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Excess Baggage
Winifred “Freddie” Brown’s got an admirer. He’s handsome, charming, and persistent. The only problem? He’s eleven years her junior and she’s not trying to take anyone that close in age to her child seriously.
Elijah Woolford, however, is undeterred. He’s had his eye on Freddie for some time now and is willing to do whatever it takes to break down her walls and get her to let him in.
One fortuitous night at a local hangout changes everything and the two embark on what is supposed to be a casual thing. Only Freddie soon comes to learn that there’s more to Elijah than what meets the eye and she finds herself bewitched by his charms.
Elijah Woolford, however, is undeterred. He’s had his eye on Freddie for some time now and is willing to do whatever it takes to break down her walls and get her to let him in.
One fortuitous night at a local hangout changes everything and the two embark on what is supposed to be a casual thing. Only Freddie soon comes to learn that there’s more to Elijah than what meets the eye and she finds herself bewitched by his charms.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2024
140 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Falls
62 books547 followersNicole Falls is a contemporary Black romance writer who has taken entirely too long to complete her first project. She's also a ceramic mug and lapel pin enthusiast who cannot function without her AirPods constantly blaring music. When Nicole isn't writing, she spends her time trolling her friends and family while drinking coffee and/or cocktails or checking off yet another of these great United States visited in her quest to see some land! She currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 29, 2024
Winifred is livin’ her best empty nester’s life. Her son is on the cusp of graduating from college, she has a great job working for a black owned airline, and she has a great group of girlfriends. The only thing missing is a mister but, there’s a certain baggage handler waiting on the sidelines for an opportunity to change that.
Elijah may be young but he’s ready and been ready. He’s been crushin’ on Freddie since he started working at the airline but, their 11-year age difference doesn’t work for her. She’s just not comfortable even considering dating someone so close to her son’s age so, she shuts him down every time he shoots his shot. Which, is almost daily. But, Elijah’s confidence and tenacity intrigues Freddie. Despite her hesitation, he was unwavering in his insistence to get Freddie to overlook their age difference and give them a real shot. Excess Baggage was really enjoyable. I’m not a huge fan of age gap with OW/YM but, Freddie and Eli won me over. Their chemistry and attraction to one another was intense and, I loved how Eli didn’t have to work hard to break down Freddie’s emotional roadblocks to get her to trust in love again. Aside from his family drama, their little love journey was pretty much angst free and, y’all know that’s my jam. I love the idea of this series being centered around a black owned airline but, why didn’t the airline have a name? I want Dante's Airlines, Jackson Airlines, or Shaker Heights Airlines to fly me to my next literary destination. LOL! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I hope a name will appear in book two. Other than that, I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Elijah may be young but he’s ready and been ready. He’s been crushin’ on Freddie since he started working at the airline but, their 11-year age difference doesn’t work for her. She’s just not comfortable even considering dating someone so close to her son’s age so, she shuts him down every time he shoots his shot. Which, is almost daily. But, Elijah’s confidence and tenacity intrigues Freddie. Despite her hesitation, he was unwavering in his insistence to get Freddie to overlook their age difference and give them a real shot. Excess Baggage was really enjoyable. I’m not a huge fan of age gap with OW/YM but, Freddie and Eli won me over. Their chemistry and attraction to one another was intense and, I loved how Eli didn’t have to work hard to break down Freddie’s emotional roadblocks to get her to trust in love again. Aside from his family drama, their little love journey was pretty much angst free and, y’all know that’s my jam. I love the idea of this series being centered around a black owned airline but, why didn’t the airline have a name? I want Dante's Airlines, Jackson Airlines, or Shaker Heights Airlines to fly me to my next literary destination. LOL! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I hope a name will appear in book two. Other than that, I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
July 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
Age gaps are not my jam….BUT, This was a really well written story…Hell, what did I expect from Nic Falls….Really Good Story
Age gaps are not my jam….BUT, This was a really well written story…Hell, what did I expect from Nic Falls….Really Good Story
August 1, 2024
This book made me happy. A little bit of heavy and a lot of joy. Can't wait for what's next. Happy reading!
October 12, 2024
3.5⭐️ 2.5 🌶️ Quick Review:
It was cute
Age gap (shes’s older by 12 years)
Low drama
Characters are mature and communicate well
Happy for now ending
Check TW: drug use/overdosing
It was cute
Age gap (shes’s older by 12 years)
Low drama
Characters are mature and communicate well
Happy for now ending
Check TW: drug use/overdosing
July 9, 2024
Age gap romance
This is the second book in a row that involved an age gap making me wonder if what is written about these young men are true. LOL! I enjoyed reading this book about Elijah and Freddie. I loved the pursuit of Elijah demonstrating how much he wanted Winifred. I loved how the author addressed the challenges involved in handling an addict in your family...no easy feat. I was satisfied when I reached the end of this beautifully written love story.
This is the second book in a row that involved an age gap making me wonder if what is written about these young men are true. LOL! I enjoyed reading this book about Elijah and Freddie. I loved the pursuit of Elijah demonstrating how much he wanted Winifred. I loved how the author addressed the challenges involved in handling an addict in your family...no easy feat. I was satisfied when I reached the end of this beautifully written love story.
August 4, 2025
reverse age gap
This book was super cute! Older woman, younger man. Elijah wasn’t playing when he got Freddie. Coworkers that worked at the airport. I do wish the book had more scenes and interactions at the airport. Overall, good read that also went into some deeper subjects.
This book was super cute! Older woman, younger man. Elijah wasn’t playing when he got Freddie. Coworkers that worked at the airport. I do wish the book had more scenes and interactions at the airport. Overall, good read that also went into some deeper subjects.
July 8, 2024
Age aint nuthin but a number but would you be cool with dating someone close to the same age as your son? From the beginning Elijah lets it be known that he wants Winifred and he isn’t letting nothing stop him..not even the slight issue of her being older than him. While Elijah is fine…Winifred isn’t sure dating a younger man is what’s best for her.
In the words of the mama from baby boy “mama gotta have a life too😝”. And that’s exactly what Winifred needs is to live her life after raising her son and getting him off to college. And who better to help her than Elijah.
This is a Nicole Falls book. So you know these people is hunching and having a good time. I loved Eli. That man applied pressure and wasn’t letting up until he got what he wanted. And I love that for him.
Go read it now!
In the words of the mama from baby boy “mama gotta have a life too😝”. And that’s exactly what Winifred needs is to live her life after raising her son and getting him off to college. And who better to help her than Elijah.
This is a Nicole Falls book. So you know these people is hunching and having a good time. I loved Eli. That man applied pressure and wasn’t letting up until he got what he wanted. And I love that for him.
Go read it now!
August 5, 2025
Nicole Falls like CCJ knows how to write a feel good, smiling, rubbing your feet together love story. This is that.
November 4, 2024
Older woman, younger man, sign me up!! My first Nicole Falls book and I’m definitely a fan! I’m looking forward to reading more by her. Elijah and Freddie’s story was flirty, sexy, entertaining and an all around fun read.
Elijah was so charismatically charming! Freddie didn’t stand a chance of not falling for him. The chemistry between them was blazing. I loved their banter. I found myself laughing out loud at their jabs at each other. They were so undeniably cute and I loved being witness to their love story.
Elijah was so charismatically charming! Freddie didn’t stand a chance of not falling for him. The chemistry between them was blazing. I loved their banter. I found myself laughing out loud at their jabs at each other. They were so undeniably cute and I loved being witness to their love story.
July 11, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Such a cute story about a younger man, Elijah, falling for a lady 11yrs older, Freddie. I loved his patience, persistent & pursuit for Freddie! His love for his family🔥Loved me some sexy a$$ Elijah 🫶🏾🤎 🫶🏾 chocolate drop for realz! Loved that the FMC was older than 40!! Yaasss!! Great short read with HEA💯
August 4, 2024
Tell me something
At first, I thought this story was one thing, and it turns out it was something else. It was about a couple with a slight age difference, falling in love. I enjoyed this age gap love story completely.
At first, I thought this story was one thing, and it turns out it was something else. It was about a couple with a slight age difference, falling in love. I enjoyed this age gap love story completely.
September 16, 2024
loved it
Really enjoyed this book. So many emotions yet kept me glued to the pages not wanting to miss anything. Eli is a man who has a purpose and isn’t ashamed of loving out loud. Patience is a virtue for real and Eli wins the gold for patience and perseverance.
Really enjoyed this book. So many emotions yet kept me glued to the pages not wanting to miss anything. Eli is a man who has a purpose and isn’t ashamed of loving out loud. Patience is a virtue for real and Eli wins the gold for patience and perseverance.
July 8, 2024
This book was so good I cannot explain to yall how I laughed gasped and cried because Nicole gave us a beautiful Black love story. This book pulled at my heartstrings and I didn’t want the let these characters go.
July 19, 2024
Elijah for the win!
3.5⭐ rounded up. Freddie was really out here not trying to give Eli a chance because of their age difference. I understood her reluctance because he wasn't much older than her son, but he was genuine in his desire to get to know her. I'm glad he was able to wear her down and she discovered love with a man who wanted to genuinely be a part of her. There was some lag in the book - for me that had me kind of skimming instead of reading, but I think it was a good book.
3.5⭐ rounded up. Freddie was really out here not trying to give Eli a chance because of their age difference. I understood her reluctance because he wasn't much older than her son, but he was genuine in his desire to get to know her. I'm glad he was able to wear her down and she discovered love with a man who wanted to genuinely be a part of her. There was some lag in the book - for me that had me kind of skimming instead of reading, but I think it was a good book.
July 15, 2024
Wherever the OW/YM trope dwells, I will be there. So it’s no surprise that "Excess Baggage" has captured my attention. Freddie, a single mom in her 40s, is dedicated to her son and career. When 29-year-old Elijah enters the picture, attempting to show her a new perspective, she's both hesitant and intrigued. Elijah won me over. Despite their age difference, he pursued her with unwavering commitment, ultimately winning her over. Their chemistry is palpable, with Elijah's devotion to her happiness slowly breaking down her emotional barriers, allowing her to trust and love again. The portrayal of addiction and its impact on families is handled well. However, the focus on this subplot took away from the main couple, altering the book's tone and pacing. The shift from a more "showing" style to a wordy "telling" approach towards the end felt drawn-out. Despite this, the idea of featuring a Black airline is refreshing, offering a promising start to a potential series. I look forward to exploring more of the friendships and romances that will unfold in future installments.
July 19, 2024
Generational Curse The Blessing
Hey pot, what characteristics do black crayons, black oil paints, black nail polishes, black sharpie markers & black felt tip pens have in common ⁉️…⏳🤔🧐💭…🎶(cue the Jepordy theme music 🤭). Thereafter, Express Baggage (Flights & Feelings - Book 1) was hilarious and not only a good read, with phenomenal characters. It presented a rhetorical subliminal challenge (to consider) for its’ reader too. Hmmmm, Why are there dating double standards, socially accepted stereotypes and or expressed criticism & options regarding the “perceived” activities of two contenting adults? Plz, mind the business that pays you (at least try & fake it🤭🤷🏾♀️)‼️Freddie & Eli’s age difference created a situationship that exposed an interesting hypocrisy. At least three generations of Woolford’s gravitated towards (attracted to) older mates. So imagine why I was mystified to read MaMa Marie’s husband was eighteen years her senior 😲⁉️WHAT⁉️Again, there’s only eleven/twelve years difference between Freddie & Eli. If her adult son was/is cool with his mother’s man, everyone else should kick rock 🪨‼️…don’t curse the blessing😊!
Hey pot, what characteristics do black crayons, black oil paints, black nail polishes, black sharpie markers & black felt tip pens have in common ⁉️…⏳🤔🧐💭…🎶(cue the Jepordy theme music 🤭). Thereafter, Express Baggage (Flights & Feelings - Book 1) was hilarious and not only a good read, with phenomenal characters. It presented a rhetorical subliminal challenge (to consider) for its’ reader too. Hmmmm, Why are there dating double standards, socially accepted stereotypes and or expressed criticism & options regarding the “perceived” activities of two contenting adults? Plz, mind the business that pays you (at least try & fake it🤭🤷🏾♀️)‼️Freddie & Eli’s age difference created a situationship that exposed an interesting hypocrisy. At least three generations of Woolford’s gravitated towards (attracted to) older mates. So imagine why I was mystified to read MaMa Marie’s husband was eighteen years her senior 😲⁉️WHAT⁉️Again, there’s only eleven/twelve years difference between Freddie & Eli. If her adult son was/is cool with his mother’s man, everyone else should kick rock 🪨‼️…don’t curse the blessing😊!
July 18, 2024
Lemme start off by saying this is my first book by Nicole Falls and I was not disappointed. I’ll be reading everything she got, sorry I’m late, I knew but like…my bad. Anyway, this was too good. I loved the humor throughout and how bold Elijah was, the good type of audacity. I’m glad Freddie shattered whatever insecurities she had about being with someone much younger. As for the subplot, on a personal level I appreciated the moment as I am currently going thru something similar as Elijah was with his sister, with my own sister. Maybe it’s my emotions, but it didn’t take away too much for me. I do wish we had more dates between the two because I did enjoy their banter. I did enjoy that things got real and they were ready to embrace it together. And my goodness did I mention the humor is this? Big Jeans?! Yeah…solid read.
July 13, 2024
Loving past age
🎶Age ain't nothing but a number ... 🎵
Winifred aka Freddie was a single mother that recently had an empty nest as her son would soon graduate college. She had not been lucky in the relationship department and really didn't find herself looking. Elijah was a young man that was a protector and provider for his extended family. When he met Freddie he was immediately enthralled and set out to make her his despite the fact that she was 11 years his senior. I love a decisive man and he was very clear on his intentions with Freddie. I enjoyed watching them move past their situationship into a real relationship.
Overall, it was okay. The ending dragged on for me and felt like it moved away from the main couple.
🎶Age ain't nothing but a number ... 🎵
Winifred aka Freddie was a single mother that recently had an empty nest as her son would soon graduate college. She had not been lucky in the relationship department and really didn't find herself looking. Elijah was a young man that was a protector and provider for his extended family. When he met Freddie he was immediately enthralled and set out to make her his despite the fact that she was 11 years his senior. I love a decisive man and he was very clear on his intentions with Freddie. I enjoyed watching them move past their situationship into a real relationship.
Overall, it was okay. The ending dragged on for me and felt like it moved away from the main couple.
August 1, 2024
Catch them feelings
Elijah proved that age ain’t nothing but a number and Freddie’s number was pulled. He stood on business when it came to her and he never wavered or backed down - pure pressure. He was a man of action and his words matched it.
Freddie was of a certain age and lived a whole life before he was Elijah was born. But she could only hold out so long before buckling under the pressure of his press.
When a man steps to you correct, mature, focused, confident, has his life together and is emotionally intelligent, then the age difference is a non-factor in this instance. I’d be a cougar too - hell I’m open to it right now - send me my Elijah God!
I enjoyed this read!
Elijah proved that age ain’t nothing but a number and Freddie’s number was pulled. He stood on business when it came to her and he never wavered or backed down - pure pressure. He was a man of action and his words matched it.
Freddie was of a certain age and lived a whole life before he was Elijah was born. But she could only hold out so long before buckling under the pressure of his press.
When a man steps to you correct, mature, focused, confident, has his life together and is emotionally intelligent, then the age difference is a non-factor in this instance. I’d be a cougar too - hell I’m open to it right now - send me my Elijah God!
I enjoyed this read!
August 28, 2025
My Rating of 4.65
It’s been a lil minute since I read a Nicole Falls book and I enjoyed my time here in this first book of the series. It follows an age gap which I love at times where the chase begins to win over that person you want. I like how Nicole brought topics of addiction, uncertainty and life trauma into the book to show how it can be in real life. The spice was a good spicing flavor where their chemistry was great that man couldn’t come up off her and I loved it made me look forward to their interactions. Even with peoples unsolicited opinions I’m glad they stuck true to themselves and made their own choices.
This was a delightful read so enjoy it like I did !!!🤍
It’s been a lil minute since I read a Nicole Falls book and I enjoyed my time here in this first book of the series. It follows an age gap which I love at times where the chase begins to win over that person you want. I like how Nicole brought topics of addiction, uncertainty and life trauma into the book to show how it can be in real life. The spice was a good spicing flavor where their chemistry was great that man couldn’t come up off her and I loved it made me look forward to their interactions. Even with peoples unsolicited opinions I’m glad they stuck true to themselves and made their own choices.
This was a delightful read so enjoy it like I did !!!🤍
July 9, 2024
Excess Baggage
This was such a cute story and well worth the read. This book gave me older woman, younger man and a bit of a slow burn. I loved Elijah and Winifred together and that she finally gave in to his flirting so they could develop a relationship. I loved how Elijah knew what he wanted with Winifred and wasn’t about to stop applying pressure and I loved that she was finally able to see past his age and that he could be the man she needed. If the age hadn’t been mentioned, you would not have known there was a difference with the wah these two connected. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series after getting some time with Winifred and Elijah.
This was such a cute story and well worth the read. This book gave me older woman, younger man and a bit of a slow burn. I loved Elijah and Winifred together and that she finally gave in to his flirting so they could develop a relationship. I loved how Elijah knew what he wanted with Winifred and wasn’t about to stop applying pressure and I loved that she was finally able to see past his age and that he could be the man she needed. If the age hadn’t been mentioned, you would not have known there was a difference with the wah these two connected. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series after getting some time with Winifred and Elijah.
July 17, 2024
Fun
I really enjoyed this couple’s journey. Freddie played hard to get, but it was obvious that she wanted Elijah. His confidence when he approached her was so sexy. The age gap thing came up throughout the book, but it never felt creepy. They just seemed like the perfect fit for each other. The supporting cast of friends and family were a great addition to the storyline. They were all so lovable. I liked that Elijah and Freddie did things in their own way in their own time. Their union was special and very solid.
I really enjoyed this couple’s journey. Freddie played hard to get, but it was obvious that she wanted Elijah. His confidence when he approached her was so sexy. The age gap thing came up throughout the book, but it never felt creepy. They just seemed like the perfect fit for each other. The supporting cast of friends and family were a great addition to the storyline. They were all so lovable. I liked that Elijah and Freddie did things in their own way in their own time. Their union was special and very solid.
August 30, 2024
True love!
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Nicole Falls book and I really enjoyed it. It was well written, flowed well and kept my attention. She tackled quite a few issues in this book: addiction, dementia, age difference relationships, friendships and death. Winifred was an older woman who caught the attention of a younger man. She was quite unsure about giving in to his advances, but it actually turned out to be the best thing for her. I loved their relationship and Winifred’s relationship with her friends was absolutely amazing. Very good read.
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Nicole Falls book and I really enjoyed it. It was well written, flowed well and kept my attention. She tackled quite a few issues in this book: addiction, dementia, age difference relationships, friendships and death. Winifred was an older woman who caught the attention of a younger man. She was quite unsure about giving in to his advances, but it actually turned out to be the best thing for her. I loved their relationship and Winifred’s relationship with her friends was absolutely amazing. Very good read.
July 17, 2024
I’m ready for book 2!!
Excess Baggage is entertaining, funny, and sweet romance . Nicole Falls always manages to make you laugh out loud while weaving you into a well crafted love story . Winifred thought was in FWB situation with Elijah, and she was ok with that . Elijah had other plans and worked hard to make Winifred see him more than a bed buddy! I can’t wait to see where this series takes us next! So damn good!!
Excess Baggage is entertaining, funny, and sweet romance . Nicole Falls always manages to make you laugh out loud while weaving you into a well crafted love story . Winifred thought was in FWB situation with Elijah, and she was ok with that . Elijah had other plans and worked hard to make Winifred see him more than a bed buddy! I can’t wait to see where this series takes us next! So damn good!!
July 27, 2024
So Good
Such a real story for me been there done that one. So much for me to relate to and yeah I have to admit being triggered by as well. Well written with such “heated” moments. I loved the closeness of the family and how they lived together in one building. Winifred’s Girls made me long for friends and long past relationships. I can’t wait for the sequel it felt good to get some happily ever after even if it is fiction.
Such a real story for me been there done that one. So much for me to relate to and yeah I have to admit being triggered by as well. Well written with such “heated” moments. I loved the closeness of the family and how they lived together in one building. Winifred’s Girls made me long for friends and long past relationships. I can’t wait for the sequel it felt good to get some happily ever after even if it is fiction.
July 31, 2024
Nicole Falls never let's me down! This was grown folks navigating a somewhat tricky subject. The banter and chemistry between Elijah and Freddie was chef's kiss for me. Elijah was determined to show Freddie that age ain't nothing but a number. Freddie didn't know what to do with Elijah, but she figured it out and jumped all in. The intentionality and consistency Elijah showed put him on the book Bae list.
August 1, 2024
I have been reading some heavy books, so this book was a perfect palate cleanser! I found myself smiling as I read Excess Baggage! An age-gap love story between Winifred “Freddie” Brown and Elijah Woolford. I loved Elijah's character...he was handsome, charming, and persistent. And he was a man that knew what he wanted and he wasn't letting anyone stand in the way!
August 28, 2024
With being a single parent and only child off at college, Winifred said it’s her time to live a little. But she did not expect someone almost her son’s age to come and show her all she was missing. Elijah came and stood on business!! She soon realized that dating someone younger wasn’t too bad after all!! This was a great age gap story.
December 3, 2024
Age ain’t nothing but a number.
Elijah is deeply infatuated with Winifred who is 10-12 years his senior. She won’t give him no play thinking he is the same age has her college son. With a chance encounter he quickly shows her he is all man.
Nice read. Moves a little slow at times.
Elijah is deeply infatuated with Winifred who is 10-12 years his senior. She won’t give him no play thinking he is the same age has her college son. With a chance encounter he quickly shows her he is all man.
Nice read. Moves a little slow at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews