Coming Undone

The Lanton Legacy #1

by Esme Taylor

Pregnant and married at 18, I thought I knew what life had in store, but now I’m divorced, closer to 50 than 40, and apparently, starting a whole new chapter I’m not sure I’m ready for.
My friends think I need a makeover and a dating app profile.
My kids think I should stay single for life because I’m too old for anything else.
But my son’s best friend, he seems to want to show me a side of life I’ve been missing.
After a lifetime of putting other people’s needs first, I can’t help but bask in the attention as he worships me and my curves.
But Jax Cartwright seems too good to be true.
And I quickly realize that he’s hiding something, and the question is, will the truth turn my entire world to rubble?

Genres: Romance, Firefighters

426 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2024

About the author

Esme is a 40 something romance author from the North East of England. She started writing romance during lockdown and developed a love of crafting stories about tattooed broken boys and the relationships that help them heal. Esme writes all sorts of tropes, but one theme runs through her books - love comes in all shapes and sizes and her stories celebrate that.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish more people would write reverse age gap!

[Natasha Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! Once again Esme has hit it out of the park and produced another masterpiece!!
I don’t know what she puts into her books but they are truly magical.
Helen and Jax’s story is the best reverse age gap I have ever read. It’s one of my favourite tropes that I have seen butchered too many times before but Esme has woven her magic and created a beautiful, emotional and touching story.

The way the characters go together, the growth, the twists, the compatibility- I am telling you is breathtaking!!

Esme has become one of my all time favourite authors because the characters she creates are so real, so raw, there are always ways you can connect and relate to them.

And I cannot wait to get this one on my bookshelf and I’m already looking forward to rereading it!!

10/10

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good. Reverse age gap, sons best friend, past trauma, and more…… this was my first reverse age gap and I was not disappointed. It was beautifully written, just two people who are healing and learning that happen to make each other complete

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. A post divorce, middle-aged woman and a younger man who both have some insecurities find comfort, love and solace in each other was a beautiful read. I love how both knew what each other needed and helped each other find themselves was beautiful. Esme knows what she is doing and I love everything she writes.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final rating ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

Romance ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Spicy 🥵🥵🥵🥵


Plot 5/5

The plot had such depth and was so riveting I have been addicted since page 1. Curvy middle age mom, cougar FMC, reverse age gap. Loved every minute of this book. I cannot wait for more.

Writing quality& nonrepetitive 5/5

I found this felt like is was written well and I will be going and reading more from this author. Being Canadian I found some language was off between here and British slang/language. In the end I still loved it. (However "folds" is an ick-word of mine and it was used alot)

Characters 5/5

Again 5 for 5 in the character development department. These characters are so well described I feel like I'm part of the girl group, that I too work for Thomas. I feel like I am living in their town. 

Ending 4/5

I've never been happier with the way a book wrapped up. I'm a little sad we didn't get to see a HUGE event but I understand at the same time it could of been a whole book in itself. I've fallen in love with Helen and Jax. 

Backstory/world building 5/5

When I close my eyes I can picture just about every scene in this book. It's not wordy at all. I just absolutely LOVED how she got into my head with such little effort. 10/10

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book, it had me in such a chokehold I couldn’t put it down! This story was everything, Helen was so relatable and going through a tough time when Jax comes into her life. Jax made me swoon in the best way, how he treated Helen and gave her the confidence she needed to believe in her self was wonderful. This book was emotional and at some points my heart was in my mouth but I loved the way it ended and can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Camille Blais · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, this really gave me the warm and fuzzies. Helen is definitely a queen and I think Jax is the perfect prince for her. I never thought i would be into age gap romances but it’s so refreshing to see a woman in her 40s who is not the skinny tiny fragile girl like in all other books. I devoured this book in one day and could not recommend it more.

[Nora Ellen (Nbbookery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Helen finds herself 49 years old, divorced, and in need of a fresh outlook on life, she doesn't expect a surprise connection with her son's best friend. Back in town and down on his luck, firefighter Jax is surprised his friend's very appealing mother gives him a hand when he needs it. Their forced proximity as roommates grows when they start to tease around their mutual attraction. However, they both have secrets that could douse the fire before they get swept away in an inferno.

