11 Must-Read Romance Novels Featuring Older Couples
Everyone deserves to have their story told.
Awesome Seasoned Romance Novels
I've noticed when I'm looking for my next romance to read, many of them tend to be about younger people. There's a frustrating stereotype that women become less interesting as they age which, given the women over 40 in my life, I know that isn't true!
Romance about older couples, also called seasoned romance, is thankfully becoming more popular with both writers and readers. It's typically 35 and older, which seems horrible young to me considering I'll be 30 in just four months. For this article, I tried to find books featuring characters in their late forties and up because people of all ages have incredible tales worth reading about in romance books.
One nice thing about romance featuring older couples being more popular is that, in my observations, readers are more open to reading about people in different stages of life than themselves. I love reading romances with couples older than me. In fact, Courtney Milan's Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure is one of my favorite books of the year! It also makes sense that readers in their forties, fifties, sixties, and higher would want to read books with characters like them. It has to be hard to relate to a 22 year old graduating college, but someone who has grandkids and is dating again after losing their spouse is more relateable.
Check out these 11 great seasoned romance novels, perfect for romance readers of all ages!
1. Second Wind by Ceillie Simkiss
The death of Martha Appleby's husband drastically changed the plans she had for her twilight years. Now, she's taking her first long-distance trip alone, hoping to find "peace with not knowing what will come next." Pamela Thorton is a service dog trainer hoping to use her work trip to figure out what she wants to do next in life. Former childhood sweethearts, they reunite by chance when they're both booked for the same plane seat. Their reunion will change the course of both their lives as long as they can lay their ghosts to rest.
2. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Vivian Forest has only left the country once so she jumps at the chance to accompany her daughter to England on a work trip. After all, spending the holidays overseas sounds like a blast. She finds herself instantly attracted to Malcolm Hudson, a private secretary for the Queen. Malcolm's never felt compelled to give anyone a private tour, but Vivian is different. Their flirtation quickly grows into a fling, one that has an expiration day. Which they're totally fine with. Right?
Royal Holiday will be out October 1, 2019.
3. Late Fall by Noelle Adams
Ellie Davenport has lived a life filled with love and an incredible career. Now living in a retirement home, she feels alone despite being surrounded by people. One day, she discovers her old work rival Dave Andrews lives down the hall from her. He begins showing up on her daily hikes, some of his former arrogance tempered by loss. Together, they discover companionship, hope, and a second chance at love.
4. Midlife Crisis by Audra North
Cam McGhee grew up doing everything he was supposed to do as a small town Texan: play football, go to church, marry his high school sweetheart. But now, thirty-five years later, he dwells on the what-could-have-beens. Dave Montoya is confident in who he his and what he wants. When he meets Cam at a coffee shop, he thinks Cam is everything he's ever wanted in a partner. Except for the fact that Cam isn't quite ready to make the final leap into embracing who he is. Everything they've ever wanted is within reach -- as long as they learn to open their hearts.
5. Sex and the Widow Miles by Nan Reinhardt
After a heart attack claimed her husband, even getting out of bed each day becomes a struggle for Julie Miles. Looking for a change of scenery, she leavers her Michigan home for Chicago, staying in a friend's unoccupied apartment. It's there she meets her new neighbor. Will Brody is a little younger and helps her learn to embrace life again. But then she discovers her entire marriage was built on a lie. Will she be able to let Will in when her trust in men has been shattered by the person she thought was her one true love? Only one way to find out!
Get Sex and the Widow Miles here.
6. Only Beloved by Mary Balogh
A widower, the Duke of Stanbrook is considering remarrying, longing for happiness. He thinks back on the woman he briefly met last year and never saw again. A scandal dashed Dora Debbins' chances of marriage long ago. Now she makes a modest living teach music. Then an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, changing the course of both George and Dora's lives forever.
7. Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan
Widow Mrs. Bertrice Martin credits her youthful appearance to "daily doses of spite, regular baths in man-tears, and refusing to give so much as a single damn about her Terrible Nephew." Prim and proper Miss Violetta Beauchamps is an unexpected appearance in her life, but Mrs. Martin feels for her considering Terrible Nephew lives in Miss Violetta's rooming house and she wants him out of there. Mrs. Martin isn't one to give a damn, but making Miss Violetta smile is enough to craft a plan to get oust her Terrible Nephew and win the hand of a most intriguing lady.
Get Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure here.
8. John & Jackie by TJ Klune
John and Jackie met when they were just twelve years old. They've built a life together and Jack is prepared to give his husband the ultimate gift. But first he's created a way for them to relive five key moments of their youth, including their first kiss, that defined the men they grew up to be. John hopes this day will show Jackie just how deeply his love runs for the one person who has always stood by his side.
9. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Retired Major Ernest Pettigrew and shopkeeper Mrs. Jasmina Ali become unlikely friends after the death of Ernest's brother. They bond of the death of their spouses and their love of literature. As their friendship grows into something more, their small country village insists on "embracing him as the quintessential local and her as the permanent foreigner." Will their relationship find a way to survive culture, tradition, and societal pressure? Will they get their second chance at love?
Get Major Pettigrew's Last Stand here.
10. Twice in a Lifetime by Jodie Griffin
Widow Talia Wasserman applies for a new job at the local police department. Hired, she discovers she'll be working under Lieutenant Eve Poe who she met more than fifteen years ago during a citizen's police academy workshop. That spark is still there, but there's just one problem: Eve is her boss and therefore a no-go. Eve is taken with Talia but she knows she has to stay away. Besides, there the matter of some sending her office disturbing emails. When Eve gets injured in the line of duty, Talia realizes her chances of happiness may be ruined. She knows she can't survive a loss like that again.
11. Frosted by Katy Regnery
Grace Luff lost her husband three years ago. Her children want to see her happy again and decide to send her to luxury resort Silver Wings for the weekend, hoping she'll meet someone special. Too bad Grace doesn't even remember how to date. Rather than attend the conference, she heads outside for a little fresh air and exercise, meeting Tray Bradshaw. Tray instantly makes her heart sing. A snowstorm traps the pair in a cabin, allowing them the time to get to know each other. And fall in love.
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