Book Review: Birthday Girl
Book details
About the story
Age-gap romance: 19-year-old Jordan moves into the house of her boyfriend’s father, 38-year-old Pike Lawson, and finds herself irresistibly drawn to him.
Mood
Emotional & Angsty
World setting
Genres
Plot pacing
Medium-paced plot
Relationship tropes
Ending type
HEA (Happily Ever After)
Book Blurb
From New York Times Bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a new forbidden love story…
JORDAN
He took me in when I had nowhere else to go.He doesn’t use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He doesn’t treat me like I’m nothing, take me for granted, or make me feel unsafe.
He remembers me, laughs with me, and looks at me. He listens to me, protects me, and sees me. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table, and my heart pumps so hard when I hear him pull in the driveway after work.
I have to stop this. It can’t happen.
My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find one, he’s probably unavailable.
Only Pike Lawson isn’t the unavailable one.
I am.
PIKE
I took her in, because I thought I was helping.She’d cook a few meals and clean up a little. It was an easy arrangement.
As the days go by, though, it’s becoming anything but easy. I have to stop my mind from drifting to her and stop holding my breath every time I bump into her in the house. I can’t touch her, and I shouldn’t want to.
The more I find my path crossing hers, though, the more she’s becoming a part of me.
But we’re not free to give into this. She’s nineteen, and I’m thirty-eight.
And her boyfriend’s father.
Unfortunately, they both just moved into my house.
*BIRTHDAY GIRL is a stand-alone, contemporary romance suitable for ages 18+.
From New York Times Bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a new forbidden love story…
JORDAN
He took me in when I had nowhere else to go.He doesn’t use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He doesn’t treat me like I’m nothing, take me for granted, or make me feel unsafe.
He remembers me, laughs with me, and looks at me. He listens to me, protects me, and sees me. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table, and my heart pumps so hard when I hear him pull in the driveway after work.
I have to stop this. It can’t happen.
My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find one, he’s probably unavailable.
Only Pike Lawson isn’t the unavailable one.
I am.
PIKE
I took her in, because I thought I was helping.She’d cook a few meals and clean up a little. It was an easy arrangement.
As the days go by, though, it’s becoming anything but easy. I have to stop my mind from drifting to her and stop holding my breath every time I bump into her in the house. I can’t touch her, and I shouldn’t want to.
The more I find my path crossing hers, though, the more she’s becoming a part of me.
But we’re not free to give into this. She’s nineteen, and I’m thirty-eight.
And her boyfriend’s father.
Unfortunately, they both just moved into my house.
*BIRTHDAY GIRL is a stand-alone, contemporary romance suitable for ages 18+.
Rating & review
My review
This is simply a really good love story.
To me, Birthday Girl perfectly represents the age-gap romance trope. It captures everything I love about this trope: the clear difference in life stages, the forbidden element (that tension of desperately wanting something while feeling it’s morally questionable), her youthful personality contrasted with his maturity and experience.
The story is very realistic. Characters behave rationally, with no strange plot twists or unbelievable decisions. It’s the ideal book to read when you’re in the mood for a romance that genuinely feels as if it could happen in real life.
About the romance…
The relationship felt incredibly authentic and genuine. Pike and Jordan make sense as a couple; their dynamic just works. Their chemistry was *chef’s kiss*.
Jordan is a capable, focused young woman, studying and working simultaneously to cover her expenses.
Pike is financially stable, dependable, and protective. He genuinely cares about Jordan, cautious that she doesn’t miss out on the experiences typical of someone in her twenties by being with an older partner.
This is simply a really good love story.
To me, Birthday Girl perfectly represents the age-gap romance trope. It captures everything I love about this trope: the clear difference in life stages, the forbidden element (that tension of desperately wanting something while feeling it’s morally questionable), her youthful personality contrasted with his maturity and experience.
The story is very realistic. Characters behave rationally, with no strange plot twists or unbelievable decisions. It’s the ideal book to read when you’re in the mood for a romance that genuinely feels as if it could happen in real life.
About the romance…
The relationship felt incredibly authentic and genuine. Pike and Jordan make sense as a couple; their dynamic just works. Their chemistry was *chef’s kiss*.
Jordan is a capable, focused young woman, studying and working simultaneously to cover her expenses.
Pike is financially stable, dependable, and protective. He genuinely cares about Jordan, cautious that she doesn’t miss out on the experiences typical of someone in her twenties by being with an older partner.
Character & romance details
About the romance
4
Medium burn
MF
Relationship tropes
About the female lead
Ocupation
Bartender, Student
Virgin protagonist?
No
About the love interest
Ocupation
Business Owner, Construction
Virgin love interest?
No
Who will love this book
Birthday Girl is perfect for readers who enjoy:
• Realistic romances you could imagine happening in everyday life
• Age-gap stories that explore differences in life experience and maturity
• The thrilling tension of forbidden attraction
• Couples with genuine, believable chemistry
Books similar to Birthday Girl
Oh hey! I’m Becky, book hugger and the one-woman team behind RBM. I hope my reviews help you find a story you’ll love.