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The Monroe Brothers #4

Trusting Forever

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This Christmas, I might finally find my way out of the friend-zone and into my best friend’s heart.
Sebastian and I have been best friends forever. He knows everything about me, except that I’ve secretly crushed on him for years. When Sebastian finds himself without a nanny over the holidays, he makes me an offer I can’t refuse. Move into his cabin on the family’s Christmas tree farm and be a nanny to his little girl.

I’d love to step out of the friend-zone and into his arms, but it’s time I accepted that Sebastian will always look at me as his faithful friend. Determined to change my single status (and tired of the pitying comments from our families), I jump at the opportunity to participate in the Christmas tree farm’s bachelorette auction. I might not find Mr. Forever, but I might just find Mr. Fun-For-The-Holidays instead.

Imagine my surprise when Sebastian outbids everyone to win a date with me. I would’ve considered it a pity date, until I arrive at the ice-rink covered with fairy lights and enough mistletoe to make even Scrooge a romantic. I’m swept out of the friend-zone and into a hot and steamy night with my best friend.

Just when I’m sure that my Christmas wish has been granted and Sebastian and his daughter start to feel like family, his ex shows up threatening to destroy everything we’ve built.

Will he choose me, or will I be pushed back into the friend-zone?

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

421 people are currently reading
280 people want to read

About the author

Lea Coll

94 books893 followers
Lea Coll is a USA Today bestselling author who writes sweet and sexy happily ever afters. She worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

She grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her family.
For new releases, sneak peaks, and updates check out Lea's website and sign up for my newsletter.
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Lea Coll ist eine Bestsellerautorin von sexy Liebesromanen mit Happy-End-Garantie. Sie arbeitete über zehn Jahre lang als Prozessanwältin. Inzwischen lebt sie mit ihrer Familie in den USA und genießt nach Jahren als Juristin die Freiheit, sich völlig dem Schreiben widmen zu können. Lea Colls prickelnde Geschichten entstehen, während sie sich um die Aktivitäten ihrer drei Kinder und deren Snacks kümmert.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,116 reviews104 followers
February 13, 2024
4.5 Stars

I have been waiting for Sebastian's story. Trusting Forever is the fourth book in the Monroe Brothers series. Sebastian is a single father and has lived in town until recently. He moved onto the farm like the rest of his brother and brought his best friend Hanna with him. The two have been best friends since grade school, and while she has crushed on him, he is oblivious. Sebastian’s main focus is his daughter Ember.

Once he realizes what he has, he forms a plan to keep Hanna. A date won as the highest bidder leads to the conversation, but he is cautious. Will he take the chance?

I love this family and enjoy getting to know the brothers. Each one has a special contribution to the family tree farm. The books bring together a family and friends with love and ready to get to know each and every one.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
108 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2025
This was quite slow. Same internal dialogue from the main characters over and over.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,222 reviews19 followers
June 8, 2025
When you gave your heart to your best friend back in junior high when you were study buddies. The Monroe brothers were known for being athletic except for Sebastian. Hanna’s roommate was getting married and decided to move in with her fiancé. Leaving Hanna looking to move and not wanting to move with her parents. Sebastian’s cabin was done so he was moving back to the farm. But he will need a sitter to watch Ember because he still works in town at his accounting firm and on their Christmas tree farm. So he offers Hanna a room to watch Ember after school and on weekends.

She’d settled into the friend role a long time ago, but the idea of living together made her feel excited and panicked at the same time. Would he finally see how she felt about him? What if he asked her to watch Ember so he could go out with another woman? It would be torture, but she couldn’t say no.
There are a lot of Monroe boys, Sebastian, Talon, Heath, Knox, and Emmett. It seemed like everyone could see the way she felt about Seb except him. Even the brothers’ special ones were able to see it.

But Sebastian never noticed her and in fact, he had a one-and-done and even had Ember with her. Yet, she didn't find it important enough to stick around to be a part of her daughter’s life. That's where Hanna came in. Hanna was there for all those special moments. Sebastian was being overly cautious all the time and even after bidding on Hanna, planning a special date, and taking her physically he still wanted to keep her a dirty little secret. And the only reason he had leaped was because Hanna told him she wanted to start dating.

