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19 Best Age Gap Romance Novels To Spice Up Your Bookshelf

Last Updated on November 12, 2023 by Louisa

When it comes to love, age is just a number. When it comes to love in books, age differences make for an exciting premise.

Typically, age-gap romance novels follow the love story of a young, adult couple who fall in love while their age difference is significant… duh.

But what you will also find is that these novels can be empowering to young adults who may feel shy or uncomfortable expressing their love for someone significantly older.

They can also offer a more realistic depiction of relationships than what is typically seen in popular media.

You’ll find that there are a few authors who dominate this genre, and there’s a reason for it, their novels about age differences are epic!

So, if you’re in a loving relationship but there is a significant age gap, then these romance novels with an age difference may help you feel more secure about your love.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links. 


What to Expect from Age Gap Romance Books?

Age gap romance books show the complexities of relationships between people of different ages.

Whether it’s a mature man with an innocent young woman or two people separated by decades, these stories take readers on a journey following characters who overcome obstacles together.

Age gap romances have become increasingly popular because of the unique perspectives that each character brings to the story.

Someone who has lived for 50 years will naturally have more knowledge and wisdom compared to someone in their 20s, and this vastly different life experience often helps create an engaging narrative as characters learn from each other and grow closer together.

As such, you can expect to read about themes of understanding and acceptance, as despite the age gap between them, many age gap romances depict characters loving each other deeply and fighting against judgment from others in order to be together.

But it’s not just about complex relationships, usually, these books are packed with plenty of excitement and combine elements of forbidden love, first-time experiences, and intense emotions all into one.

Overall, age gap romance books are filled with tender moments, captivating drama, and inspiring messages.


Best Age Gap Books with Older Women

If you’re looking for an age gap romance book with an older woman, then these are the best ones!

1. On the Island – Tracey Garvis Graves

On the Island - Tracey Garvis Graves

On the Island by Tracy Garvis is a romantic and emotional novel that will really play on your heartstrings.

This incredible story about an age gap romance follows the story of thirty-year-old English Teacher, Anna Emerson, who is offered a job tutoring TJ Callahan over the summer at his family’s holiday home in the Maldives.

Of course, if you’re offered the chance to live and work on a tropical island, you go, right?

Only disaster strikes when the pilot of their plane has a heart attack, crashing into the Pacific Ocean and leaving Anna and TJ marooned on a deserted island.

TJ is nearly seventeen-years-old and in remission from cancer. When they crash, he is just a boy, but after surviving on an island for weeks, months, and then years, Anna can start to see a boy turn into a man.

On the Island is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon.com bestselling novel, with film rights for this epic older woman love story already underway. Read the book before it becomes a film hit!

I love how this story doesn’t focus on romance but on the two characters forming a bond in an impossible situation. I love the survival elements and the coming-of-age elements of TJ.


2. Lessons in Corruption – Giana Darling

lessons in corruption

Giana Darling is a New York Times bestselling author who is famed for her work in the age difference romance novel genre.

Lessons in Corruption is a well-written, forbidden romance book about a Teacher and Student age gap love story.

It follows an off-the-wall, notorious, and slightly reckless eighteen-year-old King Kyle Garro, and his prim and proper Teacher Cressida.

Cressida was married from a young age to a boring lawyer. Now, at 26, she is looking for more excitement. When she meets King, there is an instant attraction. And it’s mutual.

The only problem is, that there’s an eight-year age gap. They know their unrequited love is taboo, but can they help it? Do they give in to it?

I loved the chemistry between the two characters, and truth be told, I’m not usually a huge fan of teacher student romances, but I didn’t find this one to be icky. It’s actually quite a sweet and clean romance book as the age difference is not too big.

It’s large enough to create a generational divide but not so large that it feels icky.

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3. All Grown Up – Vi Keeland

All Grown Up - Vi Keeland

I love Vi Keeland’s work so I had to include one of hers on this list. All Grown Up is a standalone romance novel about second chances that is a true testament to why Keeland is a bestselling author.

The tale follows Valentina, a thirty-eight-year-old woman looking for a second chance at love after she divorces her high school sweetheart for cheating on her with a younger woman.

