Given how much I love an older woman/younger man (reverse age gap) story it shouldn't be a surprise that I adored Give & Take. But actually, I was initially a little apprehensive. I really like Claire Wilder so I knew the quality would be good, however, I prefer my books as child-free as possible and am not a fan of the nanny trope at all, hence my few reservations. I'm pleased to say Raph's sunny disposition just blew right through them.

I really enjoyed being transported from my grey wintery reality to a wonderful seaside small-town existence full of beach visits and sunshine where nothing terrible happens, who wouldn't?! Raphael was a delight, he's so perfect it is kind of unreal but I'm ok with that - I'm not necessarily looking for reality in my fiction! I thought he was so warm and thoughtful, so careful about not overstepping but always there. I liked Lana, her attempts to hold herself in check, especially when she's trying not to laugh at Raph and the girl's antics, felt so relatable and her decisions felt brave and grounded.

Give & Take was like a shot of much-needed dopamine and vitamin D to get me through the winter. It made me warm and fuzzy and happy!

Many thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and the author for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

From the very first chapter I was completely hooked! The author paints each scene so vividly that it felt like I was watching a movie unfold. The characters are not only relatable but also infused with humor, making them incredibly entertaining. I found myself racing through the pages, unable to put the book down!

While it is a romance novel, I appreciated how the story also dives into themes of personal growth, trust, and self-love. The slow burn was there and ultimately so rewarding. Raph had me swooning from the beginning! He was my favorite character. And the girls were too adorable, I wish I could give them a hug.

This was my first time reading a book from this author, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming read that beautifully combines romance with meaningful life lessons.

Reverse age-gap romances aren't typically what I read but I've been seeing a lot of buzz around this book and thought I'd give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful this book was. If you enjoy grumpy x sunshine and a sweet but still steamy love story this book is for you.

I really liked both characters and thought they were believable. Rafe and Lana were a slow burn which only added to the angst and mutual pining. The tender moments between these two were so sweet, really melted the heart. I just loved how gone Rafe was for Lana. Lana does take a rather long time to give Rafe a chance. However I still found these two adorable and lovely to read about.

Pacing was a bit slow for my taste but otherwise I enjoyed the writing.

A great, romantic romance.

*Give & Take* by Claire Wilder truly took me by surprise in the best way possible. From the very first page, I was hooked by the rich, emotional depth of the story. This isn’t just a romance—it's a story about vulnerability, personal growth, and learning to embrace both giving and receiving love. Wilder’s writing feels so real and effortless, pulling you into the characters' lives and making you feel like you're right there with them, navigating the ups and downs of their journey.

What really struck me was how well Wilder developed the characters. They’re not perfect, but that’s exactly what makes them so relatable. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way, especially as they learned to trust, open up, and support one another. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and watching their relationship evolve was a true joy. The way the story balances moments of humor with deeper emotional moments felt so natural and kept me turning pages long into the night.

What really made *Give & Take* special for me was how it made me reflect on my own relationships and what it means to give without expecting anything in return. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of both generosity and self-acceptance. This book left me with a full heart and a reminder of how important human connection truly is. I couldn’t recommend it more—whether you’re a fan of contemporary romance or simply love a story with heart, *Give & Take* is a must-read. Additionally , could I ever say no to an age gap story….

It took me quite a while to get into the story.
Raphael was cute but a bit childish, but he got better as the book progressed. For Lana, it was even longer. I couldn't relate to her, and she was almost annoying.

It was a nice and enjoyable read, although it felt incredibly long.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Immediately drawn in and loving the story. I need to read the first book now! Heartfelt and perfect for any time of the year! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.