the age where she thought she would be close to getting married but now she fears at starting over or maybe the universe is telling her shes meant to be alone. Her two besties cheer her up by sending her to Jamaica to unwind and maybe have a fling with a guy. 😏
𝐉𝐚𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 graduated college and as a present, their parents send them to Jamaica to have some fun before they start in the real world. Everything changes for Jax when he sees this gorgeous woman on the plane and he can’t stop thinking about her.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 develops into something more, but Audrey’s afraid they won’t work in the real world, she’s older and is at a different stage in life while Jax is just getting started. So instead of staying goodbye to the man she is falling for…..she leaves a note and leaves on the next plane back home.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 emotional and it’s learning how to over come your fears and going for what you want. It’s second chances and falling in love all over again. Love conquers all. Jax shows Audrey how much he loves her with the small things that mean the world and I loved all of those moments. I CANT WAIT for book 2. We get a teaser who book 2 is going to be about and oh boy I already know it’s gonna be good.
🌴This was a reverse age gap, workplace, second chance romance that I connected with pretty quickly. The FMC, Audrey, at 39 years old was relatable and easy to like. She connects on a trip to Jamaica (arranged by her girlfriend’s post bad breakup) with a much younger (23) MMC, Jax, for a week of fun and spicy good times.
🌴My oh my was this a refreshing read with a different trope than I have read, a plot that didn’t follow the usual timeline, spice, emotional points, angst, some drama and also really satisfying justice for the yuck behavior of others. The dirty talking, the swoon-worthy stuff, the “f*ck it” moment…🥵
👋Therapist take: This was a well written story about people overcoming labels, expectations about worth and ability/maturity based on age and figuring out what’s truly important. There were some angsty parts of this that made me tense and also parts where I wished the characters used better judgement and managed their difficult feelings better but this was relatable as ever because I’m usually in the therapychair hearing similar types of situations. I found it refreshing that the age part of this story wasn’t the whole story and that the reader was able to put that aside and see the people involved and the value in their connection, which is a pretty amazing metaphor for how love works anyhow. A spicy good time and impressive debut book 👏🏻