A new, sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller, Vi Keeland.When I first encountered Ford Donovan, I had no idea who he was…well, other than the obvious. Young, gorgeous, successful, smart. Did I mention young? If I did, it bears repeating. Ford Donovan was too young for me.Let’s back up to how it all started. My best friend decided I needed to start dating again. So, without my … dating again. So, without my knowledge, she set up a profile for me on a popular dating site–one that invited men ages twenty-one to twenty-seven to apply for a date. Those nicknamed Cunnilingus King were told they’d go straight to the top for consideration. The profile wasn’t supposed to go live. Another point that bears repeating–it wasn’t supposed to.
Nevertheless, that’s how I met Ford, and we started messaging. He made me laugh; yet I was adamant that because of his age, we could only be friends. But after weeks of wearing me down, I finally agreed to one date only–my first after twenty years of being with my high school sweetheart. I knew it couldn’t last, but I was curious about him.
Though, you know what they say…curiosity kills the cat.
My legs wobbled walking into the restaurant.
Ford was seated at the bar. When he turned around, he took my breath away.
His sexy smile nearly melted my panties.
But…he looked so familiar.
As I got closer I realized why.
He was the son of the neighbor at our family’s summer home.
The boy next door.
Only now…he was all man.
I hadn’t seen him in years.
I left the restaurant and planned to put the entire crazy thing behind me.
Which I did. Until summer came.
And guess who decided to use his family’s summer home this year?
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Keeland’s stories never fail to make me smile. Great characters, non-stop banter and just the right amount of streaminess is the perfect recipe for an oh-so-easy to read summer romance. The vividly described setting will encourage you to grab a beach towel if you’re not already dipping your toes in the ocean.
How Ford Donavan and Valentina got to know each other had me in fits. Eve, Val’s bestie, had a hand in this ‘cause she’s determined to hook her divorcee friend up. She’d opened an online dating account much to Val’s horror. Purely for business purposes, Ford did the same thing and here’s where the text messages, fun and innuendos begin. I simply loved how Keeland threw a bombshell into the mix when they eventually meet.
“Donavan was witty. I like him. And maybe, just maybe, his muscles are nice, too. I refilled my wine glass.’
Now then ladies, who said age matters? The older-guy-younger-woman trope is by no means new and eyebrows are no longer raised, but how about the flip side of the coin! Who worries more about what people think? At a guess, I’d say us females and this is where Vi’s storytelling captivates the reader. She’s very cleverly conveyed how Valentina feels about this issue and of course, the bountiful humour helps sooth most predicaments. Nonetheless, it all boils down to self-acceptance, coming to terms with one’s strengths and weaknesses and stop caring about what other people think. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
“I’d be happy to help you work on being inappropriate.”
“I bet you would.”
Ford’s quite a bit younger than Val. I truly liked them both, although it was a tad weird comparing their situation with my son and his wife’s, which is very similar to theirs. If this weren’t the case, would I have had a problem with the age gap? Not at all! It’s not just the numbers that count, it’s maturity and Ford has this in spades. As well as being drop-dead gorgeous and successful, he also knows how to woo a lady the right way. There’s a good chance you’ll find yourselves blushing when he uses dirty talk…mouth…well, you get my gist!
“You’re really hung up on numbers, aren’t you?”
Is it unusual that Ford has more experience than Val in the bedroom? She was a teenage bride and had her only son before reaching twenty. Therefore finding her lack of certain skills in that department didn’t surprise me. Will their brief fling flower into something more serious? Not telling, but I’d really like you ladies to find out.
‘The moment of truth had finally come. A summer fling.’
Val’s bestie considers herself to be an expert in this kind of relationship. She should know! With no filter, she enjoys rubbing Val up the wrong way by telling all to her pretender. Her advice to him was spot on too, and I loved that he listened to her. The sticky notes…ooh my, I do the same thing but for different reasons!
“That’s Eve-speak for I’m about to interrogate you. Sorry, man.”
Lowish angst but running high on emotions, the abounding passion in All Grown Up consumed me to a point that I couldn’t put the book down. I kind of guessed the ending but damn it, this read is ridiculously swoon-worthy. The fabulous storyline and laugh-out-loud scenes make for a very enjoyable pool read. Bravo!
I stayed up until the wee hours of the night saying again and again, ‘just one more chapter!’ Before I knew it, it was after 3.30am and I had finished the book. Recently I have been known as a night owl just not this late, but I had to know the ending, I couldn’t sleep until I knew the full story.
Valentina was someone I could relate to. We are in the same age bracket, well somewhere around the same, because age is just a number! She was divorced and finding her feet being on her own and thinking of jumping back into the dating game again. Her bestie Eve is that little devil sitting on her shoulder telling her to dive into the deep end and have some fun, because it is now Val’s turn. And oh what a turn it is when she starts chatting on line with Donovan, or who she is later to discover is Ford Donovan. That man was a damn dangerous combination of vigour, seductiveness and muscles with a dirty mouth! Yes there was an age difference, but that has never been a problem for me. Ford had some life experiences that meant he had to mature faster than his peers. He had a fun and flirty side but was a brilliant big brother and business exec.
This book is a wonderful tale of two people falling in love, trying to not hurt others or themselves. There is plenty of humorous banter between them, amazing chemistry and some angst and heartbreak. I wouldn’t call it a second change romance, but mistakes are made along the way and it needs two level heads to get them to see what is in front of them. I loved this couple and was delighted with the epilogue. Ford Donovan will truly bring a smile to your face. I recommend you grab this book, and fall for Ford too.
So much of our lives revolve around numbers. Do we make enough money, do we weigh too much, what size clothes we wear and are we too old. We focus on those numbers that we forget how to live and enjoy life. We worry what will others say, what will they think of me. Yet they are living life and we are stuck worrying.
Ford was forced to grow up quickly. His parents were killed in an accident and he was left to take care of his sister. He sacrificed his dreams and did what he had to do. I don’t think he worried so much about how old he was, he just did what he felt he had to do. Now he meets Valentina on Match.com (not realizing that she was their neighbor during the summers he spent in Montauk). They hit it off and her age never bothers him. She was getting back in the game so to speak after her divorce from her husband of 20 years. When they finally do meet in person and they realize they already know each other he is still attracted to her and is willing to give it a chance. But she is not so easily swayed. Her age is a large factor in keeping her from getting involved. He is persistent and finally wears her down. In the beginning she holds back but as soon as she lets go that is when she starts to live in the now and starts to enjoy life.
This story was such a joy to read. I loved Ford’s persistence with Valentina. If you want something bad enough you will do whatever you have to to achieve it. Loved when Mrs. Peabody tells Ford not to sit around and expect things to happen they way he liked, you make them happen. If you want something bad enough nothing will stand in the way.
I’m coming down from a reading high after this sensational beautiful story.
I really feel like the author wrote this book from the heart as it made me feel so many emotions.
All Grown Up was an amazing story that shows real love doesn’t have any age discriminations.
I loved the way the characters felt so much, the witty entertaining banter that made me laugh and the heartfelt stories they told. The sizzling chemistry between Ford and Valentina is off the charts hot!!!! Sigh and swoon big time and there may have been some very droolworthy moments as well!!!
Im really not sure how to put my feelings into coherent words, to be quite honest. It was a story that made you feel like if things dont go the way they should in life, there is definitely hope for a great future ahead regardless of the circumstances.
This book is absolute perfection to a T and a definite must read!!!
The book is told in both perspectives witch I like best. She is a divorcee and he a young but very responsible man, unfortunately twelve years younger and a former neighbors kid. But oh the story is so good, the angst and also the freedom to be divorced, to be attracted to a younger man, it was told so perfectly, like always. The whole time I was reading I thought, come on give him a chance, but also I don’t know if I would be that brave. All in all it was again a great book, with great characters and a super great guy named Ford. Since the first I read from Vi, she never disappointed me. This was one was these books, you just wish they never end, so you could read on
Vi Keeland makes Summer Loving Fun. Valentina is recently divorced after twenty years of marriage. She’s thirty seven years old and in a rut when her friend sets up a Match.com profile for her (without her knowledge). There is one man that peaks her interest and they begin texting….a lot! He’s funny and sweet and persistent. There’s only one problem. He’s twelve years younger than her! She can’t date someone so close to her son’s age, but he’s so adorable. This is a wonderful story of taking a second chance at happiness even when the odds are so much against you. Like all Vi Keeland books, I just 1 Click because I know it will be a fabulous read and this book does not disappoint. This is definitely my favorite new read. It’s sexy, lighthearted and funny. It gave me all the feels and left me with my own happy feeling.
An absolute Must Read!!!
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What a beautiful story that will FOREVER hold a place in my heart! I had nonstop goosebumps and sighs with occasional laughter, cursing and some tears as my heart just melted and my soul fell hard with each page that I read. THIS is why books and characters were created…to feel, to believe, to fall. The intense chemistry, funny banter, phenomenal writing, main and secondary characters: ALL had me glued to my seat shutting out the outside world and living within each turning page.
This story is about timing, living in the moment, feeling alive and having no regrets. It’s about taking charge of your life and finding yourself again while you try to piece yourself back together. It’s about reminding ourselves that we’re worth it and it’s our time, especially when we’re ALL GROWN UP and know exactly what we deserve, want, need.
The boy next door, Ford Donovan, is ALL man and quickly stole one of the top places on my list for one of the BEST book boyfriends ever written. Valentina became one of my idols, an inspirational heroine of all time. Together, these characters made All Grown Up by Author Vi Keeland, an unforgettable read that will live on in my heart, mind and soul long after I finished reading it!
So freaking good! All Grown Up is my absolute favorite read by Vi Keeland. I can not express how much you will love Ford! He is everything! Sexy, confident, and oh so swoon worthy! Val struggles with this age gap/forbidden storyline, and their chemistry is so palpable and sizzling hot, she has no choice but to surrender. Their banter will make you laugh and fan yourself. This is a read you won’t be able to put down. I highly recommend this must read.
Oh my goodness i am so glad i read this book, i am not a fan of age gaps at all and i never read them wether the woman or man is older I’m not a fan, but i think VI Keeland may have changed my mind, i absolutely loved this book it’s one of new favourite of hers.
Firstly god if Everyman was like Ford non of us women would have a problem oh my goodness i just wanted to wrap him and take him for myself he was an amazing character who was such a beautiful souls that i didn’t expect and he was mature for his age and i just loved his character. I also loved his relationship with his sister.
I think what really connected me to this book was Val she is the same age as me, i haven’t been divorced but I’m single and every time she had an issue with age or anything i was nodding to myself the whole time thinking yes yes i agree and getting into the dating works after you had been out of it for so long and i just felt liked her character was so relatable and i think with this book there will be so many women that will.
I loved the banter between Val and Ford and just the back forth of yes and no we can we can’t just had me so into the story and the funny texting had me laughing out loud, this book was just overall an amazing story. I loved eve she was the funniest best friend but she was sweet and i real loved her and Tom.
This story was of hope and healing and really had so many meanings and that you should live your life how you want to and who cares what other people think and so many of us do care. I really loved the message in this book and i will take a lot away with me (shame it can’t be a real Ford).
This book was awesome it will have you reading it in one sitting you won’t want to put it down, you will laugh you will get emotional and it was just make you feel good and that romance can be beautiful. Another favourite book for me for this year just amazing
Massive 5 sexy stars for our Ford Donovan
Absolutely loved Ford and Valentina! Valentina is diving into the dating pool at thirty seven. Her best friend signs her up on Match.com. Her first connection is with Donovan who is twenty five and too young, or so she thinks! Ford Donovan is not only her match, he brings new meaning to the boy next door! Get ready for a spicy read that will leave you wanting more! 5 amazing stars
* A review copy was provided by the author *
FANTASTIC!!!!
That totally sums up this story in one word.
I love an age gap story, especially older woman with younger man, so when I heard Vi Keeland was writing a story like this I was so excited. Let me tell you, this is probably my all time favorite book by Vi. And that is saying something, since I have LOVED every books she has written. Ford is my favorite Hero of Vi’s. He was so swoony and amazing he melted my heart all the way through the book.
I loved the setting this story takes place in. I have never been out to Montauk, but after reading this book it makes me want to change that immediately!! This was a perfect summer beach read.
All Grown Up was a fun, entertaining and sexy read but also it hits you with the feels too. There were emotional parts to this story that had me teary eyed at times. But overall this was a book that had me smiling all the way through. This is Vi’s latest standalone novel and is told in Dual POV. This was a little different from what Vi Keeland usually tackles in regards to the storyline, but I thought she did it perfectly. This is one of my favorite age gap stories to date!!!
