Birthday Girl

“Do the things you know you should. Don’t doubt yourself, don’t second-guess, don’t let fear hold you back, don’t be lazy, and don’t base your decisions on how happy it will make others. Just go for it, okay?”

“I really don’t care about the wedding,” she says, staring back at the television. “I just want the life.”

“When you’re young, you can be really stupid. I don’t care to remember that time in my life. I want to move on.”

“And that’s for you, Birthday Girl,”

“You look at each other like…” “Like?” He swallows, an unusually troubled pinch to his brow. “Like the two of you have your own language.”

“We want it, but we know we shouldn’t.”

“A ship at harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for.”

“But the best part is, the first break is always the worst. It’ll never feel this bad again.”

by Penelope Douglas

3 out of 5 stars

"Birthday Girl" by Penelope Douglas is a romance novel that ventures into the often-taboo subject of age-gap relationships, further complicated by the familial ties between the characters. The story centers around Pike, the father of Jordan's boyfriend Cole, and Jordan herself. While the book excels in areas like character depth and emotional complexity, it also suffers from predictability and somewhat one-dimensional portrayals of secondary characters, earning it a 3-star rating.

The novel shines in its nuanced portrayal of Pike and Jordan. Pike is not a clichéd older man but a character with complexities and vulnerabilities that make him relatable. Jordan, on the other hand, is mature beyond her years, adding a layer of balance to their relationship. The emotional stakes are high, particularly in scenes like the kiss between Pike and Jordan at the bar, which is fraught with tension and vulnerability.

However, the book is not without its flaws. One significant issue is its predictability. The story often leans into familiar tropes, such as the easily resolved conflict with Jordan's boyfriend, Cole. Speaking of Cole, his portrayal is another weak point in the narrative. He is depicted as such an unlikable character that it makes it too easy for the reader to root for Pike and Jordan, thereby removing a layer of moral complexity that could have enriched the story. This is particularly disappointing given that the taboo nature of Pike and Jordan's relationship—Pike being Cole's father—could have been a fertile ground for more nuanced storytelling.

In conclusion, "Birthday Girl" offers an engaging narrative that tackles a taboo subject with emotional depth and complexity. However, its predictability and the one-dimensional portrayal of secondary characters like Cole detract from its overall impact. While it's a compelling read, these shortcomings prevent it from being a standout in the crowded field of romance novels."

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