Title: A Forty Year Kiss
Author: Nickolas Butler
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: February, 4 2025

I received complimentary eARC and ALC copies from Sourcebooks and RBmedia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted

T H R E E • W O R D S

Fresh • Clear • Gentle

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Charlie and Vivian parted ways after just four years of marriage. Too many problems, too many struggles, even though the love didn't quite die. When Charlie returns to Wisconsin forty years later, he's not sure what he'll find. He is sure of one thing -- he must try to reconnect with Vivian to pick up the broken pieces of their past. But forty years is a long time. It's forty years of other relationships, forty years of building new lives, and forty years of long-held regrets, mistakes, and painful secrets.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I was offered an ARC of A Forty Year Kiss and accepted the opportunity solely based on the cover. It was a bonus to be granted access to an ALC as well, so I was able to tandem read. I went in basically blind, knowing only it featured older main characters were older (one of my favourite micro tropes).

Told from both Charlie and Vivian's perspectives, this is a story of redemption, forgiveness, painful secrets, nostalgia, and second chances. The main characters are both equally flawed with their own baggage, which felt relatable. I greatly appreciated the sobriety storyline and getting a glimpse into some of Wisconsin's best spots.

This book lacks quotation marks (a pet peeve of mine and somehow the second book in a row I read without them). I cannot figure out the reasoning why the author would choose this route, as there is a lot of dialogue. The failure to indicate when someone is talking made for a very clunky experience, and I eventually switched solely to listening for a more seamlessly reading journey. The use of so much dialogue also meant, the characters weren't developed as much as I would have liked.

The audio, narrated by Richard Poe, offered an authentic and mellow tone for Charlie. I thought he did a fantastic job of bringing his character to life with authenticity. However, Poe narrates Vivian's perspective as well, and that felt completely wrong. This is definitely one of those cases where dual narration was needed and would have made for a more realistic relationship.

A Forty Year Kiss was a heartwarming story filled with many hard moments and the need for open communication. While I personally enjoyed the concept, there were definitely some flaws in the execution. It's one of those book I would anticipate having vary polarizing opinions. If older characters are not your jam, you won't enjoy it that's for sure.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• mature MCs
• rekindled romance

⚠️ CW: toxic relationship, mental illness, addiction, alcohol, alcoholism, divorce, poverty, pregnancy, abortion

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"I don’t think we’ve peaked. Not by a long shot. I think our best days are ahead of us."

3.5 stars - A thoughtful, feel good story about a love rekindled and redeemed after forty years apart. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but as the story went on I got more invested in Charlie and Vivian's lives and whether they would make it. It's a simple and beautiful telling of a life lived with regrets and how one can decide to change one's life, if they'd only be brave enough to try. The way that Charlie goes into his pursuit of Vivian having made peace with every possible scenario shows a sense of maturity and peace that we all strive for. Overall, a sweet story!

Huge thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC! 🎧💌

DNF @29% – I REALLY tried, okay? I tried to like it, but nope, couldn't do it! 😬📚

So, I gave A Forty Year Kiss a shot – I really did, I wanted to like it! But from the moment I started listening to the audiobook, it just felt SO uncomfortable. The whole thing is in Charlie's POV, and narrated by Richard Poe, and lemme tell you, it was not the vibe. His voice was like... a creepy uncle who doesn't know how to be chill. 🙄

I was expecting this cute, heartwarming second-chance romance, right? Well, instead, I got weird vibes with a side of nope. Charlie is in his 60s (which, okay, cool, fine) BUT the way the language is used – when he’s thinking about... sex... was just... WHY? I mean, I know the dude’s supposed to be older, but his internal monologue on that stuff felt super uncomfortable. Like, it honestly sounded more like a man in his 60s trying to sound 20 but missing the mark entirely. 🤢

The last straw for me? A sex scene at 29% in – I could’ve literally gone and scrubbed my ears out with soap. Why was there a steamy moment between two 60-year-olds??? And why was it so... eww? 😖 At that point, I just knew it wasn’t for me. Not in a million years.

The narrator? Richard Poe – the guy sounded like he was in his 60s, and I get it, Charlie’s older, but the tone just didn't match the vibe of what was going on in the story. It was like listening to someone read about steamy romance... in a voice that reminded me of my grandfather.

I think this book is probably for someone who’s, like, 40+? Not me. It felt like the whole "romance" was more about regret and nostalgia than actually falling in love. The main guy keeps saying he's changed, but does he? Does he really? I wasn't convinced. Not to mention Vivian (the FMC) just kind of lets him back into her life with nothing proving he's actually changed... girl, NO. That’s like me saying, “I’ll trust you with my heart... even though you crushed it once and did NOTHING to fix yourself."

🌹 Second Chances
❤️ Reunited Lovers
🌹 Age Gap
❤️ Forgiveness
🌹 Small-Town Setting
❤️ Love After Loss

CW: Alcoholism, Unresolved trauma, Uncomfortable romance

Long story short: I’m too young for this. If you like slow burns and love stories in your 60s... maybe this is for you, but for me? Nope, not the one. 🙅‍♀️

The cover of this is GORGEOUS! I love a love story and that’s exactly what I got. For fans of Rebecca Serle and early TJR. Loved this.

Charlie and Vivian were married when they were both in their 20s. Charlie was a bit wild and a heavy drinker. Their marriage only lasted four years. Forty years later, Charlie returns to their small town in Wisconsin. He is retired from the railroad and fairly well off. He meets Vivian, who is single with a daughter and he realizes that he still loves this woman who he abandoned decades ago. He begs her to give him another chance. After a few bumps along the way, they slowly come back together.
This should be a good draw for fans of romance novels. I read very little of that so it didn’t work for me completely, but the writing was solid and I did grow to like these characters. I also enjoyed the Wisconsin setting.

The audiobook presentation was very well done. Thank you NetGalley for supplying me with the audio.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"I dream about the mornings when we were lying in bed...I can still see the curtains in our bedroom, the white lace, moving with the wind...I dream about kissing you. Can I? Can I kiss you?"

The tenderness in the language used by remarkably poignant author Nickolas Butler, in his meaningful later in life second chance romance, A Forty Year Kiss, often left me breathless.

Charlie and Vivian were married for 4 years in their early 20s. Their divorce wasn't about falling out of love. It was about disappointment. Charlie's excessive drinking, fighting more than making love, and the bills piling up. Now 40 years later, Charlie has reached out to Vivian.

They both have led their lives. Vivian is a widowed grandmother. Charlie is divorced, retired from the railroad. His mind keeps going back to Vivian. The regrets, the mistakes, the what ifs. Vivian wonders about him too. Seeing him again still gives her butterflies. But all she can think is, "But please, don’t break this woman’s heart twice."

This writer doesn't use quotation marks. Reading the book is like waves lapping over
thoughts. It takes a moment to realize they are speaking not thinking to themselves. Listening to the audiobook, beautifully performed with quiet compassion, by Richard Poe, takes away this experience but doesn't change the honesty of the prose.

The author heard the starting quote above sitting at a bar. He took an overheard conversation and created a love story about an older couple, having their own secrets, lies, griefs, loneliness and finding the courage to try again. His brilliance makes A Forty Year Kiss the perfect Valentine Day gift.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair & honest review. All opinions are my own.

The story of rekindled love after decades apart had potential, but the audiobook didn’t fully pull me in. The pacing felt slow at times, and I struggled to connect emotionally with Charlie and Vivian’s journey. While sweet and heartfelt, the story was also quite predictable, making it less impactful than I’d hoped.

I liked that we get the perspective of both protagonists.
It's a very slow burn, always, cute and charming.
I loved the narration, I think it elevated the story.

Well, o wanted to like this one more than I did. I’ll
Be upfront that I listened to an ALC (audiobook) and o think that affected my enjoyment of it a bit.

The narrator did a fine job, I just couldn’t connect with him. Some of the martial was dry and didn’t pull mw in sadly.
I did appreciate the older changers and all the ups and downs of a second chance romance. Especially when grown children are involved so certain readers may really connect with the story.

The book is out now so check out the deception and see if it is to your liking!


I am thankful to have gotten the ALC for free from SOURCEFIRE- landmark Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

A Forty Year Kiss by Nikolas Butler follows Charlie and Vivian who were once married. After 40 years Charlie never stopped thinking about Vivian. Not a fan of a second chance romance by this book was such a delight. I really loved the premise of this book. This is a wonderful story of love, forgiveness and personal growth.
This was beautifully written, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an arc of this book.

A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler felt underwhelming, struggling to fully capture my attention. The pacing was slow, and I found the characters to be somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the depth needed to make their journeys compelling. While the themes of love and nostalgia are relatable, they weren’t explored in a way that felt fresh or engaging. Overall, it didn't quite resonate with me as much as I hoped.

With Valentine’s Day on Friday, this feels like the perfect week to read a love story.

This book is about the one that almost got away. Charlie and Vivian divorced after only four years together. They each brought too many problems to the relationship and it wasn’t the right time for them. After some work on himself, Charlie returns to Vivian FORTY YEARS LATER. Is it too late? Has too much time passed? Charlie is now successfully retired, Vivian is a grandmother - what happens when they reconnect?

If you love second chance romances then this audible is a gem. Absolutely a perfect choice for valentine's day.

What a wonderful story about love, life, and what cause and effect does. Is there a chance in rekindling an old love 40 years later after all this time and everything they have been through. I fell in love with it. This is my first novel by Nickolas Butler and it won't be my last I'm positive.

This is narrated by Richard Poe and he does such a fantastic job at bringing this book by Nickolas Butler to life in this audible.

Thank you @netgalley forallowing me to listen to this amazing audible.

A Forty Year Kiss* was a good read, though it took me a little while to get into it. The second-chance romance between Charlie and Vivian—reconnecting after 40 years—had some sweet and emotional moments, but it didn’t completely grab me the way I’d hoped. That said, if you enjoy stories about rekindled love and navigating the past, it’s worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook.

Lots of thoughts and feelings about this book. They ranged from “I don’t think I can finish this”, “I have to finish this” and at times somewhere in between. This is a story about people. Regular people who are all living their lives and dealing with the consequences of their choices, relationships and everything that has gotten them to where they are and figuring out where and how to move forward. Can they let go of their past hurts and experiences and take a chance on new love, a new path and let happiness in? It’s a slow story, but a slice of life that leads to a very sweet place.

A delightful second chance and small town romance love story. Charlie and Vivian divorced after four years of marriage. They had many problems and struggled with a few things. Fast forward forty years later and Charlie returns hoping to rekindle the friendship with Vivian.
The audiobook is narrated by Richard Poe. He was the perfect voice for Charlie. I could feel the emotions and remorse in his story recounting his past and looking towards the future.
It is a slow burn but such a sweet second chance romance story.

Talk about a second-chance romance! Charlie is now in his sixties and retired, but he’s thinking of Vivian.

Vivian and Charlie were married over forty years ago, but their marriage only lasted about four years. Charlie never really got over Vivian, so he moved back to Wisconsin to see if there was still a chance.

While the story unfolds at a very measured pace, you must be patient. This really is about two people rediscovering each other as well as finding something new. While it may seem like not much happens until the end, it’s about doing life, messing up, missed opportunities, and the daily grind. It’s also about finding those people who feel like home to you and about offering forgiveness.


3.5 ⭐️

Thank you @recordedbooks for the gifted audiobooks. #rbmedia #audiobooks #netgalley

Can a couple reconnect after getting married and divorcing at a young age? Falling in love is easy but keeping it forever is the tough part. Charlie is back in town trying to reconnect with Vivian and make right the wrongs that broke them apart. The growing of the characters through the story is great and their second chance is mean to be. The audiobook with Richard Poe is very enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ALC copy. This is my honest review.

Nickolas Butler's latest exquisite tale, A FORTY YEAR KISS, is utterly captivating! It's never too late for love & second chances —lyrical & big-hearted, from lost love, forgiveness, hope & redemption. I loved it!—a perfect literary Valentine read.

A compelling small-town love story. A couple who met up again forty years after their divorce. There is a lot of hurt, mistrust, and living in between. Will they make it the second time around? Their moving, emotional journey will surely resonate with readers.

About...

Charlie and Vivian divorced after four years of marriage. There were too many problems. Charlie drank too much, and they both went on to live their lives.

Forty years later, Charlie returns to Wisconsin and knows he wants to rekindle his relationship with the one love. Even though he married twice after. He wants to try to pick up the broken pieces. They have had other relationships, regrets, secrets, mistakes, and baggage; they are set in their ways and from different economic backgrounds.

Charlie is an alcoholic with a vast wine collection and has just taken over a large farm. He wants Vivian to be a part of his life. He has done very well for himself at age 64, retired from the railroad, and has stock in Apple. So, financially, he can help Vivian. He is a giving man and has the best of heart.

On the other hand, Vivian barely gets by and lives with her daughter and two children by different men. They struggle financially. She shops at Walmart and thrift shops.

While she enjoys the attention and the lavish dinners, she is also guarded and has her pride. She does not make it easy for Charlie to return to her life. He still must make changes for them to try again. Is he up for the challenge?

In addition, Vivian has a big secret that could also affect their relationship. This secret, when revealed, adds a layer of complexity to their journey, making the story even more compelling.

My thoughts...

I loved A FORTY YEAR KISS! and the reveal was unexpected. I am not typically a romance reader; however, I adore literary fiction and late-in-life stories of redemption.

Being older with so many regrets and life takes work, and it was refreshing to hear from Charlie and Vivian's perspectives. Their growth and resilience will inspire you.

Your heart will break and be put back together before the end. I loved reading the inspiration behind the story from the author, Nickolas Butler. He drew from his observations, which added a personal touch to the narrative.

A FORTY YEAR KISS is a profoundly moving, transcending, beautifully written, uplifting story of love, family, second chances, forgiveness, wisdom, kindness, and redemption. My first book by the author, and I was highly impressed. I cannot wait to read his backlist and upcoming works. His storytelling is truly admirable.

Audiobook...

I had the privilege of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook narrated by the talented Richard Poe, elevating the novel and capturing its compelling characters and raw emotions, making the story come alive. I was hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend the audiobook, and it is perfect for Valentine's.

Recs...

A FORTY YEAR KISS is for fans of the author, Richard Paul Evans, Nicholas Sparks, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Tim Johnston, Allen Eskens, Viola Shipman, Fredrik Backman, Ken Jaworowski, and Ethan Joella. (all favorites).

If you enjoyed it, I recommend Only After We Met (audio fantastic) by Alice Keelen, narrated by Gail Shalan and Benjamin Crow. It is about a younger couple who had many issues and came back together after a world of hurt, addiction, struggles, and wisdom.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Recorded Books via NetGalley for an advanced review and listening copy—and the introduction to this talented author!

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Feb 4, 2025
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Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for providing me not one, but two ways to enjoy this story! This is my first by this author.

I loved the premise of this book. Long lost loves and second chances. Charlie and Vivian married way too young. Charlie's drinking got in the way and they divorced just 4 years later. Life went on very differently for them (as we see in flashbacks). He never stopped thinking about her despite remarrying a rebound. And after some soul searching, 40 years later, he decides to make contact with her again.

The story is set in Wisconsin. Vivian has had quite the hardship life. She's now a single grandmother, supporting her daughter while her daughter is also single, trying to keep a job to support her child. I won't go into too many details, other than to say, Butler does a fantastic job going back and forth with them together and separately, to get us to the present time. It is a slow burn, though, and not much exciting happens -- but that's also OK because it's more real life.

Two things threw me for a loop, though:
1, There were no quotation marks used. That threw me for a huge loop. I've never encountered that and found I wasn't able to follow along as well. So I requested the audiobook to go along with the e-ARC.
2, There is a scene early on, when Charlie goes all in and kisses Vivian - but it's almost immediately after reconnecting! I get if you've missed someone so much that you're about to burst, but it felt very rushed and if I'm being honest, I felt icky about it as Vivian wasn't quite there yet. (I get that's a me thing.)

Other than that, I found the relevant topics woven in, refreshing! TW for alcoholism, abortion, special needs adoption. I'd be willing to explore more from this author!