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Birthday Girl
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2018)JORDAN
He took me in when I had nowhere else to go. He doesn’t use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He listens to me, protects me, and sees me. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table, and my heart pumps so hard when I hear him pull in the driveway after work.
I have to stop this. It can’t happen.
My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find one, he’s probably unavailable. Only Pike Lawson isn’t the unavailable one.
I am.
PIKE
I took her in, because I thought I was helping. As the days go by, though, it’s becoming anything but easy. I have to stop my mind from drifting to her and stop holding my breath every time I bump into her in the house. I can’t touch her, and I shouldn’t want to.
But we’re not free to give into this. She’s nineteen, and I’m thirty-eight.
And her boyfriend’s father.
Unfortunately, they both just moved into my house.
He took me in when I had nowhere else to go. He doesn’t use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He listens to me, protects me, and sees me. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table, and my heart pumps so hard when I hear him pull in the driveway after work.
I have to stop this. It can’t happen.
My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find one, he’s probably unavailable. Only Pike Lawson isn’t the unavailable one.
I am.
PIKE
I took her in, because I thought I was helping. As the days go by, though, it’s becoming anything but easy. I have to stop my mind from drifting to her and stop holding my breath every time I bump into her in the house. I can’t touch her, and I shouldn’t want to.
But we’re not free to give into this. She’s nineteen, and I’m thirty-eight.
And her boyfriend’s father.
Unfortunately, they both just moved into my house.
349 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2018
30488 people are currently reading
317014 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Douglas
52 books107k followersPenelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Their books have been translated into more than twenty languages and include The Fall Away Series, The Devil’s Night Series, and the stand-alones, Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, Credence, Tryst Six Venom, and Five Brothers. Please look for The Hellbent Series, coming next.
They live in New England with their husband and daughter.
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They live in New England with their husband and daughter.
Would you like to join the reader group? ---> https://www.facebook.com/groups/16198...
Looking for News?
Text DOUGLAS to 603-519-3800 to be alerted when new releases are live!
Website: www.penelopedouglasauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeDoug...
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PenDouglas
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/penelopedoug...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1A8hUBX
Instagram: www.instagram.com/penelope.douglas
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39,454 reviews
August 17, 2024
4/5 ★’s
⁀➷ god, she’s so beautiful it hurts. my lungs ache for air as desire rips through me.
i ache for this man. yk…yeah.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
dear cole lawson,
i want your daddy too🧎🏻♀️
xoxo💋
-your new step mother
please forgive me for taking over a month to write this review😭😭i don’t know what’s gotten into me…unfortunately not pike lawson, ugh. ANYWAYS, this review is gonna be a short one😙
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥ 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈:
i was not expecting to enjoy this as much as i did. taboo romance books are a guilty pleasure of mine…so this book is definitely not for everyone and that’s okay! this was so good tho. i loved how i could feel the chemistry between the two mc’s right away. the TENSION? the sexual tension guys i could not handle it. the build up was so good and usually i hate third act conflicts because i feel that they’re unnecessary, but it was necessary in this book and written really well! can i just say that it blows my mind that this book was written by the same person who wrote punk 57 and credence?okay i actually enjoyed credence, please don’t come for me in the comments🫣but punk 57 was AWFUL. so if you’re looking for a swoon worthy romance written by penelope…this is the one for you bestie. only if you don’t mind the plot.
❥ 𝓅𝓁𝑜𝓉:
the fmc basically said i’m old enough to date you or your daddy. i respect it🙏🏼his son fucks you over so you fuck his dad, slay queen. she’s 19 and he’s 38…just to warn those who aren’t fans of age gaps.
also, just a little psa: i don’t romanticize relationships like these in real life, but i’m never one to judge. at the end of the day, if they’re of age…it’s their choice. i feel it unnecessary that i even have to say this, but i’ve had a lot of people attack me for reading and enjoying certain books🥺so let’s just keep this a judgment free and safe space!<3
❥ 𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔:
i think this was the best written book i’ve read by penelope douglas. the smut? bye i was BLUSHINGGG.
"oh, fuck, fuck..." she cries. "pike..."
"i know, baby." you feel so good.
LIKEEEEE🦋🦋🦋when a man tells you that you feel good when he’s inside you…i stg it’s one of the sexiest things a man could say. argue with a wall bestie.
but yeah, the writing kept me hooked and i thoroughly enjoyed it! the chapters were long at times but it pretty much went unnoticed because i was fully invested in what i was reading😌
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥ 𝓅𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓌𝓈𝑜𝓃:
⁀➷ ❝time passes you by like a bullet and fear gives you the excuses you're craving to not do the things you know you should. don't doubt yourself, don't second-guess, don't let fear hold you back, and don't base your decisions on how happy it will make others. just go for it, okay?❞
favorite dilf🥵when i tell y’all i fell in love with this man on PAGE 14…yeah. he was such a perfect man🥹well, most fictional men are. the amount of butterflies he gave me throughout this entire book. his pov’s were EVERYTHING. the only time i’ll ever care about a man’s thoughts or what a man to say😍
⁀➷ ❝you gave people a chance, and they abused it. that's their fault, not yours.❞ he tips my chin up so my eyes meet his. ❝don't think it has anything to do with who you are. and don't let anyone make you afraid of yourself. you're incredible.❞
this is so hot to me. idc. it’s the little things this man did that made me need to press my legs together…just saying. and he was protective? we love that🧎🏻♀️
❥ 𝒿𝑜𝓇𝒹𝒶𝓃 𝒽𝒶𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓎:
⁀➷ it's always the same wish. every candle. every time. i want a life i never want to take a vacation from. that's my goal.
i love and adore jordan sm🥺after everything she’s been through, she deserves the kind of life daddy pike can give her🤭and i’m over here cheering her on. but move over babe, and pls share.
⁀➷ ❝nowadays, we don't hold a woman responsible for a man's behavior.❞
jordan has this “i don’t take shit from any man” attitude and that’s so me. i loved this about her so much hehe.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥ 𝒻𝒶𝓋𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓆𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈:
➛ my body warms, remembering that. the sight of her walking naked to the kitchen one night, and how i wouldn’t let her get a midnight snack until i got mine. she was so beautiful. PLEASE😫imagine being pike’s midnight snack…
➛ he makes me laugh, and when i’m with him, i’m home.
➛ he took it upon himself to put his hands on her. he’ll never even set his fucking eyes on her again if i have anything to say about it. mmm😋
➛ ❝did he touch you?❞ a jealous man will bring me down to my knees in an instant🥵
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥02/28/24
𝓅𝓇𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
excuse me while i just go serve myself on a silver platter to my baby daddy, pike lawson🫦
rtc hopefully soon!! i have another one to write before this for daisy haites: the great undoing. i’m in such a bad review slump🥲
❥ 02/18/24
let’s just call this: me, spiraling. i’m spiraling. so, penelope, here i am. happy birthday to me🤸🏻♀️it’s not my birthday. i heard pike lawson is daddy…literally!😀
⁀➷ god, she’s so beautiful it hurts. my lungs ache for air as desire rips through me.
i ache for this man. yk…yeah.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
dear cole lawson,
i want your daddy too🧎🏻♀️
xoxo💋
-your new step mother
please forgive me for taking over a month to write this review😭😭i don’t know what’s gotten into me…
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥ 𝓂𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈:
i was not expecting to enjoy this as much as i did. taboo romance books are a guilty pleasure of mine…so this book is definitely not for everyone and that’s okay! this was so good tho. i loved how i could feel the chemistry between the two mc’s right away. the TENSION? the sexual tension guys i could not handle it. the build up was so good and usually i hate third act conflicts because i feel that they’re unnecessary, but it was necessary in this book and written really well! can i just say that it blows my mind that this book was written by the same person who wrote punk 57 and credence?
❥ 𝓅𝓁𝑜𝓉:
the fmc basically said i’m old enough to date you or your daddy. i respect it🙏🏼his son fucks you over so you fuck his dad, slay queen. she’s 19 and he’s 38…just to warn those who aren’t fans of age gaps.
also, just a little psa: i don’t romanticize relationships like these in real life, but i’m never one to judge. at the end of the day, if they’re of age…it’s their choice. i feel it unnecessary that i even have to say this, but i’ve had a lot of people attack me for reading and enjoying certain books🥺so let’s just keep this a judgment free and safe space!<3
❥ 𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔:
i think this was the best written book i’ve read by penelope douglas. the smut? bye i was BLUSHINGGG.
"oh, fuck, fuck..." she cries. "pike..."
"i know, baby." you feel so good.
LIKEEEEE🦋🦋🦋when a man tells you that you feel good when he’s inside you…i stg it’s one of the sexiest things a man could say. argue with a wall bestie.
but yeah, the writing kept me hooked and i thoroughly enjoyed it! the chapters were long at times but it pretty much went unnoticed because i was fully invested in what i was reading😌
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥ 𝓅𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓁𝒶𝓌𝓈𝑜𝓃:
⁀➷ ❝time passes you by like a bullet and fear gives you the excuses you're craving to not do the things you know you should. don't doubt yourself, don't second-guess, don't let fear hold you back, and don't base your decisions on how happy it will make others. just go for it, okay?❞
favorite dilf🥵when i tell y’all i fell in love with this man on PAGE 14…yeah. he was such a perfect man🥹well, most fictional men are. the amount of butterflies he gave me throughout this entire book. his pov’s were EVERYTHING. the only time i’ll ever care about a man’s thoughts or what a man to say😍
⁀➷ ❝you gave people a chance, and they abused it. that's their fault, not yours.❞ he tips my chin up so my eyes meet his. ❝don't think it has anything to do with who you are. and don't let anyone make you afraid of yourself. you're incredible.❞
this is so hot to me. idc. it’s the little things this man did that made me need to press my legs together…just saying. and he was protective? we love that🧎🏻♀️
❥ 𝒿𝑜𝓇𝒹𝒶𝓃 𝒽𝒶𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓎:
⁀➷ it's always the same wish. every candle. every time. i want a life i never want to take a vacation from. that's my goal.
i love and adore jordan sm🥺after everything she’s been through, she deserves the kind of life daddy pike can give her🤭and i’m over here cheering her on. but move over babe, and pls share.
⁀➷ ❝nowadays, we don't hold a woman responsible for a man's behavior.❞
jordan has this “i don’t take shit from any man” attitude and that’s so me. i loved this about her so much hehe.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥ 𝒻𝒶𝓋𝑜𝓇𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓆𝓊𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈:
➛ my body warms, remembering that. the sight of her walking naked to the kitchen one night, and how i wouldn’t let her get a midnight snack until i got mine. she was so beautiful. PLEASE😫imagine being pike’s midnight snack…
➛ he makes me laugh, and when i’m with him, i’m home.
➛ he took it upon himself to put his hands on her. he’ll never even set his fucking eyes on her again if i have anything to say about it. mmm😋
➛ ❝did he touch you?❞ a jealous man will bring me down to my knees in an instant🥵
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
❥02/28/24
𝓅𝓇𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
excuse me while i just go serve myself on a silver platter to my baby daddy, pike lawson🫦
rtc hopefully soon!! i have another one to write before this for daisy haites: the great undoing. i’m in such a bad review slump🥲
❥ 02/18/24
let’s just call this: me, spiraling. i’m spiraling. so, penelope, here i am. happy birthday to me🤸🏻♀️
June 12, 2019
I've been putting off this review because quite a few of my friends on here love this! Apologies to those of you who did love this, please don't be offended, different tastes and all that.....
I didn't really like this one that much...not necessarily because of the age gap; my parents have almost 9 years between them, but because of the maturity of the characters, and their suitability for each other. I just didn't find it a believable relationship.
I didn't like Jordan. She was meant to be portrayed as this mature and somewhat perfect girl, but she actually did act her age of 19, and sometimes younger. I found her whiny and annoying, with her tantrums and strops! It was meant to be written that she was mature because of the things she had been through, but it didn't really work. She was an immature girl, who had been through some stuff.
I didn't like the power imbalance here. Jordan was staying rent free in Pike's house. It made me feel uncomfortable, and a bit like he took advantage of her.
Mainly though, I hated the way that they interacted with each other. Pike frequently spoke to Jordan as if she was his teenaged daughter! I got whiplash from going between scenes where he would first lust after her, to then reprimanding her! So creepy.
I guess the sex scenes were hot, except for the loofah scene! I mean I don't know what loofah's you use in the states, but here they are really rough and that shit would chafe! Ouch! Oh and the desk corner scene?!! WTAF?!
I kind of thought it would have more of a love triangle, but Cole was written as a 2D douche, and rarely spent time with Jordan in the book, so it didn't really work like that. I would have personally liked to see Jordan and Cole have some interaction on page after it all came out.
As much, as Jordan annoyed me, she had so far had a shit life, and had been treated like dirt by all of the men in her life, including Pike a few times. I personally think that girl should spend some time on her education, making friends, and to well grow up a little bit, like most 19 year olds.
Final thoughts....this book was too long, it dragged, I didn't connect with either of the characters, and I probably wont remember this book in a few days. I was bored reading this and only finished it because of the many people who loved it.
I'M SORRY! PLEASE DON'T UNFRIEND ME!!!!
I didn't really like this one that much...not necessarily because of the age gap; my parents have almost 9 years between them, but because of the maturity of the characters, and their suitability for each other. I just didn't find it a believable relationship.
I didn't like Jordan. She was meant to be portrayed as this mature and somewhat perfect girl, but she actually did act her age of 19, and sometimes younger. I found her whiny and annoying, with her tantrums and strops! It was meant to be written that she was mature because of the things she had been through, but it didn't really work. She was an immature girl, who had been through some stuff.
I didn't like the power imbalance here. Jordan was staying rent free in Pike's house. It made me feel uncomfortable, and a bit like he took advantage of her.
Mainly though, I hated the way that they interacted with each other. Pike frequently spoke to Jordan as if she was his teenaged daughter! I got whiplash from going between scenes where he would first lust after her, to then reprimanding her! So creepy.
I guess the sex scenes were hot, except for the loofah scene! I mean I don't know what loofah's you use in the states, but here they are really rough and that shit would chafe! Ouch! Oh and the desk corner scene?!! WTAF?!
I kind of thought it would have more of a love triangle, but Cole was written as a 2D douche, and rarely spent time with Jordan in the book, so it didn't really work like that. I would have personally liked to see Jordan and Cole have some interaction on page after it all came out.
As much, as Jordan annoyed me, she had so far had a shit life, and had been treated like dirt by all of the men in her life, including Pike a few times. I personally think that girl should spend some time on her education, making friends, and to well grow up a little bit, like most 19 year olds.
Final thoughts....this book was too long, it dragged, I didn't connect with either of the characters, and I probably wont remember this book in a few days. I was bored reading this and only finished it because of the many people who loved it.
I'M SORRY! PLEASE DON'T UNFRIEND ME!!!!
June 28, 2023
5 stars!
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas blew me away! Once I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it would be one that I would drop everything to read. And I did. I stayed up till 4 am reading this book the night it landed on my kindle. I wanted to slow down and enjoy the story, but I had to know what would happen. I could not put it down. This book was straight up addicting and I loved every minute!
Jordan is a strong and independent woman. She may be only nineteen, but she’s a hard worker and wise beyond her years. Her boyfriend Cole... not so much. He gets them in a bit of a tough spot and they end up moving in with Cole’s father, Pike. Oh Pike… I freaking loved Pike. Everything about him. Pike is 38. He’s a great man and wants to help out his son. The sparks between Pike and Jordan fly, even though neither one wants that. Gah. It’s insane. You just need to read it for yourself to see how this one turns out…
I love forbidden romance and taboo love stories. I love when there is a great slow burn and the sexual tension is so freaking high your siting on pins and needles just waiting and waiting for that one moment… I love angst and when two people have undeniable chemistry, even when it’s obvious they shouldn’t. When there is push and pull and you are completely on the edge of your seat. Seriously, there is nothing better. This book had all this and more in spades.
