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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this and was fairly engaged in the story, and for most of it I was rooting for the main couple, but at a point I did get a little irritated with the way they were acting and found myself cheering for side characters who seemed a lot more reasonable. If you’re looking for a lot of drama and ANGST then this right here has that. Halley has some serious trauma and I just wanna give girly a hug and walk her to some therapy. Reed as well with the therapy. Everyone needs some. I did really like that the timeline of this book was longer- I don’t love a rushed hectic story. Being set in the 90s was also super fun- although in this day and age reading an MMC go on and on about how “Wonderwall” is their song gave me a serious ick. Love this author this book was an okay one for me but I prefer her others (with maybe some higher stakes to match the absolute drama in the writing)
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 ⭐s
3.5 🌶️s
Jennifer Hartmann always knows how to take a taboo premise and make it emotional, but Older left me feeling a little conflicted. The writing is smooth and engaging, and the emotional beats hit hard—especially the moments of vulnerability between the characters. The forbidden, age-gap element definitely adds tension, and Hartmann handles it with a surprising amount of care.
That said, the pacing felt uneven; the slow-burn tension sometimes dragged, and a few plot choices didn’t quite land for me. I also found myself wishing the character development went deeper in certain areas, especially around the moral and emotional fallout of their relationship.
It’s heartfelt, a bit messy, and undeniably addictive—but not my top favorite from her. Still, if you love her brand of angsty, morally gray romance, Older delivers just enough to keep you hooked.
3.5 🌶️s
Jennifer Hartmann always knows how to take a taboo premise and make it emotional, but Older left me feeling a little conflicted. The writing is smooth and engaging, and the emotional beats hit hard—especially the moments of vulnerability between the characters. The forbidden, age-gap element definitely adds tension, and Hartmann handles it with a surprising amount of care.
That said, the pacing felt uneven; the slow-burn tension sometimes dragged, and a few plot choices didn’t quite land for me. I also found myself wishing the character development went deeper in certain areas, especially around the moral and emotional fallout of their relationship.
It’s heartfelt, a bit messy, and undeniably addictive—but not my top favorite from her. Still, if you love her brand of angsty, morally gray romance, Older delivers just enough to keep you hooked.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Okay well its official, after reading Still Beating and Older, I'll read anything Jennifer Hartmann writes. She knows how to write books that will push you to the edge of right and wrong, trauma and healing, pain and happiness.... Older is an age gap, best friend's dad romance with mentions of childhood abuse (non-SA). I will absolutely be thinking about this book for a while.
adventurous
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
More like a 3.5. I think one of the most pivotal chapters was the one from Tara's POV at the end.
Overall I enjoyed the dual POV's and how so much can go into a relationship like this one, so much outside noise and opinions, but also internal struggles.
In the end, if things are going right, you do understand things better when you are older.
Overall I enjoyed the dual POV's and how so much can go into a relationship like this one, so much outside noise and opinions, but also internal struggles.
In the end, if things are going right, you do understand things better when you are older.
idgaf if this is taboo. it made me feel so many emotions
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced