
Member Reviews

A Beginners Guide To Forever is Hart Winthrop and Alessia Moore’s age gap romance. Is a journey set between Africa and the USA and I loved this side of the book but I did struggle to connect with Alessia and her two steps forward, one step back when it came to forming a relationship with the younger Hart. Hart is a billionaire who travels the world looking for causes his family foundations can support and from the moment he met Alessia in Africa where she is setting up a girls school he is smitten….. Fate seems intent on this couple being together because they bump into to each other in countries all over the world but will Alessia take a chance on a man ten years her junior…… This wasn’t one of my favourite reads but that doesn’t mean you won’t love it. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

An age gap where she is older and very much looking into having a baby after being strung along by a reluctant fiancé. Shes having a hard time accepting that she is attracted to a younger man let alone date him. Hart convinces her to just enjoy the ride and she does. Loved these two MCs together they really complimented each other.

QueenZany 4-Star Review
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FOREVER
Kendall Ryan
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FOREVER was a fun read.
Yes, I was at first thrown off by the age difference. But it worked in this scenario. There were some hick ups, but it was a cute read.

Alessia inner thoughts were her own worst enemy. Oh, and how she listened to what everyone else said. The only person that mattered was her and Hart. That young man adored her. Do you hear me.
I am happy he kept that pressure applied. It all worked out.

Alessia is devoted to helping others, but she can’t help but reflect on what she may be missing out on due to her lack of a personal life. When Alessia meets with a wealthy family who are interested in investing in her project the last person she expected to see was Hart, a man she had met in the past who she believes is wrong for her for multiple reasons.
Hart may be 12 years younger than Alessia, but he knows what he wants. She is the first woman to see who he is and not his lifestyle and he is determined to show her that they are exactly who the other needs in their life and age is only a number.
Both Alessia and Hart have turmoil to overcome in part because of the past, in part because of the challenges in the present and in part concerns if they can give each other the future they want. This is a story of two opposites who find the right balance in each other.

A Beginner's Guide to Forever is an easy to read, page turning travel romance by Kendall Ryan. Really loved and enjoyed reading the story.
Highly Recommend it to all readers.

A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan offers an emotional and unforgettable exploration of love, self-discovery, and overcoming personal barriers. The novel centers on Alessia Moore, a driven thirty-seven-year-old powerhouse running a nonprofit in Nairobi. Her mission is to build a school for girls, and she’s successfully attracting the attention of investors, all while maintaining a strict focus on her professional life. However, despite her achievements, Alessia finds herself questioning whether true love is ever in the cards for her.
When she meets Hart Winthrop, the twenty-five-year-old son of a billionaire investor, the attraction between them is immediate and intense. Hart is confident, intelligent, and undeniably charming, yet their relationship faces numerous challenges. First and foremost, their age gap and the fact that pursuing a romance with him could jeopardize the very foundation Alessia is working so hard to build make their connection seem all but impossible.
What follows is a beautifully written, slow-burn romance that takes Alessia and Hart across the globe, from glamorous cities to more hidden, intimate locations. The setting adds a unique layer to the narrative, with each new place symbolizing a stage in their evolving relationship. Ryan does an excellent job of weaving together the tension of forbidden attraction and the heart-pounding excitement of their growing bond, making it impossible to look away.
The central themes of the book revolve around balancing personal and professional aspirations, questioning societal norms, and taking risks for love. Alessia is a character readers will deeply connect with, especially her internal conflict between duty and desire. Hart, while younger, is mature beyond his years, and his unwavering support for Alessia makes him an ideal match, despite their differences.
What sets A Beginner's Guide to Forever apart is Ryan’s ability to delve into the emotional complexity of the characters, especially Alessia, who has spent much of her life focused on building her career rather than pursuing personal happiness. Hart’s presence challenges her to rethink her priorities and the boundaries she’s set for herself, ultimately asking whether love is something worth risking everything for.
This novel will appeal to fans of forbidden romance, age-gap relationships, and those who enjoy reading about characters who must navigate the complex balance between personal goals and the possibility of love. With strong character development, engaging global settings, and a romance that feels both intense and grounded, A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is a must-read for those who enjoy a deeply emotional journey to finding true love when it’s least expected.

4⭐️ .5🌶️ 5🎧 Kendall Ryan has become one of my favorite authors and I always enjoy her stories! This new release was so cute, but far, far less spicy than the other books I’ve read from her. While technically on page, if you’re not paying close attention you’ll miss it. Not V or D mentioned once, lol. Watching these two grow together from their first meeting to lovers was so, so sweet. They fit together so perfectly in so many ways.
Alessia is a 38-year-old non-profit executive that has a poor relationship history and just wants to find her person to build a life with. Hart is the son of a billionaire family that has been given the silver spoon in every aspect of life, and he is drawn to the realness of Alessia.
I received an eBook ARC for this book, but when I learned Vanessa Edwin narrates this audiobook, I knew I had to listen as well! Vanessa is amazing as usual!
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars!
It's been a hot minute since the author released a book. So when she announced this one, I was pumped up! Overall I liked the book. However, there was something missing that I can't quite put my finger on.
Alessia was close to 40. She broke up with her last boyfriend because they weren't on the same page in regard to marriage and family. She's immersed herself in philanthropy and is busy in Nairobi starting a school. She doesn't expect to meet someone she likes and is attracted to, but she meets Hart. They have chemistry. But, he's 28. The age gap really hangs above her when she's with Hart and his friends. She's constantly comparing their ages when his friends are carefree. Maybe the fact that she kept bringing up the age difference is what nagged at me. They both come from money so they share a lot of similar experiences without worrying about cost. They were just supposed to have fun, but they were so compatible that it was hard not to catch feelings. Instead of acting her age and actually talking to Hart about her hang ups, she runs scared. This is a romance so it's no secret that there is a happily ever after. I just wish there was no third act break up and then the rush to get back together.
I may not pick this book up again to re-read, but I will give the author's next book a chance since I loved her previous books.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

She's a coug....
I really liked that the roles are flipped and Alessia is the older (at 37) successful career person. She is a boss. Only, she needs the investment of Hart's rents. Hart is twelve years younger at 25, he's into her and he is shinny and new. Of course she's flattered at his attention, but she needs the funds that his rents provide.
Fast paced and steamy. I do feel that Hart is very young and needs some maturing but I did like that he appreciates a slightly older lady.
Recommend.

3.5 Star Review A Beginners Guide To Forever by Kendall Ryan
I was so looking forward to reading this book but sadly it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
This is Alessia Moore and younger man Hart Winthrop’s story. I’m not a huge fan of age gap romances and sadly I had a hard time connecting to Alessia and Hart.
Alessia is working to educate under privileged girls when she meets the son of a potential investor.
I did enjoy their initial meeting, however it seemed that they were trying too hard. They frustrated me on so many occasions.
Although this book wasn’t for me, it may well be for you. I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan
I fell instantly for this story by the blurb alone. I knew it was one I wanted to read. The story itself is realistic, and I loved the plot line surrounding the girls' school being built in Nairobi. It is so easy for those of us in the Western world to turn a blind eye to the struggles and the living conditions of others. I also loved Alessia's character for her philanthropic heart and her love of making the world a better place.
The romance between Alessia and Hart kind of just happened. They felt some kind of chemistry from their very first meeting and then, apparently, God kept putting Hart in her path. Hart usually seemed far more mature than his 25 - 27 years, which would likely be the draw Alessia felt toward him. Their age gap was significant for this time in their lives, and I can't imagine Alessia would have entertained the idea at all had he not shown his intelligence, maturity, and caring heart.
The author gave this couple time to grow on their own in between spending time apart in their own lives. Most of the connection they built was over an electronic connection that is now possible in this world we live in.
I liked how Hart gave Alessia the time and space she needed to accept that their age gap should be one of the least of her worries, even though she totally broke his heart. He still kept fighting for her slowly while he found himself and what he wanted out of life.
The steam level in this book is low but the sensuality of their times together makes up for it. The slow burn in this story is intense and probably not for everyone. There were times when I felt like no 26-year-old boy, or is he a man, would have the patience to wait for Alessia to be ready. But he did, and this cemented the character for me. He was ready for more and ready to be the perfect choice for Alessia. She just needed to get out of her own way. She needed to stop worrying about what everyone else would think and to see what a perfect man God put in front of her.
I definitely was attached to this book and read it straight through over a lazy summer weekend. There was never a time when I felt like I didn't want to finish or know how Hart and Alessia's story panned out, but I will say that after waiting so long, basically the whole book, for them to finally embrace their relationship, I may have liked to see a few chapters of them together. The end and epilogue came too quickly for me. Even though the author basically tied up all the loose ends, we didn't get to live them with the characters. We got the 2-years-later update, which tells us how things are but we didn't get to enjoy any of them being together.

Well, the cover is beautiful, the title interesting and blurb quite captivating. And I won't say that the book was uninteresting, however it wasn't for me. I love mature love stories, and this story is about a mature woman but I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters —their connection seemed a bit shallow. The writing and dialogues are quite straightforward. The opening scene is way too similar to the opening of a very popular book. If you have read it, you know which book I am talking about.
I really wanted to like it but sorry it didn't work for me.

3.5 stars
Hart and Alessia first meet in Italy, but their story spans many locations as they try to determine if a relationship between them is possible.
The characters and story were interesting, and I definitely wanted to keep reading to see how they overcame the obstacles they faced. The pacing and development felt a bit rushed in some places, but I still enjoyed the book overall.

This book was different but so cute! Alessia is concentrating her time on her non profit work. Hart wasn’t someone Alessia thought she could see herself with. They had immediate chemistry but Alessia didn’t allow herself to think anything could happen. I liked how Hart pushed her. He wasn’t pushy, but let her know he was interested. It didn’t have to be anything more than the now but they always had a good time together. I enjoyed their journey and was glad Kendall released a new book!

A Beginners Guide to Forever is Alessia Moore and Hart Fitzgerald Winthrop’s story. This is an age gap, contemporary romance. Alessia is 12 years older than Hart.
So, this isn’t the usual type of romance that I like. (I know, I know that’s reverse discrimination on my part) I love books that have men older than the woman. But it’s usually not so much for the reverse.
It took a little bit for me to get into this book, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying reading this book and it left me with good feelings at the end. That is why I will continue to explore books with a reverse age gap. (The FMC being older than the MMC) This book was 4.5 Stars for me.

Ms Ryan brings us her easy to read and love characters in Alessia and Hart. A fun, meet cute as they are both at a fork in the road. An easy read with a fair bit of ups and downs as the story unfolds.
Alessia is busy trying to educate the underprivileged in Africa. A passion that was born form travelling the world with her father as a child and meeting the locals. This is hard and focused work that keeps her pretty busy and travelling all over.
Hart is well educated and trying to decide what his passion in the world should be. Tired of the typical women who only want his family money or something from him. He wants someone who sees him and not his fortune.
The sparks and interest is there from the beginning but there is one big obstacles that stands in the way. The big age gap keeps getting in the way. What will people think? Will they find a way to sort through the gap?
Grab your copy and find out.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

si j'ai beaucoup aimé Alessia et Hart, il m'a manqué la petite étincelle pour me trouver complétement embarquée par leur histoire. Ils sont touchants et attachants, j'étais curieuse de voir la manière dont il allait la convaincre de sauter dans le vide avec lui mais elle m'a parfois agacée et je l'ai trouvée un peu molle même si on comprend aussi ses doutes et ses peurs, tout comme ses envies et son besoin d'avancer. Peut-être parce que le sujet de l'horloge qui tourne n'est pas l'un de mes préférés mais en tout cas, le dénouement est vraiment chouette et on les quitte tout de même avec le sourire. Une lecture agréable et dépaysante !

I went into this book genuinely excited. A romance set against the backdrop of international charity work in Kenya? A competent, driven heroine in her late thirties? A reverse age gap with a sweet younger man? That’s practically a custom order for me. But unfortunately, this didn’t land the way I hoped it would - and the more I read, the more uncomfortable I became.
Let’s start with the depiction of international development. I’ve spent most of my career in this space, including years working in education in East Africa, and the portrayal here felt far removed from reality. The glamour of jetting off to donor meetings with billionaires, designer handbags, and last-minute travel upgrades isn’t the fantasy most people associate with the nonprofit world - it’s a complete invention. But worse was the lack of understanding of how things actually work: an unqualified foreigner stepping in as headteacher? Absolutely not. Kenya has educational standards and structures that don’t disappear when there’s a staffing issue. It's not all bad, but overall the book does a disservice to real local professionals by romanticising this kind of white saviour narrative.
On top of that, the religious undertones really threw me. Prayer and divine timing weren’t just part of the character - they were woven throughout the story in a way that, to me, felt preachy. If you're not religious, be warned. It certainly made me feel uncomfortable.
The baby storyline also rubbed me the wrong way. Alessia’s entire arc felt dominated by her fear of missing her reproductive window - to the point that her otherwise impressive achievements were sidelined. Hart, the MMC, is lovely (if absurdly named), but I found myself feeling he was pushed into parenthood more by pressure than shared desire. And the romantic chemistry? Honestly, I didn’t feel it. For all the setup, their connection lacked spark.
Having said all of this, there were moments of charm, and the author’s intention to show women doing meaningful work at any age is admirable. But calling 37 “middle-aged” and defining fulfilment through motherhood really undermined the message.
Sadly, this one missed the mark — well-meaning, but ultimately frustrating. It's a 2.5, rounded up to a three-star rating for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

Alessia has a dream of building a school for girls in Nairobi. When the Winthrop family makes a sizable donation towards her project, she meets Hart, the son of her benefactor's donation. When sparks fly between the two and Hart makes his intentions of getting to know her clear, Alessia is thrown. Hart is twelve years younger than her but she feels happy with him. This was a quick and satisfying read. I adored the storyline and the epilogue and felt this was the exact kind of book I needed in between all the thrillers I have been reading of late. I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook while I read my ebook and loved the immersive reading experience.