I was deciding between diff tropes to feature for my first ever Trope Tuesday on the blog… and Instagram stories were straight up SPLIT between the 4 options BUT in ya’lls defense - I FORGOT AGE GAP, which would have won because it’s the best.
I started pulling my favorite age gaps off my shelves, looked down, and gathered FOURTEEN age gap books because, as I mentioned, superior trope. And like… I need to include them all.
So please enjoy! As always, I LOVE to hear if you ever read one of my recs! It lets me relive and reread without actually having to reread!
SINNER by Sierra Simon
AGE GAP | BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND | FORBIDDEN
It is NOT on kindle unlimited, but the ebook is on sale this month (LINKED HERE). It is also worth spending an audible credit on!!
This book is a complete standalone and can be read without reading Priest (I did not read Priest). Sean is a total playboy and Zenny is a postulate on her way to being a nun). While I can’t do priest tropes, I can apparently do on-the-way-to-be-a-nun tropes (among other taboo topics hah). I don’t make the rules!!
When I tell you this is one of the hottest books I’ve ever read//listened to! I ATE IT UP.
This is one of the exceptions to the “too spicy for audio” rule because it’s narrated by Jacob Morgan who just EMBODIES Sean Bell.
The scenes are SO spicy and SO well done.
There are LOL moments and Sierra just captures both their personalities so well.
Uniquely, this is told almost solely from Sean’s POV.
I also love a certain scene where Sierra depicts the different life lenses that each of them has being from different races.
NOT ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
14/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
VIRTUOUS LIES by Haley Jenner
MAFIA | AGE GAP | ARRANGED MARRIAGE
This book is standalone and will continue on to be a character series. It is on kindle unlimited and LINKED HERE.
I have said many times, I am SO annoyingly picky about my mafia books. But when it’s done right, it SLAPS. THIS BOOK IS IT.
We’ve got a dirty-talking, possessive, high-ranking member of the mafia that marries Bianca in an arranged marriage after her previous setup “falls through.”
There is a certain scene with a whiskey glass that is simply *wonderful* and as always, much love to @babygyalreadit on Insta for her live reactions when reading this ARC.
I flew through this book but it wasn’t rushed//too short. The pacing was perfect. Book 2, Fractured Secrets, is out and is also absolutely phenomenal and I highly recommend it.
Kindle Unlimited
13/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
MR MASTERS by TL Swan
AGE GAP | NANNY | FORCED PROXIMITY | GRUMPY SUNSHINE | FORBIDDEN
This book is standalone and goes on to a character series between a group of guy friends. They’re all great but this one is my favorite. It is on kindle unlimited and LINKED HERE!
This is the FIRST age gap book I ever read and I should have known that was why it hit differently!! Plus the forbidden + forced proximity?!
Bree takes a nanny job in a different country with Julian, whom she presumes is a female. The chemistry is INSTANT. THE BATHROOM SCENE?! *Rent-free in my head*
The sneaking around is soooo good. Her relationship with the kids is spectacular and how she goes to bat for them.
There are LOL moments no doubt (golf cart scene). Some role-playing which is always fun ;)
It’s a thick book but reads QUICK.
Kindle Unlimited
15/10 recommend
4/5 for spice
HUSH HUSH by Lucia Franco
AGE GAP | FORBIDDEN | TABOO
This is a standalone + a bonus novella (SAY YES) but that isn’t required. It is on kindle unlimited (which is new!) and is LINKED HERE!
Phew, this book is HOT. Definitely the largest age-gap book I’ve ever read! Natalie is in college and struggling financially so her roommate finally tells her about how she’s an escort and Nat could totally do it too.
There are so many scenes in this book that live in my head rent-free. There are multiple dynamics - MFM scene, FF scene, and COUNTLESS scenes with just her + James.
James is the DEFINITION of a silver fox. Phew. Super sexy. Oozes confidence and power and just YUM.
When I tell you I DIDN’T SEE THE TWIST COMING. And because I read so much, I see a lot of “plot twists” coming but this one I’ll never forget I was about to go to sleep, and I was like ok ok oneeeee more chapter. AND THEN I SHOT UP IN BED LIKE WHAT!!!!! Floored.
Also, Gram is precious.
Kindle Unlimited
14/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
Alt cover LINKED HERE
LOVE UNEXPECTED by QB Tyler
AGE GAP | FORBIDDEN | TABOO | STEPDAD//STEPDAUGHTER
This book is a true standalone.
This was my first ever QB Tyler book and I was like GIVE ME MORE. Basically, her entire backlist falls into the age gap category but I picked my two favs!
This is one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read. Period. The iconic “hold onto the headboard” will never leave my mind.
I thought the “daddy” kink would be weird but no one does it like QB!
It’s super fast-paced, and ANGSTY AS HELL. Like I could FEEL their sexual tension//chemistry THROUGH MY EYEBALLS. I love that they’re biracial. I love Stassi’s sass and Dominic’s age - I mean confidence ;)
And one thing about QB’s men - they NEVER SKIP THEIR MEALS MMMMKKKKK.
Kindle Unlimited
14/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
Alt cover LINKED HERE
MAFIA MISTRESS by Mila Finelli
AGE GAP | MAFIA | ARRANGED MARRIAGE | EX’S DAD
This story is a duet and has another standalone following between another couple, and will continue on in this mafia world.
Back with another book I was iffy on because of the mafia aspect, but I remember @literaryalexandra on Instagram raving about it so I was like this… sounds delicious.
GIRL DID NOT LIE. Fausto is a dirty talker IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE. That’s really all you need to know, but carry on!
Frankie’s ex (whom she’s set up in arranged marriage with) has no interest in marrying her either for his own reasons ;) and his dad is all SHE WILL BE MY MISTRESS *bangs chest*.
There is a dressing room (solo) scene… IDK WHAT IT IS about dressing room scenes but they get me EVERY TIME.
Frankie is such a sass with her back talking and Fausto gives her a pet name (in Italian) that means brat and IDK why I love that so much!!!
But my guy is POSSESSIVE. And he does some GROVELING when he fucks up and we love to see it!
Kindle Unlimited
14/10 recommend
4/5 for spice
Alt cover LINKED HERE
BIRTHDAY GIRL by Penelope Douglas
AGE GAP | EX’S DAD | FORCED PROXIMITY
This book is a true standalone.
Pike meets Jordan on her birthday when she’s going to a movie and gets stood up by her boyfriend. They hit it off, talk throughout the movie, then part ways.
When Jordan goes to move in with her boyfriend, and his dad - SURPRISE! Daddy Pike is said dad.
This book is a slow burn but OMG the way you can feel their attraction toward each other gets you all the way together.
I think I read this book in a day. I just couldn’t get enough of them together! The stolen glances, forbidden touches, ON TOP OF LIVING TOGETHER, ugh so good.
Kindle Unlimited
13/10 recommend
3/5 for spice
HEARTLESS by Elsie Silver
AGE GAP | SINGLE DAD | COWBOY | NANNY | FORCED PROXIMITY | GRUMPY SUNSHINE | SMALL TOWN
This book is standalone in the Chestnut Springs series but can be read independently.
Elsie Silver SLAYS banter, text messages, AUDIOS - I’ve done a reread on audio and its phenom as well as the book in print.
Daddy Cade is soooo grumpy it’s HILARIOUS and Willa so brings him out of his shell. But the mouth on that cowboy?! All his own doing.
Cade feels like he’s too old for Willa, but their pull (and forced proximity we love to see it!) keeps pushing his resolve.
As you can see above, this book has hella tropes, so it’s one of those books that everyone will love.
Willa’s wit had me ROLLING LAUGHING OUT LOUD and I’m a pretty stoic reader!
Kindle Unlimited
14/10 recommend
3/5 for spice
Alt cover LINKED HERE
DARK NOTES by Pam Godwin
FORBIDDEN | AGE GAP | TABOO (STUDENT//TEACHER) | DARK
This is a true standalone and while it’s not on Kindle Unlimited, I would say it’s worth digital credits, buying on audio, or just overall purchasing! It def doesn’t get the hype it deserves if you like forbidden!!
Warning - it is pretty dark. There’s a lot of talk of assault in the book. And a little animal cruelty.
Emerick is so taken with Ivory and he can’t seem to stay away from her. He’s worried about more than her music career - but about her overall well-being since she’s clearly barely surviving. And I love that protectiveness!
There’s an older side character//parent figure and that ALWAYS GETS ME. Stoggi is just precious. There is simply no other word for it!
While there is the plot of the forbidden aspect, there is also a more frightening plot of someone after her.
