Love Affair in London: A Steamy Runaway Bride Age Gap Romance Set in the Vibrant Heart of London

by Jennifer Skully, Jasmine Haynes

She was supposed to be on her honeymoon… just not alone.

Two days before her wedding, Piper Alexander walked away from the life she thought she wanted. Now she’s in London with nothing but a broken plan and a desperate need to feel alive again. Sightseeing. Reinvention. Freedom.

Falling for a younger man with a wicked smile and hands that make her forget everything?
Definitely not part of the plan… but oh so irresistible.

Jared Hart isn’t looking for forever. Not anymore—and London is just another stop in a life that rarely slows down. But from the moment Piper walks into his world, all sharp wit and undeniable heat, he knows one week with her will never be enough.

Days blur into laughter and adventure.
And the nights? Even more thrilling—with slow touches, whispered confessions, and intimacy that leaves them craving more…

From stolen kisses on Tower Bridge to stunning views at the top of the Sky Garden to breathless rides through the city after dark, their chemistry is instant… and impossible to contain.

But London was never meant to last.

And back home, reality waits—with expectations, complicated lives, and a twelve-year age gap that refuses to be ignored.

Was this just one unforgettable week… or the start of something neither of them is ready to lose?

✨ A steamy, emotional runaway bride romance featuring a younger hero, London backdrop, and a love worth risking everything for.

💜 Perfect for readers who
✔ Runaway bride romance
✔ Age gap (older woman / younger man)
✔ Vacation fling turned real love
✔ London travel romance
✔ Second chance at happiness
✔ Emotional + spicy love story
✔ Strong, confident heroine
✔ Hunky alpha hero

Escape. Explore. Fall in Love.
A journey to a breathtaking destination—and a love story that changes everything.

The Once Again series, stand-alone romances with no cliffhangers
Dreaming of Provence
Wishing in Rome
Dancing in Ireland
Under the Northern Lights
Stargazing on the Orient Express
Memories of Santorini
Siesta in Spain
Top Down to California
Cruising on the Danube
Margaritas in Mexico
Beachcombing in the Bahamas
Love Affair in London
Passion in Prague

Once Again Boxed Sets
Holiday in Paradise, Once Again Books 1 thru 3
Love on Vacation, Once Again Books 4 thru 6
Escape to Romance, Once Again Books 7 thru 9

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

If you like your romantic suspense fast-paced and laced with humor, try award-winning author Jennifer Skully. Jennifer adores quirky characters. The whackier the better! And you’ll find a whole cast of them in each and every Jennifer Skully book. Of course, being in the same body with alter ego Jasmine Haynes, she doesn’t let you down on the hot, sexy love scenes either.

After a long hiatus, Jennifer Skully is back!

Reviews

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been to London, but this author has taken me there in this amazing story! The sights, the cuisine and the love story…I enjoyed every moment! Piper Alexander had planned her wedding to Roger and their honeymoon in London. Although they were compatible in the bedroom, it became obvious that she would never have the approval or friendship of his three adult daughters. She called it quits and decided to go to London by herself. She had no intention of becoming involved with anyone, but her lost and recovered phone introduces her to Jared Hart. Jared, is divorced and in London for a conference and had noticed Piper on their flight. Has finding and returning her phone led him to a new and exciting love? She is concerned about their age difference as she is twelve years older, but they are soon inseparable. He finds her amazing, vivacious as they tour the many sights and enjoy the local cuisine. Can he convince her that age is simply a number? They spent their days and nights together, but will she give him a chance to show her that this wasn’t just a holiday romance? A truly delightful and sensuous romance. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverse age gap: Houston, do we have a problem?🤔

4.5🌟 stars
The plotline was intriguing and I was really drawn in by the confrontational start where Piper speaks her mind to fiance Roger. And the week in London with younger man silver fox Jared front and center - very steamy and yet alternated with quite the travelogue for Anglophiles. Piper's enthusiasm for British food and gardens is contagious.

I also adored Jared, his concern for his children and the way he treats Piper and tries to get her mind off their age difference. Piper's fixation on aging, while it may realistically be understandable, became such a repetitive theme that I could have done with less mention and still got the point.

Overall I loved the second chance storyline and the maturity of the main characters, especially when juxtaposed with Roger's daughters. And the author gets some characters to openly acknowledge that the fear of loneliness drives some of their romantic choices, not always successsfully. Such honesty about the fear of growing old alone and where it can lead: refreshing.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[K.T. Coatney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Affair in London is book 12 in the Once Again series. It’s everything I love about this author and more. From the first page, I was swept away—not only by the dazzling sights of London, but by a love story that every woman secretly dreams about.

At 55, Piper Alexander isn’t expecting to find romance again, but London—and one younger man—changes everything. Jared Hart may carry heartbreak in his past, but the moment he meets Piper, her fiery spirit and sensual confidence awaken something he thought was gone forever. Their chemistry is sizzling, their emotions raw and real, and their journey together unforgettable.
The question is, can one magical week in London survive the reality of a twelve-year age gap back home in San Francisco? I couldn’t stop turning pages to find out.

🔥 One city. One younger man. One chance at passion and love. This isn’t just a fling—it’s the kind of story that becomes your next obsession.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it—as well as the entire series. This author never disappoints! 💖

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally love this book! Jared and Piper are a match made in heaven, even though she fights it due to the 12-year age gap (she's older!). From their initial sighting, the sparks are there. Their adventures over the week they're both scheduled to be in London are amazing and reaffirm their connection, but Piper's recent history has made her wary and her concern with what "other people" will think about the age difference have her pushing Jared away. Being older myself, I enjoy seeing couples beyond their 30s having their stories told in such a realistic manner. Keep up the great work! Highly recommended.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, some of the male characters were absolute ego maniacs. Some let their kids rule their lives,and freeload for life, and another was a complete control freak. Piper was fortunate enough to find an enjoyable companion on her, " not honeymoon vacations " Lol. Piper was overly concerned about their 12 year age gap. Will she throw away a perfect relationship because of their age difference?? Jared was considerate and their chemistry was intense. He's willing to try again, but Piper is skittish. A great story with palpable sexual tension and engaging couple that captivated my heart.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverse age-gap? Yes…I'm in! But is Piper?

Will Jared pull out all the stops to convince Piper?

I loved that the characters were later in life!
So many authors are writing young adult!

Ms. Skully has written a story with reality, and hope for those who find themselves "alone" later in life!

Romantic.
Sexy.
Fantastic read!

Don't miss this even if you're not fifty-five like Piper, or forty-three like Jared!

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a little slow to start but I ended up loving it. Glad that Piper ended her engagement and decided to go on her London honeymoon. Loved the way she and Jared got so close. Loved their chemistry, but can she get over the fact that he’s so much younger? I really loved their happy ever after and that we get an epilogue letting us know how well it really turned out. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

[Karen T. Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

love at a certain age

Loved this story about mature relationships. I enjoyed the main characters and their meet cute moment. I appreciated the way they wanted to make their love work no matter the age difference.