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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Birthday Girl:
Penelope Douglas
“Whatever the birthday girl wants.”
Forbidden romances are everything but when I picked this up, I did NOT think I was going to like it as much as I did. The tension… phew.
Jordan is strong, independent, and so so kind. She has a huge heart and is beyond mature for her age. She’s aware of her feelings and she acknowledges that she’s in a relationship that isn’t the best for her. She’s not a pick-me girl which is kind of what I was afraid of but she’s sassy and resilient and full of love despite her less than stellar surroundings her entire life.
Pike is… well, jeez– the best. I loved him so much. He’s protective and kind and rough around the edges but he means well and he deserves good things in his life, even if he doesn’t believe that. Deep down, he’s such a good person but sometimes his intentions come out all wrong.
I adored their playful relationship and I loved watching it progress from friendship to something more. From their initial meet in the theaters, I knew these two connected on a different level and I am so happy. This book was my introduction to Penelope Douglas and let me just say, I am a fan for life.
*SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT READ*
Penelope Douglas did it again…she made me fall in love with this book.
I had an inkling of what this book was about (yet another BookTok recommendation), so I knew to expect the age gap between Pike and Jordan, and to expect the forbidden love between them.
What I didn’t expect was my loving the story so much. I shouldn’t be surprised as the author creates such amazing books, though.
I’m so glad that the book ended on a happy note, with an HEA (Happily Ever After). Pike and Jordan fell in love, married, had children. I’m so happy that Pike realized he loved her instead of keeping her a “dirty little secret”.
Highly recommend. 10/10.
This is a BIG age gap, taboo, forbidden love story. I wasn’t sure how I’d like it with the age gap being so big and the male character closer to my age at 38, with the female one the same age as my stepson (19)! In my head it just didn’t compute BUT it was a great story and I do have friends with an even bigger age gap that are so in love and have been together for years, so it wasn’t completely unbelievable to me.
The relationship between Pike and Jordan develops over time and begins as secret feelings that just can’t be ignored. Jordan is Pike’s son Cole’s girlfriend and so is completely off limits. Cole and Jordan end up moving in with Pike, cue the build of sexual tension between Pike and Jordan. No spoilers here but I will say that I don’t usually read books with cheating so I was glad that this technically didn’t happen. Penelope takes you on a journey of self discovery for Jordan although she is mature beyond her years. Pike tries so hard to be the “adult” and keep his feelings in check but ultimately the pull to Jordan is just too strong and she pushes the limits of his self-control. She knows what she wants and doesn’t see why they can’t have it.
This is a book full of emotions, betrayal, self-loathing, joy, connection, protection, friendship, comfort, passion, lust and love. It is not a story set in fantasy land, you can totally see these events playing out in real life and the interactions and emotional outbursts that follow. It is not all hearts and flowers and I really appreciated the push and pull that these characters go through to finally get to a point where they are happy, in love and together. Yes the steam was off the charts once it finally happened but this book is so much more than that. It’s the full package, steam, laughs and all the feels.
Jordan’s life has certainly not been easy. But she is strong willed and determined to make it on her own merits in life. She hasn’t has super luck in the men department and despite knowing she deserves better, just seems to be rolling along with whatever crumbs they may give her. An older man, a dark theater and a connection that was certainly unexpected changes her, until she finds out he is her boyfriend’s Dad. Things are about to get really complicated and there are some major hurdles and growing up to do. The age gap is one thing but the fact that she is living in his house with his son? That makes it a bit on the taboo side. I enjoyed the push and pull and even until nearly the end, not knowing who would have that happy ending. Steamy and well thought out and written.
It’s Jordan’s birthday. Her best friend/ boyfriend isn’t answering his phone and he’s supposed to pick her up, albeit she did get off work early. Well, it’s 80’s night at the local theater and she loves all things 80’s so the midnight show of the Evil Dead it is. She settles in, gets the box wine her boss snuck her at the bar, and things go left. She wastes the wine, loses her phone, and has to go digging around the sticky, dark theater floor for it. When she does find it, she also finds a HAF guy, obviously older, he smells nice, perfectly tanned, and tats are peeking from beneath his shirt…gulp. He offers her a seat, the exchange names, Jordan/Pike, she offers him her donuts – Krispy Kreme that is, and they exchange great conversation and enjoy the movie. Jordan and Pike can’t stop stealing glances, but they’re both thinking the same thing…she has a boyfriend, and he’s too old/she’s too young. The movie ends and they prepare their goodbyes. They can’t seem to walk away. Jordan phone rings and it’s Cole. Pike asks, your boyfriend name is Cole, Cole Lawson? Yeaaahh…I’m his father, Pike Lawson. Duh, dum, dum! Cole has been arrested for drunk and disorderly, and he’s managed to get them kicked out of their apartment they’re barely affording in the first place. The two move in with guess who, Pike. Things get uncomfortable, interesting, hard – oh so hard, and ugly, and real. Forced proximity does it again. I really enjoyed this book. You have Cole and Jordan friends turned lovers that have only remained with one another because of some sort history they share. Does she love him, yes. Does he love her? I think it’s the idea of her that keeps him there, but will that last? Cole is more like his mom than his dad. He’s a party boy. He loves hanging out, drinking with his friends, and will blow off work for a hangover. Jordan juggles work and school, and the house when the move in with Pike. Pike is a loner. He’s been alone for the best part of the last 18 years because he had to grow up and he doesn’t know how to do a lot of fun anymore. Jordan changes that. She changes EVERYTHING. The back and forth will seem frustrating, but it’s a necessary part of the story for resolution. Read this book. If there is a bonus epilogue or anything that tells what happens between the epilogue of the book please point me to it! /
Ohhh this book! Penelope Douglas did it again but DAMN! I don’t want to go in to too much and give the story away because no matter what I say, or anyone says it will not compare to the actuality of it. Angst, love, lessons learned and a story that will leave you feeling EVERYTHING!!
Jordan is 19, fiercely independent and used to relying on herself. Studying landscape and trying to make ends meet with her not so reliable boyfriend Cole, they move in with Cole’s estranged father Pike to get their heads above water.
What Pike doesn’t realize is that the girl he flirted with at the cinema is actually his son’s girlfriend. As Jordan and Pike try to deny the chemistry they share you realize that there is no denying the sheer power of getting what you want. The true deliciousness is in the way Douglas weaves this story, you won’t be able to stop until the very last page and even then you will want MORE!
5/5 • 4/5
This is a taboo age-gap romance.
Even though Jordan is only 19, she was forced to grow up and mature early on. She doesn’t have a lot in common with others her age and so it’s easy to forget she isn’t older than she is. If it wasn’t for the constant reminder of the age difference you’d never know there’s a nearly 20 year age difference.
The chemistry between Jordan & the stranger at the movie theatre was instant, and after learning who he is and spending time in his home, it continues to grow. The struggle of doing what is ‘right’ and what they want was such a good read. This book showed the real fight of age gap relationships and how difficult it is to not care what other people think.
Birthday Girl was slow-burn, but worth the wait. It was spicy and forbidden, and I was here for it. I loved this book so much!
“The candle etched on my skin feels like it’s actually lit, the smoke from the wick drifting up the inside of my arm all the way to my elbow… she’ll always be apart of me.”
I went into this book blind, not reading the blurb or reviews and only knowing that it was an age gap read which I love. I didn’t know it was a slow burn which isn’t a bad thing I just prefer a faster paced read. Now with that being said I did enjoy this book, it’s been on my TBR forever and hello……daddy Pike….um, yes please!
“It’s always the same wish. Every candle. Everytime. I want a life I never want to take a vacation from. That’s my goal.”
