Passionate, sexy and intense... I was immediately wept away by this story. Delicious and filthy, it pulled me in deep right from the very beginning and never let me go throughout. I LOVE this genre so much but this book was mesmerising. Something different and refreshing, and whether or not it's realistic enough for you, it still made me WANT to believe in the fairytale that if you want something badly enough that anything is possible. That change and happiness is possible and just by having that belief can overcome so much. And even when it frustrated me in parts, but that's the fun of reading I think to get so invested in the story and its characters your emotions are all over the place, I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVED AND LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH. I can't wait to see what happens now even though I'm a little afraid to find out, I HAVE TO KNOW! *dives straight into book #2*....
4.5 Stars

I found this book engaging and a sexy read. It was nice that the female lead in this book wasn’t just a weak female being led by a man as they often tend to be in erotic fiction these days. This book has a strong story as well as some steamy sex in it.

The second installment in the story of a young man and his older lover, Old Enough by Charmaine Pauls is a dark, gritty erotic romance. Fans of BDSM romances will enjoy this book, along with the older woman/younger man trope. This book is not for the lighthearted, and includes serious themes. It was well-written and is a fast read. You won't want to put it down.

I received a free copy of this from netgalley in exchange for a review... And then proceeded to not read it for a month or so. Oops. ;;

I must admit that I had fairly low expectations going into this, I requested it largely on a whim, but this book not only met those expectations but it exceeded them. It wasn't a masterpiece, but it did achieve exactly what it set out to do: tell a fun, slightly taboo story that I definitely wanted to read more of.

I just really liked this book! It really was absolutely great. The sex scenes were hot, the characters were surprisingly engaging and I actually really loved the romance. I have a habit of really not liking alpha heroes, but I really adored Brian in this. I think because the book actually took the trouble to not only explain the power dynamics involved, but explore how the characters related to them. It was a really excellent and self-aware exploration of the kinks involved, and I definitely came out with the impression that these two characters are absolutely good for each other.

I've deducted one star because the plotting wasn't super amazing, and also because some of the stuff about race was a little hinky (it's set in South Africa and most of the characters are white, the one explicitly black character is the secondary antagonist in the book).

...But overall this was a very solid book, and I really enjoyed it. I've already preordered the next one, and am looking forward to the conclusion of this story.

What a beautiful story about love and friendships, deceit and betrayal. This book flowed so easily and the characters were painted so that the reader could feel them.
I am looking forward to the story of Brian and Jane, soul mates that they are, to see what will happen next.

I was so sad not to enjoy this book. It's one of my favorite type of novels - taboo romance, but it unfortunately didn't hit the mark for me. It was slow and uneven, and the grammar was pretty appalling. There were moments of pretty good writing, but I just wasn't willing to slog through the terrible to get to the good. A real shame.

I love romance novels. I am a sucker for the true love that conquers all. This novel has this. I was drawn to the taboo of the older woman dating a much younger man. It was a twist that I had not previously explored through reading. This novel was hard for me to put down. I devoured it in less than one day.

Jane is a middle aged woman who gets left by her husband of 12 years. She has a dark secret that she has been keeping for all these years. That dark secret is coming to the surface. A man from her past offers up a large sum of money to disgrace Jane. A young man, Brian, thinks he is up for the job. He briefly checks Jane out from afar. It is love at first sight. Brian knows that Jane is his and he is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. They fall in love with each other quickly, but will love conquer all?


The character development was amazing. Jane is a sophisticated woman who has been in a "loveless" marriage. Jane has depth and drama. Brian had the exact attitude I would expect for someone who was born on the wrong side of town, but trying to better their situation. It was all in the realm of reality for me.

The plot overall was very good to me. I did have a bit of trouble with a few things. The secrets I felt were a little too huge and a bit unbelievable. I was able to get past that because of how well written the novel was. I really could understand the gang life,it would be hard to have this novel without the drama of Monkey and his crew.

5* Passionate Stars

This was an engaging story about finding love when you least expect it and when the odds are against you. Jane is in her early 40’s and just coming to terms with her unexpected divorce from her cheating unlikeable husband and Brian who is 19 years old but far from being a teenager. He is very mature and confident. His protectiveness towards raising his younger sister and caring for his mother after his father abandoned them when he was very young was heartfelt.

This hidden secret romance was filled with angst, pain, family drama and secrets between Brian and Jane. The chemistry between Brian and Jane was off the charts hot and sexy.

The book ends on a cliff-hanger and I hope in the follow up book, Young Enough the secrets between Brian and Jane will not detonate and ruin what they have tried so hard to protect and that they get their HEA.

Many thanks to the Author Charmaine Pauls and NetGalley for my copy to read and review.

Wow. How can I get myself a man like this. This blew me away. I have already got the next book on order.
The characters are real and make you feel. Cannot wait for the next one.

I love the concept of this book. An older women taking back her sexual identity and exploring the darker side with a much younger man. The book gets a 5 for this depiction. She knows how to write some steamy sex scenes. Brian and Jane certainly work well in the bedroom, the garage or even outside for that matter.
The biggest problem I have with the book is how Jane's friends treat her. After 12 plus years of her marriage her husband and child's father leaves her for another women. He gets her pregnant and They kick Jane out of her house and basically take over the life she used to have. Her friends including her Dwight and ex-husband want her to be ok with this. I realize that you can't live angry but come on! I wanted to toss my kindle at times.

I know this is a duet and we still have a lot of unanswered questions so I'm going to reserve judgement until I read the next book.

This story was captivating from the very beginning and I honestly finished it in one sitting. I absolutely loved Brian's character and for him to be on the young side, he sure acts more mature than half of the adults in this story. I enjoyed Jane's character although I wish she was stronger, especially when it came to Francois, Debbie and yes even Abby. I wanted Jane to stand her ground and not give up everything so easily. I hope in the next book she fights for what is hers and what she deserves. Lindy and her father Monkey needs to get in a car and ride off somewhere, anywhere but in the next story. Yes, I know its wishful thinking on my end. Lindy, Monkey, Francois and Debbie along with a few more characters can disappear for all I care; I dislike quite a few of them. This story ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more and I can't wait to see how everything plays out. I'm excited to see if things will go the way I think they will or if I will be completely shocked by everything. No matter what, I'm left wanting more and I can't wait to read the next book. This book is perfect for readers looking for a read that's captivating, has a bit of suspense along with parts that will make you laugh and scenes that will make you blush. I truly enjoyed it.

Kindly provided with a ARC via Netgalley complements of the Author in exchange for an honest review......

When I say Charmaine write such amazing, complex but absolutely gripping reads I would not be doing the extent of her skills justice !. She for me is one of my favorite authors and is the complete package.
To say that the blurb interested me, but I had a few tiny reservations about if I would enjoy a romance story where there was a significant age gap. That's just because of some bad past reads. I should have known Charmaine would deliver a swoon worthy tale with style !.
This was Jane and Brian's tale and don't let their mature names fool you. These two could set a small blaze with their heat x . I found myself captivated and at parts shouting at my kindle (Debbie go jump of a short pier !!!!). Anyway, absolutely fabulous read x

5 Star work Charmaine and many thanks for this opportunity x

Later peeps x

This was a different romance for me, I didn’t think I’d enjoy the older woman and younger man storyline so much but I was wrong, it was an engaging read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The characters were great. Jane was unsure of her feelings for the young man and Brian had all the confidence in the world, and he wanted Jane.
There’s a great storyline that made me smile and at times made me so mad I could scream. A great read!

Highly entertaining and very visceral read. I was sucked in from word one and finished in one sitting. I cannot wait until August 28th!

This story was awesome. I loved the connection they had despite their age difference . The ex husband was a total loser and I hated him from the beginning.
Both books in this series are great reads!!

HOT. That’s the word to describe this book. Jane has been through so much in her 42 years, and now she gets hit with the final blow from her husband. Divorce.
Brian is an old soul in a 19 year old body. He needs money for his struggling family and gets introduced to Jane. They begin a super sexy, dirty affair that needs to be kept secret for both of their benefits.
Tons of back story is revealed about them and tons of conflict, but not so much that takes away from their story, but enough to keep you on edge.
There’s a cliffhanger, but I can’t wait for the rest of the story!

What a great read, can’t wait to find out what happens next for Brian and Jane. I loved the way their relationship started. And developed. Whilst Brian’s motives are laid out from the start, and janes life is a mess that seems to move one way and another. The issues with her daughter moved me, and I could almost feel the emotions pouring off the page.
The story flowed, janes family dilemmas and thoughts, feelings. (God I really felt bad for her with the debs mess, wanted to punch her ex and scream at her daughter), whilst Brian’s dominance and sexuality screamed off the page. I Found him to be a bit of an odd character and yet he was probably the one character tha5 makes the story worth reading. An intense, highly charged and emotional erotic story. Can’t wait to read the follow up.

This was a book that I went into with certain expectations based on previous books I've read in this genre but it surpassed all of them.

Really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationship between Jane and Brian, there was no power struggle which I liked. Both characters have secrets that I think may impact on them in book two that's my guess anyway.

I will say that Jane frustrated me so much I wanted her to fight back against them all instead of just rolling with the punches they through at her. I'm hoping that we see her fight back in the next one.


Looking forward to see where the author takes the characters in the next book.

Old Enough was a fabulous story Charmaine Pauls, OMG I was hooked from start to finish, This is all about Jane and Brian. The characters are so well written and yes it a taboo story about older Woman younger man, As the saying goes you are only as the man you fell 😉😉 Bring on the next one.
A must read, I voluntarily reviewed this book as a Advanced Reader Copy By NetGalley.

This book is all sorts of crazy good.
This is the first time reading an OW/YM title and well if they are all written this well I am inclined to read more. I loved the characters in this book. I loved how Brian and Jane are all flawed yet perfect when together. The chemistry they share is scorching and panty melting, but there are secrets that have yet been completely revealed between the two. Will the secrets that lay between them ruin this blossoming romance that some might deem as inappropriate or will they conquer the secrets as one and form a solid and steady relationship. This cliffhanger book will leave you craving and dying to find out the conclusion to see if life’s curveballs can be overthrown.
Old Enough is a well written and a powerful read. I Need Book 2 ASAP. To see how this story plays out. Jane and Brian both deserve a happy ending and normally I am okay with endings not always being happy because in real life happy endings are far and few between but Brian and Jane deserve a happy ending.