I normally read dark and twisted things and thought I would try something different. I have to say - I was more interested in the story of Jane and Brian separately than together. Jane is a total doormat - her ex-husband and his new gf/ wife dictate everything and she just lets them. I am embarrassed for her - get a brain, get a backbone and do something!! Hopefully the author tackles that in the next book - I hear there will be at least one more. I want her to stand up for herself and do something with her life. Brian has an interesting story - I hope he is able to escape his crappy life. But as a "couple" - even just for sex it felt forced and ugh. Not for me.

Old Enough was an absolutely fabulous read that took this reader by surprise with the intensity of the writing and the overall believability that surrounds the plot. Brian is a wonderful male lead. He is the epitome of the younger man physically, but an old soul with a depth of character you won’t expect. Jane is a complex and troubled woman whose life has literally been on hold. Together the chemistry is undeniable and this extends to an engaging and powerful read. I can’t wait for the next part of this intriguing story.

3.5 Stars

Old Enough: The Age Between Us by Charmaine Pauls was sensual, steamy but yet slighted with naïveté. A new taboo novel/series by Pauls that will engulf you with all the feels.

I have liked Pauls work in the past and I am eager to venture on this path with her, however this beginning of a taboo world wasn't all there for me. I felt like the heroines tribulations she endures made her weak, which had her caving in way to easily with her ex-husband. Honestly it made me very upset and I wanted to smack her upside her head! I am glad that the author paired her with a more Dominant figure in Brian who showed her what a 'real' man is like despite the age difference.

With all this said, I am one to finish a series so I am eager to continue onward with Young Enough, book 2 as the cliffhanger had me saying "What the..."

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Charmaine Pauls is an excellent writer. Old Enough grips you from the first pages and doesn't let you go. You feel so much for the main characters through her excellent portrayal of all who associate with them. Rarely do I read a book where I just want to jump in a give advice or a hug...or two. Ms. Pauls takes me there. I can't wait to see how book 2 ends!

Good book. Interesting storyline with believable and likeable characters, although Jane is a bit of a doormat. I'm hoping that Brian will bring her out of her shell a little bit and install a bit of backbone. Brian himself is a bit of an enigma - what's he up to. What does he ultimately want? Will their relationship win through in the end? I'm very much looking forward to finding out the answers.

I am wondering by the other reviews left if we even read the same book?? I don't and have never ranted about a book I have read but this is a first for me! Spoiler alert!! I actually have never said that in any of my reviews!! Let's get started!

Let's talk about Jane. Jane has some issue. Wihat is the authors purpose for this. Where does Jane find herself in the end? Does she go crazy and make this huge beautiful transition in life and breaks free and becomes a big beautiful butterfly!!?? It seems really drawn out with words that seem to fill the pages and seem to just draaaag! I want to see her strength. We know she has a huge heart break in her past. We seem to get a glimpse of it but honestly it is just small bits here and there. We know there is a huge history and apparently Evans brother "THINKS" he knows everything that happened and FYI we don't find out in this read either. Jane seems like a door mat!! I mean as much as she talks about her house and how she picked every little thing down to the doorknobs!! Who doesn't fight for anything...why did she choose this? Her friends that she calls her bff's are huge traitors (in my book..who does that to a friend regArdless of who their husbands bff is) I say good riddance! All the while Jane calls them realists!!?? Helping her get over things more quickly!!?? Really??!!!

Brian is an old soul having to grow up way beyond his years. He grew on me...yes he did. The age thing really didn't bother me. He acts and behaves like an adult. He isn't childish or naive. He has HUGE responsibilities. He takes them seriously as he should. This whole Lindy thing has me wanting to slap this little girl! Grow up! I don't know where that will leave Brian and his relationship with his friends and his families life in general. Bullies everywhere! I will tell you that his friends and Lindy sure do act their age!

Now, for the husbands mistress Debs and her daughter Abby! I want to discipline that little girl! She is in the middle and doesn't want to disappoint either of her parents. As for Debbie I would like to tell her
forcefully to SHOVE IT!! Jane's ex should be ashamed for asking for the house after it was agreed upon that she would stay there. At least some compensation or the value of the house in a lump sum should be given to Jane. Jane you are just going to hand over YOUR life to him and his mistress/finance!

Does the author get props for getting me worked up?!! Hmmm... That I will have to think about later. Maybe she should get two stars for that. I am frustratingly curious how this ends but I did find myself skipping lots of pages through out this read. Why the long drawn out process? Is there a contract for a three book series? This could have been shorter and I just find myself frustratingly exhausted! I would also like to note that I did voluntarily request this ARC from the publisher for my honest review via Net Galley. As if you guys couldn't tell this was my honest opinion. Thanks Net Galley! I would also like to add I have read some of the authors other reads that are awesome. I was just disappointed 😞😞😞.

This has been a really good read. I love how you think this will play out in the beginning but you assume it all wrong. I loved the pace of the writting. I wanted to be more selfish and ask for more chapters.

This is erotic through and through. The sex scenes were so well written they made me turn the ac on high. While the sex was kinky, brutal, and filthy I was not that into the plot as a whole. This was a "wrong side of the tracks" type. Brian was working multiple jobs to take care of his mother and sister while Jane seemed to have it all, albeit going through a divorce, dealing with her ex-husband's new woman, and trying to cope with a teenage daughter. There is no cute or accidental meet-up for these two. Though they each have their fair share of torture to deal with in their personal lives, there's a bigger secret hovering over them both.

I’m not sure if I missed it, but I had to Google the locations to figure out where this was taking part in. The location was unique, as Africa isn’t really a dominant location for romance novels. It definitely makes this stand out a little more from any other romance/erotica that I've read.

As for the age divide it didn’t really make that much of an difference in this. There were times where Jane would have moments that she would say she could be his mother or that she was fourty-something. Other than that, the heat between these two and the way they both acted, the age gap was something that I looked over for the majority of this novel.

I really want to give this higher than a 3 star rating but unfortunately there was a lot that irked me along the way. There seemed to be so much going on, too much thrown at the main characters. At one point I kind of rolled my eyes as if to say “Of course.” Although, I have to say the ending, though it seemed to come out of nowhere, left off with enough of a cliffhanger that I can’t wait to read the second book. (Young Enough)

I was grateful to receive a free copy of Old Enough in exchange for an honest review. Charmaine Paul's is a really good writer, and I really enjoyed this book. I was surprised to see that that the story about Jane and Brian went deeper then just an age gap. Brian is very mature for his age, and was delving into some kinky scenes which I was not expecting when I began this book. My biggest disappointment about Young Enough is that there is a part 2, so I never got to finish Jane and Brian's story. As a reader, that is a big pet peeve of mine. That is why I only gave four stars.

This was a novel I couldn't put down! It was steam and so well done. While we're left with a little bit of cliffhanger, the novel is so well done you didn't even know it was ending. Would definitely recommend to those liking a little edgier, erotic, romance novels.
*Received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

**Kindly receive an ARC of Old Enough from the publisher by way of NetGalley for an honest review, no compensations given.**
This was the first book I have read by Charmaine Pauls. I was very intrigued by the synopsis and after reading Ms. Pauls bio I knew I just couldn't pass on reading this book. I am so glad that I took the chance. This book was so different, the twist of the older woman and younger man, I loved it! I really enjoyed the author's style of writing, and the attention to character development was spot on.
This is Jane and Brian's story. I immediately fell in love with Jane, how could I not, she has both a tragic and courageous side to her. I was amazed how Ms. Paules was able to develop Brian's character, who is only nineteen, into a strong, dominant but also caring man. The way these two characters meet was definitely out of the ordinary, a bit of a twist there. The author also did a great job in developing the secondary characters some of which I liked and wanted to hug and some I really wanted to slap.. Right.. Across.. The.. Face!!! You will have to decide for yourself on that account. I also enjoyed all the conflict between the characters in this book.
The story was both detailed and fast paced, with deceit, lies and everything in between and that kept me turning the pages and reading well into the night. There was also some interesting plot twists that I didn't see coming. Some of the storylines were sad, but the way in which the characters dealt with these issues had me admiring them even more. The romance that develop between Jane and Brian was spectacularly written. Loved the forbidden romance and the erotic scenes were panty melting. I honestly could not put this book down. There is a cliffhanger, and I will be insane till the end of August when the next book is published. The saving grace is I know it will be another outstanding read, so worth the wait. Old Enough is NOT a book that you should pass up. Happy reading.

So sexy, steamy and taboo!

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

P L O T

I’ve always believed age is just a number and people can love whoever they want. Love is a feeling, an emotion, it knows no time, no gender, and no race, no number. So why are others shunned by the public?

This book is super hot I tell you. Brian with the rope on the cover? You better prepare yourself because that’s a scene in the book and it was HAWT! Fire baby! They’re obviously from different social class, and that’s one of the most exciting forbidden romance. Then comes their huge age gap, which should not be a problem, but society right?

The beauty of a blooming relationship. When you can’t get your hands off each other and can barely go on a day without hearing the other’s voice or see them. The odds are still with them in this book but I bet good money it’ll be stacked against them in the second book.

C H A R A C T E R S

They’re both kinky and I love it!

Brian Michaels

He had to take care of his mom and sister at a very young age so he had to grow up early. That’s how he knows Jane is the one for him. He may be young in age but he’s mentally old enough to be with her. I also cried when they were talking about his confidence and not being ashamed of his life and obvious display of struggle to make ends meet.

Jane Logan

Jane is heartbroken and hasn’t opened up since the death of her one true love years ago. That is until Brian came along and he awakened the sleeping dragon. I love how she doesn’t act on impulse and easily understands Brian and how he way react if she does a certain activity. She’s super smart and a great mother.

Lots of people hate Debbie but I seriously think she’s not that bad. I think she’s genuinely trying. She may have crossed some lines but it doesn’t mean it wasn’t out of love. Jane is just having a hard time adjusting to her growing daughter’s changing perspective in life, topping it all of with her new life problems, her sexy secret and everything else she has to worry about.

W R I T I N G

Charmaine Pauls is just an amazing romance writer. I can always feel the love and lust going through the character’s veins. They are as real as they can be as fictional characters. There was no need to cry in that scene, no one was expected to cry in that scene but I did. It’s either just me of the beautiful way she wrote it. I love it.

O V E R A L L

It was a fun quick read that I enjoyed so much.

Supper excited to see shit go down in the next and final book. I hope Jane won’t be a bitch when she finds out the truth, I hope Brian will get off the blackmail and I just wish for everyone to be happy!

I really was captivated by this book! This is a very intriguing cougar story. Brian is made an offer he can't refuse. He decides to act upon it, and ends up meeting Jane. She's much older than him, and in the process of a painful divorce. She's now a single mother, who has been through a very tragic past, that we barely get a glimpse of, in this first book of this series. Brian is extremely attracted to Jane. She's not ready to see the very young man as a possible love interest. Fortunately for her, Brian doesn't take no for an answer. This was a very engrossing story that I'm still trying to figure out. Really loved the intense sexual chemistry these two shared. Can Jane allow Brian into her life and out in the open, to become scrutinized by society? Can Brian tell Jane the real reason he met her? I can't wait to find out all the twist and turns that this story will reveal in the next book. Charmaine Pauls has a way of drawing you in and leading you on to a fantastic, erotic journey!

Jane just had her life blown apart. Not only is her husband leaving her but the women is pregnant. Then he tells her he wants the house and gives her three months to move out. Brian is hired to get naked pictures of Jane for fifty grand. Since he was 7 he has had to take care of his mom. Since his father left them while his mom was pregnant he also has a sister to care for. Because he needs this money he thinks he can do this. Being so young the way he met Jane was by jumping her fence and using her pool. It was the middle of the night and he had his two best friends with him. When she came out and told them to leave everything Changed for Brian. She is exactly the woman he wants. Her like’s mature refined women. They start a affair he craves control she likes being controlled in the bedroom. Their are other factors here that are stress on both of them. Her daughter is getting close to her stepmother. He is forced to date someone he doesn't want. Can the make this work it doesn't look good but they are not the norm. We don't have to wait too long for the second part of their story it comes out August 28, 2018. And it promises to answer all questions. It is only a two-part series.I say we because I too will be waiting.

While this book was interested I wanted the heroine to become a stronger character I loved how Brian too care of her. I'm looking forward for book 2

When I asked for a copy of this book I was expecting something great, considering I've just read The Loan Shark Duet by Charmaine Pauls. I was in awe of the author's work and I'm so glad to say this book left me with the same, or at least similar, feelings of deep satisfaction.

I know it's the first part of a duet. I knew what I was getting into but again, the author did an outstanding job by giving the reader an ending that satisfied the questions from this book and left other handing, enough to want to read the next book right now. I come to think that Charmaine Pauls has master the art of cliff-hangers, except it doesn't feel like one.

Jane got the shock of her life when her husband told her he was leaving her on the night of their twelve anniversary. They have a daughter together that I may be inclined to believe he doesn't feel like she's actually HIS daughter, but someone else. This was not expressed in the story, it's just my mind running crazy ideas.

Brian introduction in this story was a shock in and on itself. I was not expected to see that in the first chapter but I have to admit that was a damn good hook after the "I'm leaving you" scene before, in the same chapter. How he managed to fall for Jane and the things he has to do are only adding to his personality and how I ended up liking him a lot. He makes a lot of questionable decision but...

There's this one scene with the fortune teller. OMG, that was plain awesome and that's where my brain started running rampage with the conspiracy theories about what happened in the past.

I don't think this book is for everyone that likes the old/younger troupe in romance. There are moments that you question your own sanity because you're liking this. Jane and Brian are over the age of 18 but still, sometimes I wonder why I like this story so much. I guess the author is a secret witch?

The darkness, the naughtiness, the feeling of "this is so wrong", the suspense, the mystery, the conspiracy theories my brain came up with, all of that wrap this book with a beautiful dark red bow. I can hardly wait to read the finale for this couple.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This book hooked me from the beginning! Jane is an older woman with much sadness in her life. Brian is a young man that is attracted to Jane the moment he sees her. This was a good read and take on the older woman/younger man trope. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.


I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Charmaine Pauls doesn’t write conventional romance novels. No, this is definitely NOT your grandmother’s romance. Her stories are not only unconventional, they even seem disturbing at first. But within the first chapter you find yourself immersed in the story and the characters, rooting for a couple that would normally scandalise you. An older heroine and young hero romance is not as unusual as before and yet we still find ourselves reluctant to believe it. “Old Enough” will leave you not only believing in love at first sight and soulmates but will also leave you breathless and very very hot.

Jane lost the love of her life but managed to find contentment and happiness in her marriage and daughter. Her whole life comes crumbling down when her husband asks for a divorce. Just when she believes that she will never find passion and excitement in her life again, she meets Brian. A man much younger than her who seems to know her body and her needs more than anyone else she has ever known. She may believe that what they share is a secret tryst, but Brian has other plans. He believes that he has found the one and isn’t willing to let anything and anyone get in their way.

Charmaine Puals proves once again what an amazing storyteller she is. This is a romance that you won’t be able to put down or forget. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for Jane and Brian...

Old Enough by Charmaine Pauls is book one in The Age Between Us series. This is the story of Brian and Jane. Jane just got confronted by her husband saying that he is leaving her and pursuing a relationship with a women he worked with and now loves. Jane of course is shocked and surprised that he would leave her after 12 years of marriage.
Brian who will be 20 in 8 months has struggled to care for his family and really is older that his physical age through experience. Brian needing money for his little sister takes a 'job' that sets in motion a secret that may end up ruining something he didn't know he wanted.
I am usually not the old woman / younger man romance reader but this book makes me want to read more of them. Really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next installment in their story!

Old Enough is a taboo situation. The older woman being seduced by the younger man. It is naughty to think about but you have no idea!!!

He may be younger but he is very experienced. His control is admirable but it's his delectable fantasies that will make you wish you had a Brian. Naughty or nice, he is everything you need, want, and lust after.

It's so hard not to be jealous of Jane. Until you meet the other half of the drama in this book, you will want to shake the living daylights out of 2/3 the characters in this book. I guarantee it. And just as you are ready to battle your doubts....BAM!

It's over. Now we wait!!!!


Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood