This is the third book in the Rose City series but I haven't read the first two books and while the characters from those books feature in this one, it's perfectly fine to read as a standalone.

The story follows Joel Morgan and Luciana (Lucy) Barone. They had a secret wedding 4yrs ago and lived in wedded bliss for 16 weeks until tragedy struck and their relationship fell apart, with no contact between the two in that time. Until they meet again at Lucy's cousin's wedding when Joel sees her dancing with another man and possession rolls over him, he tells the man to leave his wife alone. This sets tongues wagging and to save face, they have to come up with something to tell the women in the family, so they announce they're engaged.

Joel is happy to pretend they're engaged because he wants nothing more than to have Lucy as his wife again, he loves her and would do anything for her but he recognises he wasn't there for her 4yrs ago when she needed him the most. But he's determined to do things right this time, even if it means agreeing to a fake engagement.

Lucy agrees to go along with it in an effort to have her father finally see that she is the right person to take over their family cabinetry business. She thinks by having someone like Joel beside her, a man her father respects, will make him see that Lucy is capable of being CEO. She's hinted to her father for a long time that she wants it but he always brushes her off and they never have a real conversation about it so Lucy doesn't know why her dad doesn't want to pass it on to her.

Apart from the lack of communication between Lucy and her dad, there really isn't any miscommunication between Lucy and Joel. They're quite mature and open about what they want and need from each other in order to make their marriage work forever this time. And thankfully, there is no third act break up!

The spice is hot! Joel is domineering but he could have a filthier mouth lol.

Thanks to NetGalley and Valentina Burns for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

In "Finding Forever," the third installment of the Rose City Series, Valentina Burns masterfully weaves a tale of love and self-discovery. The protagonist's journey through personal challenges is both relatable and inspiring, as she navigates complex relationships and emotional growth. Burns' vivid descriptions of Portland bring the setting to life, enhancing the narrative's charm. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. With a perfect blend of humor and heart, this book captures the essence of finding one’s true path in love and life. A delightful read that leaves you wanting more!

Thank you Valentina Burns and NetGalley for giving me this ARC to review.

Find your forever in this second-chance instalment of the Rose City Series.

On the surface, Luciana Barone is the obedient daughter in her traditional Italian family, working hard to secure her dream of her father passing over the family business. Yet, lurking in the shadows lies a ghost of her past, Joel Morgan, her childhood friend turned secret husband of four years. And when a threat becomes apparent to her goal of becoming 'and Sons' to Barone and Sons, Joel may reluctantly be the answer for Luciana obtaining her future dream. What happened in the past within Luciana and Joel's marriage to tear them apart? And can they work through this past to find their forever?

I absolutely devoured Luciana and Joel's story in this third instalment of the Rose City Series, so much so that I cannot wait to read the first two! And guess what?! It's on kindle unlimited too! Finding Forever gives the rom-com feels similar to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, yet faces intense and heart-wrenching topics so that you're traveling on a roller-coaster of emotions. For lovers of interconnected series, where you grow to love all the family and learn their stories, like Chestnut Springs, I just know you'll love Rose City too.

This is my first book by Valentina Burns and I was not disappointed this book had all of my favourite tropes and it was yet a very emotional read for me as it dealt with so many heavy topics. All in all it was a perfect book for lovers of vegas wedding and second chance romance.

This had a big emotional punch. Not what I was expecting, but I'm not complaining either.
Lucy and Joel had beem through something no parent ever should. And they couldn't fall back together again so they went their separate ways. To see the love they still had for each other was so sweet. They deserved to have their love reignited.
Joel was a man in love. He wanted Lucy, he wanted her back, he loved her and he was going to do what he could to be with her. I loved him so much and the way he was so devoted to Lucy

So I’ll start by saying that I didn't realise that this was part of a series. However, as is often the case, you don’t need to read this series in order as the books are all standalones.

This was a second chance romance set against the backdrop of a significant tragedy and was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

Honestly, it catches you in the feels. The main tropes include:

- second chance romance
- fake relationship (my favourite trope)
- secret marriage
- meddling family

I honestly think there is a little magic in each of Valentina’s books. Every woman will probably find something in them that speak to us, and there is a softness in how Valentina writes that is a little bit soothing. I knew picking up Finding Forever that, just like the other books of the series, it would likely hit me hard, but in the best way. Lucy and Joel story was heartbreaking but to see them heal and talk and build back what they lost with a love so strong was the best thing to read.

This is the tale of Luciana Barone and Joel Morgan finding their way back to each other after a secret wedding rocked their world four years ago. They seemed destined to be together and yet...the trauma of mourning tore them apart, leaving them to seek solace in the only place they could, their work. But let's face it, a spark like this one doesn't just die, it stays on like a pilot light waiting to be turned back on. And when they finally work through their complex emotions and feelings... an inferno rages. A spontaneous fake engagement forces these two to actually face the past and figure out what we all knew from the beginning... they belong together. Duh! Pick up this book if you like nosey Italian families, amazing friends (Brit 😍), steamy passionate scenes and the satisfying feeling of two people finding their way back to each other through the grief and back to their love and their undeniable electric connection.

I loved this book and highly recommend it!

I love a good second chance romance/fake dating/marriage in trouble? scenario and this was totally that! Splash in a little billionaire romance, this was trope heaven for me.

Lucy and Joel were cute and their story was quite sad. Lucy girl, I'm with you. I hate when women have to be with a man to validate themselves professionally, and it sucks she had to do that here.

This book was quite tender at times, but it really worked for me. Don't go into this expecting a light hearted rom com, this one has feels!

I haven't read the other books in this series but for me as a standalone, Finding Forever was a really enjoyable read! This books revolves heavily around trauma, particularly the trauma around miscarriage (this is not a spoiler) so I would definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings and read the authors brief in the beginning. Lucy and Joel together were SO great - Joel as a MMC gives you everything you need if you are a second chance romance fan.

Forced proximity, fake engagement, second chance - all 10/10 tropes.

The pining was elite, the steam was STEAMY, and the delicate manner in which they grew back together after healing and hardship was really realistic and appropriate.

There were some elements I found hard to enjoy, such as I found myself getting frustrated with Lucy at times particularly with how she interacts with her extremely traditional Italian family, but to be honest I think that is my inexperience with books in this genre of "the family" adjacent situations. I would recommend this book if you like the above tropes and contemporary romance books.