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naleyisms's review
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
hereiskyra's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
SPOILERS AHEAD…
🖤
🖤
🖤
🖤
🖤
Halley and Reed quite literally broke my heart 10 times over in these 430 pages. This book took me through such a roller coaster and I genuinely didn’t know if I was going to be okay there for a while.
For the longest time, I was really struggling to decide if I could find it in me to root for these two after how their relationship started. But, of course the more we got to know and love them, the easier it got to see why they fit together and that even if it didn’t make sense, they were what each other needed.
Now listen, before the good stuff, I refuse to get into the logistics of having a family with someone half your age because it’s just messy and this is fiction but if these two had been closer in age, everyone would have been all for it. I mean, their personalities were absolutely made for each other so does it really matter?
As exciting as the forbidden aspect always is, the best parts for me were the moments when they had genuine connection, not based on lust but on some deeper feeling… you knew in those moments that there was something real between them.
But the slow burn? My god, that almost killed me!
Honestly, that first “taste” was ridiculously hot and I knew from that moment it was going to be like a tsunami when they finally gave in to one another after so much time.
I loved that Reed was genuinely a good man and dad and did something amazing with his life, helping survivors feel and be stronger. He helped Halley not only overcome some of her emotional trauma but he helped her become physically stronger and capable of defending herself if she ever needed to again.
When the time came for everything to blow up, I knew it was going to be rough. And it broke my heart for both of them but especially for Halley, who lost so much already and had to give up the first stable place she had ever lived and the only semblance of family she had ever known.
The goodbye she and Reed shared had me sobbing and that’s when I knew that if they didn’t end up together, it may actually break a little part of me.
But, fortunately for me, there was still a love story to be had. I appreciate that they had some time apart for Halley to really get a chance to experience whatever she wanted to without Reed for a while, even if she didn’t take full advantage of that. When they were finally able to come back together, it felt right. It felt like they had worked out all of the things they tried for so long to pretend weren’t issues. It felt like they finally decided to stop fighting and to resign themselves to the fact that they were going to be drawn to each other no matter who or what was trying to stand between them. It felt like they finally knew they were in love and that was never going to change no matter how much space or time or adversity they had between them.
These two fought like hell to come out of their heartbreak in one piece and they earned the acceptance they got.
I may never hear Wonderwall again and not think about Halley and Reed. 🖤
Favorite quotes:
“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.”
“As much as a girl can love the next best thing.”
Tropes:
Age-Gap (17 years)
Forbidden/Best Friends Dad
Slow Burn
Angsty
BONUS:
90’s Nostalgia
Spice:
3.5 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child abuse, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
gphemsley's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Child abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty
paperbacksandsnacks's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I picked this book up and then didn’t put it down until hours later when I’d finished it. Are you JOKING? I didn’t sleep!
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann and definitely won’t be the last. The writing style was so so beautiful and poetic. I was emotional the whole way through, seeing the way Halley fought so hard to overcome her harrowing childhood and the way she found a family after all that time. The message of finding the joy in all the little moments (blips) was so poignant too. Capture moments always ❤️
I loved the characters so much, and I was rooting for them all. But the love between Reed and Halley was so palpable I honestly just wanted to wrap them both up and assure them it was all gonna be okay and that they’d be okay in the end. I was also so tense because I just kept waiting for their secret to be revealed and I was preparing for the heartbreak. Just super emotive and deep writing. It felt like more than just an age gap romance. Lots of beautiful quotes and life lessons within.
The warnings for this book are severe. If any theme of abuse is too much for you then I wouldn’t read this. It’s so so sad and doesn’t hide a single reality so please be careful with your hearts ❤️
*I have put adult/minor relationship in the warnings as in this book the FMC starts out being 17 (although the relationship doesn’t fully begin here) for where I live, and the state the story is set this age is legal but I wanted to just put that out there for those of you who may feel differently*
This is my first Jennifer Hartmann and definitely won’t be the last. The writing style was so so beautiful and poetic. I was emotional the whole way through, seeing the way Halley fought so hard to overcome her harrowing childhood and the way she found a family after all that time. The message of finding the joy in all the little moments (blips) was so poignant too. Capture moments always ❤️
I loved the characters so much, and I was rooting for them all. But the love between Reed and Halley was so palpable I honestly just wanted to wrap them both up and assure them it was all gonna be okay and that they’d be okay in the end. I was also so tense because I just kept waiting for their secret to be revealed and I was preparing for the heartbreak. Just super emotive and deep writing. It felt like more than just an age gap romance. Lots of beautiful quotes and life lessons within.
The warnings for this book are severe. If any theme of abuse is too much for you then I wouldn’t read this. It’s so so sad and doesn’t hide a single reality so please be careful with your hearts ❤️
*I have put adult/minor relationship in the warnings as in this book the FMC starts out being 17 (although the relationship doesn’t fully begin here) for where I live, and the state the story is set this age is legal but I wanted to just put that out there for those of you who may feel differently*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Car accident, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, Animal death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Animal cruelty, Injury/Injury detail, Domestic abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
aurslde's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
moodreadererin's review
Felt gaslit when it was mentioned in beginning she was 21 and I'm like that's not so bad . But no she lied . She is 17 when they meet ..
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Child abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
bookswithvicky's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I love this story so much! It will break you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
anca_s_books's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
#Review: *Older* - Jennifer Hartmann [18+]
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Oh, my God! This book was wayyy different from everything I've read so far 💙. Thank you so much Jennifer Hartmann and ValentinePR for this copy🫶🏼. Some parts in this book may affect people, touching home violence subjects, abuse and abandonment.
Halley is a young girl who isn't in the best situation. She lives in an abusive house, as her father is often putting his misery on her, by beating her. All this sad baggage makes Halley look older than she actually is, but more beautiful and different at the same time.
Only one night changes everything for Halley and Reed. They have build a strong connection by sharing a beautiful moment together before knowing everything about eachother. Life is definitely not easy for them when Reed learns about her age, also after Halley finds out that he is her best friends dad.
After that moment the slow burn between them was built so damn good. The ideea of this forbidden relationship made me have that knot in my heart. At first, it made me judge them for this forbidden connection but I've started changing my mind with every page I read. The angst was at the highest level and affected me so much, feeling every emotion at the same time with the characters.
I loved the progress Halley did throughout the years and how she fought with her demons. She faced so many rough things that it was impossible to not be affected somehow. But in all those grey and black shades, color starts to slip in and slowly healing her scars.
This book will definitely remain in my heart! 💙 The author writes so beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading the other books I have in my library by her 😊.
Book tropes:
#ForbiddenLove
#SecretRomamce
#AgeGap
#Angst
#Banter
#FathersBestFriend
#CloseProximity
#DualPov
#Violence
5/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
Oh, my God! This book was wayyy different from everything I've read so far 💙. Thank you so much Jennifer Hartmann and ValentinePR for this copy🫶🏼. Some parts in this book may affect people, touching home violence subjects, abuse and abandonment.
Halley is a young girl who isn't in the best situation. She lives in an abusive house, as her father is often putting his misery on her, by beating her. All this sad baggage makes Halley look older than she actually is, but more beautiful and different at the same time.
Only one night changes everything for Halley and Reed. They have build a strong connection by sharing a beautiful moment together before knowing everything about eachother. Life is definitely not easy for them when Reed learns about her age, also after Halley finds out that he is her best friends dad.
After that moment the slow burn between them was built so damn good. The ideea of this forbidden relationship made me have that knot in my heart. At first, it made me judge them for this forbidden connection but I've started changing my mind with every page I read. The angst was at the highest level and affected me so much, feeling every emotion at the same time with the characters.
I loved the progress Halley did throughout the years and how she fought with her demons. She faced so many rough things that it was impossible to not be affected somehow. But in all those grey and black shades, color starts to slip in and slowly healing her scars.
This book will definitely remain in my heart! 💙 The author writes so beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading the other books I have in my library by her 😊.
Book tropes:
#ForbiddenLove
#SecretRomamce
#AgeGap
#Angst
#Banter
#FathersBestFriend
#CloseProximity
#DualPov
#Violence
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Physical abuse, and Abandonment
nikkijeanreads's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If there is one thing you can count on Jennifer Hartmann to do, it is deliver consistent writing. Time and time again, she produces characters that bury themselves deep within your heart, where they leave you vulnerable to the weight of the trauma and heartache that accompanies them.
Older is an age gap romance that brings together an unlikely pairing, the result of a chance encounter one fateful night. As a reader, you will learn that this connection comes with extra baggage in the form of secrets, angst, and is forbidden and taboo.
While the MMC often left me feeling frustrated and, at times, angry, his redeemable qualities somehow managed to keep me cheering in their corner for a HEA.
Hartmann, a queen in the art of the slow-burn romance, held out as long as painfully possible before delivering steamy love scenes that had me tossing my opinions out the window and begging for more.
Born in the 80s, the bulk of my teenage years were spent in the 90s, and I absolutely loved the nostalgia felt while reading about items like compac discs, pagers, and beanie babies. I believe the choice to deliver this story within this decade allowed me to feel more connected as though these individuals could have been friends of mine once in the past.
Older is a great choice for those who enjoy taboo concepts, a found family storyline, have an open mind, and love a HEA.
Older is an age gap romance that brings together an unlikely pairing, the result of a chance encounter one fateful night. As a reader, you will learn that this connection comes with extra baggage in the form of secrets, angst, and is forbidden and taboo.
While the MMC often left me feeling frustrated and, at times, angry, his redeemable qualities somehow managed to keep me cheering in their corner for a HEA.
Hartmann, a queen in the art of the slow-burn romance, held out as long as painfully possible before delivering steamy love scenes that had me tossing my opinions out the window and begging for more.
Born in the 80s, the bulk of my teenage years were spent in the 90s, and I absolutely loved the nostalgia felt while reading about items like compac discs, pagers, and beanie babies. I believe the choice to deliver this story within this decade allowed me to feel more connected as though these individuals could have been friends of mine once in the past.
Older is a great choice for those who enjoy taboo concepts, a found family storyline, have an open mind, and love a HEA.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
under_covers_smut_lover's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
(Advance Readers Copy) from Valentine’s PR
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This was a pretty long book, but it was one that I couldn't put down. It was deep, sad, emotional, and angsty. I couldn't put this book down. The emotional pull in this book was so good. It's not one of those real dirty "daddy" books. Not that I mind them, but this was a slow burn long way to get there romance book.
Reed is the father of Halley's best friend. Halley moves into her friends house when she needs somewhere to go. She's always seen Reed as a father figure in her life and friend. Reed won't do anything with Halley until she's an adult but they have some stolen moments and some hidden times. This book is real angsty, but not is it worth the wait for them to get their HEA.
Tropes:
- Best Friend's Father
- Age-Gap
- Forbidden
- Taboo
- Angsty
- Slow-Burn
- Emotional Trauma
Trigger Warnings ⚠️
- Child Abuse
-Trauma
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
This was a pretty long book, but it was one that I couldn't put down. It was deep, sad, emotional, and angsty. I couldn't put this book down. The emotional pull in this book was so good. It's not one of those real dirty "daddy" books. Not that I mind them, but this was a slow burn long way to get there romance book.
Reed is the father of Halley's best friend. Halley moves into her friends house when she needs somewhere to go. She's always seen Reed as a father figure in her life and friend. Reed won't do anything with Halley until she's an adult but they have some stolen moments and some hidden times. This book is real angsty, but not is it worth the wait for them to get their HEA.
Tropes:
- Best Friend's Father
- Age-Gap
- Forbidden
- Taboo
- Angsty
- Slow-Burn
- Emotional Trauma
Trigger Warnings ⚠️
- Child Abuse
-Trauma
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse