From New York Times Bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a new forbidden love story?JORDANHe 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 … 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.PIKEI 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+.
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Loved this book so much! Penelope Douglas is a master storyteller. A 5-star read from beginning to end for me.
GAH how I love the angst! I knew just by the description of this book alone that I was going to love it. I mean come on, what gets more taboo than falling for your boyfriend’s DAD?! *sighs* It was trouble waiting to happen, and I loved watching all the tension unfurl. By the time our main characters finally gave in, I was SQUIRMING I was so anxious for it to happen. And of course, it couldn’t all happen at once, right? 😉 I loved the juxtaposition of the characters — one who was older, wiser, who had lost so much of their innocence and never had a chance to live their younger years, and then the other who was young, fresh, full of life, yet wanted what the older character had. It was so interesting seeing how they worked together, how it just made sense for them to be together even though their ages were so different. That’s what I love about love! Anyway, this was such a great read and a definite must if you love angst. I recommend!
5* Off-Limit Stars
This was a wonderful slow burn sexy forbidden romance without too much angst. Pike and Jordan were a match made in heaven! Their chemistry was undeniable and hot! The characters were likeable and well developed. It was an easy enjoyable read. If you like reading age gap/forbidden romance, then I highly recommend this beautiful love story.
So good! Great writing with well-developed and interesting characters and expertly paced story. Loved everything about this!
I wanted to love this book, but it just did not click for me. That is mainly because of the romance it just was not appealing to me, and I hated the main guy character he was just unlikable to me. This was not the book for me.
“Like the two of you have your own language.”
What a delightful romantic read!!! I have a personal weakness for the sexy older man both in fiction and in real life, but now I’m just telling on myself.
Pike Lawson, the male protagonist in this story will make any woman weak with his sexy body, sense of responsibility, suppressed need for love, affection and…sex. He is a man that works with his hands yet owns his own construction company. Brains and brawn and he is convinced that the girl of his dreams, Jordan Hadley about nineteen years his junior and she happens to be his son Cole’s girlfriend is completely off-limits.
Complicating matters is that the irresponsible character his son currently is exhibiting has forced the two of them to move into Pike’s home. This proves to be both a blessing and curse for Pike. He has felt quite estranged from his son for quite some time. No doubt due to the manipulation and lies of Cole’s mother. Cole’s moving in is a chance for father and son to reconnect. The problem is that before he knew she was Cole’s girlfriend, Jordan’s quirky and friendly nature had captivated his attention and maybe a little of his heart?
Jordan is young and beautiful but mature is many ways that Cole is not. She is a quirky 80’s rock cassette-tape loving girl who has so much in common with Pike…not as much with Cole. She is responsible with their joint finances and the awful truth is that Cole is simply not working and aimlessly partying. He doesn’t seem to be paying all that much attention to Jordan either. Leaving a huge gap for his father to fill.
Jordan has always been made to feel invisible and an unimportant…unwelcome even. She has a sense of honor in not freeloading off Pike. So, she sets about doing the cooking, cleaning and laundry, as well as, working at a local bar. All the while, Cole continues his irresponsible ways and he pays less and less attention to Jordan.
When it is finally revealed that Cole has been cheating on Jordan for a long time, he moves out of the house. Jordan has grown to love Pike’s home and she has treated it with love…giving the gentle touches of care such as lighted candles and appropriate décor elements. In a genuine quandary, both Pike and Jordan try to return her to her father and step-mother’s trailer…when Pike decides he cannot leave her to the wolves of that trailer park (so-to-speak).
The sexual tension has been growing and growing and OMG…it explodes into unbelievable and yummy hotness!!! No boy can do what this man does…And of course…Pike doesn’t know it yet, but he loves Jordan endlessly, hopelessly and will forever. But…does he have the courage to injure the son for which he has sacrificed his whole life. He never went into the Navy because he had to earn a living to care for his baby son, Cole. He never went to university because he had to earn to make sure young Cole had everything he needed and wanted. Can Pike honestly take his son’s ex-girlfriend without hurting his son? Add to this the complication of Cole’s mother who now does not receive the monthly child-support checks and suddenly recognizes the bankability of Pike. Wouldn’t Cole love to see his mother and father together again?
This is not a straight shot from sexy uber hot romance to endless love type story. Real and painful lessons and realizations need to be made and accepted. Naturally this is the “angst” we romance addicts live for, breathe in and subsequently we grow in heart.
Say what you will my friends but exercising your heart and emotions keeps you young, vital, a believer in things unknown and things unseen. I often say this and will say it here…when all the equations are calculated, and scientific observations made…truly in the absolute end it’s just theory…just an educated guess. There is a gap between what we know and what absolutely exists. The only sure thing that fills this gap is “love”. Go ahead…try and debate me on this. Without “love” …life is empty…there really are no answers.
While romantic sexy love is not the only “love” that exists in the human heart, it is the force behind creation. It is the love gifted from the creator themselves out of the impulse to create. Go forth and exercise your “love” muscles, friends…ahem…read this delightful book :D!!!
Favorite Quote:
“‘Time passes by you like a bullet,’ he says, ‘and fear gives you the excuses you’re craving to not do the things you know you should. Don’t doubt yourself, don’t second-guess, don’t let fear hold you back, don’t be lazy, and don’t base your decisions on how happy it will make others. Just go for it, okay?’ ”
I was not expecting this type of book from Penelope Douglas and I’m really really glad she wrote it. I devoured it within hours!! Birthday Girl is a sexy, slow-burn, forbidden romance with a very seductive, steamy and engaging plot. I love a good, forbidden romance story and everything about Pike and Jordan’s story was fantastic. Their connection was instant and their chemistry was undeniable.
The intense moments and angst within Birthday Girl had me on the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more. Although the slow-burn was torture at times, it hurt so good. I loved the build up and I just knew something hot and panty melting was on the horizon. Let me tell you, Penelope Douglas delivered and not only was the climax explosive, but it was well worth the wait.
Bravo and job well done!!
I was very excited about this book. Not only because it was a new book from Penelope Douglas, but also because I LOVE taboo romance. I adore Pen’s books, love her writing style and I’m always counting down until her next book, and let me tell you that BIRTHDAY GIRL has all that a perfect reading needs. Once your reading it, you won’t be able to leave it, leave them, you’ll love Jordan and Pyke forever.
Jordan is dating Cole Lawson, they used to be best friend at the beginning, he was there for her when she needed him, basically both needed each other. Cole is a real mess, he is lazy with no ambitions, he just wants to party and hang with his friends. Because of him they were evicted from their apartment.
Now Cole’s dad offered them to stay at his house until they save money to get a new place.
Jordan and Pike (Cole’s father) first met at the Grand Theater. They were watching a movie and that’s where the first sparks happened between them, without knowing, they have a person in common, Cole.
Jordan is not thrilled at staying at Pike’s house, but as she has no money, she works as a bartender and she has bills to pay, she can’t refused the offer. So not too much options as long as it’s temporarily.
Now is where the best part begins, Cole, as I said is lazy, but also a very lazy boyfriend who is never around and forgets about important things like picking Jordan up from her job and basically forgetting about Jordan in general. So who is there for her Now? Yes!!! Pike.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, the slow burn was amazing and mind blowing. I know it seems so WRONG, but it was SO RIGHT in so many ways. They’re truly meant for each other. You’ll love them immediately and you will feel in your flesh and bones all the angst and the frustration, the sexiness and their love.
This story was meant to be written and thank God it was Pen who did it!! She did her magic with her classy and mesmerizing words. Can’t wait for Dani’s story MOTEL…….(counting down)
Who Doesn’t Love a Good Forbidden Romance and This Book was EVERYTHING I NEEDED! I loved how Jordan was such an old soul, forced by her upbringing to be wise and mature beyond her years. She just needed one person in her life to make her a priority, and not let her down. Pyke Lawson is completely Delicious and Swoony. He’s a 38 years old single man. He is calm, protective and a real Alpha Male! The Chemistry between Jordan and Pike was Electric, there was no denying the Feelings, Lust, and Love coming from them. This book was definitely a Slow Burn, but once it gets rolling it’s filled with Delicious, Forbidden Goodness.
Every Girl Wants To Be Love By A Man Like Pike I Love that Penelope Douglas can take something like an ‘Age Gap ’ that’s seen as ‘Taboo ’ and make it Acceptable Definitely Your Next 5 Read..
Absolutely incredible. I have never suffered from a book hangover like I am after consuming this book like my life depended on it. I was so engrossed in Jordan and Pike. My heart ached, I got the butterflies. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel after reading the blurb, holy crow it did not disappoint. The writing is so well done, the characters beautiful written. You can’t help but root for them and their love.
This book was one of the best age gap romances I’ve ever read. It’s got emotions, it’s got angst, it’s got steam! I devoured it whole in one sitting.
It tells the story of Jordan Hadley who has to move in with her boyfriend in his father’s house. She is one of the best characters Penelope has ever written. The sheer determination and strength in this girl was inspiring. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to go for it. She has been through her fair share of pain but is, in no way, a broken little girl.
Pike Lawson was perfect in every which way. He never expected his son’s girlfriend to be his dream girl. He never expected to feel this way about someone so young. His internal struggle is so well written that you can actually feel his turmoil. He is such a swoon worthy hero.
Pike and Jordan together are one explosive couple. They were so damn hot, my kindle was going to catch fire lol.
Apart from their sexual chemistry, the respect that they have for each other only made the story even more amazing. Their banter was so much fun, I can’t get enough of them.
Side note – Pen has a bonus scene on her website for Pike and Jordan so be sure to check that out!
*3.5 Stars*
This one was a bit slow to ramp up for me. Maybe it’s my frame of mind lately, I’m not sure. But it just seemed to take a really long time to sort of get somewhere between the two main characters. And I can even understand why, considering the circumstances of the characters in the novel.
I definitely enjoyed the last 20% of the book the most, but overall I didn’t enjoy this as much as I enjoyed Punk 57, which I recently read by this author.
Great book.
Jordan is a sassy, firecracker who turns Pike’s world upside down in the most beautiful way.
Their attraction to each other is forbidden, their chemistry is explosive but in the end, nothing can stand in the way of the love they have for each other.
I loved the way this ended with multiple jumps into the future. It’s always great to be able to see how the characters’ relationships progress beyond the main ending of the story.
SLOW BURN!!! I like it a lot
a book with a lot of teasing
Jordan is 19 and has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for awhile but they haven’t exactly been on the same page lately. Jordan is hard working and responsible while Cole is irresponsible and gets them kicked out of their apartment. They move in with Cole’s dad Pike. Jordan makes sure she pulls her weight around the house while Cole is out partying. Jordan and Pike end up spending more time together than Jordan and Cole. Jordan finds Pike easy to talk to, and definitely easy to look at. Pike’s focus was on his business so he has never gotten into a serious relationship but why is it that he can’t stop thinking about Jordan? She’s gorgeous and he enjoys her company and their conversations, but she is his son’s girlfriend. There is a little bit of angst between them and wondering when they will get together. Their undeniable chemistry can only be ignored for so long. When things fall apart between Jordan and Cole, Cole moves out and leaves Jordan at home with Pike. They spend even more time together and things start heating up between them. Jordan and Pike were perfect for each other, I would often forget about their age gap because they just fit so perfectly together. This book was a slow- burn that was super spicy and a bit taboo that just made me fall in love with Pike.
great story great characters love the ending
I liked this book. It was exactly the type of book I like but it was soo slow in the beginning. I just kept waiting and waiting for them to get around to the banging. Once that started, it was great.
5/5 stars
“It’s hard to find that one person who speaks your language.”
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas follows Jordan, a nineteen year old student working hard to support herself and her boyfriend, Cole. After a long night at work on her nineteenth birthday, Jordan finds herself at the movies and meets a man who doesn’t just intrigue her, but offers her life advice that makes her feel something she’s been missing for a long time. After being evicted from their apartment, Jordan and Cole move into Cole’s father’s house. After finding out that Jordan’s movie theater buddy, Pike, is her boyfriend’s father, feelings are stirred. With her long-lasting relationship with her boyfriend faltering, her feelings for her boyfriend’s father grow unprecedentedly. In this forbidden age-gap romance, Jordan and Pike find themselves struggling to find the lines between right and wrong.
I was so hesitant to read this book because I’ve never been a fan of age-gap romance before. After all of my friends telling me that Birthday Girl is a MUST READ, I finally caved and started reading it. Without a doubt, I am still completely shocked at how well this book flowed. It was seamless, addressing every concern and bump in the road along the way.
The characters were flawless. Jordan, coming from a past that taught her to grow up at a young age, was one of the strongest heroin characters that I think I’ve ever read. She knew exactly what she wanted in life, despite her tough upbringing, and was determined to get there. Her courage and strength is one that is enviable but relatable to any young reader who has to deal with similar situations. Pike was wise and mature in this… youthful way. Having a child at a young age and missing out on things most young adults are able to experience, his relationship with both Jordan and Cole was… understandable. Where other adults may settle when they’re at a certain age, readers really feel for Pike and want the best for him.
The sequence of events in this book amazed me. I really can’t believe how much I loved this. Then again, I love Penelope Douglas. Why am I even surprised? Of course she could write something so taboo and perfect.
Without saying too much, I’ll wrap it up by saying that if you’re scared of age-gaps in romance novels… if it’s never been your thing before (because it certainly isn’t mine), this book is one that will have you blasting “Guys My Age” and wishing you were in Jordan’s shoes. This book is phenomenal, and I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it. You should read it.
Like, just do it. Okay?
Anyway… Thank you Penelope Douglas for never disappointing. I’m so excited to read more Pen Douglas books this year.
And now everyone can stop YELLING at me to read Birthday Girl. I did it. I loved it. Okay? Okay.
As always, if you have any recommendations (don’t start throwing age-gaps at me now), leave them in the comments below, and let me know what you thought of Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas.
The older I get, it seems the more I enjoy these age gap stories. I guess once we reach a certain age, a younger partner can sometimes seem more appealing to us. Whatever it is, this book was really well written. It was a slow burn, the chemistry was there, but for a lot of the book they held back and didn’t act on their attraction. Once they finally got together, there was definitely some heat there. I like that we got a glimpse into the future with the epilogue, it’s always fun to know where the characters end up.