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.
Best Age Gap Romance Books With An Older Woman
All Grown Up by Vi Keeland
In an attempt to get back into the dating scene, 37-year-old divorcee Valentina ends up meeting a hot 25-year-old on Match. Everything is going according to plan until he’s in her sights and she recognizes him as the kid next door who used to babysit her son over the summer. Valentina nips it in the bud straightaway but Ford is not so easily swayed and when he learns that she’ll be slumming it at her family’s beach house, he decides it’s time to take a trip back to his summer home and win over Valentina.
If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn older woman / younger guy romance, All Grown Up may be one of the best age gap romance books for you.
Age Gap: 12 years
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
Determined to reinvent herself after a bitter divorce, Helen Carpenter signs herself up for a three-week wilderness survival course that will test her physically, mentally and emotionally. Hoping to take this time to piece herself back together, Helen’s plans are quickly derailed when she discovers her younger brother’s annoying best friend Jake Archer will be joining her on the trip. Yet, despite Helen’s reservations, she finds herself falling for Jake’s jubilant can-do attitude and unrelenting positivity.
If you’re on the market for an age-gap romance that takes place out in the wilderness between a sister and her younger brother’s best friend, read Happiness for Beginners.
Age Gap: 10 years
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
When Solène Marchand takes her daughter Isabelle to a concert to meet her favorite boy band, August Moon, she never expects to forge an instant connection with the lead singer: the twenty year old British pop star Hayes Campbell. Enamored with one another, the pair find it impossible to resist each other and are forced to face numerous obstacles when their relationship goes public.
Read The Idea of You if you’re looking for a raw and realistic forbidden romance that will stay on your mind for months to come.
Age Gap: 19 years
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Successful ER doctor Alexis Montgomery is not having a good day. Stuck in a ditch after swerving to avoid hitting an animal, Alexis cannot believe her luck when a young hot guy in a truck stops and pulls her out.
Daniel Grant is a 28-year-old who wears many hats: carpenter, pseudo mayor, and family business owner. With so much on his plate, Daniel has little time for relationships, but when he meets Alexis, he cannot deny their attraction.
Despite their chemistry, the two could not be more different, and Alexis is unsure whether they could ever work in the real world.
Age Gap: 10 years
Part of Your World is another winner from Abby Jimenez, featuring a 10-year age gap, a small town setting, and some hilarious situations. As one of the best contemporary romance books of 2022, you cannot go wrong with this powerfully emotional rom-com.
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves
When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job to tutor sixteen-year-old T.J. Callahan at his family’s summer home, she accepts. Anna and T.J. are en-route to meet up with T.J.’s family when the pilot suffers from a heart attack and crashes into the Indian Ocean. Their life jackets are the only things keeping them afloat before they find themselves 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.
Read On the Island if you’re eager to devour one of the best age gap romance books featuring an unforgettable story of love, bravery and survival.
Age Gap: 14 years
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 love age-gap romances with an older woman.
Age Gap: 10 years
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 their age gap romance books mixed with 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.
Age Gap: 9 years
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 who is steadfast in his plan to win over his bestie’s mom.
Age Gap: 10 years
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 an age difference that will make you simultaneously laugh and swoon, check out Love Hacked.
Age Gap: 6 years
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 an age difference and adorable kids.
Age Gap: 6 years
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.
If you love a good celebrity romance with an older woman and a younger guy, you’re in for a real treat with The Unidentified Redhead.
Age Gap: 9 years
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 that will get your blood pumping.
Age Gap: 8 years
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.
Read Lessons in Corruption if you’re in the mood for a forbidden romance between a teacher and a student.
Age Gap: 8 years
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…
Read The Unrequited if you’re in the mood for a teacher-student relationship between two broken souls that are seemingly beyond repair.
Age Gap: 9 years
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 age gap romance that crosses a few dozen lines, take a look at Crossed Lines. It won’t disappoint.
Age Gap: 10+ years
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 where the teacher falls for her student’s father.
Age Gap: 12 years
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 tons of sexual tension, you’re in the right place.
Age Gap: 11 years
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 between two lonely souls who were never supposed to fall for one another.
Age Gap: 15 years
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?
Read Medicine Man if you’re on the market for a forbidden age gap relationship between two ill-fated individuals.
Age Gap: 15 years
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.
Read Manhattan Secret if you’re looking for a steamy forbidden love between a teacher and her student.
Age Gap: 7 years
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 one of the best dark teacher-student romances to date. If you can’t get enough of age gaps, BDSM and complex characters, you’ll love this dark romance.
Age Gap: 10 years
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 one of the best taboo age gap romances that will send your ovaries into overdrive, read Scandalous.
Age Gap: 15 years
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.
Read Birthday Girl if you’re in the mood for one of the best age gap romance books centered around a beautiful relationship between a 19-year-old and her boyfriend’s dad.
Age Gap: 19 years
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 that centers around the grumpy/sunshine trope, 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
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
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
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
In the midst of her hunt, Feyre spots a wolf stalking her prey. When she neutralizes the competition, she never expected to be dragged off to a magical kingdom and charged with murder. Now held captive by an elusive man with piercing green eyes, Feyre finds herself falling for the mysterious Tamlin in a shocking twist of fate. Yet she can’t help but question what exactly he’s hiding behind the mask that never leaves his face.
If you’re a sucker for slow-burn fantasy romance books with an age gap, you’ll love A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Age Gap: He’s a faerie, she’s human…he’s been around awhile.
To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker
As the sole survivor of a bloody massacre, 20-year-old Orlaith is haunted by the memories of that night. If not for the enigmatic High Master Rhordyn who took her in as his ward, Orlaith would have fallen victim to her nightmares long ago. But after 19 years, her feelings have blossomed into something all-consuming, yet all the more unrequited. And when it comes to Rhordyn, nothing is ever easy. Shrouded in shadows and secrets, Orlaith must step out of her comfort zone if she ever hopes to begin playing the game if she ever hopes to step out of the dark.
Mysterious, addictive, and enticing, To Bleed a Crystal Bloom is a seductive dark Rapunzel retelling that will keep you entranced from the very first page. If you’re looking for a beautiful fantasy romance overflowing with angst, magic, and intrigue, this is the perfect choice.
Age Gap: Unknown
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
Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
Siren Callypso (Callie) Lillis is a present day bounty hunter. Back when she was a teenager, she called upon The Bargainer to clean up a mess and with no one to rely on but herself, she continued calling him back for more and more favors. But every visit came at a price. Seven years pass before he collects on those favors and once he does, Callie’s life will never be the same.
If you’re a sucker for paranormal age gap romance books where the villain gets the girl, Rhapsodic is right up your ally. And get ready for a slow-burn romance that will give you all the feels.
Age Gap: Unknown, but a lot.
Angelfall by Susan Ee
Six weeks ago, angels of the apocalypse descended to eradicate humanity. When an angel kidnaps a young girl, her older sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Even if that means striking up a tenuous alliance with the enemy. After eons of fighting his own battles, Raffe never expects to a rescue from a half-starved teenage girl. But when a fight goes awry and he loses his wings, they must rely on each other in order to survive the dangerous wasteland that has become Northern California.
In the mood for a paranormal dystopian world mixed with forbidden love? Then Angelfall may be one of the best age gap romance books for you.
Age Gap: Undetermined, he was an archangel, so let’s just assume it’s a lot.
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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