In this book we follow Valentina and Ford’s story. Val is a recently divorced 37 year old woman who is looking to start a new, with the help of her BFF Eve. Eve believes it’s time for Val to get back into the dating game and sets up a profile on Match.com but didn’t mean for it to go live. So when Val’s phone starts going off with messages, she knows something is up. Deciding to give it a try she checks out the profiles of the men who are contacting her. When one sparks her interest. Ford is a 25 year old CEO of his family’s business. Ford has had to grow up quickly due to a tragedy in his family. When his company decides to work with Match.com he looks into the company to see if it’s a good fit. That’s when he comes across a profile that sparks his interest. Over the course of the book Val and Ford text each other and find they really enjoy each other. So when they decide to finally meet in person, it’s kind of a shock that they realize they know each other. Ford is the boy from next door of Val’s summer home, except he isn’t a boy anymore….he is all MAN!!! Can Ford break down Val’s insecurities and make her see she should give him a shot?? Can these two get a HEA?? or will their age difference tear them apart?? Read this book to find out.
I loved the secondary characters that we meet in this story. This book had amazing banter that had me laughing out loud. But the chemistry between all the characters was perfect. You’ll understand that better as you this book.
This is for sure my favorite Vi Keeland book and I would 100% recommend this book to ALL romance readers. This is truly Vi at her best!! Read this book, you won’t be sorry.
I usually am not a fan of age gap stories, but I totally loved this one! I really enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the storyline, and I could not put it down.
Valentina Davis is a thirty-seven-year-old divorcee with a twenty-year-old son. She is just trying to figure out what she wants out of her new life and to take care of herself for a change. She has not dated since high school, and her best friend, Eve is pushing her to get out there…and maybe just manipulating the situation a bit more than she realizes.
Ford Donovan only put his info on Match.com to check out their advertising for his business. But something about Valentina’s profile drew him in. He could care less that she is twelve years older.
Of course, she thinks he is too young for her, but they have fun messaging until he wears her down for a meetup. And that is when it gets really interesting…
I absolutely adored Ford! He is mature for twenty-five due to his own life experiences. He is charming, sexy, witty, patient, caring, successful, and very determined. Valentina is understandably more insecure and caught up in what is appropriate and what others might think. But these two have such undeniable chemistry, that eventually she will not be able to resist.
But these two seem to have issues being on the same page at the same time. She wants one thing, he wants another, and things keep getting more complicated. Will it truly only be a summer fling or will one of them want more in the end?
This is a forbidden idea of love due to their ages and circumstances, but these two truly worked despite it all. I felt Ford was mature and understanding, and totally swoon-worthy. He knew what he wanted and was not afraid to put her needs first while also stretching her boundaries as able. And I enjoyed Valentina spreading her wings and trying to see how different her life could be.
I loved the growth in these characters, how vulnerable they made themselves, and how they were willing to take a chance and try something new. It is also Valentina’s story of coming into her own, finding confidence, prioritizing her own needs, and following her dreams. But For also has some unexpected challenges to face and deal with. So there is some conflict, emotional turmoil, and surprises, but it was also part of their growth process.
This story is about fulfillment, passion, acceptance, companionship, and finding joy in life. It makes you think that fate might really have a hand in life and that sometimes something that might appear wrong is truly right. I enjoyed the beach setting along with the city, and the side characters gave it more depth and humor. There are just so many little things about this book that made me smile, and I am still smiling a day later. It was just what I needed to get me out of a bit of a book funk.
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved loved loved this book. At last a story about older women/younger men relationships that is not just about sex. Vi has written a very thoughtful story about how difficult this type of relationship can be if you worry too much about what other people might think instead of having a fun time.
After her friend sets her up on Match.com imagine Val’s surprise and embarrassment when the guy she has been flirting online with turns out to be 25 year old Ford her former next door neighbour at her beach house. Not only is he 12 years younger than her but he also used to babysit her son.
In a panic she leaves, but Ford is smitten and not about to let her go. After they have continued to message for a few weeks he turns up at his beach house while she is at hers and they start to spend more time together. Although Ford makes his feelings clear, and despite their red hot attraction to each other Val is unable to get over her discomfort at getting involved with him until her best friend convinces her to just have fun summer with him with no strings attached, but can it be that easy?
Whew! this story is smoking hot with incredibly sexy love scenes and beautiful romantic moments and none of us would kick Ford out of bed for eating crackers! Vi shows us that we should not be so concerned by others and norms but should grab happiness when it is in front of us.
This was a truly beautiful book that really touched me and became an all-nighter as I was unable to put it down. Be prepared to have a few laughs and shed a few tears.
I received an ARC of this book and am willingly leaving my honest review.
Oh my gosh!! What can I say except that Vi Keeland knocked it out of the park…AGAIN!! Seriously, she can write anything and it’s amazing! I’ve never read a book with this trope (older woman with younger man) but since she wrote it I knew I had to give it a chance! SOOOO happy I did! It is very well written!
Ford is the perfect book boyfriend and seriously would be any womens dream!
Val is so relatable and I feel like she would be an amazing friend to have in real life! Eve too!
I really didn’t want to stop reading their story, it was that good!
Overall, read it! You will not be disappointed!
ALL GROWN UP by Vi Keeland is a stand alone, contemporary adult erotic romance story focusing on thirty-seven year old, divorcee and teacher Valentina Davis, and twenty-five year old businessman Ford Donovan.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ford and Valentina) ALL GROWN UP follows the older woman/younger man romance between thirty-seven year old, divorcee and teacher Valentina Davis, and twenty-five year old businessman Ford Donovan. Struggling to move forward after her divorce Valentina discovers that her best friends has signed her up for an online dating service, a service from which she would have never participated. Several incoming texts from an unknown number finds our heroine in an online texting relationship with a younger man she knows only as Donovan. Reluctantly agreeing to meet Valentina will come face to face with the boy-now man who was once their neighbour in Montauk, New York, a man twelve years her junior. Enter Ford Donovan, and the man with whom Valentina would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Val and Ford, and the potential fall-out as Ford struggles with newly revealed personal demons of his own.
Valentina Davis believes a relationship with Ford would be wholly inappropriate considering their age differences and their prior relationship as summer time neighbors years before but Ford Donovan’s attraction to Valentina is immediate and intense, and our hero continues to pursue Valentina throughout the season at their summer vacation homes. Ford Donovan is an old soul in a young man’s body having had to raise his younger sister upon the death of their parents. Mature beyond his years, Ford is the perfect match for our confused and cautious story line heroine.
The relationship between Val and Ford is one of immediate attraction but Valentina struggles with their age differences, and the possibility of people finding out. With her teenaged son in college, and Ford’s younger sister about to enter her first year, Valentine feels more like the mother than the lover Ford is hoping for her to be. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Valentina’s ex husband Ryan, as well as her son Ryan Jr; her best friend Eve and husband Tom; and Ford’s younger sister Annabella.
ALL GROWN UP is a story of what-ifs and why nots; a story of family, friendships, falling in love and moving forward. The premise is entertaining; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are real, colorful and energetic.
Definitely 5 stars! – I’ve been eyeing this book for years. I finally caved in and bought it during the Summer Rewards promo. It was worth it! It has the perfect blend of humor, romance, steam, sweetness, angst, and wonderful characters. If I have this in paperback, I would be hugging it. Val and Ford’s story gives you that warm, dreamy and happy feeling after reading. It’s one of those contemporary romance stories that you’ll treasure. I may even read it again to recapture that fuzzy feeling.
Age sure didn’t matter to him…he knew what he wanted and went after it…never letting up. Couldn’t put it down. Just love the author’s way of explaining in detail with always a detailed back story…almost like you want to be there. Enjoyed this so much. Such likable characters.
This story is really sweet. I thought the woman was a bit meh, but I truly love the guy. As always Sebastian York and Andi Arndt are amazing readers. It’s almost as if you want them to read every audiobook you listen to. Great listen. Highly recommended.
This age gap romance was delicious! It was nice to have an older woman with a younger man for a change. The story is brilliance like we are used to from Vi Keeland. Just a bit of angst to make it worth it. And the HEA that your heart needs!
I enjoyed this story, it was intriguing seeing an older woman and a younger man. Valentina battles with the age difference, which I totally understand because of personal experience. Ford was determined, knew what he wanted, and was so sweet.