Chloe’s Review of: Older by Jennifer Hartman

Jennifer Hartman’s Older is a deeply emotional contemporary romance that explores the complexities of love, loss, and healing. With rich character development and a plot that keeps you turning the pages, it’s a book that pulls you in from the first chapter. However, despite its emotional depth and the author’s skillful storytelling, the novel’s central relationship presents an issue that might not sit well with all readers.

Character Development: A Strength of the Story

One of the standout features of Older is its incredible character development. Hartman crafts her protagonists in a way that makes them feel very real, flawed, and relatable. The emotional journey both characters go through is compelling and raw, which makes their growth throughout the book rewarding to witness. As the story unfolds, their personal struggles, vulnerabilities, and eventual healing process draw you in, and it's hard not to feel connected to them.

The chemistry between the two leads is palpable. Their interactions, particularly as they learn to open up to one another, add a layer of complexity to the story. By the end, you feel the weight of their emotional arcs, and it’s easy to see why readers connect with them so deeply.

Plot That Keeps You Hooked

The plot of Older is engaging, and Hartman does an excellent job of creating suspense and emotional tension. The pacing is spot-on, and there’s an almost magnetic pull that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. The book delves into sensitive topics like grief, trauma, and the healing power of love, and it’s not afraid to explore the more difficult emotions that come with those experiences.

While the plot keeps you hooked, it does venture into some darker and more controversial territory that may be unsettling for some readers.

The Age Gap: A Controversial Element

As much as I appreciated the depth of the character development and the intensity of the plot, I did find the central relationship to be somewhat problematic. The age gap between the two protagonists is a significant factor that left me with mixed feelings. The female protagonist is just 17 years old, and the romantic relationship that unfolds with someone much older felt unsettling at times. While the characters’ emotional bond is strong, there’s an element of discomfort that comes with the age difference, particularly given the age of the female lead. The power dynamics at play in this relationship can easily be seen as problematic, and it's something readers should be prepared for before diving into the book.

While Hartman does address the complex emotions surrounding the relationship, the age gap still lingers in the background, and for some readers, it may make the plot feel borderline creepy. It’s difficult to shake the feeling that the relationship could cross boundaries that some might feel uncomfortable with, especially given the age of the female protagonist.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Experience

In conclusion, Older is a book that is undeniably well-written and emotionally compelling. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is gripping enough to keep you hooked. However, the age gap at the heart of the romance left me conflicted. While the emotional connection between the two characters is palpable, the relationship dynamics felt unsettling due to the significant age difference.

If you’re someone who enjoys intense, emotional stories and can look past the age gap, Older may still be worth reading. Just be prepared for a storyline that can feel uncomfortable at times. It’s a beautifully written book that raises important questions about relationships, but the age gap is something that might not sit well with every reader.