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Just a Number: a May-December Romance
When 21-year-old Amelia Michaels returns home for Thanksgiving after a long night of partying with her friends, she finds an unexpected surprise in her Her father’s 43-year-old best friend, Owen Cavanaugh. Mortified by what they’ve done in their inebriated states, Amy and Owen plot to keep what’s happened between them from her father, Alan. Unfortunately, keeping away from one another seems almost impossible now. While he tries to fight it, Owen’s attraction to this much younger woman is undeniable. He knows it’s wrong, having watched her grow up, but when Amelia suggests a shocking solution to their growing attraction, he finds himself unable to refuse. What neither of them expects is for their feelings for one another to grow. How will Amy and Owen deal with the obstacles that coincide with such a large age gap as well as coming clean to the one man who means the most to both of them—Alan? Is age really just a number, or will their differences eventually tear them apart? Full length New Adult Contemporary Romance. Contains coarse language and mature subject matter
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 11, 2019
DNF @ 40%
Recently I’ve read a taboo book with the similar storyline and it knocked me off my feet. Then I stumbled upon this book and read the blurb. The story sounded intriguing and since I’m a sucker for taboo novels I immediately clicked on this one. Obviously a very bad decision.
I couldn’t invest in the romance. I felt zero chemistry. Actually I felt no emotion at all. None.
The author’s writing sounds somehow awkward, trite and stilted to me. The story and the characters seem one dimensional. The book simply has no pull.
As I only made it to 40%, I don’t know what happens later in the book and frankly I don’t care, I didn’t even skim through it to see how it ends.
I'm sorry but I couldn’t keep torturing myself. I’ve got a huge pile of books waiting for me on my shelves.
But hey, that’s just me! I had a series of 5-star reads last month so maybe that’s the reason I was expecting too much. Readers have different tastes and authors can’t please everybody. I’m sure many readers will love it.
Recently I’ve read a taboo book with the similar storyline and it knocked me off my feet. Then I stumbled upon this book and read the blurb. The story sounded intriguing and since I’m a sucker for taboo novels I immediately clicked on this one. Obviously a very bad decision.
I couldn’t invest in the romance. I felt zero chemistry. Actually I felt no emotion at all. None.
The author’s writing sounds somehow awkward, trite and stilted to me. The story and the characters seem one dimensional. The book simply has no pull.
As I only made it to 40%, I don’t know what happens later in the book and frankly I don’t care, I didn’t even skim through it to see how it ends.
I'm sorry but I couldn’t keep torturing myself. I’ve got a huge pile of books waiting for me on my shelves.
But hey, that’s just me! I had a series of 5-star reads last month so maybe that’s the reason I was expecting too much. Readers have different tastes and authors can’t please everybody. I’m sure many readers will love it.
did-not-finish
January 22, 2016I tried but I just couldn't get into this one. I read to 30% and then skimmed to the end
November 21, 2015
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
Dans les innombrables livres qui abordent maintenant les relations tabous, il manquait un bon ouvrage sur la liaison d’une jeune femme avec un ami de son père. Ce thème a déjà été utilisé au cinéma et joue avec plusieurs difficultés en général fatales pour une relation durable. C’est en général sulfureux et parfois amusant. AD Ryan a choisi un angle qui ne cherche pas les limites mais montre une relation qui s’installe et va peu à peu venir à bout des préjugés et des obstacles.
L’auteure ne perd pas de temps, dès le premier chapitre, tout se met rapidement en place. Amelia a vingt-et-un ans et vit avec son père quand elle n’est pas l’université. Un soir, elle va rentrer chez lui, sans prévenir et trouver son lit occupé par le meilleur ami de son père, Owen. Celui-ci est en instance de divorce, bien plus âgé qu’elle et, de façon assez improbable, ils vont presque coucher ensemble ce soir-là. Mais cela va les pousser à se parler et révéler une attraction commune.
A.D. Ryan ne joue pas du tout sur le côté sulfureux que pourrait avoir cette relation. Pourtant, nous savons qu’Amelia a beaucoup vu pendant toute son enfance Owen pour qui elle avait une affection bien plus familiale qu’autre chose. L’auteure en reviendra pas sur le pourquoi du comment, soudain, c’est Owen, l’homme viril qu’elle découvre soudain mais c’est bien ce qui se met en place. Nous en saurons encore moins sur l’évolution de Owen en ce sens. Donc, si vous avez peur d’une relation à la limite du malsain, vous ne serez pas choqués. L’auteure va beaucoup plus insister sur la différence d’âge et le regard que porte leur entourage mutuel sur ce qui se passe.
Et cela fonctionne, il faut bien le reconnaître. Dès les premières pages, il est évident pour le lecteur mais aussi pour les héros qu’ils partagent bien plus qu’un vague désir. Très vite, ils cèdent l’un à l’autre et s’interrogent sur un avenir possible. Cela donne à cette histoire un côté très plausible et même si la réalité est souvent bien plus compliquée, cela sonne juste. L’auteure va détailler une relation évidemment secrète qui se déroule sous le nez des autres Plus que les problèmes des héros à accepter leurs différences, c’est l’opposition des autres qui est explorée. La réaction du père d’Amelia est évidemment centrale. Pourtant, l’auteure revient fréquemment sur la différence d’âge, sur le fait que Owen et Amelia sont de deux générations différentes, sans tomber dans la caricature. C’est donc plutôt bien fait aussi.
La relation des deux héros est sensuelle, les scènes nombreuses. Ce roman est le résultat d’un concours et on sent que les chapitres sont écrits pour tenir l’attention des lecteurs mais c’est fluide et si l’écriture est simple, elle est agréable. On peut trouver Owen, un peu fade peut-être. Ile st un peu en retrait par rapport à Amelia qui est très mûre pour son âge et qui sait ce qu’elle veut. Mais le couple fonctionne bien.
Malgré un sujet qui pourrait mal tourner, cette histoire se it avec beaucoup de plaisir. Il y a des faiblesses mais il y a aussi d excellents moments, des dialogues intelligents, un certain réalisme qui rend cette histoire attachante. Elle rappelle que les préjugés sont tenaces dans le domaine des relations amoureuses. L’auteure, qui a déjà publié plusieurs livres et a donc une certaine expérience, est en tous cas à suivre. Elle écrit dans différents genres mais celui de la romance contemporaine lui convient bien.
Dans les innombrables livres qui abordent maintenant les relations tabous, il manquait un bon ouvrage sur la liaison d’une jeune femme avec un ami de son père. Ce thème a déjà été utilisé au cinéma et joue avec plusieurs difficultés en général fatales pour une relation durable. C’est en général sulfureux et parfois amusant. AD Ryan a choisi un angle qui ne cherche pas les limites mais montre une relation qui s’installe et va peu à peu venir à bout des préjugés et des obstacles.
L’auteure ne perd pas de temps, dès le premier chapitre, tout se met rapidement en place. Amelia a vingt-et-un ans et vit avec son père quand elle n’est pas l’université. Un soir, elle va rentrer chez lui, sans prévenir et trouver son lit occupé par le meilleur ami de son père, Owen. Celui-ci est en instance de divorce, bien plus âgé qu’elle et, de façon assez improbable, ils vont presque coucher ensemble ce soir-là. Mais cela va les pousser à se parler et révéler une attraction commune.
A.D. Ryan ne joue pas du tout sur le côté sulfureux que pourrait avoir cette relation. Pourtant, nous savons qu’Amelia a beaucoup vu pendant toute son enfance Owen pour qui elle avait une affection bien plus familiale qu’autre chose. L’auteure en reviendra pas sur le pourquoi du comment, soudain, c’est Owen, l’homme viril qu’elle découvre soudain mais c’est bien ce qui se met en place. Nous en saurons encore moins sur l’évolution de Owen en ce sens. Donc, si vous avez peur d’une relation à la limite du malsain, vous ne serez pas choqués. L’auteure va beaucoup plus insister sur la différence d’âge et le regard que porte leur entourage mutuel sur ce qui se passe.
Et cela fonctionne, il faut bien le reconnaître. Dès les premières pages, il est évident pour le lecteur mais aussi pour les héros qu’ils partagent bien plus qu’un vague désir. Très vite, ils cèdent l’un à l’autre et s’interrogent sur un avenir possible. Cela donne à cette histoire un côté très plausible et même si la réalité est souvent bien plus compliquée, cela sonne juste. L’auteure va détailler une relation évidemment secrète qui se déroule sous le nez des autres Plus que les problèmes des héros à accepter leurs différences, c’est l’opposition des autres qui est explorée. La réaction du père d’Amelia est évidemment centrale. Pourtant, l’auteure revient fréquemment sur la différence d’âge, sur le fait que Owen et Amelia sont de deux générations différentes, sans tomber dans la caricature. C’est donc plutôt bien fait aussi.
La relation des deux héros est sensuelle, les scènes nombreuses. Ce roman est le résultat d’un concours et on sent que les chapitres sont écrits pour tenir l’attention des lecteurs mais c’est fluide et si l’écriture est simple, elle est agréable. On peut trouver Owen, un peu fade peut-être. Ile st un peu en retrait par rapport à Amelia qui est très mûre pour son âge et qui sait ce qu’elle veut. Mais le couple fonctionne bien.
Malgré un sujet qui pourrait mal tourner, cette histoire se it avec beaucoup de plaisir. Il y a des faiblesses mais il y a aussi d excellents moments, des dialogues intelligents, un certain réalisme qui rend cette histoire attachante. Elle rappelle que les préjugés sont tenaces dans le domaine des relations amoureuses. L’auteure, qui a déjà publié plusieurs livres et a donc une certaine expérience, est en tous cas à suivre. Elle écrit dans différents genres mais celui de la romance contemporaine lui convient bien.
November 17, 2015
LOVED This Book!
The author nailed it straight on!
From page 1 to the very end, I was captivated and brought it with me
wherever I went. I just couldn't put it down.
What impressed me the most - the author gives both POV's but she doesn't keep continuing the story, she'll back up a little to let you know what the other was thinking without going to far so that you're bored, etc. The story was also written so well - it was pretty sad that I was waiting for something ridiculous or over the top to happen that wouldn't in real life - WRONG! That stuff never got involved with the plot at all. I could actual visualize something like this.
This book just WOW'd me and it's not getting the credit it deserves! The second I read the blurb I knew I had to buy it and read it right away and then I also had to blog it as well. I have no idea who this writer was, sadly, but I do now and that's why it's so important to write a review...an honest one. I spent my own money buying this book - I didn't receive an advanced copy - no one said I should read it - I just had a gut feeling and I am so glad I went with my gut!
“Owen”—his eyes rise to mine—“ I know that this wasn’t something that either one of us expected, but you can’t deny that there’s something here.” “It’s still wrong.” My arms and legs feel weightless and tingly from the wine as I inch closer to him on the couch, getting close enough that my knee brushes his thigh. “Is it, though?"
The past 2 days have been incredible going through Amelia & Owen's story - this is one of those stories I just didn't want to end. I was thoroughly impressed by everything this book gives you - characters, plot, a well written, well balanced story overall. Oh yeah and I can not forget about some of the hottest scenes I've ever read! HOLY .......
Thank You My New Favorite Author/Book!!!
You took me out of reality for a bit and gave me your words to enjoy.
The author nailed it straight on!
From page 1 to the very end, I was captivated and brought it with me
wherever I went. I just couldn't put it down.
What impressed me the most - the author gives both POV's but she doesn't keep continuing the story, she'll back up a little to let you know what the other was thinking without going to far so that you're bored, etc. The story was also written so well - it was pretty sad that I was waiting for something ridiculous or over the top to happen that wouldn't in real life - WRONG! That stuff never got involved with the plot at all. I could actual visualize something like this.
This book just WOW'd me and it's not getting the credit it deserves! The second I read the blurb I knew I had to buy it and read it right away and then I also had to blog it as well. I have no idea who this writer was, sadly, but I do now and that's why it's so important to write a review...an honest one. I spent my own money buying this book - I didn't receive an advanced copy - no one said I should read it - I just had a gut feeling and I am so glad I went with my gut!
“Owen”—his eyes rise to mine—“ I know that this wasn’t something that either one of us expected, but you can’t deny that there’s something here.” “It’s still wrong.” My arms and legs feel weightless and tingly from the wine as I inch closer to him on the couch, getting close enough that my knee brushes his thigh. “Is it, though?"
The past 2 days have been incredible going through Amelia & Owen's story - this is one of those stories I just didn't want to end. I was thoroughly impressed by everything this book gives you - characters, plot, a well written, well balanced story overall. Oh yeah and I can not forget about some of the hottest scenes I've ever read! HOLY .......
Thank You My New Favorite Author/Book!!!
You took me out of reality for a bit and gave me your words to enjoy.
November 20, 2015
aaaaaand she did it again!!!!!
i LOVED this book. my 2nd read from this author and her first book - Remember When - is one of my favourite romances of all time.
i LOVE big age differences and the characters were portrayed so well and the story was just flowing... A.D. Ryan has an undeniable talent. her time is coming, most definitely.
bigger review later (when i'm done with my exams, i got lost in this book and read it in one breath) - but it's a 5 stars read and HIGHLY, VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
August 29, 2019
Reread.
November 18, 2020
Our Rating:
When Amelia stumbles into her childhood bedroom after a night of heavy drinking, the last thing she expects to find is her father’s best friend, the man who’s starred countless fantasies of hers. Before either of them are awake enough to realize that what they’re doing is more than a dream, they’ve crossed a line that neither can forget. And despite the age difference and almost certain conflict to come, they’re both in over their heads in no time.
But... While the story is all kinds of entertaining, there’s definitely something signature fanfiction about it. Since fanfiction is generally posted a single chapter at a time, each one has to have something to both immediately satisfy and keep readers on the hook for the next chapter. In many cases, that’s sex and a cliffhanger, and that pattern was pretty apparent in Just a Number. After a few, I found myself skimming past the sex scenes to get to the meat of the story.
The Verdict: Most romances have a hero who is a little older than the heroine, and a few stretch that out by a few more years, so the guy can successful and better able to ride in on his white horse and make all the girl’s problems disappear. In Just a Number, however, Owen is quite literally twice Amelia’s age, old enough in fact to have been her father’s best friend before Amelia was even born. And that little bit right there gave the story a lot more credibility than I expected.
Amelia is no shrinking violet, and once she gets a taste of Owen, she doesn’t hold back. It’s not that he steps in as some kind of father figure, but more that he’s there as her walking fantasy come true, and while she doesn’t really know where things will take them, she’s not about to give up her chance with him.
Owen is understandably conflicted, but Amelia proves to be too much temptation for him to ignore, and in no time their accidental make-out session becomes a pretty regular relationship. The story’s conflict, of course, is their age difference, and coupled with the sure disapproval of her father, these two have quite a few hurdles to climb if they’re going to make a real go of it.
The age aspect of Owen and Amelia’s relationship played out so realistically, though I wonder if readers who haven’t witnessed it in real life will pick up on it completely. The open curiosity of strangers, being mistaken for relatives instead of a couple, Owen’s insecurity about Amelia’s youthfulness… It was all really spot-on, and since it’s told in both points of view, we get the full perspective. What I liked best, though — aside from the crazy chemistry between Amelia and Owen — was the messy way everything fell into place as their relationship was discovered by those they cared about most. Instead of being neatly resolved within just a page or two, with everyone headed straight for happily ever after a few seconds later, there were realistic reactions of shock, hurt, anger, and suspicion, and it took more than just a simple conversation to set things right with everyone.
Just a Number is a wonderfully entertaining love story that doesn’t shortcut the age difference or the problems it causes, and there’s some real heat between Amelia and Owen from page one. Masquerading as a simple romance, there’s plenty of drama to be found in their story, without some contrived conflict thrown in to ratchet up the suspense.
***FicCentral received a free copy of this book from *the author*.***
August 16, 2017
My book friends know that I love these kind of books.
Boy did I love this book!!!
Owen ♡♡ Damn he was just lovely. I mean whats not to love.. Yeah he's 43 but I loved him. He's loving, funny and swoony. I think I swooned when he came into the picture for the first time.
I loved Amelia she wasnt scared of saying what she wants. I like her because of that. She made me laugh with some of the things she said maybe when she spoke about Ice Bitch haha.
The epilogue... I loved it. It was the perfect way to end the book ♡
This book was hot, sweet, fun and swoony xx
Boy did I love this book!!!
Owen ♡♡ Damn he was just lovely. I mean whats not to love.. Yeah he's 43 but I loved him. He's loving, funny and swoony. I think I swooned when he came into the picture for the first time.
I loved Amelia she wasnt scared of saying what she wants. I like her because of that. She made me laugh with some of the things she said maybe when she spoke about Ice Bitch haha.
The epilogue... I loved it. It was the perfect way to end the book ♡
This book was hot, sweet, fun and swoony xx
December 28, 2016
This was an enjoyable book and I could see it being an enjoyable movie (with far fewer sex scenes). I found the use of text bubbles (though too small) when the main characters are texting to be a clever device and wonder how they might appear in either print or Kindle editions.