He seemed taken aback almost more worried she would bring a guy home to his house around his daughter. When he mentioned to Knox he seemed almost angry and Knox asked why it bothered him. Stating the concerns above then Knox said, Are you sure you're just not jealous since you have always had Hanna at your fingertips? Heck, Ember knows her better than her mother. He once again affirmed they are just friends. They get their routine down it’s getting close to the holiday break. It's Sunday dinner and she’s invited.

When Marley brings up wanting to hold a bachlorette auction, Hanna is all for it. Telling them she wants to get back out there and start dating and find the one. She wants marriage and a family. Knox tells Sebastian she’s a catch. She’s sweet, caring, and great with kids. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else. What if she’s the one, and I’ve ignored it because I was worried about what it would mean for our friendship? I can’t sit back and watch her date someone else. Not when she doesn’t know how I feel. I need this chance.”

Knox chuckled. “I think she’s tired of waiting for you to make a move.” “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else. And he was once again being overly cautious. Let's just say the auction was a success they get close but it’s now the light of day and Sebastian is starting to freak out. He asks Hanna to keep it between them until he can figure out a way to tell Ember about them. Then he texts the family the same sentiment. She said okay that she respected him as her father as to how best to proceed. But he knew she was not happy.

When Knox came to drop Ember off he came in to congratulate them and give his brotherly advice. He was wondering why they were hiding the relationship it's such a good thing. Ember’s mother isn’t like everyone else. She could show up at any time. For Hanna, the thought of Brandy sent a chill down her body. She’d been around only a handful of times, and she needed to be the most important person around not Ember. “Why would it be confusing for Ember? Hanna’s been around her whole life, and Ember loves her like another mother.”

“But she’s not her mother. Ember has one who is not present in her life. She could show up at any time.” She barely refrained from flinching. “I thought we were keeping things quiet because of Ember, but are you saying it’s Brandy?” Sebastian hung his head. “Yes. No. I don’t know. This is new. Just give me some time to figure things out.” She couldn’t ignore the warning signs that Sebastian wasn’t all in with her.

Read to see how this plays out. You will be surprised at all the twists and turns. Sebastian reminds me of an autistic person very much on a schedule, can function if it gets messed up or he has to be rebooted, and is not in touch with his emotions. This was a very good book. Hanna needed more of a backbone.
Profile Image for Lisa Broadman.
181 reviews
February 10, 2024
This is Sebastian and Hanna’s story and is a childhood friends to more trope. This is a well written story of life long best friends who care for each other but have never done anything about it. It is a slow burn romance with steam and some frustration with Sebastian but ultimately a true Lea Coll story set at a beautiful Christmas Tree farm. It also has the cutest kid ever!

These two life long BFFs have never crossed the line even though Hanna has harbored a secret crush on Sebastian for years. She’s never admitted her feelings for him and he never looked at Hanna as anything other than his friend. She has waited forever for Sebastian to wake up and see her as something more. Hanna loses her roommate and ultimately her apartment. Sebastian realizes that he needs help with Ember so Hanna moves in to help. While living under one roof, Hanna admits to Sebastian that she wants to get back into the dating pool in order to move forward with her life and to, unbeknownst to him, get over Sebastian. This doesn’t sit well with Sebastian. So between this statement and a talk with his brothers, he begins to see Hanna differently. His brothers goad him into figuring out what she really means to him and try to get him to take action or get over her.

Sebastian begins to see Hanna as more than a BFF and their relationship turns physical but he can’t figure out how to move things forward in a real way. Basically he wants to have a relationship with Hanna but not let anyone know. Wanting to keep their relationship a secret while he figures it out and to keep it from Ember, really hurts Hanna. She thinks that maybe he only wants to be with her so that someone else doesn’t snap her up. It was frustrating for me to read how long it took him to work things out and to truly figure out what Hanna meant to him.

Hanna was a rockstar. She is awesome and her relationships with everyone around her are wonderful. She is particularly amazing with Ember. There are true loving feelings between the two and Hanna is the mother than Ember has never had. It was tough for me watching Hanna suffer due to Sebastian’s treatment of her. I was proud of her when she put her foot down with Sebastian and basically told him to figure himself out and that she was worth more than what he was giving.

Sebastian finally figures things out and is so blessed to have his family because they were brutal with him as brothers can be. I admired the bravery the brothers had in having the tough talk with him that he needed. The tough talk, the shock of seeing Hanna stand up for herself and also realizing that he hurt her helped Sebastian take action to move him toward making their HEA possible.

