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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Age gap is one of my favorite tropes to read!! Now, a forbidden age gap, whew , sign me up for that!!! This is the first book I’ve read by Penelope Douglas but it won’t be the last.
Birthday Girl is a dual POV novel, written exceptionally well. This book captures you from the first word of the first page, takes you on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, and doesn’t let you loose until the last word on the last page of the prologue.
Jordan is 19, beautiful, strong and yet, oblivious to her boyfriends treacherous ways. She works her ass off in school and at the bar so she can make a better life for herself. Her current boyfriend, Cole, is the opposite of her in ethic. He leaves Jordan hanging, time and time again.
Then there’s Pike.
Pike is Cole’s 38 year old father who takes in Jordan and Cole when they need help. He is hard working, possessive and sexy af. The sexual tension rides high between Pike and Jordan, emanating off the page and engulfing you like an Atom bomb. It’s so freaking delicious that you can’t help but root for them.
They know they shouldn’t.
They pretend they don’t feel it.
Fighting it every step of the way.
But in the end, we’re all just slaves to our rawest desires, right?
Read this book, you won’t be disappointed, pinky promise!
Birthday Girl
I enjoyed this book…it sucked me in before I knew it…and I recommend it…
Pike is 38, self employed and the father of a semi estranged 19 year old son….Pike is a good guy, a loner and a hard worker, and Pike loves his son…While at a movie, he meets Jordan, a beautiful young woman with whom he is immediately fascinated and with whom he has an immediate connection… Pike discovers that Jordan is his son’s girlfriend…He knows she’s Off. Limits…for more than one reason…and he does his best…But Pike can’t get Jordan off his mind….
Jordan is 19, a bartender/college student…Jordan is mature for 19…She’s an old soul and alone for the most part…When her best friend turned boyfriend loses his job, they have to move in with his dad…His dad is Pike…And that attraction Pike and Jordan felt at the movie…It isn’t going away…
Birthday Girl is a really good book…Pike and Jordan have smoking chemistry…and this author knows how to evoke feelings from us…If I had one complaint about this book…and this may be a **spoiler** but, it would be that I was nearly 60% in before they ever got together…Slow burns I get…this one just took longer imo…but even that didn’t ruin the book for me….
This story was such a slow and delicious burn to read. Never had I read a book that took so long to get to the ending you know that’s so close. That in no way makes this a bad book.
Penelope Douglas has a way with words and keeping you hanging on to everyone of them!!
Andrew and Jennifer did an awesome job as well.
Great book, give it a try.
What a present this book is!
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book! The Birthday Girl is a new favorite!
Jordan started of in a crap relationship with Cole and ended in the arms of his father, Pike. Jordan has been let down so much in her life and I liked the way she was written. It didn’t seem like her relationship with Pike was a Daddy issue. Just love. Pike had his share of hang ups and rightfully so. Still they made me mad…but he is awesome all the same.
Such a great book and so happy to have read it!
I cannot say enough about this book! I love it I love it I love it! Penelope Douglas you have my heart with this one. I love Pike and Jordan so much together. Age gap romance that has you feeling the feels from page one to the end. Passion, love, alpha tendencies, emotion! It’s all there. Do yourself a HUGE favor and read this, NOW.
I absolutely love this book. The characters are amazing, the story is absolutely priceless. Pike & Jordan are a couple that you will never forget. There connection was instant but also forbidden. Every time Pike & Jordan were together, I was completely hooked. Another 5 star read from Penelope that I wish I would have read sooner.
ℂ ℝ
Are you looking for a standalone, contemporary, slow burn, age-gap, taboo romance? If so, Birthday Girl is the book for you! Told from dual POV.
,” ℎ , “ ℎ ’ ℎ ℎ ℎ. ’ , ’ -, ’ ℎ , ’ , ’ ℎ ℎ ℎ. , ?
Jordan is dating her best friend Cole… Jordan and Cole have no choice but to move into Cole’s estranged father’s house Pike. Jordan had briefly met Pike but hadn’t known who he was in the beginning. When Cole becomes aloof and distant towards Jordan she finds the companionship she’s been looking for in Pike.
You guys… I can’t say enough about the steam in this one! The forbidden and taboo aspect just makes the steam as well as the story all the more intriguing. But Douglas does an excellent job at making the relationship between Jordan and Pike about MORE than just the sex so it doesn’t feel as “icky” as it could have.
ℎ ℎ …” “?” , ℎ ℎ . “ ℎ ℎ .
I’m still a newbie when it comes to Audible reads but I really enjoyed the narration of Birthday Girl. Andrew Eiden does an excellent job of narrating the rough and broody Pike Lawson and Jennifer Mack did an excellent job as Jordan. The flow of the story was perfect before I knew it the story was ending so I was most definitely captivated.
If you aren’t afraid of a little taboo and enjoy unconventional romances, then I would definitely recommend checking out Birthday Girl.
This was my weekend audio indulgence and it was so addictive I couldn’t stop listening 🙂
Cole and Jordan move into his dad’s house after having to leave their flat. It was pretty much Cole’s fault they had to go so he needed to shoulder the responsibility of rehousing them. Cole and his dad Pike have an amicable relationship. After Cole’s parents separated when he was very young he lived with his mother and regularly saw his dad. Unfortunately his mother’s version of events has influenced his attitude towards his father, which has affected his relationship with him over the years.
Jordan first meets Pike just before she moves in. It was quite by accident at a movie theatre one night, he helped her out and they ended up seated in the same row watching the same movie. She thought he was very handsome but also had no idea he was Cole’s dad until she was leaving.
When Jordan moves into the family home she is studying during the day, working part time in a bar at night and also making sure she is contributing to the household chores. She cooks, bakes, does the garden, does laundry and adds a few feminine touches to the house. Pike hasn’t lived with a female for years and enjoys her company. She loves 80’s music and 80’s films and he finds it really easy to get along with her.
Cole seems less motivated to anything now that he is living back at home. He takes days off work here and there and loves to go out and party with his mates, even on Jordan’s nights off. She really feels like they are drifting apart, she spends more time hanging out with his dad these days. Jordan feels a deep connection to Pike and looks forward to spending time with him, more than she should.
When Cole stuffs up yet again, Jordan knows she needs to leave. However, she has begun to have fantasies about Pike and she can’t get them out of her head. Pike definitely is attracted to Jordan but he is well aware that there is a 19 year age gap and that she used to go out with his son. Even if she wasn’t his son’s ex, she has her whole life ahead of her still and why would someone like her want to spend the best years of their life with someone like him?
Oh yes, things are about to take a turn when Jordan agrees to stay on as a houseguest with Pike…..
Man, do I love everything about this book. I love Jordan and I love Pike, and I love them together. I love the way Penelope Douglas actually showed us how they fell in love with each other, instead of just telling us. We got to see their foundation be created and how they built upon that, solidifying and strengthening their love one step at a time.
This book is magic and so, so special. Every time I read it, I find something new to love. If you’re looking for a perfect age gap book, then look no further.
Birthday Girl was my first read from Penelope Douglas, and it definitely won’t be my last! This is one of those stories that completely pulls you in from start to finish, and it’s officially one of my top fave age gap romances of all time. The setting and simmering intensity worked together to create something truly unique and deliciously intense. At the risk of sounding cliche, this one was unputdownable!
“You have no courage, so you won’t be forever…”
Wow, just wow…this book is nothing like I was expecting, I am beyond happy I´ve read this story!!! This is not my first book by Penelope, but every book she writes has THAT something that keeps me wondering how she manages to write such amazing stories, and this is one unicorn in the age gap theme, where father and son are involved with the same girl, only Penelope has a rare and unique way with words to pull this off.
The night Jordan meet him, she was waiting for Cole, her boyfriend to just for once deliver the promises he made her, to pick her up after her shift at the bar, after several calls of no answer she finds herself at the theater where movies from the 80´s were playing, and a series of events led her to him, to feel different even if he seemed older; but there’s something there.
The moment Pike realize who she was, he cursed himself, and he couldn’t begin to understand how could he want her, even if his son didn’t disserve her, there was no way he could think about her or to be close to her or to make her laugh and to feel her.
They feel the pull that exists between them, but who will take the step out of the comfort zone and face the reality they must endure if they want to be together. Is it worth the fight?
Let me tell you, the age gap between the characters always gives something extra for the story, I dare to say it makes them hotter but there’s something else (and no I don’t have daddy issues if you’re wondering LOL) just give this kind of story a try, dive in and get lost in the feelings this story will make you discover; you won’t regret it and you might even love that extra I’m talking about!!
This has to be right up there with my all-time favourite reads. The story had everything that I hoped for!
This, as seen in the blurb, is another delicious forbidden romance from Penelope Douglas. The sexual relationship between the key protagonists was incredibly slow to develop but it picked up quite a pace once the reins were released. Pike was the perfect partner to complement Jordan and despite her young age and relative innocence, her character was penned in a way that came across as much older than her years.
Despite being her boyfriend’s father, Jordan finds herself spending more time with Pike as her Cole distances himself from her and their life together. When she realises that their relationship is over Jordan once again finds herself facing more impossible situations but the ever-reliable Pike is there to offer her support and friendship.
The way the developing relationship between Pike and Jordan was written allowed readers the chance to come to terms with their love affair and although they both resisted it, it was Jordan who came to her senses first and realised that there was nothing that they couldn’t overcome if they handled their relationship carefully. Unfortunately for her, Pike found accepting their romantic feelings for one another more difficult and delayed the inevitable talk with his family and it was that delay which brought about the biggest fight of his life.
This was definitely a story to love and it was made even more enjoyable via Audible.
5 sexy daddy stars!! This book is so damn good!!
Jordan is in a relationship with her best friend but it just hasn’t been good lately. He is not giving her, his all. One late night at a movie and a dropped phone later and she has met someone who makes her question everything.
Pike has been living a good life. Not great and not bad, just good. His sex life is pretty much non existent. One movie and some spilt wine later and everything changes.
I was rooting for these two from the movie. I wanted this to work so bad. He is everything any woman needs. I mean why is Pike single?!?! The age difference it’s pretty significant but I believe Jordan is an old soul. The tension and chemistry between them was flammable!!
I am not real familiar with this author but I will be purchasing more of her books now. The book was written flawlessly. I could see this beautiful yard take shape. I am actually in love with Pike’s house. I think it’s gorgeous. The author has done her job in entrancing you in this story.
This was a taboo I love story you will want to read!!
Be careful what you wish for…
This book…. This frigging book… Where do I even begin?
Forbidden romance is my jam. Straight up! And this one ticked every single box I have! From the instant attraction, the slow burn, the hot as hell sexy times and the drama! Oh my days, the drama was real, but I’m so down for it.
I adored Pike – yes, he drove me crazy at some points but only because I was so damn invested in him and Jordan! And I did really like Jordan too. She’d had a pretty crappy time of it and deserved better from the people in her life. So when Pike came along, his reliability was something I loved seeing her warm up to.
Their age difference didn’t even bother me at all nor did the fact that she was his son’s girlfriend. They fit together so perfectly even when they fought and I just couldn’t get enough. So that HEA filled my little heart right up!
Honestly, I don’t want to spoil this book at all so if you love forbidden romances with an age gap, seriously, pick this one up! I adored every last moment
BURN, BABY, BURN!!!
Very, very, very slow burning… but damn what an explosion when they get there!
This read had me in angst with all that sexual tension!…. loved it!!!
Damn, what an epic emotional wreck I was put through.
This is only my 2nd read by this AMAZING AUTHOR, and I’m so devouring every single one now.
Love finding a binge worthy Author. *sigh*
On to “Bully” as my girl author Gigi Birtie highly recommended! xx
I purchased this book a year ago but just read it today. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Possible Triggers: cheating by the h’s boyfriend, physical abuse and older man/younger woman relationship
**spoilers**
This was a solid 3.5 stars – a few minor editing issues and a slow story.
Jordan is a 19yr old who grew up in a poor home with neglectful parents. Cole is her friend, turned boyfriend.
After Cole fails to pick up Jordan from work on her birthday, she takes herself to the movies. She meets an older guy, Pike, who also is alone. There is an instant attraction between them. As Jordan is leaving the theater, Cole calls her and Pike overhears and realizes she is his sons girlfriend. Jordan and Cole are thrown out of their apartment and move in with Pike.
Jordan and Pike are drawn to each other but do not act on it. Cole cheats on Jordan and moves out.
Jordan and Pike deny their feelings but eventually hook up but its not without complications.
There are several side characters, Shel Jordans boss who is protective of her. Cam, the older sister. Jay, Jordans ex who hit her. Danni, her friend that Jordan stays with when Jordan moves out of Pike’s home. Lindsey, Cole’s mom.
Blah blah, HEA.
Pike was a perfect example of alpha male and vulnerability. His need to protect and care for those he loved was abundantly clear and his struggle to do what he thought was right and make himself happy too came through in his thoughts and actions. I don’t want to call Jordan an old soul because she acted her age on numerous occasions, but her experiences in life have taught her to be a very loving and giving person beyond her years. She could have been bitter from what life dealt her but she was not. She was beautiful inside and out.
The beginning of the story was just a bit slow for me. There was heat and secretive moments, it was just at much slower pace than I expected. There was a considerable amount of time building their relationship – likes and dislikes, delving deep into getting to know each other and creating a true friendship before ever diving into the physical which made their relationship more than just about lust and desire. They truly liked one another. Their relationship was believable. They both had strengths and weaknesses that complemented one another. It never once bothered me or felt taboo that there was a significant difference in their ages.
And that shows how well Penelope Douglas created characters and a story that was authentic. She gave me a story I could believe in that stresses that following your heart is just as important as listening to your brain to be happy and complete.
Penelope Douglas blew me away again. My expectations for her now are pretty high. She keeps delivering hit after hit so it is hard not to put her up on a pedestal for me. This one was different than the others I have read by her. It seems that she really loves writing about characters in high school. Her Fall Away series and her Devil’s Night series are of this nature. However, this one follows a young lady in college and a gentleman in his thirties.
Jordan can’t believe her luck. After supporting her boyfriend for most of their relationship, they are forced to move in with his dad. His dad, Pike, is the same man she spent her birthday with because her boyfriend was too interested in partying. She feels an instant attraction to him that she knows she can’t act on. She’s left wondering if he feels it too. Or if her boyfriend, Cole, even notices her falling for his dad.
Jordan and Pike’s relationship was a seductively delicious slow-burn. While this was a age gap romance, it wasn’t as taboo as I thought it might be. Penelope handled it beautifully. I never felt like Pike was preying on Jordan. She even managed to use the fact Jordan is in a relationship with his son as the main reason they cannot be together instead of their ages. Only when Cole is no longer an issue, does the age difference become more relevant. All of this combined makes for a lovely slow-burn romance!
This review was originally posted on Sincerely, Whitney
This was a great read. Jordan and Pikes story keep me going wanting to know how they were going to turn out. Sometimes when there is a young heroine I can’t really get into the book but Jordan was a mature young character and I loved that she loves the 80’s. I was glad to see that finally we got to our happy ending.
I really loved this book. Two characters who absolutely don’t want to be in the situation where they find themselves but they’re like magnets, they can’t stay away from each other. I teared up at the end and loved every second of it. Wonderful wonderful May/December romance.