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Old Enough to Know Better
No one in their right mind was going to mistake Cat Taylor for a cougar on the prowl, and after losing her husband, Clint, the man she knew was her one and only soul mate, she was determined to reconcile herself to spending the rest of her life alone and, according to her friends, not doing very well at it.
But no one had told her best friend’s son, Finn, that that was the plan, apparently. When he suddenly decides to move back to the coast of Maine, having made what his mother described as buckets of money, he stubbornly sets his sights on her and refuses to back down.
His mentor, Clint, wouldn’t have, either.
He’d taken a lot of cues about how to handle her from him, the worst of which was the distinct tendency to haul her over his lap and reduce her to tears any time she did anything he didn’t like.
But Cat struggles to believe he could be attracted to a woman who is about the same age as his mother, until he proves to her, in no uncertain terms, that he can singe more than just the nerves in her behind, and that, just perhaps, she is one of those lucky women for whom lightning strikes twice in a lifetime.
Publisher's This contemporary older woman/younger man romance contains a theme of power exchange.
But no one had told her best friend’s son, Finn, that that was the plan, apparently. When he suddenly decides to move back to the coast of Maine, having made what his mother described as buckets of money, he stubbornly sets his sights on her and refuses to back down.
His mentor, Clint, wouldn’t have, either.
He’d taken a lot of cues about how to handle her from him, the worst of which was the distinct tendency to haul her over his lap and reduce her to tears any time she did anything he didn’t like.
But Cat struggles to believe he could be attracted to a woman who is about the same age as his mother, until he proves to her, in no uncertain terms, that he can singe more than just the nerves in her behind, and that, just perhaps, she is one of those lucky women for whom lightning strikes twice in a lifetime.
Publisher's This contemporary older woman/younger man romance contains a theme of power exchange.
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Carolyn Faulkner
204 books355 followersCarolyn was one of you as a kid, with the intriguing seeds planted in her head of the shivering thrill-thoughts that came with words like spanking, or discipline. As with you, those kinds of words and thoughts connected the heated blush of her cheeks with feelings elsewhere, which got more and more interesting the older she got.
I bet you know just what I'm talking about.
Like some, she started writing down these thoughts, escaping into short stories of reluctant heroes willing to take someone they love in hand when it's for her own good... and more shadowy thoughts as her imagination matured.
And like some, she started sharing her writings in newsgroups once she gained some confidence.
There's nothing like the perfectly-turned phrase, the handful of words that can make a feeling wash over you. And if you're reading this, then you have within you some intense feelings that most of the world doesn't understand -- but Carolyn does, and she writes those passions with wondrous abandon. Her specialties are Spanking Romance and Adult Ageplay, so we've grouped the many examples of her work that way.
Spanking Romance Classics are sweeping love stories which dare (in a very un-PC way) to allow their heroine to feel the special love of a strong man who will take her in hand when it's best for her. Carolyn writes very real, rich characters and stories that aren't just excuses to jump from spanking scene to spanking scene. If the timeless tango of pursuing ardor touches you, and the head-rush of Adoring Discipline intrigues you, then you'll love Carolyn's stories!
I bet you know just what I'm talking about.
Like some, she started writing down these thoughts, escaping into short stories of reluctant heroes willing to take someone they love in hand when it's for her own good... and more shadowy thoughts as her imagination matured.
And like some, she started sharing her writings in newsgroups once she gained some confidence.
There's nothing like the perfectly-turned phrase, the handful of words that can make a feeling wash over you. And if you're reading this, then you have within you some intense feelings that most of the world doesn't understand -- but Carolyn does, and she writes those passions with wondrous abandon. Her specialties are Spanking Romance and Adult Ageplay, so we've grouped the many examples of her work that way.
Spanking Romance Classics are sweeping love stories which dare (in a very un-PC way) to allow their heroine to feel the special love of a strong man who will take her in hand when it's best for her. Carolyn writes very real, rich characters and stories that aren't just excuses to jump from spanking scene to spanking scene. If the timeless tango of pursuing ardor touches you, and the head-rush of Adoring Discipline intrigues you, then you'll love Carolyn's stories!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 8, 2021
3 Lots of Spanking Stars
I haven't read too many stories about a much younger man than the FMC. So when I saw this I was intrigued. Finn is 34 compared to Cat's 46. Especially when I read that Cat's deceased husband and her had lived a life where he was dominant and used spankings to correct Cat's behavior and keep her in line. The new much younger man, Finn, pursuing her was mentored by her deceased spouse in how to love and treat women, and he has his sights set on continuing that for Catherine despite what she initially feels about it.
My heart hurt for Cat as she deals with feeling adrift and lost in the five years since her husband Clint died. He was her best friend and lover but also her loving Dom who kept her behaving and taking care of herself as she should. Cat feels that she will never find any relationship or love like she had with him and is resolving herself to being alone.
Finn, Cat's best-friend's son, is back in town after becoming successful in Silicon Valley. He's loved Cat since he was a teenager seeing the true deep love she and Clint had and thinking she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. As Clint mentored him on how to be a man and how to love and take care of your woman, Finn knew that having that with Cat was what he would always want even though he probably would never have her.
I really liked Cat. She was independent and caring, yet still mired in her grief. Finn was sex on a stick!! He was thoughtful, sweet, and calm yet dominant and in charge. I just loved him. I love how he showed Cat how beautiful she still was and that he was there for now. She could rely on him to love her, take care of her, and be what she needed, just as Clint had been. Finn was steadfast and stern but still so lovely. I didn't know that was a thing, but I liked it lol.
There were numerous spankings but otherwise not that much steam. I felt the ending was rushed and abrupt. Also I wish there was an epilogue at least to see how everything settled. So those are the reasons for the little lower rating.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I haven't read too many stories about a much younger man than the FMC. So when I saw this I was intrigued. Finn is 34 compared to Cat's 46. Especially when I read that Cat's deceased husband and her had lived a life where he was dominant and used spankings to correct Cat's behavior and keep her in line. The new much younger man, Finn, pursuing her was mentored by her deceased spouse in how to love and treat women, and he has his sights set on continuing that for Catherine despite what she initially feels about it.
My heart hurt for Cat as she deals with feeling adrift and lost in the five years since her husband Clint died. He was her best friend and lover but also her loving Dom who kept her behaving and taking care of herself as she should. Cat feels that she will never find any relationship or love like she had with him and is resolving herself to being alone.
Finn, Cat's best-friend's son, is back in town after becoming successful in Silicon Valley. He's loved Cat since he was a teenager seeing the true deep love she and Clint had and thinking she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. As Clint mentored him on how to be a man and how to love and take care of your woman, Finn knew that having that with Cat was what he would always want even though he probably would never have her.
I really liked Cat. She was independent and caring, yet still mired in her grief. Finn was sex on a stick!! He was thoughtful, sweet, and calm yet dominant and in charge. I just loved him. I love how he showed Cat how beautiful she still was and that he was there for now. She could rely on him to love her, take care of her, and be what she needed, just as Clint had been. Finn was steadfast and stern but still so lovely. I didn't know that was a thing, but I liked it lol.
There were numerous spankings but otherwise not that much steam. I felt the ending was rushed and abrupt. Also I wish there was an epilogue at least to see how everything settled. So those are the reasons for the little lower rating.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2021
He's devoted to her; he's also too harsh. For what it is, it's fine, but it's pretty short so not much development. I do appreciate the younger man/older woman trope since that's rare in this genre.
This is a re-release of a book that Blushing Books published several years ago. In the last couple of years, this company has re-published several books with no caveat. This is a highly unethical business practice.
This is a re-release of a book that Blushing Books published several years ago. In the last couple of years, this company has re-published several books with no caveat. This is a highly unethical business practice.
June 28, 2022
If you loved BDSM with your romance, you will love this older woman younger man story. Cat thought her life was over after losing her husband but Finn has other ideas! He has been captivated with Cat for a long time and now has a chance to go after what he wants. He learned from the best as to how to handle Cat but will she see him as a man she can count on considering the age differences?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2021
Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
November 17, 2021
Old Enough to Know Better is a delightful and endearing reverse age-gap romance by Carolyn Faulkner and is the first book in her Widow series. In it, readers witness the romantic journey of Cat and Finn. She is a widow and the best friend of his mother. She is 12 years his senior, but, that does not faze Finn, who was also a friend of Clint, Cat’s deceased husband. Clint taught Finn how to care and love a vulnerable and passionate woman like Cat. Finn bides his time and once he is financially successful and a respectable time has lapse since Clint’s passing, her returns home with one quest—win the love of Cat. Will he be successful? You must read this book to find out.
I enjoyed this reverse age-gap romance, and that Ms. Faulkner did a superb job in capturing this unique romantic journey. She handles the older woman/younger man scenario respectfully. I enjoyed her skill with dialog and descriptive language. Readers can easily identify with Cat’s internal struggle with being older than Finn and with falling in love again.
I enjoyed this reverse age-gap romance, and that Ms. Faulkner did a superb job in capturing this unique romantic journey. She handles the older woman/younger man scenario respectfully. I enjoyed her skill with dialog and descriptive language. Readers can easily identify with Cat’s internal struggle with being older than Finn and with falling in love again.
June 7, 2021
Cat lost her husband five years ago, and has been a shadow of herself ever since. Clint was a once in a lifetime love, she thought, and never looked for anyone else, resigned to be alone. When Finn, her best friend's stepson comes home to Maine from the west coast, he makes it clear he is interested in Cat. She is afraid of what people will think, but ultimately it does not matter. He gets through to her, and their affair is fire. He has wanted her since he was much younger, and as Clint's protege, he knows just how to get convince her to see things his way.
Carolyn Faulkner has a very distinct style, and this book is no different. There is lots of her signature spanking, and as this is the beginning of a series, it leaves me wanting more. It can absolutely be read as a stand alone, complete with an HEA. Beautifully written, this is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carolyn Faulkner has a very distinct style, and this book is no different. There is lots of her signature spanking, and as this is the beginning of a series, it leaves me wanting more. It can absolutely be read as a stand alone, complete with an HEA. Beautifully written, this is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2021
Old enough to know better... Young enough to not care... Cat is feeling lost, unable to move on with her life after Clint's death. At her friend Jane's engagement party, she sees Finn for the first time in years. He's the first man to grab her attention since Clint. But Finn is so very taboo. Not only is he significantly younger, he's the son of her good friend. How will Jane react to this? And their other friends? I have not read all of this author's books, but I've read more than a few. And this is my favorite so far. It's taboo, but not excessively so. Finn is so loving, with only Cat's best interest in mind, even as he pushes the limits of what she thinks she wants for her future. She doesn't realize how desperately she needs his firm hand, until he inserts himself into her life. I'm really excited for this new series, after having the chance to read this opening book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this age gap romance with an older woman and younger man. I liked the way that Carolyn wrote about her first love as well as her second chance at love. I don’t usually enjoy reading about other relationships for the main characters but this was done really well. Cat is still in mourning years after losing her husband. They had a deep love that she is having a hard time getting over. Her friend’s son, Finn, moves back home and begins pursuing her romantically. Finn has always had feelings for Cat and after giving her several years to mourn her husband, he is ready to make his feelings known. This book was an enjoyable read, with wonderful characters, steam, domestic discipline, and a great ending.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2021
This is a re-release of a wonderful story by Carolyn Faulkner. Cat is a woman in her forties that had lost her husband to cancer. She and Clint had had a D/s relationship. Clint spanked her for her own good. Cat's best friend is Jane and her step son is Finn. Finn is only 10 years younger than Cat, but it feels like more to Cat. Finn spent his summers working with Clint in his garage. Clint also talked to him about the way a man treats a woman and Finn absorbed it all. But, the thing was that Finn had always been in love with Cat. And when he came back to town, he decided to claim her. Cat has trouble acdcepting it, but in the end, she does. This story is great and there is a HEA for Finn and Cat.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2021
It was ok. A short older woman younger man story with the added touch of domestic discipline.
I am not really sure how much older Finn was supposed to be then Cat. He hung around Cat and her husband when he was in his teens, but they could have been in their 20's.
Although she was best friends with his mother, I discovered that it was his stepmother. Once again, I wasn't sure of the ages of the women.
Anyway, this was a very quick read. I didn't feel like Cat and Finn had much interaction outside of her house. I did feel like I was missing more of the story, and it might have been more Interesting to me if they had an outside life together.
They did get their HEA. I thought the book ended rather abruptly.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Booksprout.
I am not really sure how much older Finn was supposed to be then Cat. He hung around Cat and her husband when he was in his teens, but they could have been in their 20's.
Although she was best friends with his mother, I discovered that it was his stepmother. Once again, I wasn't sure of the ages of the women.
Anyway, this was a very quick read. I didn't feel like Cat and Finn had much interaction outside of her house. I did feel like I was missing more of the story, and it might have been more Interesting to me if they had an outside life together.
They did get their HEA. I thought the book ended rather abruptly.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Booksprout.
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed this short story of an older woman with a younger guy. Though Cat seemingly had the perfect marriage which included domestic discipline, it was cut short when her husband died. She was ready to be alone for the rest of her life. But Finn had other ideas.
Finn, a son of a friend who had watched their marriage from afar wanted Cat and wanted the same kind of relationship with her. Now he is all grown up, a handsome alpha male who is ready to step in and claim Cat.
From start to end, the story was engaging as they found their way with lots of heat, spice, emotion, and spankings. Plenty of tension and chemistry between these two and I was glad I was along for the ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finn, a son of a friend who had watched their marriage from afar wanted Cat and wanted the same kind of relationship with her. Now he is all grown up, a handsome alpha male who is ready to step in and claim Cat.
From start to end, the story was engaging as they found their way with lots of heat, spice, emotion, and spankings. Plenty of tension and chemistry between these two and I was glad I was along for the ride.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2021
4 1/2* STARS*
It's been five years and Cat is still trying to cope with the death of her husband. Returning home to Maine is her best friend's stepson, Finn. His stepmother's age, she doesn't feel comfortable with the attraction between them. Finn doesn't care and he won't take no for an answer. He's been in love with her since he was a teenager. Her husband, Clint was the biggest influence in his life. Finn knows that it's his turn to take care of Cat, he's just the man to give her what she needs. Nice start to the series. A passionate love story, it includes discipline and spanking between consenting adults.
It's been five years and Cat is still trying to cope with the death of her husband. Returning home to Maine is her best friend's stepson, Finn. His stepmother's age, she doesn't feel comfortable with the attraction between them. Finn doesn't care and he won't take no for an answer. He's been in love with her since he was a teenager. Her husband, Clint was the biggest influence in his life. Finn knows that it's his turn to take care of Cat, he's just the man to give her what she needs. Nice start to the series. A passionate love story, it includes discipline and spanking between consenting adults.
June 5, 2021
I so rarely see older woman, younger man age gap romances, or older woman romantic protagonists at all.
That kinda hurts once you find yourself in that demographic yourself.
But I loved this one. Very authentic & honest. YES, it’s erotic but it hits the ♥️ as well as lower down.
Hot & tender...always a double entendre with spanko romances. 😜 Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That kinda hurts once you find yourself in that demographic yourself.
But I loved this one. Very authentic & honest. YES, it’s erotic but it hits the ♥️ as well as lower down.
Hot & tender...always a double entendre with spanko romances. 😜 Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2021
It's amazing who comes into your life when you're not expecting it. Grieving Cat was totally not expecting Finn, the son of her best friend, to be interested in her and yet he's persistently pursing her. Finn has spent years knowing that Cat is the perfect woman for him and now the opportunity has arisen, he's ready to claim her. Beautiful story as passionate, sweet and just about love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2021
Great story, a very enjoyable read. I loved that her husband had basically groomed Finn for the job. Although I will say the way he asked her to marry him was a little awkward. Their journey to each other was sweet and interesting.
June 8, 2021
I thought it sounded familiar to me when I started to read it. It seems this is a rerelease and it sounded very familiar to me! But I did enjoy it and is well written still!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2021
I liked this read about Cat who is older than Finn. Cat and Finn both knew her husband before he died. I liked the way these two were together because they were such a great fit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2021
Clint & Cat had an intriguing, fast-paced read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Cat and Finn's romance was a engaging blend of heat, emotion, poignancy and heart. I thought Cat was easy to relate to and feel for. Finn was quite swoon worthy and I loved that he knew what he wanted and went for it. The tension and chemistry between these two was thick and sizzling. This is my forthright, volitional review.
August 9, 2021
There are instances in reading this that you get the feel that it's a re-released book and a quick search confirms that it was originally published in 2012. I don't blame the author for this, it seems to be something that the publisher is regularly doing. I hadn't read this book when it was first released and quite enjoyed it this time. The book benefited by not feeling overly dated, which means that I wasn't distracted while reading it. As for the story, I liked it. Cat begins a relationship with the son of a friend. It's not as icky as it sounds, since the friend is the step-mum and seems to have been significantly younger than the father. So, while there is a gap of 12 years, it's certainly not cringy. I liked that while Cat is older, Finn is definitely in control of this relationship and I liked that while the public blowback isn't as bad as it could be, there is some, which makes for a realistic response. This book spends quite a bit of time on the relationship between Cat and her deceased husband and I was worried that the relationship between Cat and Finn would feel rushed in comparison, but it doesn't. This isn't my favourite by the author, but it is a worthwhile read.
June 8, 2021
This story was so emotional and I so felt badly for Cat. However, Finn is amazingly alpha and is a good fit for Cat. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I thought they were so good together. I don't see too many romances that has an older woman-younger man trope so thought it was cute sweet.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Want to Read
December 15, 2012A new Faulkner focusing on a cougar relationship between a woman and her best friend's son. And me a 40 something divorcee. Well that's a no brainer.
December 29, 2012
The ending is far too abrupt, but the story was enjoyable until then.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews