Considering how much I’ve thoroughly enjoyed quite a few “older woman/younger man” romance reads (and all of the insecurities and social reactions that come with that kind of love story), I think it’s about time I put up a list of them for us to choose from!
And these fellow readers think so, too:
Paola: I have a suggestion for a list. Older woman/younger man. I’ve read all of the Pearl Trilogy by Arianne Richmonde, the Midlife Love/ At Last by Whitney Gracia Williams The Education of Sebastien/Caroline by Jane Harvey Berrick, On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves. These were all fantastic books. Do you have any other suggestions in this same genre?
Claudia: I am looking for books where the man is younger than the woman..I read most of the popular ones. Any ideas?
Maryse: What a great idea. I will absolutely get started on this list. I haven’t read that many of them yet, BUT I did love the one’s I’ve read and there’s definitely a need for a good list like this.
Here are some reader suggestions (including a few of my own – which I’ve linked up with my reviews, plus a few that I found on Amazon that look good and fit the bill!
P.S. Let me know if you guys have any more suggestions. I’ll add them in. 🙂
READER RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Anyone But You by Jennifer Cruise <— Bobbi recommends this one! “Oh! One I thought was rreeaaally cute and sweet that I loved was Anyone But You by Jennifer Cruise”
- Heights of Desire (The Heightsbound Series) by Mara White <— Sarah suggests this one: “Heights of Desire by Mara White. Haven’t read it, but I think the girl is 20 years older than the guy.” <— 40-something married woman meets young gang member…
- The Education of Sebastian (The Education of…) by Jane Harvey Berrick <— Athena loves these (actually, many of our fellow readers do!): “The Education of Sebastian and the Education of Caroline by Jane Harvey-Berrick….loved, loved, loved it!!”
- The Education of Caroline by Jane Harvey Berrick
Diamond Girl (‘G-Man Series’) by Andrea Smith <— Cody says: “What about Diamond Girl?”- On the Island: A Novel by Tracey Garvis-Graves <— Thanks for this suggestion, Laurie. I read it a few years ago and LOVED it!! It’s also a touch “student/teacher”… (my review of On The Island)
- Finding Home by Lauren Baker & Bonnie Dee <— And here’s one of my own suggestions, while I’m reminiscing of reads from a few years ago, here’s one that fits this list that I LOVED. While the age difference isn’t HUGE, the circumstances are and the age issues definitely comes into play (he’s 17 and on the streets, and she’s in her early-ish 20’s) – my review of Finding Home
- Coming of Age by Ciana Stone <— he’s just about to turn 18… and she’s ten years older. I read it and of course it made me uncomfortable… but still… can’t help enjoying an uncomfortable read. I didn’t review it, but not bad for a short. 😉
- Fallen From Grace by Laura Leone <— This is a good one!! She thinks the gorgeous neighbor she’s befriending is a model, but he’s actually an escort… (my review of Fallen From Grace)
- The Unidentified Redhead (The Redhead) by Alice Clayton <— Laurie suggests this one, too. Oh yes sooooo good! Yep! I remember… she meets and falls for a famous young actor, and the paparazzi aren’t too nice about her age… (my review of The Unidentified Redhead)
- Mid Life Love by Whitney Gracia Williams <— Neika’s suggestion and Susan agreed, commenting: “A romantic, fun read that I really enjoyed and have re-read twice. We need some happier books occasionally…so much angst in so many books lately!“
- Knight In Black Leather by Gail Dayton <— One of Nancy’s favorites: “Knight in Black Leather by Gail Dayton. Standalone & absolutely loved it!”
- Jane’s Melody: A Novel by Ryan Winfield <— Nancy also recommends this one “Jane’s Melody by Ryan Winfield. Standalone & absolutely loved it, too!” and I agree!! Loved it, and the age-difference insecurities really play a big part! (here’s my review of Jane’s Melody)
- Liberating Lacey by Anne Calhoun <— Kandace brings up this one and, I’m with you, Kandace. I want to read it SO bad. I don’t know how this one dropped off my radar, ’cause I remember wanting to read it. Ah well, I’ve got it now and it’s officially become one of my top TBR books on my list. And I just found a comment from Melissa recommending this one: “Liberating Lacy…whoa. Younger man in uniform meets newly divorced (slightly older) upper class lady. Kind of a “How Stella Got her Groove back” But much better. It pulls you in from the very beginning…and very hot and steamy 😉 Nothing like Sweet Gum Tree but another that will keep you up!“
- Noah (5th Street #1) by Elizabeth Reyes <— Kathy recommends this one: “Noah (5th Street Series) by Elizabeth Reyes. Have read her Moreno series and loved them.” Yep! I loved this one too. Not only is he a boxer, but this one fits this list perfectly! (my review of Noah)
- Backstage Pass: Sinners on Tour (The Sinners on Tour) by Olivia Cunning <— she’s not that much older, but Lindsay reminds is she’s about seven years his senior. Awesome read, and it’s fun to experience the “young” rock star falling for the older University student. (my review of Backstage Pass)
Everything I’ve Never Had by Lynetta Halat <— Recommended by Maureen: “I also liked Everything I’ve Never Had from Lynetta Halat. Sexy younger guy with “skills”, if you catch my drift! **wink**wink*nudge**nudge**”- The Pearl Trilogy Boxed Set (The Pearl Series, books 1-3 of 5) by Arianne Richmonde as suggested by Paola, above.
- The Film Student and Me by Julie Hilden <— I just found this one on Amazon: “When happily married forty-year-old Rebecca Moore discovers that her husband is having an affair with a younger woman in his firm, she decides that there’s only one solution: have an affair of her own—with a younger man.”
- Seducing Kate by Emilia Mancini <— Another Amazon “find” – He seduces his best friend’s mother…
- Unrivaled (Unlikely Lovers) by Cheryl Brooks <— Another Amazon find… “Devoted to her nursing career and her college-age son, Leslie Wilkes isn’t looking for love. But when she spots an adorable young man sitting at the bar while celebrating her fiftieth birthday, she secretly buys him a drink. Construction worker Robin Thatcher has always preferred older women. He can’t believe his luck when he deduces that the woman of his dreams paid for that drink. Determined not to lose her, he contrives a meeting.“
- Unbridled (Unlikely Lovers) by Cheryl Brooks <— “A widow with an autistic child, Miranda wears her ring as a deterrent to suitors. Although smitten with Travis, she can’t believe the handsome younger man could ever be more than eye candy.” <— okay, I gotta say I’m biased towards the name Travis… so of course I had to include this one! 😉
- Still Fine at Forty by Dakota Madison <— “Jennifer gets more than she bargained for when she meets the ruggedly handsome 29-year old tour Jeep guide, Cody Miller, and the two begin a passionate romance. What Jennifer doesn’t know is that Cody has a secret past that not only threatens to destroy their new love but also expose a tragic event from Jennifer’s past that she has tried desperately to forget.“
- All Of You (Only You) by Rhian Cahill <— Another Amazon find: “Claire Jones never thought her fantasies about the hot—younger—guy next door would ever turn into her reality but after a push from her best friend and an encounter involving dirty laundry she’s getting more reality than one woman should be allowed. But with reality comes emotion and Claire finds herself falling deeper and deeper under Ryan’s spell until he’s infiltrated every part of her life.“
- His Touch by Emma Keene <— “Heather realizes that she has known the man of her dreams for years, but she is worried that he might not feel the same. Not to mention she’s worried what everyone else might think.”
- A Long, Hot Summer (The TripleHornBrand) by Delilah Devlin <— Amazon find “…the man they send has her working double-time to shore up the walls around her heart. He’s older now, harder—and hotter—but he’s the same Tommy Triplehorn she couldn’t resist all those years ago.” <— a review says he’s twelve years younger than her…
- Scoring Lacey by Jenna Howard <— “The NHL goalie is her brother’s best friend and is ten years younger than her.”
Meander Scar by Lisa J. Lickel <— “Former neighbor Mark Roth has secretly loved Ann for years. A respected attorney, he’s returned home to help Ann face down disapproving family members and the legal maneuvering of her likely deceased husband’s family—while quietly winning her heart. When the hidden truth of Ann’s situation turns their lives on end and another tragedy strikes, the two must come to terms with family, faith and the depths to which true love can run.“
I just read an ARC of Love Hacked (Penny Reid’s new book) and the hero is smokin hot! He’s much younger than the heroine. He’s also a genius computer hacker with a chip on his shoulder. I loved it!! It’s on goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18739438-love-hacked
Oh sounds goooood!!
I read the Film Student & Me back in August – a lot of mixed reviews but I liked it. It has lust, love, loyalty & revenge and holy smokes, KINKY sexy time!!! LOL! The ending though…hmmm… BTW, I love all your lists Maryse! 🙂 Do you have a list of all your 2013 books read?
So many of these are terrific books. I also liked Everything I’ve Never Had from Lynetta Halat. Sexy younger guy with “skills”, if you catch my drift! **wink**wink*nudge**nudge**
Thank you Karen!! another good one!!
I second Liberating Lacey!! Absolutely loved, and He is the sexiest Cop I’ve ever read in a book. And the Uniform and the Handcuffs do make an appearance in some of the sexiest sex scenes that I’ve ever read! Very well written too, there is a Lot of emotional depth to these characters, a lot of Angst, and I felt a very real and honest depiction of feelings.
Hey Jeanie! I sure do. Here are all of the books I read (or attempted to read) in 2013: https://www.maryse.net/what-i-am-reading-today/my-reading-progress-2013.html 😀
‘On the Island’ is one of my favorite books ever! I have read it over and over!
Backstage pass? She was like 7 years or so older.
Zane by Nicole Edwards has an older woman, though that’s not really the basis of the plot, it just factors in.
“Take Me On” by Cherrie Lynn It’s #4 in the series w/ a few half stories in between and it is sooo good. “The consequences of a moment can last a lifetime”.
I found a bargain– a dark bargain at that
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Me-Twelve-Tales-Desire-ebook/dp/B00I2UGR4I/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1391046481&sr=1-3&keywords=pepper+winters
Taboo by Roxy Queen
I read “Keeping Pace” by Dee Carney. She is 39 and lost her husband to cancer and he is 26 and the son of her next door neighbours. Some angst due to her reservations with age difference but lots of chemistry and he is SO SO HOOOOOT and a HOT NERD (PHD in Physics)!!! Must read xxxx
An Unexpected Obsession by Heidi Hall. It’s kinda like The Unidentified Redhead but really plays up the paparazzi angle in a fun way. Super famous younger male actor falls for an older author/college professor when auditing one of her classes for movie research! I read it a couple of years ago but really liked it! Pretty steamy too if I remember right!
Whitney Gracia Williams’ Mid Life Love and the sequel, Mid Life Love:At Last are amazing, fun reads. We have bombarded her with wanting a third book, because we love Grace & Jonathan so much, that in her news letter she does a bit called “Mocha Monday” and gives us our Jonathan/Grace fix. Shes a hoot. Loooooove her.
I finished my TBR list as I, along with thousands of other unlucky people, sat stranded on an Alabama interstate during a snowstorm Tues-Wed. After 16hrs my car ran out of gas & I grabbed my purse & iPad, locked up my car, & began the 12.5 mile walk home…..and I kept reading during the walk. I swear, had I not had my books I don’t think I would’ve made it. I was able to distract myself enough that, by the time finished the last Fallen High book, I was almost home. I gave my mom, also stuck, my Amazon password & she downloaded the Kindle app & pulled up my massive library of books & also spent the storm reading.
Oh Lauren that sounds like a nightmare!! But what an amazing story that your books kept you entertained even through all of that! *hug*
A Much Younger Man – written by Dianne Highbridge and unfortunately not available on Kindle. It is an older book and deals with an extreme (to me) age difference and as it is based in Australia, with their age of consent. It is not a long book, but absolutely beautifully written – from the reviews on Amazon, it is clear that the writing style is not everyone’s cup of tea. Due to the age difference, I didn’t know whether I should hope for them to be together or not :). I reread my faves all the time and this is the one I have reread most – can you tell I love the book??
I love this cougar list, thank you Maryse!!!
Guys I’ve read Diamond Girl, On the Island, Midlife Love and Midlife Love at Last and The Pearl Trilogy. These are all outstanding reads I swear!!! Few others on the list that I haven’t read yet and a few others I’ve one clicked. Love it Maryse when you focus us in on a particular category.
Thank you for this!! This is one of my favorite romance tropes!
wow i was just thinking the other day i would like to read more books about older women with younger guys, and hey not just because i’m an older woman LOL… thanks for this list i see several that i have not read:)
It was really good! Freaking amazing!! My favorite of hers so far, just as funny but with a lot more angst and sexiness, so freaking hot! I’m having trouble moving past Alex (the hero) and I adored the heroine too. I’ll have to check out another one from your list to get over my book hangover!!
Undeniable by Madeline Sheehan
Hi Maryse. Liberating Lacey. You have got to read this one. I found it about the same time I found your bog. What I love is the confidence of the older women. We often hate our bodies but she knows what she wants unti he shows her more might be possible, in a hot alpha cop kinda way, and she might make him want more too. Sooo good, please consider addin it to your list
Maryse,
I stumbled upon this post while doing a Google search for Seducing Kate–just keeping an eye on it since it’s a new release. I am humbled beyond words to find it included in this list, even if it was added merely as a “find.”
Thank you so much.
Emilia
Cool!
2 to add:
Ann Christopher, Risk
Zuri Day, Lessons From A Younger Lover
My soon-to-be-released novel Extreme Close-Up would make this list. Lisa is 41, divorced, and a struggling photographer. Braden is 23 and has just had his football career cut short. He used to babysit Lisa’s 15 year-old son and is still the brother he never had.
I need beta readers, so if you like this genre and you enjoy a lot of steam with your younger men, I’d love to hear from you!
~JJ
[email protected]
Taboo by Roxy Queen was a fun read that would fit this list! College student working as nanny for the summer lusting after hot high school lifeguard 🙂
Make Me Yours by Kendall Ryan will fit this category. http://www.amazon.com/Make-Me-Yours-Kendall-Ryan-ebook/dp/B00A57VHAA/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1391370533&sr=1-2&keywords=make+me+yours
(I wrote this one, but non-family members seem to love it!)
Extreme Close-Up
He’s hot, young, and way off-limits… But he might be just what she needs to get over the past and on with her life.
Lisa Taylor’s life stalled after her divorce three years ago, and she never got it started up again. Now her shit-paying catalogue photography job is boring her to death, she can’t bear to look in the mirror, and she hasn’t had a man since her asshole ex left.
When a gorgeous younger man reappears in her life, he promises to be the solution to all those problems. Tempting as he is — and god almighty, he is! — taking what he offers could destroy what little she has left.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21416496-extreme-close-up
So glad I found this page. I needed some new ideas for something to read this weekend, and am ordering the Kindle versions of Meander Scar and Mid Life Love just as soon as I click submit. 🙂
I remember reading a novella in Jude Deveraux’s “The Invitation” involving an older woman/younger man scenario. . . in the early 1900s, if I remember correctly, which made it even more difficult for the heroine. Great stories, all of them in that anthology.
so there is a booklist for older women and younger men … will there be one for older men and younger women??? 🙂
Hi. I love a book called Taboo by Roxy Queen!
Taboo by roxy queen!!!! Love the book so damn much!
Another older woman/younger man themed book is To Professor, with Love by Linda Kage. http://amzn.com/B00JZ5VA46
Wicked Steps by Cory Cyr
Bite n Release by Cory Cyr
My ultimate favorite is “Dancing at the Harvest Moon” by K.C. McKinnon. There’s a movie too, but the book is better (naturally). It tells about a divorcing woman, who meets and falls for a son of her First Love.. I’m not really a cougar type of lady, but that story was touching and drove me to look for similar situations. (That’s how I ended up reading your list and search some of those stories online). 🙂
Hi Maryse, thanks so much for this list!
Do you know ‘One Summer’ from Karen Robards?
It’s a great romantic suspense. The heroine used to be the hero’s teacher and is a bit older than him. It has some great steamy scenes 🙂
Then there is The Manny by Holly Peterson. It has no steamy scenes but a lot of sexual tension.
“A Much Younger Man” by Mia Fox is another one for your list. It’s about a field hockey player and the mother of one of his team mates…a steamy, fun read.
Has anyone read Snowfire by Anne Mather? So good.
“What if it’s right” by JB Heller was a great read! A women becomes the guardian to her young nephew and his best friend falls in love with her. The story evolves over many years.
I really enjoyed this one.