The irony is, that she meets Ford Donovan on a dating site, and she knows he is too young for her, by eighteen years in fact, but the trouble is she can’t stay away.

Ford Donovan is twenty-five years old and wise beyond his years. He’s sweet, charming, and irresistible.

Not to mention wealthy and handsome. He’s completely smitten by Valentina and is not bothered by the age difference.

While Valentina struggles to comprehend her divorce and her new feelings for Ford, can they work it out and just be happy together?

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Valentina and Donovan. Valentina felt powerful and fierce, and I love a strong woman protagonist. She has Donovan wrapped around her pinky and it’s so erotic!


4. Happiness for Beginners – Katherine Center

Happiness for Beginners - Katherine Center

Another badass cougar who gets the boy toy is Helen Carpenter in Happiness for Beginners.

Newly divorced Helen is struggling to get her life back on track, so he younger brother Duncan decides to enroll her in a wilderness survival course in Wyoming.

Hoping it will be the adventure she needs, what it turns into is a disaster. There are blisters, blizzards, and annoying sorority girls, not to mention her brother’s best friend Jake who comes to distract her and…kiss her.

This sweet brother’s best friend romance novel is not just about age gaps. It highlights that even in the most difficult times, disaster can teach you more than you’ll ever know.

This novel talks about bravery, being hopeful, and learning to let go.

If you’re looking for a novel to read after a break up, then you might enjoy this book.


5. Never Again Lilliana Anderson

never again

If you’re looking for a relatable romance book about a woman who gets back at her cheating ex-husband by bagging a sexy young boy toy, then Never Again is your book!

Within a year of marrying the love of her life, Cora Knowles is filing for divorce. Her husband enjoyed philandering with another woman, and Cora has had enough.

Broken-hearted and insecure, her best friend, Olivia makes a plan to help Cora get over her husband by getting under someone else.

It was only meant to be a one-night stand, but it turns out that someone else, BrandonSharp, was the son of the Director of Prosecution—her new boss. And also, her new intern.

He’s also much younger than Cora’s comfortable with. However, the attraction is undeniable, and Cora struggles to not only come to terms with the age difference but the desire to open her heart again and fall in love.

One slip and it could mean her heart and her job.

I loved how relatable this book is. Cora is fierce and sexy, but she has obvious insecurities that any woman can relate to. The character development in this book was expertly done and I felt like I knew each one of them personally.

This incredible CEO romance book is one you won’t be able to put down.


6. Boy Toy Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby

boy toy

Boy Toy is a hilarious contemporary romance novel by comedy duo Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby.

Sadie is a 36-year-old single mother to twins and recently divorced after her husband cheated on her with the nanny.

She meets Liam, a 29-year-old child development carer working at the daycare center her twins attend.

Coincidentally, he also remembers Sadie from when she used to babysit him and he had a huge crush on her.

Despite the age difference, their love knows no bounds, and the sparks start flying. The only thing is, Sadie is scared he will go down the same path as her ex.

This standalone book is both comical and heartwarming. No wonder it’s a USA Today bestseller.

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7. Fatal Equation – Gethyn Jones

Fatal Equation - Gethyn Jones

If you love age gap forbidden romance books with action, suspense and lots of drama, then you’re going to love Fatal Equation by Gethyn Jones.

This book tells the story of a young man named Ali Kurmi, who grew up working for his father’s bailiff business but was exiled to the South Coast of England where he dreams of becoming a musician.

After playing a corporate event, he meets and is entranced by Laura O’Brien, a widow who has just inherited a fortune from her husband, and chose to move to the South East to start a new life.

The plot thickens when Ali’s father rejoins the scene, and Laura’s family are no less threatening, as her step-daughter is also hellbent on revenge and retribution.

What sets Fatal Equation apart from other age gap romance novels is its fast-paced action, unique plot, and its well-developed characters. The protagonists are a strong and intelligent woman and a man with a strong moral compass.

The villains are equally well-drawn, with each member of the family having their own unique motivations and personalities.

Overall, if you enjoy romance novels with intense action, likable characters, a romance that will have you swooning, and a twisty plot, then Fatal Equation is the perfect book for you.

Gethyn Jones has crafted an exciting and engaging romance novel that is sure to leave you wanting more. And if you do want more, head over to Gethyn’s website to check out the accompanying EP.

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Best Age Gap Books with Older Men

Most romance books about age gaps tend to have an older man and a younger woman, usually a boss or dad’s best friend.

If you’re looking for a romance novel about age gaps with an older man, these are the best ones.

8. Birthday Girl – Penelope Douglas

All Grown Up - Vi Keeland

Birthday Girl is an age gap erotica novel with Fifty Shades of Gray vibes – it will certainly get your heart rate racing!

It follows the story of two young teenage lovers, Jordan and Cole who are trying to make positive changes as a couple.

Forced to leave their home, their only choice was to move in with Cole’s slightly estranged father, Pike. Only, Jordan and Pike can’t seem to help but notice one another.

Jordan is nineteen and Pike is thirty-eight, not to mention her boyfriend’s dad.

Everything about this is taboo. But the attraction is intense, and soon, they just can’t stay away…

This book is raw, gritty, and satisfying. If you’re looking for something sizzling that is also genuine and sweet, this is a good option.

If you’re not sure this book is right for you, there is a movie adaptation that came out in 2001 which closely follows the plot, though the book has more depth to it.


9. Sweet Temptation – Cora Reilly

For those who enjoy arranged marriage, dark mafia romance books, Sweet Temptation is for you.

Giulia is an 18-year-old virgin. Cassio is a 32-year-old mafia boss and widower of 2 small children. Cassio has no wife and was forced to marry Giulia.

Giulia is a sweet, innocent, and caring young girl, but she has a backbone. Cassio is over-possessive, distrustful, a loving father, and because of his job, a killer.

This is the story of an unlikely relationship,  where the two characters learn to form trust and a bond.

Yes, there are some scenes of mafia violence, but this novel is more about the romance forming between two people who are coming to terms with their arrangement.

If you like billionaire romance novels with a bit of action and lots of tender romance, then this book is for you.


10. Welcome to the Dark Side – Giana Darling

welcome to the dark side by giana darling

Another epic book by Giana Darling is Welcome to the Dark Side. It is a story of forbidden age gap romance, full of gritty action scenes and a profound, developing love story. 

It’s a romance book that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion, from breathlessly feeling in love to emotionally in tears. 

Zeus is a ruthless, untamed, and slightly dangerous, but loyal man who anyone would find attractive. He’s also a bit possessive and loves our heroine, Lou. Zeus is nearing 40 and Lou is just 17.

Being a bad boy romance novel, there are some scenes of violence, but the love story is the focal point.

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11. Kulti – Mariana Zapata

kulti

Kulti is a hot and slow-burning romance novel with an age gap that is truly captivating and enriching. It has themes of a grumpy sunshine and elements of sports romance, but doesn’t focus on the sport.

It tells the story of a German International Footballer, Reiner Kulti, and someone that Salome (Sal) Casillas has admired from a young age.

When he becomes the new assistant coach of her soccer team she is elated.

Kulti is moody and has an unlikeable bad attitude. You know he’s battling demons but only Sal is ready to put up with it.

As they begin ‘getting-to-know-each-other’ in secret, the chemistry is magnetic and the sexual tension unbearable.

Sal is a strong heroine who stands up for herself and follows her passion, and Kulti supports her as she chases those dreams.

Sure, they have a 12 year age gap, but the attraction is real. Kulti has a kind of protective alpha thing about him that is irresistible.

The love described between Sal and Kulti is more friendship burning into something more. I was kind of sad that this is just a standalone book as I felt there could be more to this story.

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12. Torn – Carian Cole

torn

Torn is the ultimate taboo age gap story about an eighteen-year-old girl called Kenzi who has been in love with her best friend’s dad since the age of five (a little creepy).

However, she doesn’t act on it until she’s older. He’s fifteen years older than her and struggling to come to terms with her feelings.

Toren Grace is loving and kind and takes good care of Kenzi. He has a good moral compass and only wants to do what’s right.

When Kenzi and Toren’s relationship is found out by her father, her father is concerned about the age gap.

No one wants to hurt each other, but this taboo relationship is tearing everyone apart.

How can you make everyone who thinks this is wrong, understand that it is right?

This angst romance novel has your anxiety through the roof! Falling for your best friend’s dad is the ultimate taboo and this novel highlights what age gap romances are all about.

It has two people who should not fall for each other but do, despite the prejudice they face from their friends and family. If you’re looking for something that breaks down barriers, this one is it.


Erotica Age Gap Romance Novels

Okay, let’s not beat around the bush. If you’re looking for some really sultry, sexy, and steamy age difference erotica novels then these will have you hot under the collar.

13. Hush Hush – Lucia Franco

hush hush by lucia franco

Lucia Franco has an extraordinary ability to make taboo topics feel normal, sensual, and even desirable. If you love forbidden romance, you’ll want to take stock of her books.

Hush Hush is one of my favorites by Franco. It’s a standalone novel about 21-year-old Aubrey, a college student who juggles multiple jobs to pay for her education.

Despite receiving a full scholarship to Manhattan University she needs money to take her off her grandmother who was her sole caregiver since the age of 7.

When her roommate sets her up with a job at Sanctuary Cove, an exclusive club where Aubrey is tasked with satisfying ‘clients’ with fetishes.

She goes by the name Valentina and that is where she meets sexy silver-haired James who is smitten by her.

James is in a marriage of convenience without love, only held together by their child.

His wife allows him to visit Sanctuary Cove because she doesn’t enjoy his needs, but as long as he keeps his behavior private.

When he finds his desires are met by Aubrey/Valentina, she refuses to become ‘exclusive’ with him for fear of losing her job and financial security.

The age difference is not the only taboo here, but the relationship budding through the sex work job that Aubrey has. Not only is the story captivating and romantic, but Hush Hush is also extremely erotic and is probably the most spicey marriage of convenience book on my list.


14. His Father – A. E. Murphy

his father

His Father is an age gap love story and single parent romance of a budding relationship between one woman and her boyfriend’s dad.

It begins when Tempest meets Maddox while volunteering in other countries.

They immediately become best friends, but there are clearly some feelings from Maddox that are not quite reciprocated.

After volunteering, Maddox invites Tempest to stay with him at his dad’s until her visa expires.

Maddox’s dad is Sargent Wolf, a wealthy man who went through a horrible divorce from Maddox’s mom due to her drug addiction.

Now, he refuses to love or live with another woman again.

Sargent is bitter about having Tempest in his house and just wants to spend time with his son.

Sargent and Tempest become very attracted to each other and try to hide it from Maddox. Does Maddox ever find out what his father and his best friend/crush are up to?

The storyline is not anything new, but it has been done brilliantly. It’s another excellent example of how love can be complicated, but the chemistry between Maddox and Sargent is undeniable.

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Paranormal and Fantasy Age Gap Romance Books

If you loveeee fantasy novels about age gaps then you’re going to love these paranormal books. Think vampires, werewolves, and mystical beings galore.

15. Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night – Kresley Cole

wicked deeds on a winters night

Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night is a seductive paranormal series by Kresley Cole about a brutal werewolf named Bowen MacRieve and a young witch called Mariketa, with a fierce vendetta between them.

Bowen’s family has a long-standing history with witches, deeming them their enemies, but when a smoldering encounter with Mariketa ignites his deepest desires, he finds himself unable to resist.

After Mari is temporarily stripped of her powers, she takes refuge with Bowen and a passion starts to burn between them. They should be enemies, so a future together is impossible.

On top of that, the pair must fight to defeat the evil around them. Can the two work together to stop evil? And can their love endure?

I love how fast-paced this book is – there wasn’t a moment when it slowed down the pace. The characters were strong and had plenty of depth, and the dialogue made the whole book seem real despite it being a fantasy.

I will definitely be rereading this werewolf romance book on a winter’s night!


16. Kiss of Snow – Nalini Singh

kiss of snow

From the New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh, Kiss Of Snow is a captivating world of shapeshifters, psychics, and werewolves.

It’s the 10th book in the Psy-Changeling series, but all books are written as standalone novels and don’t have any cliffhangers.

Alpha wolf, Hawke, is used to getting exactly what he wants. Since Sienna Lauren joined the pack, she has been his one weakness. As the Alpha he is dangerous and he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to being a lone wolf and lost the woman who would’ve been his mate many years ago.

He tells himself that Sienna is too young to handle him. But Sienna says otherwise.

But while they battle their storms of emotions with each other, they must also prepare for another fight.

A deadly enemy is out to destroy their pack and everything they hold dear.

This is a well-developed urban fantasy shapeshifter romance book with an imaginative plot that is both complex and yet easy to get lost in. I love how the romance in this book was second to the action, which is usually how I like my romances.


17. Lover Awakened – J.R. Ward

lover awakened

If you’re looking for a dark fantasy book with delicious and steamy scenes, then this is the book for you.

Lover Awakened is a novel by New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward. It tells the story of a former blood slave, Zsadist who finds his happily ever after despite being a broken man.

Zsadist still bears the scars from a traumatic past. He’s known for his fury and sinister actions. He’s a savage not only feared by humans but vampires too.

He knows only anger and terror — until he rescues a beautiful woman from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by Zsadist’s power and the two become attracted to each other. 

As their desire for each other blossoms, so too does Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against her abductor. 

Bella must help him overcome his tortured past and also move on to find a future with her.

If you love a hero who is damaged and just needs to be saved, then you’re going to swoon over Lover Awakened.


18. A Hunger Like No Other – Kresley Cole

A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole

Another great romance novel with an age difference by Kresley Cole is A Hunger Like No Other.

Similar to Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night, this novel also tells a tale of an unlikely paranormal pair finding soul mates whilst defeating the evil forces that repel them.

A fierce vampire, Lachlain MacRieve, is the leader of the Kykae Clan and he’s waited for almost a millennium for his mate.

When a bewitching half vampire half Valkyrie, Emmaline Troy, comes walking into his life.

Emmaline is on a journey to uncover the truth about her parent’s death, only her powerful mate forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle.

Eventually, an ancient evil resurfaces and the pair need to work to keep their love alive, turning Lachlain’s fury into passion, while Emmaline becomes the fighter she was born to be.

I enjoyed this book for its historical accuracy as well as the sizzling fantasy romance elements. It was well written with diverse characters and shows why Kresley Cole is an award-winning and best-selling author in the paranormal romance genre.

This is one vampire romance book you won’t be able to put down!


19. House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City Series) – Sarah J. Maas

house of earth and blood by sarah j maas

I’m a huge fan of Sarah J. Maas so I had to include one of hers on this list.

House of Earth and Blood is the first in the Cresent City series by Sarah J. Maas, and follows the story of a half-Fae and half-human woman named Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge and romance in a contemporary fantasy world.

Bryce had a perfect life until a demon murdered her closest friends. When the accused and put behind bars, the crimes start up again and Bryce is at the heart of the investigation.

Bound on avenging their deaths, she finds Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel who has been enslaved by the Archangels.

His skills and strength are well-known, and when Bryce offers him an ultimatum – find the murderer and I’ll get you your freedom.

As Hunt and Bryce journey on this quest to find a demon, they also have to battle their blazing passion for one another.

Although I personally loved her A Court of Thorns and Roses series more, I felt that House of Earth and Blood had a lot of promise.

It has a lot of twists and turns and the story is fast-paced. It doesn’t lean into the age gap romance as much as the other books on this list, it’s kind of secondary to the story, but for those who enjoy adventure fantasies as well as romance, you’ll enjoy this read.


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Final Thoughts on Age Gap Romance Books

So there you have it, the best age gap romance books for lovers of female leads, male leads, erotica, and fantasy.

I have tried to include a lot of diversity on this list, so I hope you manage to find something to your taste here.

Of course, there are so many books that I haven’t included on my list. Do you have an absolute favorite? Let me know in the comments.

Headshot of Louisa

About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here.

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