Birthday Girl

Questions About Birthday Girl

by Penelope Douglas (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (16)

Michael There is no cheating by the two principal characters. In fact, neither of the two principal characters (the central romance of the book) have ever che…moreThere is no cheating by the two principal characters. In fact, neither of the two principal characters (the central romance of the book) have ever cheated on anyone they've dated (neither have ever been married).

This is a fun book. I guess you would call it a "cut above" romance novel. There is no doubt it's fantasy - because the way the main characters are thrown together (and stay together for the romance to develop) simply wouldn't happen in real life. However, their attraction, and the way it grows, is realistic. In fact, it's kind of a primer on how disparate people can form attractions and fan the flames thereof.

I've only read a few "romance novels" so I'm not speaking from a supremely informed position here, but the ones I read have the romance develop very quickly. Within the first couple chapters, it's game on. In this book, Douglas goes for the slow burn and the payoff is suitably intense. Folks looking for the quick fix will probably think it's all happening too slowly. The way it develops - particularly in the minds of the two characters - is very realistic and paints an accurate portrait of how attraction can grow in that secret place we hide from the outside world.

Pike (the "older man" love interest), in particular illustrates how to pursue a woman and make her feel special. He helps with the chores, builds her a garden, works on her car, buys her a birthday cake, remembers little things that are important to her, makes her feel safe, never makes her feel lesser when other women are present, listens well (most of the time) and is constantly giving her something to look forward to (which should be the goal of any man in a relationship, IMHO).

Jordan, the protagonist of the story, basically gives a clinic on how to attract and seduce an older man (besides just looking hot in a seashell bikini, although that definitely helps). Nothing escapes her awareness of all things Pike. She quickly sees how vacant his home is of those things that reflect our life and interests - the things that we collect in living a life worth having. Jordan susses out the truth about his character, although his own son (and her former boyfriend... yeah, it's complicated) has been completely bamboozled by his calculating mother. Perhaps (at least to me) one of the most powerful ways she shows how much she cares for him is how genuinely interested she is in his work. She probes him on several occasions about the business he owns and operates (a small construction company). She visits his jobsite and has a wonderful perspective on what he does, "You must be so proud to build things you get to see every day... Places where people will spend their lives and earn their livelihoods". Plus, when rain threatens one of his construction sites, she pitches in to help protect it and does so joyously, despite the fact there is genuine risk she could be hurt and gets drenched in the process (which provides a wonderful opportunity for Jordan's t-shirt to mold to her flawless, teen body).

Anyway, I guess I gave a review in addition to answering the question, but there you go.

PS (Just teasing now, but couldn't resist). You asked if "there's cheating on the book", rather than if there is cheating "in" the book. So, to be completely accurate, there is no cheating "on" the book, unless you stopped reading it and read another book when you should be reading this one. So, only you can truly answer your own question. Just be loyal, read this book cover-to-cover without putting it down and reading another romantic book, and you will remain suitably monogamous. ;-) (less)
Tina (A Novel Time With Tina) She mentioned in the acknowledgements for Birthday Girl that Danni would be getting her own book in 2019 titled Motel, and that the man with 5 sisters…moreShe mentioned in the acknowledgements for Birthday Girl that Danni would be getting her own book in 2019 titled Motel, and that the man with 5 sisters would play a part. On her website, under FAQ, she says this:

When is Motel releasing?
I will most likely shoot for 2021. After Falls Boys, tentatively.(less)
Erin Robertson yes it does. every character in this book ends up happy.

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