so this book starts where she is dating the love interest son (i know! HIS SON IS THE SAME AGE AS HER! ) And something happens where they break up and Pike (aka the dad/love interest) takes her in because she has nowhere to go at all. And then we get to see how a grown ass man is attracted to a child *shudders* I cannot with this book. Douglas also does something that I only really put together in this book, where all of their characters are into things that Douglas was probably into when they were young (80s movies, 80s and 90s songs), which are things I like, but I'm not a teenager, and it always ends up feeling kind of out of touch. Kids these days are into Zendaya and Tik Tok and Billie Eilish, an artist this "not like other girls" heroine would probably like. Even if she would never admit it until someone pried her air pods out of her cold dead ears.

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.” 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." El estilo de Penelope Douglas es sencillo, directo y lleno de acciones (más que diálogos internos, y aun y todo, no se hacen pesados nunca). No paran de suceder cosas, y el libro en general es súper ágil, así que no os asusten sus 500 páginas de capítulos largos, porque como yo, lo devoraréis. Engancha desde la primera página y Jordan es muy buen personaje, complejo, con sus buenas y malas decisiones, y a la que comprendes enseguida. Por otro lado, Pike es algo menos interesante, pero tiene su granito de arena que aportar a todo el drama con sus conflictos internos y asuntos sin resolver. Así que sí, desde las primeras páginas están dentro de la historia.

I loooved this sooo much it hurts! 😭😍 I was completely hooked with every chapter, I just couldn't stop reading. Also, this was my first time reading a book from this author, and I was very surprised (in a good way). 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."

If I was Jordan...okay Let's pretend I am Jordan so I would be wishing he was 10 years younger or even my age but I am not saying this because his age bothers me, no it absolutely doesn’t!!! This was my second book of Penelope Douglas, and I adore it just as much as I loved her other book, Bully. She takes "forbidden/taboo" to another level as always! Not cringy, not grossing, just perfection!She is strong, independent, natural care giver.I love the way she stood up and she is never shy of her feelings. 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. This was supposed to be a buddy read with my friend, Deidra, but the book was annoying me-- and not in a "so bad it's fun" way, but in an "OMG NOT THIS SHIT AGAIN" sort of way, so I ended up jumping ship at 12% because I'm a bad friend. But life's too short to read bad books. Penelope Douglas delivers a scorchingly hot and sinfully sexy, forbidden romance with Birthday Girl. It kept me up until after midnight as I devoured every single word. Definitely one of my top reads of 2018!” -New York Times bestselling author Meghan March

He remembers me, laughs with me, and looks at 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. 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. 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.I honestly have been holding off this review because I don’t know how to explain what I think, at ALL 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. 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. 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.