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Ida Heartthrobs
The Forever Fight
Dani Malone has gotten under my skin.
When the whirlwind with ice purple hair and a don’t-look-in-my-direction attitude sits down next to me at the bar, it's game over for my heart.
I've known Dani for years, but we've never truly known each other.
Fresh off broken hearts, I'm ready to find my forever love, but Dani is guarded. The sunshiney girl I remember is grumpy and closed-off, and she has zero interest in the player she remembers me as.
I'm not that guy anymore, and even if I was, Dani is not a game. She's more. She's what I want, and I can tell she wants me, too, even if I'm stuck at the top of her hell no list.
What she doesn't understand is I'm no quitter. It’s now my mission to find out who hurt her, fix what they broke, bring out her smile again, and protect her heart.
Nothing worth having is easy, and Dani is worth everything. So I'm going to be patient, put in the work, and keep fighting for the forever I want. With her.
The Forever Fight is a standalone frenemies to lovers, new adult, small-town romance featuring swoony moments, snarky banter, and steamy scenes.
When the whirlwind with ice purple hair and a don’t-look-in-my-direction attitude sits down next to me at the bar, it's game over for my heart.
I've known Dani for years, but we've never truly known each other.
Fresh off broken hearts, I'm ready to find my forever love, but Dani is guarded. The sunshiney girl I remember is grumpy and closed-off, and she has zero interest in the player she remembers me as.
I'm not that guy anymore, and even if I was, Dani is not a game. She's more. She's what I want, and I can tell she wants me, too, even if I'm stuck at the top of her hell no list.
What she doesn't understand is I'm no quitter. It’s now my mission to find out who hurt her, fix what they broke, bring out her smile again, and protect her heart.
Nothing worth having is easy, and Dani is worth everything. So I'm going to be patient, put in the work, and keep fighting for the forever I want. With her.
The Forever Fight is a standalone frenemies to lovers, new adult, small-town romance featuring swoony moments, snarky banter, and steamy scenes.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
41 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Monaco Smith
42 books201 followersBethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 1, 2023
Frenemies to lovers trope HAS ALL OF ME. This was the cutest read between the back-and-forth of Jesse and Dani. Moving slowly to lovers (internal scream😍) AND the reverse grumpy sunshine that he is like golden retriever vibes. Loved this!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
September 18, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh. I’ve loved Jesse Wilkinson ever since I first read about him in Bethany Monaco Smith’s Friends Like This series, and I was so excited to see that he was getting his own book. And it did not disappoint! Jesse and Dani’s love story was swoony, snarky, and spicy, and I loved every second of it. Jesse was such a lovable main character; I loved how devoted he was to Dani and how he made sure she knew how much he cared about her. Dani has been through a lot, but I thought she was a sweetheart who deserved to be happy. They both had some emotional baggage, but the fact that they wanted each other anyway made their relationship all the more special and unique. I highly recommend this book and Bethany Monaco Smith as an author!
September 10, 2023
I was excited to dive into this story. And it didn’t disappoint! Jesse and Dani, their banter, and just them. It was just so good to read! I flipped the pages in this book a lot faster then I have in a book for awhile that is for sure!
September 15, 2023
This is a slow burn but so worth it. Jesse and Dani's story was so good. The building they did was so great and a good idea for people in real life to do. The chemistry was great and it was well written
September 15, 2023
Given this as an Arc Copy for my honest review.
The forever fight is a very well written book I’m not normally a small town romance kind of girl but something in the blurb drew me to this and I’m so glad I have read this book.
The Main characters Dani ad Jesse are both struggling from been hurt my the latest relationship.
Dani goes to visit her Grandparents in Ida New York to get her sunshine back were she meets up with Jesse who she thinks is a player from what she has seen in the past when visiting.
Jesse is a man you will fall in love with he is guarded now after been hurt you get to see if these two will get to together is a great journey you will go on.
These two have a great friendship group their characters are infectious.
But for me the way Bethany has written the relationship Dani has with Bea I loved as that is what every girl wishes to have.
The book has me smiling and tearing up but my god I loved it
5⭐️ read for me
The forever fight is a very well written book I’m not normally a small town romance kind of girl but something in the blurb drew me to this and I’m so glad I have read this book.
The Main characters Dani ad Jesse are both struggling from been hurt my the latest relationship.
Dani goes to visit her Grandparents in Ida New York to get her sunshine back were she meets up with Jesse who she thinks is a player from what she has seen in the past when visiting.
Jesse is a man you will fall in love with he is guarded now after been hurt you get to see if these two will get to together is a great journey you will go on.
These two have a great friendship group their characters are infectious.
But for me the way Bethany has written the relationship Dani has with Bea I loved as that is what every girl wishes to have.
The book has me smiling and tearing up but my god I loved it
5⭐️ read for me
September 15, 2023
I cant decide between rating this book 3 stars or 4 on the good reads rating.. if I were to rate it on my personal rating score, it would probably be 2.5.. I just cant say I loved it, but I'm sure others have and will.
I think the reason I cant decide on the rating is because the plot is fantastic, one I wish more authors would write. I loved how she picked who struggling characters leaning on each other. They both needed to heal from previous partners, but all of their friends/family is in a happy relationship so they didn't feel like any one could relate. They both felt alone.. Then they both ran into each other and could instantly feel the connection and chemistry. However, they both couldn't stand the idea of each other based on how they both previously where. They focused on making their friendship strong before getting involved.
The authors writing so is cringy. What is the purpose of italic font, I mean I get why she did it but it came off as needy. I could careless on the "pep talk" Jesse gave himself, or the "poor me" conversation that she used the font for. Another thing.. why is the author so hellbent on making the FMC squirt. She makes it known during every moment she writes a scene. Tbh, I couldn't stand any of the spicy moments, they came off as trying to hard to make the readers like them. I did skip every single on, except maybe the first as I felt like she focused on the characters really connecting. She also had it mentioned how much the characters did it in almost every chapters, even if they weren't involved.. I cant stand when I read something forced, just let it flow with the story.
Now I'm not saying the book is bad, it is rather enjoyable because I love a good romance. You have your tropes; he falls first, no third act breakup, banter, friends to lovers. So the premise of the book is fantasitc. I would say the first half of the book was ridiculously boring, so much that this book has the one of the longest books I read. But once I got to around 60%, I finished the book rather quickly. It probably wouldn't be a book I read again or finish the series. But it did do the job on filling the romance fix I was wanting. If you don't care about how the author writes or super cringy moments, this book could be a 4 or 5 star rating. So give it a try, you might enjoy it.
I think the reason I cant decide on the rating is because the plot is fantastic, one I wish more authors would write. I loved how she picked who struggling characters leaning on each other. They both needed to heal from previous partners, but all of their friends/family is in a happy relationship so they didn't feel like any one could relate. They both felt alone.. Then they both ran into each other and could instantly feel the connection and chemistry. However, they both couldn't stand the idea of each other based on how they both previously where. They focused on making their friendship strong before getting involved.
The authors writing so is cringy. What is the purpose of italic font, I mean I get why she did it but it came off as needy. I could careless on the "pep talk" Jesse gave himself, or the "poor me" conversation that she used the font for. Another thing.. why is the author so hellbent on making the FMC squirt. She makes it known during every moment she writes a scene. Tbh, I couldn't stand any of the spicy moments, they came off as trying to hard to make the readers like them. I did skip every single on, except maybe the first as I felt like she focused on the characters really connecting. She also had it mentioned how much the characters did it in almost every chapters, even if they weren't involved.. I cant stand when I read something forced, just let it flow with the story.
Now I'm not saying the book is bad, it is rather enjoyable because I love a good romance. You have your tropes; he falls first, no third act breakup, banter, friends to lovers. So the premise of the book is fantasitc. I would say the first half of the book was ridiculously boring, so much that this book has the one of the longest books I read. But once I got to around 60%, I finished the book rather quickly. It probably wouldn't be a book I read again or finish the series. But it did do the job on filling the romance fix I was wanting. If you don't care about how the author writes or super cringy moments, this book could be a 4 or 5 star rating. So give it a try, you might enjoy it.
September 15, 2023
This is the story of Jessie and Dani. Bethany Monaco Smith has done it again with this story that grips you from the very first page and pulls you in to the inner depths of the words on the pages. As with her other books she does not disappoint and has such a style of writing that brings so much realism to her characters that it is so easy to get carried away and emerge yourself in the story that you feel that you are right there with them.
The realism in this book is so beautifully written that you can feel the emotion seeping off the pages and feel every breath, every raw emotion that is happening. Jessie and Dani’s story is not one that is all smooth sailing, both have been hurt, hearts broken. Dani doesn’t feel she can move on and give her heart out and builds up those bricks around her heart and then we have Jessie the playboy with the cocky self-assured smile who has been cheated on one to many times, all he wants to do is to find that one the one like his friends have.
These two have a raw connection, an attraction of more than just lust. Dani finds it heard to open her heart to him as she knows who Jessie is and then there’s the tryst he had with her cousin Rae – she see’s how friendly they both our and does he actually have feelings for her, or is she just a consolation because she is like Rae. Then we have Jessie who is willing to give her time and freedom to come to realise that they are meant to be that he isn’t what she thinks and he is more and give her more, but how long can he keep chasing her.
Jessie and Dani is honestly raw emotion that pulls on your heart strings from the start, you see them getting together then pulling apart and then when you think that this is it they will be together they encounter further misunderstandings. I love how Bethany brings us on a proper journey of these two finding themselves and becoming the better part of each other. These two are just fantastic together and add in the steamy scenes as well just a fantastic job on Bethany’s part.
I also love the interactions to we the other characters that we have met before and there is other stories going on in the background as well.
The realism in this book is so beautifully written that you can feel the emotion seeping off the pages and feel every breath, every raw emotion that is happening. Jessie and Dani’s story is not one that is all smooth sailing, both have been hurt, hearts broken. Dani doesn’t feel she can move on and give her heart out and builds up those bricks around her heart and then we have Jessie the playboy with the cocky self-assured smile who has been cheated on one to many times, all he wants to do is to find that one the one like his friends have.
These two have a raw connection, an attraction of more than just lust. Dani finds it heard to open her heart to him as she knows who Jessie is and then there’s the tryst he had with her cousin Rae – she see’s how friendly they both our and does he actually have feelings for her, or is she just a consolation because she is like Rae. Then we have Jessie who is willing to give her time and freedom to come to realise that they are meant to be that he isn’t what she thinks and he is more and give her more, but how long can he keep chasing her.
Jessie and Dani is honestly raw emotion that pulls on your heart strings from the start, you see them getting together then pulling apart and then when you think that this is it they will be together they encounter further misunderstandings. I love how Bethany brings us on a proper journey of these two finding themselves and becoming the better part of each other. These two are just fantastic together and add in the steamy scenes as well just a fantastic job on Bethany’s part.
I also love the interactions to we the other characters that we have met before and there is other stories going on in the background as well.
September 19, 2023
“One smile from her heals me more than she could understand.”
“Love isn’t the big gestures or the right words. Love is random Tuesdays and late nights.”
I have been a fan of this Bethany Monaco Smith for some time now and this is definitely one of the best books she’s written.
The book starts with Dani and Jesse experiencing heartbreak with their respective breakups. Through mutual friends they know of each other but are both wary and Dani in particular has some preconceptions about Jesse. However there is an undeniable chemistry between the two of them - you can feel the sparks flying right off the page!
They both have some serious walls up in an attempt to protect themselves from further heartache, but are those walls actually causing them to miss out? Together they gradually learn to trust again, they heal together as they work through the barriers that have built up between them.
I love the back and forth between these two. The affectionate and spicy banter both in and out of the bedroom. They are just so perfectly matched and I really was rooting for them right from the start.
Bethany Monaco Smith writes in such a way that her characters feel so real and it truly pulls you into the story so deeply. Their actions are completely understandable and relatable, even when they’re making decisions that aren’t so smart!
This book is an easy read that gave me a very cosy feel although it’s not all plain sailing, but there is thankfully no third act breakup. The Forever Fight can be read as a stand-alone, although if you’ve read any of the Friends Like This series some of the events and characters will be familiar to you, especially as this one crosses over in the timeline with some of those previously published. The FLT series gives some more in depth background to Jesse’s character, but this is where we truly get to know him and Dani and see things from their perspective. Jesse Wilkinson was a firm favourite as a side character in the other books, and he’s definitely top of the list now!
“Love isn’t the big gestures or the right words. Love is random Tuesdays and late nights.”
I have been a fan of this Bethany Monaco Smith for some time now and this is definitely one of the best books she’s written.
The book starts with Dani and Jesse experiencing heartbreak with their respective breakups. Through mutual friends they know of each other but are both wary and Dani in particular has some preconceptions about Jesse. However there is an undeniable chemistry between the two of them - you can feel the sparks flying right off the page!
They both have some serious walls up in an attempt to protect themselves from further heartache, but are those walls actually causing them to miss out? Together they gradually learn to trust again, they heal together as they work through the barriers that have built up between them.
I love the back and forth between these two. The affectionate and spicy banter both in and out of the bedroom. They are just so perfectly matched and I really was rooting for them right from the start.
Bethany Monaco Smith writes in such a way that her characters feel so real and it truly pulls you into the story so deeply. Their actions are completely understandable and relatable, even when they’re making decisions that aren’t so smart!
This book is an easy read that gave me a very cosy feel although it’s not all plain sailing, but there is thankfully no third act breakup. The Forever Fight can be read as a stand-alone, although if you’ve read any of the Friends Like This series some of the events and characters will be familiar to you, especially as this one crosses over in the timeline with some of those previously published. The FLT series gives some more in depth background to Jesse’s character, but this is where we truly get to know him and Dani and see things from their perspective. Jesse Wilkinson was a firm favourite as a side character in the other books, and he’s definitely top of the list now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2023
Jesse finally got the HEA he deserved!!! This book is seriously EVERYTHING!!! 🩵
The Forever Fight by Bethany Monaco Smith
Jesse & Dani 🩵
First of all let me preface this by saying what I always say... if she writes it I'm gonna read it, obsess over it and then create all the things!
All the feels, a rollercoaster of emotions, and so much character growth is what you'll find in any book that Bethany writes and I gobble that stuff up!!
Jesse mothafreaking Wilkinson (because i can't use the grown up words!) He finally got his happily ever after! And if his little brother didn't already have my heart! 😅 Jesse is charming, super swoony and just had this air about him! Dani is such a fiesty girl! I love her spanking!
Both hurt by their exes and fresh off breakups! Not really looking for a new relationship but there's this pull. They're drawn to eachother. There's the push and pull that I love! Both of these characters are so stubborn! She won't back down he won't give up! But the friendship that grows before they give in! I love so much! They develop this bond, build a solid foundation and then their relationship comes! Jesse gives Dani a safe place to be unapologetically her in and out of the bedroom!! And I'm here for it all!
I laughed, cried, yelled at Dani a few times, enjoyed their banter, swooned (gosh those Wilkinson boys are a different breed) I celebrated all the love! And that GROWTH!!! Not a boring moment in this book and I would read it over and over again! Def wish I could give The Forever Gigjt more than 5 stars because it deserves it!
If enemies to lovers, a girl who is in tune with her body and what it needs, he falls first and gives her all the things, the most amazing friends, small town, and all the feels is your type of book... READ THIS ONE!!
The Forever Fight by Bethany Monaco Smith
Jesse & Dani 🩵
First of all let me preface this by saying what I always say... if she writes it I'm gonna read it, obsess over it and then create all the things!
All the feels, a rollercoaster of emotions, and so much character growth is what you'll find in any book that Bethany writes and I gobble that stuff up!!
Jesse mothafreaking Wilkinson (because i can't use the grown up words!) He finally got his happily ever after! And if his little brother didn't already have my heart! 😅 Jesse is charming, super swoony and just had this air about him! Dani is such a fiesty girl! I love her spanking!
Both hurt by their exes and fresh off breakups! Not really looking for a new relationship but there's this pull. They're drawn to eachother. There's the push and pull that I love! Both of these characters are so stubborn! She won't back down he won't give up! But the friendship that grows before they give in! I love so much! They develop this bond, build a solid foundation and then their relationship comes! Jesse gives Dani a safe place to be unapologetically her in and out of the bedroom!! And I'm here for it all!
I laughed, cried, yelled at Dani a few times, enjoyed their banter, swooned (gosh those Wilkinson boys are a different breed) I celebrated all the love! And that GROWTH!!! Not a boring moment in this book and I would read it over and over again! Def wish I could give The Forever Gigjt more than 5 stars because it deserves it!
If enemies to lovers, a girl who is in tune with her body and what it needs, he falls first and gives her all the things, the most amazing friends, small town, and all the feels is your type of book... READ THIS ONE!!
January 23, 2025
I was offered the second book in the series ‘ the perfect love’ as an arc soooo, I obviously had to read the first one.
At the start I we are basically bombarded with all these names and to be honest It was hard to remember who is who, but luckily there is a meet the characters page at the beginning so If you ever forget you can just go back to it.
At some points I found that the story went slow and then it went suddenly quick. I read this while getting my tattoo done and when I got to about the 63% mark I put it down cause I got a little bored. It might have been the pain or the fact that I didn’t have a reading break at all and was just getting a little bit overwhelmed. But I did find it a little bit hard to pick up the book again, but it’s could’ve been because I’m reading Iron Flame as well and I’m on the edge.
I did enjoy the story, and I liked most of the characters , there were a few which I didn’t feel much towards like Brooke or Weston either because they were dicks or I just found them boring.
I liked how both characters grew on their own after their breakups and didnt get into a relationship straight away or even just a hook up ( aint counting the kiss on the couch). Bethany gave them time and space to grow, explore and focus on themselves and then went into have them work together to fix their insecurities and issues which I really enjoyed.
Bea didnt deserve to die. Nothing else to say there. I LOVED the rings, fucking loved it, and the fact that Dani had a yellow one because she was called sunshine was just ahahahahahhha, I LOVED IT.
Overall, good story, good plot, good characters, and OMG the spice was spicing. It was delicious, Jesse’s praise kink, abso-fucking-lutely loved it , best thing ever.
At the start I we are basically bombarded with all these names and to be honest It was hard to remember who is who, but luckily there is a meet the characters page at the beginning so If you ever forget you can just go back to it.
At some points I found that the story went slow and then it went suddenly quick. I read this while getting my tattoo done and when I got to about the 63% mark I put it down cause I got a little bored. It might have been the pain or the fact that I didn’t have a reading break at all and was just getting a little bit overwhelmed. But I did find it a little bit hard to pick up the book again, but it’s could’ve been because I’m reading Iron Flame as well and I’m on the edge.
I did enjoy the story, and I liked most of the characters , there were a few which I didn’t feel much towards like Brooke or Weston either because they were dicks or I just found them boring.
I liked how both characters grew on their own after their breakups and didnt get into a relationship straight away or even just a hook up ( aint counting the kiss on the couch). Bethany gave them time and space to grow, explore and focus on themselves and then went into have them work together to fix their insecurities and issues which I really enjoyed.
Bea didnt deserve to die. Nothing else to say there. I LOVED the rings, fucking loved it, and the fact that Dani had a yellow one because she was called sunshine was just ahahahahahhha, I LOVED IT.
Overall, good story, good plot, good characters, and OMG the spice was spicing. It was delicious, Jesse’s praise kink, abso-fucking-lutely loved it , best thing ever.
September 3, 2023
🙏🏼 I want to thank @bethany for sending me an ARC.
The Forever Fight is filled with swoon and a really healthy relationship.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
✍️ This book contained a family that would ride at dawn for eachother. So close knit and so adorable.
While I do love broody grumpy mmc’s, an extrovert who has golden retriever energy is also right up my alley. And Jesse was exactly that. He didn’t let our strong fmc Dani slip away from him.
The dynamic that Dani and Jesse had was a true frenemies to lovers. Constant banter and yes (fr)enemies to lovers is good BUT throw in reverse grumpy x sunshine? The tension and the build up was extraordinary.
Jesse is the type of guy that has so much love to give and I really liked reading his POV because it shows that there is so much depth to his character.
The heartbreak that Dani went through is something nobody should go through and I understand why she put up a wall and I am happy that she allowed Jesse to pull them down. Why? Because she also has a lot to give.
What was absolutely insane was the sexual tension between them.
The way he opened the door to communication time and time again was mature and great to read about.
The spice was so well written. It was really hot, but also very intimate.
🎶 I also really appreciated the playlist. Other songs that I was listening to the entire time while reading were Love on Top by Beyoncé, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Nasty by Russ.
!!! This book comes out September 15. But you can pre-order it now on Amazon!
📕 * I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
.
The Forever Fight is filled with swoon and a really healthy relationship.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
✍️ This book contained a family that would ride at dawn for eachother. So close knit and so adorable.
While I do love broody grumpy mmc’s, an extrovert who has golden retriever energy is also right up my alley. And Jesse was exactly that. He didn’t let our strong fmc Dani slip away from him.
The dynamic that Dani and Jesse had was a true frenemies to lovers. Constant banter and yes (fr)enemies to lovers is good BUT throw in reverse grumpy x sunshine? The tension and the build up was extraordinary.
Jesse is the type of guy that has so much love to give and I really liked reading his POV because it shows that there is so much depth to his character.
The heartbreak that Dani went through is something nobody should go through and I understand why she put up a wall and I am happy that she allowed Jesse to pull them down. Why? Because she also has a lot to give.
What was absolutely insane was the sexual tension between them.
The way he opened the door to communication time and time again was mature and great to read about.
The spice was so well written. It was really hot, but also very intimate.
🎶 I also really appreciated the playlist. Other songs that I was listening to the entire time while reading were Love on Top by Beyoncé, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Nasty by Russ.
!!! This book comes out September 15. But you can pre-order it now on Amazon!
📕 * I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
.
September 15, 2023
I'm doing my happy dance because Jesse's story is here and I can swoon over him just a bit. The Forever Fight is book one in Ms.Monaco Smith's new series Ida Heartthrobs and if this book is any indication of the series, we are in for a best-seller series. Her writing, characters and storylines always pull me in and have me falling for the characters and wanting to move to a small town. The Forever Fight is just that type of book and it is one that you do not want to miss reading.
Jesse was introduced to us in her Friends Like Us series and we saw him be the bad boy, maybe an instigator, but he swooned me over to his side. His life is not all sunshine and happiness and in this book, he finally gets to feel loved, needed and wanted. When seeing Dani again after having his heart shattered, he starts to think that maybe life can be better. Dani, who has also just had her world shaken, moves back to Ida and is living with Grams and Gramps. There was something about seeing and being with Jesse that felt familiar and happy. Will she trust him with her heart? Can he prove to her that she is special and that he is different from the man who broke her heart? When the friendship line is blurred, and I mean off the charts, set the pages on fire blurred, they see that love can be found.
Yes, this book does have a few emotional scenes that pull on your heartstrings but also you will feel the love and happiness that is shared throughout the book. Definitely pick up The Forever Fight and fall in love with Jesse and Dani's love story.
Jesse was introduced to us in her Friends Like Us series and we saw him be the bad boy, maybe an instigator, but he swooned me over to his side. His life is not all sunshine and happiness and in this book, he finally gets to feel loved, needed and wanted. When seeing Dani again after having his heart shattered, he starts to think that maybe life can be better. Dani, who has also just had her world shaken, moves back to Ida and is living with Grams and Gramps. There was something about seeing and being with Jesse that felt familiar and happy. Will she trust him with her heart? Can he prove to her that she is special and that he is different from the man who broke her heart? When the friendship line is blurred, and I mean off the charts, set the pages on fire blurred, they see that love can be found.
Yes, this book does have a few emotional scenes that pull on your heartstrings but also you will feel the love and happiness that is shared throughout the book. Definitely pick up The Forever Fight and fall in love with Jesse and Dani's love story.
September 17, 2023
Being that Bethany is actually a fairly new author to me I really was not sure that to expect. But the moment I sat down and met both Jesse and Dani , I knew I was in trouble ( in all the best ways of course) because phew there journey truly was a emotional rollercoaster that hooked me from start to finish and played on all my emotions In ways I was not even expecting. No seriously !!! One minute I would he completely speechless, the next I was yelling outta pure frustration, then bam I found myself crying like a baby yet I couldn’t stop from rooting so freaking hard . I am actually someone who reads dark romance pretty much 95% of the time so it was so refreshing to be able to read such a wonderfully written and emotional love story like The Forever Fight . I adored both Jesse and Dani so so much -something about these two just had me falling hook line and sinker In love . Both have been hurt by past relationships, both are hesitant to open their hearts to love again. Dani thinks Jesse is a player but she’s so so wrong ( In fact there’s so much more to him then meets the eye and I loved seeing all his layers peeled away . The angst , the humor , the witty banter , the push and pull , the tragedy, the passion, the drama , the off the charts chemistry, the family , the friendships , the heartbreak and heartfelt moments, the phenomenal world building. The Forever Fight has it all in spades . Tropes , 💜slow burn, 💜friends to enemies to lovers Reverse Grumpy Sunshine.
September 24, 2023
The Forever Fight By Bethany Monaco Smith
When the whirlwind with ice purple hair and a don’t-look-in-my-direction attitude sits down next to me at the bar, it's game over for my heart.
I've known Dani for years, but we've never truly known each other.
Fresh off broken hearts, I'm ready to find my forever love, but Dani is guarded. The sunshiney girl I remember is grumpy and closed-off, and she has zero interest in the player she remembers me as.
I'm not that guy anymore, and even if I was, Dani is not a game. She's more. She's what I want, and I can tell she wants me, too, even if I'm stuck at the top of her hell no list.
😊What i liked -
✔ Frenemies To Lovers/Small Town/Found Family.
✔ I wasn't fond of Jesse in the first book, but over the last few books I started to warm up to him. I think Jesse is one character whose growth is so well written that he slowly became one of my favourites.
✔ I liked Dani, though she was a complex Character . (though in a few places i found her a bit bratty)
✔ Jesse's BFF's were just too cute.
✔ Bethany has a knack of making you laugh, smile and cry all at once.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ It was heartbreaking going through one of the things all over again.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💞Frenemies To Lovers Romance
🏡Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you, Bethany Monaco Smith, for a copy.
QOTD- How was your weekend?
When the whirlwind with ice purple hair and a don’t-look-in-my-direction attitude sits down next to me at the bar, it's game over for my heart.
I've known Dani for years, but we've never truly known each other.
Fresh off broken hearts, I'm ready to find my forever love, but Dani is guarded. The sunshiney girl I remember is grumpy and closed-off, and she has zero interest in the player she remembers me as.
I'm not that guy anymore, and even if I was, Dani is not a game. She's more. She's what I want, and I can tell she wants me, too, even if I'm stuck at the top of her hell no list.
😊What i liked -
✔ Frenemies To Lovers/Small Town/Found Family.
✔ I wasn't fond of Jesse in the first book, but over the last few books I started to warm up to him. I think Jesse is one character whose growth is so well written that he slowly became one of my favourites.
✔ I liked Dani, though she was a complex Character . (though in a few places i found her a bit bratty)
✔ Jesse's BFF's were just too cute.
✔ Bethany has a knack of making you laugh, smile and cry all at once.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ It was heartbreaking going through one of the things all over again.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💞Frenemies To Lovers Romance
🏡Small Town Romance
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you, Bethany Monaco Smith, for a copy.
QOTD- How was your weekend?
September 15, 2023
I always love reading Bethany’s romances as they incorporate real world into them and are not just a chase and an HEA, but the how to get there and how to stay there. This one falls within her Ida world, but can be a stand alone. But I should mention that Jesse, the main character, has some backstory in from the other books.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Jesse in the other books because he was in the middle of someone else’s romance, but I quickly changed my mind in this one. He’s book boyfriend worthy. Definitely. I also liked Dani. She has spunk and says what she means. So needless to say that I rooted for them. There is romance, tenderness, spice and banter as you read this one.
Their is real life drama, and spice and a wedding for another Ida couple. That is something I like about reading the series. You get snippets into what is going on with previous main characters as long as getting to know the whole group for if/when their story is the focus.
If you are a fan of contemporary romance with some spice, likable and relatable characters, and some real life drama, you need to be reading this series.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Jesse in the other books because he was in the middle of someone else’s romance, but I quickly changed my mind in this one. He’s book boyfriend worthy. Definitely. I also liked Dani. She has spunk and says what she means. So needless to say that I rooted for them. There is romance, tenderness, spice and banter as you read this one.
Their is real life drama, and spice and a wedding for another Ida couple. That is something I like about reading the series. You get snippets into what is going on with previous main characters as long as getting to know the whole group for if/when their story is the focus.
If you are a fan of contemporary romance with some spice, likable and relatable characters, and some real life drama, you need to be reading this series.
September 29, 2023
Looking for an incredible tie in to the Friends Like This series that gives you a little bit more about that other Wilkinson brother? Look no further than The Forever Fight!
Jesse had his heart crushed…not once, but twice by the same girl. His parents have consistently disappointed him but he’s “just used to it”. So how could he possibly go back to something familiar, yet so unfamiliar at the same time after thinking he’d be somewhere new with a fresh start? Enter a surprise engagement party, and reconnecting, albeit briefly, with a vibrant girl of the past.
Dani Malone never expected to be bored with a job, or to be surprised by a farce of an engagement…but when she found herself having to reevaluate things, it brought her back into Jesse’s world. She’s not looking for anything outside of finding her Spark though, so should she even invest in any time with the “playboy” Jesse?
Communication is key in this story, and so is finding the joy in living. Bethany brings both pieces across in this so fluidly, you may wonder if you’ve watched this play out in front of your eyes before.
Jesse had his heart crushed…not once, but twice by the same girl. His parents have consistently disappointed him but he’s “just used to it”. So how could he possibly go back to something familiar, yet so unfamiliar at the same time after thinking he’d be somewhere new with a fresh start? Enter a surprise engagement party, and reconnecting, albeit briefly, with a vibrant girl of the past.
Dani Malone never expected to be bored with a job, or to be surprised by a farce of an engagement…but when she found herself having to reevaluate things, it brought her back into Jesse’s world. She’s not looking for anything outside of finding her Spark though, so should she even invest in any time with the “playboy” Jesse?
Communication is key in this story, and so is finding the joy in living. Bethany brings both pieces across in this so fluidly, you may wonder if you’ve watched this play out in front of your eyes before.
September 10, 2023
- Frenemies to lovers
- He falls first
- Swoony MMC
This book is in the same world as the incomparable Friends Like This series, which I adore so much. I was eager to read Jesse's story as the younger brother of Joel (Books 5 & 6 of the FLT series).
Both Dani and Jesse are trying to rebuild their lives after their respective long term relationships end poorly. Dani's fiance decides he never wanted a wife.. just the trust fund he gets with one. Jesse's girlfriend is looking for dates online...while they're together. Both are reluctant to love again, but there's something about Dani that draws Jesse to her - even though she acts all prickly towards him. She wrongly thinks he is a player and she doesn't want to get hurt like that.
Dani begins to soften toward Jesse after realizing she was incorrect in her assumptions. Now Jesse makes it his mission to show Dani how a real boyfriend treats his woman. And Dani is there for it.
This author is the absolute best at friends to lovers - and now I've added frenemies to lovers to that distinction!
- He falls first
- Swoony MMC
This book is in the same world as the incomparable Friends Like This series, which I adore so much. I was eager to read Jesse's story as the younger brother of Joel (Books 5 & 6 of the FLT series).
Both Dani and Jesse are trying to rebuild their lives after their respective long term relationships end poorly. Dani's fiance decides he never wanted a wife.. just the trust fund he gets with one. Jesse's girlfriend is looking for dates online...while they're together. Both are reluctant to love again, but there's something about Dani that draws Jesse to her - even though she acts all prickly towards him. She wrongly thinks he is a player and she doesn't want to get hurt like that.
Dani begins to soften toward Jesse after realizing she was incorrect in her assumptions. Now Jesse makes it his mission to show Dani how a real boyfriend treats his woman. And Dani is there for it.
This author is the absolute best at friends to lovers - and now I've added frenemies to lovers to that distinction!
September 20, 2023
swoon*sweet*romantic
book. Jesse is going to surprise you; he is not what you expected him to be, and you are going to love him. These Wilkinson brothers are amazing. He falls first, fast, and hard. Their romance is so lovely. All the frenemies-to-lovers vibe is really good. Jesse and Dani are too cute and really special. I love how together they are better, and how they turn every fight into a meaningful conversation, hearts open and full of love. It’s really an amazing love story. I can totally say Chapter 15 is one of my favorites, and you are going to love it; it was perfection. I love how she calls him a good boy; ahhh, it's my new weakness. Dani is so strong, talented and fantastic, best girlfriend ever! I knew Bethany was going to break my heart again with Bea!!! But gosh, I wasn't that ready for all those new moments. Bethany this is the third time I’m crying about this situation. Gosh, girl, you are mean (I love you). And you give me a little bit of Vince. *Sigh* Thank you so much. Ohhh, I love him. Can’t wait to read your next book, meaning, my next book boyfriend.
book. Jesse is going to surprise you; he is not what you expected him to be, and you are going to love him. These Wilkinson brothers are amazing. He falls first, fast, and hard. Their romance is so lovely. All the frenemies-to-lovers vibe is really good. Jesse and Dani are too cute and really special. I love how together they are better, and how they turn every fight into a meaningful conversation, hearts open and full of love. It’s really an amazing love story. I can totally say Chapter 15 is one of my favorites, and you are going to love it; it was perfection. I love how she calls him a good boy; ahhh, it's my new weakness. Dani is so strong, talented and fantastic, best girlfriend ever! I knew Bethany was going to break my heart again with Bea!!! But gosh, I wasn't that ready for all those new moments. Bethany this is the third time I’m crying about this situation. Gosh, girl, you are mean (I love you). And you give me a little bit of Vince. *Sigh* Thank you so much. Ohhh, I love him. Can’t wait to read your next book, meaning, my next book boyfriend.
September 15, 2023
I receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a big fan of this author's work with Rae and Aaron being an absolute favorite of mine! You don't have to read the earlier books but you will miss bits if you haven't so I would strongly recommend starting from the beginning.
I enjoyed the story of Jesse and Dani, two people who are coming off the back of breakups, especially Jesse. I definitely have a soft spot for him. It's a good story but I wouldn't say it's the best one in the series. We see a lot of Jesse in the earlier books and I really enjoyed seeing his character a bit more. I felt that Dani was quite mean / cruel at times which was unwarranted and I did struggle a bit to connect with them. I thought it might have been a little more believable if they hadn't been almost strangers to each but all in all a good read! I will definitely read more from this author!
Favorite Quote from the book "If all you do is worry about the past, you'll never have a future."
I'm a big fan of this author's work with Rae and Aaron being an absolute favorite of mine! You don't have to read the earlier books but you will miss bits if you haven't so I would strongly recommend starting from the beginning.
I enjoyed the story of Jesse and Dani, two people who are coming off the back of breakups, especially Jesse. I definitely have a soft spot for him. It's a good story but I wouldn't say it's the best one in the series. We see a lot of Jesse in the earlier books and I really enjoyed seeing his character a bit more. I felt that Dani was quite mean / cruel at times which was unwarranted and I did struggle a bit to connect with them. I thought it might have been a little more believable if they hadn't been almost strangers to each but all in all a good read! I will definitely read more from this author!
Favorite Quote from the book "If all you do is worry about the past, you'll never have a future."
September 15, 2023
I'm so happy Jesse has his turn having his story told in this first book of a new Ida series. Jesse and Dani have known each other for years, but haven't seen each other a while and they have both changed with time. Jesse is no longer the player he was and Dani is no longer the sun shiny girl she once was. Both recovering from bad break ups, they definitely have things to works through for themselves before they can be healthy together.
Once again, Bethany taps into the real struggles that people can go through within themselves and trying to build a relationship.
This is a reverse grumpy/sunshine, he falls first story. It is somewhat of a slow burn, while Jesse tries to earn Dani's trust, but the steamy scenes are delightful when they happen. It does end with a HEA.
Another winner from Bethany. If you enjoyed any of her other books, this one won't let you down.
Once again, Bethany taps into the real struggles that people can go through within themselves and trying to build a relationship.
This is a reverse grumpy/sunshine, he falls first story. It is somewhat of a slow burn, while Jesse tries to earn Dani's trust, but the steamy scenes are delightful when they happen. It does end with a HEA.
Another winner from Bethany. If you enjoyed any of her other books, this one won't let you down.
October 1, 2023
This was such a cute read and it was spicyyy. Dani is looking to start her life anew after her fiance's breakup, but when she returns to her grandparent's house, she reunites with Jesse, and it's game over at that point. Jesse just broke it off with his ex after finding out she had cheated and wants to find that forever kind of love and Dani is that girl for him.
I loved their relationship and that they communicated their feelings even if they were upset with each other. I loved this fantastic story of growth.
"I understand what she was saying earlier, about how my arms make her feel. Being with her does things to me too. It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel seen. When she pushes all those fears and insecurities away, she looks into my eyes and just sees me." is my far my favorite quote in this book and it's by far the best definition of how love should feel.
I loved their relationship and that they communicated their feelings even if they were upset with each other. I loved this fantastic story of growth.
"I understand what she was saying earlier, about how my arms make her feel. Being with her does things to me too. It makes me feel alive. It makes me feel seen. When she pushes all those fears and insecurities away, she looks into my eyes and just sees me." is my far my favorite quote in this book and it's by far the best definition of how love should feel.
September 6, 2023
Jesse is book boyfriend goals. He is sweet, swoony, and romantic.
This is a standalone book. You do not have to read any of the other Friends Like This series books, but a lot of things will make more sense if you do.
I love how Bethany Monaco Smith has made this world of Ida and put so much of her book world in it. Each book she writes has Ida as it's center and the characters weave in and out of all the books like one great big family.
Jesse and Dani are perfect for each other. I love how they work through all their stuff with communication. It's good to read a book with no third act breakup and the characters actually talking things out.
After reading all the Friends Like This books, it's so good to see Jesse get his HEA.
This is a standalone book. You do not have to read any of the other Friends Like This series books, but a lot of things will make more sense if you do.
I love how Bethany Monaco Smith has made this world of Ida and put so much of her book world in it. Each book she writes has Ida as it's center and the characters weave in and out of all the books like one great big family.
Jesse and Dani are perfect for each other. I love how they work through all their stuff with communication. It's good to read a book with no third act breakup and the characters actually talking things out.
After reading all the Friends Like This books, it's so good to see Jesse get his HEA.
September 16, 2023
In “The Forever Fight”, we follow Jesse and Dani as they both left relationships where their trust and faith in love was broken. In the book, we see them find their way to each other. We see them regain trust and ultimately fall in love. The book is just a great easy read. It never has the characters make dumb decision or makes a misunderstanding/miscommunication a bigger deal than what it is for the sake of keeping the reader interested. It’s about two people falling in love and healing. After reading a lot of dark romances, I needed a book like “The Forever Fight”. The characters felt very relatable and their thoughts and actions make sense. Dani and Jesse as a unit is freaking cute. I overall loved this book.
September 17, 2023
She has done it again. Bethany knows how to bring these book boyfriends off the page and have you fall for them. I always considered Rae and Ace's story as my favorite but after this one Jesse and Dani are. They both came from really crappy relationships and they rebuilt themselves alongside each other. Between the heart to hearts, the mistrust, the witty banter the connection you could feel as reading. Jesse was always the bad boy of the group that got involved in someone else happily ever after but this story shows how off that representation was. He was just a man hurting and needed the second half of his heart. I absolutely loved being able to read his love story, now why can this be real men haha....
September 28, 2023
I loved The Forever Fight! Jesse and Dani are so cute as a couple and are definitely meant to be together. I loved all the little things they did throughout the story to show how much they loved each other.
One of my favorite parts of the book was when they went to the antiques store together, I loved that scene!
This was my favorite quote from "The Forever Fight"
"I’m not bitter, I’m f***ing scared. I don’t want to fall again. I don’t want to get my heart crushed again."
Even though I've only read a few of her books so far, Bethany Monaco Smith has quickly became one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read her next book! 🙂
*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of my favorite parts of the book was when they went to the antiques store together, I loved that scene!
This was my favorite quote from "The Forever Fight"
"I’m not bitter, I’m f***ing scared. I don’t want to fall again. I don’t want to get my heart crushed again."
Even though I've only read a few of her books so far, Bethany Monaco Smith has quickly became one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read her next book! 🙂
*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
This was my first book by this author, I signed up as I liked the sound of the small town and second chance at love idea for both characters.
I really loved Jesse, now I know how much I love this authors style of writing I will go back and read the stories of all the other characters.
Jesse is a sensitive soul wrapped in a typical flirty boys body. And Dani is a girl who has had her heart broken and judges his flirty banter.
These two are so cute together, and it was lovely to see the sensitivity of Jesse. I love an alpha man but something about him being a little needier than normal MMCs I read melted my heart.
Add this to your TBR list now
September 6, 2023
A good easy read to get you out of a slump. I feel like the writing style throughout this is so easy to follow so it’s great if you want something that will get you started. I loved both Jesse and Dani as characters, they were both so easy to love. I also loved the plot of them had both being badly heartbroken and both healing each other as they went along. However, I did think that some of the friendships between Jesse and a few girls were a bit too close for me and I did feel that Dani carried on talking about her ex and his behaviour long after her and Jesse were together. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would read more by this author.
September 12, 2023
I adore when books have a connected world and Bethany Manaco Smith's creation of the Ida "universe" has thoroughly captivated me. I have been a Jessie fan since the first book of the series in the Ida world! Both Jessie and Dani carry the emotional baggage of their past relationships, and an unfortunate assumption, (on Dani's part) creates a few roadblocks in their path to being together. Thankfully, Jessie's persistence shines through, revealing that they are indeed a perfectly matched couple. As thier connection deepens, we witness the beautiful blossoming of their relationship, leading to the heartwarming happily ever after we've been eagerly waiting for.
September 16, 2023
4 Stars
2 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
He Falls First
Frenemies to Lovers
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Slow Burn
Dual POV
I have been waiting for Jesse's book since the beginning of the Friends Like This series, and let me tell you, this one did not disappoint. The pull between Dani and Jesse is so good and you can feel it coming off the page. The banter in this one is perfection. But it's also a rollercoaster of emotions.
I loved how we saw others from the Friends Like This book. I like how they truly are one big family.
I have to mention the "Meet the Characters" section she put in the book. It was so helpful and so easy to know who is who and how they are all connected.
Thank you to Bethany for this ARC
2 Chili Peppers
Tropes:
He Falls First
Frenemies to Lovers
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Slow Burn
Dual POV
I have been waiting for Jesse's book since the beginning of the Friends Like This series, and let me tell you, this one did not disappoint. The pull between Dani and Jesse is so good and you can feel it coming off the page. The banter in this one is perfection. But it's also a rollercoaster of emotions.
I loved how we saw others from the Friends Like This book. I like how they truly are one big family.
I have to mention the "Meet the Characters" section she put in the book. It was so helpful and so easy to know who is who and how they are all connected.
Thank you to Bethany for this ARC
September 14, 2023
Ah Jesse, finally he gets his HEA. I felt for him when Dani misjudged him. For fans of the FLT series we’ve seen Jesse try his hand at love and get stomped on. Both he and Dani have been hurt by past relationships and are wary to try again. However, in typical Bethany fashion, communication is the key. I love how she has her characters capable of mature realistic relationships without manufactured third act drama.
I read the whole FLT series recently so I really enjoyed being back in the same world. The fact that this was a completed story in one book made for a little less angst but I was still emotionally invested.
Thank you to Bethany for the arc.
I read the whole FLT series recently so I really enjoyed being back in the same world. The fact that this was a completed story in one book made for a little less angst but I was still emotionally invested.
Thank you to Bethany for the arc.
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