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Falling Into Forever
What’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain?
I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page. But when Dante Thompson shows up on my front porch with his gorgeous face, golden retriever energy, and an outrageous offer, am I actually considering saying yes?
It’s been six years. I’m older. I should be wiser. My charming ex, a Hollywood fixer, claims he’s got the perfect answer to both our predicaments: A splashy fake relationship that will give everyone something else to talk about.
He’s not wrong. Everyone loves a good love story…even if it’s just for show. But I don’t trust myself to even pretend to let him in again. Especially considering how things ended the first time around.
Not to mention the secrets I’m still keeping from him. They’re even darker than they were six years ago.
I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page. But when Dante Thompson shows up on my front porch with his gorgeous face, golden retriever energy, and an outrageous offer, am I actually considering saying yes?
It’s been six years. I’m older. I should be wiser. My charming ex, a Hollywood fixer, claims he’s got the perfect answer to both our predicaments: A splashy fake relationship that will give everyone something else to talk about.
He’s not wrong. Everyone loves a good love story…even if it’s just for show. But I don’t trust myself to even pretend to let him in again. Especially considering how things ended the first time around.
Not to mention the secrets I’m still keeping from him. They’re even darker than they were six years ago.
434 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2023
About the author
Avery Maxwell
25 books1,051 followersHi, I’m Avery!
I write steamy small towns with big found families—the kind of romances that make your heart race and your soul sigh.
My books, like The Westbrooks, Single Dad Hotline, and Happiness Ever After series, are filled with swoon-worthy heroes, messy but lovable heroines, and small towns you’ll want to call home.
When I'm not writing, I live in joyful chaos with my husband and four kids. You can usually find me cheering on the sidelines at their sporting events, sneaking in writing sprints, or slipping into coffee shops for my daily caffeine fix.
I luv connecting with readers, so join me in The Luv Club (my reader group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/Avery...
Or through my weekly newsletter, The Luv Notes—because in my world, there’s always room at the table for one more luv story: https://geni.us/TheLuvNotes
You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok:
https://www.instagram.com/averymaxwel...
https://www.tiktok.com/@averymaxwell_...
I write steamy small towns with big found families—the kind of romances that make your heart race and your soul sigh.
My books, like The Westbrooks, Single Dad Hotline, and Happiness Ever After series, are filled with swoon-worthy heroes, messy but lovable heroines, and small towns you’ll want to call home.
When I'm not writing, I live in joyful chaos with my husband and four kids. You can usually find me cheering on the sidelines at their sporting events, sneaking in writing sprints, or slipping into coffee shops for my daily caffeine fix.
I luv connecting with readers, so join me in The Luv Club (my reader group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/Avery...
Or through my weekly newsletter, The Luv Notes—because in my world, there’s always room at the table for one more luv story: https://geni.us/TheLuvNotes
You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok:
https://www.instagram.com/averymaxwel...
https://www.tiktok.com/@averymaxwell_...
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Did Not Finish
October 25, 2023DNF @ 54% (spoilers below)
The thing is, I do believe Dante; I honestly do. I felt his sincerity, the pain, heartbreak, longing, and the gaping hole Saylor left when she pushed him away six years ago. I felt his genuine need to fix what went wrong with them and to pick up the broken pieces they left all those years ago.
However, I cannot accept the fact that in the past six years, Saylor has been battling her anxiety and depression alone. Tbf, that was her choice because she thought no one would stay with her. She pushed Dante away because she's struggling with her mental health. She probably said some hurtful words to make it happen, and he took them at their face value, he left and didn't fight for her. Around this time too, her sister died in a car accident. So anxiety, depression, and grief, when combined overall, won't yield any positive results and outlook in life.
But after reading her books (she's an author), where she poured out all of the unsaid words and feelings she buried all throughout the years, Dante realized what a huge mistake he had made six years ago. So he planned everything down to the nitty-gritty details of how he could win her over again.
Like I said, I felt his sadness over losing the love of his life, and it made me even tear up a little bit. But this is a second-chance romance, and there are years involved in the separation, so I'm waiting for the freaking shoe to drop. Which it eventually did after they slept together. He told her he had been with other women—three to be exact—and when he found out there had been no one for her, he felt guilty for what he did.
This information left a sour taste in my mouth, and I know this irrational annoyance will linger until the end of the book. Maybe it's not his fault because, after all, she pushed him away. Maybe he thought he would never see her again. Maybe he tried moving on, only it didn't work. I honestly don't know how to feel at this moment. I've never been so conflicted in my life while reading this. On one hand, I want to let him off the hook for sleeping with someone else's, yet this fact gutted me, and I'm so hurt for Saylor, she was hurt too in that scene. I'm so confused whether to go on or to stop, but since I'm feeling not so great, I'll do the latter.
This is a me problem obviously. The writing style and story pace got me hooked; it was a page-turner, at least for me. But I know I can no longer continue reading. While this didn't work for me, I'm sure other readers will resonate with it. To each their own as always.
The thing is, I do believe Dante; I honestly do. I felt his sincerity, the pain, heartbreak, longing, and the gaping hole Saylor left when she pushed him away six years ago. I felt his genuine need to fix what went wrong with them and to pick up the broken pieces they left all those years ago.
However, I cannot accept the fact that in the past six years, Saylor has been battling her anxiety and depression alone. Tbf, that was her choice because she thought no one would stay with her. She pushed Dante away because she's struggling with her mental health. She probably said some hurtful words to make it happen, and he took them at their face value, he left and didn't fight for her. Around this time too, her sister died in a car accident. So anxiety, depression, and grief, when combined overall, won't yield any positive results and outlook in life.
But after reading her books (she's an author), where she poured out all of the unsaid words and feelings she buried all throughout the years, Dante realized what a huge mistake he had made six years ago. So he planned everything down to the nitty-gritty details of how he could win her over again.
Like I said, I felt his sadness over losing the love of his life, and it made me even tear up a little bit. But this is a second-chance romance, and there are years involved in the separation, so I'm waiting for the freaking shoe to drop. Which it eventually did after they slept together. He told her he had been with other women—three to be exact—and when he found out there had been no one for her, he felt guilty for what he did.
“I never moved on, sweetheart. There’s no replacing you, even when I desperately wanted the pain to stop—it’s always been you. It’s time to start living again, and I want to do that by your side.”
This information left a sour taste in my mouth, and I know this irrational annoyance will linger until the end of the book. Maybe it's not his fault because, after all, she pushed him away. Maybe he thought he would never see her again. Maybe he tried moving on, only it didn't work. I honestly don't know how to feel at this moment. I've never been so conflicted in my life while reading this. On one hand, I want to let him off the hook for sleeping with someone else's, yet this fact gutted me, and I'm so hurt for Saylor, she was hurt too in that scene. I'm so confused whether to go on or to stop, but since I'm feeling not so great, I'll do the latter.
This is a me problem obviously. The writing style and story pace got me hooked; it was a page-turner, at least for me. But I know I can no longer continue reading. While this didn't work for me, I'm sure other readers will resonate with it. To each their own as always.
October 25, 2023
My first book from Avery Maxwell and I have become an instant fan. Falling Into Forever is heaven for an angst lover like me. This story packs so much complex, raw and above all, real feels in every page. And it was delivered through the powerful writing of Avery Maxwell. Saylor and Dante are soulmates who got separated by tragedy and guilt and misunderstanding but now it's time for their second chance. It's a heartaching love story of two flawed, broken and perfect souls that moved me at the very core of my heart. One of my top 2023 read!
Sassy Thompson aka Saylor Greer the famous romance author is in big trouble for a PR nightmare started by her old publishing company. She has secluded herself in her own bookstore in her hometown..and her manager has a solution. Dante Greer aka Thompson, the PR guru of Hollywood and the man she loves and the man she has pushed away years ago..is also in a bad situation created by his half brother. He has read her last two books and he has realised that he made a big mistake leaving her and listening to her. His personal tragedy gives him a second chance and he is determined to break her walls.
This story has some of my absolute favorite things about a romance. Second chance. Small town. Found family. Friend to lovers. Cracked but not completely damaged characters. Emotions those own you from the first page. Saylor suffers from severe anxiety and depression that came from the loss and trauma of her early life. It can be debilitating and crippling but she is so brave to fight it constantly. Though she cannot see her own strength or let her insecurities swallow her brilliant mind and beautiful heart. She is known to be prickly and anti social because that's her shield. Her mask to hide her vulnerability. That's where Dante comes in. All those years ago, in high school, he became an integral part of her life and the biggest support system of her mind..till she forced him to leave. He has tried hard to move on but he always only loved Saylor and this time..he won't stop till he rectifies all his mistakes and make her believe in their future together . Dante melts my heart. What a man..damn book boyfriends like Dante should be illegal to exist. Breaking down Sassy's walls is like one step forward and two step back. But he is so patient and caring and protective..it's insane. The way he openly shows his bleeding heart, the way you can see his deep love for Sassy, the way he slowly made her whole in her own way..it's incredible. This story had so many gut wrenching moments those teared me up. Dante and Saylor have an uphill battle against the world..but together they can conquer every battle. Of course, their home town and their friends rallied behind them solid. Saylor stopped living for a long time..she was just existing through her writing. Dante showed her again that it's OK to live and love while being scared and lost. The story is so beautifully written that it's impossible to express the impact in my review. If you love emotions to destroy you, this is a must read for you.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Sassy Thompson aka Saylor Greer the famous romance author is in big trouble for a PR nightmare started by her old publishing company. She has secluded herself in her own bookstore in her hometown..and her manager has a solution. Dante Greer aka Thompson, the PR guru of Hollywood and the man she loves and the man she has pushed away years ago..is also in a bad situation created by his half brother. He has read her last two books and he has realised that he made a big mistake leaving her and listening to her. His personal tragedy gives him a second chance and he is determined to break her walls.
This story has some of my absolute favorite things about a romance. Second chance. Small town. Found family. Friend to lovers. Cracked but not completely damaged characters. Emotions those own you from the first page. Saylor suffers from severe anxiety and depression that came from the loss and trauma of her early life. It can be debilitating and crippling but she is so brave to fight it constantly. Though she cannot see her own strength or let her insecurities swallow her brilliant mind and beautiful heart. She is known to be prickly and anti social because that's her shield. Her mask to hide her vulnerability. That's where Dante comes in. All those years ago, in high school, he became an integral part of her life and the biggest support system of her mind..till she forced him to leave. He has tried hard to move on but he always only loved Saylor and this time..he won't stop till he rectifies all his mistakes and make her believe in their future together . Dante melts my heart. What a man..damn book boyfriends like Dante should be illegal to exist. Breaking down Sassy's walls is like one step forward and two step back. But he is so patient and caring and protective..it's insane. The way he openly shows his bleeding heart, the way you can see his deep love for Sassy, the way he slowly made her whole in her own way..it's incredible. This story had so many gut wrenching moments those teared me up. Dante and Saylor have an uphill battle against the world..but together they can conquer every battle. Of course, their home town and their friends rallied behind them solid. Saylor stopped living for a long time..she was just existing through her writing. Dante showed her again that it's OK to live and love while being scared and lost. The story is so beautifully written that it's impossible to express the impact in my review. If you love emotions to destroy you, this is a must read for you.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
October 17, 2023
Saylor “Sassy” Green is a romance author that gets into a little situation. Her ex Dante Thompson, thinks he can solve both their problems when he shows back up after something is dropped off on his office desk. Six years may have past between them but lingering feelings never truly went away. Can this Hollywood fixer find a way for help not only Saylor but himself figure out that together, they can get through anything? One fake relationship with your ex is one way to make things interesting. A touching second chance romance that delves into real issues of grief, anxiety and mental illness. There is also funny and sweet moments weaved throughout in a perfect blend of sass and feels. For anyone that ever suffered from loss or anxiety just know you are never truly alone. What a beautiful story that I’m sure many can relate with including myself. Told in dual POV
October 13, 2023
Get ready to head back to the new town you can’t get enough of! But there’s a lot of heartbreak and sadness and secrets galore to sort through before Saylor and Dante can find their way toward forever. And will that be together or apart?
This is an excellent story in part because the perceived villain isn’t so easily determined. I mean, yeah, there’s a catalyst that sets Dante and Saylor in motion so many years after she was sure they were done, but sometimes, young love is no match for grief and mourning and loss. And the things that should be said and done sit on a shelf, waiting for the right time. Luckily, now is the right time. Even with life falling apart around them, these two are able to find their way back to the complete package that they once were. And there’s a surprising amount of humor to be had along the way.
We also get the joy of seeing a certain lonely, heartbroken, reclusive man that I’ve been worried about and hoping to see again since one of the Westbrook brothers finally took his plunge. If you think about it, you’ll know who. And you’ll get more of Grady, Matty, the other brothers, and a bunch of people I desperately want to see more of soon.
But what surprised me most about this is how much I loved the STORY. This author doesn’t sugarcoat mental health anguish or true needs. She doesn’t pretend that pain doesn’t happen. She clearly outlines every one of Saylor’s struggles, her reality, the chaos threatening to crush her and Dante, and reminds us that life isn’t perfect. Or always pretty. But boy, is it real. And maybe that’s why I loved this book so much. Because it feels so real. And, y’know, because I can’t wait for more of this town and the grumpy man who deserves a second chance at love. I look forward to whoever tells their tale next.
This is an excellent story in part because the perceived villain isn’t so easily determined. I mean, yeah, there’s a catalyst that sets Dante and Saylor in motion so many years after she was sure they were done, but sometimes, young love is no match for grief and mourning and loss. And the things that should be said and done sit on a shelf, waiting for the right time. Luckily, now is the right time. Even with life falling apart around them, these two are able to find their way back to the complete package that they once were. And there’s a surprising amount of humor to be had along the way.
We also get the joy of seeing a certain lonely, heartbroken, reclusive man that I’ve been worried about and hoping to see again since one of the Westbrook brothers finally took his plunge. If you think about it, you’ll know who. And you’ll get more of Grady, Matty, the other brothers, and a bunch of people I desperately want to see more of soon.
But what surprised me most about this is how much I loved the STORY. This author doesn’t sugarcoat mental health anguish or true needs. She doesn’t pretend that pain doesn’t happen. She clearly outlines every one of Saylor’s struggles, her reality, the chaos threatening to crush her and Dante, and reminds us that life isn’t perfect. Or always pretty. But boy, is it real. And maybe that’s why I loved this book so much. Because it feels so real. And, y’know, because I can’t wait for more of this town and the grumpy man who deserves a second chance at love. I look forward to whoever tells their tale next.
October 19, 2023
What a beautiful, emotional story Avery Maxwell has given us! Going into this book, I wasn’t expecting to have such a huge emotional reaction, but she definitely knows how to pull out all of the feelings in her writing. Things to look for in this book:
Childhood lovers to strangers to lovers ✔️
Small town romance ✔️
Reverse grumpy/sunshine ✔️
Second chance ✔️
He falls first ✔️
Anxiety and depression rep ✔️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔💔
When Saylor, aka Sassy, finds herself in deep waters with her publisher, her manager brings in someone to fix up her image. And who else better than her ex-boyfriend, only love of her life, who she pushed away years prior?
When Dante is given the opportunity to be back in Sassy’s life, he knows that this is his one chance to win her back. While she pushed him away, he also could have made different choices back then. So both of them need to work on things in order to get back to a civil place.
The author really puts us through it with these two! She makes you fall in love with the people who they are today, flawed and all. We slowly watch these two find their love that was never really lost.
A huge part of this book involves Sassy’s anxiety and depression and I found this so relatable and not in many romance books. Probably because it’s a heavier topic. But Avery manages this so well and Dante’s reaction and support for Sassy just warmed my heart so much!
There are so many amazing side characters and I’m hoping this becomes a series. Because if so, there are at least 3 other books here with couples that are brewing beneath the surface that this author can write about. But we all know that I want Grady’s book first because his friendship and support for Sassy is unmatched and he deserves to find his person (which we all know that he will, but I need that story!).
Childhood lovers to strangers to lovers ✔️
Small town romance ✔️
Reverse grumpy/sunshine ✔️
Second chance ✔️
He falls first ✔️
Anxiety and depression rep ✔️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔💔
When Saylor, aka Sassy, finds herself in deep waters with her publisher, her manager brings in someone to fix up her image. And who else better than her ex-boyfriend, only love of her life, who she pushed away years prior?
When Dante is given the opportunity to be back in Sassy’s life, he knows that this is his one chance to win her back. While she pushed him away, he also could have made different choices back then. So both of them need to work on things in order to get back to a civil place.
The author really puts us through it with these two! She makes you fall in love with the people who they are today, flawed and all. We slowly watch these two find their love that was never really lost.
A huge part of this book involves Sassy’s anxiety and depression and I found this so relatable and not in many romance books. Probably because it’s a heavier topic. But Avery manages this so well and Dante’s reaction and support for Sassy just warmed my heart so much!
There are so many amazing side characters and I’m hoping this becomes a series. Because if so, there are at least 3 other books here with couples that are brewing beneath the surface that this author can write about. But we all know that I want Grady’s book first because his friendship and support for Sassy is unmatched and he deserves to find his person (which we all know that he will, but I need that story!).
October 18, 2023
I’m absolutely stunned by what I just read. Avery Maxwell just wrote the best book of her career. She floors me with each new book with how much her writing grows. Falling Into Forever has so much character to it. It goes from showing a grumpy depressed anxious woman who had become absent in her own life, to a women who lived her life on her terms. One who still understood that she would have depressed days but had far better days than she was use to living like the past 6 years. Saylor made Dante leave her when her sister died. It was grief talking but as a young man he didn’t realize that. He’s back to help her get her life straightened out even if she doesn’t want him to. Dante doesn’t take no for an answer and proves that he never stopped loving her. He brings his niece and her mom to this small town to get them out of LA. Poppy is so adorable 🥰 She doesn’t take no for an answer either. With her best friend and the whole town showing her that they care, Sassy takes control of her life again. This is a book that you can not put down. Avery Maxwell, you are a genius!
October 22, 2023
Avery Maxwell has done it again! Falling into Forever gets added to listen of great books she has written. This story is about friends to lovers, second chances, small town romance, fake romance, reverse grumpy/ sunshine and deals with anxiety and depression.
Saylor Green is romance author who when she was younger fell in love with Dante Thompson. 6 years ago tragedy happen in Saylor's life that lead to her pushing Dante away to Hollywood where he works. Now 6 years later Saylor had a interview that blew up in her face and Dante’s brother is out to ruin his career. This leads to him returning to the place and one person that pushed him away Saylor. Dante and Saylor will have to work together if they want to get their careers back on track but it’s not going to easy. Saylor is deal with living with anxiety and depression and believes that this whole situation is a nightmare and just wants it to get it over with. While Dante believes this is a chance to get back the girl that his heart has always belong regardless of the time apart. While Falling into Forever deals with real issues like depression, grief and anxiety, there are plenty of a funny and sweet moments in the story. Overall this is a great story. Avery did a great job at writing a captivating love story but she also did a great job at writing about mental health. Another thing about Falling into Forever is that it is a standalone, so it’s a great book to start for those who might not have read any of Avery’s other books yet.
Saylor Green is romance author who when she was younger fell in love with Dante Thompson. 6 years ago tragedy happen in Saylor's life that lead to her pushing Dante away to Hollywood where he works. Now 6 years later Saylor had a interview that blew up in her face and Dante’s brother is out to ruin his career. This leads to him returning to the place and one person that pushed him away Saylor. Dante and Saylor will have to work together if they want to get their careers back on track but it’s not going to easy. Saylor is deal with living with anxiety and depression and believes that this whole situation is a nightmare and just wants it to get it over with. While Dante believes this is a chance to get back the girl that his heart has always belong regardless of the time apart. While Falling into Forever deals with real issues like depression, grief and anxiety, there are plenty of a funny and sweet moments in the story. Overall this is a great story. Avery did a great job at writing a captivating love story but she also did a great job at writing about mental health. Another thing about Falling into Forever is that it is a standalone, so it’s a great book to start for those who might not have read any of Avery’s other books yet.
October 26, 2023
I don’t really know where to start… This book is amazing! I laughed, I cried and felt every emotion Sassy was going through. Talk about an emotional roller coaster this book will draw you in from the start and keep you engaged all the way to the end. This is a must read!
October 22, 2023
Thank you so much @rick_283 for sending me this ARC!
Falling Into Forever is a standalone romance book from Avery Maxwell and OMG this book is a real rollercoaster of emotions, I was sobbing at 2am while reading it and I absolutely loved Saylor and Dante’s story!
Saylor is a well known romance writer, but when an interview leaves her reputation in shambles, the last thing she expects is for Dante, her first and only love, to be the answer to her problems. Desperately needing to save his reputation too, Dante convinces Saylor they can help each other and start fake dating, but it soon becomes clear they still have feelings for each other and they need to decide if this time around they can finally be together or whether their love is still not enough.
This book broke my heart and then put it together several times, I was crying, smiling through my tears and then crying some more, there are so many beautiful and emotional scenes. I love Saylor and Dante, these two are so strong and perfect for each other, I loved their second chance romance and my heart was breaking at times for them and everything they went through, but it was amazing to see them fight for their own happily ever after. Saylor was such a strong FMC, she was dealing with anxiety and depression and I think her struggles were written really realistically, I was rooting for her to get better and I loved how all her family and friends always were there for her and supported her. I also liked all the secondary characters, Poppy, Lena, Grady, Ainsley and Blake were amazing and I hope to see more of them in this author’s other books.
Falling Into Forever is an amazing romance book with incredible characters and a beautiful romance that I loved and already can’t wait for this author’s next books!
Falling Into Forever is a standalone romance book from Avery Maxwell and OMG this book is a real rollercoaster of emotions, I was sobbing at 2am while reading it and I absolutely loved Saylor and Dante’s story!
Saylor is a well known romance writer, but when an interview leaves her reputation in shambles, the last thing she expects is for Dante, her first and only love, to be the answer to her problems. Desperately needing to save his reputation too, Dante convinces Saylor they can help each other and start fake dating, but it soon becomes clear they still have feelings for each other and they need to decide if this time around they can finally be together or whether their love is still not enough.
This book broke my heart and then put it together several times, I was crying, smiling through my tears and then crying some more, there are so many beautiful and emotional scenes. I love Saylor and Dante, these two are so strong and perfect for each other, I loved their second chance romance and my heart was breaking at times for them and everything they went through, but it was amazing to see them fight for their own happily ever after. Saylor was such a strong FMC, she was dealing with anxiety and depression and I think her struggles were written really realistically, I was rooting for her to get better and I loved how all her family and friends always were there for her and supported her. I also liked all the secondary characters, Poppy, Lena, Grady, Ainsley and Blake were amazing and I hope to see more of them in this author’s other books.
Falling Into Forever is an amazing romance book with incredible characters and a beautiful romance that I loved and already can’t wait for this author’s next books!
March 13, 2024
"Like the stars that can't shine without the moon, we aren't complete without each other."
Oh my heavens how I loved Dante and Saylor. These two should have never been separated but at the same time their time apart shows how much they are meant to be. I love, love, love second chance romances but with Avery throwing in reverse grumpy/sunshine here this book excelled in the second chance department. So many of my favorite tropes are in this....friends to lovers, forced proximity, cinnamon roll hero (and man alive is Dante a cinnamon roll), and small town.
Knowing that Ms. Maxwell was going to be touching on serious subject matter had me so intrigued and the way she does it....it is raw and yet beautifully written at the same time. So many times it hurt to read what these characters had gone through and still continue to but within a few pages things would be looking up and gradually progressing in a good direction.
Just like with any other Avery Maxwell book you get humor, small town shenanigans, and amazing side characters. What I was not expecting was to get so attached to one of them as much as I did. Dante and Saylor have this wonderful and at times tragic love story that will completely pull at your heart strings and reaching for the tissues but it is all worth it in the end when you finish the book with a heart full of luv! There is so much more to say about these two and the push and pull between them but I would not want to ruin the story so I will just say this is a definite must read for any romance reader.
Oh my heavens how I loved Dante and Saylor. These two should have never been separated but at the same time their time apart shows how much they are meant to be. I love, love, love second chance romances but with Avery throwing in reverse grumpy/sunshine here this book excelled in the second chance department. So many of my favorite tropes are in this....friends to lovers, forced proximity, cinnamon roll hero (and man alive is Dante a cinnamon roll), and small town.
Knowing that Ms. Maxwell was going to be touching on serious subject matter had me so intrigued and the way she does it....it is raw and yet beautifully written at the same time. So many times it hurt to read what these characters had gone through and still continue to but within a few pages things would be looking up and gradually progressing in a good direction.
Just like with any other Avery Maxwell book you get humor, small town shenanigans, and amazing side characters. What I was not expecting was to get so attached to one of them as much as I did. Dante and Saylor have this wonderful and at times tragic love story that will completely pull at your heart strings and reaching for the tissues but it is all worth it in the end when you finish the book with a heart full of luv! There is so much more to say about these two and the push and pull between them but I would not want to ruin the story so I will just say this is a definite must read for any romance reader.
October 24, 2023
I so thoroughly enjoyed Saylor and Dante's story. Saylor, known as Sassy, suffers from severe anxiety and has distanced herself from nearly everyone in her small town. After an online interview gets horribly edited to show her at her worst, she is in need of a reputation fixer. Enter Dante. The man she never thought she would see again. Dante has gotten himself into a bit of a pickle as well, and helping Saylor will benefit them both. This little town and these wonderful characters wormed their way into my heart, and I would love to see the rest of the single population of this town find their happily-ever-afters.
Falling into Forever is heartwarming, funny, romantic, a smidge heavy, and highly entertaining. I wholly recommend this and every other book by the extremely talented Avery Maxwell. 5/5 stars
Falling into Forever is heartwarming, funny, romantic, a smidge heavy, and highly entertaining. I wholly recommend this and every other book by the extremely talented Avery Maxwell. 5/5 stars
October 16, 2023
Avery’s books just keep getting better and better! She can tell an amazing story like few other authors’ can. This book will definitely make you laugh, might make you cry, and will absolutely leave you wanting more.
Dante and Saylor’s story is beautifully written. I could feel Saylor’s struggles and was rooting for her the whole way. Her characters’ anxiety and depression were handled so well throughout the entire book. You can tell the author did not take this subject lightly and took great care to accurately portray all the ups and downs. I loved not only how so many people came together for her, but that they did it in ways she was comfortable with. I was so happy that in the end, Dante got the family he longed for, even though in some ways it looked a little different than he thought it would.
I got so attached to so many side characters! You get just enough from them to be interested in reading their stories without them overshadowing the MC’s. There is a certain someone we met a few books back whose story I’ve been waiting for, and it was exciting to find out a little more about him in this book.
I could write out so many different things I loved about this story, these characters, and the whole town, but that would be hard to do without spoiling the book, and I think this story will hit so much more without spoilers.
Dante and Saylor’s story is beautifully written. I could feel Saylor’s struggles and was rooting for her the whole way. Her characters’ anxiety and depression were handled so well throughout the entire book. You can tell the author did not take this subject lightly and took great care to accurately portray all the ups and downs. I loved not only how so many people came together for her, but that they did it in ways she was comfortable with. I was so happy that in the end, Dante got the family he longed for, even though in some ways it looked a little different than he thought it would.
I got so attached to so many side characters! You get just enough from them to be interested in reading their stories without them overshadowing the MC’s. There is a certain someone we met a few books back whose story I’ve been waiting for, and it was exciting to find out a little more about him in this book.
I could write out so many different things I loved about this story, these characters, and the whole town, but that would be hard to do without spoiling the book, and I think this story will hit so much more without spoilers.
October 25, 2023
Falling Into Forever by Avery Maxwell is my top read for the year! It not only has a very good story line, great characters, a small town where everyone is more like family, it taught me so much about how mental health issues, in this case anxiety, affects an individual and everyone they interact with. Be prepared to laugh, cry, intensely dislike a sibling and hope that the main characters, Saylor and Dante can find their way to their HEA.
October 17, 2023
5*
Dante is trying to keep everything together whilst his brother Trent is set to destroy things. When Lena reads the story Dantes ex Saylor wrote she knows its time to step in and help them both.
Saylor hasn't been living for a long time, the death of her sister really hit her hard and we never do as expected when we're hurting.
A truly inspirational story told with emotions and understanding.
I loved the characters and I'm desperate for more from them all.
Dante is trying to keep everything together whilst his brother Trent is set to destroy things. When Lena reads the story Dantes ex Saylor wrote she knows its time to step in and help them both.
Saylor hasn't been living for a long time, the death of her sister really hit her hard and we never do as expected when we're hurting.
A truly inspirational story told with emotions and understanding.
I loved the characters and I'm desperate for more from them all.
October 24, 2023
Oh dear Avery. You’ve done it again. I can completely relate to Saylor and her struggles. She is such a strong young woman. I look forward to reading more books similar to this. This really hit home.
October 24, 2023
There are books that are easy reads and then there are books that tackle challenging issues. Both have their place in romance however Avery Maxwell has developed a very special talent in being able to tap into challenging issues such as depression, anxiety & trauma from loss and making them accessible for everyone to experience and yet still get all the romantic feels. This is one of my favourite reads of the year.
Both Dante & Saylor aka “Sassy” start the book with individual crisis affecting their livelihoods and this leads Dante home and into the orbit of Saylor to help repair their images. They have a deep history and haven’t spoken in 6 years and find themselves in a fake relationship to help both of their causes. Getting to experience this story from both sides of the coin made the journey to happily ever after so much more special.
The reverse grumpy/sunshine trope works really well within this story and Dante quickly becomes sweet and determined to win Saylor over and prove to her that he’s in it for the long haul. There was so much to love with this book and I couldn’t put it down.
As with all of the author stories found family is a massive part of her work and the opportunities for future stories with so many rich secondary characters make me feel I’ll be reading many stories to come from this world. And I’m not mad about it.
This is a fantastic story of soulmates overcoming real challenges of loss, grief and mental health struggles filled with a town you’ll fall hard for!
Both Dante & Saylor aka “Sassy” start the book with individual crisis affecting their livelihoods and this leads Dante home and into the orbit of Saylor to help repair their images. They have a deep history and haven’t spoken in 6 years and find themselves in a fake relationship to help both of their causes. Getting to experience this story from both sides of the coin made the journey to happily ever after so much more special.
The reverse grumpy/sunshine trope works really well within this story and Dante quickly becomes sweet and determined to win Saylor over and prove to her that he’s in it for the long haul. There was so much to love with this book and I couldn’t put it down.
As with all of the author stories found family is a massive part of her work and the opportunities for future stories with so many rich secondary characters make me feel I’ll be reading many stories to come from this world. And I’m not mad about it.
This is a fantastic story of soulmates overcoming real challenges of loss, grief and mental health struggles filled with a town you’ll fall hard for!
October 26, 2023
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell is a second chance forced proximity small town romance. This book is a standalone.
Saylor is an author who has a terrible interview that needs some PR repairs and that help comes in the form of Hollywood fixer ex boyfriend Dante. Saylor and Dante have broken up six years ago, but feelings still linger after all this time along with hurt feelings.
This book is relatable, sexy, and emotionally moving. I love how Avery Maxwell’s writing takes you on the full journey of characters emotions. Even if it’s sad or difficult you are along for the ride with the characters. Going through the dark sad heartbreaking parts made the HEA so worth it, and a reflection of reality since life itself can be hard and sad at times. I was also impressed how smooth the story was with all the moving storylines and characters it flowed together really well.
I appreciate how relatable the characters are.Saylor struggles with anxiety and depression as many people do including myself. I tend to a social hermit like Saylor and have to make sure I’m socializing on purpose. I loved how patient and understanding Dante was with Saylor. Both Dante and Saylor are great characters and it was refreshing that both made mistakes and both had to work through pain and hurt to get to forgiveness.
This is an emotionally beautiful story going from heartbreak and hurt and taking a journey to love and forgiveness. This book is so emotionally deep and complex I would almost describe it as more than a romance. I would recommend giving this book a chance and taking that emotional journey too.
I was honored to receive an ARC.
Saylor is an author who has a terrible interview that needs some PR repairs and that help comes in the form of Hollywood fixer ex boyfriend Dante. Saylor and Dante have broken up six years ago, but feelings still linger after all this time along with hurt feelings.
This book is relatable, sexy, and emotionally moving. I love how Avery Maxwell’s writing takes you on the full journey of characters emotions. Even if it’s sad or difficult you are along for the ride with the characters. Going through the dark sad heartbreaking parts made the HEA so worth it, and a reflection of reality since life itself can be hard and sad at times. I was also impressed how smooth the story was with all the moving storylines and characters it flowed together really well.
I appreciate how relatable the characters are.Saylor struggles with anxiety and depression as many people do including myself. I tend to a social hermit like Saylor and have to make sure I’m socializing on purpose. I loved how patient and understanding Dante was with Saylor. Both Dante and Saylor are great characters and it was refreshing that both made mistakes and both had to work through pain and hurt to get to forgiveness.
This is an emotionally beautiful story going from heartbreak and hurt and taking a journey to love and forgiveness. This book is so emotionally deep and complex I would almost describe it as more than a romance. I would recommend giving this book a chance and taking that emotional journey too.
I was honored to receive an ARC.
October 19, 2023
This book has a lot going on, but for me it hits home with Saylor's anxiety, it was amazing to see someone like her in a book, someone like me. I cried a lot during this book, but it was good tears, this book made me feel closer to normal than I have ever felt. Dante was so patient, so kind and just the perfect Hero for her! All the side characters, oh they better get their own books is all I'm saying and I will need more of Poppy, maybe we can see her in her teenage years someday! This book has the perfect amount of feels to it, everything from happy, laughter, tears (the good kind) and just the love from start to finish!
October 18, 2023
Dante and Saylor’s story is and emotional journey of heartbreak, loss, recovery, and second chances. This grumpy (heroine)/ sunshine (hero) story forces them have to work through their past to get to their future.
Maxwell's storytelling is amazing, but the way she makes you feel like this could be your life makes you feel like a part of the story. Her characters are relatable and real.
Avery Maxwell wrote yet another book that draws you in, shows you what real life is like and then gives you an HEA that makes you wish for more!
Maxwell's storytelling is amazing, but the way she makes you feel like this could be your life makes you feel like a part of the story. Her characters are relatable and real.
Avery Maxwell wrote yet another book that draws you in, shows you what real life is like and then gives you an HEA that makes you wish for more!
October 23, 2023
Words cannot express how much I loved this book. Avery Maxwell wrote a heartfelt story that will rip you apart, but will also put you back together and fill you up inside. Not only will Dante and Saylor hold a place in my heart, their story gives me hope that you can find light through the darkness if you surround yourself with the right people. The secondary characters were just as charming/grouchy as our hero and heroine and I’m hoping we learn more in future books to come! Hint Hint!
October 17, 2023
Saylor and Dante’s story is one you didn’t know you needed to read. This incredibly insightful love story includes a deep dive into anxiety and just how awful it can be. The love between these two is raw, real and romantic. I couldn’t put this down.
October 25, 2023
Dante and Saylor! Oh, Avery has done it again. ♥️ I felt every emotion in this book on a personal level! It pulled all my heart strings, and I wish I could read it again for the first time! Reminds of the song ( Because You Loved Me) by Celion Dion. 🥰😭🥰
October 21, 2023
You guys…..this book was amazing! I don’t even know where to start. It was so raw and unfiltered and so, so true. Life is rough. It never promises to be easy. One bad situation, one tragic action can change the course of so many lives. Saylor and Dante - two lives forever changed by the way they handled a tragic event. We all have to cope in life but some of us don’t cope with change or tragedy as well as others. We have to learn to embrace that or we will quickly alienate so many people. Actions and reactions always have an outcome. But for this sweet couple - it’s a roller coaster ride to get to where they need to be! Embrace each other, love each other, know your tribe and support them! This book is truly an amazing read!! I absolutely loved it!!
October 22, 2023
Avery Maxwell looked into our souls and wrote a little bit about all of us in this book. It is amazing how the right person can help you overcome or change your negativity to be the best you can be. Thank you for writing this book and helping us develop while reading for fun. ❤️
October 23, 2023
Falling into Forever is so good! A second chance, reverse grumpy/sunshine that will break your heart but put it back together, with some laughs thrown in cause…why are farts so funny?! The topic of mental health is so well written, even if you’ve never lived it, you experience all the feelings. And trust me when I tell you, you will be left wanting more of the side characters!
“If we fall into bed right now, it might as well be falling into forever, because that’s what it’ll be. Our forever.”
“If we fall into bed right now, it might as well be falling into forever, because that’s what it’ll be. Our forever.”
October 23, 2023
Book starts off as two best friends who are soul mates. They’re each other’s back bone. Then the book fast forwards 6 years later. They’re not together anymore and a tragedy is a reason for that.
Dante’s half-brother is out for him. He feels threaten by Dante and starts going to the public with lies. Also, Poppy his niece is his favorite person in the world minus Saylor, and his brother is trying to prevent him to see her.
Saylor is a total black cat! She’s feisty, speaks her mind and as an author she says things that she doesn’t think before they might get portrayed to the public. A total PR nightmare. She’s currently in a writers slump and does an interview and goes off on the interviewer which gets edited as she’s crazy and vulgar.
Saylor’s manager hires Dante to help clear Saylor’s image. They haven’t seen each other in 6 years to be exact. It’s a win-win for both of them to clear their public image and pretend to be together. This is obviously so hard for both because they love each other so much but the past haunts them. Saylor is totally against it. She is terrified to have him back her in her life and then lose him again. Dante wants to do this because he needs her back. She is happy of him and he wants to feel whole again.
Saylor also battles severe depression and anxiety. I personally haven’t battled this, so it was so interesting seeing the signs and how to adapt in life and a relationship with these. Dante was so patient and loving with her. As a reader you genuinely see the love this man has for Saylor. Even though she tries her hardest to hold him away at an arms length for so long in this book. This quote is just a slight part of seeing how Dante is ready to be her backbone.
“I need you to listen to me. You don’t know what you’re asking. You don’t know what—”-Saylor “Then tell me. Talk to me. Teach me.”-Dante
Tropes:
Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
Black Cat/Cinnamon Roll
It’s Always Been You
Opposites Attract
Small Town
Fake Dating/Second Chance
Dante’s half-brother is out for him. He feels threaten by Dante and starts going to the public with lies. Also, Poppy his niece is his favorite person in the world minus Saylor, and his brother is trying to prevent him to see her.
Saylor is a total black cat! She’s feisty, speaks her mind and as an author she says things that she doesn’t think before they might get portrayed to the public. A total PR nightmare. She’s currently in a writers slump and does an interview and goes off on the interviewer which gets edited as she’s crazy and vulgar.
Saylor’s manager hires Dante to help clear Saylor’s image. They haven’t seen each other in 6 years to be exact. It’s a win-win for both of them to clear their public image and pretend to be together. This is obviously so hard for both because they love each other so much but the past haunts them. Saylor is totally against it. She is terrified to have him back her in her life and then lose him again. Dante wants to do this because he needs her back. She is happy of him and he wants to feel whole again.
Saylor also battles severe depression and anxiety. I personally haven’t battled this, so it was so interesting seeing the signs and how to adapt in life and a relationship with these. Dante was so patient and loving with her. As a reader you genuinely see the love this man has for Saylor. Even though she tries her hardest to hold him away at an arms length for so long in this book. This quote is just a slight part of seeing how Dante is ready to be her backbone.
“I need you to listen to me. You don’t know what you’re asking. You don’t know what—”-Saylor “Then tell me. Talk to me. Teach me.”-Dante
Tropes:
Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
Black Cat/Cinnamon Roll
It’s Always Been You
Opposites Attract
Small Town
Fake Dating/Second Chance
October 25, 2023
Beautiful, gut wrenching, swoonworthy, spicy, perfection of a book ! I bow to you queen, @averymaxwell has knocked it out of the park with this one. My heart is so full, this book encompassed the PERFECT amount of everything all wrapped up in a beautiful little bow. I can't begin to describe the love I have for this book. I ADORED Your Last First Kiss, this one has been able to match it if not exceed it.
Dante is the epitome of the most WONDERFULLY AMAZING book boyfriend, he is completely swoonworthy. The care, the heart, the love this man has for Saylor is truly beautiful and exceptional. The patience in helping her overcome her mental health struggles, anxiety is exactly what anyone with these struggles needs and deserves. Saylor is just so sassy, so broken but still manages to open up her heart again to Dante, her growth was the most beautiful thing. I related to her so much through her struggles. The mental health rep was on point !
The side characters which are the found family were just pure perfection. They all just fit so well together. The love that emanated from them towards Saylor in order for her to overcome obstacles was beautiful to the point of bringing tears to your eyes. Also, I'm a sucker for a cute child, Poppy was the sweetest little girl, the way she called Dante "Unca" and him "Lollipop" 🫠 be still my heart.
Just read it, I can't rave enough about this book. It's so damn beautiful and deserves to get all the recognition in the world. I mean thus was for me a masterpiece in terms of storyline, storytelling and execution, plus NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP, which was so refreshing! I'm literally obsessed with this book, I will not be silenced ✌️
If you're looking for a beautiful story of love, second chances, mental health rep, growth, found family and HEA, you NEED this one, I promise !
✨️Thank you to @rick_283 & @averymaxwell, for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dante is the epitome of the most WONDERFULLY AMAZING book boyfriend, he is completely swoonworthy. The care, the heart, the love this man has for Saylor is truly beautiful and exceptional. The patience in helping her overcome her mental health struggles, anxiety is exactly what anyone with these struggles needs and deserves. Saylor is just so sassy, so broken but still manages to open up her heart again to Dante, her growth was the most beautiful thing. I related to her so much through her struggles. The mental health rep was on point !
The side characters which are the found family were just pure perfection. They all just fit so well together. The love that emanated from them towards Saylor in order for her to overcome obstacles was beautiful to the point of bringing tears to your eyes. Also, I'm a sucker for a cute child, Poppy was the sweetest little girl, the way she called Dante "Unca" and him "Lollipop" 🫠 be still my heart.
Just read it, I can't rave enough about this book. It's so damn beautiful and deserves to get all the recognition in the world. I mean thus was for me a masterpiece in terms of storyline, storytelling and execution, plus NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP, which was so refreshing! I'm literally obsessed with this book, I will not be silenced ✌️
If you're looking for a beautiful story of love, second chances, mental health rep, growth, found family and HEA, you NEED this one, I promise !
✨️Thank you to @rick_283 & @averymaxwell, for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
Avery Maxwell has done it again! I absolutely fell in love with Dante and "Sassy" Saylor's story! This book had my emotions all over the place. It was hard hitting in spots that left me teary-eyed, but it also had so many sweet moments that balanced it out perfectly. This book took me longer to read than usual because I literally made myself savor every moment without rushing through like I wanted to. It's also steamy, has humor, and takes on hard topics in such a beautiful way. There’s some really fantastic side characters that I'm hoping we will see more of 🙏 🙏 You definitely don't want to pass up this amazing story!
October 22, 2023
Dante and Saylor’s ( Sassy’s) HEA
This book has a little bit of everything 2nd chances, friends to lovers, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, fake relationship, an adorably sweet child, and true to Avery Maxwell’s books the beauty of found family.
Best friends and first loves as teenagers and through their early 20s when life’s circumstances break these two destined to be together up. 6 years later Dante returns to Hope Hollow to right wrongs and reclaim his love and life.
This story reps Mental Health specifically anxiety and depression, loss and grief, the strength of love of a community, friends and family both blood and found. This book will make you laugh maybe even cry some but the heart warming LUV Avery Maxwell always writes is weaved into this beautiful story with grace, humor,honesty, truth and eloquence.
This book has a little bit of everything 2nd chances, friends to lovers, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, fake relationship, an adorably sweet child, and true to Avery Maxwell’s books the beauty of found family.
Best friends and first loves as teenagers and through their early 20s when life’s circumstances break these two destined to be together up. 6 years later Dante returns to Hope Hollow to right wrongs and reclaim his love and life.
This story reps Mental Health specifically anxiety and depression, loss and grief, the strength of love of a community, friends and family both blood and found. This book will make you laugh maybe even cry some but the heart warming LUV Avery Maxwell always writes is weaved into this beautiful story with grace, humor,honesty, truth and eloquence.
October 16, 2023
Saylor's life has not been easy. The one person she always could count on when life got to be too much was Dante. Then when her sister dies she can't comprehend how her life will go on and she pushes Dante away to save him from her deep depression. 6years later she's an author who has an interview go crazily arye. Little did she know the interviewer had it in for her from the start. Dante is hired to rehab her reputation as he is drawn into the chaos by having a past with Saylor.
This book has all the feels but warning their is mental heath issues and substance abuse scenes.
Great book by a great author.
This book has all the feels but warning their is mental heath issues and substance abuse scenes.
Great book by a great author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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