--- title: "What to Read: Romance with Older Main Characters" description: Ellie of Ellie Reads shares a list of romances with older (over 40) main characters! image: https://www.loveinpanels.com/hubfs/Romances%20with%20older%20MCs%20(1).jpg --- [![LoveinPanelswhite.png](https://www.loveinpanels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LoveinPanelswhite.png?width=640&height=225&name=LoveinPanelswhite.png "LoveinPanelswhite.png")](http://loveinpanels.com/) Search # [What to Read: Romance with Older Main Characters](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/romance-with-older-main-characters) [fa icon="calendar"] Mar 21, 2018 10:00:00 AM / by [Suzanne](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/author/suzanne) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Today we're sharing one of Ellie's posts from [Ellie Reads All the Books](http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.com)! This post is all about romance novels with older main characters (MCs), a request we see often from Romance Twitter. In her recommendations section, you'll find links to her reviews. Thanks for sharing, Ellie! *** ![Romances with older MCs (1).jpg](https://www.loveinpanels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Romances%20with%20older%20MCs%20(1).jpg?width=568&height=319&name=Romances%20with%20older%20MCs%20(1).jpg)I admit I haven't read as many romances with older MCs as I would have liked. In my defense there doesn't seem to be that many out there - an age gap with one MC being in their 40s-50s seems to be much more common in romance. I recently read two stories with older MCs, which I absolutely adored, and this gave me the idea to compile this list. These were Olivia Dade's *Cover Me* and Rube Lang's *The Long Run* in the [Rogue Acts Anthology](http://amzn.to/2u54nlF). As usual for my What to read posts, I asked for more recommendations on Twitter and, not surprisingly, romance twitter delivered.    **My Recommendations:**   **Romances with older MCs** **[Sun-Kissed](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K89MJ2K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=loveinpanels-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00K89MJ2K&linkId=20cf4f70e86e02c60a06aec847a6e57b) (Snow Queen #2) **by **Laura Florand**. It's part of the Amour et Chocolate series but works well on its own. it's a lovely, tender romance with MCs in their 50s. [Review](http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2014/05/review-sun-kissed-by-laura-florand.html) [**The 'Burg **](http://amzn.to/2HPM1qP)and **The [Colorado Mountains](http://amzn.to/2FXyopc) series **by **Kristen Ashley.**  In fact most of her romances feature MCs in their late 30s, early 40s and older. I have a love/hate relationship with KA books. They are addictive, absolutely cracktastic but also problematic on many levels. I do however appreciate her focus on older MCs, giving her men and women a chance at love/family. [Review ](http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2014/02/review-at-peace-by-kristen-ashley.html)**of At Peace (The 'Burg #2)**  **[Rogue Acts](http://amzn.to/2u54nlF), Ruby Lang's *The Long Run* and Olivia Dade's *Cover Me*,** two short stories, my first by these authors but quite good, made me want to read more of their work. **[A Seditious Affair](http://amzn.to/2prjmBP) by KJ Charles**. This is my favourite book by KJ Charles, together with [Simon Feximal](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/mini-reviews-4) (it could also be included here, though the MCs are younger at the beginning of the book but we follow them through a couple of decades of them being together). Seditious Affair is part of the Society of Gentlemen series and needs to be read in order. BDSM romance between a seditious publisher and a man of law, fraught with tension and a hard-won, at times seemingly impossible HEA. [Review](https://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2016/01/review-seditious-affair-by-k-j-charles.html) **[Autumn](http://amzn.to/2DI0TFc) by Cole McCade, **m/m romance, part of Crow City series but can be read as standalone. Two older MCs, one disabled who just discovers he is bi, the other - gentle, weird in love with his ex brother-in-law forever). [Review](https://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2017/03/review-autumn-by-cole-mccade.html) **[Dear Mona Lisa](http://amzn.to/2FO1eMK) by Al Steward and Claire Davis - **contemporary m/m, one MC has synesthesia (the first time reading something like that for me). It's very moving and emotional, made it into my list of best reads of 2017. CW for homophobia, death of a newborn.   **Age Gap** **For Real by Alexis Hall**, RITA award winning BDSM m/m romance, with a young, inexperienced dominant and an older, slightly jaded submissive. [Review](http://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2015/06/review-for-real-by-alexis-hall.html)* (Buy links are currently down due to rights reversion.)* **Glitterland by Alexis Hall**, older grumpy writer with bipolar disorder and depression gets together with a young "glitter pirate" model from Essex. *(Buy links are currently down due to rights reversion.)* **Glass Tidings by Amy Jo Cousins,** holiday m/m romance, older reclusive MC falls for a travelling fairs glass artist. Very moving, very real and touching. [Review](https://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2016/12/review-glass-tidings-by-amy-jo-cousins.html) *(Buy links are currently down due to rights reversion.)* **[Magic Mansion](http://amzn.to/2GJIknb) by Jordan Castillo Price,** contemporary romance with a touch of magic. Two magicians at a reality show, one MC is over 60, the other is around 40. [Review](https://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2016/02/review-magic-mansion-by-jordan-castillo.html) **[Pretty Face](http://amzn.to/2GNQfjw) by Lucy Parker**, fun rom-com set at the London theatre scene, she is a TV series actress known for her roles as silly bombshells, he is a critically acclaimed stage director looking with scorn on TV production. They are forced to work together and to everyone's surprise, including their own, they fall hard for each other. [Review](https://elliereadsfiction.blogspot.bg/2017/04/review-pretty-face-by-lucy-parker.html)    **Recs From Reader Friends**   **Romances with Older MCs**  **[Fast Women](http://amzn.to/2prqCgS) by Jennifer Crusie**, m/f romance, chicklit, divorced heroine **[Scandalous Lovers](http://amzn.to/2FZeh9U) by Robin Schone**, erotic m/f romance, widowed heroine  **[Midlife Crisis](http://amzn.to/2HLL5DV) by Audra North**, LAMBDA nominated m/m contemporary romance, divorced bi POC MC **[Twice in a Lifetime](http://amzn.to/2FZIiX5) by Jodie Griffin, **contemporary bi f/f romance, both MCs in their 50s **[Late Fall](http://amzn.to/2FY3Q6q) by Noelle Adams**, with MCs in their 70s in an assisted living home **[Soul Deep](http://amzn.to/2FOiQb8) by Pamela Clare**, m/f mid-40s heroine and 60s hero. Light mystery and suspense. (*insta-love)  **[Fanning the Flames](http://amzn.to/2G5zbrr) by Victoria Dahl**, MCs in 40s. Fun and flirty novella. **[The Best Laid Plans](http://amzn.to/2prnz8B) by Sarah Mayberry**. Hero is early 40s, heroine is a bit younger **[Sweet Life](http://amzn.to/2FXJ334) by Nina Lane**, m/f holiday romance **[Magdalene](http://amzn.to/2u8mTcW) series by Kristen Ashley**, contemporary m/f romances **[Faith & Fidelity](http://amzn.to/2FRA3kc) by Tere Michaels**, m/m romance **[Silver Belles: An Over-40 Holiday Anthology](http://amzn.to/2G7SLTH) - Sarah M. Anderson, Ros Clarke, Laura K. Curtis, Yasmine Galenorn, Suleikha Snyder** **[A Taste of Heaven](http://amzn.to/2FQNtg4) by Penny Watson, **m/f contemporary **[Love Game](http://amzn.to/2GdQoPc) by Maggie Wells - **m/f sports romance, both MCs are coaches now   **Age Gap** **[Anyone But You](http://amzn.to/2FOx0cb) by Jennifer Crusie** - m/f romance / chicklit with heroine in her 40s and younger hero **[Team Phison](http://amzn.to/2HLOP8r) by Chace Verity** - m/m romance, MCs meet tjhrough online gaming, one MC is 55yo, the other - 28 yo **[Tender with a Twist](http://amzn.to/2IEUTB1) by Annabeth Albert** - m/m BDSM romance  **[Sway](http://amzn.to/2FO7LqC) by Lauren Dane **- m/f erotic BDSM romance **[A Boy Called Cin](http://amzn.to/2HOIqJI) by Cecil Wilde** - trans/non-binary billionaire romance **Permanent Ink by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn** - m/m romance, older tattoo artist and his friend's son *(Buy links are currently down due to rights reversion.)* **[Companion Contract](http://amzn.to/2G8V8pr) by Solace Ames** - m/f BDSM romance with queer characters, **[New Hand](http://amzn.to/2HPOG41) by LA Witt **- m/m romance, older MC is a widower, younger MC is HIV+ **[The Apothecary's Garden](http://amzn.to/2HOJMnM) by Julie Bozza,** m/m romance with big age difference (42 years)   **Series w/age gap & over 40 MC:** **[Sugar Baby](http://amzn.to/2FUbBKH) series by Rebekah Weatherspoon** - m/f erotic novellas following the same couple, billionaire romance **[The Boss](http://amzn.to/2HPZe2Q) series by Abigail Barnett **- m/f erotic BDSM series, billionaire romance   *** *** ***   **Online resources for romances with older MCs** [Seasoned Romance FB Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/958318970951705/) Goodreads list: [Best older hero AND older heroine romance books (the main couple has to be over 40!)](https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/21311.Best_older_hero_AND_older_heroine_romance_books_the_main_couple_has_to_be_over_40_) Sandra Antonelli, author of romances with older MCs, has a bunch of recommendations made by her readers listed on her [website](https://www.facebook.com/groups/958318970951705/)   ***** *If you appreciate our content and wish to support the site, please consider using the affiliate links in this post and below for your shopping needs. Even if you don't buy the book in question, we receive a small % of your purchase from the vendor. As always, you are welcome to leave us a tip on Ko-Fi or join our Patreon!