Member Reviews

This was a very spicy forbidden romance that made me nervous but I was all in! It’s one of those books that sinks its teeth into you and won’t let go. Theo was hot and controlling and if you love that sort of thing then you’re going to love this.
Thanks NetGalley and Grace Turner for gifting me this eArc!

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-Reverse age gap
-Bestfriends Mom
-Loads of spice🌶🌶🌶

23yr old Théo is a quiet junior in college who was just kicked out by his roommate with nowhere to go. His best friend Ryder & his mom offer him a place to stay. He works at a tattoo parlor while he goes to school during the day.

37yr old Natalie had Ryder at 16 while she was still in high school. Just newly divorced after getting married to Ryder’s dad right after high school. Now she’s ready to live the life she deserves.

Holy Moly now that’s a lot of spice🥵. The two MC’s deal with their past working through them together in this heated drama.

I liked the preview of the next book in the series. That should be fun!!

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Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Age Gap, Best Friend’s Mom
3rd Act Breakup?: Kind of?

The Praise: I really loved this! Theo and Natalie were so sweet together and I was glad they both found happiness in each other after living tough lives. The spice was also 🔥🔥🔥. I liked that it subverted the usual age gap dynamic by making the older character the submissive.

The Critique: I was hoping to see Theo’s mom get her comeuppance but maybe we’ll get that in the background of the next book? I also didn’t love that the epilogue was entirely unrelated to Natalie and Theo. I understand wanting to set up the next standalone (and I’m excited for Ryder’s book!) but just add a bonus chapter or something rather than robbing readers of more content about the characters they’re already invested in.

Final Thoughts: This was very nearly a perfect book in my opinion! I’m excited to look into more of Grace’s work!

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What do you do when the tall, sinfully gorgeous man covered in tattoos is your new house guest? What do you do when this man.....is your son's best friend?

I DEVOURED this book! If I could rate this book 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. I haven't read to many reverse age gaps...(yes you read that right)...REVERSE age gap. I think I've read only 2-3 but, they don't compare to Grace's writing.

We meet Theo, who's 23...he goes to college during the day and at night he works at a tattoo parlor. He's quiet and keeps to himself, he's been on his own since he was 17. He didn't have the best childhood. His father and older brother left because their mom was a huge gambler and got in WAY too much trouble and always gave away their money and possessions. So, Theo moved out and has only had himself to rely on EXCEPT his best friend Ryder.

Ryder tells Theo that he can live at his and his mom, Natalie's house since he doesn't have anywhere to go. Theo's first instinct is to run because he doesn't like to rely on other people or feel like he's getting in the way BUT he does it for Ryder.
Ryder get's Theo all set up at home, even though Natalie got his room already for him. Theo's never met Ryder's mom before, but all he hopes for is that she doesn't hate him too much for crashing at their house.

Natalie who's 37.. had Ryder very young, which led to her parent's kicking her out of the house, her boyfriend at the time (now ex-husband) was going to break up with her but stayed because she was pregnant. His parent's took her in. She was married to Mark, but their marriage was a love-less one. They raised Ryder together and gave him the best childhood they could and then decided to finally get a divorce. Natalie has a best friend Caroline WHO I LOVE so much. Caroline is a couple year's younger than her but when I say I want this woman as my best friend, I mean it. I want to drink wine together and talk about the hot, sexy tattoo man that's now living in my house. lol

When Theo and Natalie lock eyes for the first time there's an instant attraction towards one another and both of them aren't quite sure how to deal with those feelings. So they do what everyone does when things get a little awkward and they choose to ignore it. The tension and angst gets a little more intense when Ryder gets a call that the internship he applied for accepted him, and now he'll be leaving the next day and going to a different state.

When Theo finds out Natalie has the same feelings he does, does Theo ignore that? ohhhh no..Theo lets Natalie know all the dirty thoughts he has for her. When I say the spice is spicy I mean it's SPICY. I had to put my kindle down a couple of times just so I could take a breath because this "quiet man" isn't so quiet when it comes to having Natalie in the bedroom.. or on the kitchen counter...or basically any surface in the house. He lets her know allllll the filthy things he's thinking and I loved every minute of it.

As much as I love all the sexy times, I honestly was obsessed with their relationship. Grace did such a great job just making you feel everything they were feeling. Theo went from house guest.. to lover.. to Natalie being IN love with him and she showed Theo everyday how much she cared so he always knew she wouldn't be like everyone else who left him.

Don't think for one second though that they just get together and that's it. There's unexpected drama that happens that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There's heartbreak...and guilt. Does Ryder find out about his best friend being with his mom? How would he react? What ever happened to Theo's mom? Does he see his brother again? What will people say when they find out they're together? Will people accept their relationship? Will they get married and have kids? There's all these questions that they face and make sure their feelings are more than just lust and if it's worth it being together.

Thank you so much Grace for letting me read Theo and Natalie's story. They hold a special place in my heart. You are so kind and sweet and I can tell how much love you put into their story. You already got me addicted to your Murphy's Law series! I can't wait to read all your future books. You deserve all the love!

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Well this was 🌶🌶🌶 SPICY! I actually thought halfway through the book that it might be a bit too much spice (things I've never said for 100 please) cause I totally forgot there was a storyline! 😅🥵 That being said, there is a storyline! 😁 This is a reverse age gap romance with some family drama. I think the ending wrapped things up a little too conveniently and a bit abruptly - with her son and then the lack of justice… Just trying to avoid spoilers by keeping it vague. 😉 I did enjoy reading it 😏 and I liked the preview of the next book in the series. That should be a fun read also!

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

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I really loved this reverse age gap with lots of steam. I ate this right now and loved it. It was easy to read for me and I didn’t want to put it down.

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Theo Wilde had nowhere to stay until his best friend, Ryder Calaway, offers for him to stay with his mother, Natalie. She is quite happy to him stay for an indefinite period of time. Yet when they meet, she realises that she might have made a serious mistake as she finds herself attracted to him. It becomes an even greater issue when Ryder receives the internship offer of a lifetime across the country, leaving Theo and Natalie living alone.
This is definitely an adult only book, featuring instant attraction that is forbidden, given the relationship both have with Ryder. Yet, the age difference whittles away, when Theo reveals that his past experiences have made him much older than his 23 years. Likewise, Natalie was a 16-year-old mother and now finds herself in her mid-30s, with a divorce behind her and a son, who has left home. Wanting a life for herself and her attraction to Theo, are understandable. There is definitely plenty of spice in this book as well as many profanities. An interesting read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I was pleasantly surprised to come across the description of this book. I’ve only read a handful of the reverse age gap trope books. When I finally dug into this book I was happy with what I discovered. The story unfolds effortlessly, allowing you to witness two consenting adults, who don't know if what they are doing is right or wrong, fall for each other. The romance is so sweet. I will be recommending this to our book groups.

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Whew. That was a fast paced, smutty, filthy, sweet, amazing read :) this is my first book from this author and Grace Turner did not disappoint.

This is my first best friend's mom trope read, and while I could see how this trope could be cringey or poorly written, this author did it justice.

So this is an age gap, there is some degradation & praise, plus a host of other amazing aspects.

I love Theo and Natalie, I thought they were sweet, and believable.

I cannot wait for Ryder's book and was excited to read his first chapter.

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Somewhere to Stay by Grace Turner
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Release Date: 16 March 2024
POV: Dual
Tropes: Reverse age gap, slow burn, son’s best friend, forced proximity, divorcee, insta-lust, forbidden romance.

Honestly, I took one look at the description and cover for this book and I was game. It’s literally been one of the only books I’ve requested on Netgalley this year that I have been waiting on edge to see whether I got or not. Overall, it did not disappoint and it was an easy read.

Ryder’s best friend, Theo, needs a place to say, so hey, why doesn’t he come stay with Ryder and his mom, Natalie, until Theo is able to get back on his feet.

Sounds simple enough.

Nope.

Not even a couple of hours after arriving, Ryder is informed that he got an intern with NASA and was leaving the next day. Which in turn, leaves Theo and Natalie up to their own devices. Their chemistry is immediate… and I mean immediate. There is absolutely no doubt left in anyone’s mind that they both want to jump each other’s bones, but the problem is of course Ryder being Natalie’s son and Theo’s best friend. (Also where was the emotion between the two of them. It was all purely just so physical?) In my opinion, the whole Ryder issue was just so incredibly drawn out. Like come on, we’re all adults, just tell the man.

I wanted to give this book a higher rating, but unfortunately things like this I just struggled with.

And although Natalie was an easy character to get to grips with, I know that she fell pregnant young and all that, but for someone who has worked their way up the corporate ladder and all that jazz, there were a few points where I was like are you 37 or 17? And maybe that was just me, but hey ho.

Theo’s character I found a bit wobbly in the beginning, but boy did he just shine for the remainder of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC!

Now to wait for Ryder’s story in Book 2.

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3🌟
If you're in the mood for
-Sons best friend
-Reverse age gap
-A lot of spice🌶
-Something quick & easy
Then this is the book for you!
I thought this was such a good time it really made the time fly by because it was so easy to follow and kept me interested with the plot of sons best friend. My only problem with this book is I didn't believe in their emotional connection it felt purely physical. Other than that I had a great time and this would be a great book if you're in a slump!

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I constantly deceive myself into thinking I'm not drawn to taboo, forbidden romances with age gaps... but who am I kidding? I devoured this book! The forbidden relationship, the chemistry, the feeling of being so wrong it's right—pure perfection. *Chef's kiss*

I had so much fun reading Natalie and Theo's story. Each spicy scene had me on the edge of my seat, I was anticipating the moment they'd be caught!

"... you're going to thank me because its fucking polite" 🥵🥵

HELLOOOO?? YES, PLEASE?! The internal scream I had reading this next to my sleeping fiance, almost had me waking him up for the heat of the moment.

I loved this book, and turns out I do quite enjoy a reverse age gap 🤭🤷🏻‍♀️

I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and this book truly pulled me out of it❤️


The spice was 10/10
The book was 10/10

I'm excited for what's to come next 🫢🫢🫢

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Publication Date: March 16, 2024

🥀 Reverse Age Gap
🥀 Forbidden Romance
🥀 Dual POV
🥀 Son's Best Friend
🥀 Grumpy x Sunshine

Theo is down in his luck with no where to go, so when his friend Ryder offered to Theo to come live with him and his mom Natalie, Theo couldn't resist. Only problem is shortly after moving in Ryder gets an offer for an internship in Texas. Now it's just Theo and Natalie. Their sexual chemistry is off the chart. The things that come out of Theo's mouth 🥵

Caroline was also a nice edition. Loved her commentary.

I am not well!!!! Definitely a must read for my smut lovers!!! I was hooked by the dedication alone.

Thank you netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

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Reverse age gap, mixed with forced proximity, and add a bit of forbidden romance?? Sign me up – wait, I did, and it was great, and I loved it.

The pacing of this book and the CHEMISTRY dragged me from the depths of my book slump.

Theo and Natalie’s story evolved so naturally during this book that nothing felt out of place and the twist at the end GOT ME. I’ll be back for book 2 as soon as I can get my hands on it.

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Theo x Natalie

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Théo: Quiet junior in college who has no where to go so he stays with his friend Ryder & his mom. He works at a tattoo parlor while he goes to school during the day.

Natalie: mom to Ryder who she had in high school. Newly divorced after getting married to Ryder’s dad in high school & it just not being what she wants.

Natalie had Ryder when she was in high school & recently divorced Ryder’s dad after deciding it just wasn’t what she wanted. Theo is Ryders Best friend who needed a place to stay & Ryder insisted his house. Right after Theo moved in, Ryder got the internship of a lifetime & left. The Story follows Natalie & Theo who had an instant attraction, but knew from the start it was a forbidden romance. Will it blow up in there face? Definitely. Will it make them stop? Not a chance.

My anxiety was through the roof this whole book. You just KNOW from the start this will blow up in their face but it’s a train wreck you cannot tear your eyes from. The steam & spice 🥵 I usually prefer a nice slow burn/enemies to lovers so this was a nice change from my usual read. I’m obsessed with Theo & his dominance. That man just bleeds “fuck me” vibes. Great story, amazing spice & cannot wait to see Ryders story next!


⭐️ Age Gap Romance
⭐️ Steamy Romance 🥵
⭐️ Bestfriends Mom
⭐️ Forced Proximity
⭐️ Forbidden Romance


Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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📖 Somewhere to Stay by @

🌟 5/5

🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!

‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 1 of the Someone, Somewhere series.

ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives

𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
Theo Wilde had nowhere to go. A junior in college with no money to his name, he had no choice but to take his best friend, Ryder Calaway, up on his offer: to stay with him and his mom in Ryder’s childhood home.
The idyllic suburban neighborhood was the last place Theo expected to end up. And the last place he wanted to be. Until her.
Natalie Calaway didn’t hesitate when her son asked if his best friend could stay with them for an indefinite period of time. All she knew was his name—Theo—and that he had nowhere else to go. Still, she wouldn’t say no. Until she laid eyes on the man who invaded her house and realized she probably should have.
Two seconds in, and she already regretted her decision. Especially when Ryder receives the internship offer of a lifetime across the country. Leaving Theo and Natalie living alone. And alone is a scary place to be. Alone together, it’s harder—nearly impossible—to resist the intense, ever-growing attraction between them. Even if it’s bound to end horribly. Even if it’s messy and forbidden and wrong.

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Wowzers. I instantly became obsessed with this book as soon as I started it. I can't even begin to tell y'all how good this book was!😍

If you are a fan of reverse age gap than this book is for you. If you aren't, then you should really give this book a chance! Natalie and Theo were definitely not what I expected them to be. 👀

The way the author wrote both characters and allowed us readers to see the intimacy they had for each other was phenomenal! I'm not talking physical intimacy, even though they had that by the handful. I'm talking about the kind of intimacy where the characters could be themselves around each other and to be able to express their needs without fear of rejection. I SWOONED with all the aftercare!!!🫠

A big thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC! Grace, I'm really really looking forward to Ryder's book!❤️

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Wow.. I loved this read. Spicy and well written. The characters were perfection. I will be buying this one for my shelf

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read in advance

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If you like it spicy, then look no further! Nat and Theo are the couple I didn’t know I needed, and I can’t wait for Ryder’s story!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

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Get it, mama! What an intense story. Spicy and smutty! It was entertaining, and I liked the characters and the situation they found themselves in. Well written! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book.
The story follows Theo, a college student who finds himself with no place to live and ends up staying with his best friend, Ryder, and his mother, Natalie. From the moment he meets Natalie, Theo is drawn to her in a way that he can't explain. And as they spend more time together, their attraction only grows stronger.
But with Ryder leaving for an internship across the country, Theo and Natalie are left alone together in the same house. And as they struggle to resist the temptation between them, they must also face the consequences of their forbidden romance.
What I loved most about this book was the chemistry between Theo and Natalie. Their relationship felt real and organic, with both characters having their own flaws and insecurities that made them relatable. I also appreciated how the author handled the taboo aspect of their relationship, addressing the potential consequences without making it feel forced or overly dramatic.
Theo and Natalie's journey was emotional and at times, heart-wrenching. I found myself rooting for them to be together despite the obstacles in their way. The writing was smooth and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story and the characters' emotions.
Overall, this was a fun read and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a well-written and emotional love story.

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