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A review by lololovesthings
Older by Jennifer Hartmann

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad medium-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

4.5

I completely disregarded my TBR to start reading "Older" by Jennifer Hartmann as soon as it hit my inbox. I am pleased to say that I am happy with that decision. Hartmann sure knows how to craft angst and pining! She takes these expertly crafted, complex characters full of darkness, trauma, and sadness and makes them new again. Her ability to write these beautiful, lovelorn, heartbreaking, soul-shattering compelling stories is second to none. Hartmann draws readers in, gets them sucked into the drama and the pain, only to patch them up and make them whole again with her delicate prose. I was thrilled to read Halley and Reed's stories. Some readers will have a difficult time overcoming the age gap and the forbidden aspects of this romance, which is valid, but if you've read Hartmann's other works, these tropes won't come as a surprise. The tension and instant connection between these two sucked me into their story, but it's the yearning (and let's be real, the taboo), that kept me reading. Halley's strength in overcoming her horrific upbringing was like a gut punch. She starts as a meek, timid, scared character and eventually evolves into a strong person with the tools to fight off even the worst demons. Reed is a protector above all else. There's nothing he wouldn't do for the people he loves... and that includes Halley. Their slow-burning, moth-to-a-flame type of connection makes this book worth it. I have read four of Jennifer Hartmann's books, and I can honestly say all four of them are winners, "Older" included. What a terrific book that I highly recommend reading. Please check the TWs before reading.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Hartmann, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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