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Someone Your Own Age: A spicy, age-gap, secret workplace romance

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Sometimes love doesn't follow the rules

On the eve of her forty-second birthday, Esme's husband announces he's leaving her for a twenty-something sound bath practitioner. Desperate to avoid becoming her mother (who left her marriage in tatters and abandoned Esme as a child), she throws herself into her work, but when she meets new office temp Callum, Esme finds herself in the middle of what appears to be a second sexual awakening.

Inexplicably drawn to Callum and the potential of someone eleven years her junior, Callum and Esme embark on a secret affair that gives Esme back the joy she was missing in her staid, joyless marriage. The two grow closer, but Esme knows that she can never be more than a secret, physical connection - she's too old, too career-driven, she's approaching the end of fertility. What could a young, handsome aspiring actor want with her, anyway?

But when Esme is forced to choose between what society deems acceptable and her feelings for Callum, will she follow her heart, or her head?

A sharp, sexy, funny love story about ageing, leaving your baggage behind, and the power of dating like a man. Fans of The Idea of You, Daisy Buchanan, Caroline O'Donoghue and the film Babygirl will love this.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2026

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Alex Neve

8 books7 followers

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5 stars
32 (56%)
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18 (31%)
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5 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Caz.
367 reviews100 followers
April 30, 2026
Someone Your Own Age by Alex Neve is a compelling women’s fiction romance that blends emotional depth with a richly layered love story. At its heart is Esme, a 42-year-old woman navigating the fallout of a marriage shattered by her husband’s repeated infidelity and eventual departure for a younger woman. What follows is not just a story of heartbreak, but one of rediscovery, resilience, and unexpected passion.

Through her work, Esme meets Callum—a younger man whose connection with her is immediate and electric. Their relationship is charged with chemistry, offering moments that are both tender and undeniably spicy, yet grounded in something genuine and deeply felt. The romance unfolds alongside real-life challenges, making their journey all the more engaging and believable.

What truly stands out in this novel is its exploration of female ageing and self-worth. Esme’s character is written with nuance and strength, portraying a woman who refuses to be defined by societal expectations or past disappointments. Her growth throughout the story is both empowering and relatable.

Alex Neve’s writing style is immersive and fluid, striking a perfect balance between emotional intensity and comforting familiarity. The narrative keeps you fully engaged, with well-developed characters who feel authentic and memorable. It’s ultimately a cosy yet emotionally resonant read that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you NetGalley, Canelo, Author Alex Neve for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publishing date: May 28th 2026
Profile Image for Natalie Harper.
1 review
May 30, 2026
A gloriously tender and deliciously spicy romance. Alex Neve’s voice kept me hooked throughout and made me laugh, sob and all the in between. Make this your next beach/commute/bedtime read! ❤️
Profile Image for Becky Wallace.
164 reviews5 followers
June 20, 2026
I just want to say a massive thank you to Alex for reaching out to me and sending me her stunning novel. I’m rather partial to a cheeky age-gap trope and I ate this book up. Callum was just everything and I loved Esme 🫶🏻.
 
The story follows Esme, a 42 year old woman struggling to come to terms with the break down of her marriage to Alistair, a serial cheat who eventually runs off with a younger woman.
 
Esme is left feeling completely lost and, despite Alistair being a complete D**k, she still hoped he would come back, After all, what would she do? At 42 years old, who would want her now?
 
Enter Callum 🥰
 
A 27 year old heart throb that worked in Esme’s office. He was everything Alistair wasn’t. Kind, attentive, funny and (err) very talented 👀.
 
A relationship soon blossoms between the pair and, I’m not going to lie, I was whooping for joy for Esme. Callum was more of a man than Alistair could ever hope to be.
 
The novel was so much fun and pretty spicy in places and I was so happy for Esme that I was practically kicking my feet.
 
Beneath the romance, the spice and the humour, this novel explored some deeper themes, making this such an authentic read.
 
The double standards around men and women and age gap relationships. Esme is constantly questioning herself and worrying about what others will think? Whereas men in similar situations often don’t face the same scrutiny.
 
The story also explored the pressures woman face as they grow older and how that can effect their self worth. This really showed Esme’s vulnerable side, which was such a touching part to the overall story.

I also adored Esme’s journey in this story 🩷.
 
I love an age gap trope. But it’s a topic that has to be handled carefully in a premise like this. I think the author did this beautifully. This novel was funny, sexy, heartfelt, relatable, and addictive and was ultimately a story about finding yourself after heartbreak.
 
I highly recommend this book.
 
⇨ A special mention goes to Zara … As Alex said in the authors note, ‘we all need more Zara’s in our lives …’
Profile Image for Helena.
122 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2026
‘Someone Your Own Age’ is an incredible read, it’s emotional, spicy, romantic and comedic. I felt so many different emotions during my read, I was so addicted and I just constantly wanted to know what happens next.

This is definitely a book that teaches you to just bite the bullet and take a chance on love because otherwise it’s 'what ifs'. I love the way it’s focused on the main FMC ‘Esme’ who is in her 40s and going through a separation, it deep dives into her character and how her broken marriage has affected her. We see her pick herself up and we get to know Esme, this is heartwarming because her colleagues are so supportive. Although I absolutely adore Esme and Callum, my favourite character is actually Trevor, he just had me in fits of giggles, he's just grabbing life by the balls essentially. He's in his 50s and a fantastic friend to Esme and he just brings the majority of the comedy to the book, everybody needs a Trevor, I was laughing out loud so much!!!

Another thing I absolutely love is how the book tackles the difference between an older woman dating a younger man and a older man dating a younger woman, it highlights how as a woman you are made to feel ashamed but with a man it’s so different and unfortunately it is so true! It’s nice to see that amongst the comedy, the spice, the romance that important points are portrayed amazingly well.

I genuinely think this is the perfect book to read if you’re going through a divorce because it’s basically saying you’re not too old to enjoy life, you’re not too old to find love and if there’s an age gap, don’t let it hold you back, between Esme and Callum is 15 years.
Profile Image for Krazyaboutbooks.
261 reviews27 followers
August 8, 2026
This book follows a middle aged woman named Esme. She feels inadequate due to an inability to conceive and keep her philandering husband faithful. Her husband soon dumps her for his mistress but she hopes he'll return and in the meantime finds herself increasingly fascinated by a younger man named Callum. I found this book to be an insight into dating as a woman after 35 years, especially for those who have been in longterm relationships (different courting rituals, sexting, etc), the expectations of similarly aged men (dating standards- especially to do with age, women hating men/ red pill men / INCELs), people assuming women's value correlates to motherhood/ ability to conceive and the differing expectations in the work place and the judgement women face for dating younger as compared to men. I also like the discussions on the different familial relationship between Esme and her dad compared to that of her dad and her sister. This relationship was also the reason she put up with so much. Esme was a sympathetic but frustrating protagonist but my fave was Zara (Kleptomania and good advice mixed together) and the office scene was so embarrassing that I couldn't stop laughing. Overall, a good read covering issues older women encounter in the dating market and workplace. I would recommend.

Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley and Hera Books in exchange for a free and honest review.
Profile Image for TheNovelNomad.
82 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 14, 2026
This sharp, witty story leans into messy reinvention, second chances, and the complicated freedom that can come when life doesn’t go according to plan. It’s bold, funny, and emotionally honest, exploring what it means to rediscover yourself when the version of your life you expected suddenly disappears.

Esme is a refreshingly flawed and relatable protagonist. Her vulnerability, insecurity, and desire to reclaim joy make her journey feel authentic, especially as she grapples with expectations around age, career, and relationships. The narrative handles these themes with humor and bite, balancing introspection with playful, flirty energy.

The romance brings a spark that feels both exciting and complicated. There’s a natural tension between what feels right and what’s considered acceptable, and that push-and-pull drives the emotional core of the story. The chemistry is lively, and the tone remains confident and self-aware throughout.

What stands out most is how the book explores female ageing, societal expectations, and the idea of rewriting your own rules. It’s thoughtful without being heavy, and sharp without losing its warmth. The result is a story that feels empowering, entertaining, and quietly reflective all at once.

Sexy, funny, and self-assured, this is a compelling love story about letting go of limitations and choosing what brings you back to life.
Profile Image for midnight margins books.
144 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I wouldn’t personally describe it as particularly spicy. Instead, it’s a heartfelt, engaging romance with plenty of charm, humour, and emotion.

Esme is such a likeable protagonist. She’s dedicated, hardworking, and has thrown herself so completely into her career that work has become her entire life. I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning and hoping she’d finally put herself first for once.

Then along comes Callum, a younger, charismatic man who brings a completely different energy into her world. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, and the age gap romance felt natural rather than forced.

While the romance is central to the story, much of the novel takes place in the workplace, with Esme’s professional and personal lives becoming increasingly intertwined. This gave the story a fresh feel and allowed the supporting cast to shine.

My favourite character, aside from Esme, was Zara, her intern. She was bright, enthusiastic, wonderfully naïve at times, and brought so much warmth and humour to every scene she was in.

Overall, this is an uplifting, character driven romance that balances work, love, friendship, and personal growth beautifully. It kept me turning the pages, and I finished it with a smile. A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
Profile Image for thetbrhoarder.
218 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2026
Nobody bats an eyelid when a man dates a younger woman - he’s praised for it. When a woman dates a younger man? It’s a whole different world

When you’re told that you’re ‘boring’ by your unfaithful husband, who’s been chasing the young twenty year old beauties, you decide to prove to yourself that you’re still full of life and have more to offer and can have an exciting sex life

I absolutely loved my time with Esme and Callum - he definitely helped her relove and find herself again. Callum came across as a lot more mature emotionally than the cretin that is Alastair. Zara surprised me by being exactly what Esme needed, I thought she was going to be annoying and too woke but she a pleasant character who brought depth to the story. As a woman reaching her 40s it makes you wonder what mid life will bring (luckily I don’t have a shitwad for a husband)
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,139 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
April 26, 2026
This book broke my heart several times over and yet I could not put it down. Esme is my age and Jesus, did her shitty husband put her through enough (she should have left him sooner but I know that is always easier to say than do). I could relate to her feeling like she is invisible...she is over 30...but enter Callum and whoo boy, Esme is seen.
There was humor in this book but it was also very touching....seeing Esme learn how Callum sees her, so she can see herself differently was something that was done so well in this book and I large part of why I loved it so much. Thrown in Zara and Trevor Collins (side characters with so much life and zest) and Alex Neve has written a damn good book.
Thanks to Hera Books for the ARC!
1 review
June 11, 2026
Behind the spice, this book has some wonderfully insightful things to say about love, aging and the double standards faced by women when it comes to dating. I'm not someone that reads a lot of romance but, I have to say, Alex Neve's sharp and witty voice had me hooked - it's a delightfully easy read and, as the title says, I devoured it in a day. All of the characters are crafted with equal care, so much so that you root for the supporting cast as much as you do for Esme and Callum. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone - especially those looking to be a little bit braver when it comes to love.
Profile Image for Alicia.
208 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2026
This was such a complex and emotionally messy read. After being left by her serial cheating husband, Esme finds herself in an unexpected age gap romance with a younger coworker. I loved watching her rediscover herself along the way. The chemistry between Esme and Callum was incredibly hot, but also surprisingly tender.

What really stood out was how honestly the book explored aging, self-worth, and learning to let yourself be happy. Funny, sexy, and touching, this felt like a story about second chances and realizing you’re never too old to rewrite the rules and choose what brings you joy.
1 review
June 12, 2026
This laugh out loud romance is the perfect book for summer. Someone Your Own Age is a delight to devour - I read it within days! I couldn't wait to get back to Esme, a woman who thought she had it all, finds herself getting divorced in her early 40s and rediscovers her sense of worth, beauty and independence. While this book has keen wit and a relatable charm, it's a clever camouflage to deliver a razor sharp commentary on the injustices of how older single women are perceived. If you like your feminism served with humour, this is definitely the book for you.
28 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 30, 2026
Best slow burn age-gap romance Ive read 👌🏻📖🥰😭 I totally enjoyed this book and took my time reading it ! I totally loved the tension that was building with Callum and Esme . What I totally find this book impressive was that instead of a Man being older the woman was the older one ! My fave character was def Zara shes funny and also a very girls girl 🫶🏻🌸 The ending was perfect totally was sad for a bit and then I had happy tears firs time that ever happens to me while reading a book!😭🫶🏻🫣🫣
Profile Image for Turning Pages Turning Heads.
58 reviews
July 24, 2026
This book surprised me, I thought it was going spicey and not much more but actually it was funny, relatable (to a point) and had characters that you were invested in. The side characters Zara and Trevor Collins are really likeable and were a great addition to the story. Zara is a legend!

An easy and entertaining read, that will in particular appeal to women over 40 years looking for a little escapism!
Profile Image for Kasey Connors-Beron.
710 reviews8 followers
August 11, 2026
I received an ARC of Someone Your Own Age and leave this review voluntarily.

Someone Your Own Age is an age-gap romance where the female main character is the older partner. I loved watching everything unfold throughout the book. The slow build. But I am disappointed by the end. It is realistic and does make sense for the story but I was hoping for something much happier and we're really just left on a 'maybe.' The journey getting there, I loved though!
84 reviews
August 25, 2026
Man dates younger woman, he’s a legend…. But woman dates younger man…. She’s a slut, a cradle snatcher an all round bad person…
Absolutely loved this book. It had me gripped from the start. Alex Neve manages to bring together the taboo cougar narrative, and a touching and unexpected romance which make for a compelling, and heartwarming read. I’m so thankful to Marie at my local bookclub for recommending this!!
Profile Image for Kristina.
228 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 7, 2026
I loved this book. This was a theme I’ve been dying for and that is unfairly unexplored. Author did a great job bringing to light unfairness and treatment of women of certain age as compared to their male counterparts, as well as exploring female desire and emotional drive in the period of life where the world expects you to wind yourself down.
1 review
June 1, 2026
Read this book in record timing for me! It’s so easy to read, surprisingly funny, honest and relatable and raw, along with the perfect amount of sexiness - not too over the top but enough to get you hot under the collar and fantasising happily while drifting to sleep. Very impressive with this debut novel and look forward to seeing what the author comes out with next. :)
3 reviews
June 9, 2026
What a great read! A funny and spicy age-gap romance where we follow Esme post-fallout from her husband's fourth infidelity and her much younger love interest Callum. Tender, moving and humorous, the book had me hooked. Loved that it's about an older woman in her forties discovering real love for the first time. Can't wait to read what the author writes next.
Profile Image for Sam ❤️.
92 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2026
This was a brilliant read, I read it in one sitting!!! I loved how deep the characters were, and I definitely changed my mind about a few of them along the way! A couple of parts felt slightly slower, but overall I was completely invested in where the story was heading, it kept me hooked!

Thank you Alex for the book and Novel Tours for having me on the team! ❤️
1 review
August 8, 2026
Just finished! Such a good read, combining everything you want from a book - characters you feel like you know, ‘THAT’ hot guy, sex, a hot girl crush that you want to know/be like, a brilliant thread of humour, and a ‘need’ to get to the end! Not too intense or complicated so perfect for a holiday read. You won’t be disappointed, I promise. Now just need to find myself a Callum…

1 review
June 10, 2026
A brilliant book about starting over in your 40’s and finding yourself. It’s funny, moving, spicy and relatable. Alex Neve is an exciting new voice in the romance and women’s fiction space! Can’t wait to read more from her!
1 review
June 16, 2026
I devoured this in a week! Sexy and witty with relatable characters and insightful thoughts on what society genuinely feels like for women over 30. It felt like I was spending time with my mates Esme and Callum and was sad to leave them behind. Would absolutely reccomend!
Profile Image for Dark Reader.
822 reviews29 followers
June 16, 2026
This was a fun, messy, emotional read for me. Esme's journey and finding out who she was without her marriage resonates so strongly for me, and I liked the spicy romance with Callum and seeing herself through his eyes. A great summer read.
Profile Image for Sophie Hollands.
80 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2026
If Bridget Jones Mad about the Boy had a baby with Fleabag.. It would be this book. Loved this, had perfectly balanced romance, spiciness and funny moments. The way it was written I could picture the characters, space, situations perfectly. Need your next summer read? This is it!
2 reviews
August 9, 2026
I saw this book at Trope bookshop in Charlotte and it was definitely an amazing read. Definitely funny moments but relatable and I loved the writing style. Kept me hooked and rooting for the protagonist and forty something women everywhere. Go read it!
1 review
July 30, 2026
Wonderful is banded around too often, but not when it comes to this story. Honestly, grab a copy. You will not be disappointed. This coming from someone who doesn’t, usually, read Romance.
Profile Image for Connie Kitson.
Author 1 book
August 13, 2026
A hugely enjoyable read! Someone Your Own Age is beautiful, witty and superbly written, with such smart comedy throughout. Alex has such a gorgeous way with words and descriptions, and a talent for writing totally hateable men (side characters thankfully, not Callum who is utterly gorgeous on the page).

Alex has nailed the nuances of a 15-year age-gap relationship, especially Esme’s insecurities about how their relationship is perceived when compared with the men in the book dating younger women with even larger age gaps. I loved watching those complexities unfold. I honestly love Alex’s writing and very excited to read her second novel out next year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews