Happy Release Day to "The Younger Man" by Karina Halle!

Editorial Note: About a week after I wrote and published this post, the author decided to change the title of this book to "The Forbidden Man." The story is exactly the same, and I have not changed my review. However, you may see this story referred to interchangeably as "The Younger Man" or "The Forbidden Man" on various websites.

I am thrilled to be participating in today's release blitz for Karina Halle's latest novel, "The Younger Man."  I have been looking forward to reading this story for some time now because the description sounded so refreshingly different from the stories I usually read.  Also, I studied abroad in Spain when I was in college, so the fact that much of the story was set in Madrid brought back happy memories of my time there as a student.  Thankfully, "The Younger Man" was totally worth the wait.  My full review is included at the end of this post, but overall, I adored this book and didn't want to put it down.  It's one of my favorite Karina Halle books so far, and I highly recommend it.  Fair warning, though: this book brings all the feels, so be sure to have some tissues handy before you start reading!

About "The Younger Man"

A reckless, obsessive soccer star. A forbidden affair that could ruin her career. The locker room has never been this steamy.

"The Younger Man," an epic standalone forbidden age-gap sports romance, by New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle, is live!   

Starting over was her only option.

Forty-years old and still reeling from a public and painful divorce, Thalia Blackwood is looking for a fresh start, somewhere far away from her upside down life. When she’s offered a new job as the sports therapist for a football (soccer) team, she jumps at the chance. This is just what she needs to leave the heartbreak and shame of Manchester behind, trading it in for the warmth and hopeful vibrancy of Madrid.

He was her only desire.

Twenty-three year old Alejo Albarado is rising up the ranks in his career. As the charming forward for the Real Madrid team, Alejo’s life revolves around women, parties, and being a tabloid darling, that is until the new sports therapist joins the team.

Their passion could not be ignored.

What starts out as a strictly professional relationship between Thalia and the young Spanish player, slowly evolves into something more. Much more.

Their relationship was forbidden.

But their combustible chemistry and simmering sexual tension can only go so far—should Thalia give into Alejo’s advances, she’s at risk of not only losing her job, but succumbing to a much younger man will drag her through the spotlight again.

Alejo might be worth that risk.

Unless he breaks her heart in the process.

"The Younger Man" is a full-length standalone romance. Characters from "Love, in English" make a cameo in this book, however "The Younger Man" is intended to be read as a STANDALONE. 

My Review

"The Younger Man" is one of my favorite Karina Halle books yet, and it kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime. The story packs an emotional punch and I found myself tearing up numerous times, but there were also surprising moments of humor that made me laugh out loud when I was least expecting it. Most importantly, I adored both of the main characters, Thalia and Alejo, who were incredibly well-developed and likeable. Despite their differences, especially the significant age gap, their feelings for each other were obviously sincere, and I couldn't help but root for them to find a way to be together.

The problems Alejo and Thalia faced in their growing relationship were realistic and believable.  For example, I completely understood the tough position Thalia was in after having worked so hard to build a successful career in a male-dominated field.  She knew that one mistake could completely destroy everything she'd achieved, and after being burned so badly by her ex-husband, it took a lot for Thalia to be able to trust in love again. Alejo really seemed to bring out the best in her, as she brought out the best in him.  I hated seeing them struggle, but it was all worth it in the end.

I would love to read a future book starring Alejo's teammate, Luciano.  He was a fun secondary character in this book and a good friend to both Alejo and Thalia when they needed him the most.  Also, it seemed like there might have been more to the story he briefly told about his lost love. It would be wonderful to see him happily coupled up just like Alejo and Thalia!

*ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR.  All opinions expressed are my own.