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Forever and Almost Always

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What do you do when the one person you have always wanted, you can almost never have? We found each other by chance and it was perfect, easy and everything I could have asked for. Our love was one for the books. When he moved next door, my entire world flipped upside down and inside out, but it was the best feeling I had ever experienced. Until the time came to choose between him and my family. I was young and in love, but in the end, I chose my family. I’ve regretted that decision since the day I made it. Now fate has given me a second chance with the one person I knew I was always supposed to be with. But this time so much more was standing in our way. Can I choose him over the life I’ve come to know? Will he be able to forgive me and give us a second chance? Is true love really enough to conquer everything standing in our way? Sometimes the hardest decisions in life, are the most liberating, I just hope that this time I made the right one. *WARNING MATURE CONTENT Recommended for 18+ due to adult content, language and situations

380 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2014

8 people are currently reading
737 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Bennett

18 books821 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Amanda currently lives in Utah with her husband and two boys. She is an die hard San Francisco 49ers fan. Her love and passion for writing started at a young age, and has only continued to grow over the years. She loves to connect with her readers, so feel free to reach out.

You can connect with her at the following links:
Website: www.authoramandabennett.com
FB Page: www.facebook.com/authoramandabennett
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authoramandabennett
Goodreads Page: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550967...

I write contemporary romance, new adult romance, and erotica. "I am who I am because of the people I know and the things I've been through."

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5 stars
51 (22%)
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68 (30%)
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68 (30%)
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23 (10%)
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12 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
19 reviews
March 24, 2014
I did not finish this book. There a few reasons I abandoned this book:
1. Poor editing. I have a low tolerance and I can be a bit of a book snob on this matter. With the number of errors in the first few chapters, I knew that I would be crazy by the end. Example..."hot cool deck" should have been "hot pool deck"
2. Time continuity issues...the characters just meet and then the female is talking like several months have gone by...in my opinion, another editing issue.
3. There was something about this story that felt forced. I feel that the story line may have been more successful as a YA romance. Remove the profanity and overt sexuality-the maturity of the main characters will play better to the YA crowd.
Profile Image for Kristy & Kayla - My Person's Books.
597 reviews34 followers
September 7, 2014

I am a huge fan of Amanda Bennett's writing and for me Forever and Almost Always did not disappoint, it was the type of book I needed right now. There are twists and turns and some angst along the way but not enough to make me want to pull my hair out, ok who am I kidding yes I wanted to pull my hair out. I loved both these characters Dax and Charlee go through the ups and downs of two young people deeply in love.

Charlee's days are all the same hanging with her best friend Taylor, sunbaking and swimming, her life is pretty cruisey. That is all about to change with not one but two good looking neighbours moving in next door, make that one every good looking man that she is smitten for yet hasn't met. Heading out the back to cool off for a swim a head pops up over the fence, there he is the gorgeous new neighbour Dax.

Dax oh my Dax the way he is described yep he's my ideal man in the looks department (I love Paul Walker) he is just as smitten with Charlee too. I'm still swooning over Dax.

When Charlee and Dax finally get together sparks fly, these two have some hot chemistry. They have the perfect relationship, everything has just clicked into place. Their relationship is moving forward and with Dax having to move out of his place they decide to move in together. A twist throws their relationship through a hoop, from here it was like waiting for a car accident to happen, knowing its going to happen but not sure when. Dax and Charlee's relationship seems to be moving slow but also fast at the same time.

With all the highs in their relationship the lows hit them and hit them hard, is their love for one another strong enough to get them through life's highs and lows? Is there relationship and love a forever kind of love or will life's challenges tear them apart? Do Charlee and Dax have a Forever kind of love or will they love each other almost always...?

Once I started this book I didn't want to put it down, I was hooked. Dax and Charlee have the kind of love that is rare and not something everybody experiences.

Another amazing book by Amanda Bennett!
Profile Image for Chu.
1,459 reviews72 followers
January 21, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

That was a one long WILD, SEXY, EXCRUCIATING, and REWARDING ride.

I came to a point that I have questioned if this book would have a happy ending. The journey was exciting, terrifying, and confusing. I was basically chewing on my nails wondering what will happen to these two characters. They had started out young, found a love that was beyond their imagination, and when things got tough and pride gets the best of them – everything that they have worked for to build their relationship on just crumbled into pieces. It have taken them a decade - both of them have grown up, had already separate lives and had broken for over a decade, would fate be kind enough to give them another chance?