I loved Helen's friend group. It reminds me so much of my own bestie, and they were so supportive of her new attitude and quest for love. Jax was fighting some demons, but he did a darn good job of putting Helen first in their relationship. Their adult meet-cute involved a bottle of vodka and some toy lessons. I was rooting for them through the good and bad times. Their friends and family were so supportive, and honestly, it sounded like the whole town was after their happy ending. Despite Helen's continous reminders, their 18-year age gap didn't dissuade Jax in the slightest. He liked her for both her body and her brains and wasn't afraid to let the world know. This book was such a feel-good read, and I would love to get lost in more from this author.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen was getting divorced from her husband after a long marriage. He wasn’t happy anymore. They got married young because she ended up getting pregnant and then after they had Jasper they had 2 more sons!! She ended up getting a sprucing up by her best friends and she finally starting feeling a little better about herself. One day Jackson came back into town. He grew up there but he moved away with his dad when he was 15. Jasper never knew why and they were best friends so he wasn’t the same for a really long time. He told Jackson that he was there if he wanted to talk. Jackson who wanted to be called Jax was sitting on a bench at the beach when Helen saw him. She was on her way home from being ghosted. She ended up giving him a ride back to her house where they talked a lot. Helen opened up to him and everything changed after that. This book was well written and very in depth in detail so much so that I could picture certain scenes. Really good. I can’t wait to read more by esme

[Felicia Tousey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Esme Taylor and definitely not my last. The way she drew us into each of the characters and made them so relatable is priceless. I love when I get lost in a character and can feel everything they're feeling. Helen is an older woman on the backside of a divorce. She's has low self esteem issues. She offered her home to Jackson (Jax) who happens to be her sons best friend AND a sexy fireman who was back after 16 years. Jax falls first and is determined to spoil her and make her feel loved. He has a hard past and a secret. I feel like the drama, twists and turns combined with the spicy scenes made this book one of my favorites this year!

[Bookish Venturess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. It's very spicy. I love how she got her happy ending. This was such a good romance.

[Violet Patterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I don't get all of the praise for this book that basically makes 40-something divorcees into a complete joke.

The one star is for the MMC who I could almost get behind and two of the sons.

Things started off pretty bad with the FMC being told she dresses twenty years older than her age, and her "friends" did nothing about it until after her divorce? And of course, if she's a "curvy" 49yo, she HAS to dress frumpy and be frumpy. I call BS.

Then it got worse. After her friends gave her a makeover and gifted her with some toys, she decided to test said toys by applying one "where I thought my C* was." Ma'am. You did not have THREE boys and RAISE them and NOT KNOW WHERE THAT IS. Even worse, she apparently had NEVER had an orgasm even by her own hand? WHAT? And she just gave up on it.

Oh, and it got worse. The level of ignorance was beyond cringeworthy. It was worse than reading another story about a 20-something V. In fact, the FMC refers to herself as basically a 49yo V more than once - seriously? There I might have bought it if she only had ONE child at 18, but to have two more, and raise them, and have the friends she supposedly has...there is NO chance she is that ignorant.

Let's just say, it got worse and worse and worse....her freaking ignorance was appalling, and frankly, offensive.

And let's talk about her boys. If my adult kids spoke to me the way hers did, I would lose my mind. But, what am I thinking, my kids would NEVER speak to me that way. It was a horribly clumsy attempt at building tension that came across poorly.

So, let's talk about the "romance" that was the worst yo-yo fest. The FMC is so innocent and ignorant and afraid of getting together with her son's former best friend but then she's all "I want you" and then she pulls back and it went ON and ON and ON like that for too long.

Then, the MMC had to explain to the FMC how to get herself off? The instructional lessons were beyond cringe even though I think they were supposed to be sexy. Believe me, they were not. A 31yo man should never been telling a 49yo woman what her C is, and a 49yo woman is not asking what happens if she can't come. WTF.

And other cringe-worthy bits:

"what is messing around?'
the waxing scene
the boys' powerpoint presentation
FMC not realizing the truth after the encounter - ma'am, you have three grown sons
the Armageddon date - seriously?
the way the FMC becomes an adept overnight

Oh, and one of the things the MMC loves about the FMC is how confident she is, even though the first half of the book is all about how incompetent she is. BUT, it gets better because when you find out about her job you know there is NO way she was the mess she was portrayed as through most of the book. Inconsistency much?

