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Pretty Amy #1.5
The Next Forever
One night in college can change everything…
Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…
Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush here the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.
Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.
Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…
Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush here the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.
Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.
96 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2013
18 people are currently reading
1669 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Burstein
9 books441 followersLisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She is the author of Pretty Amy, The Next Forever, Dear Cassie, Sneaking Candy, The Possibility of Us and Again. As well as a contributor to the essay collection, Break These Rules: 35 YA Authors On Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
January 4, 2016
This book was basically about Joe and Amy going behind each other's backs - Joe to go to a frat rush party, and Amy to go to a party with another guy. Kinda dull until
6 out of 10
6 out of 10
January 15, 2013
I read this not knowing that this is a sequel to Pretty Amy, which I haven't read yet.
So,
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If you're planning to read this book, read Pretty Amy first ;)
LOL. I guess I have to read the first book soon to get to know Amy much better and further understand what really happened to Amy and how she developed a relationship with Joe.
But anyways, this was an okay read for me. I like it, but I didn't love it.
3 STARS!!!
So,
[image error]
If you're planning to read this book, read Pretty Amy first ;)
LOL. I guess I have to read the first book soon to get to know Amy much better and further understand what really happened to Amy and how she developed a relationship with Joe.
But anyways, this was an okay read for me. I like it, but I didn't love it.
3 STARS!!!
January 17, 2013
This review can also be found at Making the Grade
Lisa Burstein, author of PRETTY AMY, continues her hot and cold romance between the characters, Amy and Joe, in the seductively intense novella, THE NEXT FOREVER. If you are already a fan of her preceding title, you absolutely MUST pick this one up. Amy and Joe’s story will be incomplete without it!
INTENSE. That is the one word I would use to describe THE NEXT FOREVER in a nutshell. Emotional tension. Physical tension. And (of course) sexual tension. While I don’t think the subject matter in this continuation is necessarily any more mature than PRETTY AMY, there is plenty of sexual tension (and one, very tasteful sex scene) to be had. Appropriately released under Entangled’s Ever After line, one would say THE NEXT FOREVER is more “New Adult” rather than “Young Adult”.
Lisa put Amy and Joe in the just right place when it comes to telling their continuing story. College. That’s right, now in their first months of college together, things are getting pretty serious between the two. But neither Amy nor Joe know whether or not they are ready. Are Amy and Joe ready to commit? Are they ready to “grow up” a bit and make more adult decisions about each other, or about themselves? This novel focuses on that moment in their lives when they both decide whether or not they are ready.
The story is told over the span of “just one night” – which is just perfect. THE NEXT FOREVER is told from the alternating point of views of both Amy and Joe, providing a slow build up of events in a “domino effect” of trouble. While we already know plenty about Amy thanks to PRETTY AMY, I loved getting into the mind of Joe. Coming across as a bit of a “goody two-shoes” in the first book, we learn that this is not entirely the case here. Joe wants to be just like any other guy in college. He wants to go out, have fun with the guys, party a bit, join a frat. But he’s not sure if he can do that and still be a good support for Amy. (Perhaps he’s thinking, “hypocrite much?”) Heck, even the cover gave me a whole new perspective on his character. And for that I am grateful, since this entry really fleshes out the character Joe out more-so than all the pages of PRETTY AMY ever did combined.
Oh, the emotional DEPTH of this novel, guys! Seriously. Anyone looking to take a study in outstanding character development really should read THE NEXT FOREVER. Although containing less pages than a complete novel, Lisa manages to develop her characters in 40 page far better than most 500+ page novels ever do. We got the base line of these characters in PRETTY AMY, now let’s find out where they’re really going! – In just one night at that!
I swear, I was grinding my teeth while reading THE NEXT FOREVER. I was so tense every time the book switched back and forth between Joe and Amy. I was like, “Seriously, GUYS! DO NOT screw this up!!” But I can say that the book comes to an realistic and satisfying end. Not to mention, shirtless Joe makes for a happy Jenna. (But don’t tell my husband that! Haha!)
All in all, I think that anyone who likes their contemporary fiction to be sexy and intense should read THE NEXT FOREVER by Lisa Burstein. Be it your first encounter with the series or as a way to continue it, you will find THE NEXT FOREVER to be a highly enjoyable (and quick!) read. Plus: Don’t miss the companion novel, DEAR CASSIE, coming mid-2013!
Lisa Burstein, author of PRETTY AMY, continues her hot and cold romance between the characters, Amy and Joe, in the seductively intense novella, THE NEXT FOREVER. If you are already a fan of her preceding title, you absolutely MUST pick this one up. Amy and Joe’s story will be incomplete without it!
INTENSE. That is the one word I would use to describe THE NEXT FOREVER in a nutshell. Emotional tension. Physical tension. And (of course) sexual tension. While I don’t think the subject matter in this continuation is necessarily any more mature than PRETTY AMY, there is plenty of sexual tension (and one, very tasteful sex scene) to be had. Appropriately released under Entangled’s Ever After line, one would say THE NEXT FOREVER is more “New Adult” rather than “Young Adult”.
Lisa put Amy and Joe in the just right place when it comes to telling their continuing story. College. That’s right, now in their first months of college together, things are getting pretty serious between the two. But neither Amy nor Joe know whether or not they are ready. Are Amy and Joe ready to commit? Are they ready to “grow up” a bit and make more adult decisions about each other, or about themselves? This novel focuses on that moment in their lives when they both decide whether or not they are ready.
The story is told over the span of “just one night” – which is just perfect. THE NEXT FOREVER is told from the alternating point of views of both Amy and Joe, providing a slow build up of events in a “domino effect” of trouble. While we already know plenty about Amy thanks to PRETTY AMY, I loved getting into the mind of Joe. Coming across as a bit of a “goody two-shoes” in the first book, we learn that this is not entirely the case here. Joe wants to be just like any other guy in college. He wants to go out, have fun with the guys, party a bit, join a frat. But he’s not sure if he can do that and still be a good support for Amy. (Perhaps he’s thinking, “hypocrite much?”) Heck, even the cover gave me a whole new perspective on his character. And for that I am grateful, since this entry really fleshes out the character Joe out more-so than all the pages of PRETTY AMY ever did combined.
Oh, the emotional DEPTH of this novel, guys! Seriously. Anyone looking to take a study in outstanding character development really should read THE NEXT FOREVER. Although containing less pages than a complete novel, Lisa manages to develop her characters in 40 page far better than most 500+ page novels ever do. We got the base line of these characters in PRETTY AMY, now let’s find out where they’re really going! – In just one night at that!
I swear, I was grinding my teeth while reading THE NEXT FOREVER. I was so tense every time the book switched back and forth between Joe and Amy. I was like, “Seriously, GUYS! DO NOT screw this up!!” But I can say that the book comes to an realistic and satisfying end. Not to mention, shirtless Joe makes for a happy Jenna. (But don’t tell my husband that! Haha!)
All in all, I think that anyone who likes their contemporary fiction to be sexy and intense should read THE NEXT FOREVER by Lisa Burstein. Be it your first encounter with the series or as a way to continue it, you will find THE NEXT FOREVER to be a highly enjoyable (and quick!) read. Plus: Don’t miss the companion novel, DEAR CASSIE, coming mid-2013!
February 19, 2013
The Next Forever follows up in the life of Amy and Joe; two of my favourite characters from Pretty Amy. I much prefer reading follow up books months down the line than epilogues tacked onto back of books. And The Next Forever proved this to be the case once more as it provided a heartfelt insight into Amy and Joe battling their own demons.
I had always wanted Amy and Joe together ever since I came across them in Pretty Amy. Amy was so lost back then and needed the stability to keep her from drowning from the ideas floating around in her head. So it was great seeing months later that they’ve managed to make their relationship work. But their relationship was again tested with both Joe and Amy not quite sure about what they wanted, afraid of what could be around the corner and having niggling doubts at the back of their minds.
Sometimes you just need to take a risk to realise what you want in life, to test what’s really out there. But then you also need to know when to take a step back, when you’re coming to a point of over stepping the line and hurting someone you love so much in the process. And this is what Burstein looks at in The Next Forever, have Amy and Joe found their next forever in each other or is it still out there just out of their reach?
With dual pov’s from both Joe and Amy, were given a much greater insight into their characters; the ideas they have tumbling around in their heads, just how much of a hardship they have in deciding what’s right and wrong and just how vulnerable they are. Amy and Joe had a lot of inner turmoil to deal with in The Next Forever but I think it was a step that they needed to deal with before they could realise that what they were after all this time was in front of them all along.
I had always wanted Amy and Joe together ever since I came across them in Pretty Amy. Amy was so lost back then and needed the stability to keep her from drowning from the ideas floating around in her head. So it was great seeing months later that they’ve managed to make their relationship work. But their relationship was again tested with both Joe and Amy not quite sure about what they wanted, afraid of what could be around the corner and having niggling doubts at the back of their minds.
Sometimes you just need to take a risk to realise what you want in life, to test what’s really out there. But then you also need to know when to take a step back, when you’re coming to a point of over stepping the line and hurting someone you love so much in the process. And this is what Burstein looks at in The Next Forever, have Amy and Joe found their next forever in each other or is it still out there just out of their reach?
With dual pov’s from both Joe and Amy, were given a much greater insight into their characters; the ideas they have tumbling around in their heads, just how much of a hardship they have in deciding what’s right and wrong and just how vulnerable they are. Amy and Joe had a lot of inner turmoil to deal with in The Next Forever but I think it was a step that they needed to deal with before they could realise that what they were after all this time was in front of them all along.
February 21, 2013
I'm starting to wonder if New Adult books are really anywhere close to being my cup of tea most of the time. Really the only NA title I've actually liked/loved was Melina Marchetta's "The Piper's Son" - which had the development, strong characterization and even unlikable characters that still managed to be likable given the tough situations they faced and the challenges in their respective relationships. "Beautiful Disaster", "Thoughtless", among quite a few other NA titles I've read have all proven to let me down with the bad writing, contrived situations and underdeveloped/heavily unlikable characters who don't have an ounce of realism to them at all.
"The Next Forever" pretty much follows in that same line for me, though I guess on one hand this could be a realistic scenario if it didn't feel so contrived. I really did not like this book; I feel guilty saying that so blunt because usually I can find something positive to say about a book even if it proves to not be my particular taste. I'm having a hard time trying to name positives here, if there were any at all.
I suppose it's worth noting that this book starts off with a couple in trouble - Amy and Joe. This is a direct sequel to the author's book "Pretty Amy" (which I haven't read, but I have a feeling that whether you've read the former book or not, the portrayal - or lack thereof - would still be problematic here). I could say that I liked the fact that there was such a distinct show of strain in their relationship, and I somewhat hoped that I'd be able to see what prompted that strain a little more. They're at their wits end with respect to their relationship, particularly after Joe asks Amy to move in with him. The two end up lying to each other about where they go that night, and test their ability to stay faithful to one another in a series of encounters. One thing leads to another in terms of misinterpretations, they argue it out, eventually coming to terms with each other. I wish I could say that coming of terms felt satisfying, but since I found the characters to be so infuriating in their respective portrayal, actions and internal dialogue, I can't say that I was rooting for either Amy or Joe. I just didn't find anything to cling to here. It felt like the story was milked for drama, and I just couldn't ever find myself connected to the story or its characters. Usually even for characters I dislike, if they're written where I can see their respective thoughts and perspective, I can understand it and follow. This, unfortunately didn't hold my attention and I found it a struggle despite being a short read.
I don't think it deters me from wanting to read "Pretty Amy", but my first impression of Burstein's work here was not good based on "The Next Forever." I just felt it dropped the ball on many aspects of the story and it failed to pull me in.
Overall score: 1/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Entangled Publishing.
"The Next Forever" pretty much follows in that same line for me, though I guess on one hand this could be a realistic scenario if it didn't feel so contrived. I really did not like this book; I feel guilty saying that so blunt because usually I can find something positive to say about a book even if it proves to not be my particular taste. I'm having a hard time trying to name positives here, if there were any at all.
I suppose it's worth noting that this book starts off with a couple in trouble - Amy and Joe. This is a direct sequel to the author's book "Pretty Amy" (which I haven't read, but I have a feeling that whether you've read the former book or not, the portrayal - or lack thereof - would still be problematic here). I could say that I liked the fact that there was such a distinct show of strain in their relationship, and I somewhat hoped that I'd be able to see what prompted that strain a little more. They're at their wits end with respect to their relationship, particularly after Joe asks Amy to move in with him. The two end up lying to each other about where they go that night, and test their ability to stay faithful to one another in a series of encounters. One thing leads to another in terms of misinterpretations, they argue it out, eventually coming to terms with each other. I wish I could say that coming of terms felt satisfying, but since I found the characters to be so infuriating in their respective portrayal, actions and internal dialogue, I can't say that I was rooting for either Amy or Joe. I just didn't find anything to cling to here. It felt like the story was milked for drama, and I just couldn't ever find myself connected to the story or its characters. Usually even for characters I dislike, if they're written where I can see their respective thoughts and perspective, I can understand it and follow. This, unfortunately didn't hold my attention and I found it a struggle despite being a short read.
I don't think it deters me from wanting to read "Pretty Amy", but my first impression of Burstein's work here was not good based on "The Next Forever." I just felt it dropped the ball on many aspects of the story and it failed to pull me in.
Overall score: 1/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Entangled Publishing.
February 27, 2013
After finishing Pretty Amy, I went straight into the follow up; The Next Forever despite the fact that I didn't really enjoy Pretty Amy. If you want to see why, you can read my review here.
Anyway, I was quite hesitant about The Next Forever but I really wanted to see what was next in store for Amy and Joe. She's finally happy and not following her ex-best friends around and she's finally becoming someone she wants to be but, she still has doubts that maybe she's just following Joe around now instead of the girls. So in order to test her theory, Amy decides to do something reckless and go to a party with another boy - one that's she's attracted too. Could testing a theory prove to her that she is worthy of Joe's attention?
I have to say, I really enjoyed The Next Forever. It's a novella about discovering yourself and trying to find out if your choices are the right ones. I found it very realistic and found it so much more enjoyable than Pretty Amy. Amy was a unhappy girl in the first book that got herself in to a load of trouble and she never really had anyone around her she could support. I felt as though I could connect with Amy so much more because this time around, as a character, she is so more likeable. I could understand why she was so unsure of herself and why she needed to test herself. She wants to be worthy and what makes this novella work so well is the fact that we have chapter's from Joe as well.
Now Joe doesn't really gets much time in the spotlight in Pretty Amy, so I'm glad the author wrote this novella. It gave me the time to really get to know Joe and understand his feelings for Amy. Not only that but Joe's trying to work through his own problems, he wants to join a frat house, knowing that Amy will hate the idea but feels he needs help securing his future and a brothers a frat house could help him with that. We really get a chance to see who Joe really is, a chance that I believe was missed from Pretty Amy.
All in all, I wish Pretty Amy could have been like The Next Forever because I really enjoyed this and it made me want to keep reading about Amy and Joe's journey. I also think that you could possibly read this novella without even reading Pretty Amy before hand. The author gives you just the right information to keep you in the loop about the characters past and I kind of wish I had just read this first.
Anyway, I was quite hesitant about The Next Forever but I really wanted to see what was next in store for Amy and Joe. She's finally happy and not following her ex-best friends around and she's finally becoming someone she wants to be but, she still has doubts that maybe she's just following Joe around now instead of the girls. So in order to test her theory, Amy decides to do something reckless and go to a party with another boy - one that's she's attracted too. Could testing a theory prove to her that she is worthy of Joe's attention?
I have to say, I really enjoyed The Next Forever. It's a novella about discovering yourself and trying to find out if your choices are the right ones. I found it very realistic and found it so much more enjoyable than Pretty Amy. Amy was a unhappy girl in the first book that got herself in to a load of trouble and she never really had anyone around her she could support. I felt as though I could connect with Amy so much more because this time around, as a character, she is so more likeable. I could understand why she was so unsure of herself and why she needed to test herself. She wants to be worthy and what makes this novella work so well is the fact that we have chapter's from Joe as well.
Now Joe doesn't really gets much time in the spotlight in Pretty Amy, so I'm glad the author wrote this novella. It gave me the time to really get to know Joe and understand his feelings for Amy. Not only that but Joe's trying to work through his own problems, he wants to join a frat house, knowing that Amy will hate the idea but feels he needs help securing his future and a brothers a frat house could help him with that. We really get a chance to see who Joe really is, a chance that I believe was missed from Pretty Amy.
All in all, I wish Pretty Amy could have been like The Next Forever because I really enjoyed this and it made me want to keep reading about Amy and Joe's journey. I also think that you could possibly read this novella without even reading Pretty Amy before hand. The author gives you just the right information to keep you in the loop about the characters past and I kind of wish I had just read this first.
February 4, 2013
Before sharing my thoughts about this novella, I just want to say that I haven’t read Pretty Amy. I’d assume reading Pretty Amy would help me understand the character development of Amy better but haven’t read Pretty Amy didn’t take me away from my enjoyment. I’m happy to say that I had a great time reading The Next Forever.
The story unfolds in alternating points-of-view. I like that I got to get inside the heads of both Amy and Joe. Seeing their situation from both sides, I felt I understood the characters better. Based on the synopsis, I assumed they could be tempted to be unfaithful to one another but the story is not so much about temptations from the outside. It’s about the decisions that each of them makes and how they have to bear the consequences of their choices. Because I could feel their inner struggles and read their thoughts, it’s almost as though I were living and breathing with them. It’s seldom that I could connect so deeply with the characters in a novella but through Burstein’s writing, I felt drawn into living this one night that Amy and Joe were going through. I felt moved by the realization that dawned on Amy and I laughed with joyful tears when Joe spoke the truth from his heart.
Beautiful and amazingly written, The Next Forever shows us what responsibility could look like and how it would change and transform a person. If you love stories about choice and accountability, you’d enjoy reading The Next Forever.
--
Originally posted on Leisure Reads.
A copy of the book was provided by publisher for review purposes.
The story unfolds in alternating points-of-view. I like that I got to get inside the heads of both Amy and Joe. Seeing their situation from both sides, I felt I understood the characters better. Based on the synopsis, I assumed they could be tempted to be unfaithful to one another but the story is not so much about temptations from the outside. It’s about the decisions that each of them makes and how they have to bear the consequences of their choices. Because I could feel their inner struggles and read their thoughts, it’s almost as though I were living and breathing with them. It’s seldom that I could connect so deeply with the characters in a novella but through Burstein’s writing, I felt drawn into living this one night that Amy and Joe were going through. I felt moved by the realization that dawned on Amy and I laughed with joyful tears when Joe spoke the truth from his heart.
Beautiful and amazingly written, The Next Forever shows us what responsibility could look like and how it would change and transform a person. If you love stories about choice and accountability, you’d enjoy reading The Next Forever.
--
Originally posted on Leisure Reads.
A copy of the book was provided by publisher for review purposes.
January 16, 2013
THE NEXT FOREVER, a follow up story to the amazing YA novel PRETTY AMY, steps out of the young adult world and into the New Adult genre. And let me just say that Lisa Burstein did it perfectly! I loved PRETTY AMY, so I was very happy to get to see more of Amy and Joe. In THE NEXT FOREVER, Amy and Joe are away at college, and like many young adults who are in a new place away from the familiarities of home, they find themselves questioning a lot of things. Including their relationship. It is this doubt that sends them both on separate journeys that test their love and commitment for each other with a steamy cast of new characters. I loved that this was a dual POV and that we got to see both Amy and Joe’s side of the story. I fell in love with these characters all over again in this brilliant novella. If you are a fan of the New Adult genre this book is a must read! Sexy, heartfelt, and beautifully written, Lisa Burstein has done it again!
January 23, 2013
I loved Pretty Amy, so when I saw that Lisa Burstein was writing a novella about Joe and Amy in college I was so excited!! Though you don't have to read Pretty Amy before this, I highly suggest it so you know the characters and what things they have gone through in the past. It really helps to understand why they are having the feelings they do in this. Even being a short novella, this packs quite a punch. Told in alternating POV"s between Joe and Amy, you get to know how each is feeling. What they expect out of each other, what they are afraid of, what types of doubts they are having. I loved how true their thoughts and emotions were. They really are trying to discover themselves better and wondering if there is room for the other.
Amy is still fragile and broken. She has been through a lot and now she is trying to see if trying to be a "good girl" and doing the whole college thing with Joe is what she really wants. She goes to a party with a random hot guy to test herself. To see if the bad girl she was wants to come out, but there's always Joe in the back of her head. How he makes her feel, how he's always been there. I could really feel how she felt while reading from her POV. She is so lost and confused and doesn't know what she wants. She still feels like she needs other people to make decisions for her, like she isn't strong enough to make them on her own. I was so irritated at her thinking she was being stupid and was going to throw everything away from making stupid decisions, but I also felt bad for her. I think we have all felt the way she is feeling.
Joe who is always the level headed one decides that he needs something different. He wants to join a Frat, but it's not because of the girls or the parties. It's for what it can do for his future. He knows Amy will be pissed so he lies to her. Then at the party he is expected to hang out with the half naked girls and get drunk, but in the back of his mind is always Amy. He chats up Emily at the party. She's pretty, she's flirty, and she's soaking wet and half naked. Joe is a really great guy, but he too has doubts in his mind. I think it was really great to get in his head more. I really liked getting to know him better.
What seems like an ordinary night at college of course is anything but. Both Joe and Amy are confused and are testing themselves more or less. They really do love each other, but at times you wonder if that love is enough. If they have been through too much and are too different. They are faced with a new place and new experiences and they need to decide whether they want to do it together or not. I thought this was beautiful and thoughtful. I loved going through this night with them and seeing things from both sides. Lisa Burstein is a master at making you love the characters she writes. They are no longer characters, but people who you feel like you really know. I am a big fan and can't wait to read Cassie's story, and Lila's and anything else she writes in between.
Amy is still fragile and broken. She has been through a lot and now she is trying to see if trying to be a "good girl" and doing the whole college thing with Joe is what she really wants. She goes to a party with a random hot guy to test herself. To see if the bad girl she was wants to come out, but there's always Joe in the back of her head. How he makes her feel, how he's always been there. I could really feel how she felt while reading from her POV. She is so lost and confused and doesn't know what she wants. She still feels like she needs other people to make decisions for her, like she isn't strong enough to make them on her own. I was so irritated at her thinking she was being stupid and was going to throw everything away from making stupid decisions, but I also felt bad for her. I think we have all felt the way she is feeling.
Joe who is always the level headed one decides that he needs something different. He wants to join a Frat, but it's not because of the girls or the parties. It's for what it can do for his future. He knows Amy will be pissed so he lies to her. Then at the party he is expected to hang out with the half naked girls and get drunk, but in the back of his mind is always Amy. He chats up Emily at the party. She's pretty, she's flirty, and she's soaking wet and half naked. Joe is a really great guy, but he too has doubts in his mind. I think it was really great to get in his head more. I really liked getting to know him better.
What seems like an ordinary night at college of course is anything but. Both Joe and Amy are confused and are testing themselves more or less. They really do love each other, but at times you wonder if that love is enough. If they have been through too much and are too different. They are faced with a new place and new experiences and they need to decide whether they want to do it together or not. I thought this was beautiful and thoughtful. I loved going through this night with them and seeing things from both sides. Lisa Burstein is a master at making you love the characters she writes. They are no longer characters, but people who you feel like you really know. I am a big fan and can't wait to read Cassie's story, and Lila's and anything else she writes in between.
August 8, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein
Book 1.5 of the Pretty Amy series
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: January 13, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC provided by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
One night in college can change everything…
Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…
Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush here the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.
Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.
What I Liked:
First, let me start by saying that this book is very short, as it is a novella. It involves Amy and Joe, characters from Lisa Burstein's debut, Pretty Amy. Here's the thing:
I have never read Pretty Amy.
When I accepted an eARC of this book from Entangled, I didn't exactly realize that this novella was based off of Pretty Amy. Nevertheless, as I was reading The Next Forever, it was obvious that I did not read to read Pretty Amy to read this novella. So much is explained in The Next Forever, that background of the series is not need.
Ms. Burstein does an excellent job weaving in past moments betwen Amy and Joe, and showing the characters' thoughts about each other, how they were in the past, and are now, as a couple, in the present. The indecision of both characters is clear and understandable; it's two people in college, finding their way through their new relationship, from being friends to more than friends.
I absolutely loved how this novella was broken down into chapters of alternating points of view. Readers truly get to see the how Amy feels, and her feelings are paralleled with Joe's feelings in the next chapter. I really cannot say enough about how well the emotions and feelings are explored in this book - on both sides.
And the ending: this novella is short, and the ending is expected (in my opinion), but I really liked it, and thought that it was sweet.
What I Did Not Like:
While I loved seeing into Amy and Joe's past, some of the lengthy passages are a little stifling. I followed the story easily, but sometimes it was too easy to get confused with the past and present. This was not a huge factor in my overall judgment of the novella.
Would I Recommend It:
Yes, I would! Even if you have not read Pretty Amy, this novella is a quick read, and it deals with college-age issues.
Rating:
4 stars. Nice job, Ms. Burstein!
The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein
Book 1.5 of the Pretty Amy series
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: January 13, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC provided by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
One night in college can change everything…
Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…
Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush here the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.
Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.
What I Liked:
First, let me start by saying that this book is very short, as it is a novella. It involves Amy and Joe, characters from Lisa Burstein's debut, Pretty Amy. Here's the thing:
I have never read Pretty Amy.
When I accepted an eARC of this book from Entangled, I didn't exactly realize that this novella was based off of Pretty Amy. Nevertheless, as I was reading The Next Forever, it was obvious that I did not read to read Pretty Amy to read this novella. So much is explained in The Next Forever, that background of the series is not need.
Ms. Burstein does an excellent job weaving in past moments betwen Amy and Joe, and showing the characters' thoughts about each other, how they were in the past, and are now, as a couple, in the present. The indecision of both characters is clear and understandable; it's two people in college, finding their way through their new relationship, from being friends to more than friends.
I absolutely loved how this novella was broken down into chapters of alternating points of view. Readers truly get to see the how Amy feels, and her feelings are paralleled with Joe's feelings in the next chapter. I really cannot say enough about how well the emotions and feelings are explored in this book - on both sides.
And the ending: this novella is short, and the ending is expected (in my opinion), but I really liked it, and thought that it was sweet.
What I Did Not Like:
While I loved seeing into Amy and Joe's past, some of the lengthy passages are a little stifling. I followed the story easily, but sometimes it was too easy to get confused with the past and present. This was not a huge factor in my overall judgment of the novella.
Would I Recommend It:
Yes, I would! Even if you have not read Pretty Amy, this novella is a quick read, and it deals with college-age issues.
Rating:
4 stars. Nice job, Ms. Burstein!
January 22, 2013
I actually really enjoyed Pretty Amy, the story of a girl heavily lacking self-confidence who ends up making some really bad choices to fit in. I mean, who didn't do some stupid things in high school in order to feel like they belonged? This novella picks up with Amy and her boyfriend, Joe, now in college. Honestly, I'm torn on this novella, mostly because I think it's very much aimed at pleasing the stereotypical new adult audience. Like, yes, I loved Easy, but most of the NA books anger me just from reading the blurb.
On the one hand, I definitely think it's awesome getting to check in with those characters now that they're in college. They get together at the end of Pretty Amy, so now we can see what their relationship is actually like. They've grown pretty codependent in college, and they're both suffocating a little. Joe even asks her to get a place with him, which panics Amy and, honestly, himself.
I really like that, much as he was depicted as Mr. Perfect in Pretty Amy, the reader can see that things aren't perfect in their relationship, that, if they want to make it last, they'll have to work some things out. Amy and Joe still suffer from temptation, and staying together is a choice. Being in love doesn't make everything easy or guarantee that you'll only be attracted to one another for all of time.
On the other hand, the way this is shown irritated me a lot. Freaked out by Joe's question, Amy decides to attend a party with a hot bad boy to see whether she'll cheat or not, basically to test her devotion to Joe. Meanwhile, Joe told her he would be studying in the library, but instead went to rush a frat, keeping it a secret because of Amy's disgust for the Greek system. At the party, he is, of course, confronted with big-boobed bimbos willing to get it on with any dude in pre-law, because they're digging for future gold. Basically, everything they do in this book makes me despise characters that I liked and sympathized with previously.
The Next Forever is well-written; I just don't happen to like most of what it says. Those who like new adult more than I do will surely love this novella addition to Amy's story.
On the one hand, I definitely think it's awesome getting to check in with those characters now that they're in college. They get together at the end of Pretty Amy, so now we can see what their relationship is actually like. They've grown pretty codependent in college, and they're both suffocating a little. Joe even asks her to get a place with him, which panics Amy and, honestly, himself.
I really like that, much as he was depicted as Mr. Perfect in Pretty Amy, the reader can see that things aren't perfect in their relationship, that, if they want to make it last, they'll have to work some things out. Amy and Joe still suffer from temptation, and staying together is a choice. Being in love doesn't make everything easy or guarantee that you'll only be attracted to one another for all of time.
On the other hand, the way this is shown irritated me a lot. Freaked out by Joe's question, Amy decides to attend a party with a hot bad boy to see whether she'll cheat or not, basically to test her devotion to Joe. Meanwhile, Joe told her he would be studying in the library, but instead went to rush a frat, keeping it a secret because of Amy's disgust for the Greek system. At the party, he is, of course, confronted with big-boobed bimbos willing to get it on with any dude in pre-law, because they're digging for future gold. Basically, everything they do in this book makes me despise characters that I liked and sympathized with previously.
The Next Forever is well-written; I just don't happen to like most of what it says. Those who like new adult more than I do will surely love this novella addition to Amy's story.
January 24, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. The author does a great job tapping into heartfelt emotions. She has some pretty nice turns of phrase in her writing too! A quick read and a touching one about choices and pasts and presents.
January 15, 2013
I loved Pretty Amy & wished I got to see more of Amy with Joe, so this novella was perfect. The writing is beautiful & the emotions so raw & real. It was the perfect compliment to Pretty Amy.
January 15, 2013
Loved this novella and will be going back to read the beginning!
January 22, 2013
This review is also posted HERE.
If you've read Pretty Amy (and I do recommend that you read it before delving into The Next Forever), you might have a slight idea of what to expect from this novella. Don't let the gorgeous cover fool you - just like Pretty Amy, The Next Forever is intense, full of gritty, emotional scenes and stark self-realizations. Burstein's writing is as strong as ever as she explores the next chapter of Amy's life, and Joe's as well. Amy got her happy-ever-after with Joe, but exactly what happens after that?
The novella reintroduces us to Amy and Joe, still romantically involved, and currently attending the same college. From the get go, it's rather apparent that their lives now pretty much revolve around each other, which in turn is similar to how Amy's life used to revolve around her high school best friends. Likewise, we also learn that Amy is very strict on herself when it comes to vices, as she is desperate not to revert to the person she once was. This was an interesting change of pace for those who have read Pretty Amy - in the aforementioned book, Amy was rebellious in the sense that she drank and smoked regularly, and this Amy was incredibly different from that Amy. She's not as brash as she once was, and this Amy was very quiet, very timid, even. It also didn't escape my attention that she seems lonelier than ever.
Unlike Pretty Amy, The Next Forever is told in alternating POVs. From the previous novel, readers never really got the chance to know the character of Joe, but this novella remedies that. Joe's POV enriches the novel as we finally get the chance to see what's on his mind, and I love that we are able to view the exact, same scenes from both characters' perspectives. We realize that despite of the fact that Joe loves Amy very much, he needs something for himself - something he can call his own. He misses who he was in high school, and he wants that Joe back. The same goes for Amy - other than Joe, she has no friends, and she's starting to feel like she doesn't know who she is anymore. We then come to the heart of the novel - are Amy and Joe ready to commit themselves to each other without losing who they are in the process? The Next Forever explores the happenings of one night - a night wherein Amy and Joe go off by themselves and see the world of college in a different light.
This is only the second of Lisa Burstein's work that I've read, and I have no qualms in saying that I'm a fan of hers. Her writing completely draws you in and places you deep inside the recesses of the minds of her characters with no problem whatsoever. Moreover, both Amy and Joe achieve so much character growth throughout the novella, and being the emotionally-attached reader that I am, I just felt so proud of them. There aren't a lot of authors who explore just what happens to the characters after riding merrily into the sunset, and I'm ecstatic that Burstein gave her readers this chance to be able to know what happens to Amy and Joe after the events of Pretty Amy.
If you've read Pretty Amy (and I do recommend that you read it before delving into The Next Forever), you might have a slight idea of what to expect from this novella. Don't let the gorgeous cover fool you - just like Pretty Amy, The Next Forever is intense, full of gritty, emotional scenes and stark self-realizations. Burstein's writing is as strong as ever as she explores the next chapter of Amy's life, and Joe's as well. Amy got her happy-ever-after with Joe, but exactly what happens after that?
The novella reintroduces us to Amy and Joe, still romantically involved, and currently attending the same college. From the get go, it's rather apparent that their lives now pretty much revolve around each other, which in turn is similar to how Amy's life used to revolve around her high school best friends. Likewise, we also learn that Amy is very strict on herself when it comes to vices, as she is desperate not to revert to the person she once was. This was an interesting change of pace for those who have read Pretty Amy - in the aforementioned book, Amy was rebellious in the sense that she drank and smoked regularly, and this Amy was incredibly different from that Amy. She's not as brash as she once was, and this Amy was very quiet, very timid, even. It also didn't escape my attention that she seems lonelier than ever.
Unlike Pretty Amy, The Next Forever is told in alternating POVs. From the previous novel, readers never really got the chance to know the character of Joe, but this novella remedies that. Joe's POV enriches the novel as we finally get the chance to see what's on his mind, and I love that we are able to view the exact, same scenes from both characters' perspectives. We realize that despite of the fact that Joe loves Amy very much, he needs something for himself - something he can call his own. He misses who he was in high school, and he wants that Joe back. The same goes for Amy - other than Joe, she has no friends, and she's starting to feel like she doesn't know who she is anymore. We then come to the heart of the novel - are Amy and Joe ready to commit themselves to each other without losing who they are in the process? The Next Forever explores the happenings of one night - a night wherein Amy and Joe go off by themselves and see the world of college in a different light.
This is only the second of Lisa Burstein's work that I've read, and I have no qualms in saying that I'm a fan of hers. Her writing completely draws you in and places you deep inside the recesses of the minds of her characters with no problem whatsoever. Moreover, both Amy and Joe achieve so much character growth throughout the novella, and being the emotionally-attached reader that I am, I just felt so proud of them. There aren't a lot of authors who explore just what happens to the characters after riding merrily into the sunset, and I'm ecstatic that Burstein gave her readers this chance to be able to know what happens to Amy and Joe after the events of Pretty Amy.
January 29, 2013
What would happen if both parties in a relationship started to feel just a bit trapped and on the same night went out to test the boundaries, to go back and see if they were the same people they were before the relationship? Well that is what Lisa Burstein explores in The Next Forever and it makes it an interesting and fresh premise for a novella. I think that's what I love about the New Adult genre is that it tackles a lot of things that are there but romance doesn't tackle. It has the raw realism, but there are good endings most of the time too (and no I'm not giving away the ending I'm not saying if it's happy or not, you'll have to read). The endings may not always go the way we think but they resolve and it's okay.
This is a novella so there is not a lot of time to get to know Amy or Joe, but I felt I did get to know them. We spend a lot of time in their heads and I like that. They are thrust into situations where they are trying to figure themselves and their relationship out so you can't help but get to know them no matter how short the format is. Amy is actually featured in one of Ms. Burstein's earlier YA books, Pretty Amy, but I had not read it before reading this one, so I don't feel it's necessary. The Next Forever touches on the arrest that takes place and some events from Pretty Amy but I don't think it spoils Pretty Amy nor do I think Pretty Amy is necessary for The Next Forever. The Next Forever is the next chapter in their lives and can be read as a stand-alone.
The story moves along quickly with mainly the character development and the two parties as the backdrop as the plot. I found the story to catch my attention easily. I didn't really like Amy that much but I couldn't relate personally to her. I could relate more to Joe. But I think most women/girls reading it will fall on one or the other side. That doesn't really matter, just because I couldn't relate to her didn't mean I didn't like the story, because I did. I was fascinated. I kept flipping my Kindle pages because I had to know what would happen next. What they would do and how things would turn out. I was invested in the characters. Ms. Burstein made me care and that was what was most important.
The Next Forever is an interesting novella. I think it is very worthwhile, tells a great story and has not-your-everyday characters in it. If you are enjoying the latest New Adult craze then this is just the novella to fill in a few hours of reading. I'm ready to go back and read Pretty Amy to learn more about Amy and her friends in preparation for Dear Cassie in a few months. Ms. Burstein is a very interesting writer and I'm glad I received this introduction to her.
My rating: 4.5/5.0
This is a novella so there is not a lot of time to get to know Amy or Joe, but I felt I did get to know them. We spend a lot of time in their heads and I like that. They are thrust into situations where they are trying to figure themselves and their relationship out so you can't help but get to know them no matter how short the format is. Amy is actually featured in one of Ms. Burstein's earlier YA books, Pretty Amy, but I had not read it before reading this one, so I don't feel it's necessary. The Next Forever touches on the arrest that takes place and some events from Pretty Amy but I don't think it spoils Pretty Amy nor do I think Pretty Amy is necessary for The Next Forever. The Next Forever is the next chapter in their lives and can be read as a stand-alone.
The story moves along quickly with mainly the character development and the two parties as the backdrop as the plot. I found the story to catch my attention easily. I didn't really like Amy that much but I couldn't relate personally to her. I could relate more to Joe. But I think most women/girls reading it will fall on one or the other side. That doesn't really matter, just because I couldn't relate to her didn't mean I didn't like the story, because I did. I was fascinated. I kept flipping my Kindle pages because I had to know what would happen next. What they would do and how things would turn out. I was invested in the characters. Ms. Burstein made me care and that was what was most important.
The Next Forever is an interesting novella. I think it is very worthwhile, tells a great story and has not-your-everyday characters in it. If you are enjoying the latest New Adult craze then this is just the novella to fill in a few hours of reading. I'm ready to go back and read Pretty Amy to learn more about Amy and her friends in preparation for Dear Cassie in a few months. Ms. Burstein is a very interesting writer and I'm glad I received this introduction to her.
My rating: 4.5/5.0
January 25, 2013
Read More Of My Reviews On My Blog
I was given a copy of this novella by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Actual Rating For this Book: 4.5 Stars
I have not read the first book in this series and I'm not going to lie... I so need to read what happens before this! I didn't actually realize that there was a book before this and honestly, I loved the cover and at first that was the main reason this book caught my interest.
I finished this book in an hour and a half. It's very short - but the connection between the reader and the characters is undeniable. I was so engrossed in this book that it may have taken me longer to read it, had it been like the usual ARC's I review, but I absolutely could not put this book down even for a moment.
I'm very excited to get the previous book and I'm not entirely sure if I should have read it first or not... but by the time I realized there was a first book in this series, it was a little to late so I just moved on ahead and kept reading.
There's something to be said about the fact that I had no serious introduction to Amy or Joe, because I never read the book before this novella... but the fact that I didn't, yet found a deep connection to this book and both Joe and Amy... it's absolutely amazing and speak volumes of the impact the author, Lisa Burstein, is able to create in such a short amount of pages.
This is probably a series I wouldn't have come across in the near future, if it wasn't for the fact that I received it via NetGalley, but I'm so happy that I have.
The only reason it's not a 5 star read, is because it's very short and I'm not one to give short stories a full star rating. Just out of principal I guess... but to me it's easier to write something short and perfect than it is to create an entire novel that is just as captivating. Another reason would be, because it's essentially a 'mini' part to this series and therefore from something already established. But in truth it could very well be a 5 star read, I'm just not going to rate it that due to my set rating standards :)
A wonderful and emotional novella, taking you on a journey of the true trials and tribulations of growing up and discovering who you really are and what you are suppose to become :)
I was given a copy of this novella by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Actual Rating For this Book: 4.5 Stars
I have not read the first book in this series and I'm not going to lie... I so need to read what happens before this! I didn't actually realize that there was a book before this and honestly, I loved the cover and at first that was the main reason this book caught my interest.
I finished this book in an hour and a half. It's very short - but the connection between the reader and the characters is undeniable. I was so engrossed in this book that it may have taken me longer to read it, had it been like the usual ARC's I review, but I absolutely could not put this book down even for a moment.
I'm very excited to get the previous book and I'm not entirely sure if I should have read it first or not... but by the time I realized there was a first book in this series, it was a little to late so I just moved on ahead and kept reading.
There's something to be said about the fact that I had no serious introduction to Amy or Joe, because I never read the book before this novella... but the fact that I didn't, yet found a deep connection to this book and both Joe and Amy... it's absolutely amazing and speak volumes of the impact the author, Lisa Burstein, is able to create in such a short amount of pages.
This is probably a series I wouldn't have come across in the near future, if it wasn't for the fact that I received it via NetGalley, but I'm so happy that I have.
The only reason it's not a 5 star read, is because it's very short and I'm not one to give short stories a full star rating. Just out of principal I guess... but to me it's easier to write something short and perfect than it is to create an entire novel that is just as captivating. Another reason would be, because it's essentially a 'mini' part to this series and therefore from something already established. But in truth it could very well be a 5 star read, I'm just not going to rate it that due to my set rating standards :)
A wonderful and emotional novella, taking you on a journey of the true trials and tribulations of growing up and discovering who you really are and what you are suppose to become :)
February 10, 2013
I would like to thank Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. This has in no way influenced my review or opinions of this book.
Blurb from Goodreads:
One night in college can change everything…
Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…
Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush here the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.
Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.
I have to say that I am not one to read books out of order. But I was told that each book in this series can be a stand alone, so I jumped at the opportunity to see what this story was all about. I was not disappointed and I was glad to see that reading it without any other background was just fine.
I love that this book is told in dual POV. It was nice to get both views of the emotions and why the characters were going through what they were going through. It really helped to solidify what their relationship was about. The background given helped me to understand why the characters felt the need to spend time apart. It's nice to see the characters reflect on their past and wonder about their future as a couple. The dual POV also gives us an idea of where they both think their relationship is headed. I also like that we get some background on the characters, which helped with the fact that I didn't know them from the previous book. It didn't seem like it would be too much for people who had read the other book, either. The characters were well developed and relatable, which is always important to any story.
Burnstein's writing is easy and flows well. There's nothing choppy about it and the story moved along nicely without dragging. She adequately draws you in to the intensity of their relationship and you feel the tug of their emotions.
All in all I enjoyed this novella and rated it 4 stars.
Blurb from Goodreads:
One night in college can change everything…
Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…
Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush here the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.
Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.
I have to say that I am not one to read books out of order. But I was told that each book in this series can be a stand alone, so I jumped at the opportunity to see what this story was all about. I was not disappointed and I was glad to see that reading it without any other background was just fine.
I love that this book is told in dual POV. It was nice to get both views of the emotions and why the characters were going through what they were going through. It really helped to solidify what their relationship was about. The background given helped me to understand why the characters felt the need to spend time apart. It's nice to see the characters reflect on their past and wonder about their future as a couple. The dual POV also gives us an idea of where they both think their relationship is headed. I also like that we get some background on the characters, which helped with the fact that I didn't know them from the previous book. It didn't seem like it would be too much for people who had read the other book, either. The characters were well developed and relatable, which is always important to any story.
Burnstein's writing is easy and flows well. There's nothing choppy about it and the story moved along nicely without dragging. She adequately draws you in to the intensity of their relationship and you feel the tug of their emotions.
All in all I enjoyed this novella and rated it 4 stars.
February 26, 2013
Review:
The Next Forever is a Novella that takes place in the months following the events in the book Pretty Amy . Coming it at only 96 pages, I flew through this Novella fairly quickly and was surprised when it ended because it didn't feel finished or maybe I just didn't want it to be.
I love Lisa Burstein's writing the way it flows so smoothly and effortlessly across the pages. The writing is one of the main reasons that keep me coming back to her books. I also love the way the author captures the characters inner monologue. I feel like I'm really hearing the characters innermost thoughts versus just being told what I think they would be saying in that situation.
On the downside I still really don't like the character Amy. She is just so unlikeable at least for me. I think its because she always plays the victim card. I would of liked her to feel guilt at selling out her friends to save her ass but most of the time she just feels sorry for herself most of all. I'm really starting to wonder if maybe she's Bi-Polar or something, would at least explain some of her behavior. I also found myself especially annoyed that she was drinking. She just weaseled out of conviction a few months ago yet here she is doing something illegal again! Ugh, I really just don't like her and sadly unless she has some big character breakthrough in the future, I doubt I ever will.
I did however love Joe. He was sweet, charming and just an all around good guy with good intentions. He's the type of guy girls should want to be with to make their forever. I'm glad how things ended up with his character and look forward to hopefully seeing him in future books.
Overall, Would I recommend this novella? Yes, I would. The story itself is very good and speaks right to the heart of a girl transitioning from Teenager to Adult stuck between her former and new life. Which way should she go? Does she want to be that girl anymore? All these questions are asked and answered in The Next Forever and when it comes down to it that is enough to make me happy. In the end I will be rating The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein ★★★.
*I received this Novella from the Author as part of the blog tour.
The Next Forever is a Novella that takes place in the months following the events in the book Pretty Amy . Coming it at only 96 pages, I flew through this Novella fairly quickly and was surprised when it ended because it didn't feel finished or maybe I just didn't want it to be.
I love Lisa Burstein's writing the way it flows so smoothly and effortlessly across the pages. The writing is one of the main reasons that keep me coming back to her books. I also love the way the author captures the characters inner monologue. I feel like I'm really hearing the characters innermost thoughts versus just being told what I think they would be saying in that situation.
On the downside I still really don't like the character Amy. She is just so unlikeable at least for me. I think its because she always plays the victim card. I would of liked her to feel guilt at selling out her friends to save her ass but most of the time she just feels sorry for herself most of all. I'm really starting to wonder if maybe she's Bi-Polar or something, would at least explain some of her behavior. I also found myself especially annoyed that she was drinking. She just weaseled out of conviction a few months ago yet here she is doing something illegal again! Ugh, I really just don't like her and sadly unless she has some big character breakthrough in the future, I doubt I ever will.
I did however love Joe. He was sweet, charming and just an all around good guy with good intentions. He's the type of guy girls should want to be with to make their forever. I'm glad how things ended up with his character and look forward to hopefully seeing him in future books.
Overall, Would I recommend this novella? Yes, I would. The story itself is very good and speaks right to the heart of a girl transitioning from Teenager to Adult stuck between her former and new life. Which way should she go? Does she want to be that girl anymore? All these questions are asked and answered in The Next Forever and when it comes down to it that is enough to make me happy. In the end I will be rating The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein ★★★.
*I received this Novella from the Author as part of the blog tour.
January 20, 2013
This is a tale of how, rather speaking on ,whats on are mind really n whats troubling us; we tend to gravitate towards what we perceive in our mind , as it should be and this image of " supposed to be " is what screws us up the most in life .
I haven't read it's prequel but I strongly recommend you do . I was loaned this novel at Netgalley for honest reviewing . The story is told over the span of “just one night” , from the alternating point of views of both Amy and Joe,the high school sweethearts who despite battling their own hardships , make it to college together . Now in college ,they are both shadows of each other and somehow piece by piece are losing their self-identity to be perfect for other .The novel opens, giving readers an idea that protagonists (Joe and Amy ) are trying to save their space while loving each other but enacting upon what they think is perfect for "them as in being together and not good for them individually ", the novel proceeds providing a slow build up of events in a “domino effect” of trouble. It's a book of doubts, questions, and loyalty to both yourself and the person who is the one for you, which sends each of the characters on their own journey to truly find themselves in one night.
It's the perfect, short, and heartfelt relaxing read!
PS: My favorite part is how Joe wants to experience college like most guy's do however Joe doesn't know if he can do what he wants to do in college and be a good supporting boyfriend for Amy. Reading from a boyfriend's POV was enthralling new experience .
I haven't read it's prequel but I strongly recommend you do . I was loaned this novel at Netgalley for honest reviewing . The story is told over the span of “just one night” , from the alternating point of views of both Amy and Joe,the high school sweethearts who despite battling their own hardships , make it to college together . Now in college ,they are both shadows of each other and somehow piece by piece are losing their self-identity to be perfect for other .The novel opens, giving readers an idea that protagonists (Joe and Amy ) are trying to save their space while loving each other but enacting upon what they think is perfect for "them as in being together and not good for them individually ", the novel proceeds providing a slow build up of events in a “domino effect” of trouble. It's a book of doubts, questions, and loyalty to both yourself and the person who is the one for you, which sends each of the characters on their own journey to truly find themselves in one night.
It's the perfect, short, and heartfelt relaxing read!
PS: My favorite part is how Joe wants to experience college like most guy's do however Joe doesn't know if he can do what he wants to do in college and be a good supporting boyfriend for Amy. Reading from a boyfriend's POV was enthralling new experience .
February 26, 2013
Ahhhh, GOBSMACKED!
THE NEXT FOREVER by Lisa Burstein is such a short read (a small novella), yet it was epic! Obviously, cheating isn't right, but I don't know how she made me enjoy reading the story of a boyfriend (Joe) and girlfriend (Amy) at separate parties, wondering if they'd end up hooking up with someone else.
I absolutely recommend this novella. I haven't read book #1 in the series, so if you haven't, don't worry.
As much as I enjoy naughty, sexy reads, I always, absolutely need a message to take from a book. I assure you, that THE NEXT FOREVER, is a great read, and leaves you with more than lust and want from the sexual-tension taut scenes. It satisfied me wholly as a reader, which is why I give it 5 stars.
THE NEXT FOREVER by Lisa Burstein is such a short read (a small novella), yet it was epic! Obviously, cheating isn't right, but I don't know how she made me enjoy reading the story of a boyfriend (Joe) and girlfriend (Amy) at separate parties, wondering if they'd end up hooking up with someone else.
I absolutely recommend this novella. I haven't read book #1 in the series, so if you haven't, don't worry.
As much as I enjoy naughty, sexy reads, I always, absolutely need a message to take from a book. I assure you, that THE NEXT FOREVER, is a great read, and leaves you with more than lust and want from the sexual-tension taut scenes. It satisfied me wholly as a reader, which is why I give it 5 stars.
January 29, 2013
Review:
I LOVED Pretty Amy, it totally said what was true, and I think I could save a lot of girls from doing things they shouldn't. It was a great life lesson.
THE NEXT FOREVER wasn't a life lesson, it was a NA Comtemp. Romance, and it was still good! I loved reading Amy and Joe's story.
The only thing that didn't enjoy very much, was how they kept arguing with themselves throughout the whole book, they weren't sure what they wanted, and they were having a hard time figuring out what they wanted, so through the whole book, it was them arguing with themselves.
Now, I'm not an adult yet, I'm still a teen, a young teen at that, and maybe I just didn't understand that. (most likely)
But the ending did it in for me, it was such a happy ending, and I hope we get to read more about Joe and Amy in the future!! And the cover...woooeee...;)
I LOVED Pretty Amy, it totally said what was true, and I think I could save a lot of girls from doing things they shouldn't. It was a great life lesson.
THE NEXT FOREVER wasn't a life lesson, it was a NA Comtemp. Romance, and it was still good! I loved reading Amy and Joe's story.
The only thing that didn't enjoy very much, was how they kept arguing with themselves throughout the whole book, they weren't sure what they wanted, and they were having a hard time figuring out what they wanted, so through the whole book, it was them arguing with themselves.
Now, I'm not an adult yet, I'm still a teen, a young teen at that, and maybe I just didn't understand that. (most likely)
But the ending did it in for me, it was such a happy ending, and I hope we get to read more about Joe and Amy in the future!! And the cover...woooeee...;)
January 19, 2013
I couldn't put it down. I am such a fan of Amy's :)
August 11, 2014
I wish I could crawl into a glass bottle with like a boat, so we could spend forever corked off from everyone. Ch.1 6%
"I thought your friends were coming with us," I said, feeling my pulse star to beat in my neck. Not that he'd said anything like that, but I had assumed. I had used it to quiet my bullshit meter. A group of kids going to a party together was one thing. Just the two of us was a date.
I had a boyfriend. I couldn't go on a date. It was bad enough I'd accepted Trevor's invitation at all.
"You want someone else to come with us?" He asked, cocking his head like he was surprised.
I did—preferably twenty nuns who could stand between us the whole night and slap me with rulers if I got too close. But I was already down here, already dressed. I'd already said yes. Ch.3 31%
Trevor didn't respond, just watched me like his eyes had X-Ray vision. Like seeing me naked wasn't good enough; he wanted to see my bones, too, the particles that made up my bones. Ch.4 38%
I looked at my phone again.
"Waiting for your boyfriend to call?" Trevor asked, his lips so clod to my cheek he could have kissed it without even moving.
"No," I said.
"Hoping he won't call?" He asked, his lips even closer.
"What?" I asked.
"Maybe that's just me," Trevor purred. "You, me, and my hat have an appointment later."
"You can shove your hat," I said, finally able to attempt to defend myself against his advances.
"Just tell me where, bad girl."
I felt like such a dork, but I really liked it when he called me bad girl—liked it in the lower part if my stomach, which let me know I was a dork. Which let's know I was in trouble. Ch.4 43%
I probably should have known that continuing to count on someone else to validate my happiness would backfire on me. But at the time, I was too blissed out to care. ~Amy, Ch.5 53%
Finally, mine.
Or at least she had been.
Not in a weird, possessive way, but in a how could I not have known that this was what I always needed way. ~Joe, Ch.5 56%
The one I'd known since I was six. The one I'd loved since she was ten. The one I hoped I would love until she was one hundred and ten. ~Joe, Ch.5 57%
"Your heart's been broken, huh? Big surprise."
"Not broken, just woken up."
~Trevor & Amy, Ch.6 64%
"I used to be a different girl. I guess I wanted to see if I still was."
"You are who you are," he said, stomping out his cigarette with his boot.
"You don't believe people can change?" I asked.
"Why would they? That's a lot of work."
"Not if the person you used to be felt like more work," I said? The words seeming heave coming out. ~Amy & Trevor, Ch.7 70%
I know that if life were as simple as locking her door and ordering takeout, we could stay like that for the rest of our lives. I knew that life wasn't that simple, but for the next forever maybe it could be. ~Joe, Ch.8 83%
"I thought your friends were coming with us," I said, feeling my pulse star to beat in my neck. Not that he'd said anything like that, but I had assumed. I had used it to quiet my bullshit meter. A group of kids going to a party together was one thing. Just the two of us was a date.
I had a boyfriend. I couldn't go on a date. It was bad enough I'd accepted Trevor's invitation at all.
"You want someone else to come with us?" He asked, cocking his head like he was surprised.
I did—preferably twenty nuns who could stand between us the whole night and slap me with rulers if I got too close. But I was already down here, already dressed. I'd already said yes. Ch.3 31%
Trevor didn't respond, just watched me like his eyes had X-Ray vision. Like seeing me naked wasn't good enough; he wanted to see my bones, too, the particles that made up my bones. Ch.4 38%
I looked at my phone again.
"Waiting for your boyfriend to call?" Trevor asked, his lips so clod to my cheek he could have kissed it without even moving.
"No," I said.
"Hoping he won't call?" He asked, his lips even closer.
"What?" I asked.
"Maybe that's just me," Trevor purred. "You, me, and my hat have an appointment later."
"You can shove your hat," I said, finally able to attempt to defend myself against his advances.
"Just tell me where, bad girl."
I felt like such a dork, but I really liked it when he called me bad girl—liked it in the lower part if my stomach, which let me know I was a dork. Which let's know I was in trouble. Ch.4 43%
I probably should have known that continuing to count on someone else to validate my happiness would backfire on me. But at the time, I was too blissed out to care. ~Amy, Ch.5 53%
Finally, mine.
Or at least she had been.
Not in a weird, possessive way, but in a how could I not have known that this was what I always needed way. ~Joe, Ch.5 56%
The one I'd known since I was six. The one I'd loved since she was ten. The one I hoped I would love until she was one hundred and ten. ~Joe, Ch.5 57%
"Your heart's been broken, huh? Big surprise."
"Not broken, just woken up."
~Trevor & Amy, Ch.6 64%
"I used to be a different girl. I guess I wanted to see if I still was."
"You are who you are," he said, stomping out his cigarette with his boot.
"You don't believe people can change?" I asked.
"Why would they? That's a lot of work."
"Not if the person you used to be felt like more work," I said? The words seeming heave coming out. ~Amy & Trevor, Ch.7 70%
I know that if life were as simple as locking her door and ordering takeout, we could stay like that for the rest of our lives. I knew that life wasn't that simple, but for the next forever maybe it could be. ~Joe, Ch.8 83%
January 1, 2015
First, I want to thank Entangled Publishing for providing me with a review copy of The Next Forever.
I want to start out this review by stating that I have not yet read Pretty Amy. On Lisa's own website she states that all of the Pretty Amy books can be read in any order, that they are companion novels, not a series. So when I got the chance to review a copy of The Next Forever, I jumped at it. I've heard so much about her book that I didn't want to miss my chance on this one and I'm so glad I didn't! Because I can tell you know for sure that I will be getting Pretty Amy (and Dear Cassie in March!) as soon as I can!
In The Next Forever we meet (or meet back up with) Amy and Joe. They have gone off to the same college and have spent most of their free time together. Now they need to figure out what happens next. When Joe asks Amy to move in with him for the following year, they are both faced with difficult questions about their future together. What follows is a double POV narrative of one night spent apart, both thinking about their past, their future, and what they want from here on out.
Since The Next Forever is told in double POV, we get to hear from both Amy and Joe. I can honestly say that there is definitely enough information from both of them to get a good feel of their characters even without having read Pretty Amy first. There are quick background details that reveal how they know each other, how long they have been together, and the basics of their relationship. It was enough for me to know why they were spending the night apart and what they were both feeling at this point in their relationship. I hope that it also wouldn't feel too repetitive for someone who's read Pretty Amy, but I just don't know.
I really enjoyed this novella. It's a very quick read but has well-developed characters and an interesting storyline. Both Amy and Joe are wondering what they want next and if they really want what they've already got. We've all wondered, at some point or another, if what we're doing is what we really want or if we've ended up there by someone else's wishes or wants for us. It was interesting being inside someone's head while they were dealing with these thoughts. A few of the passages did start to feel a little long and their thoughts were repetitive at times, but overall the story moved quickly and the conclusions that they come to separately were moving. The history that was revealed throughout the story between Amy and Joe has made me want to go pick up Pretty Amy so I can learn more about them. But I definitely did not feel like I was missing anything from this novella by not having read it first. I gave The Next Forever four stars and classifying it as a quick, interesting novella but not a must-read.
I want to start out this review by stating that I have not yet read Pretty Amy. On Lisa's own website she states that all of the Pretty Amy books can be read in any order, that they are companion novels, not a series. So when I got the chance to review a copy of The Next Forever, I jumped at it. I've heard so much about her book that I didn't want to miss my chance on this one and I'm so glad I didn't! Because I can tell you know for sure that I will be getting Pretty Amy (and Dear Cassie in March!) as soon as I can!
In The Next Forever we meet (or meet back up with) Amy and Joe. They have gone off to the same college and have spent most of their free time together. Now they need to figure out what happens next. When Joe asks Amy to move in with him for the following year, they are both faced with difficult questions about their future together. What follows is a double POV narrative of one night spent apart, both thinking about their past, their future, and what they want from here on out.
Since The Next Forever is told in double POV, we get to hear from both Amy and Joe. I can honestly say that there is definitely enough information from both of them to get a good feel of their characters even without having read Pretty Amy first. There are quick background details that reveal how they know each other, how long they have been together, and the basics of their relationship. It was enough for me to know why they were spending the night apart and what they were both feeling at this point in their relationship. I hope that it also wouldn't feel too repetitive for someone who's read Pretty Amy, but I just don't know.
I really enjoyed this novella. It's a very quick read but has well-developed characters and an interesting storyline. Both Amy and Joe are wondering what they want next and if they really want what they've already got. We've all wondered, at some point or another, if what we're doing is what we really want or if we've ended up there by someone else's wishes or wants for us. It was interesting being inside someone's head while they were dealing with these thoughts. A few of the passages did start to feel a little long and their thoughts were repetitive at times, but overall the story moved quickly and the conclusions that they come to separately were moving. The history that was revealed throughout the story between Amy and Joe has made me want to go pick up Pretty Amy so I can learn more about them. But I definitely did not feel like I was missing anything from this novella by not having read it first. I gave The Next Forever four stars and classifying it as a quick, interesting novella but not a must-read.
May 11, 2013
Amy and Joe have started college after spending a wonderful summer reacquainting themselves and spending every moment together - just the two of them. Suddenly thrown in a different setting where there are new experiences to discover, new people to get to know and new temptations, Amy and Joe try hard to remember why they are together in the first place. Joe tries to hard to hang on to Amy, while Amy struggles once again with who she wants to be.
It was great to visit with Amy and Joe and see them together after all they went through to resume their friendship and take the next step into couple-hood. This time around we get to read a bit of Joe's side of the story and truly get an idea of what his feelings are toward Amy. Through his point of view I got to know him better and understand why he had his doubts and hesitations. I admired his loyalty to Amy, his caring side and his need to take care of her.
This time around Amy got on my nerves just a bit. I understand that what she went through previously had affected her in a tremendous way, but to her have question herself again and put at risk everything she worked so hard to achieve with Joe just didn't sit well with me. Then again, she is a young woman in college trying to decide which path to take and her only other experience had been who she had been in previous years, so in the end I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and keep on reading.
I'm glad I did since I enjoyed reading how both Amy and Joe came to realize what truly mattered in their life. I liked how the author, Lisa Burstein, brought each characters' point of view to the page revealing their needs and insecurities and I especially liked how they went about in resolving their issues. I believe that the author portrayed their relationship and the struggles of having a relationship at this time in their lives in a realistic and believable way. She didn't hold back and make it an easy choice - Amy and Joe lied, pondered and weighted their needs and wants against what was best for them and their relationship. I appreciated that fact because it gave me hope that this couple had a chance of making it.
The Next Forever is a novella in the Pretty Amy series and in my opinion, it should not be read as a stand alone story. I believe that Pretty Amy, the first book in the series, should be read first so that the reader gets the full scope of what Amy has gone through and why she struggles with this particular issue and get the full story of how Amy and Joe came to be a couple.
I received this title from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
It was great to visit with Amy and Joe and see them together after all they went through to resume their friendship and take the next step into couple-hood. This time around we get to read a bit of Joe's side of the story and truly get an idea of what his feelings are toward Amy. Through his point of view I got to know him better and understand why he had his doubts and hesitations. I admired his loyalty to Amy, his caring side and his need to take care of her.
This time around Amy got on my nerves just a bit. I understand that what she went through previously had affected her in a tremendous way, but to her have question herself again and put at risk everything she worked so hard to achieve with Joe just didn't sit well with me. Then again, she is a young woman in college trying to decide which path to take and her only other experience had been who she had been in previous years, so in the end I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and keep on reading.
I'm glad I did since I enjoyed reading how both Amy and Joe came to realize what truly mattered in their life. I liked how the author, Lisa Burstein, brought each characters' point of view to the page revealing their needs and insecurities and I especially liked how they went about in resolving their issues. I believe that the author portrayed their relationship and the struggles of having a relationship at this time in their lives in a realistic and believable way. She didn't hold back and make it an easy choice - Amy and Joe lied, pondered and weighted their needs and wants against what was best for them and their relationship. I appreciated that fact because it gave me hope that this couple had a chance of making it.
The Next Forever is a novella in the Pretty Amy series and in my opinion, it should not be read as a stand alone story. I believe that Pretty Amy, the first book in the series, should be read first so that the reader gets the full scope of what Amy has gone through and why she struggles with this particular issue and get the full story of how Amy and Joe came to be a couple.
I received this title from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
December 15, 2014
As much I love catching up with beloved characters, I did not enjoy The Next Forever which shows Amy and Joe at college. I'm actually a bit confused as to the message this novella is sending. It all starts with Joe asking Amy to move in with him, she's hesitant to answer because she doesn't want to, but she doesn't want to lose him. He wants her to say yes because he doesn't want to lose her, but he also hopes she'll say no. He ends up telling Amy he's going to the library to study, but really he goes to a party of a frat he wants to join. Amy winds up going to a different party with a sexy guy from her dorm. All the while both of them are torturing themselves thinking about why they're lying to the other and what that means for their relationship.
The Next Forever was a little awkward to read, because we have no idea what kind of relationship Amy and Joe have at first. They got together at the end of Pretty Amy, but we never saw them interact as a couple. Now, we're being thrust into the middle of a major romantic crisis. However, from the look of things, their relationship doesn't look happy or healthy. While it was interesting to look at a possibly failing relationship, it felt out of context. The glimpses of insight we do get show that they were probably inseparable for months. Joe is desperate to protect Amy from herself, and Amy doesn't have any other friends. They only have each other, which cannot be good.
The fact that they lie to each other is also problematic. Amy is anti-fraternity, so Joe doesn't want her to know he's pledging. He has legit reasons for wanting to, none of them having to do with the party he wound up at....with a naked girl. Amy doesn't exactly lie about her whereabouts, she just on a whim goes out. But she still feels guilty because she's attracted to the guy who invited her out, and actually considers cheating. By the end of the night, Amy and Joe are back into each others arms, although they're not moving in together. They never look at the bigger picture of them clinging to one another. This is not a healthy relationship!
The Next Forever had an interesting idea, but I really don't like how it ultimately played it. It seems to encourage hiding your feelings from your partner just to keep them near. Joe and Amy need to go out and meet other people and stop using each other as crutches. Amy is never going to be able to do that if Joe keeps up the white knight act, and Joe is never going to stop as long as Amy looks like a damsel in distress. It's just a mess.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
The Next Forever was a little awkward to read, because we have no idea what kind of relationship Amy and Joe have at first. They got together at the end of Pretty Amy, but we never saw them interact as a couple. Now, we're being thrust into the middle of a major romantic crisis. However, from the look of things, their relationship doesn't look happy or healthy. While it was interesting to look at a possibly failing relationship, it felt out of context. The glimpses of insight we do get show that they were probably inseparable for months. Joe is desperate to protect Amy from herself, and Amy doesn't have any other friends. They only have each other, which cannot be good.
The fact that they lie to each other is also problematic. Amy is anti-fraternity, so Joe doesn't want her to know he's pledging. He has legit reasons for wanting to, none of them having to do with the party he wound up at....with a naked girl. Amy doesn't exactly lie about her whereabouts, she just on a whim goes out. But she still feels guilty because she's attracted to the guy who invited her out, and actually considers cheating. By the end of the night, Amy and Joe are back into each others arms, although they're not moving in together. They never look at the bigger picture of them clinging to one another. This is not a healthy relationship!
The Next Forever had an interesting idea, but I really don't like how it ultimately played it. It seems to encourage hiding your feelings from your partner just to keep them near. Joe and Amy need to go out and meet other people and stop using each other as crutches. Amy is never going to be able to do that if Joe keeps up the white knight act, and Joe is never going to stop as long as Amy looks like a damsel in distress. It's just a mess.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
February 13, 2013
I definitely didn’t know that this was a companion novella to Pretty Amy, but I’ll admit that you don’t really need to read Pretty Amy to understand what’s going on here. The Next Forever solely focuses on Amy and Joe’s relationship as the transition through the first semester of college. It’s here that they decide what roles they want to fulfill and whether or not they should stay together. Their relationship is pretty much put to the test as they do things outside their comfort zone on this one night and this is one of those self-discovery stories I’m finding Lisa loves to write, and of which, she writes well.
As told in dual POVs, you get to see what Joe and Amy really think of each other, their insecurities and worries, and also, a real sense of their love for each other. These are basically two characters who grew up together and haven’t really known another love besides each other. I think college is the perfect place to kind of test your relationship and it’s understandable that they would want to because people are barely starting to figure out who they are at this stage. I love that about Lisa’s writing. She’s takes what is real in life and writes that in such a raw and gritty way, anyone can easily relate to any of characters.
Here, Amy is tempted by a resident “cool guy”, Trevor, while Joe is off deciding if he wants to rush a certain fraternity, where he meets a welcoming girl, Emily. They both end up at different parties, and their paths do cross, eventually, in a pretty crazy way. The emotions are certainly flying, Amy and Joe are definitely tempted by others, and it’s whether they decide to give into the temptations or return to each other that provides the real drama of the story. The secondary characters don’t come into play as much in this story, and you’re in Amy and Joe’s head a lot, which is great especially if you haven’t read Pretty Amy, because you get to know these characters.
I was on the fence with these two, relationship-wise. On the one hand, their love is pure and so sweet, I was really rooting for them to stay together. Yet, on the other hand, they’re still so young and inexperienced, at that stage, it’s hard for a lot of people to tell what love really is. I believe that’s the message Lisa was trying to convey, and she does it flawlessly in this short and easy read. I really enjoyed it overall, and if you like real stories and Lisa’s raw writing skills, you’ll definitely want to give this a read.
As told in dual POVs, you get to see what Joe and Amy really think of each other, their insecurities and worries, and also, a real sense of their love for each other. These are basically two characters who grew up together and haven’t really known another love besides each other. I think college is the perfect place to kind of test your relationship and it’s understandable that they would want to because people are barely starting to figure out who they are at this stage. I love that about Lisa’s writing. She’s takes what is real in life and writes that in such a raw and gritty way, anyone can easily relate to any of characters.
Here, Amy is tempted by a resident “cool guy”, Trevor, while Joe is off deciding if he wants to rush a certain fraternity, where he meets a welcoming girl, Emily. They both end up at different parties, and their paths do cross, eventually, in a pretty crazy way. The emotions are certainly flying, Amy and Joe are definitely tempted by others, and it’s whether they decide to give into the temptations or return to each other that provides the real drama of the story. The secondary characters don’t come into play as much in this story, and you’re in Amy and Joe’s head a lot, which is great especially if you haven’t read Pretty Amy, because you get to know these characters.
I was on the fence with these two, relationship-wise. On the one hand, their love is pure and so sweet, I was really rooting for them to stay together. Yet, on the other hand, they’re still so young and inexperienced, at that stage, it’s hard for a lot of people to tell what love really is. I believe that’s the message Lisa was trying to convey, and she does it flawlessly in this short and easy read. I really enjoyed it overall, and if you like real stories and Lisa’s raw writing skills, you’ll definitely want to give this a read.
February 21, 2013
More reviews on my blog, The Reflections of a Bookworm
Thank you to Entangled for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What worked: When I first saw The Next Forever on NetGalley, I didn't realise that it was a novella between books but to be honest, you don't really need to read Pretty Amy to know what's happening.
Amy and Joe know each other inside out, in fact they seem to know each other too well. They both go to the same college and because they've been friends their whole lives and can't quite find their own circle, they're in a weird place.
Lisa Burstein does a great job of creating a believable storyline with two original characters that are unsure of their relationship because they've taken that leap from friendship into "something more". As the title suggests, it's a forever relationship and the thought that it could actually be going somewhere permanent seems to scare Amy.
I think this is something that a lot of us deal with at some point, the way you second guess yourself and start to play down your own feelings because the possibility of being so dependent on someone is pretty terrifying.
That's not to say Joe is a hopelessly devoted puppy, it's quite amusing that they both have the same anxiety but are too freaking scared to share it with each other.
Joe even goes so far as to ask Amy to move in with him as an insurance policy. He has the fear of deciding to do what he feels is best for his career and risking their relationship if he takes that extra leap.
Both characters have grown up too fast and want to break free and be more independent, you can't blame them for that, right?
What irked: There were points where characters were mentioned and it went straight over my head, there wasn't any real clarification of who the heck they were! Amy can also be quite destructive in quite an annoying way but I won't spoil anything for you.
Overall, I just felt really meh about the Next Forever. It was nice I suppose but the characters did grate on me after a while when a simple conversation could have solved everything.
Recommended to: I'm sure readers of Pretty Amy would love this extra glimpse into the future of the main characters and although it didn't turn out to be a addictive read for me I would still give this book...***3 Stars - This book was good but a couple of bits annoyed me.***
Thank you to Entangled for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What worked: When I first saw The Next Forever on NetGalley, I didn't realise that it was a novella between books but to be honest, you don't really need to read Pretty Amy to know what's happening.
Amy and Joe know each other inside out, in fact they seem to know each other too well. They both go to the same college and because they've been friends their whole lives and can't quite find their own circle, they're in a weird place.
Lisa Burstein does a great job of creating a believable storyline with two original characters that are unsure of their relationship because they've taken that leap from friendship into "something more". As the title suggests, it's a forever relationship and the thought that it could actually be going somewhere permanent seems to scare Amy.
I think this is something that a lot of us deal with at some point, the way you second guess yourself and start to play down your own feelings because the possibility of being so dependent on someone is pretty terrifying.
That's not to say Joe is a hopelessly devoted puppy, it's quite amusing that they both have the same anxiety but are too freaking scared to share it with each other.
Joe even goes so far as to ask Amy to move in with him as an insurance policy. He has the fear of deciding to do what he feels is best for his career and risking their relationship if he takes that extra leap.
Both characters have grown up too fast and want to break free and be more independent, you can't blame them for that, right?
What irked: There were points where characters were mentioned and it went straight over my head, there wasn't any real clarification of who the heck they were! Amy can also be quite destructive in quite an annoying way but I won't spoil anything for you.
Overall, I just felt really meh about the Next Forever. It was nice I suppose but the characters did grate on me after a while when a simple conversation could have solved everything.
Recommended to: I'm sure readers of Pretty Amy would love this extra glimpse into the future of the main characters and although it didn't turn out to be a addictive read for me I would still give this book...***3 Stars - This book was good but a couple of bits annoyed me.***
June 20, 2013
My thoughts...
I was given an e-arc for an honest review.
This will be short and quick!
Just by looking at the gorgeous cover I knew I wanted it! I've asked the author directly if she could give me a review copy, but she gave me the e-arc pdf file. :) I appreciate all the effort Lisa put in her story about a couple of love birds who just wanted to fly away from each other to become like a rebel or something.
The thing I hated in the story was how short it was, At first I enjoyed it, but then the ending wasn't what I was expecting. It didn't fully make sense. The plot was supposed to be a test for Joe and Amy if they could survive life without holding hands. So Joe is tested by meeting the hottest naked chick, Emily. Man, Joe is in trouble while Amy bumps into Trevor a sexy bad boy *Licks lips* Can she resist him? I know I can't. ;)
Lisa struggled a bit in the middle of her story, I thought it would be more like a "BAM!" kind of plot. This was your ordinary love story about a couple who might/not cheat on each other. I will be giving no spoilers for this review. :)
Amy, she used to be a bad girl so I'm team Trevor. I like my bad boys hot and sweaty *JWK* I don't know her very much and considering she's the main character of the story, it was unusual for the writer to have holes about the character until the ending.
Joe, he also had many holes that weren't filled up. He was a challenging character with a lot of good qualities. He's sweet, but it's not the sweet I want for a guy. He's very indecisive so he didn't make me swoon or jump. I don't have much to say about Joe.
The ending wasn't what I was expecting. I didn't even know the story had ended already. I was just like "That's it?" -____-
Lisa's writing style needs a bit of a tweak. I did love the pace of the story and having the idea to read both POVs of Amy's and Joe's.
My review is short well...because the story is short so yeah...this is the results. I give The Next Forever 3 stars.
I don't think Lisa deserves a love score because there is a lesson behind her story so yeah!
[How to read]
When you're having a hard time with your soulmate, Lisa's story will inspire you about what Amy and Joe had to struggle in order for them to save their relationship.
[Recommended to]
College peeps, Frats, Adults, In a relationship peeps
I was given an e-arc for an honest review.
This will be short and quick!
Just by looking at the gorgeous cover I knew I wanted it! I've asked the author directly if she could give me a review copy, but she gave me the e-arc pdf file. :) I appreciate all the effort Lisa put in her story about a couple of love birds who just wanted to fly away from each other to become like a rebel or something.
The thing I hated in the story was how short it was, At first I enjoyed it, but then the ending wasn't what I was expecting. It didn't fully make sense. The plot was supposed to be a test for Joe and Amy if they could survive life without holding hands. So Joe is tested by meeting the hottest naked chick, Emily. Man, Joe is in trouble while Amy bumps into Trevor a sexy bad boy *Licks lips* Can she resist him? I know I can't. ;)
Lisa struggled a bit in the middle of her story, I thought it would be more like a "BAM!" kind of plot. This was your ordinary love story about a couple who might/not cheat on each other. I will be giving no spoilers for this review. :)
Amy, she used to be a bad girl so I'm team Trevor. I like my bad boys hot and sweaty *JWK* I don't know her very much and considering she's the main character of the story, it was unusual for the writer to have holes about the character until the ending.
Joe, he also had many holes that weren't filled up. He was a challenging character with a lot of good qualities. He's sweet, but it's not the sweet I want for a guy. He's very indecisive so he didn't make me swoon or jump. I don't have much to say about Joe.
The ending wasn't what I was expecting. I didn't even know the story had ended already. I was just like "That's it?" -____-
Lisa's writing style needs a bit of a tweak. I did love the pace of the story and having the idea to read both POVs of Amy's and Joe's.
My review is short well...because the story is short so yeah...this is the results. I give The Next Forever 3 stars.
I don't think Lisa deserves a love score because there is a lesson behind her story so yeah!
[How to read]
When you're having a hard time with your soulmate, Lisa's story will inspire you about what Amy and Joe had to struggle in order for them to save their relationship.
[Recommended to]
College peeps, Frats, Adults, In a relationship peeps
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