Book Review: Older By Jennifer Hartmann

Older By Jennifer Hartmann

💚 LD

Older completely swept me away. As someone who loved Birthday Girl, this book gave me those same nostalgic, forbidden vibes—but with a completely unique and emotional twist that only Jennifer Hartmann could deliver.

From the very first scene by the lake, I was invested in Halley and Reed. Their connection is instant, but not rushed—it simmers beneath the surface with every stolen glance, every moment they try not to cross a line. The 90s setting was such a fun and atmospheric touch that made the story even more memorable.

Halley is a beautifully layered character. She’s been through so much, and watching her slowly open up and find safety in Reed was incredibly moving. And Reed… he might just be my new favorite older hero. He’s gentle, respectful, and yet so deeply protective and passionate. Their dynamic is pure slow-burn magic, and I found myself falling for him just like Halley did.

This book is unforgettable. The romance, the heartache, the longing—it all felt so real. I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I finished. Jennifer Hartmann nailed the emotional pull, and this story will stay with me for a long time.

“Life is living. If you’re not living exactly the way you want to live, then what’s the fucking point?”

🤍 AD -⁠

Jennifer Hartmann takes forbidden romance to a whole new level in Older, and I was here for every minute of it. From the very beginning, there’s a magnetic energy between Halley and Reed that’s impossible to ignore. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional connection that truly makes this story shine.

Reed isn’t just older—he’s Halley’s best friend’s dad. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the slow-burn pacing only makes it more intense. What really stood out to me was how Hartmann didn’t shy away from the emotional weight of their situation. Halley has a heartbreaking past, and Reed becomes her anchor—her unexpected safe place.

Normally, age gaps aren’t my go-to trope, but Reed completely changed my mind. He’s patient, kind, and so deeply caring. That letter scene? Completely wrecked me. The way he saw Halley, truly saw her, was both heartbreaking and beautiful.

This book is filled with angst, vulnerability, and passion. It’s forbidden love done flawlessly, and I’ll be thinking about this couple for a long time.

“Every moment with you fucking hurts.” His voice was pure grit, words cracking and breaking. “Every moment without you…hurts so much more.”

💙 AG - ⁠

Older instantly became one of my favorite reads. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn’t want to put it down. The forbidden romance between Halley and Reed is electric—the age gap, the emotional baggage, the slow-burn buildup—it’s all written so beautifully.

The tension between them was everything I wanted: emotional, complex, and oh-so-addictive. Jennifer Hartmann made me feel every beat of their journey. I loved that the story didn’t rush anything—watching Halley and Reed slowly fall for each other felt so authentic.

And that 90s setting? Such a nostalgic touch that added even more depth to the story. This was my first read by Jennifer Hartmann, and I was completely blown away. If you loved Birthday Girl or any emotionally charged forbidden romance, this is your next must-read.

“I guess that was why I loved too much. I had a lot of loveless holes to fill.”