I’ve read a lot of Penelope Douglas books, and I have to say, Birthday Girl is my favorite of hers to date. I gobbled it up, not able to stop reading for a second. It was exhilarating, made me giddy, and was a perfect mix of everything I love in a book. This book is a must read!
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas blew me away! Once I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it would be one that I would drop everything to read. And I did. I stayed up till 4 am reading this book the night it landed on my kindle. I wanted to slow down and enjoy the story, but I had to know what would happen. I could not put it down. This book was straight up addicting and I loved every minute!
Jordan is a strong and independent woman. She may be only nineteen, but she’s a hard worker and wise beyond her years. Her boyfriend Cole... not so much. He gets them in a bit of a tough spot and they end up moving in with Cole’s father, Pike. Oh Pike… I freaking loved Pike. Everything about him. Pike is 38. He’s a great man and wants to help out his son. The sparks between Pike and Jordan fly, even though neither one wants that. Gah. It’s insane. You just need to read it for yourself to see how this one turns out…
“You’ve always watched me, haven’t you? Always wanted to have your fun with me.” I falter, knowing what she says is true. I’ve wanted her since the first time I saw her. “It’s okay,” she whispers. “I always knew, and I always liked it. Keep watching me, Mr. Lawson.”
I love forbidden romance and taboo love stories. I love when there is a great slow burn and the sexual tension is so freaking high your siting on pins and needles just waiting and waiting for that one moment… I love angst and when two people have undeniable chemistry, even when it’s obvious they shouldn’t. When there is push and pull and you are completely on the edge of your seat. Seriously, there is nothing better. This book had all this and more in spades.
I’ve read a lot of Penelope Douglas books, and I have to say, Birthday Girl is my favorite of hers to date. I gobbled it up, not able to stop reading for a second. It was exhilarating, made me giddy, and was a perfect mix of everything I love in a book. This book is a must read!
October 5, 2023
"You ever going to tell me what you wish for?"
"It's bad luck to tell...
But I will say, I always wish for the same thing, and everyday it comes true."
holy mother of sweet sweet taboo. this was so damn excellent.
reading the synopsis (kinky and fucked up) and seeing the author (devour every book they write) i knew i had to have this. and in true chandler-reading-p-doug fashion, i finished this in a day.
the story follows jordan and her relationship with her bf's dad, pike. it sounds totally ridiculous & i was really thinking that this story would go the way of "falling for my boyfriend's dad" and be ridiculous smut but it actually... wasn't? jordan has had a hard life with virtually no family or friends. all she really wants is a life of her own and someone to be happy with. and pike wants the same thing.
for me, douglas's books work because they focus on themes and stick to them. this book was so refreshingly coherent because you knew that both of the characters wanted the same thing out of life and that the story was going to reach those characters' shared goals. and also, their characters are just so relatable, and human, to me. jordan was sweet but not naive, strong but not a posturing bad ass, and she had REAL dreams. i loved that.
and you're probably wondering "but chandler, is there hot ass elicit sex?" and of course the answer is a resounding: fuck yes.
so if you're into stories with taboo, great plot, and bumping uglies you've got to add this to ur TBR.
********************
edit 4/17: a buddy read with jess
***********************
oh P. Doug, you kinky ass bih. I've never been more EXCITED.
"It's bad luck to tell...
But I will say, I always wish for the same thing, and everyday it comes true."
holy mother of sweet sweet taboo. this was so damn excellent.
reading the synopsis (kinky and fucked up) and seeing the author (devour every book they write) i knew i had to have this. and in true chandler-reading-p-doug fashion, i finished this in a day.
the story follows jordan and her relationship with her bf's dad, pike. it sounds totally ridiculous & i was really thinking that this story would go the way of "falling for my boyfriend's dad" and be ridiculous smut but it actually... wasn't? jordan has had a hard life with virtually no family or friends. all she really wants is a life of her own and someone to be happy with. and pike wants the same thing.
for me, douglas's books work because they focus on themes and stick to them. this book was so refreshingly coherent because you knew that both of the characters wanted the same thing out of life and that the story was going to reach those characters' shared goals. and also, their characters are just so relatable, and human, to me. jordan was sweet but not naive, strong but not a posturing bad ass, and she had REAL dreams. i loved that.
and you're probably wondering "but chandler, is there hot ass elicit sex?" and of course the answer is a resounding: fuck yes.
so if you're into stories with taboo, great plot, and bumping uglies you've got to add this to ur TBR.
********************
edit 4/17: a buddy read with jess
***********************
oh P. Doug, you kinky ass bih. I've never been more EXCITED.
April 21, 2025
4.5⭐️ *Alexa, play Father Figure by George Michael*
✨✨✨✨✨EX BOYFRIENDS DADDDDYYYYYYYYYTYY✨✨✨✨✨
New favorite trope unlocked. I’m a feral raccoon.
Pike. Lawson. 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
Raw next question. Sat. Spread. Sweating.
Welcome back to another rendition of “was it a good book, or was it just ovulating”. I was in fact ovulating but this was also a GOOD FUCKING BOOK!
Oh my god I was not expecting to absolutely ADORE this as much as I did god I’m actually obsessed to the point where I think I need help. Like I promise it wasn’t that good but like it was to me. I know I’m making no sense but it does in fact make sense in my head so that’s all that matters.
Tell me why the ending of this had me crying real tears…..???? I loved Pike and Jordan so much!! They had so much chemistry, I could read about them all day! Soulmates. Nobody can tell me otherwise.
The tension…… the angst. Gnawing at the bars of my enclosure. I need a cold shower and therapy.
✨✨✨✨✨EX BOYFRIENDS DADDDDYYYYYYYYYTYY✨✨✨✨✨
New favorite trope unlocked. I’m a feral raccoon.
Pike. Lawson. 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
Raw next question. Sat. Spread. Sweating.
Welcome back to another rendition of “was it a good book, or was it just ovulating”. I was in fact ovulating but this was also a GOOD FUCKING BOOK!
Oh my god I was not expecting to absolutely ADORE this as much as I did god I’m actually obsessed to the point where I think I need help. Like I promise it wasn’t that good but like it was to me. I know I’m making no sense but it does in fact make sense in my head so that’s all that matters.
Tell me why the ending of this had me crying real tears…..???? I loved Pike and Jordan so much!! They had so much chemistry, I could read about them all day! Soulmates. Nobody can tell me otherwise.
The tension…… the angst. Gnawing at the bars of my enclosure. I need a cold shower and therapy.
finished-writing
April 18, 2018🔥NOW LIVE!!🔥 Summer is here early!!
"My boyfriend and I just moved to a new place. But now he's not the man of the house anymore."
FREE with Kindle Unlimited!!
Amazon US---> https://amzn.to/2EQwjKk
Amazon CA---> https://amzn.to/2JQedvr
Amazon UK---> https://amzn.to/2vkEQ8z
Amazon AUS---> https://amzn.to/2H5Hfty
Paperback ---> https://amzn.to/2HF5Hia
Add to your TBR ---> https://bit.ly/2Gp74DE
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*BIRTHDAY GIRL is a stand-alone, contemporary romance suitable for ages 18+.
"My boyfriend and I just moved to a new place. But now he's not the man of the house anymore."
FREE with Kindle Unlimited!!
Amazon US---> https://amzn.to/2EQwjKk
Amazon CA---> https://amzn.to/2JQedvr
Amazon UK---> https://amzn.to/2vkEQ8z
Amazon AUS---> https://amzn.to/2H5Hfty
Paperback ---> https://amzn.to/2HF5Hia
Add to your TBR ---> https://bit.ly/2Gp74DE
Pinterest Storyboard ----> https://bit.ly/2pDTnHj
*BIRTHDAY GIRL is a stand-alone, contemporary romance suitable for ages 18+.
January 10, 2024
this is literally everything i have to say:
July 16, 2020
there’s something.... wrong with y’all
November 23, 2021
If you ignore the age gap, the book is still bad 🤡
March 1, 2022
not me actually enjoying this😳
November 12, 2018
➳A forbidden fruit, a romance filled with angst, and the struggle of battling your inner thoughts of the forbidden and desires, making your craving enhance more and more for Pike and Jordan...
➳There are truly no other novels that can utterly compare to anything that is by Penelope Douglas. To me, sometimes I find it hard to believe that once I finish a book by Pen I think to myself "let's google, 'books similar to Penelope Douglas'" but nothing ever seems to come up because every search I make, is never appealing to my eye. Penelope is definitely one of a kind, one that never sees to amaze me with her writing and mental state behind her stories. Every word that she expresses is one that touches home-base to my mind because of how exceptional her fictional "worlds" are. Birthday Girl is yet again another of her novels that has brought a new meaning to "forbidden," and has indulged in the aspect of age gap romance novels as well, the one thing that made me crave Pike in such a filthy, dirty, and un-moral way.
➳When it comes down to the romance between Pike and Jordan, there is nothing more appealing then two individuals knowing internally, and battling their inner thoughts about the wrong thing being right, and the right thing being unfulfilling. Obstacles are in the way of them expressing their candid thoughts, but yet again, that is appeal for me since the angst in this novel is one that I was actually able to tolerate and absolutely adored. However, once the tables turn and they stop fighting each other, there is no turning back to craving each other more and more;
➳Everything there is to know about Pike is just drool worthy delicious. I have read many romance novels where the male character is older, but nothing utterly compares to Pike and the struggles he has gone through. The emotional aspect of it all is one that has captivated my heart in every essence. No matter what it is, Jordan is also a strong heroine who has proven that anything is possible when working hard for it and having a mindset of determination. As a girly-girl with the love of pink and an admiration for outside landscaping decorations, Pike is an individual with an old soul but a young body. Nothing about her screams "innocent, the girl next door" kind of appeal. She has hooked everyone's mind with her maturity and way of standing up for herself. That's what attracts Pike in every essence, wanting to claim her, put her in her place and making her his;
➳Overall, everything about this novel is just meant to be read and thoroughly enjoy. If you are an individual with an age gap issue, then skip this book. However, if you are interested I recommend hoping on this bad boy and riding it like there is no tomorrow. One thing is for sure that has me excited for more books by Pen, her surprise reveal of Motel is coming our way, and Danni (the female main character) will definitely have me on the verge of mystery behind her story. Thank you so much to Penelope for sending me a copy of her novel, one in which I am looking forward to re-reading in the future because this girl finds her forbidden fruit something to absolutely cherish.
➳ARC kindly provided by Penelope Douglas, in exchange for an honest review...
NOW LIVE ON AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C7N5CBS/
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
➳There are truly no other novels that can utterly compare to anything that is by Penelope Douglas. To me, sometimes I find it hard to believe that once I finish a book by Pen I think to myself "let's google, 'books similar to Penelope Douglas'" but nothing ever seems to come up because every search I make, is never appealing to my eye. Penelope is definitely one of a kind, one that never sees to amaze me with her writing and mental state behind her stories. Every word that she expresses is one that touches home-base to my mind because of how exceptional her fictional "worlds" are. Birthday Girl is yet again another of her novels that has brought a new meaning to "forbidden," and has indulged in the aspect of age gap romance novels as well, the one thing that made me crave Pike in such a filthy, dirty, and un-moral way.
➳When it comes down to the romance between Pike and Jordan, there is nothing more appealing then two individuals knowing internally, and battling their inner thoughts about the wrong thing being right, and the right thing being unfulfilling. Obstacles are in the way of them expressing their candid thoughts, but yet again, that is appeal for me since the angst in this novel is one that I was actually able to tolerate and absolutely adored. However, once the tables turn and they stop fighting each other, there is no turning back to craving each other more and more;
"We're victims of circumstance. At least I can feel confident that I would've liked him no matter what. If he were any other guy who came into my bar, sat down, and talked to me, I would've wanted him..."
➳Everything there is to know about Pike is just drool worthy delicious. I have read many romance novels where the male character is older, but nothing utterly compares to Pike and the struggles he has gone through. The emotional aspect of it all is one that has captivated my heart in every essence. No matter what it is, Jordan is also a strong heroine who has proven that anything is possible when working hard for it and having a mindset of determination. As a girly-girl with the love of pink and an admiration for outside landscaping decorations, Pike is an individual with an old soul but a young body. Nothing about her screams "innocent, the girl next door" kind of appeal. She has hooked everyone's mind with her maturity and way of standing up for herself. That's what attracts Pike in every essence, wanting to claim her, put her in her place and making her his;
"I knew the moment his eyes were on me tonight when he walked in and I was at the juke box. I could see him out of the corner of my eye when I walked to the bar, too, and I know that look. Possessive."
➳Overall, everything about this novel is just meant to be read and thoroughly enjoy. If you are an individual with an age gap issue, then skip this book. However, if you are interested I recommend hoping on this bad boy and riding it like there is no tomorrow. One thing is for sure that has me excited for more books by Pen, her surprise reveal of Motel is coming our way, and Danni (the female main character) will definitely have me on the verge of mystery behind her story. Thank you so much to Penelope for sending me a copy of her novel, one in which I am looking forward to re-reading in the future because this girl finds her forbidden fruit something to absolutely cherish.
➳ARC kindly provided by Penelope Douglas, in exchange for an honest review...
NOW LIVE ON AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C7N5CBS/
➳Follow Me On:
Blog ♕ Instagram ♕ Facebook ♕ Twitter
August 20, 2021
*me bypassing all the stars and settling on 2 again*
After continuously hearing my friends gush and preach about the excellence of this book, I've decided to reread and remember why the hell I gave it 2 stars🤡
Upon finishing it I literally have nothing to say except I don't know💀 there was nothing wrong with it, I simply don't like it.
QUICK SUMMARY THOUGH:
Jordan is a 19 year old broke student with a deadbeat boyfriend named Cole.
One night Cole fails to pick her up from work so she goes to see an 80s movie alone, where she meets Pike - the super hot dilf.
Obviously they connect because Pike is an ancient 80s baby (38) and Jordan is that one mature, different girl because she's obsessed with...you guessed it...the 80s.
She's an old soul🤪
with young eyes👁️👄👁️
and a vintage heart😫
In all seriousness, she did have to grow up young due to some unfortunate life experiences. I just don't understand why all the heroines in age gap romances have to be obsessed with vintage shit. Especially since they act relatively their own age.... Does liking your grandma's sweaters instantly make you seem more mature or am I missing something?
Either way, turns out Pike is Cole's father.
Bummer............or not😏 depends on how you look at it.
Pike offers his son & Jordan his home because Cole, the dumb fucker that he is, trashed their place and got them kicked out.
During that time the unlikely duo forms a bond by acting like a 50s married couple. This basically entails Jordan acting like a middle aged housewife: cooking, cleaning and taking care of the man.....The father being the man, because Cole is god knows where 99% of the time.
Pike of course takes the role of a lusty, chauvinistic, jealous provider. I personally had no problem with that because it was the single interesting aspect of his character.
Long story short they play house, fall in love and live happily ever after in a suburban neighbourhood with a pool.
THE END
The only good thing about Birthday Girl is the 19 year age gap. Oh and the fact that she fucked her boyfriend's father. That's all.
Since my input was useless I might as well give out a friendly dose of advice:
If you try really REALLY hard.....you might just not fall asleep while reading this book😀
One of the few times I wasn't yawning was during the sex scenes and when I read this quote:
While Pike is being a guilt-ridden drama queen in denial, his best friend gave no fucks😂 I appreciated that.
PS: my opinion from 2019 still stands. 50% of this is made up of random little details that still confuse me on their relevance.
_____________________________________________
1ST READ: 09.2019
2 stars
This was simply way too long for so little plot.
After continuously hearing my friends gush and preach about the excellence of this book, I've decided to reread and remember why the hell I gave it 2 stars🤡
Upon finishing it I literally have nothing to say except I don't know💀 there was nothing wrong with it, I simply don't like it.
QUICK SUMMARY THOUGH:
Jordan is a 19 year old broke student with a deadbeat boyfriend named Cole.
One night Cole fails to pick her up from work so she goes to see an 80s movie alone, where she meets Pike - the super hot dilf.
Obviously they connect because Pike is an ancient 80s baby (38) and Jordan is that one mature, different girl because she's obsessed with...you guessed it...the 80s.
She's an old soul🤪
with young eyes👁️👄👁️
and a vintage heart😫
In all seriousness, she did have to grow up young due to some unfortunate life experiences. I just don't understand why all the heroines in age gap romances have to be obsessed with vintage shit. Especially since they act relatively their own age.... Does liking your grandma's sweaters instantly make you seem more mature or am I missing something?
Either way, turns out Pike is Cole's father.
Bummer............or not😏 depends on how you look at it.
Pike offers his son & Jordan his home because Cole, the dumb fucker that he is, trashed their place and got them kicked out.
During that time the unlikely duo forms a bond by acting like a 50s married couple. This basically entails Jordan acting like a middle aged housewife: cooking, cleaning and taking care of the man.....The father being the man, because Cole is god knows where 99% of the time.
Pike of course takes the role of a lusty, chauvinistic, jealous provider. I personally had no problem with that because it was the single interesting aspect of his character.
Long story short they play house, fall in love and live happily ever after in a suburban neighbourhood with a pool.
THE END
The only good thing about Birthday Girl is the 19 year age gap. Oh and the fact that she fucked her boyfriend's father. That's all.
Since my input was useless I might as well give out a friendly dose of advice:
If you try really REALLY hard.....you might just not fall asleep while reading this book😀
One of the few times I wasn't yawning was during the sex scenes and when I read this quote:
“She seems nervous around you.”
I chuckle. He could say the same for me if he were looking close enough.
“Well, I can be intimidating,” I joke.
“Yeah, she looked like she wanted to straddle your hard, intimidating cock right there in the bar.” My eyes pop open completely, and I glare over at him. “Are you kidding me? What the fuck?”
While Pike is being a guilt-ridden drama queen in denial, his best friend gave no fucks😂 I appreciated that.
PS: my opinion from 2019 still stands. 50% of this is made up of random little details that still confuse me on their relevance.
_____________________________________________
1ST READ: 09.2019
2 stars
This was simply way too long for so little plot.
September 7, 2021
Rating and feelings still stand. This was even better than I remembered it to be and it’s now become one of my all-time favourite romances.
I think Penelope Douglas wrote and told the shit out of something that could’ve been really awkward and uncomfortable, but she made it fuckin’ work.
These two made sense like no other.
For some bizarre reason, I haven’t picked up any Penelope Douglas book since I first read this 2 years ago. I’m worried that no other book of hers will live up to this.
Regardless, I need to fix that little situation.
———————————————
Original review:
There’s something about forbidden romances/taboo topics that tests and pushes and makes you questions your original stances on it, whatever they may have been, and from whatever preconceived notions they may have originated from.
Birthday Girl was that novel for me. I thought I would be uncomfortable reading it, because really, who would want to get themselves into a predicament where they develop feelings for their boyfriends father? It’s not even something you think about. (I hope…)
I love the way the author dealt with this. It’s a sensitive issue and I felt that it was approached and told in a respectful way.
I fell in love with the main characters. The development of their stories and their characters made sense to their story. I loved the dialogue, their individuality, the tension, the romance, the sex (my goodness!).
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it and I love that I did.
———————
And the romance adventure continues with my babe! ❤️
I think Penelope Douglas wrote and told the shit out of something that could’ve been really awkward and uncomfortable, but she made it fuckin’ work.
These two made sense like no other.
For some bizarre reason, I haven’t picked up any Penelope Douglas book since I first read this 2 years ago. I’m worried that no other book of hers will live up to this.
Regardless, I need to fix that little situation.
———————————————
Original review:
There’s something about forbidden romances/taboo topics that tests and pushes and makes you questions your original stances on it, whatever they may have been, and from whatever preconceived notions they may have originated from.
Birthday Girl was that novel for me. I thought I would be uncomfortable reading it, because really, who would want to get themselves into a predicament where they develop feelings for their boyfriends father? It’s not even something you think about. (I hope…)
I love the way the author dealt with this. It’s a sensitive issue and I felt that it was approached and told in a respectful way.
I fell in love with the main characters. The development of their stories and their characters made sense to their story. I loved the dialogue, their individuality, the tension, the romance, the sex (my goodness!).
I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it and I love that I did.
———————
And the romance adventure continues with my babe! ❤️
January 12, 2022
one word, nope.
September 17, 2024
I devoured this book in one night.. it’s that ADDICTING. the way my dislike for age gaps FLEW out the window when I met Pike Lawson… 🥵🌶
October 15, 2024
★*.✧ “𝒜 𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒷𝑜𝓇 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝒶𝒻𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉’𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝒽𝒾𝓅𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇.” ✧.*★
Completely devoured this in one sitting. So addictive, couldn't flip through the pages fast enough!
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 5 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
We follow Jordan and Pike in this standalone forbidden romance. Jordan and Pike first meet on a chance encounter and are immediately drawn together, but since Jordan has a boyfriend, nothing happens between them.
But when Jordan and her boyfriend Cole have to move out of their apartment and in with his dad, she comes face to face with Pike. Pike never expected to be so drawn to his son’s girlfriend, but the more time they spend together the more he realizes why none of his relationships have ever worked out. But what happens when they find their attraction and connection more than they can continue to fight?
ೃ⁀➷ I loved these characters so much. They might have been 19 years apart and forbidden due to how they met and their circumstances, yet they couldn’t have been more perfect for one another. Pike and Jordan were made for each other. They connected emotionally as well as physically, and I couldn’t get enough of them. They shared common interests and you could just feel how genuine everything was between them.
I loved the slow burn and chemistry between them, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for things to explode between them. I was lost in their world and never wanted it to end. I really cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book and Pike and Jordan. Pike was sexy and sweet, thoughtful and caring. Jordan was genuine and sweet, and I loved how she fit with Pike. They were everything the other needed.
ೃ⁀➷ Overall, this might be my favorite book Penelope Douglas has written. It was forbidden which has always been my jam, but it was so much more than that. It was believable and just felt right. It wasn’t forbidden just to be forbidden, but the story was good and the characters felt like they were supposed to wind up where they did because that was their story.
Nothing about it was forced and honestly I found myself lost in their story so much that their ages didn’t even register to me and neither did their circumstances. This truly felt like a situation where these two had always been meant to wind up where they did and I was just happy to be along for the ride with them.
ೃ⁀➷ I can’t recommend this one enough. As soon as I finished, I missed the these two immediately and jumped online and ordered the paperback so that I could add it to my favorites shelf. This will definitely be one I could read again in the future, and I am really looking forward to getting to know Jordan’s friend Dani better in her book Motel.
Completely devoured this in one sitting. So addictive, couldn't flip through the pages fast enough!
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 5 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
We follow Jordan and Pike in this standalone forbidden romance. Jordan and Pike first meet on a chance encounter and are immediately drawn together, but since Jordan has a boyfriend, nothing happens between them.
But when Jordan and her boyfriend Cole have to move out of their apartment and in with his dad, she comes face to face with Pike. Pike never expected to be so drawn to his son’s girlfriend, but the more time they spend together the more he realizes why none of his relationships have ever worked out. But what happens when they find their attraction and connection more than they can continue to fight?
ೃ⁀➷ I loved these characters so much. They might have been 19 years apart and forbidden due to how they met and their circumstances, yet they couldn’t have been more perfect for one another. Pike and Jordan were made for each other. They connected emotionally as well as physically, and I couldn’t get enough of them. They shared common interests and you could just feel how genuine everything was between them.
I loved the slow burn and chemistry between them, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for things to explode between them. I was lost in their world and never wanted it to end. I really cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book and Pike and Jordan. Pike was sexy and sweet, thoughtful and caring. Jordan was genuine and sweet, and I loved how she fit with Pike. They were everything the other needed.
ೃ⁀➷ Overall, this might be my favorite book Penelope Douglas has written. It was forbidden which has always been my jam, but it was so much more than that. It was believable and just felt right. It wasn’t forbidden just to be forbidden, but the story was good and the characters felt like they were supposed to wind up where they did because that was their story.
Nothing about it was forced and honestly I found myself lost in their story so much that their ages didn’t even register to me and neither did their circumstances. This truly felt like a situation where these two had always been meant to wind up where they did and I was just happy to be along for the ride with them.
ೃ⁀➷ I can’t recommend this one enough. As soon as I finished, I missed the these two immediately and jumped online and ordered the paperback so that I could add it to my favorites shelf. This will definitely be one I could read again in the future, and I am really looking forward to getting to know Jordan’s friend Dani better in her book Motel.
April 30, 2024
who wants a boyfriend who gives the bare minimum and is neglectful, when you can have his daddy who will 🦋worship🦋 the floor you walk on? just saying 🤭🖤
I was like, slayy queen, you really know how to upgrade to the next level: from a boy to a man 🛐 you know your worth 💅🏼
Pike. Lawson. 🛐🛐😮💨🔥 that’s all I have to say 😌🖤🖤
────── ⋆⋅ 🖤 ⋅⋆ ──────
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🖤 ·˚ pre-read ˚ · ˖ it's time for me to read some taboo books again🤭 starting by giving Penelope Douglas another chance🖤🥀
I was like, slayy queen, you really know how to upgrade to the next level: from a boy to a man 🛐 you know your worth 💅🏼
Pike. Lawson. 🛐🛐😮💨🔥 that’s all I have to say 😌🖤🖤
────── ⋆⋅ 🖤 ⋅⋆ ──────
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🖤 ·˚ pre-read ˚ · ˖ it's time for me to read some taboo books again🤭 starting by giving Penelope Douglas another chance🖤🥀
November 15, 2018
Holy mother of smut 😳🤤 this was pretty nasty and I’m About It. My main complaint is that it took forever for them to actually get together but once they did it was on like donkey kong and I was a BIG FAN.
April 20, 2018
5 STARS
When I saw that Penelope Douglas was coming out with a surprise release, I didn't even blink before adding the book. When I read the blurb, I think a small part of me cringed, while a bigger part of it was screaming GIMME!! See, I love a forbidden romance. But there's something about the whole father thing that just gives me the blehs too. It takes an immensely talented author to pull off a story like this without making it torrid, pervy and cringe worthy. Luckily for me, Penelope Douglas is that rare unicorn of authors that can not only pull it off, but make you fall in love with it too.
Jordan is a heroine that's impossible not to like. Mature beyond her years due to the way she grew up, this is not your typical 19 year old. With a mother that left years ago and a deadbeat trailer trash father, it's been her and her older sister fending for themselves. With an adorable adoration of all things 80s, Jordan was easy to connect with. While her sister has no problem supporting herself and young child by being a stripper, Jordan wants more. Moving in with her boyfriend's father rent free will allow her to save up enough to put herself on her feet and to get that more that she craves. But it also brings a whole lot more complications in the form of an interaction to her boyfriend's young father that seems to only intensify over time.
I think what really made me connect with Jordan is how well Douglas handled this character's development. There's glimpses into a teenage girl; enough to make you remember her age. But at the same time, she's not sheltered and naive. This is a woman that knows what she wants. She's not shy and afraid to go after it. She's solid. She's mature beyond her years. But yet she's still a young woman.
I simply adored the way the romance unraveled and developed between her and Pike. There was something so real and raw about it. It wasn't torrid, even though it was forbidden. You understand their attraction. You believe in it. You yearn for it. The tantalizingly slow build makes it even better.
Pike is a man that was forced to grow up fast when he became a father at 19. Giving up on his dreams to support his new son was not something he ever gave a second thought about. This is clearly a man that wants a relationship with his son but due to circumstances, it's a struggle. I don't want to give too much away about the dynamics, but trust me when I tell you that you will understand. You'll even root for him.
The romance and age difference is handled with tact and done incredibly well. The situation with the boyfriend is as well. There was simply nothing about this book that I didn't love. This was clearly a book the author wanted to write and was meant to, and it came across vividly clear in the writing. I fell so hard for this story and these characters.
Birthday Girl is a story of forbidden romance, yes. But it's so much more than that, too. It's a story of strength and forgiveness. Of making mistakes and learning how to write them. It was raw, and sexy, and unique. I loved every single page of it and cannot recommend it enough.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
You make my heart pound so hard it hurts, Jordan. You, your mouth, and who you are, it all makes me want to touch you. It makes me not want to stop this.”
When I saw that Penelope Douglas was coming out with a surprise release, I didn't even blink before adding the book. When I read the blurb, I think a small part of me cringed, while a bigger part of it was screaming GIMME!! See, I love a forbidden romance. But there's something about the whole father thing that just gives me the blehs too. It takes an immensely talented author to pull off a story like this without making it torrid, pervy and cringe worthy. Luckily for me, Penelope Douglas is that rare unicorn of authors that can not only pull it off, but make you fall in love with it too.
Jordan is a heroine that's impossible not to like. Mature beyond her years due to the way she grew up, this is not your typical 19 year old. With a mother that left years ago and a deadbeat trailer trash father, it's been her and her older sister fending for themselves. With an adorable adoration of all things 80s, Jordan was easy to connect with. While her sister has no problem supporting herself and young child by being a stripper, Jordan wants more. Moving in with her boyfriend's father rent free will allow her to save up enough to put herself on her feet and to get that more that she craves. But it also brings a whole lot more complications in the form of an interaction to her boyfriend's young father that seems to only intensify over time.
I think what really made me connect with Jordan is how well Douglas handled this character's development. There's glimpses into a teenage girl; enough to make you remember her age. But at the same time, she's not sheltered and naive. This is a woman that knows what she wants. She's not shy and afraid to go after it. She's solid. She's mature beyond her years. But yet she's still a young woman.
I simply adored the way the romance unraveled and developed between her and Pike. There was something so real and raw about it. It wasn't torrid, even though it was forbidden. You understand their attraction. You believe in it. You yearn for it. The tantalizingly slow build makes it even better.
Pike is a man that was forced to grow up fast when he became a father at 19. Giving up on his dreams to support his new son was not something he ever gave a second thought about. This is clearly a man that wants a relationship with his son but due to circumstances, it's a struggle. I don't want to give too much away about the dynamics, but trust me when I tell you that you will understand. You'll even root for him.
The romance and age difference is handled with tact and done incredibly well. The situation with the boyfriend is as well. There was simply nothing about this book that I didn't love. This was clearly a book the author wanted to write and was meant to, and it came across vividly clear in the writing. I fell so hard for this story and these characters.
Birthday Girl is a story of forbidden romance, yes. But it's so much more than that, too. It's a story of strength and forgiveness. Of making mistakes and learning how to write them. It was raw, and sexy, and unique. I loved every single page of it and cannot recommend it enough.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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September 5, 2019
I read the summary. I knew the premise. And I was ready to rock and roll. If you’re going to sell something to me as taboo, you better deliver. Birthday Girl, sadly, did not deliver. Going in, I expected a full-on romantic triangle featuring a guy and girl in their late teens and the guy’s much older (obviously) father. I anticipated the fact that our main character is interested in both father and son and the struggle this causes to be our primary source of drama. That’s not really what this book is about.
Our “triangle” is made up of:
-Jordan: a supposedly wise-for-her-years 19 year old who is actually written with the maturity of a tenth grader. Has a passion for landscape design that has literally nothing to do with this book, but has a bizarre amount of page time.
- Cole: Jordan's boyfriend and supposedly lifelong best friend. Zero personality or complexity of character. Spends most of the book not in the book.
- Pike: Cole's dad. Tattooed construction worker who has a crappy relationship with the son he had in high school, thanks to a beleaguered relationship with his "psycho ex."
I put triangle in quotes because it actually isn't much of a triangle. You’d expect the "taboo" aspect of the novel to be that Jordan falls for her boyfriend's dad. But Cole and Jordan are on the outs from the beginning and Cole is never developed beyond a one-dimensional, clichéd douchebag. Then Jordan is delivered an easy out on a silver platter. So not only is Cole a complete LOSER, he's an idiot as well!
Once Cole is handily out of the way, the relationship is able to proceed with no further detriment. Is one single character in either Pike's or Jordan's life hesitant about their relationship? Nope. Pike’s friends find it HILARIOUS and spend the majority of the novel cheering him on. Jordan’s sister (who constantly pressures Jordan to give up her dreams and become a stripper in the least sisterly relationship I’ve ever read) also pressures Jordan to jump into bed with Pike as soon as they meet. Even while she's still with Cole. So there are no barriers to their relationship to be found. Doesn’t sound all that taboo to me.
All right, so the book isn't all that scandalous.
At least there's a strong, compelling romance between Jordan and Pike, right?
Um no. Once they live together, Pike, despite constantly fantasizing about her sexually, treats Jordan like a child. He second guesses her every move. He reprimands her in front of his friends. He tells her who she can hang out with, what she can wear, and how she should spend her time. Like…a parent. So it isn’t a forbidden romance situation that’s sexily taboo. It’s instead the mindset of the character, flipping back and forth between lusty dude to parent that just makes things cringey.
But the couple must have heaps of tension and chemistry and the sexy times are sizzling, right!?
Wrong again. This book is hella long considering there is literally ZERO plot and it takes ages for this element of the book to kick in. By the time the characters sleep together, these scenes are uninspired and prosaic. They could be cut and pasted from any $1.99 kindle romance with a mostly naked dude on the cover. There is no emotion and no spark between Jordan and Pike. After waiting 200 pages, it is all overwhelmingly disappointing.
People are obsessed with Penelope Douglas, which has me confused. This was my first novel of hers and at this rate, it will be my last.
1 star
Our “triangle” is made up of:
-Jordan: a supposedly wise-for-her-years 19 year old who is actually written with the maturity of a tenth grader. Has a passion for landscape design that has literally nothing to do with this book, but has a bizarre amount of page time.
- Cole: Jordan's boyfriend and supposedly lifelong best friend. Zero personality or complexity of character. Spends most of the book not in the book.
- Pike: Cole's dad. Tattooed construction worker who has a crappy relationship with the son he had in high school, thanks to a beleaguered relationship with his "psycho ex."
I put triangle in quotes because it actually isn't much of a triangle. You’d expect the "taboo" aspect of the novel to be that Jordan falls for her boyfriend's dad. But Cole and Jordan are on the outs from the beginning and Cole is never developed beyond a one-dimensional, clichéd douchebag. Then Jordan is delivered an easy out on a silver platter. So not only is Cole a complete LOSER, he's an idiot as well!
Once Cole is handily out of the way, the relationship is able to proceed with no further detriment. Is one single character in either Pike's or Jordan's life hesitant about their relationship? Nope. Pike’s friends find it HILARIOUS and spend the majority of the novel cheering him on. Jordan’s sister (who constantly pressures Jordan to give up her dreams and become a stripper in the least sisterly relationship I’ve ever read) also pressures Jordan to jump into bed with Pike as soon as they meet. Even while she's still with Cole. So there are no barriers to their relationship to be found. Doesn’t sound all that taboo to me.
All right, so the book isn't all that scandalous.
At least there's a strong, compelling romance between Jordan and Pike, right?
Um no. Once they live together, Pike, despite constantly fantasizing about her sexually, treats Jordan like a child. He second guesses her every move. He reprimands her in front of his friends. He tells her who she can hang out with, what she can wear, and how she should spend her time. Like…a parent. So it isn’t a forbidden romance situation that’s sexily taboo. It’s instead the mindset of the character, flipping back and forth between lusty dude to parent that just makes things cringey.
But the couple must have heaps of tension and chemistry and the sexy times are sizzling, right!?
Wrong again. This book is hella long considering there is literally ZERO plot and it takes ages for this element of the book to kick in. By the time the characters sleep together, these scenes are uninspired and prosaic. They could be cut and pasted from any $1.99 kindle romance with a mostly naked dude on the cover. There is no emotion and no spark between Jordan and Pike. After waiting 200 pages, it is all overwhelmingly disappointing.
People are obsessed with Penelope Douglas, which has me confused. This was my first novel of hers and at this rate, it will be my last.
1 star
April 19, 2018
MY REVIEW can also be found on my blog:
KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
I'm not even going to write up my review how I normally would, just go in blind, enjoy, love like I did, this surpassed all my expectations, it easily went from a 5 star to jumping onto my favourite shelf of 2018. And that alone should tell you how much I loved this book. Get ready to swoon because swoon you will!! Pike crash landed into my heart the very first chapter and he's still there even after I inhaled that last page. A bittersweet feeling that my time in this book has ended. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!!
Is it so bad that I didn't even read the synopsis or really take note of the cover, the name of the author was enough to want me chase this book, this book had everything that I love in a book, the angst, the feels, god this author is known to throw us under the bus with her feels and this book rolled over me as it took off, I freaking loved this book. I'm not going to lie this has been done before, older guy, younger female but I don't think I've read the sons girlfriend before so I was a wee bit worried that some sleaze would make it's way under my skin but how far wrong was I..This book was perfection!!
April 9, 2025
Easiest 5 stars I've given.
I honestly did not expect to love this as much as I did. This is my third book by this author and the first two were just ok but they were undoubtedly addictive with IMMACULATE SPICE (ehem Credence ehem 👀) THIS ONE THOUGH?? SO SO SOOOOOO GOOD I wanna erase my memory to experience it again!!!!!
You might hear ex-boyfriend's dad and think.. come on.. how would that work? How will she make me believe this relationship?? DO NOT DOUBT P DOUG because NOT ONLY did she make me believe their relationship and their love, but she also made them feel so real that |I refuse to believe they don't actually exist in real life?????
characters :
Pike Lawson. ABSOLUTE SMASH. This man was such a great father, A CONSTRUCTION WORKER, and just so hot pls😭 He wasn't perfect though; he made mistakes but he owned up to them and apologized LIKE A MAN.
Jordan was such a great fmc as well! I loved how she was so mature and a hard-worker who didn't let her situation define her. I loved her growth so much throughout the story.. THE STRIPTEASE SCENE?? absolute queen behavior 👸
Cole was.. kind of a douchebag tbh but he kind of had to be a little bit for this story to make sense. He still redeemed himself in the end though.
The plot:
I loved the pacing of this story.. nothing felt rushed and everything made sense where it needed to be. THE SLOWBURN WAS EVERYTHING I WAS LOSING MY MIND🤯
The ending
10/10 so flipping cute I love them with my entire heart😭
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I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM
BR with Manas 💕
I honestly did not expect to love this as much as I did. This is my third book by this author and the first two were just ok but they were undoubtedly addictive with IMMACULATE SPICE (ehem Credence ehem 👀) THIS ONE THOUGH?? SO SO SOOOOOO GOOD I wanna erase my memory to experience it again!!!!!
You might hear ex-boyfriend's dad and think.. come on.. how would that work? How will she make me believe this relationship?? DO NOT DOUBT P DOUG because NOT ONLY did she make me believe their relationship and their love, but she also made them feel so real that |I refuse to believe they don't actually exist in real life?????
characters :
Pike Lawson. ABSOLUTE SMASH. This man was such a great father, A CONSTRUCTION WORKER, and just so hot pls😭 He wasn't perfect though; he made mistakes but he owned up to them and apologized LIKE A MAN.
Jordan was such a great fmc as well! I loved how she was so mature and a hard-worker who didn't let her situation define her. I loved her growth so much throughout the story.. THE STRIPTEASE SCENE?? absolute queen behavior 👸
Cole was.. kind of a douchebag tbh but he kind of had to be a little bit for this story to make sense. He still redeemed himself in the end though.
The plot:
I loved the pacing of this story.. nothing felt rushed and everything made sense where it needed to be. THE SLOWBURN WAS EVERYTHING I WAS LOSING MY MIND🤯
The ending
10/10 so flipping cute I love them with my entire heart😭
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM
BR with Manas 💕
March 24, 2020
reread (2020): 5 stars
— still hate Cole more than i hate Joffrey and Ramsay combined.
— karma is literally the queen here since Jordan dated Cole's dad. best accidental revenge ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
original rating (2018):
5 STARS
This book was a page-turner for me! I literally could not stop reading because I was so hooked, even from the beginning. Whenever Penelope Douglas comes out with a new novel, I’m always so excited to read it because she writes such intriguing stories that has steamy as hell sex scenes. Honestly though, like, her steamy scenes are so freaking great. And this book does not disappoint at all.
— The heroine, Jordan (19), loves anything about the 80s. She’s always had an old soul because she is wise beyond her years and she had to grow up pretty early because of her lifestyle when she was young. She’s smart, understanding, and super mature. And I like her but to be honest, she’s not my personal favorite. I’m pretty biased though because I love sarcastic and witty heroines that makes me laugh out loud. Just because that is my personal preference, does not mean that Jordan is a horrible heroine. She’s actually pretty great and I admire her resilience, her perseverance, and her apparent independence.
— The hero, Pike (38), is the father of her "boyfriend", Cole, at the time... damn. The drama though... AWKWARD. Even though he’s quite old (19 years older than her), he is still so hot and has a young soul, but also very mature and responsible. He is kind of perfect, actually. He has the perfect house, the perfect job, and so on. I really like Pike because he’s such a nice guy and he’s pretty sweet as well. I like him better than Cole that's for sure.
Something happened which left Cole and Jordan move into Cole’s father’s home and, well... you can just imagine how this goes. I was so excited when they moved in because draaaaaama. And there is definitely plenty of drama and angst.
The first time Pike and Jordan meet, I definitely feel their connection and from then on, I was already rooting for them! And the sexual tension between the two...? HOT DAMN. It was really great. I have no words to explain how sexy it was, to be honest, haha. And, like, Cole who?
Speaking of Cole... Ok, so I’m going to rant here just a little bit because I have a lot of emotions when it comes to this guy and I need to get it out. So there are some SPOILERS AHEAD...
-
-
-
ANYWAYS
I’m done with my rant about Cole. As you can see, I love the guy to pieces.
If you love forbidden romance, slow burn romance, FANTASTIC sexual tension, a hero who is quite older and is super mature and charming, STEAMY AS HELL sex scenes, and angst, then this is the perfect book!
I recommend 100%, 10/10
— still hate Cole more than i hate Joffrey and Ramsay combined.
— karma is literally the queen here since Jordan dated Cole's dad. best accidental revenge ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
original rating (2018):
5 STARS
This book was a page-turner for me! I literally could not stop reading because I was so hooked, even from the beginning. Whenever Penelope Douglas comes out with a new novel, I’m always so excited to read it because she writes such intriguing stories that has steamy as hell sex scenes. Honestly though, like, her steamy scenes are so freaking great. And this book does not disappoint at all.
— The heroine, Jordan (19), loves anything about the 80s. She’s always had an old soul because she is wise beyond her years and she had to grow up pretty early because of her lifestyle when she was young. She’s smart, understanding, and super mature. And I like her but to be honest, she’s not my personal favorite. I’m pretty biased though because I love sarcastic and witty heroines that makes me laugh out loud. Just because that is my personal preference, does not mean that Jordan is a horrible heroine. She’s actually pretty great and I admire her resilience, her perseverance, and her apparent independence.
— The hero, Pike (38), is the father of her "boyfriend", Cole, at the time... damn. The drama though... AWKWARD. Even though he’s quite old (19 years older than her), he is still so hot and has a young soul, but also very mature and responsible. He is kind of perfect, actually. He has the perfect house, the perfect job, and so on. I really like Pike because he’s such a nice guy and he’s pretty sweet as well. I like him better than Cole that's for sure.
Something happened which left Cole and Jordan move into Cole’s father’s home and, well... you can just imagine how this goes. I was so excited when they moved in because draaaaaama. And there is definitely plenty of drama and angst.
The first time Pike and Jordan meet, I definitely feel their connection and from then on, I was already rooting for them! And the sexual tension between the two...? HOT DAMN. It was really great. I have no words to explain how sexy it was, to be honest, haha. And, like, Cole who?
Speaking of Cole... Ok, so I’m going to rant here just a little bit because I have a lot of emotions when it comes to this guy and I need to get it out. So there are some SPOILERS AHEAD...
-
-
-
ANYWAYS
I’m done with my rant about Cole. As you can see, I love the guy to pieces.
If you love forbidden romance, slow burn romance, FANTASTIC sexual tension, a hero who is quite older and is super mature and charming, STEAMY AS HELL sex scenes, and angst, then this is the perfect book!
I recommend 100%, 10/10
September 23, 2019
This was perfection... Well, for me anyway. 💖 Exactly what I needed right now, and going onto the favorites list.
December 19, 2018
Oh dear… Let me grab a metal shield!
I am so disappointing, people! This is not going to sound nice but it's my most sincere opinion.
Cutting to the chase:
.) The angst factor I was expecting from this was completely missing.
.) At some point I felt it was dragging out as I had a feeling I read this typical story line before, (good girl from trashy caravan park, drunk father and stepmother, striptease job offers, slutty sister and so on).
.) I found the characters development flat and the chemistry between the MCs meh.
.) There were a few eye roll moments culminating in the final scene, when he goes to the motel looking for Jordan. Dear Lord! That was so cheesy!
.) Cole was a douche the whole story until the end when he suddenly had an abrupt change of heart that I didn’t see coming. It felt bizarre. When had he grown up?
.) I never got to understand why a mature girl such as Jordan was putting up with him. That sad little story about the dead friend didn’t work with me, it was not a strong enough reason.
And here is where I make my point about the lack of angst, the kind of angst Penelope Douglas had done in the past in grand style. The boyfriend was a little shit and I couldn’t wait to see Jordan kick his butt. The dad was a very good man. Too good to my shameless taste.
Summing up, it all ended up a bit tasteless, like food with no salt.
I was expecting Birthday girl to be heavy in the feels but it turned out as just another book I will forget about it in a week.
Peace!
I am so disappointing, people! This is not going to sound nice but it's my most sincere opinion.
Cutting to the chase:
.) The angst factor I was expecting from this was completely missing.
.) At some point I felt it was dragging out as I had a feeling I read this typical story line before, (good girl from trashy caravan park, drunk father and stepmother, striptease job offers, slutty sister and so on).
.) I found the characters development flat and the chemistry between the MCs meh.
.) There were a few eye roll moments culminating in the final scene, when he goes to the motel looking for Jordan. Dear Lord! That was so cheesy!
.) Cole was a douche the whole story until the end when he suddenly had an abrupt change of heart that I didn’t see coming. It felt bizarre. When had he grown up?
.) I never got to understand why a mature girl such as Jordan was putting up with him. That sad little story about the dead friend didn’t work with me, it was not a strong enough reason.
And here is where I make my point about the lack of angst, the kind of angst Penelope Douglas had done in the past in grand style. The boyfriend was a little shit and I couldn’t wait to see Jordan kick his butt. The dad was a very good man. Too good to my shameless taste.
Summing up, it all ended up a bit tasteless, like food with no salt.
I was expecting Birthday girl to be heavy in the feels but it turned out as just another book I will forget about it in a week.
Peace!
August 13, 2021
ummmm why couldn’t she be like 25??? And not vulnerable?!? Idk man not my type of book I guess
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
ok this was fun ngl 🤚🏻 RTC maybe
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