I am truly loving these Monroe brothers and their Christmas Tree Farm. While this wasn’t my favorite brother, the story was well written romance with wonderful characters and side characters. This story sets up the final two stories and I can’t wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,832 reviews50 followers
February 12, 2024
This is a friends to lovers romance between single dad Sebastian and his best friend Hanna. Both have had more than friendly feelings for each other for years, but have never been brave enough to tell the other how they feel. They are afraid the other only wants friendship and that he/she will pull away after learning just how he/she feels. Fate, with a little help from matchmaking friends and family along with the magic of the season, is about to give these two a chance to claim each other and a happily ever after.

This holiday season, Hanna has moved in with Sebastian and his daughter Ember after losing her roommate and then her apartment. He has told her that he needs her help with Ember over the holiday season while he is busy helping out on the family Christmas tree farm and then through the tax season when his job as an accountant is crazy busy. Hanna accepts his offer to stay, then begins to think she made a mistake. Being so close to Sebastian and Ember will be hard on her heart which yearns to be more than friend to the man and little girl she adores. She mentions that she thinks it is time to date again, to find someone and perhaps have children of her own. Sebastian is surprised then spurred on to finally act on his crush and find out if she feels the same. But he is the slow, steady and cautious type and still not sure about declaring his feelings especially when she is living in his home. When his brothers’ ladies come up with a plan for a bachelorette auction and Hanna agrees to participate, Sebastian is shocked and dismayed. His brothers urge him to be the highest bidder, while the ladies are helping Hanna prepare. They are secretly hoping their matchmaking plan works and Hanna and Sebastian end up together as much more than friends. The best laid plans don’t always work out the way they should. Sometimes there are a few hiccups, snags or interferences, as is the case here. Will these two finally have the happily ever after of their dreams?

This book is entertaining, very engaging and heartwarming. As with the other books in this series, the close knit Monroe family is a huge part of what makes this book enjoyable. The teasing, the prodding and the unconditional love and support all make this book special. I highly recommend this wonderful book and the others in this series to those who love their romances on the sweeter side with just a bit of spice and angst.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,696 reviews
February 12, 2024
Trusting Forever by Lea Coll, book four in the Monore Brothers series, is a wonderful and heartwarming friends to lovers’ romance between Sebastian and Hanna. Hanna is an amazing person. She always puts Sebastian and Ember first and has been there since the beginning of Ember's life. She has been Sebastian's best friend since they were in grade school together; being the one constant thing in his life. She has had a school girl crush on him all her life and is tired of waiting for him to wake up and see her as something other than a friend. Being a single dad, Sebastian always puts Ember first. He is protective and cautious. Hearing that Hanna plans to start dating, he realizes that Hanna is his forever. He doesn’t want to lose her to someone else, but Hanna is at a point where she wants to settle down and meet someone. Since nothing is happening with Sebastian she decides to enter the auction, thinking she might meet someone. She has waited a long time for Sebastian, understands his obligation to Ember, but she is getting tired of waiting. When the Christmas tree farms’ auction approaches they both realize it’s now or never.
Hanna is blown away when Sebastian wins the date with the highest bid. Finally, they bare their souls, sharing their feelings, and move forward to the start of a relationship. Sebastian, as usual, is cautious and afraid. He wants a future with Hanna but worries about how Ember will react, or what could happen if things don’t work out and they lose their friendship. Things can happen, but if you want things in life you have to take a chance. You cannot sit back and expect things to fall in place. If Hanna is Sebastian’s forever he has to move forward and take a chance. The result may surprise him and maybe, just maybe, he and Hanna can finally get their happily ever after forever love.

Ms Coll created a delightful, amazing, kind and wonderful close-knit family of brothers. Each story centers around the farm and how each brother contributes. This is a story about taking chances, love, loyalty and family; making you fall in love with the Monroe boys and the women who make their lives better.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,359 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2024
Another Monroe Brother novel and it was wonderful!! Absolutely wonderful. I feel like this one is close to my favorite in the series. Sebastian is the absolute sweetest. Plus I love a good nerd romance and Sebastian is an adorable and sexy nerd.

Hanna is an amazing person. She always puts Sebastian and Ember first and has been there since the beginning of Ember's life. She has been Sebastian's best friend since they were in grade school together. She has been the one constant thing in his life. She has had a school girl crush on him all her life and she is just tired of waiting for him to wake up and see her as something other than a friend.

