For Always

Now & Always Duet #2

by Amanda Bentley

This is book two in the Now & Always Duet. The blurb below contains spoilers from book one, For Now, as this duet must be read in order. Lorenzo Mancini can’t be trusted—this I know to be true. And yet, I find myself entangled in his web of secrecy and lies. I want to know why he’s keeping me at arm’s length while insisting he cares about me. It’s stupid, I know it is, but I want to believe that these intense feelings aren’t one-sided. I should walk away. I should ignore every burning desire in me to be with him. But I crave answers more than self-preservation. I’m determined to learn everything there is to know about him, with or without his cooperation. It’s time to embrace my inner badass. The Now & Always Duet is a new adult, romantic suspense series. The series features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. For content warnings, please check the author’s profile links @amandabentleybooks friends with benefits The series was originally published as the Festive Fun The Holiday Hookup, Struck by Stupid, Sh*t Out of Luck, and Light Me Up.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2023

About the author

Amanda Bentley loves escaping into fictional worlds through reading and writing. A typical Pisces, she’s as much a mood writer as she is a mood reader. She likes her book boyfriends morally grey, but she’ll read any book with romance (preferably drenched in spice and angst).

When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her wild toddler, or on stage, performing improv with her husband. She’s a creative, free spirit, and while she loves a fun adventure, there’s no place like her bed with a book.

Reviews

[Amee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that’s what I’m talking about! I’ve given my opinions on “duets” before, they are very overrated. Most times, one or both of the books will drag because the author is stretching story out for duet. Unfortunately this duet was guilty of it. Too much back in forth in book one made it slow and a tad boring, but book 2 had action and excitement. I blew through this and was entertained. There is suspense and action in this romance and it was exactly what I needed in rotation. The suspense takes away from the overly sweet a romance can be. Tiny bit of OW and OM drama but didn’t engulf the story. There were quite a few sexy scenes which had MMC enjoying his choking kink so beware of that if it’s a sensitivity. I really loved, loved, loved our fmc, Kate’s, bestie. She had her back the whole time and would love if she gets her own HEA. Possibly with Santi? He had me interested in his backstory.
Anyways it’s a recommend, but book 1 is going to be a skimmer with the back and forth. 1 book would have been better imo, but book 2 definitely saved the Duet.

[Emily Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

In LOVE

This one threw me for a rollercoaster of emotions and i was i full blown tears by the end. The story of Lorenzo and Kate will forever be memorable for me. This book was told so well and i definitely enjoyed it more than the first and totally fell in love with Zo by the end. Honestly wish there was a third book because I love these two. Highly HIGHLY recommend for anyone who loves a hood mystery with a whole bunch of spice mixed in.

[Debbie Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lorenzo and Kate🥰

This book really pulled me in with its exciting mix of mystery and smut. I couldn't figure out Lorenzo's secrets, which kept things interesting. It was nice to see Kate finally let her guard down and listen to Lorenzo's side of the story. I'm glad they fixed their issues and are now working on making their relationship better.

[Danielle Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

thriller plot ending with spice dabbled in

So as per my first review the FMC was annoying however as i suspected it was for a reason. This book had me in a chokehold. I do like how the author held out most of the plot for the second book, and I think there was enough spice in book 1 to cover book 2 not having as much but the story line had to go on. Also I wouldn’t consider this to have a third act break up as they where never technically together so I’m all for it. I was waiting for the book title to make sense but it didn’t come to play till the last few pages which I thought was super sweet. I kind of wish we had gotten more of Zo’s story though out the book in bits and pieces to build our relationship with him a little more before everything falls apart, but I’m glad we get his story in the end regardless. I also love how she wasn’t instantly like omg yes.. she’s like trust building is important. Overall I loved both books. And believe they are worth the read for sure.

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the duet. Must read book 1 before this for it to all make sense.

Kate (FMC) gets the answers she is looking for, even if not in the fashion that she is intending for. Lorenzo (MMC) finally gets to tell Kate his secrets. Book 2 wraps up all questions from Book 1. I think these could have been a singular book and not a duet. I liked the character build and interactions better in book 1 and it could have easily transitioned in to the finale in the same book.

I would recommend this book to those who have read book 1. I would recommend this duet to those who like a spicy romance.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have been better. The spice was okay but the ending felt like it was thrown together at the last minute.
Kate (FMC) was suddenly infatuated with Lorenzo (MMC) even though she still barely knows anything about him. In the first one Kate was portrayed as someone who was in control and logical about the things she did but I feel like that whole concept was abandoned in this book.

You finally find out what Lorenzo and his friends actually do in this one but it made very little sense to me.
I don't want to spoil anything for people who haven't read it but it felt like it wasn't actually supposed to end the way it did..

[chellypants_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed reading about Kate and Zo. I was right about *some* of that twist but I do like the main reason behind everything. I’m hoping the author is thinking of continuing the series but with different characters. I would LOVE to read a book about Larissa or maybe Char or Santi. I do have a few unanswered questions left but they are honestly not of great importance.. makes me feel like Kate honestly lol.

Favorite quote:

“In the darkness, seek the stars. You may not see them, but they are always there for you”.

[Raeann Wolfley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! What a story!!! We picked up where it was left off and I was right! But…. I was sooo wrong about everything else. So much happened in this book, it had me on edge. This duet was completely amazing! I love Zo and Kate so much. I need more of them in my life seriously!!! So maybe a book on Char? Or Santi? So they can appear in it and know what has been going on with them. I’m completely addicted and will never get enough of these character’s.

[Chanelle Léger-Brine · Rating 4 out of 5]

” In the darkness, seek the stars. You may not see them, but they are always there for you “

This book was truly better than the first.
The chemistry between Zo & Kate 😍 I love them together!

The suspense in this book got me on the edge of my seat! Some of it was predictable, but it took a different turn than my expectations!

I hoped that one day she continues this series with Char & Santi, it would be a fun read! We could also have a glimpse of Zo & Kate!

[Marie Huskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book 4.5 stars, because it is so much better than the first book, and the first book is really good! The highs and lows really keep you attached to this book. While I saw this book going many directions, I didn't expect the way it did and I'm glad for that. Most of all I'm glad it got a HEA.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The PERFECT conclusion to this fun duet!! I couldn't wait to finish this story and boy I was not disappointed! One thing I loved was that their story wasn't predictable. Kate and Zo were so fun and would love to see more of them someday!!

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing right after book one, the story gets more exiting, interesting and confusing to figure out what the reason for the vage stories from Zo where. Its a surprise you never would have guessed, loved the ending.

[Kathleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This part picks up where for now left off. We continue on the Zo and Kate rollercoaster!
We finally get answers about Zo which I was pretty shocked when we got that final bit of info.
I loved loved loved Lorenzo and Kate. This is such a good story.!!!

[Amber Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 so if you haven’t read “For Now” go back and read it. This continues where that book left off. All things that were driving you crazy for answers in book 1 will now be discovered. I loved the characters and can’t wait to see if there will be spin-offs. Great job to the author.

[Mandy Durnil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad that Kate finally started getting answers to her questions . It just sucked that she found out the way she did . I know Zo had to be careful protecting his identity but i think he could have opened up to her without giving his mission away.

[Jasmin Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5/5
🌶️2/5

This duet was my first by this author. I had intended to just read these in the dates that each chapter took place but once I started I could not stop. I loved these so much and I cannot wait to read more works by Amanda. Her writing style was so smooth and the suspense had me trying to solve the mystery the whole time. And let’s be honest Zo and Kate’s chemistry is so hot. I honestly got everything I could want out of a book from these: great character development, lovable MCs, a little suspense, some spicy romance, the list goes on!

[Tina Marie Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I couldn't get enough of this one both books in the series kept me wanting more. The spice and mystery of it all is what kept me intrigued . Definitely would recommend

[Rasha Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

The mystery In the story kept me so engaged. I could not put it down. I absolutely love the characters, The story line And romance I hope she writes more about the other characters. This is a must read.

[Lady Alchemy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorenzo is swoon-worthy

This was the perfect conclusion to this love story! I want to make sure that I keep this spoiler free, so I'll just say that I got the ending I was looking for and the twists and bumps finally got answers.

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Kate and Zo!! I couldn’t put it down!

[Shari Jahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two and the conclusion of this series. Can I just say wow! I didn’t see this coming? You will love the ending! So good.

[SK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I liked the resolution. I felt it became rushed about half way through but I'm glad Zo and Kate worked out what they needed to.

[Dominique Speed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller vibes!

I was so on edge when everything was going down. I literally couldn’t stop reading. Anyway, I’m so glad there was a happy ending!

[Marissa Monte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This duet could have easily been one book with anywhere from 300 to 350 pages. I enjoyed most of it but the FMC annoyed me at times.

[Abbie Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series the storyline was so diff to what I’ve read, I’m so glad that Lorenzo wasn’t the bad guy, i love the yearning of this story, love the spice, love the action.

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sucked in for For Now and it was definitely unexpected with the twists and turns of the story of Kate and Lorenzo. It was quick read and definitely had the suspense and spice between the two that continued from the first book. This one had more developments but to be expected since it was an ending to their story. As you read you learn to understand more about these and how they work when throughout you didn’t understand why.

[Linnéa Karlsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bra

Älskar plottwisten. Gillar att den är lite mysterium. Hade en gissning på vad som skulle hända och den va bara typ 60% fel😂 men bra bok. Läste till halv 3 för ville veta vad som hände

[Maria Stadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with the condition that I would give it an open honest review! :) I truly enjoyed the second book of this duet! It does start off where book 1 ends which is just fabulous. I love the story of Lorenzo (Zo) & Kate!!! There is suspense and spice that is well written. It’s not a long read but definitely an enjoyable one!

[KristenAlwaysReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book DOWN! I loved every minute of it and the plot twist! Didn’t see it coming!!!!! I loved the happily ever after ending and can’t wait to read other books by Amanda Bentley.