* ### Support Love in Panels [![patreon-1](https://www.loveinpanels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/patreon-1.png?width=200&name=patreon-1.png)](https://www.patreon.com/loveinpanels)[![Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org](https://www.indiebound.org/files/indiebound/images/banners/indiesRed2_161x41_10-26-15.png)](https://www.indiebound.org/?aff=loveinpanels) [![](http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-8814288-12354126)](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8814288-12354126) [![Buy an eBook From Kobo Today](https://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=2J8ZNsFdbgk&bids=551651.109&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=0) ](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=2J8ZNsFdbgk&offerid=551651.109&subid=0&type=4)[![](https://www.loveinpanels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The-ripped-bodice-affiliate.png?width=200&height=100&name=The-ripped-bodice-affiliate.png)  ](https://www.therippedbodicela.com/aff/sustockman)     ![right.png](https://www.loveinpanels.com/hs-fs/hubfs/right.png?width=640&name=right.png "right.png") ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Support Love in Panels [![Buy an eBook From Kobo Today](https://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=2J8ZNsFdbgk&bids=551651.109&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=0)](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=2J8ZNsFdbgk&offerid=551651.109&subid=0&type=4) [- Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [review (401)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/review) - [new releases (83)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/new-releases) - [best bets (52)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/best-bets) - [interview (34)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/interview) - [guest post (27)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/guest-post) - [cover reveal (17)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/cover-reveal) - [excerpt (14)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/excerpt) - [bingo (6)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/bingo) - [announcement (5)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/announcement) ](http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-8814288-11820649) ### Posts by Topic - [review (401)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/review) - [new releases (83)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/new-releases) - [best bets (52)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/best-bets) - [interview (34)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/interview) - [guest post (27)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/guest-post) - [cover reveal (17)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/cover-reveal) - [excerpt (14)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/excerpt) - [bingo (6)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/bingo) - [announcement (5)](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/tag/announcement) [see all](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/romance-with-older-main-characters#) ### Recent Posts #### About Us Love in Panels is two blogs, each with their own searchable database. One blog covers comics with queer and romantic elements, the other is dedicated to romance novels. We post news, reviews, and lots of other fun stuff! [Learn More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://www.loveinpanels.com/about-us) #### More Links #### Contact Us [fa icon="envelope"] [suzanne@loveinpanels.com](mailto:suzanne@loveinpanels.com) Copyright 2026 | Designed with [fa icon="heart"] by [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com) [[fa icon="chevron-up"]Back to top](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/romance-with-older-main-characters#) ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're [offering](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/romance-with-older-main-characters#), and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. Remember: - Bullets are great - For spelling out [benefits](https://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/romance-with-older-main-characters#) and - Turning visitors into leads.