USA Today Bestselling Author, Terri E. Laine, brings a new standalone, funny but sexy novel, Thirty-five and Single.
What can go wrong when you’re getting divorced from your high school sweetheart, it's your thirty-fifth birthday and you have too much to drink?
Throw in the gorgeous neighbor who comes to the rescue when you can't seem to open your apartment door after all the alcohol and end up taking a drunken slip and slid across the floor.
Then you look up into his gorgeous face and forget all the reasons why it’s a bad idea to hook-up with said twenty-something neighbor. In fact, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic idea.
Now let the games begin because this is Olivia's life: - interfering sisters, the ex, co-workers… and Joel, her way too sexy, too young, but oh so hot neighbor.
Wanting to explore single life, Olivia fights her growing connection with Joel. Only he’s is determined to prove to her that age is just a number and she’s is his number one.
Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age.
Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.
A sweet and sexy book, THIRTY-FIVE AND SINGLE tells the story of Joel and Olivia who are neighbours. This is an age-gap romance, with Olivia being the older woman, at 35. There is plenty of drama and laugh out loud moments too, with a whole bunch of characters to keep you entertained.
I picked this up thinking it was going to be a light and fluffy romantic comedy and wanting exactly that for a lazy Saturday arvo. And as I got further in I wasn't disappointed to discover it had as much drama and emotion as humour.
For such a short book I thought there was a little much going on. I had a moment where I was worried about where it was going but I was so invested in Olivia and everything she was going through I kept going. And I really loved the outcome. All the different aspects came together perfectly.
I would have liked to see Olivia's ex husband get hit by a bus but obviously Olivia is a better person than I am. And I am really hoping Joel's brothers are next up for books of their own.
*4,5-5 stars* I am really loving and enjoying stories where the woman is a bit older than the guy; think it's something refreshing to read. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two lead characters Olivia and Joel but also how Olivia was really trying to find her way through single life. Not to mention as I'm at the same age and I sometimes wonder whether true love really exists, it's also one of the reasons I've really loved reading books that can take you anywhere...
Olivia just got out of a broken marriage and didn't expect her life to turn out like it has. She's ready to take matters in her own hands and try to deal with everything the best she can. With her meddling sisters around to get her to go out and mingle, it's not easy but it may be exactly what she needs. Even though she and Joel are just neighbours, there's always been an attraction between them but Joel is younger than Olivia and she doesn't see past the age difference although he tries to make her see that age is just a number. When one night changes everything, it'll be harder for Olivia to keep those walls between them up but the past seems to be getting in the way. Will Joel find a way to make Olivia see how perfect they can be together?... Will they get a happy ending?...
When life flips a 180 on your plans and you have to start all over again life is scary! When you walk in on your high school sweetheart in bed with a woman who is not you, that messes your heart as well as your mind! And when your 20 something neighbour rocks your world that just blows everything out of the water!
This was the perfect sassy balance of sweet and flirty, a fabulous way to escape into a world of romance without boundaries and barriers. I always fall deeply for the amazing characters Terrie E Laine creates and Joel was definitely no different exactly the opposite of what you would expect but absolutely perfect for this story in every way!
Olivia never thought her thirty-fifth birthday would be spent getting drunk with her sisters, then going home and having the hottest sex of her life with her tatted up, MUCH younger neighbor, Joel. There are a ton of reasons why she shouldn't get involved with Joel, age gap just being one of them. But what if it really is OK for them to hook up? Can she? Should she...
Thirty-five and Single is just the kind of romance I love - sweet, fun and funny, witty, and sexy, with the added benefit of a solid, non-fluffy story. I love how Olivia finally realizes she is allowed to be in love with her younger neighbor, and I especially love just how sweet and loving Joel is. The sparks coming from them practically set my poor Kindle on fire. Whew, if all younger men are as hot as Joel, it's a wonder there aren't more older woman/younger man couples!
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
I loved this book. Maybe it’s because I absolutely loved Joel! Ut it was also the story and the fact that there is an age gap between the two main characters and that is one of my favorite troupes to read.
Olivia is a 35-year-old woman who had recently caught her husband cheating, left ad is trying to start her new life as a single woman. It’s not as easy as one would think. For one, when you have nee with the same man as long as she has, dating becomes completely foreign, as does finding an actual date. Her sexy and much younger new neighbor Joel has become a good friend to her it he past year. But he has made it no secret that he wants her and wants more than a friendship. One drunk night leads to a hot and sexy night with Joel. But when morning comes she knows that they could never be. She is too hung up on the age difference and everything that she cannot give him. But Joel is not about to give up. He is determined to show her just how much they belong together. Can Olivia open up to the idea of actually dating Joel?