My wife has...health issues...and we've had some scares. My wife has told me that if I should lose her I should find a younger woman and have the children, she has not been able to give me. Perhaps the idea that a May/December romance can work colored my appreciation of this book, but I believe this is a solid story with believable characters.
My wife has...health issues...and we've had some scares. My wife has told me that if I should lose her I should find a younger woman and have the children, she has not been able to give me. Perhaps the idea that a May/December romance can work colored my appreciation of this book, but I believe this is a solid story with believable characters.
November 8, 2015
Having read other books by AD Ryan, I knew I would enjoy her writing but was unsure if enjoy the characters in this May-Sept tale as it's not a genre I typically enjoy. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that I did like the characters and found myself cheering on their relationship.
The plot could have easily become cliched and predictable, but AD Ryan does a great job of keeping the interactions of the characters believable and fresh. The trials experienced by the leads characters were completely plausible, and they work through everything was fun to experience.
The plot could have easily become cliched and predictable, but AD Ryan does a great job of keeping the interactions of the characters believable and fresh. The trials experienced by the leads characters were completely plausible, and they work through everything was fun to experience.
August 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book immensely. It's your May-December romance. The main characters are Amelia and Owen. She is in college; he's her father's best friend. It was a page turner; I couldn't put the book down.
This was my 2nd time reading it. It was just good as the first time I read it.
This was my 2nd time reading it. It was just good as the first time I read it.
February 7, 2019
The story was yet another great one. The story follows the romance between Owen and Amelia. Amelia is 21 and is home from school to visit her father for thanksgiving. She comes home a little tipsy and sleeps with her dads best friend Owen. The story then follows them admitting they have wanted that for a long time and they attempt to make the relationship work. I loved that they didn’t try to hold back how they felt about eachother. They made it work and the chemistry was very cute and I felt good vibes reading. It was sad to see the fathers reaction but I appreciated everyone growing to accept them. I wish she had a more me reaction to the bar in the club. She was super mad and I would’ve appreciated the jealousy. In the end we got a cute epilogue and I loved it. The story was very cute.
August 25, 2017
Real quick. This hit a lot of my kinks. I really feel like A) Her Dad's reaction B) The Hero and C) why the hero was mad at the end were such good things. On the other side some of the dialogue wasn't so great. The begining took some time to get realistic and I have a couple other issues. I'd say it's more of a 3.5 than a 3, but here we are.
December 3, 2021
A bit long
I wasn’t totally sold on both characters. Amy seemed a bit “young” and closed minded. Also, didn’t feel like a enough chance was given to get to know Owen that much. The plot was good, but overall a bit drawn out and not enough character development for Amy and Owen.
I wasn’t totally sold on both characters. Amy seemed a bit “young” and closed minded. Also, didn’t feel like a enough chance was given to get to know Owen that much. The plot was good, but overall a bit drawn out and not enough character development for Amy and Owen.
August 2, 2020
Love a HEA!!
I finally got tobread the entire story. I read the story when it stared years ago as a Fanfiction and to see it published was great. I loved the ending and the message.
I finally got tobread the entire story. I read the story when it stared years ago as a Fanfiction and to see it published was great. I loved the ending and the message.
October 27, 2022
This book could have been half its size. Once they get together it drags on and on with the same happening every day. No plot twist no adding to the story just the same. I was done at the halfway point.
November 23, 2015
I was supposed to be studying for an exam, but instead read this entire book in one go. I was rooting so bad for them, that every time a chapter ended I needed to know that they were gonna be ok.
I loved the theme, since it's a topic everyone thinks they can comment on, even with the double standards that were presented in this book. I have to say though, not giving it 5 stars because the fight they had, not completely unjustified, was too much. They went on and on about it, when it should've been dealt with in just one chapter.
I loved the theme, since it's a topic everyone thinks they can comment on, even with the double standards that were presented in this book. I have to say though, not giving it 5 stars because the fight they had, not completely unjustified, was too much. They went on and on about it, when it should've been dealt with in just one chapter.
March 2, 2016
Loved this book! Can't wait to red more books by this author, she never disappoints!
March 6, 2016
Wow, this is a fantastic book. Loved this romance story! I re-read this book every chance I get! Buy it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews