Forever Starts Now

Stefanie London’s Forever Starts Now is rife with warmth, humor, sarcasm (though definitely humorous) and of course romance. Though it does touch on some very sensitive and complex topics, it in no way glosses over them, only uses them to enhance the reader’s experience in the lives of the characters in small town America. The push pull between Ethan and Monroe is heartwarming, especially as you see her flourish and grow emotionally through her tribulations with Ethan by her side. In turn, Monroe’s unfailing belief in Ethan provides him with the catalyst to pursue laying his demons to rest. This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I love small town settings. It creates an atmosphere with some really great side characters that add to the story. You get all that with Forever Starts Now. For me, I had trouble connecting with the main characters. I liked the story, it was good but this is just one of those cases where the decisions/reactions made by both main characters when they were hurt in the past, kept me from really connecting with these two. I just didn't understand the extreme reactions. Unfortunately, it can be something as small as that that can take a potentially great book into just a good book. I really enjoy this authors writing and still enjoyed everything else about this book. I kind of wish this was a series. Monroe's sisters relationships were interesting to me and would have loved to see their story as well.

I have come to the conclusion that Stefanie London cannot write a book I won’t love. “Forever Starts Now” is a wonderful story of two people trying to find themselves, and discovering each other and a love neither expected. Ethan and Monroe are both great characters, fully fleshed out. And while the trope of a fake relationship isn’t new, London manages to make it seem fresh and fun. This is a wonderful romance, with just the right amounts of sweetness, sexiness and heart. I highly recommend it.

This is a really enjoyable fake relationship romance. Ethan Hammersmith is still reeling from his mother’s death and the revelation that the man that raised him wasn’t his father. He decides to find out about his real father, so he breaks things off with is fiancé and leaves Australia to find out about his birth father. The only information he has is that he is American, is deceased’s and his name. He has been traveling around America, when his next town he needs to check is Forever Falls, Massachusetts. There he causes a stir in the single female population due to his uncanny resemblance to Chris Hemsworth. In order to keep why he is in town on the down low, he strikes a deal with Monroe Roberts to pretend to be dating. Monroe has been having issues of her own, she was betrayed by her ex-husband when he cheated with her cousin. It has been three years, but she has closed herself off to the world. I really loved both Ethan and Monroe. Even dealing with a lot of hurt and betrayal, they both are good, caring people. While this isn’t part of the Patterson Bluff series, there is a bit of a crossover. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author and NetGalley for my honest review.

I loved this story, it was just what I needed. Ethan and Monroe had a connection from the moment they met. Monroe didn’t fall all over Ethan who is the doppelgänger for Chris Hemsworth or Thor, right down to the Australian accent. Monroe was also in a place in her life where she was just stuck, every day was the same and she saw no end to it. She wasn’t necessarily unhappy but she also wasn’t happy(confusing I know but if you read the book you will get it). Ethan has a plan to help him on his mission, get Monroe to be in a fake relationship and this will allow him to ask questions and move around town with a little more ease. Monroe agrees because hello, Thor’s twin, lol, but also it will help her out too. It will show her family that she has moved on from her divorce and she isn’t still in a rut. But this fake relationship doesn’t stay fake for too long, Ethan and Monroe become friends and really start to like each other and they are attracted to each other. And they are definitely one hot couple when they take the fake relationship to the next level, they are sooo good together! Surprisingly my favorite part is when Ethan’s mission in the States is over and he has a decision to make. The way Monroe has grown with Ethan and got back to the woman she was before her divorce is very evident. Even if Monroe will get a broken heart from Ethan’s decision, she is happy to just have been able to love him and to feel stronger and able to start living for herself again. The way she grew in this story was wonderful. And even Ethan going back home and realizing that he misses Monroe too much for his home to be his home anymore. He is able to find closure and of course he make quite the grand gesture to Monroe and honestly it was just perfect. I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it.

Stefanie London has become one of my favorite authors, she never disappoints. This is an exceptional read, the two main characters are realistic and human, each with their own problems, one seeking answers, the other just surviving. This story would make a great beach/ vacation read. A definite add to your TBR list.