I loved the two of them together and Joel was such a fantastic hero. He is not just a sexy tattoo artist, he is genuine, caring, sweet and he knows what he wants. Olivia I loved but at times became so frustrated with her. She has been through a rough time, and with her ex still lurking around, it isn’t easier on her. But I could tell and feel what her and Joel had, and I was rooting for them all the way.
There is drama and angst and moments where I was not sure where this story would go. There are a few twists in there that may surprise you and also make the story even more interesting. I loved watching the back and forth between Joel and Olivia. There are moments where the author makes you wait for what comes next. Reading Joel’s POV only for that chapter to end in a way that leaves you hanging just a bit, then moving on to Olivia and not knowing what happened next with Joel. Well played Ms. Laine!!! Kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. I adored the characters and loved the story. I am hoping that Joel’s siblings get their own story, or perhaps Olivia’s sisters as well.
I’ve read multiple books by Terri E Laine and enjoy the characters she creates and the stories she builds. I like that she gives her characters quirks and imperfections, making them more real and providing more depth to their character development.
Her latest novel, Thirty-Five and Single centers around Olivia and her coming to terms with being divorced and single at thirty-five. Feeling out of place in this crazy dating world and older, she struggles to navigate what her future may hold. With pressure from her sisters to finally “let her hair down” and explore her new-found freedom, Olivia finds herself drunk and face to face with the hot guy next door. Joel is 27. He’s hot. He’s fit. He’s tatted!!! I mean he’s the complete package…but too young for Olivia… or so she thinks. Since the day she moved next door, Joel has fought the pull of desire he has for Olivia.
When her girl’s night out turns to a romp in the sheets with Joel, Olivia finds herself wanting Joel more than ever but feeling like it can’t work because of their age gap. What she doesn’t know is that Joel isn’t going to give up easy and that he’ll prove that age is just a number!
A cute and fun read. Can easily be read in a matter of hours. The story is entertaining, and the characters are memorable. The chemistry between Joel and Olivia is scorching!
If you are looking for a good read, then you must give this book a try.
Olivia is 35, divorced from an ex-husband who cheated on her and she's now finding herself again as a single woman, of course, Olivia finds her friendly 27-year-old neighbor Joel who she fast became friends with very attractive but because he is younger she doesn't let her mind go there, the problem is her sisters are pushing her to enjoy the single life more and move on and Joel believes age is a number and he wants Olivia, in fact, he makes it his mission to change her mind.
Thirty-five and single is a hot, funny and flirty read with plenty going on in the mix, disastrous dates, hotness and an ex that won't let go. I enjoyed it all. I adored both characters, I laughed, swooned, the story was hot in all the right places, it was a perfectly balanced read with a beautiful hea.
Funny, short, and sweet, I couldn’t put this book down. Olivia’s a 35-year old going through a painful divorce. She’s attracted to her (hot AF, younger) next door neighbor but feels awkward about her attraction. After all, women who like younger men are creepy cougars, right? In pushing him away- to other women no less!- she discovers how much she really wants him.
The heroine’s running commentary and close friends were great. The hero was sweet and swoony. A lighter, thoroughly enjoyable read that’s perfect for summer.
Olivia never imagined that at 35 she would be divorced and single, and bring into the mix interfering sisters and a hot younger neighbor, Joel, and life is about to change. This is a beautifully written story which is humorous, witty, sweet, passionate, and sexy with tad angst, twist and complications along the way, and this is an intriguing page turner, which had me hooked throughout. I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Terri is a new author to me and I am glad I took the chance to read this because I devoured it in under 24 hours! I couldn't get enough. It had it all.
Forbidden, age gap, heat, sweetness, romance, twists and turns that I certainly didn't see coming. It wasn't a deep read but it wasn't light. It was somewhere in the middle, and it held enough of an emotional pull and a deeper feel to keep my attention.
Olivia is a recently divorced 35 years old, and her sisters are pushing her to have some fun, and find a new man and get her back in the game and after a drunken one night stand with the man next door Joel, who is only 27 years old. Who has been holding out for her, for over a year now, and when she became legally single, he knew it was his chance to win her over. Things start to change for her, at first she tries to push him away, and it's not something Joel expected her to do. But there is more going on for Joel, responsibilities, and though they don't seem right, he can't help but be responsible and help. Will Olivia see what's right in front of her? That Joel is the man for her? Or will it be too late?
I loved this. It was fun, it was swoony and it had all the feels and it held depth. It shows that age doesn't always matter and that love will always win out in the end. When I heard about this book, I wasn't expecting a story quite like this, but I am glad I read it. It's given me the itch to go and read more of Terri E. Laine's books.
Her writing style is pretty perfect and I read this with ease, and I can't wait to see what else she has that I know I will love!
I think that the only thing that I didn't like about this book, was the fact that it was simply too short. Apart from that it had it all - the drama, the tears, the laughter and the love and to top it off - it also had amazing and interesting characters whose chemistry was great and who made you feel that they belonged together.
Oh, well, the reader knows it loooong before Olivia realizes what really counts and that sometimes, age is really just a number. A character like Joel is mature beyond his age and his love for Olivia is strong enough to help him overcome all her barriers and doubts. I loved his honesty and the way he took care of those around him and, well, even though I could understand Olivia, I was also a bit upset that she didn't understand what really counts. When she had to face the ultimate betrayal, I got so mad....ugh. I was just happy that Joel was there for her no matter what happened.
The story was fast and some parts could have been more intense, more developed but the many twists and turns kept me on my toes and kept me glued to my reader, not allowing me to put it down till the very end. Not everything was unicorns and rainbows and despite the funny and spirited story, there were also serious undertones that kept it from getting too fluffy and sparkling. I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely read it again.
THIRTY-FIVE & SINGLE by TERRI. E. LAINE is just one of a few books I’ve read by this author. She’s really good at bringing the characters to life and in this case, highlighting the difference age makes. Or doesn’t according to Joel. Olivia is newly separated and just dipping her toe in the dating waters she missed out on from being with the same guy all her life. She’s kinda lusted after Joel in secret, but when she gets the chance to make her fantasies come to life she takes it. She might have been drunk, but she knew what she wanted. But, he’s so much younger than her and she’s not sure where they can go from that one hookup. Joel has other ideas and he’s not going to let her douche of a husband steal her away from him now that he’s had a taste. He’ll go all out to win. He’s younger, fitted and quite simply, the better man for the job. He just needs to convince Olivia to give him- and them a real chance. This was a hot and steamy read, grab your copy today.
I really enjoyed this book. I was in a book reading funk and needed a fun, feel good book to read. This one was just what I needed. Olivia left her cheating childhood sweetheart a year ago and moved next door to Joel, a sexy handsome younger man. They have become friends, eating and working out together. On her 35th birthday Olivia goes out with 2 of her sisters and gets smashed. Joel helps her into her apartment and they end up having a night of passion. She thinks she’s too old for him and insist on him finding someone his own age. He has been totally in love with her since he saw her. Now he has to convince her to give them a chance. There are interfering sisters, the cheating ex who won’t go away, bad dates from hell, a messed up family, a druggie ex girlfriend, nosy coworkers and lots of hot steamy scenes.
Olivia is pretty much starting over after her husband turning her life into a tailspin. She's finding that dating is quite the challenge. But, her hot neighbor and friend, Joel, is there during one of her girls night out with her sisters.
They give into their attraction and Joel is like FINALLY! But, she has an issue with their age gap, she's older and he's 27. She's divorced and in her eyes he's really young and deserves someone younger. This story was a pretty fun read. I've read a few of Ms. Laine's books and this was a little different than what she's written before. I really enjoyed the humor, Olivia's dates were quite funny, disastrous and leaves you thinking, NO WAY!
Age is just a number, Joel is wise beyond his years, and absolutely loves Olivia. Joel is super swoonworthy. Told in dual POVs, which I love.
I've read a few books by Terri E. Laine previously, so I was looking forward to Thirty-Five and Single. As a woman who is no longer in her twenties (haha!), I like when my characters are a little older. And knowing that Olivia was falling for a man who is eight years younger? Yes please!
I liked a lot about this book. I liked that it touched on an older woman/younger man. I liked that it really showed Olivia struggle with that decision to be with Joel. I liked how much Joel pursued Olivia.
One thing that bothered me was that, for such a short book, there were an awful lot of other events going on; I could see that the author is trying to set up more books for Joel's brothers perhaps, but it made the book feel really busy. That being said, I would like to read Joel's brothers' stories.
Olivia’s story is relatable. She is divorcing her high school sweetheart, her one and only. He cheated on her and now she’s ready to accept that’s she’s thirty-five and single. Thanks to lots of alcohol on the eve of her birthday, she slips in front of her sexy neighbor. Too bad he’s younger than she is, otherwise, she might take a chance with him.
