This. This is what I want in a romance novel. Characters with chemistry, humor, family, and angst that wasn't just an obvious plot point and something that shouldn't have been a problem for grown-ups who talk with each other.

It's no secret that Amanda Radley is one of my favorite romance authors and Reading Her is just one reason why I will grab her books as soon as I see them available. Of course, it's also no secret that I'm the worst ARC reader in the world since I regularly am running so far behind that there's nothing advanced about my reviews. But I am good for a "Hey! Did you miss this one when it came out? Read it now!" sort of review…

I'm not always a fan of age-gap romances because so much time is spent discussing how it can't work specifically due to the age difference. That wasn't the case in Reading Her. The issues were more class and occupation/education based. I liked that. These women felt well matched and complementary to each other. And the son, Hugo, wasn't an afterthought that sometimes happens with kids in romance novels. He was central to the story but never overshadowed what us readers are really there for - the romantic relationship. This one ticked all the boxes for me. I freaking loved this book and it will absolutely go on my reread/funk reading list.

Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the chance to bask in the glow of a wonderfully done HEA. ( )