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Older
Before he discovered my age, he uncovered my heart.
Bruised and abused, and victim to a loveless household, I shimmered with new life the moment he found me drowning my sorrows in a lake beneath the stars.
A chance encounter. An unspoken connection.
I was smitten; he was curious.
But, as everyone knew, fate could be decidedly cruel.
He called me Halley, like the comet.
I called him Reed.
And my best friend?
Well…she called him Dad.
Older is a forbidden, slow-burn, age-gap romance standalone, ending in an HEA.
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2024
11257 people are currently reading
71123 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hartmann
33 books15.1k followersJennifer Hartmann resides in northern Illinois with her own personal romance hero and three children. When she is not writing angsty love stories, she is likely pondering all the ways she can break your heart and piece it back together again. She enjoys sunsets (because mornings are hard), bike riding, traveling, bingeing Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and that time of day when coffee gets replaced by wine. She loves tacos. She also really, really wants to pet your dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,789 reviews
December 30, 2024
2 Stars for Whitney and Ladybug only.
I... had a tough time with this book. I thought the premise sounded so good and that it would be something that would check some major boxes for me but unfortunately so many things didn't work for me with this book.
The meeting between the FMC Halley and the MMC Reed was odd to say the least. She's a girl from a broken home and gets frequently abused by her father, so I guess it would make sense why she was randomly sitting in a lake fully clothed at a house party?
Reed shows up by chance looking for his daughter at this party and the two of them engage in the strangest conversation. Idk. It's like Halley is supposed to be this edgy, deep, philosophical girl? Lmao. Yeah, I get that that's what was trying to come across but it didn't hit that way.
From this one meeting and this odd conversation about 90's music bands and 'blips' in time and all the sudden the two of them feel this deep connection to the point they can't stop thinking of each other? Uh. No. It felt so superficial and didn't come across as organic or authentic to me. It just felt forced.
The fact that Halley was just 17 when they first met and Reed was 34 was pretty uncomfortable. Especially considering his daughter is the same age. It really gave off predator vibes. And then just to really twist the knife - the author constantly has the MMC brining up the fact that she is the same age as his daughter over and over and over again. Like we get it.
╰┈➤ Comet is not a cute nickname
Honestly, this was trying so hard to be forbidden/taboo and it landed as gross and ick.
╰┈➤ The fact that he gifts her a fucking beanie baby. Nauuurrr. I can't. Tell me she's a child without telling me she's a child.
No one was very likable in the story except the mom- Whitney and the dog Ladybug. I loathed the FMC. She was so selfish and inconsiderate. Whitney and her bff Tara took her into their home when she had no where else to go because of her abusive father and her drunk mother. And all Halley cared about was her own feelings when it came to Reed.
╰┈➤ Asshole. 🙄
I felt like Reed acted like a 22 year old delinquent instead of a 34/35 year old man. The whole beating up Halley's father outside of the skating rink? - what a loser. What grown ass man does that?
Sigh. I never felt a connection between these two and it just seemed so insincere, hollow and was predictable at every turn. I'm not really sure what happened with Jennifer Hartmann... maybe Still Beating was just a one hit wonder for me because I have not been impressed with any of her other books since.
₊˚⊹♡ "I know that forgiveness, growth, and understanding can be found in even the darkest circumstances. I know that love has power. Power to break and ruin, and power to rebuild." She wiped away a tear. "I know that what is meant to be, will be. You can't rush it. You can't fake it. You just need to wait for the storm to pass and pick up the pieces when the time is right." ₊˚⊹♡ ❤️🩹(Whitney)
💙 Best Friend’s Dad
💙 Age Gap
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 Found Family
💙 Forbidden Romance
💙 Secret Relationship
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
I... had a tough time with this book. I thought the premise sounded so good and that it would be something that would check some major boxes for me but unfortunately so many things didn't work for me with this book.
The meeting between the FMC Halley and the MMC Reed was odd to say the least. She's a girl from a broken home and gets frequently abused by her father, so I guess it would make sense why she was randomly sitting in a lake fully clothed at a house party?
Reed shows up by chance looking for his daughter at this party and the two of them engage in the strangest conversation. Idk. It's like Halley is supposed to be this edgy, deep, philosophical girl? Lmao. Yeah, I get that that's what was trying to come across but it didn't hit that way.
From this one meeting and this odd conversation about 90's music bands and 'blips' in time and all the sudden the two of them feel this deep connection to the point they can't stop thinking of each other? Uh. No. It felt so superficial and didn't come across as organic or authentic to me. It just felt forced.
The fact that Halley was just 17 when they first met and Reed was 34 was pretty uncomfortable. Especially considering his daughter is the same age. It really gave off predator vibes. And then just to really twist the knife - the author constantly has the MMC brining up the fact that she is the same age as his daughter over and over and over again. Like we get it.
╰┈➤ Comet is not a cute nickname
Honestly, this was trying so hard to be forbidden/taboo and it landed as gross and ick.
╰┈➤ The fact that he gifts her a fucking beanie baby. Nauuurrr. I can't. Tell me she's a child without telling me she's a child.
No one was very likable in the story except the mom- Whitney and the dog Ladybug. I loathed the FMC. She was so selfish and inconsiderate. Whitney and her bff Tara took her into their home when she had no where else to go because of her abusive father and her drunk mother. And all Halley cared about was her own feelings when it came to Reed.
╰┈➤ Asshole. 🙄
I felt like Reed acted like a 22 year old delinquent instead of a 34/35 year old man. The whole beating up Halley's father outside of the skating rink? - what a loser. What grown ass man does that?
Sigh. I never felt a connection between these two and it just seemed so insincere, hollow and was predictable at every turn. I'm not really sure what happened with Jennifer Hartmann... maybe Still Beating was just a one hit wonder for me because I have not been impressed with any of her other books since.
₊˚⊹♡ "I know that forgiveness, growth, and understanding can be found in even the darkest circumstances. I know that love has power. Power to break and ruin, and power to rebuild." She wiped away a tear. "I know that what is meant to be, will be. You can't rush it. You can't fake it. You just need to wait for the storm to pass and pick up the pieces when the time is right." ₊˚⊹♡ ❤️🩹(Whitney)
💙 Best Friend’s Dad
💙 Age Gap
💙 Hurt/Comfort
💙 Found Family
💙 Forbidden Romance
💙 Secret Relationship
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
May 12, 2024
Wow this book was perfection.
Age gap, forbidden, omg. Go in blind. Don’t look anything up and go in blind.
I am seriously contemplating whether or not this was better than Birthday Girl. Honestly…. It just might be.
Age gap, forbidden, omg. Go in blind. Don’t look anything up and go in blind.
I am seriously contemplating whether or not this was better than Birthday Girl. Honestly…. It just might be.
December 30, 2024
and the crowd is… uncomfortable?
April 30, 2024
4.25 stars
Jennifer Hartmann's writing is so good and this one was angsty in the best way. Older is one of those books that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Reed and Halley meet one night and sparks fly. He's much older than her, but she doesn't mind. Until she finds out he's her best (and only) friend's dad. Halley has had an incredibly difficult life and she's resilient. Reed truly cares for her, but knows he can't go there with her. Once she gets a little bit older, things change. With that, there is the conflict of the best friend/daughter still not knowing...
I loved both Reed and Halley. My heart hurt for them. I loved seeing them together, but I really wish we would have had more time with them as a couple. Also, shout out to Whitney. She was the best. If you're looking for an angsty and forbidden romance this is one I would recommend!
Jennifer Hartmann's writing is so good and this one was angsty in the best way. Older is one of those books that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Reed and Halley meet one night and sparks fly. He's much older than her, but she doesn't mind. Until she finds out he's her best (and only) friend's dad. Halley has had an incredibly difficult life and she's resilient. Reed truly cares for her, but knows he can't go there with her. Once she gets a little bit older, things change. With that, there is the conflict of the best friend/daughter still not knowing...
I loved both Reed and Halley. My heart hurt for them. I loved seeing them together, but I really wish we would have had more time with them as a couple. Also, shout out to Whitney. She was the best. If you're looking for an angsty and forbidden romance this is one I would recommend!
June 11, 2025
I KNEW JENNIFER HARTMANN WOULD GIVE ME A 5 STAR READ!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
I can go cry in peace now.
I can go cry in peace now.
April 19, 2024
19 year old me would have eaten this shit up and been so into it. 30 year old me is cringing and has alarm bells RINGING. And that's growth baby.
August 11, 2024
Okay I’ve reread this again and it marinated enough in my brain to give it 3 stars 🤠
How can I say this respectfully? Halley is fucking desperate.
This wasn’t for me. Maybe I’ll do a reread down the line.
I don’t mind age-gap books but the main characters in here spent the entire book monologuing their age gap, that he’s much older, that he’s the father of her best friend, that she’s much younger, that she’s the best friend of her daughter. Again and again then repeat and again and again and again. It got tiring. Like I GET IT, okay? I got it the first time and I got it the first 78th times you guys said it. Mentioning it every chapter, every monologue, almost every dialogue is too much, it’s as if they made it their whole personality that they are in an age-gap themed book and it got totally dull to read.
What’s more the FMC, Halley has a really shitty parents and background and she survived, she’s strong but goddamn this girl was not it. She keeps humiliating and throwing herself to Reed who was also giving mixing signals even after the 60% mark. I was screaming, just fucking get on with it! Either be together or not because so far all I can see them being together is fucking misery, if most of the times the couples spend their time together in unhappiness then I, as a reader is also miserable. I was waiting for more than two happy moments where I could see that, yeah, they do belong together but nadaaaa because he is her best friend’s dad, because he is much older, because she’s much younger UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Also the love confession of Halley really cringed me out *shudders* what the fuck was that. She’s so desperate it’s embarrassing to read.
Reed was trying to break up with her or whatever it’s called since they’re not officially together at that point but is sleeping with each other. He is laying out all these facts about why he has to leave and honestly I’m on his side on this one. I also think that Halley is one selfish bitch. She can’t think about anyone but herself considering that it’s her best friend who practically adopted her and gave her safe space. Then for her to go fuck her dad and do everything short of begging him to choose her even when he was telling Halley the bigger picture of what will happen if they continue. Friends like her are the worst. The way her thoughts was villainizing her best friend Tara after all shit went down… Needless to say, I was not rooting for her.
How can I say this respectfully? Halley is fucking desperate.
This wasn’t for me. Maybe I’ll do a reread down the line.
I don’t mind age-gap books but the main characters in here spent the entire book monologuing their age gap, that he’s much older, that he’s the father of her best friend, that she’s much younger, that she’s the best friend of her daughter. Again and again then repeat and again and again and again. It got tiring. Like I GET IT, okay? I got it the first time and I got it the first 78th times you guys said it. Mentioning it every chapter, every monologue, almost every dialogue is too much, it’s as if they made it their whole personality that they are in an age-gap themed book and it got totally dull to read.
What’s more the FMC, Halley has a really shitty parents and background and she survived, she’s strong but goddamn this girl was not it. She keeps humiliating and throwing herself to Reed who was also giving mixing signals even after the 60% mark. I was screaming, just fucking get on with it! Either be together or not because so far all I can see them being together is fucking misery, if most of the times the couples spend their time together in unhappiness then I, as a reader is also miserable. I was waiting for more than two happy moments where I could see that, yeah, they do belong together but nadaaaa because he is her best friend’s dad, because he is much older, because she’s much younger UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Also the love confession of Halley really cringed me out *shudders* what the fuck was that. She’s so desperate it’s embarrassing to read.
Reed was trying to break up with her or whatever it’s called since they’re not officially together at that point but is sleeping with each other. He is laying out all these facts about why he has to leave and honestly I’m on his side on this one. I also think that Halley is one selfish bitch. She can’t think about anyone but herself considering that it’s her best friend who practically adopted her and gave her safe space. Then for her to go fuck her dad and do everything short of begging him to choose her even when he was telling Halley the bigger picture of what will happen if they continue. Friends like her are the worst. The way her thoughts was villainizing her best friend Tara after all shit went down… Needless to say, I was not rooting for her.
March 16, 2025
A chance encounter between Reed and Halley leads to an instant, soul crushing connection. But as the truth about their age difference comes to light, along with the fact that Reed is Halley’s best friend’s dad, the only friend she has, it becomes clear any relationship between them is next to impossible.
“My own scar pulses like it was drawn to hers, like we were in some sort of secret club together. A partner in pain. A companion in violence. Two warriors braving the storm, hand in hand.”
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann book, and unfortunately for her and for other writers in this genre, she has now set the bar incredibly high with this one. While I do tend to love a good age gap/forbidden love story already, primarily for the angsty nature it brings with it, this book is on another level. As in, the moment I finished reading, I had to force myself not to turn around and reread it immediately (does this happen to anyone else? No? Just me?)
From page one, I was completely immersed, not just in our MC’s potential relationship, but in each of their own stories and past traumas. Their connection is profound - in fact it pretty much jumps off the page at you. While each of our characters admit to a strong pull to one another, it was hard, as a reader, not to have a strong emotional connection to them too. This slower burn to the romance gives us time to get to know Reed, Halley and all of the supporting characters (including Ladybug, one of my faves) in depth, which in turn helps to ratchet up the emotional pull. The steam was perfection, never overdone, and never overpowering the story.
This is, in every way, my perfect read - flawed characters you can’t help but root for, a love story that is as broken as it is beautiful, and a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
I want to leave you with this - this book will not be for everyone. It tows the line around age of consent and incorporates a pretty significant age gap between the MCs. However, if you are someone who enjoys these elements, or are a reader who loves amazing angst and deep pining and has an open mind to situations beyond the typical, I think you will really enjoy this one.
CW: child abuse, verbal abuse, animal cruelty (off page), abandonment
✨2024 Favorites
Read if you like:
•forbidden love
•age gap romance
•secret relationship
•all the angst
•forced proximity
•single dad
•tragic past
Thank you Valentine PR and Jennifer Hartmann for the gifted copy.
“My own scar pulses like it was drawn to hers, like we were in some sort of secret club together. A partner in pain. A companion in violence. Two warriors braving the storm, hand in hand.”
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann book, and unfortunately for her and for other writers in this genre, she has now set the bar incredibly high with this one. While I do tend to love a good age gap/forbidden love story already, primarily for the angsty nature it brings with it, this book is on another level. As in, the moment I finished reading, I had to force myself not to turn around and reread it immediately (does this happen to anyone else? No? Just me?)
From page one, I was completely immersed, not just in our MC’s potential relationship, but in each of their own stories and past traumas. Their connection is profound - in fact it pretty much jumps off the page at you. While each of our characters admit to a strong pull to one another, it was hard, as a reader, not to have a strong emotional connection to them too. This slower burn to the romance gives us time to get to know Reed, Halley and all of the supporting characters (including Ladybug, one of my faves) in depth, which in turn helps to ratchet up the emotional pull. The steam was perfection, never overdone, and never overpowering the story.
This is, in every way, my perfect read - flawed characters you can’t help but root for, a love story that is as broken as it is beautiful, and a book that will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
I want to leave you with this - this book will not be for everyone. It tows the line around age of consent and incorporates a pretty significant age gap between the MCs. However, if you are someone who enjoys these elements, or are a reader who loves amazing angst and deep pining and has an open mind to situations beyond the typical, I think you will really enjoy this one.
CW: child abuse, verbal abuse, animal cruelty (off page), abandonment
✨2024 Favorites
Read if you like:
•forbidden love
•age gap romance
•secret relationship
•all the angst
•forced proximity
•single dad
•tragic past
Thank you Valentine PR and Jennifer Hartmann for the gifted copy.
September 6, 2025
the dog was the best character.
April 14, 2024
I'm so sorry but I'm going to rant. This is for me. And this is coming out of my love and respect for Jennifer Hartmann.
First of all, I've yet to see a cover done by her and her husband as photographers that is bad. But this one is absolutely gorgeous <3
Second I know every single book she wrote, even the ones I haven't marked as "read" because they are so bad in my opinion. And I thought about ignoring this and waiting for the next release. But enough is enough. When an author uses and reuses the same creative devices, needs to be called out.
Here we go: writers use description to describe NOT to fill pages. It's so tiresome to emphasize points time and time again with packed words that have no meaning ("I chewed on my cheek and fidgeted my feet back and forth. And somehow…our toes touched. My naked, wet toes brushed the leather of his boots, and I realized we were a mere waterline apart.
Within the interplay of words and the stretch of frozen-in-time seconds, he’d moved closer to the water, and I’d moved closer to the sand.")
WTF is this? and how are you fidgeting and getting close to s.o on sand while not knowing so?
I'm fucking tired of Jenifer Hartmann trying to hit us with trauma. Every heroine needs to have dark past while being a lovely woman prone to depression.
Case in point: FMC describes herself as addicted to giving love because she has many loveless holes but then she spends the novel pitying herself, describing her life as tragic and bad, wallowing at every occasion.
And let's unpack the romantic premise, shall we: FMC is sitting like a loser outside a party. While she's a teenager (17), she's edgy and deep. The MMC comes by looking for his daughter (34 years old).
In the absolute fucking dark where the FMC can't see his face but she can know he's rugged and handsome, they have the most cringy and boring conversation:
MMC: Are you lost? FMC: No, maybe you are lost. MMC: No, shall I call you a taxi? FMC: No, maybe the person that you are looking for is lost?
MMC: I hope not, it's my daughter. How old are you?
FMC: 21 (a lie), would you keep me company because I'm feeling a bit lost? MMC: introduces himself, his job, his address and askes her if she's in college.
FMC: what I want to do is not career worthy, I'm attracted to blips and fleeting moments like things that pass without us noticing them, like a movie you hit pause to and you laugh at the weird pausing face of the actor.
MMC: Blips... fleeting moments.
FMC: omg he's repeating my words to let them sink in, now I want to know what he smells like and what sex with him would be like.
Needless to say that the rest of the story is a battle of push and pull. A battle of pointless seduction. Of course after FMC is over 18 but the forbidden element within the age gap is hammered home every time he screams internally: "she's a teenager, your daughter's best friend an abused child and she needs a bright future away from a man who's twice her age". OK WE GET IT!!!
Finally why the fuck every FMC written by Jennifer Hartman is not a virgin? Let me explain how this fact is used as a plot device. What Jennifer Hartmann does in every single book is "finding love in hopeless places" her words not mine.
In a sense, she creates stories about people who found each other eventually and after a lot of struggles.
Ok, fine but in Older, you literally played on the innocence of the FMC, on the FMC being young and meeting MMC when she was 17 and on the age gap.
But then you say she was having sex since 15 years old and she's quite experienced.
Secondly, every time a MMC of Jennifer Hartmann books ask (you're a virgin?) it would be with absolute fear and astonishment
Finally, JH will release this summer a new book via a publishing house, not independently like this one. We'll see if editors fixed the weird things she kept doing or not.
First of all, I've yet to see a cover done by her and her husband as photographers that is bad. But this one is absolutely gorgeous <3
Second I know every single book she wrote, even the ones I haven't marked as "read" because they are so bad in my opinion. And I thought about ignoring this and waiting for the next release. But enough is enough. When an author uses and reuses the same creative devices, needs to be called out.
Here we go: writers use description to describe NOT to fill pages. It's so tiresome to emphasize points time and time again with packed words that have no meaning ("I chewed on my cheek and fidgeted my feet back and forth. And somehow…our toes touched. My naked, wet toes brushed the leather of his boots, and I realized we were a mere waterline apart.
Within the interplay of words and the stretch of frozen-in-time seconds, he’d moved closer to the water, and I’d moved closer to the sand.")
WTF is this? and how are you fidgeting and getting close to s.o on sand while not knowing so?
I'm fucking tired of Jenifer Hartmann trying to hit us with trauma. Every heroine needs to have dark past while being a lovely woman prone to depression.
Case in point: FMC describes herself as addicted to giving love because she has many loveless holes but then she spends the novel pitying herself, describing her life as tragic and bad, wallowing at every occasion.
And let's unpack the romantic premise, shall we: FMC is sitting like a loser outside a party. While she's a teenager (17), she's edgy and deep. The MMC comes by looking for his daughter (34 years old).
In the absolute fucking dark where the FMC can't see his face but she can know he's rugged and handsome, they have the most cringy and boring conversation:
MMC: Are you lost? FMC: No, maybe you are lost. MMC: No, shall I call you a taxi? FMC: No, maybe the person that you are looking for is lost?
MMC: I hope not, it's my daughter. How old are you?
FMC: 21 (a lie), would you keep me company because I'm feeling a bit lost? MMC: introduces himself, his job, his address and askes her if she's in college.
FMC: what I want to do is not career worthy, I'm attracted to blips and fleeting moments like things that pass without us noticing them, like a movie you hit pause to and you laugh at the weird pausing face of the actor.
MMC: Blips... fleeting moments.
FMC: omg he's repeating my words to let them sink in, now I want to know what he smells like and what sex with him would be like.
Needless to say that the rest of the story is a battle of push and pull. A battle of pointless seduction. Of course after FMC is over 18 but the forbidden element within the age gap is hammered home every time he screams internally: "she's a teenager, your daughter's best friend an abused child and she needs a bright future away from a man who's twice her age". OK WE GET IT!!!
Finally why the fuck every FMC written by Jennifer Hartman is not a virgin? Let me explain how this fact is used as a plot device. What Jennifer Hartmann does in every single book is "finding love in hopeless places" her words not mine.
In a sense, she creates stories about people who found each other eventually and after a lot of struggles.
Ok, fine but in Older, you literally played on the innocence of the FMC, on the FMC being young and meeting MMC when she was 17 and on the age gap.
But then you say she was having sex since 15 years old and she's quite experienced.
Secondly, every time a MMC of Jennifer Hartmann books ask (you're a virgin?) it would be with absolute fear and astonishment
Finally, JH will release this summer a new book via a publishing house, not independently like this one. We'll see if editors fixed the weird things she kept doing or not.
August 13, 2024
everyone has lost their damn minds
January 13, 2025
"Imperfections are what bind us together. Our common thread. We're capable of screwing up, but we're capable of forgiving too. That's what makes us stronger humans."
WHITNEY. She stole the show in this book for me.
Okay, this one was definitely out of my comfort zone but I love Jennifer Hartmann and have heard so many good things so I needed to give it a go. I am SO GLAD I did because this might be one of my favorite LARGE age gap books. This was beyond emotional and Jennifer Hartmann did this so well.
"Love is weak. Love is selfish. It's not this fairy-tale illusion of candy hearts and paper flowers. It's messy and painful. But it's always worth it."
-age gap (17 years apart)
-best friend's father
-forbidden
TW - abuse
*** THERE IS ABSOLUTELY ZERO GROOMING IN THIS BOOK AND I DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE CRINGY FEELING!!
WHITNEY. She stole the show in this book for me.
Okay, this one was definitely out of my comfort zone but I love Jennifer Hartmann and have heard so many good things so I needed to give it a go. I am SO GLAD I did because this might be one of my favorite LARGE age gap books. This was beyond emotional and Jennifer Hartmann did this so well.
"Love is weak. Love is selfish. It's not this fairy-tale illusion of candy hearts and paper flowers. It's messy and painful. But it's always worth it."
-age gap (17 years apart)
-best friend's father
-forbidden
TW - abuse
*** THERE IS ABSOLUTELY ZERO GROOMING IN THIS BOOK AND I DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE CRINGY FEELING!!
June 11, 2025
manifesting me and someone’s dad
August 7, 2024
•Age gap
•Forbidden romance
•Best friend's dad
•Dual POV
•Slow burn
•1990's setting
I really wanted to like this one but it just didn't work for me. I couldn't quite connect with the characters, it dragged on a bit too long & felt like it got repetitive. I did love the 90's era & added an extra star for the nostalgic Spotify playlist.
•Forbidden romance
•Best friend's dad
•Dual POV
•Slow burn
•1990's setting
I really wanted to like this one but it just didn't work for me. I couldn't quite connect with the characters, it dragged on a bit too long & felt like it got repetitive. I did love the 90's era & added an extra star for the nostalgic Spotify playlist.
May 26, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This is easily the best age gap romance I’ve ever read. The characters were complex and deeply likable, and the emotional depth of their connection was so well done. It’s also the first time I’ve read an age gap romance that didn’t feel icky or predatory (even though I secretly eat them up) Jennifer Hartmann handled it with so much care and maturity. I’m docking half a star for some minor pacing issues toward the end, but overall, I absolutely loved it. THE YEARNING!!!!!!!
This is easily the best age gap romance I’ve ever read. The characters were complex and deeply likable, and the emotional depth of their connection was so well done. It’s also the first time I’ve read an age gap romance that didn’t feel icky or predatory (even though I secretly eat them up) Jennifer Hartmann handled it with so much care and maturity. I’m docking half a star for some minor pacing issues toward the end, but overall, I absolutely loved it. THE YEARNING!!!!!!!
March 31, 2024
And that my friends is how you write age gap romance!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This book resonated with me on every level when it comes to age gap/taboo romance.
Halley and Reed's first encounter, though started when she was only 17 and he unaware of her age, was all consuming. Halley's difficult home life added depth to her character, and her growth throughout the story was truly remarkable. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her happiness above all else. Reed, as Halley's best friend’s father, was off limits in every way. I loved his character so much. His love, compassion, and care for all the women in his life was incredible.
The chemistry and tension between Halley and Reed was so strong, and their struggle to resist the connection only heightened the angst throughout . When they finally gave in to their feelings, it was electric to say the least. Jennifer conveyed their love so well, making it practically tangible. Even with all the amazing chemistry and romance, I couldn't shake the anxiety knowing the inevitable complications of their relationship. The angst was real but so worth it. This heartfelt story kept me engaged throughout, stirring up so many emotions. It definitely made a lasting impact and is one of my favorite books by this author.
Halley and Reed's first encounter, though started when she was only 17 and he unaware of her age, was all consuming. Halley's difficult home life added depth to her character, and her growth throughout the story was truly remarkable. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for her happiness above all else. Reed, as Halley's best friend’s father, was off limits in every way. I loved his character so much. His love, compassion, and care for all the women in his life was incredible.
The chemistry and tension between Halley and Reed was so strong, and their struggle to resist the connection only heightened the angst throughout . When they finally gave in to their feelings, it was electric to say the least. Jennifer conveyed their love so well, making it practically tangible. Even with all the amazing chemistry and romance, I couldn't shake the anxiety knowing the inevitable complications of their relationship. The angst was real but so worth it. This heartfelt story kept me engaged throughout, stirring up so many emotions. It definitely made a lasting impact and is one of my favorite books by this author.
April 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the tension, and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: the fact that we go from the big conflict solution right into a HEA in an epilogue. It made it feel kinda like it wasn't fully resolved.
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but the H's daughter's reaction and continued feelings were a little annoying to me.
Overall: This author has a tough job of writing the next Still Beating! Even though I tried not to, the idea of some yummy similar angst was super enticing and I know that I had my hopes way too high. I didn't dislike this or anything! I enjoyed their connection, I cried, and I liked the characters. I just think I did it to myself with setting those expectations up there. Overall, it was an enjoyable forbidden romance, and if you like the romances that sit in the grey area, this will be a good read for you! If you haven't read Still Beating yet, read this first -- then make sure to read that one 😅
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Halley and Reed's story. They meet at a house party where Halley lies about her age and they connect instantly, only to later find out that Halley is now living with Reed's daughter and ex temporarily after getting away from her abusive father. Over time, they avoid the possibility of each other, but they can't help but have strong feelings that are hard to fight. There are some secrets revealed, some sweet and sexy times, and some angsty moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Halley and Reed's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: A little slow towards the end. I did find myself skimming a little, but never a lot.
Instalove: Kind of, definitely a instant connection. Not one that bothered me though.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Reed. He was a good man even though he fell for the wrong person. I liked how he fought for and cared for the h
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Halley. I liked her, but I wanted her to be a little more reasonable at times for the H.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No, separation spoiler tag
Separation:Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with a cute epilogue that I would call a HEA ending. I just wish we got more time with them as an actual couple and maybe
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the tension, and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: the fact that we go from the big conflict solution right into a HEA in an epilogue. It made it feel kinda like it wasn't fully resolved.
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but the H's daughter's reaction and continued feelings were a little annoying to me.
Overall: This author has a tough job of writing the next Still Beating! Even though I tried not to, the idea of some yummy similar angst was super enticing and I know that I had my hopes way too high. I didn't dislike this or anything! I enjoyed their connection, I cried, and I liked the characters. I just think I did it to myself with setting those expectations up there. Overall, it was an enjoyable forbidden romance, and if you like the romances that sit in the grey area, this will be a good read for you! If you haven't read Still Beating yet, read this first -- then make sure to read that one 😅
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Halley and Reed's story. They meet at a house party where Halley lies about her age and they connect instantly, only to later find out that Halley is now living with Reed's daughter and ex temporarily after getting away from her abusive father. Over time, they avoid the possibility of each other, but they can't help but have strong feelings that are hard to fight. There are some secrets revealed, some sweet and sexy times, and some angsty moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Halley and Reed's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: A little slow towards the end. I did find myself skimming a little, but never a lot.
Instalove: Kind of, definitely a instant connection. Not one that bothered me though.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Reed. He was a good man even though he fell for the wrong person. I liked how he fought for and cared for the h
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Halley. I liked her, but I wanted her to be a little more reasonable at times for the H.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No, separation spoiler tag
Separation:Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with a cute epilogue that I would call a HEA ending. I just wish we got more time with them as an actual couple and maybe
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not safe for most safety gang readers
July 28, 2025
yo siempre seré fan de los romances con diferencia de edad. tengo daddy issues? absolutamente. y cuando me apareció una recomendación de este libro, supe que tenía que abandonar todo para leerlo.
Y LO TERMINÉ EN UN DÍA. mi gente, no lo pude soltar. mi idea era escuchar el audiolibro mientras hacía aseo en el departamento, pero cuando llevaba un 25% tuve que abandonar toda tarea y me tiré al sofá a terminarlo. no hice nada más hasta que llegué a la última página.
a diferencia de otros libros con diferencia de edad, siento que este es bastante distinto. lo encontré más "maduro", no sé. quizás es porque la temática del libro es más oscura, considerando que halley, nuestra prota, viene de un hogar con un padre abusivo y una madre ausente por el alcohol. entonces ver cómo ella lidia con eso mientras intenta salir adelante le da un tono distinto al libro. y creo que jennifer hartmann siempre sabe cómo tratar los temas más complejos, así que lo aprecié harto.
ahora… el romance. AY, EL ROMANCE. muero por los momentos prohibidos, las miradas llenas de deseo, los besos robados. me encantó la historia, al igual que los personajes.
SPOILER DEL FINAL*
sí, me da un poquito de cringe pensar que sus hijos son, en teoría, hermanos de la hijastra??? JAJAJA
Y LO TERMINÉ EN UN DÍA. mi gente, no lo pude soltar. mi idea era escuchar el audiolibro mientras hacía aseo en el departamento, pero cuando llevaba un 25% tuve que abandonar toda tarea y me tiré al sofá a terminarlo. no hice nada más hasta que llegué a la última página.
a diferencia de otros libros con diferencia de edad, siento que este es bastante distinto. lo encontré más "maduro", no sé. quizás es porque la temática del libro es más oscura, considerando que halley, nuestra prota, viene de un hogar con un padre abusivo y una madre ausente por el alcohol. entonces ver cómo ella lidia con eso mientras intenta salir adelante le da un tono distinto al libro. y creo que jennifer hartmann siempre sabe cómo tratar los temas más complejos, así que lo aprecié harto.
ahora… el romance. AY, EL ROMANCE. muero por los momentos prohibidos, las miradas llenas de deseo, los besos robados. me encantó la historia, al igual que los personajes.
SPOILER DEL FINAL*
sí, me da un poquito de cringe pensar que sus hijos son, en teoría, hermanos de la hijastra??? JAJAJA
April 17, 2024
Man, what a ride.
Books like this make you hate being single fr.
This is one of best stories I’ve read in a while. It has all of my favorite tropes & JH executed them so well.
Books like this make you hate being single fr.
This is one of best stories I’ve read in a while. It has all of my favorite tropes & JH executed them so well.
April 19, 2024
♾️ the new level of obsession and love I have for this book. absolutely incredible. but again, it’s Jennifer Hartmann… the best forbidden romance I’ve ever read. God, Reed and Halley have so much heart and passion - I felt like I was experiencing their love story first hand.
Go read this. You’ll devour it just like I did.
Go read this. You’ll devour it just like I did.
July 22, 2025
3 stars for this one — and listen...
I AM AN AGE GAP GIRLIE, OKAY?! 👵🏻❤️🔥👧🏼
I love a good taboo romance. I live for the angst. I eat it up like it’s my last meal. 🍝🔥
But unfortunately… Older just didn’t hit like I wanted it to. 😩📉
Let’s start with the length: 🕒 16+ HOURS.
Normally I don’t mind a long audiobook 🎧 but this one? It dragged. The pacing was sloooow 🐢 and filled with repetitive drama 💭💭💭 and a constant anxiety spiral 🌀 that didn’t feel like it pushed the story forward.
And those time jumps?? ⏳⏭️
Girl, I was lost. 😵 I needed more insight into how these characters were evolving emotionally. There were just so many gaps in their journey, I felt like I was missing key moments.
🫣 And don’t even get me started on the big reveal moment...
The scene with Tara after everything came out??
LACK. LUSTER. 😶🧃
It felt rushed, underwhelming, and like we didn’t really get the closure we needed.
Let’s talk about the spice 🌶️🔥👀
Yes, it was there. Yes, it was hot.
BUT… I felt like we were relying too much on sex to fill in for emotional connection. And after the “happy” ending? That intimacy just kind of vanished 🫥 and left me feeling cold. 🧊
🎭 The premise had potential.
Halley Foster is scarred by trauma and Reed is carrying his own emotional baggage 🧳. Their connection? Intense. Complicated. Messy. And it pushes boundaries big time 🧨🚫.
But for me, it just didn’t go deep enough. I wanted more emotional payoff. More healing. More vulnerability. Less repetition and better pacing. 😔
I KNOW so many people love this book 💬📖
And that’s okay!!! Just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you 💕
But sadly, this one missed the mark.
I AM AN AGE GAP GIRLIE, OKAY?! 👵🏻❤️🔥👧🏼
I love a good taboo romance. I live for the angst. I eat it up like it’s my last meal. 🍝🔥
But unfortunately… Older just didn’t hit like I wanted it to. 😩📉
Let’s start with the length: 🕒 16+ HOURS.
Normally I don’t mind a long audiobook 🎧 but this one? It dragged. The pacing was sloooow 🐢 and filled with repetitive drama 💭💭💭 and a constant anxiety spiral 🌀 that didn’t feel like it pushed the story forward.
And those time jumps?? ⏳⏭️
Girl, I was lost. 😵 I needed more insight into how these characters were evolving emotionally. There were just so many gaps in their journey, I felt like I was missing key moments.
🫣 And don’t even get me started on the big reveal moment...
The scene with Tara after everything came out??
LACK. LUSTER. 😶🧃
It felt rushed, underwhelming, and like we didn’t really get the closure we needed.
Let’s talk about the spice 🌶️🔥👀
Yes, it was there. Yes, it was hot.
BUT… I felt like we were relying too much on sex to fill in for emotional connection. And after the “happy” ending? That intimacy just kind of vanished 🫥 and left me feeling cold. 🧊
🎭 The premise had potential.
Halley Foster is scarred by trauma and Reed is carrying his own emotional baggage 🧳. Their connection? Intense. Complicated. Messy. And it pushes boundaries big time 🧨🚫.
But for me, it just didn’t go deep enough. I wanted more emotional payoff. More healing. More vulnerability. Less repetition and better pacing. 😔
I KNOW so many people love this book 💬📖
And that’s okay!!! Just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you 💕
But sadly, this one missed the mark.
September 25, 2025
ೃ⁀➷ 4.5 stars *ੈ✩‧₊˚
This book genuinely really truly consumed me. In EVERY sense of the word.
Every page every sentence gutted me from top to bottom. Like their meet cute was so twisted but so pure and precious 😭 I want to cry. So much fucking wasted time it hurts so bad 😫😭
I cried so many times during this book my god 🤚 I was a wreck for a good few chapters.
I loved this book. The characters the emotion the story the growth. It delivered everything I wanted and more 😭❤️🩹
That said? This book pissed me off to no end. I was at my LIMITS with the angst ffs. Miss author really tested me with this one. But I persevered and prevailed ✊ the ending was so worth it.
The reason it’s not five stars is because I think it was left too late. Way too late. I needed more. I had no time to savour their reunion before i was basically slapped with an epilogue. Just one more chapter before the epilogue would’ve made all the difference in this case.
I’ve always loved Jennifer’s writing. Something about it tugs at every string of emotion I never knew I had. She really works her way into the complexities most authors take the lazy rout with which is why I savour her works. She doesn’t shy from making everyone work for that hea and I truly appreciate this rare craft.
If you want frustrating hair fisting angst and pure precious emotional love then this is ur best bet xx
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Tara will still be catching these hands 😤
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Do you like this song?”
“It’s my favorite.”
~crying fat ugly tears
This book genuinely really truly consumed me. In EVERY sense of the word.
Every page every sentence gutted me from top to bottom. Like their meet cute was so twisted but so pure and precious 😭 I want to cry. So much fucking wasted time it hurts so bad 😫😭
I cried so many times during this book my god 🤚 I was a wreck for a good few chapters.
I loved this book. The characters the emotion the story the growth. It delivered everything I wanted and more 😭❤️🩹
That said? This book pissed me off to no end. I was at my LIMITS with the angst ffs. Miss author really tested me with this one. But I persevered and prevailed ✊ the ending was so worth it.
The reason it’s not five stars is because I think it was left too late. Way too late. I needed more. I had no time to savour their reunion before i was basically slapped with an epilogue. Just one more chapter before the epilogue would’ve made all the difference in this case.
I’ve always loved Jennifer’s writing. Something about it tugs at every string of emotion I never knew I had. She really works her way into the complexities most authors take the lazy rout with which is why I savour her works. She doesn’t shy from making everyone work for that hea and I truly appreciate this rare craft.
If you want frustrating hair fisting angst and pure precious emotional love then this is ur best bet xx
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
Tara will still be catching these hands 😤
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“Do you like this song?”
“It’s my favorite.”
~crying fat ugly tears
April 17, 2024
lol i hate it 😃
I love age gap romance. It is my main food source. I inject it into my veins. I am a feral rat gnawing at my cage for a 17 year age gap.
But this made me uncomfy
First of all the melodrama transported me back to my 2008 emo phase. When this author wrote their dialogue she googled “deep tumblr quotes” and quoted them directly. These two star crossed lovers bonded instantly over their deep thoughts & love for Oasis’s Wonderwall
The age gap actually made me feel awkward. ME!! Like, after he knows she’s 17 you’d think he’d try to avoid her and never talk about the time they almost banged, bc that’s what a normal 34 year old would do. Nope, he follows her around a grocery store and continues their conversation from that fateful night
The FMC has issues. Her father is terribly abusive. She is soooo much more mature than her age because “she’s seen more in her 18 years than most adults have” (direct quote). This felt like a gross way to explain how these two could be compatible despite their age difference. Her trauma + his hero complex = true luv!
Now I’m just being a hater, but the little detail of the hero looking like Jared Leto threw me over the edge. Jared Leto, the literal alleged sexual predator. This is no longer a romance, this is a thriller. I didn’t read far enough to get there, but I’m guessing she joins his cult and he murders her with his Mark Zuckerberg look-alike buddy. Probably.
I love age gap romance. It is my main food source. I inject it into my veins. I am a feral rat gnawing at my cage for a 17 year age gap.
But this made me uncomfy
First of all the melodrama transported me back to my 2008 emo phase. When this author wrote their dialogue she googled “deep tumblr quotes” and quoted them directly. These two star crossed lovers bonded instantly over their deep thoughts & love for Oasis’s Wonderwall
The age gap actually made me feel awkward. ME!! Like, after he knows she’s 17 you’d think he’d try to avoid her and never talk about the time they almost banged, bc that’s what a normal 34 year old would do. Nope, he follows her around a grocery store and continues their conversation from that fateful night
The FMC has issues. Her father is terribly abusive. She is soooo much more mature than her age because “she’s seen more in her 18 years than most adults have” (direct quote). This felt like a gross way to explain how these two could be compatible despite their age difference. Her trauma + his hero complex = true luv!
Now I’m just being a hater, but the little detail of the hero looking like Jared Leto threw me over the edge. Jared Leto, the literal alleged sexual predator. This is no longer a romance, this is a thriller. I didn’t read far enough to get there, but I’m guessing she joins his cult and he murders her with his Mark Zuckerberg look-alike buddy. Probably.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2024
If I could give negative stars I would. Tara was the only real one for calling out her dad for being a weird creep and her friend a victim. Her mother also needs her sw credentials removed.
April 19, 2025
Wow!!! This book blew me away.
This is an age gap Forbidden romance, with so much emotion, heartache, healing and pain swirled together.
I couldn’t stop reading this from the moment I started. Halley and Reed wrapped my heart up in their whirlwind of a romance. The trauma Halley went through, her past, her strength, her love, her passion, gosh I loved her.
And Reed, he was flawed (just as Halley was) but he was also loyal and kind and protective. He saw Halley’s strength, even when she couldn’t. When she didn’t believe in herself, he believed enough for her until she felt it too.
This is a 6/5⭐️ book! Absolutely amazing.
3/5🌶️
😭😭😭😭
This is an age gap Forbidden romance, with so much emotion, heartache, healing and pain swirled together.
I couldn’t stop reading this from the moment I started. Halley and Reed wrapped my heart up in their whirlwind of a romance. The trauma Halley went through, her past, her strength, her love, her passion, gosh I loved her.
And Reed, he was flawed (just as Halley was) but he was also loyal and kind and protective. He saw Halley’s strength, even when she couldn’t. When she didn’t believe in herself, he believed enough for her until she felt it too.
This is a 6/5⭐️ book! Absolutely amazing.
3/5🌶️
😭😭😭😭
May 10, 2024
DNF @ 20%
SHES SEVENTEEN. THIS ISN’T AGE GAP ITS PEDOPHILIA.
SHES SEVENTEEN. THIS ISN’T AGE GAP ITS PEDOPHILIA.
Read
April 11, 2024If I could give this book all the stars in the world, I would. Honestly, this book will easily be one of my top reads of the year. The author has a way with her words and storytelling. I knew by chapter four this book would be gut-wrenching yet beautiful.
Honesty, I didn't even know where to start. This review will be vague. I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
I do have a few suggestions: one, go in blind for the best reading experience. Two, have tissues at all times. I couldn't stop crying, especially the last twenty percent. As I write this review, tears stream down my face. Their love is indescribably beautiful. It's beyond words.
Haley and Reed find an instant connection from the first time they meet. It is not just any connection; it’s an intense deep into your soul connection. Halley has seen nothing but pain and abuse. She hides it well from other people. All I will say abide Reed is he sees her. I love him. Reed tries to keep a safe distance from Halley, but with each passing day, he finds it more challenging.
The book takes place in the 1990s, which I adored; it brings me back to my early adulthood. I felt like I was back in time. Plus, I love all the music references. For me, it gave me more of a connection between the characters.
This book will forever live in my mind and soul. Not only is it my new favorite book from the author, but it’s also my top forbidden and age-gap romance. I see many rereads in my future.
November 15, 2025
pre-read:
Age gap and slow burn? Yes pls!😏🫦
Age gap and slow burn? Yes pls!😏🫦
to-be-continued
October 24, 2025DNF 57
I dont really know about this i think its good but my slump making it horrible so I'm going to put it off for now and probably will come back to it later, fingers crossed
---
your friend here didn't touch a book for two weeks and instead is binging tvd , so lets hope this one is good 🙏
I dont really know about this i think its good but my slump making it horrible so I'm going to put it off for now and probably will come back to it later, fingers crossed
---
your friend here didn't touch a book for two weeks and instead is binging tvd , so lets hope this one is good 🙏
April 4, 2024
3.5/5🌟 ahhhh okay guys if you know me I am the HUGEST jennifer hartmann fan and have loved every book I’ve read, but this wasn’t my favorite 🙈 I felt like it dragged FOREVER and was missing the satisfaction of a true slow burn since 1) their feelings were obvious to the reader & to each other & 2) their physical relationship started pretty early on. I also didn’t FEEL a super strong connection between Halley & Reed 🤷🏼♀️. I didn’t hate it - I think the beginning was very strong & I was happy with the ending, it just wasn’t my favorite. BUT!!! jennifer is still my favorite 🩷
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