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Us, Forever: A moving and unforgettable novel about love and hope
When you've found your happily ever after, can you ever let it go?
Abandoned by her mother and left in the care of an absent father, as a child Francesca escaped her sad reality by dreaming of a better life. Her dream came true the summer she turned nine and she met the FitzRoys - a loving family who welcomed her into their world.
Almost two decades later, Francesca’s life is just about perfect. She has achieved everything she wanted and is engaged to her one true love, Paul FitzRoy. But, in a cruel twist of fate, on the day of her wedding, instead of walking down the aisle, Fran races to the hospital, to find Paul lying in a coma after a brutal assault.
Days turn into weeks and as she remains by his side, Francesca is swept up in a flood of memories.
When Paul’s condition deteriorates and their future appears to be slipping away, Fran is left with a heartbreaking should she keep believing that love can conquer all, or accept the reality that life is not a fairytale?
Us, Forever is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the power of hope.
“Emotionally charged and beautifully romantic, Us, Forever is a moving tale of love and hope in the most challenging of circumstances.” Kate Galley author of The Second Chance Holiday Club
“Heartbreaking, hopeful and so, so romantic. Us, Forever is a gorgeous read about finding love and holding on to it when life gets impossibly difficult.” Suzanne Ewart author of One Month of You
Abandoned by her mother and left in the care of an absent father, as a child Francesca escaped her sad reality by dreaming of a better life. Her dream came true the summer she turned nine and she met the FitzRoys - a loving family who welcomed her into their world.
Almost two decades later, Francesca’s life is just about perfect. She has achieved everything she wanted and is engaged to her one true love, Paul FitzRoy. But, in a cruel twist of fate, on the day of her wedding, instead of walking down the aisle, Fran races to the hospital, to find Paul lying in a coma after a brutal assault.
Days turn into weeks and as she remains by his side, Francesca is swept up in a flood of memories.
When Paul’s condition deteriorates and their future appears to be slipping away, Fran is left with a heartbreaking should she keep believing that love can conquer all, or accept the reality that life is not a fairytale?
Us, Forever is a heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and the power of hope.
“Emotionally charged and beautifully romantic, Us, Forever is a moving tale of love and hope in the most challenging of circumstances.” Kate Galley author of The Second Chance Holiday Club
“Heartbreaking, hopeful and so, so romantic. Us, Forever is a gorgeous read about finding love and holding on to it when life gets impossibly difficult.” Suzanne Ewart author of One Month of You
290 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 2, 2023
For anyone into stories that are one downer after another, where every event is tinged with negativity, I found one for ya.
Geez, talk about a shiteload of overblown melodrama!
It was just too much.
It was like the writer couldn't help tossing more fraught situations into the inferno of angst she'd created.
And it all felt so contrived. I rolled my eyes hard every time the heroine flashed back to the past to drag out another depressing event.
The heroine was pretty awful. Her obsession with the H was toxic and very unpleasant to read. Pretty sure the writer believed that the heroine was showing love and devotion towards the H, but it doesn't resemble anything healthy or pure. This h was a stage-five clinger. She was so obsessed with the H that she stated multiple times that she couldn't live without him. Many people might think that her behaviour at the hosptal was normal.
I promise you, it wasn't. She was pure cringe.
The book was badly written, particularly the stilted and unnatural dialogue. I suspect the book is a translation, but I don't care. That's no excuse. Hire a better editor.
The main character and narrator of the story is the heroine. She doesn't evolve at all. She's obnoxious and childish, and so very weak. Needy. I kinda hated her.
And one last thing. It's actually the main thing.
The hero is in a coma after an assault throughout the whole book. I mean, the entire book is about his injuries and condition and you're just waiting and waiting to see when - or if - he awakens.
But the writer cheats her readers by skipping quickly over that very significant moment by taking us to ALMOST there, and then flashing forward a year!
What the hell.
That was lazy writing if you ask me. I won't recommend this book.
Geez, talk about a shiteload of overblown melodrama!
It was just too much.
It was like the writer couldn't help tossing more fraught situations into the inferno of angst she'd created.
And it all felt so contrived. I rolled my eyes hard every time the heroine flashed back to the past to drag out another depressing event.
The heroine was pretty awful. Her obsession with the H was toxic and very unpleasant to read. Pretty sure the writer believed that the heroine was showing love and devotion towards the H, but it doesn't resemble anything healthy or pure. This h was a stage-five clinger. She was so obsessed with the H that she stated multiple times that she couldn't live without him. Many people might think that her behaviour at the hosptal was normal.
I promise you, it wasn't. She was pure cringe.
The book was badly written, particularly the stilted and unnatural dialogue. I suspect the book is a translation, but I don't care. That's no excuse. Hire a better editor.
The main character and narrator of the story is the heroine. She doesn't evolve at all. She's obnoxious and childish, and so very weak. Needy. I kinda hated her.
And one last thing. It's actually the main thing.
The hero is in a coma after an assault throughout the whole book. I mean, the entire book is about his injuries and condition and you're just waiting and waiting to see when - or if - he awakens.
But the writer cheats her readers by skipping quickly over that very significant moment by taking us to ALMOST there, and then flashing forward a year!
What the hell.
That was lazy writing if you ask me. I won't recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
This was a beautifully written, heart-wrenchkng and emotional story which I just couldn't put down.
Francesca should have been waking down the aisle on the happiest day of her life, but instead raced to the hospital to find her fiance in hospital in a coma.
We follow their story through a series of flashbacks which show us how the couple came to meet and how their relationship developed over time to this point.
I was so completely immersed in their story and I just had to keep reading. Getting so emotionally invested made it really difficult to put this down and go off and do anything but get to the end and find out if Fran and Paul got their happy ending or not.
I loved our characters and found myself rooting for them throughout.
Having had such a traumatic start in life, I immediately connected to Fran and it was just so easy to relate to the FitzRoys who presented the dream life for her and welcomed her into their loving family.
The writing style was beautiful and you couldnt help getting drawn into this world. I can't wait to see more from this author.
Francesca should have been waking down the aisle on the happiest day of her life, but instead raced to the hospital to find her fiance in hospital in a coma.
We follow their story through a series of flashbacks which show us how the couple came to meet and how their relationship developed over time to this point.
I was so completely immersed in their story and I just had to keep reading. Getting so emotionally invested made it really difficult to put this down and go off and do anything but get to the end and find out if Fran and Paul got their happy ending or not.
I loved our characters and found myself rooting for them throughout.
Having had such a traumatic start in life, I immediately connected to Fran and it was just so easy to relate to the FitzRoys who presented the dream life for her and welcomed her into their loving family.
The writing style was beautiful and you couldnt help getting drawn into this world. I can't wait to see more from this author.
July 25, 2023
4.5 stars
Wow, what a beautiful and emotional story from Laura Danks. I feel like I’ve been through every emotion with Fran and Paul. I loved the flashbacks to the start of their story and how so many people were important in their lives. The memories of their early years together and with Paul’s family so precious and valuable in their story. The original love story between Josephine and Albert, a true inspiration to them both.
Wow, what a beautiful and emotional story from Laura Danks. I feel like I’ve been through every emotion with Fran and Paul. I loved the flashbacks to the start of their story and how so many people were important in their lives. The memories of their early years together and with Paul’s family so precious and valuable in their story. The original love story between Josephine and Albert, a true inspiration to them both.
July 23, 2023
Us,forever by Laura Danks.
When you've found your happily ever after, can you ever let it go?
A beautifully written book. I loved it. Fran I loved. I really felt for her. I love it when I read a book I can just fall into the story. This book did just that. 5*.
When you've found your happily ever after, can you ever let it go?
A beautifully written book. I loved it. Fran I loved. I really felt for her. I love it when I read a book I can just fall into the story. This book did just that. 5*.
July 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was one of those books that you want to read the ending first because you can't wait to find out what happened. A lovely story and well written. I enjoyed the story telling from the memories instead of each chapter being in a different time as some books are written. A really easy holiday read. You won't be disappointed if you enjoy a good love story.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 22, 2023
A beautiful, but emotional love story full of ups and downs with both tears and smiles.
A well written book showing the lives, loves, courage and faith.
A well written book showing the lives, loves, courage and faith.
July 24, 2023
This book gave me all the feels! It's so beautifully written and I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy having your heart strings pulled then this book is for you.
July 21, 2023
This was my first book
By this author and won’t be my last. This hill is so hard to review and do justice as it was such a beautifully written book which pulled at my heart and broke me into a million pieces only to build me back up again. It made me laugh and cry in equal measure and once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting.
This was a story full of family friendships love and hope and makes you realise just how previous life is as could all be taken away in an instance.
This book will stay with me for a long time.
By this author and won’t be my last. This hill is so hard to review and do justice as it was such a beautifully written book which pulled at my heart and broke me into a million pieces only to build me back up again. It made me laugh and cry in equal measure and once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting.
This was a story full of family friendships love and hope and makes you realise just how previous life is as could all be taken away in an instance.
This book will stay with me for a long time.
July 18, 2023
An easy read story with the usual life, love and loss that affects everyone at some point in their lives. There were some smile moments and some sad moments but overall a good read. I won’t write about the storyline as I feel the blurb serves this purpose in giving a good idea of what the book is about.
July 15, 2023
A lovely story, alternating from past to present to gradually tell the couples love story. The ending wrapped it all up but came a little suddenly! Nevertheless I really enjoyed the read.
July 14, 2023
Paul and Fran have known each other since she was 8, and he was 10. The story begins in the present day when they're getting ready to elope to Vegas.
From then on, the storyline descends into a depressing tale of hospitals, comas, and brain injuries constantly interspersed with flashbacks to their youth.
The fairytale idyllic existence of Paul and his family - mum dad and brothers - is a bit too much to take at times.
Fran is quite an annoying character, and the will- they, won't-they story drags on for much of the novel.
I mostly detest books that hark back to childhood memories, and I found myself skimming through the pages and pages of sentimental drivel.
There are chapters of unnecessary "fillers" like one dedicated to how Daddy and Mummy (a one-time prima ballerina, of course) met, eschewing the family money because of their love for each other.
The predictable ending confirmed my overall feeling about the novel.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
From then on, the storyline descends into a depressing tale of hospitals, comas, and brain injuries constantly interspersed with flashbacks to their youth.
The fairytale idyllic existence of Paul and his family - mum dad and brothers - is a bit too much to take at times.
Fran is quite an annoying character, and the will- they, won't-they story drags on for much of the novel.
I mostly detest books that hark back to childhood memories, and I found myself skimming through the pages and pages of sentimental drivel.
There are chapters of unnecessary "fillers" like one dedicated to how Daddy and Mummy (a one-time prima ballerina, of course) met, eschewing the family money because of their love for each other.
The predictable ending confirmed my overall feeling about the novel.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
July 6, 2023
Us, Forever by Laura Danks is a romantic and moving story about love, hope and belief in future happiness when tragedy strikes and everything seems lost.
Right up until the end we are taken on an emotional journey through the early years when the protagonists Paul and Fran first meet and eventually discover their love for each other and the ups and downs of this love that results in an unexpected tragic event just before they are due to fly to Vegas to be married.
Fran manages to get through the difficult times ahead as she remains at Paul’s bedside, by retracing their memories together from an early age and how their love for each other resulted.
A truly remarkable book, so well written and an emotional read that shows us how belief in the future and love can conquer all.
Right up until the end we are taken on an emotional journey through the early years when the protagonists Paul and Fran first meet and eventually discover their love for each other and the ups and downs of this love that results in an unexpected tragic event just before they are due to fly to Vegas to be married.
Fran manages to get through the difficult times ahead as she remains at Paul’s bedside, by retracing their memories together from an early age and how their love for each other resulted.
A truly remarkable book, so well written and an emotional read that shows us how belief in the future and love can conquer all.
July 7, 2023
A heartfelt romance. Paul and Fran were destined to be together. But on the eve of their wedding a tragedy strikes. The story is told partly in the present and partly in the past. This gives us a very moving history to their love story. Beautiful and poignant
July 5, 2023
It’s a story about Fran and Paul. Paul loves and understands Fran. He goes to the store and a tragic event happens which turns their world upside down.
It’s a beautiful love story, that makes you want to have that kind of deep mutual love.
Such a tear jerker.
Well written
It’s a beautiful love story, that makes you want to have that kind of deep mutual love.
Such a tear jerker.
Well written
July 5, 2023
Hmm. I just finished 'Us, Forever' and I guess I am still processing my thoughts and feelings about it. On the plus side, I liked how Ms. Danks alternated between the present and the past, filling in the details leading to Fran's memories, perspectives, and her states-of-being as she experiences the aftermath of Paul being injured and put in a coma. On the other side, I am not sure it was really my kind of story, at least not at this point in time. It was definitely a drama-filled romantic tale... it was filled with plenty of angst and worrisome scenes, which did keep me reading and wanting to know how things would turn out. At the same time, I felt like it was a heavy read and I looked forward to it's resolution. It felt pretty long and drawn out, only to have the epilogue wrap everything up in a neat little bow. I mean, I was grateful for the epilogue and would have been disappointed without the final details, yet I think it felt a bit anticlimactic after so many pages of build-up.
All-in-all, it was a good drama/romance read for people who enjoy heavily character-driven stories.
All-in-all, it was a good drama/romance read for people who enjoy heavily character-driven stories.
July 13, 2023
When Francesca meets the FitzRoy family and is taken under their wing she enters a privileged world that most of us can only dream of. Still, it was lovely to escape into this world and be involved in the love story that unfolds between Francesca and Paul using flash backs to find out how they eventually got together. The book starts with Paul being seriously injured in a robbery on the eve of their Wedding and as he lies in a coma Francesca thinks back to their life together so far.
I enjoyed the book but felt cheated that in the last chapter really important parts of the story played out in the form of an epilogue when I would have liked to hear what actually happened in descriptive form from the actual characters. Sadly, this seems to be quite common in books and it does spoil the build up created by the author being cut short at the end. Surely books can be longer!
I enjoyed the book but felt cheated that in the last chapter really important parts of the story played out in the form of an epilogue when I would have liked to hear what actually happened in descriptive form from the actual characters. Sadly, this seems to be quite common in books and it does spoil the build up created by the author being cut short at the end. Surely books can be longer!
January 4, 2026
It was a random pick, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a good romance and coming-of-age story with some suspense. I liked the well-described characters and really enjoyed following their development.
A major thread is the university career—ambition, expectations, and the pressure to “make it.” I also appreciated how the story shows the way serious illness can reshape a life, change priorities, and force difficult decisions. In the end, it’s not only about courage and overcoming class differences, but also about not losing hope in the face of adversity—and about those moments when you may have to choose love above career.
A major thread is the university career—ambition, expectations, and the pressure to “make it.” I also appreciated how the story shows the way serious illness can reshape a life, change priorities, and force difficult decisions. In the end, it’s not only about courage and overcoming class differences, but also about not losing hope in the face of adversity—and about those moments when you may have to choose love above career.
July 24, 2023
I enjoyed reading this emotional story. This is a newer author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next for her. This is a well written story that is not only hard to put down but will pull at your heartstrings as well. The characters pull you into their world from the beginning. They are strong, connectable characters that brought the story to life. I really enjoyed reading this book which I highly recommend.
July 15, 2023
Paul and Fran are destined to be together but tragedy strikes. The book is well written switching between the present and the past but in a very easy to follow way. The hospital chapters are moving and sad although some chapters felt slightly dragged out. I wasn't overly keen on the ending which seemed rushed.
July 23, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ This book tells the story of young love between Fran & Paul and follows there journey.
If romance is your thing, then this book is for you. Slightly predictable at times but still a good read.
I did shed a tear and would have liked a bit of a longer ending. It felt slightly rushed.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Thank you for the ARC.
If romance is your thing, then this book is for you. Slightly predictable at times but still a good read.
I did shed a tear and would have liked a bit of a longer ending. It felt slightly rushed.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Thank you for the ARC.
July 23, 2023
Wow! Usually the mystery, thriller, and horror genres are the ones up my alley but something about this book called to me and it delivered on a great story with unforgettable characters. Love is a major theme throughout the story and the things that people will go through in order to keep it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
August 7, 2023
Finding out what it is that sustains you through massive upheaval. Is love enough?
Fran seems to believe it is when Paul is hospitalised after a brutal attack. As time drags on though, and we are left not knowing if Paul is going to recover, we follow Fran as she tries to prove that love all she needs. And she will go to any lengths to prove it.
Fran seems to believe it is when Paul is hospitalised after a brutal attack. As time drags on though, and we are left not knowing if Paul is going to recover, we follow Fran as she tries to prove that love all she needs. And she will go to any lengths to prove it.
August 19, 2023
I couldn’t put this down, it was a tragic, heart wrenching story the took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. From the tragedy of Paul’s accident, the sadness of Francesca’s worry and waiting, interspersed with the beauty of the flashbacks to their falling in love and everything that brought them to this point.
August 22, 2023
I don’t like books that are super romantic. Fran is an amazing, smart, beautiful, loved woman who has a fabulous boyfriend, Paul. They go back and forth and love each other so much and take some time off and get back together and are finally going to get married. Then Paul is attacked and in a coma and everyone’s laying around being sad until Fran figures out what’s wrong with him. Ugh.
July 13, 2023
When tragedy strikes, memories flood Fran, as she never gives up hope for a bright and “perfect” future with her one true love. This is a wonderful, engaging book. One of the best I have read all year!
July 22, 2023
Thank you for giving me the chance to review this book.
I absolutely loved it, such a powerful book about love 💕 and the happiness of friendships and families.
The book centres around Fran and her unhappy start to childhood with her parents divorcing and mother moving away to Australia.
Fran is best friends with Harry, part of a family filled with love and friendship, he has 2 brothers Paul and Robert. Fran spends most summers with them in France and other places but falls head over heels in love with the older brother Paul, as life does it gets in the way and through all the normal coming of age things does love conquer all
This is a powerful and moving book
Thank you 😊
I absolutely loved it, such a powerful book about love 💕 and the happiness of friendships and families.
The book centres around Fran and her unhappy start to childhood with her parents divorcing and mother moving away to Australia.
Fran is best friends with Harry, part of a family filled with love and friendship, he has 2 brothers Paul and Robert. Fran spends most summers with them in France and other places but falls head over heels in love with the older brother Paul, as life does it gets in the way and through all the normal coming of age things does love conquer all
This is a powerful and moving book
Thank you 😊
July 24, 2023
Us forever is one of those books that you want to end so you can find out the ending but don’t want it to end. I found this book easy to read and enjoyed it. I finished it in a weekend. Good summer read.
July 27, 2023
What a story that had me absorbed in the characters lives like they were friends or family. So well written and so many feelings! Usually a “thriller girl” but the book description hooked me and so glad it did!! A wonderful read! Thanks to Bloodhound books for my ARC !
September 11, 2023
Poor ending
I was really enjoying this book. Lovely story with a big build up to what could have been a fantastic end. Alas no, felt like the author had run out of ink, paper or time. Very poor ending, very rushed
I was really enjoying this book. Lovely story with a big build up to what could have been a fantastic end. Alas no, felt like the author had run out of ink, paper or time. Very poor ending, very rushed
October 27, 2023
Us, forever.
I don't normally read romantic books, but this one kept me interested. Rather different to the few I have read. All the way through, I wondered if the story line would change track. The ending seemed rather rushed to me.
I don't normally read romantic books, but this one kept me interested. Rather different to the few I have read. All the way through, I wondered if the story line would change track. The ending seemed rather rushed to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews