45 Best Age Gap Romance Books to Read

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If you’re an avid romance reader, you probably have a list of your favorite tropes and if you’re here, the age gap trope is likely one of them. Whether you prefer the older woman younger man trope or older man younger woman romance books, this curated list of age gap romance books has it all.

Age Gap Romances With An Older Woman

All Grown Up by Vi Keeland

Valentina, a 37-year-old divorcee, is back on the dating scene courtesy of Match. But when she meets 25-year-old Ford, it’s more than just a regular blind date. He’s the kid next door who used to babysit her son during summers. Despite Valentina squashing any potential relationship, Ford isn’t giving up just yet. When he learns Valentina will be spending the summer at her family’s beach house, he takes this as an opportunity to try to win her over.

All Grown Up is a wonderful choice for readers in the mood for a slow-burn older woman / younger guy romance with a 12-year age gap.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

Fed-up with the aftermath of her bitter divorce, Helen Carpenter takes a risk and embarks on a three-week wilderness survival course, hoping to take the time to rediscover who she is. But when she finds out Jake Archer, her brother’s annoyingly positive best friend, is coming too, she’s less than thrilled. Though she tries to fight it, Helen soon finds herself falling for Jake’s can-do attitude and enthusiasm.

For an age-gap romance novel with a 10-year age gap, filled with gripping wilderness drama, check out Happiness for Beginners.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Solène Marchand takes her daughter Isabelle to a concert to meet her favorite boy band, August Moon, and instantly forms an unexpected connection with the lead singer, the 20-year-old British pop star Hayes Campbell. Despite the 19-year age difference, Solène and Hayes can’t help but be drawn to each other. As their relationship intensifies, they must face the tough challenges that come with the public nature of their forbidden romance.

If you’re looking to indulge in a stirring love story with a forbidden spin, The Idea of You is the perfect book for you.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Successful ER doctor Alexis Montgomery is having a real-life storybook moment when she swerves to avoid an animal – only to find herself stuck in a ditch. That’s when Daniel Grant, a 28-year-old with too many roles (carpenter, pseudo mayor, and family business owner) to count arrives to rescue her.

Although they are undeniably drawn to each other, their 10-year age-gap and very different backgrounds leave Alexis questioning whether their connection could survive in the real world.

Part of Your World is yet another masterpiece from acclaimed author Abby Jimenez. This romantic comedy will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings, and ultimately leave you believing in the power of true love.

On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

In On the Island, thirty-year-old Anna Emerson is offered a summer job tutoring sixteen-year-old T.J. Callahan at his family’s holiday home. But then their plane crashes into the Indian Ocean and the two are left stranded on an uninhabited island.

As months shift into years, feelings surface. With nothing holding them back besides their own fears, it’s up to them to shatter the barrier and take their relationship to the next level. After all, they only have each other.

If you’re eager to devour a forbidden romance with a 14-year age-gap, look no further than On the Island.

How The Heart Breaks by Stacey Marie Brown

Three years after the tragedy that made 30-year-old Emery Robert a widow, she still feels lost and unsure how to move on without her husband. Desperate for a fresh start, Emery packs up her life and moves to a nearby state with her 17-year-old niece Addison in tow.

Days after the move, Emery meets 19-year-old Mason, her niece’s new crush, and they are instantly drawn to one another. But with so many obstacles, their attraction may not be enough.

With combustible chemistry and off-the-charts heat, How The Heart Breaks is a contemporary romance you do not want to miss. As one of the best age-gap romance books of 2022, I recommend getting your hands on this, especially if you’re looking for a 10-year age-gap with an older woman.

Never Again by Lilliana Anderson

Cora is on the cusp of 30 when she files for a divorce, gets slammed with an intervention order, is demoted to a “glorified babysitter” for lawyer trainees and accidentally has a one night stand with her boss’s son who just so happens to be one of Cora’s interns. Of course, at the time she thought he was just some smokin’ hot young lad who she’d never see again. Yeah. Imagine her surprise.

Never Again is perfect for anyone who loves romance books with a 9-year age-gap, a splash of humor, and a dash of lust-filled glances between colleagues. After all, the office serves as an excellent place to meet one’s soulmate.

What If It’s Right by J.B. Heller

At eighteen, Victoria was granted sole custody of her nephew after her sister’s tragic death. Desperate for a fresh start, Tory moves them to a new town where Finn becomes fast friends with their neighbor’s son Weston. Days turn into months which turn into years and before she knows it, Finn and Weston are no longer boys anymore…something Weston plans to make crystal clear.

Read What If It’s Right if you’re interested in a slow-burn age gap romance with a sweet hero and a 10-year age-gap.

Love Hacked by Penny Reid

When almost every one of your dates leaves in tears, you can safely assume that you may be doing something wrong. After Sandra Fielding’s latest date fail, the handsome waiter Alex from the restaurant slides into the booth and takes her date’s place. Shocked by Alex’s blunt line of questioning, Sandra finds herself opening up to him. But Alex is the exact opposite of what she’s looking for and, to top it off, he’s much younger, creating quite the dilemma for the psychiatrist. 

If you love hilarious romance books with a 6-year age difference that will make you simultaneously laugh and swoon, check out Love Hacked.

Boy Toy by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby

When the woman of Liam McAllister’s teen fantasies walks through the doors of the daycare with her two-year-old twins, he’s instantly smitten. Sadie Matthews is a single mother running on fumes between work, her young kids, the revolving door of nannies and her ex’s inability to spend time with their kids. When she brings Amy and Kate to daycare, she never expects to find the scrawny teen turned 29-year-old hottie she babysat 15 years prior. 

Read Boy Toy if you love romance books with a 6-year age difference and adorable kids.

The Unidentified Redhead by Alice Clayton

At thirty-three, Grace Sheridan is ready to give Hollywood a second shot. After a chance encounter with Hollywood’s new A-lister Jack Hamilton at a party, Grace finds herself captivated by the 24-year-old heartthrob. Weeks go by and they continue exploring their connection, but with Jack’s rising stardom, their relationship is bound to be thrust into the limelight and Grace is unsure whether she’s ready for that type of scrutiny. 

The Unidentified Redhead is a celebrity romance with a 9-year age difference between an older woman and a younger guy.

Best Taboo Age Gap Romance Books

Defy by L.J. Shen

Defy tells the story of Melody Greene, a twenty-six year old woman whose career as a dancer ended after an accident. When she lands a job as a teacher at an elite high school, she never expects to have an affair with Jaime Followhill, an arrogant and sexy-as-sin senior who also happens to be the principal’s son. 

Read Defy if you’re searching for a fast burn teacher-student romance with an 8-year age-gap.

Lessons in Corruption by Giana Darling

After spending years in an unhappy marriage, a fresh start is exactly what Cressida Irons needs. When she starts all over in a new town with a new job as a teacher, she never anticipates King Kyle Garro, a man that knows that he wants and refuses to let anything, or anyone, stand in his way. The only problem in this scenario is, well, he’s her student.

Lessons in Corruption is a forbidden romance between a teacher and a student with an 8-year age-gap.

The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent

Layla Robinson is in desperate need of a distraction which comes in the form of the pompous and brooding artist, Thomas Abrams. There are two problems with this: one, he’s her professor and two, he’s married. Thomas is completely off limits, so will Layla act on her feelings? Stupid question, we all know she will. The real question is whether Thomas will still give her an A in the class…   

The Unrequited features a 9-year age-gap between two broken souls that are seemingly beyond repair.

Crossed Lines by Lana Sky

When seventeen-year-old Maryanne Mayweather is expelled from her twelfth boarding school, she is sent to live with her flakey aunt Elaine and her aloof husband James Thorne. With vengeance on her mind, Maryanne has a personal vendetta to disgrace the once successful author except there’s a glitch in her plan; Maryanne underestimated the thin line between love and hate.  

If you’re interested in a heartbreaking taboo 10+ year age-gap romance that crosses a few dozen lines, take a look at Crossed Lines. It won’t disappoint.

June First by Jennifer Hartmann

When tragedy strikes three times, it can be hard to recover. For Brant Elliott, that’s exactly what happened. First, he lost his childhood innocence. Then, he spiraled into loss and regret. But the third tragedy pushed him to do something he never thought he could accomplish—take flight. 

But no matter the adversity, he had one constant: June Bailey.

June First is an unforgettable age gap romance (6-year age-gap) that touches on loss, heartache, self-discovery, love, and, ultimately, happiness.

Misconduct by Penelope Douglas 

At twenty-three, former tennis player Easton Bradbury has high hopes for her first year teaching at a private school in New Orleans. What she never foresaw was Tyler Marek: the enigmatic businessman she met at a Mardi Gras ball. When Tyler shows up at a parent-teacher meeting, Easton quickly realizes two things: one, Tyler has no idea how to raise a teenager and two, nothing can ever come of their strong mutual attraction.   

Read Misconduct if you enjoy steamy taboo romances, featuring a 12-year age-age, where the teacher falls for her student’s father. 

Misbehaved by Charleigh Rose

Remington Stringer is looking for a way out and her prayers are answered when she is offered a scholarship at a prestigious private school. There she meets the aloof and secretive debate teacher, Mr. James. Every sign points away from Pierce, but Remi decides to throw caution to the wind when she seeks him out, leading to a whirlwind romance. The question is, how will it end? 

If you’re on the market for a slow-burn teacher-student relationship with an 11-year age-gap and tons of sexual tension, you’re in the right place. 

The Truth About Tomorrow by B. Celeste 

Thirteen-year-old Charlie Tucker has a tragic past and an equally tragic obsession with the one person she can never have: her pseudo uncle. Oliver James grew up in a loving and successful household with his adopted sister River who ends up adopting Charlie. When she befriends Oliver, he quickly becomes her best friend in a completely platonic way. But as the years progress, Charlie’s feelings evolve into an unrequited love that leaves her hoping for more. And when the perfect opportunity arises to make her move, she takes it.

Read The Truth About Tomorrow if you’re looking for a forbidden romance with a 15-year age-gap.

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines

In the aftermath of her mother’s passing, nineteen-year-old Blaire Wynn moves in with her father and his new wife in their beach house along the East Coast. What Blaire never anticipated was Rush Finley, her twenty-four-year-old step-brother who has an uncanny talent at getting under her skin. With the house to themselves for the entire summer, there are so many things that can go wrong… or right.  

Read Fallen Too Far if you’re in the mood for a forbidden age gap romance between step-siblings.

Age Gap: 5 years

Medicine Man by Saffron A. Kent

Willow Taylor is counting down the days until she completes her treatment at the Hearthstone psychiatric hospital. Everything changes the day Dr. Simon Alistair signs on as her new psychiatrist. Known as the Ice-Man, Willow holds only feelings of disdain towards him. When Simon starts digging into her mind and past, contempt turns into interest which eventually shifts into desire. With so much on the line, will their relationship blossom or be their downfall? 

Medicine Man is a forbidden romance with a 15-year age-gap romance between two ill-fated individuals.

Manhattan Secret by V. Theia

The moment Lachlan Fierro eyes land upon Delaney Sloan, he knows he’s a goner.

After a chance encounter in a bar brings Lachlan and Delaney closer than ever, Lachlan is disappointed when his mystery girl disappears…only to be pleasantly surprised when he finds her in his computer studies class the next day. The only problem? She’s the new teacher.

Manhattan Secret is a steamy forbidden romance featuring a 7-year age-gap between a teacher and her student. 

Dark Notes by Pam Godwin

At seventeen, Ivory Westbrook is a survivor with dreams of a better life. And as one of the most gifted pianists that have graced the halls of her prestigious academy, she has a chance at turning those dreams into her reality by earning a sought-after spot at Leopold, one of the most coveted performing arts colleges in the world. But in a world where money and nepotism reign, Ivory is at a clear disadvantage.

When she returns for her senior year to news of her biggest supporter’s retirement, Ivory fears all her hard work has been for nothing. And if anyone other than Emeric Marceaux took on the role as her new instructor, she’d be right. 

Heartbreaking, sexy and gritty, Dark Notes is a captivating teacher-student romance with a 10-year age-gap, BDSM, and complex characters.

Praise by Sara Cate

Reeling from a broken heart, Charlie finds herself in a surprising situation when she goes to collect her security deposit from her ex’s dad’s Emerson, the owner of the Salacious Players Club. With Emerson in need of help in the weeks leading up to the club’s opening, Charlie finds herself recruited as his assistant. But what starts as a professional relationship soon turns sultry. 

Sara Cate’s Praise is an age gap romance (19 years) with an extra kick—a forbidden employer/employee relationship that will have you wanting more. Spice, kinks, and an emotional rollercoaster all await in this unforgettable journey that questions societal taboos.

Best Age Gap Romance Books With An Older Man

Scandalous by L.J. Shen

Thirty-three-year-old business mogul Trent Rexroth, aka The Mute, has no time for distractions, especially in the form of eighteen-year-old high school senior Edie Van Der Zee. Blackmailed by her father, Edie is tasked with finding dirt on Trent, but along the way, she finds something completely different, yet incredibly priceless.

If you’re hungry for a taboo age gap romance with a 15-year age-difference, read Scandalous.  

Teach Me To Sin by Riley Nash

Alek has spent years trying to build a life free from his father’s shadows, but when Benji enters his life, Alek must consider the unthinkable: becoming his coach. Things heat up when Colson, a lawyer and the perfect person for damage control, is brought in to handle the PR nightmare this could create. But despite the obstacles, Alek, Benji, and Colson soon realize their connection runs deeper. Will they be able to survive the tumultuous journey ahead? 

In this riveting MMM romance, Riley Nash’s Teach Me To Sin offers age-gap love, hurt/comfort vibes, and great character development. If you’re looking for an unputdownable romance that will sweep you off your feet with its depth, look no further than this masterpiece.

Double Age Gap: Benji (23), Alek (30), and Colson (40)

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas 

What happens when you fall for your boyfriend’s dad? Yeah, imagine that for a second. Talk about awkward family dinners. 

Nineteen-year-old Jordan is older beyond her years and struggling to make ends meet. Moving into her boyfriend’s father’s house rent-free will help her save up money, but it will also bring about many complications when sparks fly between Jordan and Pike. Will their nineteen year age gap keep them apart or will it be said boyfriend and son Cole. 

Birthday Girl is a forbidden love story that centers around a 19-year age-gap romance between a 19-year-old and her boyfriend’s dad.

Make Me Fall by Riley Nash

Minutes before jetting off to start his first year of law school in NYC, 23-year-old Jonah Scott unwittingly lands himself in first class next to the handsome 36-year-old lawyer Gray Freeman. 

While talking to pass the time, Jonah lets out that he thinks he might be bisexual, a declaration that ends with them joining the mile-high club. 

Months later, Jonah is struggling. Between the rigorous curriculum and lengthy case briefs, Jonah is at his wits’ end when the enigmatic lawyer from the plane enters the picture once again and shakes everything up.    

For a beautifully written and heartwarmingly sweet age-gap MM romance, I recommend taking a look at Make Me Fall. You will not be able to put this 2022 must-read down.   

Age Gap: 13 years

Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan

NBA star Kenan Ross had it all—fame, fortune, and a beautiful wife—until a devastating turn of events pushed him to the brink. After a controversial trade to a losing team and an even more uncomfortable divorce, he follows his ex-wife and daughter to New York City in an attempt to start anew. Amidst the chaos, Kenan finds solace in the most unexpected place: Lotus DePree, a younger woman with the key to his healing.

Hook Shot, an age gap romance, is a powerful, emotional, and steamy story that’s sure to captivate fans of the genre. Raw and passionate, this touching tale of love and redemption will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Age Gap: 11 years

Mr. President by Katy Evans

Matt Hamilton has been Charlotte Well’s crush since she first met him at her home along with his father, the President of the United States, when she was only 11-years-old. While there, Charlotte jokingly states that she’ll help the President’s son on his campaign if he ever decides to run for office. Flash forward ten years and Matt takes Charlotte up on her offer…and sparks fly.

Read Mr. President if you’re on the market for a political romance between the future president and a girl who will stop at nothing to get him the votes.

Age Gap: 11 years

The Ribbon Duet by Pepper Winters

Ren was only 8-years-old when his mom sold him into child labor and for the next two years, he lived in constant fear.

When he makes his escape, he fails to realize that he has a stowaway in his backpack, his tormentor’s young daughter, Della. With so many unknowns, survival will be difficult, but their bond will be their saving grace.

Their story spans across two decades and is told over the course of two stories. Forced to shed their innocence at an age when all they should’ve known was love, their story is one that will stick with you. Quick warning: this duet will make you ugly-cry.

As one of the best age gap romance books out there, The Ribbon Duet is not one you’ll want to skip.

Age Gap: 7 years

The Quarterback by Tal Bauer

Star quarterback Colton Hall never expected to fall for his friend’s straight dad. But after a nasty injury leaves him bedridden, the future NFL draftee finds himself spending his days with his friend’s dad Nick Swanscott, who helps him through his recovery. 

When Nick offers him an internship for the summer, Colton jumps at the chance, and amid the backdrop of Austin and the Texas Hill Country, the two fall into a whirlwind affair that can either end in heartbreak or love.  

Stunning, sweet, and sexy, The Quarterback is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening MM sports romance that will warm your heart. If you have yet to read The Jock, I recommend reading Wes and Justin’s story first. 

Age Gap: 20 years

Devious Lies by Parker S. Huntington

Born into a wealthy family, Emery Winthrop had it all: money, a loving family and a best friend who made her heart flutter.

When Emery decides to make her move, she grossly miscalculates when she slides into the wrong bed: Nash Prescott’s, her best friend’s older brother. But in the midst of a family scandal, Emery’s boy problems are quickly forgotten when her life takes a turn for the worst.

Now, four years later, the tables have turned and Nash has his sights set on the girl he’s never forgotten.

Read Devious Lies if you’re in the mood for an enemies-to-lovers slow-burn age gap romance.

Age Gap: 10 years

Heartless by Elsie Silver

In desperate need of a nanny for his son over the summer, Cade Eaton grudgingly hires his sister-in-law’s best friend, Willa Grant. Despite the panty-dropping encounter he shared with the stunning redhead, he is determined to keep things professional. If only they could keep their eyes – and hands – off each other.

Spicy, sweet, and highly readable, Heartless is a swoon-worthy small town romance perfect for readers who love grumpy heroes, age gaps, and witty banter.

Age Gap: 13 years

Exiled by Jessie Walker

In Exiled, Jessie Walkers tells the story of freshly divorced dad Nolan, suffering from a relapse, and Skylar, a neglected and misunderstood eighteen-year-old sent to Black Diamond by his parents. Despite a rocky beginning, Nolan and Skylar find something in each other that heals them in ways neither could have ever imagined.  

Exiled is a beautifully written romance packed with powerful emotions, insane chemistry, and angst. Fans of age gap romances will fall in love with Nolan and Skylar’s sweet and incredibly emotional love story. 

Age Gap: 14 years

Written with Regret by Aly Martinez

Caven Hunt was minutes away from closing on a billion dollar business deal when he discovers a newborn baby girl on his doorstep who he later learns is his daughter.

Four years later, Caven’s world is turned upside down once again when Hadley, the mother of his daughter, makes a surprise appearance at Rosie’s fourth birthday party. Suspicious of her intentions, Caven fights her at every turn until he learns of their shared past, drenched in tragedy. 

Read Written with Regret if you’re in the mood for an emotional story that will hit you with a twist you’ll never see coming.

Age Gap: 6 years

Forbidden by Karla Sorensen

MMA fighter Aiden Hennessy graced many of his fans’ walls during the height of his popularity. One of those fans just so happens to be Isabel Ward, the manager of the gym Aiden bought. 

Sparks fly, but the single dad is not looking for a relationship.

Fate, however, has other plans.

Forbidden is a slow-burn sports romance perfect for readers that love their books with an age gap, a grumpy single dad, and a workplace fling.

Age Gap: 10 years

Bad Habit by Charleigh Rose

Lusting after your older brother’s best friend is one thing, but when 14-year-old Briar Victoria Vale puts the moves on 17-year-old Asher Kelly, their relationship is irrevocably changed and when he returns three years later, things will never be the same.

Read Bad Habit if you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers age gap romance where the girl falls for her brother’s best friend.

Age Gap: 3 years

The Highest Bidder by Sara Cate 

In The Highest Bidder, Sara Cate returns to the Salacious Club universe with Ronan Kade and the daughter of a woman he once dated. Fans of age gaps will fall head over heels for this steamy romance.

Age Gap: 35 years

Torn by Carian Cole

At five-years-old, Kenzi told Toren Grace that she was going to marry him. By eighteen, those feelings haven’t changed. The only problem? Toren’s her pseudo uncle and her father’s best friend. Talk about complicated family dinners.

If you’re into contemporary romances where the girl is crushing on her dad’s best friend, you’ve found your new book obsession.

Age Gap: 15 years 

Best Age Gap Romance Books For Sports Fans

Kulti by Mariana Zapata

Budding soccer star Sal is overjoyed when she hears about their new coach: Reiner Kulti. As her long-time childhood crush and idol, she can think of nothing better than being coached by the elusive soccer legend. That is, until she meets him and realizes he’s a shadow of the passionate champion she admired growing up.

If you love slow-burn sports romance books with an age gap, then it’s time to give Kulti a go. You’ll love it.

Age Gap: 13 years 

The Forbidden Man by Karina Halle

Still reeling from her very public divorce, forty-year-old Thalia Blackwood decides its time for a change in scenery and accepts a job in Madrid as the new sports psychologist for a soccer team. Rising soccer star Alejo Albarado finds himself enamored by Thalia, but when their platonic friendship turns into more, they will face many obstacles destined to tear them apart. 

Read The Forbidden Man if you’re looking for a sports romance that will undoubtedly score a goal into your 5-star shelf. 

Age Gap: 17 years

Right Man, Right Time by Meghan Quinn

From the author of A Not So Meet Cuteand The Reunion comes Right Man, Right Time, a sizzling sports romance with a hot-as-sin hockey player, an age gap, and a fake dating arrangement that will set your pages on fire.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. In Oliana Owens’s case, it calls for an impromptu kiss with a random guy at the bar to show her ex how far she has moved on from him and his backstabbing arse. 

There is just one thing Ollie did not expect: A panty-melting kiss with a drop-dead gorgeous professional hockey player ten years her senior who just so happens to need a hand in the fake girlfriend department. 

The rules were simple, and the arrangement was perfect. Or it was until feelings entered the chat and complicated everything.     

Age Gap: 10 years

Best Age Gap Fantasy Romance Books

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

For years, sixteen-year-old Oxnard Matheson has felt self-doubt, loneliness, and abandonment since his father left without a trace. Little did Ox know that the Bennett family, who moved into the house down the lane, would bring a sense of community and belonging. When Ox and Joe Bennett, a little blonde tornado, cross paths, their lives and futures are altered forever.

Wolfsong is an exceptional age gap werewolf romance that brings a wave of sensations—from smiles to tears of joy. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster of family, friendship, and unconditional love. 

Age Gap: 6 years

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

In place of a public execution, Yelena has the chance to become the Commander’s new food taster. Naturally, she accepts.

Ever the cautious head of security, Valek feeds Yelena Butterfly’s Dust, a deadly poison that requires her to take a daily antidote or be subject to an agonizing death.

Thrust into a dangerous world of politics, assassination attempts and deadly poisons, Yelena will need to keep her wits about her to survive this political warzone. 

If you love slow-burn paranormal romances with magic, love and adventure, you should check out Poison Study.

Age Gap: 13 years

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

It’s 1945 when Claire Beauchamp and her husband Jonathan Randall decide to visit the Scottish Highlands. When she finds herself transported back to the year 1743, she finds herself in a new world filled with violence, danger and rising political tensions. What she never expected was to find a love that would transcend time and space. 

Read Outlander if you’re looking for a highly-acclaimed historical romance with an age difference.

Age Gap: 5 years

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