Loved it! A Bridget Jones for the more mature woman! And no, not for those in their 40s… for those in their 60s!

It’s brilliant to see characters like this—finally, women of this age aren’t invisible. They know what they want, they’re beautiful, wise, and still open to new experiences.

The book is really well-structured, following the protagonist’s year filled with adventures—dating (with very mixed results!), messy yet meaningful family relationships, lifelong friendships, and unexpected new connections that add richness to life.

Funny, charming, and wonderfully insightful—a heartwarming reminder that age really is just a number!

Sophia is sixty, single, and sad. She is recovering from a messy relationship break-up that the reader soon realises involved more than one betrayal. This emotional love story explores complex familial and friend relationships. Sophia's dating quest provides an enticing mix of humour tinged with sadness. It's an easy, entertaining read with believably vibrant characters and scenarios. I like the immersive writing style that draws you into Sophia's emotional journey.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I wanted to like this so bad but I couldn’t get past the first few pages. Maybe it’s because I don’t relate (yet). But the character was really annoying.

I really enjoyed this book. It was nice reading a romance book that focused on more mature adults. Age is just a number, just because you are older doesn't mean you have to stop living your life or looking for more. Having a sex life isn't just for the young and I love how this novel highlights that through the fur and charismatic Sophia.

I must admit that I struggled with this book. The main character is Sophia, a sixty year old struggling after her relationship finished. She decides to have a date every week for a year with the aim of having fun, rather than a relationship. Cue a series of sexy escapades, although these weren't too explicit for me I couldn't see myself doing the same. It does show how failure of any relationship can damage you, and, for me at least, it's missing the close companionship more than anything else. Although this book wasn't for me I'm sure many more will enjoy it.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Sophia's going a date a day for a year, sounds fun? We will see - it's written diary styles which I know people either love or hate (i don't mind it ) there is a twist she's 60- most books don't have 6p year old being real live sexual beings so that was enjoyable and we meet a fun cast of characters with her friends and their stories within the diary- the book was good I liked it


Thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review

I was excited to read a romantic comedy featuring a mid-life protagonist. Older female main characters, especially those over 50, are difficult to come by in the romance genre and, as a woman in mid-life herself, I always try to pick those books up when I see them.

Unfortunately, Aged to Perfection did not work for me. We follow a year in the dating life of Sophie, a 60 year-old successful designer, who is ready for fun after being badly hurt in her previously relationships. Except she's not, not really. Any hopes I had of an empowering, mid-life, sex positive story quickly went out the window. Sophie is riddled with anxiety, low self-esteem, and a number of other personality traits that make her feel more like a character in her twenties. At no point did I feel connected to her or her story. The book is written in a diary format which hindered the depth of storytelling and emotional connection to the character even further. I never felt Sophia's growth as a character either. Even worse, undercurrents of fatphobia throughout the book and a racist portrayal of her Filipino housekeeper pushed this story firmly into "would never recommend" territory.

Readers looking for an empowering story of a women in mid-life who knows herself and is ready to take on the dating world should look elsewhere. Only lovers of very, very flawed characters floundering through life might be satisfied with this story. Unfortunately, Aged to Perfection was less sexy or funny and more cringey for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy. Aged to Perfection releases February 7, 2025.

I wanted to love this, I’m 53 so hoped I could relate to the fmc but I found the descriptive elements of the storyline too much. I just felt too much and I’m open minded and love a good spicy book, this just didn’t feel relatable at all.

I love the idea of a lead female character being an older woman, who is not just the mother/grandmother character.
A book about a flesh and blood woman exploring life, herself and her sexuality over the course of a year. This is a fabulous book.
Do yourself a favour and read it.

I really liked the idea of an older woman romance. However, i just didn't gel with Sophia as the main character.
I liked how it was written in the daily diary type format. That was a really good way to set out her tales of her year of dating exploits. It's a format that I think works really well in this genre.
There were some really tough themes for the side characters, including cancer and cheating. They didn't add masses to the story of Sophia and could have been left out without much detriment to her. I did appreciate how the author showed that Grace's mental health was impacted after her treatment, though. I thought the side characters were really good and much more relatable than Sophia to me.
It felt like quite a long read, though it is not a hugely long story. I did have a cold when reading it, though, so perhaps it was just me!
The writing is done well, and most of the characters are interesting, so i would pick up more by this author.

Aged to Perfection
by Niloufar Lamakan

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Women's fiction

I loved the sound of this, romance isn't just the province of the young, and Sophia sounded such fun.
Its a decent story, well told and interesting but...I just couldn't really engage with the characters. I found Sophia a bit shallow, and her friends were a strange bunch. Mind, so are mine but I like to think they are there for me when I need them. I didn't feel that with Sophia and her gang though. I ended up skim reading just to see the end.
Its not a book for me, its personal choice, we all want different things and this is perfect for many readers. I didn't dislike it, I just didn't find it held my attention, didn't let me get “lost” in the story.

Stars: Three, a great read for others but just an OK read for me :-(

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

DNFing at 15%. I was excited to read a FMC of a mature age navigating the chaos of the dating scene. I was intrigued by the diary entry format. It made it easy to get right into Sophia's headspace. However, her Sex and the City privileged and wealthy problems are not a story I feel compelled to spend more time with. Also, the author made a deliberate choice in portraying Sophia's housekeeper as a racist caricature. Will not recommend.

Niloufar Lamakan’s Aged to Perfection is a refreshing, witty, and thoroughly entertaining diary-style novel that follows Sophia, a woman in her sixties, as she embarks on an ambitious journey: a date a day for a year.

With humour, heart, and plenty of misadventures, this book challenges stereotypes about ageing and showcases the vibrancy and excitement that can still be found in later life.

Sophia’s voice is warm and engaging, making readers feel as though they’re catching up with an old friend.

Her candid reflections on the dating world, complete with hilarious nicknames for her suitors such as the unforgettable “Cement Man” bring levity and charm to the story.

The diary format works perfectly, offering an intimate glimpse into Sophia’s thoughts, emotions, and evolving perspective on love, life, and herself.

The novel shines in its celebration of life beyond middle age.

Sophia’s adventures prove that there’s no expiry date on seeking romance, having a fulfilling sex life, or chasing new experiences.

Her friendships and the fun she shares with those around her add depth to the story, showing the importance of companionship and laughter at any stage of life.

With laugh-out-loud moments and an uplifting message, Aged to Perfection is a brilliant reminder that age is just a number, and there’s no limit to living life to the fullest.

If you're a fan of Bridget Jones but in a 2024 world you will enjoy this!

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this story, it was fun and full of enjoyment as well as having a serious undertone throughout.

a perfectly mid read - i enjoyed it as a palate cleanser after a heavy hitting fantasy and it was EXACTLY what I needed, but canot say i would og back for a re-read.

I really enjoyed this as a romantic comedy novel, it was realistic and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The characters worked well in what was happening and thought the overall feel worked with what was going on. It was a strong romance going on and enjoyed that it worked. Niloufar Lamakan has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

*4.5

Love it! I was immediately captured by the pitch (woman in her 60 and her romantic and sexual life) and I don’t regretted it. The book is funny, but also intense, then themes are well written like the characters.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is written like a diary of Sophia, who is in her sixties, who has decided to embark on a date a day for a year. This did have some laugh out loud moments and I loved the way she gave names to some of the men she met like Cement Man. Sophia shows that a sex life and adventure can still be found in later life and that it’s not slippers and knitting just because you reach a certain age. Friendships and fun made this a brilliant read. Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book with reviews all my own.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

This was a fun read! Though it didn’t all the way work for me.

I LOVED our FMC. Sophia is sixty and sexy and fun! We follow her through a year of dating as she navigates single-dom after betrayal (and some mild infidelity paranoia!). She is so fun and funny.

I think what didn’t work for me was the formatting. It’s written in diary style entries following the year and I felt like that prohibited us from really understanding the side characters that are crucial to her story. BUT! I think if I’d listened on audio I would think differently. I think this will lend itself quite nicely to an audiobook.

I love a mature lead character, especially when they push back on what’s expected of characters and people of a certain age.

Thirty, flirty and thriving? Try sixty, sexy and soaring!!