Birthday Girl is definitely a slow burn but that build up creates the anticipation for what’s to come and these two were nothing short of explosive. Pike Lawson may be the sexy, somewhat broody, alpha older man but it only takes one interaction with Jordan the sassy, fiery, younger woman to set his world ablaze and make him feel like a teenager all over again. The push and pull between these two is addicting, the chemistry is seductive and when they finally come together they light the world on fire!
“I hope you love me, because I love you like crazy, and I’m going to want you the rest of life. I tried to stay away, because I thought it was the right thing, but I fucking can’t. I need you, and I love you. This doesn’t happen twice, and I’m not going to be stupid again. I promise.”
If you love a slow burn…..the torture of waiting and the temptation for more then you’ll definitely want to read this enthralling sorry that will ultimately have you wishing you were Jordan just to have daddy Pike!
Age-gap
Forbidden
Slow-burn
No-cheating
I was skeptical going into this book as I’m not a fan of reading books where the heroine or hero is with someone else for ½ of the book, but OMG, this book handled the situation perfectly and molded everything together so beautifully. The book starts with Jordan meeting Pike at the movie theaters, and right off the bat, you can feel their connection seeping off the pages. Jordan has had a hard life, but she is optimistic, strong-willed, and tremendously responsible despite her age. Then we have Pike, who has been looking for a family – for love, for over a century and unable to find it, so he lives a simple life by himself while being there for his son. Unfortunately, their relationship isn’t the best as his crazy-ex has manipulated his son (Cole) into thinking he is the villain. When his son and his girlfriend need a home to live in, Pike offers to have them stay with him, thinking it will give him time to bond with his son. Little does he know his son’s girlfriend (Jordan) will seep under his skin and start to affect him in ways no one else ever has. I loved the way these two characters balanced each other out so well. Their conversations and the way they interact with each other, it’s obvious to the reader that these two belong together. It takes a while before Pike and Jordan get together, but every moment before it is perfection, and you can’t help but root for these two. There is no cheating in this book, even though Jordan is with Pike’s son for some of this book. The author does a fantastic job getting the reader to connect and understand both the characters’ perspectives, and the character development is phenomenal. I loved every moment I got to spend with Pike and Jordan, and if you love books that will make you fall in love with romance, then this is just the book for you!
I’m a huge fan of Penelope Douglas and lately I’ve been in a big reading slump. I devoured Credence and Devils Night series. Im wayyyyy took pumped for Tyrst Six Venom to release and I have about 6 books to finish reading so I needed an author I knew wouldn’t disappoint. I was immediately drawn into this story with Jordan in the beginning and the theater scene. I love it!! The big move. I love it! Damn boyfriends and ex bfs who suck so bad. Ay yi yi. I love the banter back and forth. But honestly some parts seemed really tame and a bit slow and I guess I was expecting more forbidden feelings, and more push and pull. But I understand the characters as people were good hearted souls and just kind people in general. I did love how petty Jordan would get when she would get jealous! So funny! The dairy queen blizzard mess and videoing behind a locked door. Love it!! I love the name Pike too. Pretty cool. I love how Jordan grew in this cool. Cole grew. I’m at 96% and I feel like A L O T happened in the last remaining 4% ! So I wasn’t loving that but it could be my reading slump. I just have been needing action and drama and big schemes. I loved the ending declaration of love. That was sweet.
My father in law has children younger than my kids. Uncle and Ant younger than my boys (their nephews!) Penelope is still a Writing Queen and I shall continue to enjoy her books !
Pike Lawson, nuff said. 4.5 stars
j/k…I knew this was gonna be good and it did not disappoint. I literally devoured this book, not wanting to put it down. Talk about steamy in all the right places. Pike Lawson is a good man, trying to do the right thing. My first book by Penelope Douglas. Loved her writing style. Clean and polished, written wonderfully. This is such a good read. If I had to pick out a reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars, it’s only because there were a couple things that I wanted more of. Let’s start with Cole. He was a bit of an ass to Jordan and we are told why she puts up with him but he’s not in the book enough to really understand what motivates him. Without giving away anything, when he finally straightens out, it was a bit flat because I never got to see why he all of a sudden decides to get his shiz together. Then there’s Lindsay whom I disliked and that’s who she was meant to be. She was a bit over the top, hard to understand why Pike would have even liked her at one time in his life. I think she was a bit over the top though.
Pike and Jordan are just, wow, steamy, perfect, Yay!
“‘ . ‘ .”
: forbidden (boyfriend’s father), age gap, slow burn, angst, forced proximity and steamy
I went into this blind and what an amazing surprise! As always, Penelope knows how to build these unique storylines full of angst and the greatest steam.
This one follows Jordan’s journey, a girl who on her birthday decides to go to the cinema to meet her boyfriend. For some unexpected turns, she ends up meeting this stranger man who she immediately connects with, but what she doesn’t know is that he is her boyfriend’s father.
Days later, after losing their apartment and without much money, they are forced to stay on his father’s house and that’s when things start picking up.
As crazy as it sounds, this is a slow burn focused on their evolution as characters. Told in dual POV, slowly we get to meet both of them and realize how alike they are.
I connected with Jordan a lot. I understood her need of attention and her doubtful thoughts, but slowly she loses fear and fights for what she wants.
As for Pike, I fell for him since he was introduced. He is so sweet and caring when it comes to Jordan and I constantly swooned over everything he did for her. But don’t get me wrong, he is also possessive and he doesn’t play around when it comes to his girl.
I fell completely in love with their journey and I was frustrated af when they were apart due to their situation. But the wait was worthy and I’m so happy they’ve got their well deserved ending.
Highly recommended!!!
/5 /5
TW: Explicit Sexual Content, Crude Language, Big Age Gap, Slow Burn.
I usually don’t enjoy cheesy romances very much. However, this has to be one of the BEST writing I have seen in a while. My latest best reads were Keri Lake and Pam Godwin, and Penelope is right up there with them. I was so curious to find out why people loved reading her books so much, now I understand.
First let’s get the obvious out of the way: yes, we all have daddy issues. My favorite romance books are all about older men, Jericho Barrons (faefever) can testify that for you (still dream about the man). I am 100% guilty, most people I’ve dated were at least 10 years older, my husband is 6. What can I say GUYS MY AGE don’t know how to love me good, and yes, that is a song.
Speaking of SONGS! This book had the most delicious 80’s vibes, with the best playlist and 80’s honorable mentions ever. I am also a sucker for 80’s music and I felt so in synch, close and personal to Jordan’s personality, wishes, hopes and dreams. She was so easy to relate to. BIGGEST SLOW BURN ever, worth every second. So romantic, intriguing and as usual, I could not put it down and read it in less than 12 hours, AGAIN. I needed to know how the story would end. I know Penelope always goes for the HEA ending and I am so down with it, this has been the best one so far.
Best writing I’ve seen from Penelope, most beautiful and intriguing story, super romantic and realistic. It is so satisfying to get POV’s from both characters, it really gives you the bigger picture. Fantastic storytelling, sexy, funny, light hearted, witty, entertaining and super original. Fell in love with these characters and won’t forget this story in a while.
Good writing slow burning romance
Yes, Daddy.
Okay, while this book is a little on the taboo side(and I knew this going in) I F***ing LOVED it.
Jordan is BAD ASS and confident in her skin. I loved her personality and her sass. She is driven and knows what she wants.
Pike was an easy to love hero.
He had always put his son before himself and never really lived – til he met Jordan. I think their story is beautiful, and while some may not agree, it reminds us that age is just a number.
“You made me feel like the world was a big place again.”
It reminds us that quite often, we don’t second chances and we should live our lives to the fullest. Who cares what anyone thinks?
“Time passes you by like a bullet, 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?”
This read was steamy, forbidden – did I say STEAMY?
Seriously, go read it!
“Whatever the Birthday Girl wants.”
I’m not usually a big fan of age gap books but I absolutely loved this book. There was something about Pike & Jordan. Their story totally captivated me. I want more! Amazing narration by Andrew Eiden & Jennifer Mack.
I am a bit partial when it comes to Penelope as I didn’t really get into Bully, and I found Credence addictive but didn’t love it. WELL my mind has been changed and this story is an easy 5 star read for me!!!
I was looking for a good forbidden romance story, and Jordan & Pike certainly gave that story to me. I felt connected to all characters (even the creepy neighbour), and read this story within 24 hours!!
This forbidden love is centered around Jordan, who finds herself homeless and having to move in with her boyfriend’s single father, Pike. To surprise, Jordan & Pike actually already know of each other and had already felt a connection – prior to Jordan finding out Pike was her boyfriends father. This causes a rocky start to their “friendship” with both not knowing how to act around each other. However living together, they slowly get into a familiar routine. With Jordan’s boyfriend, Cole, always out getting drunk with friends, and Jordan wanting to be an adult – Jordan finds herself home every night having dinner with Pike. This is when a close friendship truly forms between them both, with a lust connection they don’t dare to mention.
Cole then does the unthinkable which makes Jordan truly realise he isn’t her “person”, and maybe Pike is? But what if Pike doesn’t feel the same way or better yet, what if he does?
Thus, a forbidden age gap relationship then commences that is both steamy and emotional.
Overall, 5/5 Stars. But please be warned if you are not a fan of age gap/forbidden romance – You won’t enjoy this story with the age gap of 19 years.
I always had some difficulty with age gap stories because it felt like it was something missing but Pen absolutely changed my mind with this book.
Jordan is so strong and independent and I felt really close to her because of how adult she had to be since her childhood. And what about Pike. I think I never loved a grumpy and jealous man so much in my life.
They are one of my favorite couples of all times and this book is another masterpiece from Pen. Every time I do a reread, I love it more than before.
Jordan is dating a guy her age. Her best friend and when things get rough and they have no place else left to go, they go to her boyfriend’s father’s place to to live. His name is Pike and before Jordan knows it, she’s doing more than just chores to make up fore her being there.
This book didn’t go in the direction I thought it would go in. knew they’d have an afar, but I didn’t know when it would happen or how deep their love would weigh. This book is filled with tenderness, sexiness and a carefully crafted story line with characters that feel so real, you think you’re snooping on actual people living their lives instead of reading about characters in a story.
Douglas really outdid herself with this one and I could not have been more happier with the outcome. This is a must-read for romance readers out there!
I’ve had this sitting on my kindle for over a year now..I’ve heard good things and all the hype about the book so I finally sat down and read it. This book DID NOT DISAPPOINT AT ALL!!!! I fell for Pike the minute he was mentioned. He was a man who looked for love but got fooled over and over again. Because of that he lived his life simple and by himself. He tried to the best he could with his son but thanks to the crazy ex wife feeding lies, it was darn near impossible to do. When an opportunity presents itself, he jumps at it, thinking it would be a time to bond with his son.. Little does he know, his son’s girl would have a huge affect on him and make him change up his world. Jordan has had a hard life. She had her sister, who I wasn’t the biggest fan of at all and Cole(Pike’s son) to support her. Things aren’t great between her and Cole..He’s lost kid, trying to make sense of life and making all the wrong decisions. For as young as they are, Jordan is smart and determined. She’s mature and had to grow up faster then she wanted to. I think that’s why she fits so well with Pike. Yes there’s the age difference and him being Pike’s son but it doesn’t matter when you read about all they have in common and the friendship they develop by just being with each other. Jordan turns Pike’s world upside down. She starts turning his house into her own. She does the unexpected and keeps him on his toes. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and do what she wants to do. Yes they have some petty fights but seeing Pike in a suit makes up for it. God the image I had in my head did things to me? Wow!! This book blew me away! There wasn’t any awkward moments between the two characters, the creepy neighbor yes many and I’m glad Pike shut that down!! Eww.. I’m now kicking myself for waiting so long to read this incredible story!!! This will be my go to read from now on!!