Olivia faces lots of hurdles and obstacles as she tries to find her way to happiness, but Joel is right there with her, hoping she’ll give him a chance to help her and show her a whole new life.
Their epilogue left a huge smile on my face. Quick and easy read with some drama and lots of sexy times. I highly recommend Thirty-Five and Single.
O.M.G… This novel is sweet and romantic, twisted and complicated, passionate and hilarious… and everything in between….
Olivia and Joel’s story made me feel warm and fuzzy. Both characters feel very genuin and authentic in their train of thoughts and in their acting around each other though sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Olivia for feeling unworthy of everything good in her life… I loved the way Ms. Laine built up the tension throughout the plot. Once I started reading, it was almost impossible to put this book out of my hand. Hopefully there will be novels about Craig and Rhett, too…
I just don’t know where to start on this book. The synopsis was so extremely intriguing that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it & it didn’t disappoint at all! Olivia, the sweet girl has been hurt & that sexy, sweet Joel is the perfect guy to remind her of her worth. Joel, WOW, he is charming & the sweetest guy, in a bad boy package. The chemistry was so well written & the slow burn was perfect with all the circumstances surrounding this couple. The only negative I have is that I wasn’t ready for their story to end, I wanted more. Beautifully written & the perfect hea.
*Received book for my honest opinion from Give Me Books PR*
Honestly, this book was very raw to me. It was personal because I'm married to my high school sweetheart. Clearly, my story doesn't follow Olivia's story exactly as I am still married to my high school sweetheart. However, I could really imagine myself in her position. The heartache and betrayal she felt.
Joel was such a sweet character. Swoon-worthy! *hearts*
The only complaint I have about this book was that sometimes the scenario or story lines seemed to move to fast. Sometimes, it all didn't feel fleshed out. Overall, I still enjoyed the overall story very much.
Looking for a heartfelt, emotional, and steamy romance? Then you will get all that and more with Thirty-Five And Single by Terri E. Laine!
This story was EFFING AMAZING! So intense, with amazing feels and a slow, sensual romance that made me feel all swoony and melty inside. Olivia and Joel have just the BEST chemistry! With Olivia being a older woman and Joel being a younger man, this book had a slight forbidden feel to it that was quite compelling and just made me hot. I loved it so much!
Thirty-Five And Single gets a SENSUAL FIVE DELIGHTFUL STARS!
I have read a couple of books written by Terri E. Laine before, and she never disappoints. Her writing is amazing.Thirty-Five and Single is a great older woman/younger man story. Joel and Olivia's story is beautiful, sweet, sexy and fun. They are both great characters, and they share an undeniable and strong chemistry. I love Joel! Impossible to not fall for him! He is an artist, handsome, protective and supportive. The storyline is captivating and intriguing, filled with twists and turns. I love the ending. I enjoyed reading this story. Now, I'm looking forward for more books written by this author.
Omg this book will leave you not only wanting more but will totally make it super awesome to be thirty five and single.
Olivia is thirty five and newly single after she finds her high school sweetheart cheating on her. While she is heartbroken and mopping she has a hot neighbour Joel who is not only good looking, very single and younger.
The more Olivia tries to deny her feeling the more the universe brings them together. There is a lot of drama and emotions in this book.
Joel and Olivia will make you fall in love with them. Happy reading. Honest ARC review.
This is the first book I read from Terri E Laine. The storyline had a good build-up it was very entertaining and funny. The characters were literally like the people next door. They were quirky with flaws just like any real person. Their chemistry was evident since the beginning and it was hot!!! It contains some quite emotional scenes but mostly is a light book that can be read at once. My favorite parts were their intimate scenes and epilogue. I highly recommend it and I will rate it with 4.5 stars.
Olivia is 35 and divorced, so she's newly single and feeling like she should date. She ends up drunk at her sister's party and ends up spending a sexy night with her hot, younger neighbor Joel. Olivia can't get over the age gap and repeatedly pushes Joel away. Joel is not one to give up easily and wants to prove to Olivia that age is just a number. This is a sexy, steamy, funny read that I recommend.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
Cougar shaming is not allowed! (But if you do, I just had my claws sharpened!)
3.5 stars
This sexy, sweet story is just the happily ever after you were looking for. Thirty-five and Single is a second chance romance with a younger man. It's also chock full of family drama, bad dates, and self doubt.
I never want to be in her shoes but if it happens, I want a Joel of my own!