I was RIVETED. There are definitely hard-to-read parts but overall - great story and would recommend!
NOT on Kindle Unlimited
10/10 recommend
4/5 for spice
OFF BALANCE by Lucia Franco
FORBIDDEN | TABOO (COACH//GYMNAST) | AGE GAP
Ok besties, buckle up for this one! I’m going to try and keep this concise but there’s a lot to cover here!
First, I want to point out that although this is an age gap (I believe about 15 years), it really becomes a trivial part of the story. You forget about that aspect.
This is a 5 book series that will TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE (if you’re me). There is a companion novel (OUT OF BOUNDS) of bonus content as well.
When the story starts out, she is 16 and quickly has a birthday (turning 17) and the story continues through the next few years. SHE IS LEGAL WHERE SHE LIVES & KOVA IS NOT PREDATORY AT ALL. You actually see a predatory coach later in the series and you can see clear as day what a difference it is.
Their story is so toxic, so spicy, so INTENSE, it will consume your life. I’m not even being dramatic. I read book 4 in one day. It’s like 600 pages (I never read like that). And I was opening my kindle app any chance I could. I also never do that. I’ll never forget shopping for lights for the new house and being over it (because it’s super boring) and my heart hammering, reading on my phone - I HAD NO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT.
I will say, give the book a minute. It’s a journey. I wasn’t *obsessed* until probably book 2 or 3 (there is a good amount of world-building). And remember it’s FIVE books so you and the characters are going to go through it! It’s a rollercoaster but one I wish I could experience for the first time again SO badly.
Their love is epic AF.
Kindle Unlimited
15/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
WELCOME TO THE DARKSIDE by Giana Darling
AGE GAP | MOTORCYCLE CLUB
This book is standalone within a character series. It can be read independently.
I resisted this book for years SOLEY based on the cover. I’m not ashamed to say that because LOOK AT THE COVER. Jesus, is that you? Do you need some Tylenol? How bad is the headache on a scale of 1-10???
But really that’s a shame because this book was so good. HUGE SHOUTOUT TO @raunchyromancereviews on Insta for being a nag - I mean advocate for this book.
Now I don’t generally go nuts for motorcycle club romances but phew the spice is something ELSE.
And there are 2 moments that truly tested my black heart. The barber shop scene would be number 1. Those softies!!!
While this book is long, the pacing is really well done. Great plot + spice = phenom!
Kindle Unlimited
12/10 recommend
4/5 for spice
Misprints with special edition cover LINKED HERE (they’re $5!!)
WHAT WAS MEANT TO BE by QB Tyler
DAD’S BEST FRIEND | AGE GAP | SECOND CHANCE | FORBIDDEN
This is a true standalone AND ONE OF MY FAV BOOKS OF 2022.
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. QB Tyler SLAYS age gap and the whole “daddy” kink. It’s not cringe and I simply couldn’t stop reading this book. But I made myself so I could drag it out YA KNOW?! That’s when you know it’s phenom.
It’s spicy as hell. I LOVE the sneaking around and the DRAMA that comes with Whitney being engaged to Parker (there is cheating but it’s not between the main characters).
Jacob is just… on his own level. And he’s always down to make his girl feel good. YES PLEASE.
Cannot recommend this one enough and I guarantee it’ll get you out of a book slump (maybe put you in a new one though ;)).
Kindle Unlimited
15/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
Alt cover LINKED HERE
POWER by Cassandra Robbins
MOM’S FIANCE | AGE GAP | FORBIDDEN
OK, THIS BOOK. True standalone and scratched a smutty itch. You sure do not need to wait long for the spice to hit.
These people are all horrible but come around and make for all the *drama* AND I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
Jett walks in on Raven’s boyfriend going down on her (poorly), and he’s all “move” and TAKES OVER. omg. He’s so assertive//arrogant//sexy.
There are so many *questionable* scenes that I’ll never forget (in the best way). I was BLUSHING and I DON'T DO THAT WHEN I READ.
Absolutely FILTHY and I loved each and every second of this book.
There is no plot to elaborate on because this book is pure smut AND WE LOVE TO SEE IT.
Kindle Unlimited
14/10 recommend
5/5 for spice
THE KISS THIEF by LJ Shen
MAFIA | ARRANGED MARRIAGE | AGE GAP
Kindle Unlimited
12/10 recommend
3.5/5 for spice