El chico de la puerta de al lado

by Vi Keeland, Laura Cervantes (Translator)

A veces, las mejores sorpresas se encuentran a la vuelta de la esquina

Valentina tiene treinta y siete años y está divorciada. Su mejor amiga cree que ha llegado el momento de que vuelva a salir con alguien y le crea un perfil en una red de citas. A escondidas. A Valentina no le hace ninguna gracia, claro, pero la curiosidad es poderosa y empieza a chatear con un chico. Es divertido, atento… pero también demasiado joven, solo tiene veinticinco años.

Cuando deciden tener una cita, las cosas no van como Valentina esperaba. Es muy atractivo, desde luego, pero ¡resulta que es Ford Donovan, el hijo de sus vecinos de la casa de verano! ¿Se atreverán a romper las reglas y darle una oportunidad al amor?

Una novela adictiva de la autora best seller del New York Times y el USA Today

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Friends To Lovers, Erotica

324 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2019

About the author

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Stop by and meet Vi in her private reader group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKee...

Reviews

[Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMO, this is by far Keeland's best work and one of my top books of the year!

[Vi Keeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL GROWN UP IS LIVE EARLY ON AMAZON!
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ALL GROWN UP IS LIVE EARLY ON AMAZON!
Amazon ➜ https://fave.co/2S0MUDf
Apple ➜ http://smarturl.it/f07b66
B&N ➜ https://fave.co/2xq1R8m
Kobo ➜ https://fave.co/2KTDJnv
Google Play ➜ https://fave.co/2Lu5Hpd
Audio ➜ http://hyperurl.co/jr8w50
Amazon paperback ➜ https://fave.co/2RFvfAO

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL GROWN UP: Is a full length, stand alone romance novel by Vi Keeland. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'

This is my first tiptoe into an older female falling for a younger boy toy, this was so refreshing seeing her struggles, being able to relate to her whole heartedly due to a similar circumstance when I met my partner, the too and fro of the age difference the worry of what others would think though ours is only six years difference not unlike these two who have a larger gap. These two were just perfect for each other, my heart swooned over all things Ford, it was so liberating seeing Valentina let go of her inhibitions and become the woman she was supposed to be.



I f#cking knew it would be like this. A physical attraction makes for intense chemistry, but a physical and mental connection is damn combustible.

I loved watching her evolve and come into her own and I also enjoyed the maturity level of Ford due to unfortunate circumstances with having to step up and raise his sister definitely had an impact on how quickly he had to grow up and the overall protective nature concerning his sister, all the feels.



We're a good balance. I'll help you get the inappropriate stick out of your ass, and you'll help me set a good example for my pain-in-the-ass-sister.

There's nothing I would change about this book. It flowed perfectly, easy to get into, hard to put down..

     

[Dilek VT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life got in the way and I couldn't read any books for two months!



Yeap... 2 long months... I just cannot believe I gave such a long break...

Well, then I saw this book...
That cover.... Sigh... Swoon!



And the trope of a younger guy with an older woman?? That is definitely something I cannot resist - it is my weakness, so I read it :)

Actually, the book is not the best example of this trope and it turned out to be a 3,5 star-read for me but for the love of the hero in it, I raised it to 4 stars instead of lowering it to 3 :)

*********************************************

This is the love story between a thirty-seven year old woman and a twenty-five year old guy. It is sweet and heart-warming. Although it is nothing special, it is still an enjoyable read.

*********************************************

Our heroine, Valentina was married to her high school sweetheart and they had a son. The last 10 years of their marriage were not as good and they were not as happy. Finally, her husband cheated on her with a twenty-year old and they broke up.

Even 18 months after their divorce, Valentina still resists dating. She lacks self-confidence and it is mostly due to what her d*ckhed ex-husband did. She is scared of being hurt again.

When she is finally attracted to someone, it’s a younger guy and she is even more scared of being hurt. If the man who is the same as her age cheated on her with a twenty-year old girl, what would a twenty-five year old guy would do when he gets bored? That’s what scares her most.

And when she realizes that he is actually the son of their summer house neighbor, who sometimes babysat her son, she thinks a relationship with him would be totally inappropriate and she resists it for a long time. For a really long time!

*********************************************

Our hero Ford, on the other hand, lost both of his parents at the age of 17 and had to raise his little sister. Therefore, he had to mature fast. He is more mature than most guys at the age of 30 or more. And he is such a good guy, so very sweet, decent and adorable in every way. He is definitely a “catch”!



He is one of those "good guys". He sacrificed his youth to look after his sister, and he went wild for a few years afterwards and then, settled. He has a respectable business now and as soon as he meets Valentina, he never ever looks at any other woman!

*********************************************

Nothing much really happens in the book; it is all about how a relationship grows between them – the phases of it: the attraction, the resistance, the sexual tension, the acceptance, the problems, the separation and then coming back together.



And thank God, there are no secret babies from exes or some cliché tropes like that as you might expect from a Vi Keeland book!

It is sweet and it is an ideal summer romance. And let’s not forget that the hero is a swoon-worthy one! He is enough reason to read this book :)

*********************************************

P.S. Reading the blurb, I thought the way they meet first would be embarrassing due to the inappropriate profile the heroine’s friend Eve created for her on a dating site but thank God, it wasn’t like that because they erased it an hour later and when Ford saw her profile, it didn’t have those silly and embarrassing things in it anymore. What attracted them to each other was something else...

Just saying in case you also worry about it because I did 😊

*********************************************

As far as safety goes, I think it is totally safe as there is no one else for either of them after they meet. Although a guy hits on her and a few girls hit on him, they never ever try anything with anyone else even when they are separated.

*********************************************


Here are some nice QUOTES from the book.



“You need to stop giving a shit what other people think. Appropriate and inappropriate doesn’t matter if you want something and you’re not hurting anyone.”

***

“Nina is my cousin. She came to spend the weekend with my sister.”
Valentina’s eyes narrowed. “Your cousin?”
“You thought I had a woman over, even after chasing you for a month? I’m not the kind of guy to use another woman to replace the one I want but can’t have.”

***

Eve took my hand. “I know you need to do some things—hell, I was the one who bugged you about making your My Turn list. But you can have a boyfriend and still find you. Ryan wanted you locked up in his stingy little castle because he was weak and insecure. Ford might be younger, but he’s stronger and more confident in who he is. I don’t think he needs to be the center of your universe. He just wants to be part of your world.”

***

Goodbyes are not forever and aren’t the end; they are only until we meet again.

***

“Important things seem to happen for a reason, and we shouldn’t walk away from them even if it wasn’t how we saw things playing out originally. If something feels right, we have to make it work.”

***

Do you remember when you asked me if it was possible to have the right feelings at the wrong time?”
I nodded. “I was terrified back then.”
“We both were, just at different times. The truth is, you can never have the right feelings at the wrong time, because there is never a wrong time for the right person.”

***

We go through life picking up puzzle pieces, and we never really know where they’ll fit or how they’ll come together to form the big picture. I’d spent years trying to fit pieces into places they didn’t belong, but never really felt complete. Until today. All of my puzzle pieces finally clicked into place, and I could see the beautiful picture.


*********************************************

You can follow my instagram page from here

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Wow loved it so much!It was amazing, exactly what I needed, steamy sensual and heartwarming!I don't know where to start with this one, I fall in love with the characters so much and their romance!I couldn't get enough of Valentina and Ford!They were addictive!



This is the first book I read about an older woman and younger man and I find it refreshing, and I could so easily relate and understand Valentina.I may not be in the same age but something similar has happened to me in some way.Ford was amazing so hot,sexy and funny.He is definitely a swoon worthy hero.I loved how their relationship developed!They were full of sexual tension and flirty but also sweet!

One of my favorite reads for this year, a perfect read for the summer, super hot and heartwarming!


 

  

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

‘Age shouldn’t be counted by the time we’ve been alive. It should be counted by the years we have left. Look forward, not back.’

I love a good age-gap romance when done right, and Vi Keeland did an excellent job at this troupe. This was the older woman, younger man troupe and the more I read, the more I think I prefer it to the older man/younger woman.

Valentina has been divorced for a while, but she’s yet to really move on. She had her son as a teen and got married young, now she finds herself in her late thirties with her son in college and she’s following her dreams to become a teacher. Her best friend talks her into signing up for a dating app and she gets matched with Ford Donovan. Ford is twenty five, 12 years her junior, and she actually knew him when he was younger.

Ford has never considered dating someone older than him, but he’s not opposed to it. When he sees Valentina, and then starts chatting with her, he knows she’s someone he wants in his life. Ford lost his parents and put his life on hold a bit to raise his younger sister, so I would say he is mature for his age. He and Val click in a way she’s never clicked with anyone else. Not only is their chemistry insane, but they have this connection that can’t be overlooked.

Val is hesitant to be with Ford. It takes her while to come to terms with it and there is a bit of a push/pull for a little longer than I liked, but aside from that, it was a fantastic book. I really loved these two together and they proved that age is just a number, and when you meet someone you connect with like they did, it shouldn’t be something that holds you back.

If you’re looking for a steamy and swoony age-gap romance, I highly recommend All Grown Up.

“While fate decided we came into each other’s lives, sometimes we have to fight to stay. And every day, you remind me we’re worth the fight.”

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}


Ever so slowly, Ford wrapped his hands around my cheeks and started to kiss me. I poured everything I was feeling from my mouth into his—sadness, longing, love, desire. I wanted to show him with my touch how I felt about him, because I knew I’d never get the chance to say the words now.






”ALL GROWN UP” is a sexy May/December romance between a beautiful thirty-seven-year-old divorcee and her gorgeous twenty-five-year-old neighbor, who used to babysit her son during their summer vacations in Montauk. Everything about Ford Donovan screams sexy and fun. Valentina and Ford have perfect chemistry but Val is so fixated on how others will view her that she keeps things platonic between them for entirely too long. When her heart gets tangled up in all things Ford, will he be ready to receive it? Or has she finally succeeded in pushing him away?







I love a good romance between an older woman and a younger man. Especially when it’s the hot and cocky as hell younger man that does all the pursuing. If anyone can pull off this trope flawlessly, it’s Vi Keeland. She’s one of those authors whose books I never hesitate to request to review. ”ALL GROWN U”" is the perfect read to keep your nights summer nights sizzling hot!!



Here are my overall ratings:

Hero: 4.5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4.5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5


”ALL GROWN UP” is available on July 8th!



Audio pre-order ➜ http://hyperurl.co/jr8w50
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[GimmeAllTheWerdssss]

Let’s break this down...

Heroine, recently divorced from HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART = she’s probably only been with her ex...

The add (of course it’s created by a friend because the heroine is stuck in a rut) request “cunnilingus King” = wants someone with tons of experience!

Can someone please tell me why it’s attractive for a Hero to have enough experience to be considered a “king” in any area to do with sex (yes, I’m aware the guys fib BUT if they ask for an expert or king of something sexual in romance there’s a 100% chance you’re gonna get a manwhore of manwhores) when’s he’s earned that title with someone other than the heroine?

Then to make the hero between the ages of 21-27 AND basically give him the experience of a 50 yr old, retired porn star?? Why why why!!??

Of course everything he will do to her will be new and exciting BUT he earned that experience somewhere else with multiple OTHER women....

An age difference doesn’t bother me as long as the experience is equal...I don’t need to read the book to figure out who’s going to lacking in this scenario.

SHM...why the fuck is this shit so popular? 🤦‍♀️

There’s no rating on this so it’s not hurting the books average...of you don’t agree with my opinion then move on...

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)



Valentina Davis is a beautiful 37 yr. old woman living in New Jersey. She married her high school sweetheart, had a son, and thinks her future is set. Then her marriage crash and burns, and she’s suddenly single for the first time in twenty years. Now divorced for almost two years, she’s lonely and still not moving on with her life. Her best friend decides it’s time for Val to put herself back out there, and sets her up a profile on a dating site. She really isn’t interested, and then a hot, younger guy starts messaging her that makes her laugh and feel good about herself. She looks forward to hearing from him, and figures what’s the harm in just talking. Weeks go by, and he finally talks her into meeting in person. She arrives for the date, and from behind he looks like an underwear model. Then he turns around and she recognizes him. It’s the boy next door from her summer home. She hadn’t seen Ford Donovan in years, and the boy she remembered is now all man, but still completely off limits.



Ford Donovan is a 25 yr. old gorgeous, successful businessman in New York. He works in real estate, and his dating life has become mundane. Then he meets a stunning woman online that intrigues and excites him. He wants to get to know her better. They meet in person, and he’s shocked to see it’s his neighbor from his family beach home in Montauk. When they cross paths again over the summer he decides he wants to explore their strong connection. He’s persistent and wants her to take a chance on him. Before long, he’s crazy about her, and she’s all he can think about. He’s determined to show her what he see’s when he looks at her.

Val wants to focus on herself and take her life back. She’s not ready for anything serious with expectations, but Ford makes her feel alive again. He was so easy to talk to, and convinces her to live in the moment. Somewhere along the way they both want more, and it’s becoming harder and harder to remember his age. He’s too young for her. She could never go there, or could she? When real feelings get involved will they be able to walk away at the end of the summer?



-“I want you, Ford.”

-“I’m incredibly attracted to you. Painfully so.”

-He had such an intense, magnetic pull over me that it was like fighting gravity.

-The man could seriously kiss. He made my knees weak and left me panting every single time.



All Grown Up by Vi Keeland is an all new sexy standalone beach romance about an older woman and a younger man. An emotional, steamy, witty, forbidden love story where age is just a number. I loved this book so much! Vi Keeland delivers a passionate, seductive, humorous, heartwarming story that reminds me why I’m so addicted to her writing. This book was simply fabulous!!!



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2XOjH3H

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my interview with Vi Keeland: https://wp.me/p5bsdH-2M5




Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:




After being held back by her past for a while, Valentina Davies realized she needed to move in. Thanks to a much-needed push by her best friend, she decided to take a chance a put herself out there. Little did she knew it would take her face to face with another past - the boy next door Ford Donovan who was certainly all man now.



I’ve always wanted to try an age gap book with an older woman and this one satisfied my curiosity. If I were to describe the feel, this book is airy summer sunshine. It made me smile with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Instead of responding, I went to my contacts and edited Donovan to Ford—a gentle reminder that Donovan wasn’t a man I could ever be attracted to; he was simply Ford, the boy next door.

Ford was very charming and his vulnerability was endearing, but he was also caring and responsible. Valentina was likable and relatable, and I liked how she made changes in her life.

I watched as his jaw tensed, and he bucked twice more before sinking into me so deeply that I gasped.

What appealed to me the most was how their relationship developed organically and how they didn’t let their relationship held then back. However, there were a couple of things I wish I got an answer for but weren’t addressed.

All Grown Up is a story of finding happiness on your own terms. It would appeal to readers looking for a sexy summer vacation read.






♦ 💋 ♦ . . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ♦ 💋 ♦






For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from this author. I started the book this morning and could not put it down. A lot of feels and the storyline took an unexpected turn adding to the layers of the plot. Very enjoyable read.

[Penelope Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford is my favorite Vi hero to date! You all are in for such a treat and with this sexy boy (man) next door story! Older women younger man stories are my jam and this one hits ALL the buttons! The beautiful beach setting only adds to the experience. Wish I could read it all over again.

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!

"There is never a wrong time for the right person."

OHHH! Vi Keeland pulls it out of the bag starting around the 70% mark, jacking my rating up from a meh 3 stars to a solid 4 stars. What a finish!

Soooo, I freely admit that my shallow heart was seduced by the hot cover/favorite trope one-two punch of All Grown Up . . . otherwise I would have avoided this one since Ms. Keeland and I have a very rocky history together, lol.

Anyway, Ford and Valentina . . . in the beginning I thought they were pretty lackluster characters, but their story really came together nicely when a shot of emotion was injected into this ow/ym age gap read just past the mid-way point. It really made this worth reading. Plus there were a few really funny moments. I recommend.

[EmBibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ‘Ford Donovan’ stars

It’s time you changed that outlook, Val. Age shouldn’t be counted by the time we’ve been alive. It should be counted by the years we have left. Look forward, not back.

This was my first time trying an age gap romance where an older woman falls for a younger guy. And you know what? It was so damn enjoyable!! Hilarious, sweet, and sexy. Such a perfect summer read.

”You need to stop giving a shit what other people think. Appropriate and inappropriate doesn’t matter if you want something and you’re not hurting anyone.”

Valentina is a 37 years old divorcee who finally started doing things for herself. Her best friend (who is hilarious btw) decides its time for Val to date again. She sets her up a profile on a dating site. She wasn’t interested until a funny hot young guy started messaging her. Texting turned into him finally convincing her to meet in person. That’s when she discovered that the guy she had fun talking to, is actually Ford Donavan, the boy next door who used to kind of babysit her son.

”Ford might be younger, but he’s stronger and more confident in who he is. I don’t think he needs to be the center of your universe. He just wants to be part of your world.”

Ford is such a sweet guy. He stole the show in this book. He’s nice, decent, charming, and so mature. He’s so swoon worthy. So caring and loving. He’s such a good guy, and an enough reason to read this book!
Valentina is a great woman. I loved watching her grow to the woman she wanted to be. She’s a really likable and relatable character.
I loved how their relation seemed to develop effortlessly and naturally. And their chemistry was undeniable! Overall this was such a fun sweet book. As most of Vi Keeland’s books, it was so enjoyable. A great summer read.

”Good. Because age is just a number to use to count all the years I’m going to love you.”

Song recommendation:
I want it that way by Backstreet Boys
Never be the same by Camilla Cabello

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY MOLY! This book surprised me. I haven’t read many age gap romances where an older woman falls for a younger guy (in All Grown Up she’s 37, he’s 25) and I wasn’t expecting to LOVE it so much. But the way Vi Keeland wrote this… I WAS HERE FOR IT 100%! And I fell in LOVE! THE FEELS. Oh my word, the sweetest feels that were so heartfelt. I adored Valentina and Ford from the first page. Their chemistry and connection was tangible, and their love story was so charming. Ford is the ultimate hero–a gentleman with a heart of gold and a filthy mouth! Basically PERFECT. LOL! I LOVED everything about him, but especially the way he pursued Valentina, the way he wanted her and worked for her. He was relentless!

This book really shows that age is just a number. Some people have soul and depth and maturity that goes beyond their years, and that was Ford. He’s an old soul. His parents passed away when he was younger and he became his sister’s guardian. He’s responsible, hard working, smart, charming! A business man, a family man (and a beast in bed 😉 ). Ford is only 25 and he’s already lived a hard life.

Valentina is a divorced mother. She’s still getting over her ex husband. Her son is only a couple of years younger than Ford. To say she has some obstacles to overcome with this age gap is an understatement. Their romance is a little forbidden, maybe even a touch taboo (a teeny, tiny touch). I mean, Ford was the boy next door, he used to baby sit her son Ryan, there was a past connection there, so when they reunite, courtesy of fate’s touch, well…. it’s shocking because it’s Ford and he is ALL GROWN UP, ALLLLLL MAN!

AND WHOA BABYYYYYY!

Talk about some serious chemistry. Vi Keeland creates a deep connection between our hero and heroine. And you just LOVE them. I was pulling for this couple to work out, waiting on bated breath for them to say fuck it and get together. I couldn’t get enough.

All Grown Up is sort of second chance romance (at least for Valentina–she gets a fresh start), it’s an unputdownable age-gap read. A slow burn with heat and passion, connection and feels, all consuming romance that you will get lost in. SO SO SO fantastic. I can’t say enough good things. Pick this up! It’s a must read.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentina is 37 years old. Divorced for 18 months now. Time to get back on the dating horse her bestie thinks..... and accidentally on purpose signs her up for a dating site. Where Val starts chatting with Ford. 25 year old Ford!
He's sweet, funny, hot ... and so much more. But she can't date this boy! Especially once they find out that Ford was the boy next door at the family's summer house in Montauk! 😱
But Ford is not giving up yet.
Let the fun times begin ...

WHAT WiLL HAPPEN TO VAL & FORD???
WiLL THERE BE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺




Again with the COVER! #BackPorn! What is it with Vi and Penelope and their covers?? Where do they find these guys?!?! Jeez! 😋🔥

The story was adorable and funny and flirty and sparky and sexy. With a few sad things thrown in.
I loved reading it.
I just adored Ford and Valentina.
I also wouldn't mind reading a book about Eve and Tom.

This was a great romance. Great cast. Beautiful location. Perfect to dream yourself away to Montauk for a few summer hours!

ALL GROWN UP was an adorable & funny & sexy & moving second-chance-at-love-and-happiness-cougary-age-gap-romance! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Ford - this one is so MINE! 😋



♡ ♡

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why but I am not into an older woman- younger man romance. Maybe because I try to put myself into those situations and it is just not my thing. Here the hero is 25 and the heroine is 37... It is not a bad book, just not my jam...kind of a what you see is what you get.
The author did make him an extremely successful 25 years old and her slightly naive fresh from divorce older woman.
I skipped a lot.

[Malene]

DNF @40%

I’m just not feeling it. Predictable and sadly I’m bored.

[❤️ Nanda ❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had such high expectations for this book that I was a little frustrated with the unfolding of the story.

I've love the introduction of characters and how they get to know each other, but not so much how their story unfolds.

I think I might even understand Val's doubts about starting a relationship with a younger guy, but after meeting him, and clearly being in love, she still had a lot of restrictions on what others think, not so much of what make them happy.

Ford was wonderful to her and extremely more mature than Val. I really love him, and he deserves better than her annoying self.

I've think that the plot twist was very weak... I don't understand this craze of having to separate main couples... The author could have used a plethora of more interesting plot twists, but chose to undermine the one thing that from the beginning was represented as a solid and full of love relationship.
I thought that it was pretty bland, predictable and unnecessary.

Unfortunately it was just more of the same. A good book. Just that.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌼🌸SWEET 💐🌼

Emotionally satisfying, heartwarming and low angst book that really appealed to me (even more) - once I started reading this delightful and sweet story.

This is an older woman -younger man romance.
And in this particular instance Ford (who is 25) and Valentina (who is 37) both turned out to be truly sympathetic characters, I found myself really wanting for things to work out between them romantically.......

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. -Mark Twain

However "age" definitely was an issue for Valentina, at least initially. She had been badly burned by her ex-husband's infidelity with a much younger woman and so when she is finally attracted to someone and he turns out to be a younger man-she is fearful of being hurt all over again.

To complicate matters further, she realizes that Ford is actually the son of her summer house neighbor in Montauk and that he had in fact babysat her son in the past....at that point she decides that a relationship with him would be totally inappropriate and she ends up resisting his attentions for what seems like a really long time!!!!!!

Ford however is really mature for a 25 year old having raised his kid sister Annabella after his parents early death when he was merely 20 years old. He is also such a sweet guy - he is nice, caring, decent, honest, charming and totally sexy.

In essence.... he is a truly good guy!!!!!

“You thought I had a woman over, even after chasing you for a month? I’m not the kind of guy to use another woman to replace the one I want but can’t have.”

***Vi Keeland really delivered for me with this book. Simply "wonderful" and not a hint of OW drama or any secret child either!!!! So impressed, the writing- beautifully and perfectly depicted these characters emotional story and I want to reread this book again very soon.

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Val is a divorcee mum and her best friend has decided she needs to get back into the dating pool. After getting married young and raising her son, she has been in the habit of always putting everyone else’s needs first. She is only in her mid thirties and has a lot of living left to do. She is looking at a new career and finally having time to do things she hasn’t before, in fact she has a list!

‘Over the years of my marriage, I’d let my wants take a backseat to everything else. And that had been the point of the list Eve had started for me - it was my choice now. My turn.’

Val is very reluctant to do this online dating thing but eventually she gives into Eve’s pressure and figures that she has nothing to lose. Initially she is not really interested in the guys messaging her until one of them catches her eye and makes her laugh. Thus begins an online friendship with Donovan, he is sweet, funny and talking to him makes her feel young again. The online chats progress to texting and a little bit of flirtation helps things along too.

However, when Donovan suggests that they meet in person Val begins second guessing her decision to get involved with someone so much younger than her. He is only 25 years old and now that she is about to come face to face with him she is having doubts. The face to face does not as smoothly as they had hoped, in fact this particular part of the story was so damn sweet! Apart from when she realises she already knows Donovan, Ford Donovan.

Ford is the son of her beach house neighbours. A boy her own son played with each summer as he grew up. It’s been years since she last saw him and he has definitely crossed that bridge of adolescence in adulthood very nicely indeed and he is incredibly gorgeous. The attraction she has been feeling towards him now suddenly feels so wrong and the age gap seems even more confronting.

Here’s the thing about Ford though, he had to grow up pretty quickly after a family tragedy and is more mature than other guys his age. Being an adult is more than a number, honesty, maturity and life experience also count and Ford definitely has more of these attributes than a lot of men Val's age. He has sowed his wild oats and has no patience for women who want to play games. He would rather be with someone who is comfortable in her own skin and knows what she wants. Someone like Val. In fact, he simply wants Val.

The fear of what other people will think of her is holding her back from happiness, once again she is not putting herself first. She is making decisions for both of them without thinking about how much it hurts Ford. He doesn't want to be her dirty little secret, her acceptance of what they have is what he needs from her now. Will Val finally see that she deserves everything that Ford wants to give her?

This story is a wonderfully indulgent read that I recommend you enjoy over a weekend or on holiday. Escapism at its best from Vi Keeland.

[K. Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Grown Up was the perfect amount of taboo, steam, and sweet love! Vi Keeland hooks you with these witty characters and their adorable banter! Ford was the perfect book boyfriend with his charm, maturity, and selflessness! Definitely recommend this one! Five SWEET BOY NEXT DOOR Stars!

[Luciana (✿◠‿◠) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Venía consumiendo mucho drama, así que necesitaba una lectura así: fresca, sin tantas complicaciones, divertida y simple.
Es un romance ligero con diferencia de edad, pero la verdad no se nota (salvo las 500 veces que la prota lo menciona). Él es muy lindo, maduro y sabe lo qué quiere. Ella es simpática, tienes muchas inseguridades que por un lado las entiendo, y por el otro me cansó porque se volvió repetitivo.
De todas maneras, es entretenido y cumple para pasar un buen rato, para despejar la mente.

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Younger man. And older lady

I loved loved loved this book. I cried I laughed and I cried again. I love ford. So sexy and the way Vi explains him makes me feel he is real. Val is beautiful and much older then ford. But wait till they found out who each other is.

[Jenny - TotallybookedBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Age shouldn’t be counted by the time we’ve been alive. It should be counted by the years we have left. Look forward, not back.’

If you’re in search for the perfect summer read, look no further than All Grown Up by Vi Keeland, a sweet and sexy forbidden age gap romance that will fill those summer days and make you swoon. The setting of Montauk adds to the ambiance by providing those lazy hazy summer feelings. Not to mention, you’re about to fall in love with Ford Donovan!

“I’m afraid you might be a little crazy.”
“We’re all a little crazy, Val. What fun would it be if we only filled our life with normal things.”

Vi Keeland takes the age gap theme and draws attention to the stigma placed upon the older woman and the younger man scenario. Whilst the reverse age gap is readily accepted, many women still battle with perception and acceptance, and Val’s conflicting emotions were perfectly highlighted in a story that’s as much about love as it is self-discovery, about believing in yourself and trusting your heart.

“When someone is already inside of you, you can’t just let go of their heart. The only way to disconnect is to break it.”

Valentina Davis (nee Di Giovanni) is thirty-seven, the mother of a college-aged son, and divorced for nearly two years. Left to reflect on her marriage, and her life going forward Val knows she needs to dip her toe back into the dating scene but has reservations. Wouldn’t we all!

It’s a daunting task and Val doesn’t have the experience to draw on, seeing as her husband was her first and only. However, thanks to her hilarious bestie of twenty years, Eve – Val has been signed up to Match.com a dating app and soon finds herself conversing with a guy named Donovan.

They have common threads and an instant rapport, and after much persuasion, Val agrees to meet him for dinner – however…….the fun begins when Donovan turns out to be Ford Donovan, a twenty-five-year-old who used to summer next door to her in Montauk. Awkward! Ford may be everything Val could dream of but he’s off limits, being as he is, quite literally, the boy next door!

“The truth is, you can never have the right feelings at the wrong time because there is never a wrong time for the right person.”

Try as they might, Val and Ford can’t deny the connection and the electrifying chemistry they share, and through their neighbouring Montauk properties, they decide to have a hot summer fling, casting care and responsibility to the wind for a few weeks, what can go wrong? As summer draws to a close, our hearts ached for Ford and Val as their relationship was approaching its expiration date.

"You’re so incredibly beautiful, Valentina. I’ll remember this summer forever."

Ford Donovan! What can we say? We loved this guy! Yes, he may be twenty-five, but this man had taken on the responsibility of raising his teenage sister, not to mention dealing with heartache and issues many twice his age would balk at. Ford was wise and mature beyond his years, and his feelings for Val made us swoon like crazy – the confidence he gave Val made us positively giddy!

‘I was never so lost in a moment. I heard nothing else, saw nothing else, felt only him.’

Vi Keeland entertained us and left us swooning with big smiles on our faces. Not only is Val and Fords story sweet and sexy, it told us to ignore the prejudices, reminding us we have one life and we need to get out there and enjoy it! So if you’re single and happen to meet a young Ford…our advice? You go for it girls!!! More acceptance, less judgment! Life’s too short – enjoy!

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[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'Twenty-five is right for you' Stars!

Vi Keeland has been one of my auto-buy / favorite authors ever since I started reading her books. I am always so giddy to read whatever she is releasing and All Grown Up was no exception. I was all over when she said she was giving us a younger man / older woman contemporary romance but this book is so much more than that: as always, it is the journey of falling in love of two very unique people who are clearly made for each other.

I absolutely adored Ford and Val together. The age-gap between them makes the story so refreshing and it also makes you believe that age really doesn't matter when falling for someone. You fall for that person not with the number of years they have lived. And of course, it true Keeland style, the chemistry between these two was scorching hawt! I loved the tension, the sex and all those emotions in between. I am so glad Ford and Val found their happiness together and I enjoyed every second of their story.

Romance fans, if you still haven't read Vi Keeland's works I don't know why you are still waiting. Be sure and check All Grown Up and the novels this talented woman writes!

[Pilar S.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si quieres una historia ligera y fresca (con clichés de diferencia de edad, hijo del vecino y amigo de tu hijo), esta es tu historia.

No suelo leer historias con esos clichés, pero esta me ha hechizado por completo. Con una pluma ágil, tensión servida en bandeja de plata y prejuicios sociales sin sentido, la historia entre Ford y Valentina adquiere un carisma interesante.

¿Quién no quiere un hombre con las ideas claras y que lucha por lo que quiere? Un hombre seguro de sí mismo, con la cabeza amueblada y con un negocio en auge.

Que levante la mano quien no abriría la puerta de su casa a un hombre así. (Mis manos están en el suelo ;p).

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was basically consumed by this book.

The moment I picked it up, I was sucked in and my heart began doing those deliciously achy flutters and swoons while I fell wholeheartedly into this story that, on its face, didn't seem like something I would like.

I don't know what it is, but I approached this one with a fair amount of hesitation. I wasn't sure how that age gap thing was going to work for me and, I'm not going to lie, it felt a little uncomfortable sometimes. I kept imagining myself in Valentina's shoes and, in doing that, I completely felt her angst and reservations and all the hundreds of reasons she had for not jumping all-in with Ford.

But then....Ford. GAHDDD. This man? He was not the hero I was expecting. He was so much better with a surprising amount of depth and dimension that made him absolutely impossible to resist. There was something about his earnestness, his strong, solid persistence in his quest to win Val over that won me over 100%. Also? Dead. Sexy. **fans self** I was so crazy about him which, of course, made it an easy thing to cheer for him as he worked so hard to win Val's heart.

One of the best things about a Vi Keeland book is that they are always layered with an unexpected depth of emotion, and they never play out exactly like you expect them to. This one is no different. There were some twists along the way that felt like a kick to my heart. There were moments that hurt to read and moments that frustrated me to no end. I felt every minute of this book, I think exactly in the way it was intended. Which, of course means that I also felt the joy and full-heartedness in their hard-won happily ever after.

It was so good. Sexy, swoony, and satisfying. I smiled so hard and lost myself in the romance of it all. An easy five star read and definitely one you shouldn't miss! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

***

I’m still grinning from when I finished All Grown Up a couple days ago. Seriously, I absolutely adored the smart, fun, snarky, thought provoking, happy, sexy AF romance between Ford and Valentina. I couldn’t help but wonder if something happened to end my own marriage of twenty-two years, would I be as brave and open as Valentina once she finally started dating again? Probably not—nor would I attract a hot AF, twenty-five-year-old man. But I digress . . . Back to Ford and Valentina . . .

Part of me was worried about the age gap—twelve years is pretty significant; however, I shouldn’t have worried. Nope. Not one iota. See both Ford and Valentina had to grow up and face the real world, real issues, real life in their late teens, early twenties. And that maturity is what make this romance work.

Though Valentina tried to find every way, every reason for it not to work.

At times I found myself frustrated with Valentina—frustrated over her worries about what others thought, what she thought she should or shouldn’t be looking for in a potential boyfriend. And then other times, I couldn’t help but empathize with her and think about all that she’d been through and that no wonder she had some self-confidence issues. Thank goodness for Evie—Valentina’s best-friend—since somehow, she helped Valentina see that she deserved happiness and a happily ever after with swoony, sexy Ford.

Speaking of Ford. He was really unexpected. Unexpectedly mature. Unexpectedly romantic. Unexpectedly amazing. And I don’t really know why I didn’t expect him to be as awesome as he was. Seriously, they didn’t make twenty-five-year-old men like him twenty-five years ago!

All Grown Up is the story of a man and a woman who, through sheer luck, meet, fall in love, and get their happily ever after. It will keep you engrossed from start to finish—and you really won’t want it to end! I know I didn’t! ~ Missy, 5 stars

[Wendy ⏃: ✦The Life of A Book Nerd✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!

"The truth is, you can never have the right feelings at the wrong time, because there is never a wrong time for the right person."

Vi Keeland has shown she exhibits a versatility in her writing and that she is not afraid to write about taboo topics. Though I have only read a few books by this author at this point, she never disappoints!

All Grown Up was every bit the sexy forbidden trope you need! Not only was Valentina 12 years Ford's senior but she also happens to be his neighbor #yes!

The premise of the story was great. We started off with Val getting back in the dating world after being divorced for 2 years. With a lot of help from her best friend Eve, she tries Match.com. Ford is asked to advertise his company through the site and decides to give it a go as well. He's 25 and a successful man. While looking through the site he comes upon a photo of a woman cannonballing in a pool and she's smiling. He's instantly drawn to this stranger and he begins chatting with her.

Chatting soon progresses and they decide to meet up in person at a restaurant. Val is a nervous wreck and she can't even go inside. However, Ford is a complete gentlemen and very respectful of her nerves and he has drinks and food delivered to her car! When Val gets the courage to go inside the restaurant all hell breaks loose for she instantly recognizes Ford. The sexy, young stud she's been having a great time talking to is no other than the boy next door from her summer home #ohsnap.

After this moment a whole lot of emotions, angst, and steamy sexy moments ensues between these two. Val fights the fact that he's too young for her. However, she realizes they have an undeniable chemistry and attraction towards one another so she stops fighting the pull and just goes for it.

I loved how Ford didn't care that Val was much older. He made her feel alive again. Val could be herself around him and she was finding herself, going after all of her dreams and goals. This book was such an emotional, sweet, funny, and forbidden love affair. The perfect summer read. Take me to Montauk, please!


*AN ARC WAS KINDLY PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.*

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳ Rate: 5 / 5 stars

New Vi Keeland favorite? I think so!

I just adored this book so much. I love the fact that's it's an age gap romance but one where the female character is older instead of the male. I feel like everyone who writes age gaps, the male is always the one who's older so this book was refreshing in that sense and I'm so glad this trope was written by one of my favs. It's been a while since I've read a Vi Keeland book, and this book made me realise that I've been seriously missing out.

I love Vi and her words. She writes some pretty good and sexy heros and Ford is one of my favs!! I loved him so much. I don't really want to go into plot here, besides you get a lot from the blurb but god it was so good and funny and cute!!! Ford is impossible to resist! And he's persistent and tempting and oh so hot! I loved how he didn't back down and even though Valentina kept saying no to a relationship, he kept messaging her and built a friendship. He was there for her in every capacity, he made her see herself in his eyes and he helped her live. And he kept at it, even when her actions and words hurt him. I really freaking loved his character and I want him for myself. Too bad he likes older woman.

I really liked Valentina too. It was so great to see her overcome her struggle to put herself out there and to get over what people thought and just live life for her like everyone should. Ford made her life sparkle. He was fun, daring and he wanted her to live and do all that her exhusband had deprived her of, even when those things weren't in his favor and had him out of the picture.

All Grown Up is an amazing story that proves just how much age is just a number. It is lighthearted at times and those will have you laughing and smiling from ear to ear, at others it's heartfelt and the angst will hit you right in the feels. Ford and Valentine share a beautiful connection right from the start, they have so much in common, they understand each other, make each other laugh, they are just perfect for one another. And Ford will prove that to you in the best way in this perfect summer read that will give you all the feels and summer vibes you need.

➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

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