[Sarah is Lostinthepages.17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s like this was written for every 40 something year old, curvy, single, divorced or just starting over. Whichever one you fall under there is a piece for you in this book. Forty-nine year old Helen is starting over after her divorce and what usually follows a big event in your life is a change (ie makeover, new love of self and possibly a new love). Helen gets all of the above.
Jax (her son’s best friend from childhood) moves back to town and immediately takes notice of Helen. Watching them both struggle to fully let the other in was heartbreaking and sad. Helen’s self doubt was a given after everything she went through in her marriage. Jax’s… I never saw that coming. What he endured, and the detrimental thoughts of his father’s voice plaguing him, no words for the pain that child went through, alone. Letting go and trusting the other person was beautiful and what us forty somethings, single and starting a new chapter, hope to someday be blessed with.
They really were just so sweet.
Side note, every girl should have a group of friends like that.

“I’ve never been kissed like this.”
“Like what?” My voice cracked when I spoke, arousal making it hard to form my words. “Like you can’t get enough of me. Like I’m giving you air.”


“I am offering you all my broken pieces, my missing parts, all the…” He paused and I couldn’t resist, running my fingers up along his jaw. “Ask me.” Eyes glazed, he swallowed hard. “Knowing everything about me… can you choose me, beautiful?”

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
#comingundone #esmetaylor #reverseagegap #curvygirl #firefighter #sonsbestfriend #smalltown #emotionaltrauma #arcreview #bookstagram #booklover

[Trace Broyles · Rating 1 out of 5]

why?

FMC is a basically a caricature of a 40-something divorcee. There is no reason for her to be as completely naive as she was in this book. Between her friends and having had three boys, there is no way she doesn’t know where certain body parts are, and that’s just the beginning of the insanity.

When 40-something women, especially divorcees, have so few characters in the spicy romance world, this FMC is a slap in the face.

[Shanluvs2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the reverse age gap and how the MFC rediscovered herself after marrying young (divorce) and raising a family.

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reverse age gap (she’s 49/he’s 31), “I’m your friend’s mum!” ‘forbidden’ relationship vibe is excellent. Right from the start, the underlying sexual tension is delicious. Helen’s feeling inexperienced and his “let me show you” is a great combo.

This book definitely reads like a romantic fantasy, he is just so goofy in love with her. Right away Jax comes cross as a supportive, make you feel good, build-you-up king! 👑 And while he is just such a supportive love and this may seem simple at first, you also find he’s more complex than he comes across initially and you feel for him (and also Helen) more and more as the story goes on.

While Helen struggles with her new identity and her body images throughout, Jax is the perfect compliment for her - encouraging her to own who she is. In the meantime, poor Jax just made me want to hug him more and more as his difficult background is revealed.

Toward the end, Jax’s actions are just so fitting of him as a character - totally and utterly gone over Helen. I feel like if I wrote a motto for Jax it would be “I am going to love the f*ck out of you and you are going to sit there and take it” 😂

The utter vulnerability around the end too just makes your heart squeeze for Jax and for them both as a couple. It’s really lovely and sweet as well as being very sexy.

There’s an interesting balance in this story between being almost over the top lovey in a silly-fun way to then also being very emotional with lots around vulnerability, all with lots of good spice.

Overall this is a fun, sexy, and sometimes emotional read. If you want a story about a man who just wants to worship his woman and build her up and make her feel like a queen while also opening himself up and comes undone, this is for you. If you like “good girl” vibes, this is also for you 😄
Definitely can recommend this one! 4/5 ⭐️

[Sian R Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well… that was hot and I’m not even talking about the fires Jax put out!

Helen is newly divorced woman, married at 18 after finding out she was pregnant with her first child, she’s only ever known one man who broke her confidence and was very vanilla in the bedroom. But her group of friends are determined to give Helen a makeover and build up her back up and at 49 make her realise she is in the prime of her life.
Jax was forced to leave his home town at 15, he’s only ever dreamt of moving back to that same town so when he gets the new firefighter job he takes it as a sign. But Jax’s past still haunts him, he’s not told a signal sole about it and he can’t bare the thought of Helen looking at him in a different light.

We’ve got reverse age gap she’s 49 and he’s 31, son’s best friend, firefighter, spicy scenes that are hot as hell and more, I loved every second of it!

The characters are relatable and loveable.
Helen at 49 and newly divorced thinking her life is over and then in walks Jax ready to shake her life up, remind her how beautiful she is curves and all, show her things in the bedroom all whilst taking it at her pace, giving her fireman lifts I mean it was completely swoon worthy.
Their relationship had some rocky patches, Helen really lacked confidence and was nervous but I loved how gentle Jax was with her. And Jax with his big secret, I really felt for him going through all of that at 15 on his own but I’m pleased he found the courage to open up, get help and then be able to help others.

A great story that I truly loved every second of and I believe that Esme Taylor did a fantastic job!

[JenzBookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🔥🔥 Coming Undone 🔥🔥🔥

Wowwww just wowww

If you love your books with a bit of….

🔥 Reverse Age Gap
🔥 Curvy 40+ FMC
🔥 Firefighter MMC
🔥 Small Town Romance
🔥 Older Characters

I absolutely loved this book, this book had me up till after two in the morning because I didn’t want to put it down.

No spoilers because I hate that but I will say bits about the characters

Esme has written this book beautifully
Helen and Jaxs story was so heartwarming and uplifting but also had me laughing out loud. Their story is beautiful and you can relate to so many things in this book.

We have a curvy FMC in her late 40’s who has body confidence issues the lovely Helen
Newly divorced and not knowing who she truly is after years of being a ma, a wife and Holding down a career but not really having anything for herself or even if she deserves or wants anything else.

We have Jax, Helen’s son’s best friend who comes back to town after a long time away, he’s a very hot firefighter, with a past he doesn’t share with anyone until Helen.
I was not expecting jaxs truth though…
omg his story had me 🥹.
Everyone needs a Jax in their life

You love who you love and this book absolutely stole my heart ❤️ and made my heart swell reading this. At the same time I laughed so hard, I felt so many emotions but it was all warm and heartwarming.
Feel good story with things you could definitely relate to. The sons and friends though omg too funny.

Give this book a read you won’t regret it

Needs more than the 5 stars ⭐️
The spice was spicy and funny
Go get this book

[Virginie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Being lucky enough to be part of Esme Taylor’s ARC team, I was looking forward to reading this book and my patience has been rewarded!

Helen is a woman approaching fifty. She has just gone through a divorce and is now having to relearn how to live as a single woman. She is supported in this transition by her three grown-up sons. On top of that, her friends are on a mission to prove to Helen that she is still beautiful and attractive.

Jax is a man just entering his thirties. A professional firefighter, he returns to the town where he grew up after an absence of 16 years. There he reunites with his childhood best friend Jasper, who is Helen’s son. When a house sale falls through, Helen offers Jax the opportunity to move in with her while he looks for a new home, but will they be able to resist the attraction they feel for each other?

I’ve read a lot of romance novels in the last few years, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one like this. A woman older than a man isn’t one of the most common tropes in romance, and frankly, that’s a shame. A woman has the right to be with a younger person as long as the relationship is between adults and consensual.

Helen and Jax are so sweet together. The way he helps her to accept her body, to accept that she’s still a woman, even though she’s approaching fifty, is really touching. Since I don’t want to spoil the book, I’ll just say that Helen also helps Jax to accept his old wounds, and that was also very moving 🥹

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you, Esme Taylor, for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Cuban Ana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧯𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘃𝘆 𝗙𝗠𝗖
🧯𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽
🧯𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻
🧯𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗠𝗖
🧯𝗦𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱
🧯𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲

The book's dedication was and is everything. I loved it. I needed it. And I see it. Thank you.

𝘿𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝘽𝙀𝘾𝘼𝙐𝙎𝙀 𝙉𝙊 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝘼𝙂𝙀, 𝘿𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙎 𝙎𝙄𝙕𝙀, 𝙊𝙍 𝘽𝙊𝘿𝙔 𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙏, 𝙒𝙀 𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙃𝙔 𝙊𝙁 𝙇𝙊𝙑𝙀. 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙏𝙃-𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙊𝙨.

This was my first read by Esme and I will be coming back for more. Now, Jax and Helen….
Helen is a divorced mom of three boys who is strong but insecure at the same time. She was married and a mom before she was 19 so this is her first time being an independent woman.
Jax is her oldest son’s best friend who moved away when he was 15 and has now returned as a fireman, and is staying with Helen until he finds a place of his own. He has a secret from his past, which has also made him insecure.
The friendship between Jackson and Helen was natural and easy. Like any relationship, this one has its ups and downs. I adore how he looks out for her and gives her a sense of strength, self-assurance, and love.
Their chemistry is complete Fire (pun very much intended). But along with the fire comes a story of exploration, healing, and a journey of self-discovery.

This book was fantastic, a steamy reverse age gap that is packed full of emotion, mystery, and spice. The age gap was well done. This was my second reverse age gap, and even though it’s not my favorite type of age gap this one is up there as a favorite as well.

[Stephanie Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what can I say… I absolutely loved it from the minute I picked it up. I was racing to finish it.
A brilliantly written small town romance, with loveable and relatable characters. This book is everything a romance should be and more.
Brilliant storyline and the perfect amount of smuttiness!

Gripped throughout, the storyline takes you on a real journey which will have you swooning, grinning, gripping your book edges, tearing up and cringing alongside them.

Jax is a real man with a loveable lost boy feel and a past that has you curious till the very end.

Helen is the type of woman we all have in our lives, or we are ourselves. You’re rooting for her from the beginning to be the woman we all know she can be.

A reverse age gap, son’s best friend, firefighter MMC, curvy FMC, older characters and hard hitting lived experiences. With a HEA which is what we’re all searching for.
Trigger warnings can be found on Esme’s website - they will lead to spoilers for the story but should always be considered before reading.

Esme Taylor, thank you for gifting us with Helen, Jax and the rest of the gang. I cannot wait to read more of their stories.
Released on 18th July! Be sure to get your copy!!!

[Emma Bakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme has done it again… what a beautiful book with a surprising story line I honestly did not expect but absolutely loved.

The main fmc newly divorced and trying to understand her place in the world. Some genuinely heartfelt moments of her finding her self. Her friends are brilliant and add to the humour and fun of navigating dating in your late 40s.

The mmc is what esme writes so well, broken. He’s product of his trauma and troubled childhood. My heart broke when he described his father’s behaviour, his past health worries and how he views himself. I wanted to climb in the page and give him the biggest hug. I was so mad at him for doing what he did and at the same time I just wanted to wrap him up and protect him for his thoughts.

The way they forge their relationship from aqutance, to friends to lovers flows beautifully. And I was so happy that the hea came and there end scenes are beautiful to read.

I cannot recommend esmes books enough and this one has joined the ranks as firm favourite.

I can’t wait to see where were taken next with Jaspers story…I just know its going to wonderful.

[MammaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

NovelEsme Taylor’s latest novel is a beautifully written love story that deserves a solid 5-star rating. This is only my second 5-star read this year, and it’s easy to see why it stands out.The story features a reverse age gap romance between a 49-year-old divorced mother of three and a 31-year-old firefighter who happens to be her son’s best friend. The female protagonist, sexually inexperienced and having only ever been with one man, finds herself rediscovering her self-worth and beauty through the tender and passionate attention of this younger man.What starts as a steamy love affair evolves into a profound emotional journey. Despite the spice and heat, the story delves deeper into the firefighter’s past, revealing his real trauma. As he opens up, the heroine’s love and acceptance make him feel whole again.Esme Taylor masterfully weaves together themes of healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. This novel is not just a romance; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of genuine connection.Thank you, Esme Taylor, for crafting such an extraordinary and heartfelt story.

[Cassie Czisz · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I LOVED this book! I devoured it. The age gap was written so well with the added bonus of Son's best friend. Both characters go through such amazing transformations emotional. Helen transforms physically and emotionally after her divorce with the assistance of her friends, her sons, and the hot new fireman in town who just so happens to also be her son's best friend. Jax left town at age fifteen after his mother's passing without an explanation, so when he arrives back in town sixteen years later, many have questions that he is not ready to talk about. Jax overcomes so many of his inner demons from his past and finally finds the courage to open up to those closest to him. The devotion these two characters have for one another is next level. Helen goes from being as she describes a "forty nine year old Virgin" to going through a sexual awakening. This book had just the right amount of spice, in my opinion.

This was my first Esme Taylor book, and I'm now off to find more as I can't get enough of her writing!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly really enjoyed this book. Helen, the FMC, is a recently divorced woman who is insecure with herself. She grows in confidence so much over the course of the book. I loved that her confidence grew, yes in part because of the MMC, but also because of changes she was making in her life (often with the encouragement of good friends).

There’s a lot of discussion regarding shame resulting from past trauma. There was at least one instance where secret keeping from the MMC became a red flag for me. I was encouraged that most of the red flag behaviour was addressed but I would have preferred more talk about it. Lots of talk about candle safety, less about c0ndom safety..

The nuances of age gap dating and dating in a small town were well addressed. The spice was pretty spicy 🌶️
I’m not usually a fan of the golden retriever MMC trope but this story was very well written. Definitely recommend!

The secondary characters had very interesting stories and I can’t wait to read about what’s going on with Helen’s sons!

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚒Reverse Age Gap
🔥Small Town
🚒Curvy FMC
🔥Firefighter MMC
🚒Son’s Best Friend
🔥Teach Me

Esmee has done it again! Helen and Jax’s story was so beautiful.

Helen is 49 and newly divorced. She struggles with her body image and discovers she is inexperienced in the bedroom.

Jax is 31 and a firefighter. He has his own body image issues due to childhood trauma. Did I mention he is her son’s best friend?

Jax is the perfect person for Helen. He builds up her confidence, makes her feel like a queen, and loves her so fiercely. Even with his own struggles, he makes sure to make her feel amazing.

“You look stunning.” “Every inch the queen of your story.”

Their story isn’t without hardships and doubt. Their character development and how they healed each other was heartwarming. This book had all the feels. I was giggling, melting at Jax’s mouth, and crying at times. The Epilogue was exactly what I needed to see!

“So I guess the question is beautiful, are you going to decide what happens next with your head or your heart?”

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson is back, now known as Jax, and the new shift manager in the local fire station. Back after leaving a long time ago, he’s staying at the b and b. But his best mates Jasper’s mum won’t hear about it and invites him to stay in a spare bedroom she has.

Helen is in another era of her life. Divorced and whole new chapter, her dating isn’t going great.

Sharing a house with an atractive younger man who is showing interest is making Helen think about herself for a change.

This book made me sit on the edge of my seat and want her to push herself out of her comfort zone, make the most of being spoilt and just lap it up.

Won’t be the same story once her sons are involved and Jax has a few demons himself.

I’ve read most of Esme’s books and I’ve got to say it could be her best work so far.

Don’t pass on this beauty, I took an instant like to Jax and Helen and I’m sure you will too.

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teat Book

This is the first book, in " The Lenton Legacy" series. This was also, the first time I read her book. I'm So So Glad, I did. This book was different, than the other age gap books, I been reading. I couldn't put this book down , for so many reasons. 💓 Jax and Helen.
This book was entertaining, she was married and pregnant at 18, divorce closer to 50, start a new chapter in her life, kids think she too old to get married again, need to put her needs first, found younger man, he hiding something, unpredictable, wonder characters, emotional, divorce, well written, sons best friend, HEA, forced proximity, firefighter, roommates, her friends group is awesome, everyone wanted for them to get together, testicular cancer, curvy FMC reverse Age age, small town, Hot, romantic and so much more.
I'm Definitely, reading more , of her books, now.
Definitely, on my reread list.

[Sara Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚜, 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝, 𝙸 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞.”

I’m usually not a reverse age gap kind of reader, but wow, Coming Undone has opened my eyes to not turn down this trope anymore.

The instant attraction from Jax was just woah. Hot firefighter, who’s caring, gentle but knows when to be rough, strong and did I mention before, hot? I really felt for both MCs and love how their dynamic just clicked.

Spoiler-ish: Helen’s son Connor and the ex husband made me want to karate chop them at times. Like Helen didn’t deserve all of that BS. But of course Jax comes to save the day. The perfect (imperfect) Prince Charming for Queen Helen.

Read if you like:
🧯Reverse Age Gap
🔥 Spice
🧯 Small Town
🔥 Son’s Best Friend
🧯 “Teach Me”
🔥 Queen Worship

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Jax and Helen’s story was so heartwarming and so much fun. I am a sucker for reverse age gap and this seriously checked all the boxes for me!

🔥Reverse age gap
🔥Best friends mom
🔥Forced proximity
🔥Life after divorce

Jax and Jasper were best friends until the age of 15 when Jax moved away unexpectedly. Now Jax is all grown up at the age of 31 and back in town. He is in need of a place to stay, so Jasper offers up his mother Helen’s house, since she is living alone for the first time in her adult life.

Helen and Jax are an unlikely pair from the outside, but these two are soulmate level if you read their story! I loved Jax and his dedication and adoration for Helen. And I love Helen’s character development from shy and prudish, to this firecracker who takes what she wants.

There’s drama. There’s heartwarming times. And there’s so much love!

I highly recommend this one!