⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Kendall Ryan, and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced reader copy of A Beginner’s Guide to Forever in exchange for the following honest review.

I want to start by saying I really appreciated the author’s note at the end. The intention to write a story where women could see themselves reflected — even in small ways — is powerful, and that thread did resonate with me. I’ve traveled solo through some of the same places the main character visits, including Nairobi and Guatemala, and when she spent time in Kibera, I actually felt seen. The inclusion of real statistics and grounded detail in that section added authenticity and purpose, and I was genuinely grateful for it. That moment earns the one star.

Unfortunately, the rest of the story just didn’t land for me.

I struggled with the tone early on and never quite found my footing. The characters felt more like caricatures than people — their names alone set a vibe that felt overly stylized — and the romantic dynamic leaned hard into tropes that made me uncomfortable. There were multiple instances of one character being praised by tearing others down, which undercut the empowering tone the story seemed to be going for. I was also thrown off by what felt like a confusing blend of themes: at times the book veered into what seemed like inspirational or spiritual territory, but then undercut that with elements that didn’t feel cohesive. I wasn’t sure if I was reading a heartfelt journey, a spicy romance, or something else entirely.

The writing itself included some moments that felt unintentionally cringey or out of touch, which pulled me out of the story more than once. And while I was hoping the emotional arc would ultimately tie things together in a meaningful way, it never quite got there for me.

I really wanted to like this — the concept had so much potential, especially with its global travel backdrop and aspirational tone — but ultimately, it wasn’t an enjoyable or impactful read.

The authors note made me cry and I just need to add that I did find the feelings and emotions of Alessia (fmc). Women are often told what to want and made to feel like we need to minimize our hopes and dreams. It was refreshing that the fmc was empowered to do her charity/philanthropic work and also wanted a family and a deep romantic connection.

I usually dislike age-gap but this was fun and flirty but also had depth. Hart was younger but his spirit and desires were mature. As someone who got married at 25, I dont see his age as too young. Short and sweet but made me believe in their love and want to do more for the world.

I really enjoyed listening to this delightful slow burn, age gap romance involving an older woman with a younger man. Alessia Moore and Hart Winthrop meet when they both are at a low point. They connect easily over drinks, enjoying each others company before going their own way. Now years later they meet again when Alessia is looking for investors to support her foundation to build a school for girls in Nairobi. Their connection is still there, but they are not only from two different worlds but different times in their lives as well. Alessia is committed to her foundation, making her travel a lot. Hart is still trying to find his purpose, and he wants Alessia definitely be a part of that. They have fun when they are together, but she was also ready for children and she was convinced that Hart wasn't there yet. Could Hart convince her that age was just a number and that he was the perfect man for her? The transformation of their relationship was sweet and romantic, and the slow burn tension and fiery chemistry was off the charts!
What makes this story even more enjoyable is the wonderful narration by Vanessa Edwin. She easily developed each character, making them come to life so clearly, allowing us to feel the push/pull between them, and making me cheer for their HEA. I was totally lost in this world as Edwin made me feel all the doubt, fear, heartache, joy, and passion of this story.

2.5 stars

The narration was fantastic and i like how the narrator brought the book to life.
This book started strong. It was fun and witty, and the banter was great, but then the "age gap issues" started, and I got bored.
I don't like it when in books the age gap is treated differently when the man is the older one (oh its soooo sexy!) than when the woman is the older one (weird and her inner clock is ticking!) apparently when you hit 35, you stop being attractive? interesting? you need to settle? 🫠 don't like it. it kinda ruined the romance for me because I didn't know if Alexia was with Hart because she loved him or because the clock was ticking and she needed to settle and have babies.
Also, the side characters were not fun to read.
This had a lot of potential, and as much i like the narrator the story felt flat, and for me, the romance didn't work.

thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A short and sweet reverse age gap romance.

Alessia our FMC, is fresh out of a long term relationship. She wanted kids and her ex did not. So she goes to Italy to clear her head when she bumps into Hart, who happens to be 12 years younger than her. And while she feels the instant chemistry she lets him go that night. But life had other ways of throwing them together over and over again.

Hart was beyond patient and kind to her every time she got scared and pushed him away. He did all he could to show her in their time together that he wanted her, no matter their age difference. And when he learned what she desired most, he wanted to give it to her.

Reverse Age Gap
He Fell First
Billionaire Romance
Death of Dog

I received an advance review copy audio version. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, for the opportunity to listen to this book. Vanessa Edwin an amazing job narrating this audiobook

Finding someone who stays when it’s hard isn’t easy. That’s what this story showed me. A woman running a nonprofit and a younger man from a powerful family—they come from different worlds, but their connection didn’t feel forced.

He’s 25, she’s 37, and their age difference never became the point. What caught my attention was how he kept showing up—patient, steady, never rushing or pushing her.

The drama was predictable, but his quiet determination held the story together. He didn’t quit, even when things got messy, and that made their relationship feel real.

This was a sweepingly emotional and swoony reverse age-gap romance that sees Alessia, a philanthropist in her late thirties meeting Hart Winthrop, a billionaire investor in his mid twenties while they're both in Florence. Later they meet again in a business meeting and what follows is a slow, very romantic courting where Hart works hard to break down Alessia's reservations about the potential future a relationship between them might have despite their hot chemistry. Good on audio and perfect for fans of Robinne Lee's book The idea of you. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.