The decisions were hard, and some of them weren’t even wise. But what I love most about this novel is the fact that you can feel how the characters evolved. Dax and Charlee had matured through the pages, and I was glad to see them facing most of their problems rather than running away from them. It may have taken a couple of heartaches, walk-outs, and an accident – but in the end, everything was exactly where they should be.

Forever and Almost Always is a love story filled with youthful passion, intensity and drama. This story shows of how powerful love can grow over time, how pride can ruin even the strongest of all emotions, and how fate works wonders. This story proves that everybody and everything deserves all the chances that they can get. Indeed, if you were meant to be, no matter how long it may take, no matter what the circumstances are, no matter where you are, fate will always lead you back to him.

★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
Profile Image for Megaen MacDonald.
115 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2014
I loved this story – boy moves next door to girl, they’re instantly attracted to one another but kind of shy at first but once it’s started, it ignites! Love is in the air! It should be a happily ever after from the age of 20 right?

Charlee and Dax’s relationship started off soooo romantical and swoonworthy! Loved it! But after some time, things kind of got complacent and Charlee’s mom wanted to relocate closer to Charlee’s brother, so Charlee had to make a decision, but was it the right one?

Years later, Charlee finds herself back in town, wanting to reconnect with Dax but he thinks it would be too hard on his current situation and passes on a physical meeting, talking over the phone will have to do.

Still strung out that Dax didn’t want to meet the last time she was in town, needing to relax before an upcoming event, Charlee heads to California for a little R&R but what will happen when Dax shows up knocking at her door?

Forever and Almost Always had a great storyline, again meeting when they were fairly younger, life happens but if true love is meant to be, it will come back right? There were times you just loved Dax but times you really wondered what he was thinking with some of the decisions he made! I’m glad the way Charlee’s life turned out – at the beginning, she wasn’t working, not in school, she was just lounging around her pool for the summer before she met Dax but at the end she was super successful! She was only missing out on one thing – love, to make her complete!

This story does contain a Happily Ever After – absolutely LOOOOOVED the epilogue. It was short and sweet!

This was a great book by author Amanda Bennett! A great second chance romance!
Profile Image for Loz.
1,707 reviews22 followers
February 14, 2015
I wanted to give more than two stars but couldn't. The first half of the story was quite good, I did feel like the situations were being a little rushed but the characters were mostly likeable.
At the half-way mark, I lost interest. The whole sorry was rushed, weeks, then months, then a decade all passed. A Part Two timed ten years later probably would have read better. I also found the sex scenes a little repetitive. I loved Dax, but his choice of wife seemed ridiculous, I know it worked to tie in that Rachel knew he would never love her the way he'd loved Charlee and we already disliked her for the most part so we could overlook his adultery when he and Charlee hooked up again, but I ended up feeling really sorry for her. She was pathetic, allowing a one-night stand (though it was referenced as a 'relationship' at one point) to basically force her to abort a baby and then to marry him when he'd been left devastated? That's devastating for her...
I though the second half was forced, and it didn't work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Missy Bates.
344 reviews
January 20, 2014
LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK WONDEFUL STORY AND AMAZING WRITTING !!!!!!THIS IS ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!!!! THIS BOOK TOUCHED EVERY EMOTIION THAT IS IN YOU AND IT TOUCHED IN ALL THEM WAYS !!!! FALLILNG IN LOVE MENDING BROKEN HEARTS AND ALL THAT STUFF IN BETWEEN BEFOR THE HAPPY EVER AFTER THIS BOOK HAS IT AND MORE !!!!AWESOME AWESOME!!!!AMANDA BENNETT YOU ROCK THANK YOU FOR BRINGING DAX AND CHARLEE AND ALL THE OTHERS THAT SURROUND THEM ... THIS STORY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH CRY AND CHEER AND THANKS FOR THIS BOOK DOING IT FOR ME!!!!!
Profile Image for Linda.
81 reviews
November 1, 2019
It's been a minute since I last wanted to DNF a book & came close several times with this one. Ultimately though, it was a short read, so I powered through and got nothing out of this book at all. As I read, the word "spastic" kept coming to mind. The story just kept jumping from one thing to another with little to no logical progression or follow through. And so many continuity errors that just kept distracting me. The characters were superficial at best & very hard to relate to.

In looking at how I rated other books I've read by this author, I probably should have skipped this one, but unfortunately I didn't check beforehand. You'd be wise to save your time & money by skipping this one, unless you're a glutton for punishment.
Profile Image for Gretchen Anderson.
348 reviews75 followers
January 26, 2014
WOW! What an emotional ride this book was! Dax & Charlee are an amazing couple. Amazing in that they love each other, that they are soul mates and two of the most stubborn people ever.

Charlee is 20 and living with her mom. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life and she’s just been laid off the job she had for four years. She’s taking time over the summer to chill & hang by the pool with her best friend, Taylor.

Dax is moving into his friends Aunt’s house for a while. The house right next to the most beautiful women he’s ever seen. Charlee. He is the reason clique’s like “love at first sight” exist. However, it’s the same for Charlee. They are so completely sweet in the beginning silently stalking each other. That time when you are first head over heals for the other person but too nervous to share those feelings. You flirt and do stupid stunts just to see the each other.

However, it doesn’t take long for them to find each other – and boy do they ever! Once they do, there isn’t any going back. They are so amazing together. Their story of falling in love and wanting to spend every minute with each other is…..completely amazing.

Excerpt – Dax:

With every touch, every movement of my body against hers, the closer I came to falling even more in love with this girl than I ever thought possible. I opened my eyes and caught her beautiful face in my line of sight. Her mouth was barely open and I could hear her breathing become more labored. My lips yearned for hers, so I leaned forward and gently pressed mine against hers. She let out a small moan, urging me to keep moving. My wet lips made there way across her jaw and down her neck before making their way back up to her ear. I placed a small kiss right below her earlobe, and then placed my lips right by her ear, so only she could hear me. “I love you, Charlee.” With one last hard thrust, her and I came undone together. As one we fell, leaving every inhibition behind. We didn’t care what tomorrow would bring us, and in that moment, all I cared about was loving her.

I mean really? How amazing is that writing? Amanda Bennett has a way with writing romance that brings your emotions full circle. I was laughing, I was yelling at them for being ridiculous and I was crying with them too.

As most stories tend to do, real and in books, real life creeps in and makes things complicated. When they first meet at 20 and 19 years old they are too young to understand true love and soul mates. They felt the emotions and knew it was different than any other relationship but giving up everything when you’re that young is extremely hard. Time goes by and you mature and you realize your mistakes. Mistakes that have hard consequences. These two have a lot to figure out and they make a lot of mistakes. Will they finally get their happily ever after?

I LOVED this book. It was a quick read for me, less than 2 days, but that may have been that it was extremely hard to put it down. Amanda Bennett has put together an amazing story with very deep and complicated characters. I know this one just released but I would love to hear Taylor & Trevor’s story?!?! Especially giving how this one ends……would be amazing to continue. However, I just want more of Dax & Charlee anyway I can get them. The end is amazing and there is an epilogue (yeah!) and there is complete closure, but it could continue. Either way……definitely highly recommend this book!!! Go get it right now!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie ~ .
108 reviews30 followers
January 20, 2014

My Review


What happens when the hottest guy ever moves next door? What happens when you move into a house next door to the hottest girl you have ever seen? Well that is exactly what happened in Forever and Almost Always which centred around Charlee and Dax.
He looked like a mix between Paul Walker and Kenny Chesney, weird I know, but so fucking hot. My mind flitted to thoughts of his bare sweaty back that I had seen earlier and I could feel the wetness pooling between my legs. When I caught sight of the dimple in his left cheek, I almost came right where I stood. What the hell was going on with me?

Dax and Charlee sought each other out from the beginning, although several obstacles did come into play. This story was so very typical of many first love relationships. Passionate from the start but with some jealousy, ex's that won't get outta the picture and a few other hiccups thrown into the fray. And Dax... I liked him sometimes, and then other times he was a typical 19 year old boy in a relationship: wanting to party, avoiding meeting the family... the author definitely nailed his character, so much so that I totally had flashbacks of my douchebag boyfriend from back then lol :)

The best part of the story for me were the best friends. Taylor (Charlee's BFF) and Trevor (tattood bad boy) had some definite chemistry that I would love to see played out in another book. The story points that focused more on these characters and Taylor in particular definitely pulled me and kept me reading.

This story was told from dual POV's, which happens to be my favourite. My primary issue when reading this was that I had some problems with the pace of the book. The crisis point came pretty far into the book and although the first half of the book was very descriptive, the end seemed to wrap up too quickly for my liking. I really liked the character development that took place in the end of the book but I just wish we got to know more about how they were feeling about some revelations that came into play.

This was my first book by Amanda Bennet and although I am not completely in love with these characters I will keep my eye out for other books she writes, especially if she does a spin off for other characters that were present in Forever and Almost Always. Take a look at the synopsis, head on over to Goodread or Amazon and take a look!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
January 21, 2014
**JODIE’S REVIEW**

“You’re a tease.” I laughed

“No I’m a previewer. They’re two different things. I give you a preview of what’s to come and actually do those things. A tease just wants you to think it’s gonna happen. Trust me, it will happen.”


I’m at a loss at what to rate this book, I didn’t DNF it and I was intrigued enough to read it to the end. My problems were at times I felt the story was being rushed and forced. I felt I was being told the story instead of reading it. I think my main problem was there were things I sat and I couldn’t understand. There is one part that is a major age problem and I sat and said wait WTH that’s not right, is it? I also found several parts where there age gap came into question were they 2 yrs apart, or was it more? These things made me question how this was never picked up and how was I finding it my first read through.

“This book is dedicated to anyone who has ever walked away from love, and wondered what if.”

I loved the dedication in this book and like every women I was sold I mean who hasn’t wonder about their first love. I will warn prepare because this is INSTA LOVE and these characters at the beginning are more like a high school couple then 19 and 21 year olds. The characters are really immature but it works in an odd sense.

As the story progressed I expected growth and it wasn’t there, 10 yrs pass and still the same personalities are shown. No one has changed and really only Dax has grown as character if I am being honest. I think my big problem is I spent so much time in the beginning of their relationship and so much time learning them as a couple that when it jumps to the present I felt I missed the middle somewhere. How did Charlee get her job? Did she end up in College? Where did Dax go, what happened in those 10 yrs?

I will say that Amanda, even with these flaws, still at times gave me butterflies and had me feeling something for these characters. She, as I said at the beginning, kept me intrigued enough to keep turning the pages and she made want to know what their end was. I wanted their HEA. I just feel Amanda has so much more to offer in her writing. I feel if pushed and if certain things would have been pointed out and brought to her attention this story could have been AMAZING!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Feisty Girls.
102 reviews71 followers
January 20, 2014






To be completely truthful I didn’t know what to think about this book after I read the prologue and then by 9% I was about to give up. I was tired of reading about how gorgeous these two were. But I just couldn’t stop reading. I thought I will read a little more I wanna know more. I knew there was chemistry and thought well when I get to that part it will be explosive, that is unless the author closes the door in my face. She didn’t close the door and the more I read the more I was hooked. By halfway through I was so glad I continued to read and kept on trucking till the end. The closer I got the more worried I was whether these two would get the HEA or I’d be left hanging on a cliff waiting for more.

It starts out twelve years ago when Dax moves in to his new apartment he is struck by the beauty of his neighbor at first sight he can’t take his eyes off her. He was borderline stalker. I really didn’t know what to think. But his obsession wasn’t on sided. Charlee was in the same boat with him. As their relationship built and the months flew by I kept waiting for the other show to drop and when that part comes that you know is unavoidable in books I read through tear filled eyes. 

Fast forward ten years. Dax and Charlee haven’t seen or spoken to one another in a decade but that’s about to change. They’ve both moved on with their lives to an extent but one phone call could change it all.

I was really rooting for Dax and Charlee and couldn’t wait to see how it would all turn out for them. There were things standing in their way of their happy ending.Can Charlee forgive Dax for what he did all those years ago? Can they find their forever together. 


Like I said I didn’t know how I felt about this book but something kept me intrigued enough to continue turning page and I’m really glad I did. I felt all the emotions right along with them. I really would like to read about Taylor and Trevor!

4.5 Stars!!!
Profile Image for Casey Peeler.
Author 34 books530 followers
January 14, 2014
We all hope and dream to find that one person that makes us whole, the one person who will love us no matter what, and the one person that makes life worth living.

Dax and Charlee's relationship is what most girls dream of as little girls. Falling for the guy next door, perfect body, perfect voice, just damn perfect in every way. Their relationship is one that is hot from the get go… once it gets going. These two have never had a problem with the opposite sex, but for some reason, they act like total goof balls! Weather it be Charlee at a loss for words, giving Dax the wrong impression with his roommate, or Dax going stalker on her. Once they make their feelings known, the rest is history… that is until...

If you had to chose between your family that has had your back forever and the love of you life… what do you choose? How do those choices impact your life? What happens when you realize you were wrong?

This is exactly what happens in Dax & Charlee's relationship. Can they find their way back together or is it to late? The ending of this book pulled at my heart. I wanted them to be together, but what about the futures they had built? Could they let go of their present? This had me pulling for Dax and Charlee, but also made my heart hurt for Dax's wife. Knowing that someone doesn't love you like another women has got to be one of the worst feelings on the planet, but what his wife does is phenomenal! I sure don't know if I could be the bigger person.

While Dax and Charlee are the main characters, there are several characters that play major rolls in the events in this book: Trevor, Taylor, Aaron, and Rachael. Each of these individuals bring different rolls to the table… some are good and others well… I'll let you be the judge of that!

Forever and Almost Always is another fabulous read front he AMAZING Amanda Bennett. She never ceases to amaze me, and I wait impatiently for her next release. Two other tie bits I just loved were Charlee and Casey… I think that speaks for it's self! ;)
Profile Image for Books&Dreams.
575 reviews
January 20, 2014

 photo bookwormsreviewicon.jpg

Book Worms was given this book as an ARC for an honest review.
We gave this book 4 stars.
This book review was left by Lindsay a Book Worms Reviewer.
Thank you Lindsay.





Forever and Almost Always by Amanda Bennett

Amanda has created a love story like to other. One that defies a decade of time apart. This story had me smiling and crying from page to page. This was a beautifully written story about a love like no other. One that hits you in the face the minute you see each other and no that no one will ever love you the way that he/she does. This touching story hits all avenues of the ups and downs of relationships and hope that true love will finally win out over the tests of time and life.


The minute that Dax sent eyes on Charlee his heart belonged to her and the same went for Charlee. They had a love like no other. One that was meant to be forever.
"She affected me in a way that I could never fully explain. We shared a connection that I had never had with anyone else."

Unfortunately, life gets in the way and Charlee chose family over love. Devastation took over both of their lives and they were to stubborn to fight for each other. After ten years, Charlee decides to try and let go of the past by seeing him again. Will they be able to let the past go and move on with their lives or will they rekindle their love that has truly never died in each other's hearts?

Thank you for a wonderful book Amanda we look forward to reading more from you in the future!! <3
Profile Image for The Book Hangover.
104 reviews52 followers
January 23, 2014
I loved this story – boy moves next door to girl, they’re instantly attracted to one another but kind of shy at first but once it’s started, it ignites! Love is in the air! It should be a happily ever after from the age of 20 right?

Charlee and Dax’s relationship started off soooo romantical and swoonworthy! Loved it! But after some time, things kind of got complacent and Charlee’s mom wanted to relocate closer to Charlee’s brother, so Charlee had to make a decision, but was it the right one?

Years later, Charlee finds herself back in town, wanting to reconnect with Dax but he thinks it would be too hard on his current situation and passes on a physical meeting, talking over the phone will have to do.

Still strung out that Dax didn’t want to meet the last time she was in town, needing to relax before an upcoming event, Charlee heads to California for a little R&R but what will happen when Dax shows up knocking at her door?

Forever and Almost Always had a great storyline, again meeting when they were fairly younger, life happens but if true love is meant to be, it will come back right? There were times you just loved Dax but times you really wondered what he was thinking with some of the decisions he made! I’m glad the way Charlee’s life turned out – at the beginning, she wasn’t working, not in school, she was just lounging around her pool for the summer before she met Dax but at the end she was super successful! She was only missing out on one thing – love, to make her complete!

This story does contain a Happily Ever After – absolutely LOOOOOVED the epilogue. It was short and sweet!

This was a great book by author Amanda Bennett! A great second chance romance!

Check out the full review and more at: http://thebookhangover.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for Jennifer Watkins.
72 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2014
Love isn’t always easy and perfect. Sometimes love is hard and messy and complicated. This was a story about love, loss, growing up, and second chances. Charlee and Dax had the perfect romance when they first met. Charlee met the boy next door and fell hard for his hot body, perfect voice, and charming ways. Dax was head over heels for the beautiful girl that he saw next door on the day he moved in. It didn’t take long for things to get hot and steamy between these two. But when it came time for Charlee to make the biggest decision of all, to stay with Dax or go be with her family, the lack of communication that had been plaguing their relationship would be detrimental to them. But fate still had plans for these two. Years later Charlee and Dax get the chance to see each other again. Will the emotions still be there between them or is it too late for them to go back to what they once had?


This book kept me guessing from the time I started reading it. It was not your usual girl meets boy book. This book had more twists and turns than a Six Flags roller coaster. I kept telling myself that I was going to put it down after just a few more pages but I couldn’t. I read all night long, I just had to know what was going to happen next for Charlee and Dax. I loved this book and hope to see this turned into a series so that we can find out what happens with some of the secondary characters from this book, especially Taylor and Trevor. I give this book 5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Love Africa Book Club.
450 reviews23 followers
January 21, 2014
A moving tale of old flames, lost and found again. This story starts slowly. In truth there was no real conflict until half-way through and then bang, the story takes off.

Dax is Charlee's first love but when the time comes for her to choose between moving with her family and staying with Dax, she chooses her family and breaks his heart. She goes back to him a second time but he punishes her for deserting him. As readers we don't really get to live these scenes with the characters. We are just told that Dax did bad things, and it was a little disappointing because I lost the connection with the characters here.

Charlee moves out and they are separated for ten years until she decides she wants to reconnect with him again. And of course he's married so how are they going to work it out.

The last quarter of this book gets emotional and I connected with Dax's struggle to do the right thing. As he says, life is complicated and isn't always so black and white. I was glad how things worked out for them and gave a soft sigh in the end.

This is my first time of reading this author and I would read her books again. I just wished the author spent more time describing and 'showing' us in the second half of the book and cutting most of the first half. Then we would have had a fantastic book. There are some smoking hot sex scenes in here so this is definitely adult only.

3.5 Lovebites

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Daphnie Bennett.
181 reviews8 followers
April 19, 2015

Every girl wants to fall in love with that perfect person. To be able to fall in love with the boy next store is an extra bonus.

Dax and Charlee meet each other after Dax moved in next store. When Charlee and Dax meet they have trouble expressing themselves to each other. They both are so nerves that they are blubbering to each other. Both get the wrong idea Dax think Charlee like his roommate and Charlee feels Dax doesn't really like her. When they both finally start talking to each other the chemistry between them was instant. Both Dax and Charlee fall head of heals in love with each. Everything is good until...

What would you do if you have to choose your family or friends. This is the choice that has to be made and family wins. Both worlds come crumbling down. Will love last and can they fix this?


What a great read from Amanda Bennett, it was my first read from her and I am now a fan. This book started in present tease and then we jump back to the past and then we end 13 years in the present. The secondary characters in the book paly an important roll in the book to. We meet Taylor, Trevor, Aaron and Rachel. Each one plays a key roll in this book, some good and some not so good. I enjoyed the alternate POV's and how we changed from present to past and then back. If you looking for a good read about love and growth then grab a copy.

Read more review's From Daphnie @ Bound By Books Book Review
Profile Image for Daphnie's Bennett .
62 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2015
Every girl wants to fall in love with that perfect person. To be able to fall in love with the boy next store is an extra bonus.

Dax and Charlee meet each other after Dax moved in next store. When Charlee and Dax meet they have trouble expressing themselves to each other. They both are so nerves that they are blubbering to each other. Both get the wrong idea Dax think Charlee like his roommate and Charlee feels Dax doesn't really like her. When they both finally start talking to each other the chemistry between them was instant. Both Dax and Charlee fall head of heals in love with each. Everything is good until...

What would you do if you have to choose your family or friends. This is the choice that has to be made and family wins. Both worlds come crumbling down. Will love last and can they fix this?


What a great read from Amanda Bennett, it was my first read from her and I am now a fan. This book started in present tease and then we jump back to the past and then we end 13 years in the present. The secondary characters in the book paly an important roll in the book to. We meet Taylor, Trevor, Aaron and Rachel. Each one plays a key roll in this book, some good and some not so good. I enjoyed the alternate POV's and how we changed from present to past and then back. If you looking for a good read about love and growth then grab a copy.
Profile Image for Chelcie Dacon.
313 reviews10 followers
September 12, 2014
I am a huge fan of Amanda Bennet. I loved the Raine series and I own the Broken Series but have not had a chance to read them. When I saw that she was writing a stand alone and was having a blog tour, I jumped on the chance to read it.

I loved the name Charlee. I want to change my name, like now. When I first started reading the book, I was thrown off by the timeline and some of the events seemed missed place.

But with that being said I enjoyed the insta-love between Dax and Charlee. I always enjoy a hot and buff guy falling for the hot girl next door. It was a start to a beautiful story.

Dax was a swoonworthy character. I mean how can you not love a guy who looks like Paul Walker. It should be against the law for you not to love him.

Everything seems to be going smoothly and it seems like they are meant to have a happily ever after. But of course this isn't the case. They have to over come some shit and get past some major obsticles .

But when you love someone you have to let them go. If it's meant to be they will come back to you.

Amanda takes us on a journey of love, sadness, confusion and just plain WTF why moments.

Once you get past the timing issues and some of the stuff seems out of place, you will fall in love with the book.
Profile Image for Kristina Lowe.
61 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2014
For my full 3.5 star review & A GIVEAWAY! Visit www.herjuicyreads.com

Knowing how much I adored Beautifully Broken, made my need to read this book that much more. I always lean more towards authors I have previously enjoyed. With that said, I have so many emotions with Forever and Almost Always. I adored the main characters from the first page. I liked the dual POV's. I also giggled at the secondary characters, and the relationship they held with Dax/Charlee. My only issue with this story was pacing, and overall construction of the story. Sometimes I felt really lost in what time it was. This was such a good plot, that I easily read it in one sitting, but I was whiplashed from page to page with the timing/pacing of FAA.
The relationship in many ways mimicked the typical early twenties relationships, and I found that endearing. I mean come on ladies, we can admit that guys are sometimes stupid when it comes to relationships. We see a whole new Dax at the turn of the book. He has grown up, and genuinely cares about how his actions effect others.
Regardless of the pacing issue it was still a good story of learning to fall in love wholly, and reoccurring from the heartache. A 3.5 read for me!



Profile Image for Kristin.
426 reviews
February 2, 2014

This book had me up all night, I didn't want to put it down because I was so engrossed with the story and needed to know how it worked out. When Dax and Wilton move into their new home, he catches a glimpse of their new neighbor and is head over heels in love with her. Same goes for Carlee when she finally gets a good look a how good looking Dax is. It is love at first sight. They both were feeling each other out and didn't want to make the first move and I was just yelling at them to just finally kiss! The story was well written and you could feel their attraction and I felt so engrossed with their story.
Their were some twists and at times your emotions were on a roller coaster to being mad at Dax and Charlee and then feeling bad for them, I just wanted them to make up and be happy. Just when I thought it was going to work out another twist was thrown at us. Then when you think that it's going to work out for them finally, tragic strikes and I just wanted to scream no. I was happy and much better by the end and fate works out for Dax and Charlee.
Amanda Bennett is a wonderful author who really knows how to capture your attention and more importantly keep it until the end. I will totally be reading more books by her.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
235 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2014
Forever and Almost Always by Amanda Bennett

Amanda has created a love story like to other. One that defies a decade of time apart. This story had me smiling and crying from page to page. This was a beautifully written story about a love like no other. One that hits you in the face the minute you see each other and no that no one will ever love you the way that he/she does. This touching story hits all avenues of the ups and downs of relationships and hope that true love will finally win out over the tests of time and life.


The minute that Dax sent eyes on Charlee his heart belonged to her and the same went for Charlee. They had a love like no other. One that was meant to be forever.
"She affected me in a way that I could never fully explain. We shared a connection that I had never had with anyone else."

Unfortunately, life gets in the way and Charlee chose family over love. Devastation took over both of their lives and they were to stubborn to fight for each other. After ten years, Charlee decides to try and let go of the past by seeing him again. Will they be able to let the past go and move on with their lives or will they rekindle their love that has truly never died in each other's hearts?
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
February 6, 2014
This was a 5 Star read for me!
This book had me up all night, I didn't want to put it down because I was so engrossed with the story and needed to know how it worked out. When Dax and Wilton move into their new home, he catches a glimpse of their new neighbor and is head over heels in love with her. Same goes for Carlee when she finally gets a good look a how good looking Dax is. It is love at first sight. They both were feeling each other out and didn't want to make the first move and I was just yelling at them to just finally kiss! The story was well written and you could feel their attraction and I felt so engrossed with their story.
There were some twists and at times your emotions were on a roller coaster to being mad at Dax and Charlee and then feeling bad for them, I just wanted them to make up and be happy. Just when I thought it was going to work out another twist was thrown at us. Then when you think that it's going to work out for them finally, tragic strikes and I just wanted to scream no. I was happy and much better by the end and fate works out for Dax and Charlee.
Amanda Bennett is a wonderful author who really knows how to capture your attention and more importantly keep it until the end. I will totally be reading more books by her.
Profile Image for Mechelle Jackson.
26 reviews
January 12, 2014
I had the honor of Beta reading this book before it was released. I have never been disappointed with anything Amanda Bennett has written and just like all the others, this one did not disappoint.

Dax and Charlee meet by chance when they are very young. Their love is intense and hot. They are still trying to find out who they are and what they are going to do with their lives. They make foolish mistakes and hurt one another.

The ride that Amanda takes you on is filled with ups and downs. There were a few times I felt like throwing my kindle across the room, yes, this is a good thing, it means I really connected with the characters and I was pulling for them. Don't miss this great read.

Sometimes Love isn't perfect and sometimes you lose your way but sometimes love can come back around. It's then that you have to decide if turning your life, that you are currently living, upside down is worth it. After years to mature and figure out what they want in life; Do Dax and Charlee finally give each other the closure that they need or do they decide to give love a second? You have to read to find out. I'm not giving any spoilers away because I would hate to ruin the ride for you.
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
January 16, 2014
Forever and Almost Always is a great read! The prologue drew me right into the story. The prologue is in present day. Then the book go back twelves years so we can get the whole story. More than half way through the book it switches back to present day. When I first started reading I was really anxious to get to the present day, that made it a a quick read for me. At first I thought the beginning was a little slow but after reading the whole book , I think it was perfect. In the beginning we get to know a lot about Dax, Charlee, and their friends.
There are a lot of plot twists in this story. Most of the plot twists took me by surprise. It's a good read because you never know what is coming next. It's definitely an emotional read. It seemed like there were a lot of things that kept popping up to cause issues between Dax and Charlee. I can't say this is a story about getting a second chance at love, it's more like a forth chance at live. When reading you can't help but hope that Charlee and Dax will find happiness.
There is no cliffhanger. I feel like this story ending great. I do hope we get a story about Dax's friend Trevor and Charlee's friend Taylor.
Profile Image for Bridger Bitches.
590 reviews27 followers
January 21, 2014
am a fan of Amanda Bennett and her work. The plot is what pulled me into wanting to read because the synopsis sounded good. I had a hard time keeping up with the timeline. It seemed so fast paced and at some points I actually felt like I missed something and would reread and I didn’t. I couldn’t really connect with the main characters, and some of their actions would cause a major eye roll to occur! There was one character in the book I wish we would’ve gotten a little bit more background on. Rachel, now I can’t tell you who she is in this book you will have to read to find out! This was a story that I wasn’t willing to give up on and wanted to find out how it ended and I will say when I got to the current time and not when they were younger I enjoyed the story a little bit more. Dax & Charlee had definitely both matured and had changed in the last 10+ years. Once again everything was very fast paced and that bothered me a bit. The book ended on good note and put a smile on my face! I give this book 3 stars!

-Harper
Profile Image for Rumpled Sheets Blog.
925 reviews70 followers
February 23, 2014
The road of two people who are meant to be together is bumpy. Full with ups and downs. Twists and turns. Pain. Sadness. Tears. But the end is always worth it all.

Dax and Charlee´s road wasn´t exception. They fell in love with each other years ago and found they forever and always. But people, circumstances, the decisions they made kept them apart for years.

At the end if the love they have is strong and real and meant, they will find they way back to each other and their forever and always.

The story simply enraptures you from the very beginning and you can´t stop reading.

A remarkable story. Loved it.


≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
Profile Image for Jackie's Book Review.
301 reviews48 followers
January 15, 2014
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is about finding love, true love the kind of love that somebody will love you no matter what may come you way or get in your way. This is that kind of story. Oh don't get me wrong this is not a teary doe eye kind of a book that you will need a box of tissues to read by no means. No this book has the hot guy, an adorable leading lady and some really funny twists and turns that will leave you thinking..."How the hell did that happen"

Yes, this book has all that including the infamous, guy finds girl, guy looses girl... yada yada yada and so forth, but it's the ups and down that these two characters go through that make reading the book worth it. Finding the right one to love.
Profile Image for Kylee.
185 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2016
I admire Charlee and Dax's connection. They both seem drawn to each other and no one can break through that. Two young adults, trying to discover love and themselves. The story moved kind of slow and often seemed to jump around a lot. So I didn't get a strong connection with the characters. The battles that both Charlee and Dax had to overcome to be together happen to people everyday, so it was believable. I had some difficulty feeling close to Dax. He had more of a bipolar attitude, or a hot/cold persona. The story is short and hot when Charlee and Dax get alone time, but as far as the storyline goes I was left feeling kind of "meh". So bad I wanted this book to reach out and grab me, and it got close many times. The book scores a 3.5 for me, but I gave 4 stars.
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