Hanna being determined to start dating again has started wheels in motion that will either destroy them or bring them together.

This book has a slow burn that when it ignites, it's fast and hot. This was a sweet and beautiful story. Ember is just the most adorable child ever and her daddy, well let's just say I can be a step mommy. "wink, wink"

I love how the books in this series concentrate on the importance of family and the bond it holds. It centers around the farm and how each brother contributes and their desire to remain single. But fate has beautiful plans for these brothers and their stories are sweet, beautiful and heartfelt. I can't wait to see how Talon's story turns out. They have been hinting to it since the beginning. I am curious to know what happened between him and Holley.

I love the whole Christmas Tree Farm backdrop. It is the most amazing setting with all the trees, lights, waterfalls and lakes. The supporting characters are just as amazing as the main characters and I just love reading these books because of the amazing character lineup.

Patiently waiting for more....
Profile Image for Theresa Natole.
1,228 reviews21 followers
February 7, 2024
Sebastian and Hanna have been best friends forever. She has been by his side from the time Ember was born. She is more of a mother to her than the woman that gave birth to her. What started as friendship has now grown to deeper feelings. Sebastian will always put Ember first. He is a single dad trying to do the best he can. He is protective and cautious. He hasn’t really dated anyone.
But his feelings for Hanna are getting stronger and he doesn’t want to lose her to someone else. Hanna is at a point where she wants to settle down and meet someone. Since nothing is happening with Sebastian she decides to enter the auction and who knows she might even meet someone. Afterall how long can she wait for Sebastian. She understands his obligation to Ember but she is getting tired of waiting. When the auction approaches they both realize it’s now or never.
Sebastian knows Hanna is his forever. But is he too late. How much more can he make her wait. Once the auction is over and feelings are finally brought to the surface things can finally move forward. But as usual Sebastian is cautious and afraid. He wants a future with Hanna but in the back of his mind how will Ember react. What happens if things don’t work out and they lose their friendship.
So many things can happen, but if you want things in life you have to take a chance. You cannot sit back and expect things to fall in place. If Hanna is Sebastian’s forever he has to move forward and take a chance. The result may surprise him and he could finally get his happily ever after forever love.
552 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2024
In this next installment of the Monroe Brothers series, we're invited into the long-term relationship between Sebastian and Hanna. They've been friends since they were children and have maintained that relationship through Sebastian's short term affair that resulted in his daughter. With his ex being an absentee parent, Sebastian has taken on the role of single father. Hanna has been there to help every step of the way as he's been raising Ember.

Over the years, Hanna has admitted her attraction to Sebastian to herself, but has never gotten any inkling from Sebastian that he returned that attraction. Sebastian has also felt an attraction for Hanna but is so cautious and conservative that he's afraid to act on it and mess up their friendship. It's only when Hanna decides that she is going to give up on Sebastian and announces her intention to begin dating again that he finally makes his move.

This pair has strong chemistry when they cross the line into a physical relationship, but Sebastian continues to second guess his decision to enter a relationship with his long-time friend. So afraid to make changes in his life, even if they bring him more happiness than he expected, his hot and cold behavior may destroy the best thing to ever happen to him.

I found Sebastian's caution and hot and cold behavior a bit frustrating. It was a relief to finally see him reach for what he wants and begin to balance his roles of father and romantic partner. Hanna was a much more straightforward and self-possessed character. She shows strength in how she deals with Sebastian and realizes her own worth early in the relationship. She is one of my favorite characters in this series to date. The magic of the holiday and the Monroe family farm prevail and yet another Monroe brother finds his HEA.

Four stars for this small-town, friends to lovers romance.

This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
936 reviews34 followers
February 25, 2024
Trusting Forever is the next book in this author’s Monroe Brothers series. It’s the spinoff from her Ever After series. This one focuses on a family who owns a Christmas tree farm, and it’s a holiday romance due to the story’s timeframe. It’s a complete stand-alone title. However, as a self-proclaimed big fan of this author’s books, I highly recommend reading all of the books in order before diving into this one.

My favorite part of this story is how the no-longer-single brother is totally there for Sebastian with an ear to listen yet with truths he needs to hear throughout the book. Knox’s insights were incredibly insightful and timely, and I couldn’t help but think he kind of stole the scenes he was in. Sebastian and Hanna’s feelings felt wish-washy and redundant at times. Still, despite that one bone of contention, the story was entertaining, especially as the best friends-to-lovers trope is a top favorite of mine. And despite all of the stories so far being very different where the main characters are concerned, the continuation of the idea of this close-knit family who loves big and doesn’t think twice about including more and more people in their definition of family is my favorite theme of all.

As usual, Lea Coll delivered a cast of well-written and well-developed characters, sweet and swoony moments, and sprinkled in some holiday magic (and a few breadcrumbs for the next book) for a winning combination.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,230 reviews219 followers
February 4, 2024
5 Star Review Trusting Forever (The Monroe Brother #4) by Lea Coll

It was wonderful being back with the Monroe Brothers for Sebastian and Hanna’s story. I love any story that is centred around Christmas; it’s a time to get together and celebrate. I enjoy Lea Coll’s style of writing; her characters are engaging and Trusting Forever drew me in and held me captive until the last chapter.
I love friends to lovers’ stories and this book was exactly what I look for in a romance. Ms. Coll has an affinity for writing stories set in small towns and knocked this book out of the park.
We have met single dad Sebastian and his adorable daughter Ember as well as his best friend Hanna, so I was excited to read how their story played out. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more.
When Hanna needs a place to stay, Sebastian steps up. What he doesn’t realise is that Hanna has had feelings for him for years. When she participates in the Christmas tree farms auction she is blown away when Sebastian wins the date with the highest bid.
Once they cross the line, all bets are off, and it was entertaining to watch their relationship develop. The connection between these two is strong and I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,495 reviews56 followers
February 10, 2024
Sebastian and Hanna have been best friends since they were little. They stuck together through thick and thin but lately Hanna has been feeling like it's time to let her crush on him go. She decided it was time to make a new year resolution and was to really start dating again. She wants to have a family and time is ticking.

Sebastian is a single dad juggling his job and helping his family farm. Having Hanna there helps him worry less about his adorable little girl. He's been crushing on her for a long time but too afraid to say anything afraid he'll lose her friendship. But her resolution sends him into panic mode and he shows her how good they could be together. But being together turns out is not that easy. He's having problems with the new arrangement and when his past comes knocking back at this door, he'll have to decide if he's ready to call her his or is he going to let her go.

From start to finish this story pulled at my heartstrings. Just when you think all is right with the world his analytic brain gets in the way. This was a very realistic read and I knew these two were going to be fire together.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Paulalovesherbooks.
387 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2024
Friends to lovers is a hit or miss trope for me, this one was a little bit of both.

Hanna had a crush on her best friend for a long while, but it took a long time and some meddling for Sebastian to think of more with her, even then it was on his terms and that was in the beginning  a “secret relationship”. When she needed a place to live, he offered his place knowing that he needed help with his daughter, while living together with a little nudge from his brother he started looking at her differently.

From one point of view the book is well written, the characters are all great and it’s full of love and support from friends and family. Taking the characters as individuals I like them both, but as a couple I felt like Sebastian was selfish. He makes a good case of wanting to go slow and hide because of the repercussions in case they don’t work out. But as much as I understand the father in him, as a woman I want my main character to get a man who can’t live without her, consequences be damned. 

Ember was his saving grace, when he was lost on how to act she just said what he wanted to hear, that the three of them are family. She saw what both adult couldn’t, how perfect they were together.   
Profile Image for Pauline.
985 reviews
February 3, 2024
Another one bites the dust!! Sebastian Monroe has always guarded his heart, and now he has his daughter Ember to protect too. That is the reason he hasn't let anyone into his life, because Ember will always be his first priority. The only person that gets close to Sebastian is Hanna, his best friend since childhood, but when Hanna decides that she is going to get back on the dating scene, something changes for Sebastian. Hanna has always been in love with her best friend, but never wanted to cross that line in case he didn't feel the same, and it would ruin their relationship. So when the Tree Farm plans a Bachelorette auction to raise money, Hanna agrees to be auctioned off, a turn of events that doesn't please Sebastian. With the help of his brothers, Sebastian comes up with a plan to win Hanna, reveal his feelings and make her his. But can he overcome his fear of ruining their friendship, being overprotective of his daughter and still find lasting love?

This story is so well written, the progression of the characters has great pace and Ember is adorable with Hanna. Another winner.
Profile Image for Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily).
1,599 reviews117 followers
February 4, 2024
Sebastian and Hanna have been best friends forever and have been through so much together. The one thing that they have never done is cross the lines of their friendship. Both have actively friend-zoned each other and are now realizing that they either have to make a move or move on.

Tropes:

🎄Holiday book
🎄Small town
🎄Single dad
🎄Friends to lovers
🎄Great kiddo
🎄Big family

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️.5
Angst level: 💔

Sebastian and Hanna are at a crossroads where Hanna is giving up trying to wait for Sebastian to see her as something more than a friend. And Sebastian does not want Hanna to date other people. So Sebastian finally makes his move and Hanna, and everyone is their lives, is beyond ecstatic. But the deep down issues that have been keeping Sebastian away are coming back to haunt them. Will he be able to figure his head out? Or will he push them apart before they really get a chance?

Sebastian and Hanna were great, but his daughter is really the one who stole the show for me! I loved how involved she was with everything once she finds out about their relationship and how much she loves Hanna. Hanna was definitely the missing piece in their family puzzle.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,249 reviews61 followers
February 13, 2024
"Ember was my world, and Hanna was our future. I just had to convince her of that.

Step into the captivating world of the Monroe Brothers series and prepare to be swept away from the very first page. In "Trusting Forever," Lea Coll introduces us to yet another enchanting couple, whose journey from best friends to lovers will warm your heart and leave you utterly spellbound.

As we follow the story of Hannah, Seb, and his charming daughter Ember, we're taken on a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of friendship, love, and the bonds that tie us together. Ms. Coll's masterful storytelling draws us into their world, where every moment feels genuine and every emotion resonates deeply.

What distinguishes Lea Coll's writing is her ability to seamlessly blend romance with richly developed characters and intricate relationships. It's a joy to see familiar faces from previous books seamlessly integrated into the storyline, enhancing the depth and richness of the story.

With its blend of tender romance, genuine emotion, and endearing characters, "Trusting Forever" is a must-read for fans of the genre. So grab your favourite cozy blanket and immerse yourself in the magic of The Monroe Brothers series, where love blooms in unexpected places and friendship blossoms into something more.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
2,066 reviews67 followers
February 11, 2024
If you are looking for a sweet, friends to lovers, single dad romance that is beautifully written and impossible to put down, then look no further. being back with the Monroe brothers and their family will have you wanting to live on a Christmas tree farm. Trusting Forever tells the story of Hanna and Seb, two childhood friends who have never crossed that line into a romantic relationship. Why? Well, their friendship meant too much to one another. Hannah needs a place to live and Seb needs someone to look after Ember, his daughter, they agree to have Hannah stay with Seb and Ember. Will this be the one thing that sees the two of them finally cross that friendship line and confess their love for one another? The banter and flirting between the two of them finally sees them confessing their feelings for one another, Add in the fact that Ember sees Hannah as the mother that she has never had and you have a beautiful love story.
Ms. Coll has a way of giving us a story that is full of characters that are easily loveable and relatable as well as a storyline that you will love right from the start.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,185 reviews72 followers
February 4, 2024
Oh, Sebastian. You’re cautious to a fault. While caution is good in measured doses, the fear of losing the one you truly want is going to make thot fear come true if you don’t figure out how to get past it!

But Hanna is nothing if not loving. And understanding. I worry that she might accept too much, but she proves that she’s got a spine of steel when push comes to shove. And I sort of love her for that. She loves hard, but she also can’t be a secret. She isn’t something to be ashamed of. She’s the best thing in Sebastian’s (and Ember’s) life and deserves to be seen as such by all.

Luckily, brothers band together here. And they hold Sebastian accountable for his fears, his caution that’s smothering the love he can have, and the pain he inflicts because of those fears. I have to admire them all for not shying away from the hard talks and finding a way through. So now I can only hope that the same advice Talon gives will be remembered, because it’s finally almost time to know the truth of his lost love. I’m ready and waiting to know it all.
1,313 reviews
February 6, 2024
Single dad/Best Friends
Single dad, Sebastian, is a cautious man. He doesn't make rash decisions but he's taking too long to show Hanna that he's interested in her as more than a friend. He had her move in with him and his daughter, Ember, because Hanna needed a place to live for a short time. When Hanna says she's going to start looking for someone to date since she wants a family, Sebastian starts thinking he might have waited too long to tell Hanna that he likes her more than just a friend. He enlists his brothers to help him do something special at the Bachelorette Auction. The more that Sebastian and Hanna are around each other in his house, the more they think to themselves that they feel like a family. Hanna has been around Ember since she was born. Ember thinks of Hanna as a mom and wants her to be her mother. Will Sebastian's plan work? Will other things interrupt their happiness? I really like these Monroe brothers and the way they watch out for each other. I'm looking forward to the other brothers' stories. I received an early copy to read. I'm leaving my honest review.
163 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2024
Sebastian Monroe and Hanna have been best friends since grade school but have never dared to cross the line to more. Sebastian has a precocious adorable 7 year old daughter, Ember, who has loved Hanna from birth as Hanna's mother recoiled from motherhood and only visits sporadically so that Seb has full custody. Hanna teaches but has no home presently so moves in with Seb and Ember in order to nanny while Seb is busy with his family Tree Farm business this holiday season along with his tax seasonal work. Hanna wants more than friendship at 27 and knows she must move on and date if Seb doesn't make a move. The first half of the book is a slow slow burn and rather frustratingly so as Seb is overly cautious and we are treated to domestic waffle making and other chores until the second half opens up more interestingly into their love and strong feelings for each other sexually. It becomes more romantic and steamier with all the touches and feels of a good Lea Coll romance. Received this arc and have voluntarily reviewed.
1,499 reviews7 followers
February 10, 2024
Trusting is a hard issue between this best friends couple. Seb is cautious in everything and anything he has to deal with. Anticipating, planning and determining is his way of dealing with things, taking his time to make a decision and it does not always make him happy or particularly wise at times. He tries to do things for best reasons, but not necessarily in the best way and he doesn't get it right. He is clueless when it comes to Hanna. His behaviour is frustrating at times for all concerned.
Hanna is too accommodating and her reasoning can be to her detriment, especially where Seb is involved. Her hesitation is understandable, but given the chance she has been waiting for, she is right to doubt his motivation due to his reactions. She needs, besides his daughter, to be his primary concern.
Come on Seb..man up, move forward or move back. Come on Hanna...speak up or shut up and go down your own path.
Another interesting storyline in the Monroe brothers saga. Never fails to entertain the reader.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,079 reviews33 followers
February 13, 2024
Sebastian and Hanna have been best friends forever so what would make their comfortable situation change now ?? Well he needs a baby sitter for his daughter Ember and Hanna needs somewhere to live so .. why not have Hanna move into his newly built home on the Monroe Christmas Tree Farm so she has a place to live and help him out with Ember .. EXCEPT we’re or have these two always only had best friend feelings for each other ??

These two were made for each other but are both to scared to act in there feelings because neither wants to loose there best friend !! So when they think the living situation will be no big deal .. ummm turns into a big deal especially when Embers mom comes to visit ….

Can love out beat scared feelings or will family break these two apart ?? Sebastian and Hanna were made for each even if they didn’t think so BUT jealous an evil bitch sometimes but in this case a nice bitch!!

Loving and heart full is my emotions from this installment !! Fabulous story !!
2,524 reviews42 followers
February 13, 2024
A beautiful and emotional friend to lover’s story. Sebastian Monroe handles the financial aspects for the Monroe Family Christmas Tree Farm. He does help with the trees, when needed, but also has the full-time care of his seven-year-old daughter, Ember. When his life-long friend Hanna needs a place to stay, he offers her his guest bedroom. Hanna loves Ember and offers to help care for her while saving for her apartment. She has loved Sebastian for years, but has never had any indication that he is interested in more than her friendship. When the farm sponsors a bachelorette auction, Hanna decides to participate and maybe find someone to date, to love. Sebastian finally realizes that he doesn’t want Hanna to find someone, he wants to be her someone! Has he kept his feelings for her hidden too long, due to his concern for Ember’s welfare? When Ember’s mother arrives, will Sebastian “man up” and show Hanna that he loves her and needs her in his life…forever? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
1,245 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2024
This was a very good friends to lovers/Christmas romance! I have been wanting to know what happened between Sebastian and Ember’s mother, and I finally got the answer in this book.
I absolutely adored Hanna! Not only was she a great friend to Sebastian, but she loved Ember. Despite his hard it was to keep her feelings in check she was always there for them when they needed her.
While I did like Sebastian, I definitely felt like he dropped the ball a few times. I didn’t think how he dealt with Ember’s mother was healthy for Ember or himself, so I was really glad when he finally too steps to get that whole situation back on track.
I loved that Sebastian’s brothers, particularly Knox (once again), helped him to see what he was potentially missing out on with Hanna!
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to find out what happened between Talon and Holly! I honestly am on pins and needles!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,545 reviews135 followers
February 16, 2024
The Monroe Brothers is one of my favourite small town romance series and Trusting Forever ( The Monroe Brothers #4)is also set around Christmas, my favourite time of year so this was a win/win for me. From the moment I picked up Sebastian and Hanna’s story I knew it was special and the fact the journey stayed with me long after the final line only made me realise just how special this read was.
Having met single dad Sebastian and his daughter Ember as well as Hanna before I was excited to see where Ms Coll took us with their story and all im going to say is this book was everything I expected and so much more. This friends to lovers story is the perfect addition to the series.
When Hanna needs a place to stay Sebastian doesn’t hesitate in offering her a room and at this stage he has no idea the feelings his best friend has been hiding but what happens when they live under the same roof and what happens why she announces the new year means she needs to find love…..one click this gem to find out.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,691 reviews46 followers
February 14, 2024
Sebastian and Hanna have been best friends for a long time. Sebastian is a single dad and recently completed building his cabin on the family's land and moved there with his daughter Ember. He asked Hanna to come there with him to help take care of Ember and it was good timing since her lease was ending. Sebastian doesn't know, though, that Hanna wants more than friendship from him; she wonders what it would be like to date and love him. Circumstances push Sebastian to have to think about what life would be like without Hanna there with him and Ember all the time and he realizes that maybe he loves her too. Can these two best friends take their relationship to the next level?

I really liked these characters and all of the interaction with the other members of the Monroe family as well. It's very easy to put yourself into the scenes and situations. This sweet, loving family will burrow its way into your heart.
Profile Image for ELC.
2,094 reviews9 followers
February 18, 2024
Trusting Forever by- Lea Coll.
Oh boy do I love me a single dad romance and you guys this one was great. We are back with the Monroe brothers and I couldn’t be happier. This is all about Sebastian. You guys he is this quiet sexy nerdy single dad you are going to absolutely love. He has been in love with his best friend Hanna since well a long time but never has made it known because well who wants to be vulnerable enough to tell somebody your in love and fear they don’t feel the same. Now Hanna has had feelings for him all along felling he doesn’t feel the same what a predicament am I right. Two best friends in love but neither knows the other share the same feelings. Best kinds of stories am I right. Guys wax such a fun book to read. It’s a slow burn, hot romance. It has such great characters oh and the most adorable little girl ever. Definitely one you should check out and one I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Jill M (Embrace the Romance).
1,572 reviews123 followers
February 3, 2024
Another fantastic book in the Monroe Brothers series. I love getting taken back to the quant tree farm that has all the Christmas magic swirled around. Who doesn’t love a best friends to lovers sweet romance? Also set in the magic of the holidays? I can say I do.

Sebastian and Hanna have been best friends for a long time. Hanna has been there for all the important moments but Sebastian has been so wrapped up in his daughter to notice her as more than a friend. When finally, he opens his eyes he may lose her before he even got her. This story was a beautiful ove story of two hearts finally coming together and making the family that’s been there all along. It’s about all the memories and magic of Christmas and everything in between.

Lea knows how to weave a story filled with love, family and romance into this picturesque Christmas Tree Farm that you will want to visit yourself. I can’t wait for more in this series as I know Lea won’t disappoint.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,574 reviews51 followers
February 17, 2024
Trusting Forever by Lea Coll is a heartwarming single dad holiday romance that beautifully captures the journey of two opposites finding love and stability. The author, known for her sweet and endearing stories, skillfully portrays the struggles and challenges faced by the characters on their path to happiness. The chemistry between Finn and Aria is palpable, and their journey to a happy ever after is a delightful and engaging read. The book is part of the Ever After series, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it is recommended to read the series in order for a complete experience. The story is well-paced, and the characters are relatable, making it a perfect choice for fans of sweet and heartwarming romances. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good romantic read.
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