Older by Jennifer Hartmann
Halley is living a lie…and falling for someone she never should have met.
By day, she's just a girl trying to survive an emotionally barren home. But by night, she escapes to the quiet solitude of a lake beneath the stars. That's where she meets Reed, a brooding, kind stranger who offers her the sort of safety she's never known.
There's an unspoken connection. A shared ache neither of them can name.
But when Halley's best friend introduces her new stepdad, everything shatters.
Because that stepdad is Reed.
With a love as equally forbidden as it is all-consuming, Halley and Reed are forced to navigate a storm of secrets, guilt, and longing. As years go by and lines blur, they must decide if love is worth the risk—especially when it could destroy the only family either of them has ever known.
A haunting and hopeful story of healing, desire, and a love that refuses to be ignored.
Tropes:
- Age-gap romance
- Best friend's dad
- Forbidden love
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Slow burn
- Found family
- Healing from trauma
💌 Meena Vibe:
For the readers who like their romance a little dark, a little messy, and deeply, achingly human.
🌊 This one’s not light and fluffy — it’s ocean-deep and a little stormy.
📖 Read with soft lighting, an oversized sweater, and zero interruptions.
Perfect for those nights when you want a book to wreck you gently.
Halley is living a lie…and falling for someone she never should have met.
By day, she's just a girl trying to survive an emotionally barren home. But by night, she escapes to the quiet solitude of a lake beneath the stars. That's where she meets Reed, a brooding, kind stranger who offers her the sort of safety she's never known.
There's an unspoken connection. A shared ache neither of them can name.
But when Halley's best friend introduces her new stepdad, everything shatters.
Because that stepdad is Reed.
With a love as equally forbidden as it is all-consuming, Halley and Reed are forced to navigate a storm of secrets, guilt, and longing. As years go by and lines blur, they must decide if love is worth the risk—especially when it could destroy the only family either of them has ever known.
A haunting and hopeful story of healing, desire, and a love that refuses to be ignored.
Tropes:
- Age-gap romance
- Best friend's dad
- Forbidden love
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Slow burn
- Found family
- Healing from trauma
💌 Meena Vibe:
For the readers who like their romance a little dark, a little messy, and deeply, achingly human.
🌊 This one’s not light and fluffy — it’s ocean-deep and a little stormy.
📖 Read with soft lighting, an oversized sweater, and zero interruptions.
Perfect for those nights when you want a book to wreck you gently.
Share

-
Gift Wrapping Available
-
100+ 5-Star Reviews
-
Free Shipping Over $99
Let customers speak for us
from 56 reviewsit came packaged very pretty and came stickers and candy. i like it a lot
Such a cute special addition to my kitchen sink area. It goes perfect with my cozy cottage decor, and it's exactly as pictured. Meena always delivers the most amazing pieces!!
Beautiful collection piece, perfect for the upcoming fall and winter months. It arrived in perfect condition and, as always, Meena made the experience extra magical and special with her extraordinary packaging, unique details, and extra goodies!!
Very high quality smell!!
Gorgeous book, arrived in perfect condition. Meena always exceeds all the expectations of a beautifully curated experience!!! Her attention to detail is impeccable, as well as her taste for all things beautiful. The quality of the merch is simply top notch.
Everything in my package was perfect 10/10 would buy from this shop again!!
Not oy was my book absolutely stunning, the packaging was impeccable. She packed so many cute goodies including a scrunchie, lip glass, and lavender sprigs that made my entire office smell good once I opened the box. I will definitely be shopping here again!
Absolutely beautiful! I loved it!!
Great packaging fast shipper will definitely recommend this seller
Fast shipper, great packaging definitely will purchase from this seller again. Highy recommended
It came packaged beautifully. So happy with my purchase.
Very happy with my purchase. The packaging was lovely and I greatly appreciated the extra touches. It turned it into an experience and not just a purchase. I highly recommend this shop and will be making more purchases in the future.
Book looks amazing, Beautifully packaged and had cute extras!
Incredible! Lovely packing wirh a lot of goodies!! Adored the entire order
The packaging was super cute and well packed. I was surprised to see the box was personalized. Thank you!! I can’t wait to jump into my new read.
You Also Viewed
Older by Jennifer Hartmann
