Six Good Romance Reads - Age Gap

I decided to make a new ongoing book series on featuring favorite reads based on specific genres and themes within them. The books featured each time will be 4-5 star reads for me. This is also the perfect opportunity for me to also open the door for any recommendations you would like to toss my way within the featured tropes posts!

I'm starting the new series with one of my favorites- age gaps in romance. When done right, I swoon. It's often done wrong, in my personal opinion. It's a commonly used trope, but it can be hard to write about in a heartfelt and layered way and not just getting hot and heavy. Though yes, please give me that too as a side to the entree!

Pretty Face by Lucy Parker

This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I missed nothing in this story by not reading the first book. This series is based in London and centers around celebrities and those in growing spotlights.

The age difference between Luc and Lily is 14 years, Lily being 26 and Luc being 40. She's making a switch from TV to the stage for a lead role. He's directing the show and they both know getting together would be scandalous.

Tension, sexual tension, and a slow burn. It's deliciously entertaining.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea At the Time by Kylie Scott 

This is a stand alone novel centered around a taboo relationship in that it's Adele's dad's business partner that floats her boat. There's 15 years between her and Pete. She's 25, he's 40.

She read the signs wrong and embarrassed herself years earlier and it caused a lot of upset. She comes back home for her dad's wedding and has to come face-to-face with Pete again. And his mixed signals. Again. He's quite a flawed character.

It's an emotional rollercoaster, but the ride is worth it. 

The Blush Factor by Deborah Bladon 

This is a part of a series, but acts fine as a stand alone. There is character crossover but nothing was lost in the plot by not having read the first installment. Faith is 21 and Matthew is 35, an age gap of 14 years.

I love the premise of this one. She lives across from him and drops her diary full of juicy details of exactly how she views him and who do you think finds it? And reads it!

This isn't that steamy of a read, but it is delightful with two likeable characters and great banter. 

Inevitable by Jenna Hartley

Again, a series but not necessary to read prior. I actually have two of the earlier ones on my "to read" list after enjoying this one. 

This age gap is the biggest of the six books I'm featuring today - 21 years. Sumner is 23 and Jonathan is 44. This is taboo in another way because he's her father's best friend. Sumner comes to intern for him and it leads to both feeling sparks.

There's a breakup, telling the dad scene, and fighting for relationships and happiness. I usually don't like the breakup before the HEA, but it works super well in this and serves a purpose.

Perfect Song by Lauren Runow

This is an interesting series because every story is in the same Montana town with different featured characters and a few cross references, but also each story is by a different author. 

The age gap is 15 years with Justine at 29 and Tucker is 44 with a son in high school. She comes back to town after living in NYC, experiencing something scary and craving safety.

There is emotional turmoil that lead to tears in my eyes. This is beautifully written and far more than just a romance novel.

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas 

Ooh, Penelope. Now that is someone that can write taboo. With that said, I have limits on what I enjoy and while I know many rave about it, I can't bring myself to read her most taboo story - Credence. Maybe that will change one day.

What I was able to read and fully devour was Birthday Girl. The age gap is 19 years. Jordan is 19 and Pike is 38. That's not what makes this forbidden, but Jordan being his son's girlfriend does. Cole is not someone you find yourself feeling too sorry for and most of his character traits are everything you should avoid in a relationship.

The sexual tension between Jordan and Pike and the slow burn is enough to fog up your glasses if you wear them. 

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Have you read any of these? Let me know what you thought of them or if you have any age gap recommendations for me! Looking forward to this series and what is to come. Happy reading!