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The Rose City #3
Finding Forever
The one man she’s been avoiding for years is the only one who can help her…
All Luciana Barone has ever wanted was to run the family business. If only her father would see her as more than just the obedient daughter of their traditional Italian family. Now there’s a real threat to her goal, and Lucy’s last chance at getting what she wants depends on the help of the one man she thought she’d never see again. Her secret husband.
She’s the only unfinished business he’s ever had…
Billionaire Joel Morgan is calm, meticulous, and controlled in all things—solving everyone’s problems, except his own. Heartbroken, he moved to Portland, Oregon to escape the grief that haunted him in San Francisco. Now the ghost of his past is back, looking more beautiful than ever, and she needs his help.
Joel knows his time with Lucy is limited, but is it enough for him to convince her that they can work through the painful past that tore them apart? With a fake engagement and real feelings on the line, finding forever with his estranged wife just became his ultimate goal.
All Luciana Barone has ever wanted was to run the family business. If only her father would see her as more than just the obedient daughter of their traditional Italian family. Now there’s a real threat to her goal, and Lucy’s last chance at getting what she wants depends on the help of the one man she thought she’d never see again. Her secret husband.
She’s the only unfinished business he’s ever had…
Billionaire Joel Morgan is calm, meticulous, and controlled in all things—solving everyone’s problems, except his own. Heartbroken, he moved to Portland, Oregon to escape the grief that haunted him in San Francisco. Now the ghost of his past is back, looking more beautiful than ever, and she needs his help.
Joel knows his time with Lucy is limited, but is it enough for him to convince her that they can work through the painful past that tore them apart? With a fake engagement and real feelings on the line, finding forever with his estranged wife just became his ultimate goal.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2024
24 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Valentina Burns
4 books58 followersValentina Burns is a contemporary romance author living on Vancouver Island with her husband, two children and multitude of pets.
She picked up her very first romance novel when she was fifteen years old at her High School fall fair, and has been devouring the genre ever since. She’s long dreamed of writing her own romance books and is inspired by stories that have strong female protagonists and their swoon-worthy, well-muscled heroes. She loves to create believable and relatable characters that readers can connect with.
Drawing upon her own life experiences, Valentina writes books that are genuine, emotional, and entertaining, with more than a little heat served on the side.
She picked up her very first romance novel when she was fifteen years old at her High School fall fair, and has been devouring the genre ever since. She’s long dreamed of writing her own romance books and is inspired by stories that have strong female protagonists and their swoon-worthy, well-muscled heroes. She loves to create believable and relatable characters that readers can connect with.
Drawing upon her own life experiences, Valentina writes books that are genuine, emotional, and entertaining, with more than a little heat served on the side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 5, 2024
2 🤔🤔⭐️s
In this story the author mentioned she had incorporated experiential elements.
Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't for me, depending on the execution and the theme.
I really struggled to finish it.
“If they had only talked four years ago the way they had last night, maybe they wouldn’t be here now. Then again, at that time in her grief, she would have never been ready to dig this deep. Timing was everything.”
And there laid my main issue. If they had only talked four years ago.
I didn’t want to go through all that, the secrets, misunderstandings, lack of communication, false perceptions, grief and loss not dealt with appropriately.
It might have been nicely written, it just wasn’t for me. 🤷🏻♀️
In this story the author mentioned she had incorporated experiential elements.
Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't for me, depending on the execution and the theme.
I really struggled to finish it.
“If they had only talked four years ago the way they had last night, maybe they wouldn’t be here now. Then again, at that time in her grief, she would have never been ready to dig this deep. Timing was everything.”
And there laid my main issue. If they had only talked four years ago.
I didn’t want to go through all that, the secrets, misunderstandings, lack of communication, false perceptions, grief and loss not dealt with appropriately.
It might have been nicely written, it just wasn’t for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
September 19, 2024Note to myself: Per reviews, neither MC is with others during separation
September 16, 2024
ARC review
This had a big emotional punch. Not what I was expecting, but I'm not complaining either.
Lucy and Joel had beem through something no parent ever should. And they couldn't fall back together again so they went their separate ways. To see the love they still had for each other was so sweet. They deserved to have their love reignited.
Joel was a man in love. He wanted Lucy, he wanted her back, he loved her and he was going to do what he could to be with her. I loved him so much and the way he was so devoted to Lucy
This had a big emotional punch. Not what I was expecting, but I'm not complaining either.
Lucy and Joel had beem through something no parent ever should. And they couldn't fall back together again so they went their separate ways. To see the love they still had for each other was so sweet. They deserved to have their love reignited.
Joel was a man in love. He wanted Lucy, he wanted her back, he loved her and he was going to do what he could to be with her. I loved him so much and the way he was so devoted to Lucy
September 18, 2024
What an emotional roller coaster this book has been to read. I am a very sensitive person who cries easily, but it takes a special writing style to get me to tears, I need to be able to feel the pain when I’m reading. Valentina Burns manages to do this. What makes this even heavier is that the heavy topic of this book is based on her own experience, which is absolutely heartbreaking and I kept sending loads of virtual hugs 🤍
That being said, this book has mostly positive vibes and had me smiling most of the time. Joel is such a sweetheart who will do anything for the people he love, he always makes sure to help others and always puts them before himself. Lucy is the typical perfect, good girl, older sister who tries so hard to please everyone and not hurt anyone’s feelings. But she is also a hard working, passionate and strong minded woman who states her opinion! It’s been amazing to see how their relationship went from something that should’ve been strong and solid from the start, but was actually full of cracks, to something unbreakable. The way they got there was a joy to read.
It’s also been fun and interesting to get a little insight to a different culture, especially since it’s so different to my own. Overall I absolutely love this book and can’t wait to read more from her!!
Also a massive thank you to Valentina Burns for having me on her street team and giving me an arc to Finding Forever! I’m so very grateful 🫶🏼
4.5 🌟
Favourite quotes and scenes:
🤍 “It’s possible to be happy for someone and unhappy for yourself at the same time, and that’s okay” - this is so important
🤍 “when her gaze met his as he moved past him to follow her sister down the hall, the smile she gave him went straight to his heart and tattooed itself there”
🤍 “It’s done, Lucy. The ring is yours.” Then, for clarity’s sake, he added, “And you’ll wear it, so everyone knows you’re mine.”
🤍 “I love when you say my name like that. Like I’m a sin that you want to commit.”
🤍 “Too bad there wasn’t a way to heal without hurting”
🤍 “have you ever thought about what life would be like if we invested more energy in the good than the bad?”
🤍 “He’d make reassuring her an Olympic sport and win gold every time”
🤍 “This time is forever and forever takes work”
That being said, this book has mostly positive vibes and had me smiling most of the time. Joel is such a sweetheart who will do anything for the people he love, he always makes sure to help others and always puts them before himself. Lucy is the typical perfect, good girl, older sister who tries so hard to please everyone and not hurt anyone’s feelings. But she is also a hard working, passionate and strong minded woman who states her opinion! It’s been amazing to see how their relationship went from something that should’ve been strong and solid from the start, but was actually full of cracks, to something unbreakable. The way they got there was a joy to read.
It’s also been fun and interesting to get a little insight to a different culture, especially since it’s so different to my own. Overall I absolutely love this book and can’t wait to read more from her!!
Also a massive thank you to Valentina Burns for having me on her street team and giving me an arc to Finding Forever! I’m so very grateful 🫶🏼
4.5 🌟
Favourite quotes and scenes:
🤍 “It’s possible to be happy for someone and unhappy for yourself at the same time, and that’s okay” - this is so important
🤍 “when her gaze met his as he moved past him to follow her sister down the hall, the smile she gave him went straight to his heart and tattooed itself there”
🤍 “It’s done, Lucy. The ring is yours.” Then, for clarity’s sake, he added, “And you’ll wear it, so everyone knows you’re mine.”
🤍 “I love when you say my name like that. Like I’m a sin that you want to commit.”
🤍 “Too bad there wasn’t a way to heal without hurting”
🤍 “have you ever thought about what life would be like if we invested more energy in the good than the bad?”
🤍 “He’d make reassuring her an Olympic sport and win gold every time”
🤍 “This time is forever and forever takes work”
September 3, 2024
This was such a beautiful read. Hit me right in the feels. Luciana is a spitfire character with an interfering family you can’t help but love (with the exception of Nico…). I need a Joel Morgan in my life immediately. He’s commanding yet sensitive and despite some flaws, he knows how to take care of a woman. The tender parts of this book pulled at my chest and I felt for the characters and the trauma they shared so deeply. The mirror scene 🥵 Oh my word, please and thank you 🙏🏼 I enjoyed the journey with Lucy’s family too. I think we might hear more about Vanessa at some stage 👏🏼 This is book 3 in the Rose City series but can be read as a standalone. I did read it without having read books 1 & 2 but I am immediately going to remedy that as I already know I’ll love this entire series!
September 15, 2024
I’ve been waiting what feels like a very long time for Joel’s story so I was super excited to be the recipient of an ARC for this beautiful story. I knew I was in for an emotional ride when the authors note at the beginning had me crying.
Joel and Lucy were both such amazingly well written characters, I could picture them so well, and the supporting characters were just as good. This was such a beautiful yet heartbreaking story about family and love and loss that was written with such care and consideration for anyone who has ever experienced something similar.
The spicy scenes were perfection. 10/10. No notes. 🥵
Joel is absolutely my favourite book boyfriend. A billionaire with a perpetual need to save everyone? It was like Christian Grey meets Ryan Atwood and I 👏🏻 Am 👏🏻 Here 👏🏻 For 👏🏻 It!
Joel and Lucy were both such amazingly well written characters, I could picture them so well, and the supporting characters were just as good. This was such a beautiful yet heartbreaking story about family and love and loss that was written with such care and consideration for anyone who has ever experienced something similar.
The spicy scenes were perfection. 10/10. No notes. 🥵
Joel is absolutely my favourite book boyfriend. A billionaire with a perpetual need to save everyone? It was like Christian Grey meets Ryan Atwood and I 👏🏻 Am 👏🏻 Here 👏🏻 For 👏🏻 It!
August 26, 2024
I loved this book! First of all, the spice was SPICY🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Dedinitely had to stop and fan my face a bunch of times.
Second, I think second chance might be my new fav romance trope. It was so heart warming ♥️
Can’t wait to go read the first two books in the series!
Thanks for the ARC!!
Second, I think second chance might be my new fav romance trope. It was so heart warming ♥️
Can’t wait to go read the first two books in the series!
Thanks for the ARC!!
September 6, 2024
I do not even know where to begin with this novel. I laughed, cried, kicked my feet, felt compelled to throw my kindle across the room and I would re-read it just to experience it all over again.
This novel is the 3rd in The Rose City series, and while you do not need to read the 2 that come before this, you are going to want to after to finish this one (that is my plan anyway).
This novel belongs to Lucy and Joel.
Lucy has her heart set on taking over her family's company; the only problem is that Lucy's father is an old school traditional Italian father ( Lucy is a first-generation daughter), at least that what Lucy thinks( she is not too far off). A chance re-encounter with a childhood friend-turned stranger (listen, there is a lot to unpack here; you, when you read it, will understand) and crazy plan to get her father to finally give her the company sets her on a path of healing and forgiveness she has been searching for.
Joel, like Lucy, has taken over his family's company and turned it into something amazing; the only thing missing is the one person who "walked away" from him 4 years ago (like I said a lot to unpack) 4 years ago. Now, a chance encounter has put him back on her radar and this time he is willing to do anything to not only make amends, but to keep her.
This novel is one of the most realistic novels I have read. Coming from an Italian family, I could identify with every aspect of Lucy's family dynamic and meddling family members. The cousins who feel more like siblings and the aunts who are second mothers and let's not forget about the excessive amount of food and leftovers at any given point.
I could also see myself in Lucy's character in dealing with the past trauma. In experiencing a similar trauma, I wasn't sure I was ready to read about something that hit so close to home, but Valentina writes on this topic out of a place of love and care. It was not only a healing experience for Lucy, but helped me heal a little more as well.
The relationship between Joel and Lucy was written beautifully and realistically. The healing and forgiving that these two go through throughout the novel hit all the right feels and isn't a glossed over element; it was a book focused around two broken people who are trying to relearn what they mean together and how to move on from their past selves.
This review probably does not do this book justice, but please please take a chance and give Joel and Lucy a shot. I promise you will love them.
Tropes:
*Childhood Friends
*Billionaire Romance
*Second Chance
*Secret Marriage
*Banter and Spice
*Fake Engagement
* Past Trauma
*Meddling Family
This novel is the 3rd in The Rose City series, and while you do not need to read the 2 that come before this, you are going to want to after to finish this one (that is my plan anyway).
This novel belongs to Lucy and Joel.
Lucy has her heart set on taking over her family's company; the only problem is that Lucy's father is an old school traditional Italian father ( Lucy is a first-generation daughter), at least that what Lucy thinks( she is not too far off). A chance re-encounter with a childhood friend-turned stranger (listen, there is a lot to unpack here; you, when you read it, will understand) and crazy plan to get her father to finally give her the company sets her on a path of healing and forgiveness she has been searching for.
Joel, like Lucy, has taken over his family's company and turned it into something amazing; the only thing missing is the one person who "walked away" from him 4 years ago (like I said a lot to unpack) 4 years ago. Now, a chance encounter has put him back on her radar and this time he is willing to do anything to not only make amends, but to keep her.
This novel is one of the most realistic novels I have read. Coming from an Italian family, I could identify with every aspect of Lucy's family dynamic and meddling family members. The cousins who feel more like siblings and the aunts who are second mothers and let's not forget about the excessive amount of food and leftovers at any given point.
I could also see myself in Lucy's character in dealing with the past trauma. In experiencing a similar trauma, I wasn't sure I was ready to read about something that hit so close to home, but Valentina writes on this topic out of a place of love and care. It was not only a healing experience for Lucy, but helped me heal a little more as well.
The relationship between Joel and Lucy was written beautifully and realistically. The healing and forgiving that these two go through throughout the novel hit all the right feels and isn't a glossed over element; it was a book focused around two broken people who are trying to relearn what they mean together and how to move on from their past selves.
This review probably does not do this book justice, but please please take a chance and give Joel and Lucy a shot. I promise you will love them.
Tropes:
*Childhood Friends
*Billionaire Romance
*Second Chance
*Secret Marriage
*Banter and Spice
*Fake Engagement
* Past Trauma
*Meddling Family
September 17, 2024
Joel just might be my favorite MMC from Valentina so far. The secret marriage “my wife” trope hit so amazingly from him. He’s the guy that fixes everyone’s problems so what happens when he tries for a second chance with his fiery lost love and is met with her all too familiar stubbornness as much as she misses him too??
I loved their delicate and vulnerable conversations as they made careful steps back to each other. Each sees each other in ways no one else does. Lucy sees under Joel’s “perfect guy” facade and Joel sees Lucy’s value in so many ways but more importantly in how much she deserves her family’s business when her father does not (rude).
Lucy’s meddling and huge family is so endearing otherwise (which as a somewhat picky reader about this I don’t always find this the case).
Overall the romance is so sweet and safely angsty and also swoony with Joel’s casual billionaire $$. The spice is fire. This just has everything I want in a romance.
CW: previous miscarriage, some details referenced in conversation not flashback. Definitely made me tear up but in a cathartic own voices kind of way.
I also love that you can read this series as standalones. I personally read it in 2, 1, then this third order but this one in particular in my opinion is a great standalone! Thank you to Valentina for allowing me to beta then ARC read.
I loved their delicate and vulnerable conversations as they made careful steps back to each other. Each sees each other in ways no one else does. Lucy sees under Joel’s “perfect guy” facade and Joel sees Lucy’s value in so many ways but more importantly in how much she deserves her family’s business when her father does not (rude).
Lucy’s meddling and huge family is so endearing otherwise (which as a somewhat picky reader about this I don’t always find this the case).
Overall the romance is so sweet and safely angsty and also swoony with Joel’s casual billionaire $$. The spice is fire. This just has everything I want in a romance.
CW: previous miscarriage, some details referenced in conversation not flashback. Definitely made me tear up but in a cathartic own voices kind of way.
I also love that you can read this series as standalones. I personally read it in 2, 1, then this third order but this one in particular in my opinion is a great standalone! Thank you to Valentina for allowing me to beta then ARC read.
September 7, 2024
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💍❤️ **Finding Forever** by Valentina Burns ❤️💍
*The one man she’s been avoiding for years is the only one who can help her…*
🌟💔 **Review:** 💔🌟
*Finding Forever* by Valentina Burns offers a heartwarming and emotional journey about second chances, love, and family expectations. Luciana Barone has always dreamed of taking over her family’s business, but being part of a traditional Italian family means fighting not only for recognition but also for her independence. When a threat arises that could ruin her dreams, she’s forced to turn to the one person she thought she’d never see again—her estranged husband, Joel Morgan.
Joel, a billionaire who left San Francisco for a fresh start in Portland, has tried to escape the memories of his failed marriage with Lucy. Despite his calm and controlled exterior, the unresolved feelings he has for her are still very much alive. When she re-enters his life, asking for his help with a fake engagement, Joel sees it as his chance to finally confront the painful past and, maybe, to convince Lucy that they still have a future together.
Their fake engagement sets the stage for real emotions to surface, and as they navigate old wounds and hidden feelings, they’re forced to reckon with the love that never truly faded. The chemistry between Lucy and Joel is undeniable, and the added layer of their complicated past makes for an intense, heartfelt romance. Will they be able to move past their differences and find forever?
Valentina Burns delivers a touching, romantic tale that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. The emotional tension between Lucy and Joel is palpable, and their journey toward healing and rediscovering their bond is both heart-wrenching and satisfying.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Second-Chance Romance**: The unresolved tension between Lucy and Joel adds depth to their relationship, making their emotional journey all the more compelling.
- **Strong Family Ties**: Lucy’s struggle to balance her desire for independence with her family’s traditional values adds an extra layer of complexity.
- **Fake Engagement**: The classic trope is given a fresh spin with real feelings bubbling beneath the surface, leading to plenty of romantic tension.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Finding forever with his estranged wife just became his ultimate goal."* - Joel’s determination to mend their broken relationship is at the heart of this touching romance.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
---
This book is perfect for fans of second-chance romance with strong family dynamics, emotional tension, and a satisfying love story. *Finding Forever* will tug at your heartstrings and leave you rooting for Lucy and Joel’s happily ever after.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
💍❤️ **Finding Forever** by Valentina Burns ❤️💍
*The one man she’s been avoiding for years is the only one who can help her…*
🌟💔 **Review:** 💔🌟
*Finding Forever* by Valentina Burns offers a heartwarming and emotional journey about second chances, love, and family expectations. Luciana Barone has always dreamed of taking over her family’s business, but being part of a traditional Italian family means fighting not only for recognition but also for her independence. When a threat arises that could ruin her dreams, she’s forced to turn to the one person she thought she’d never see again—her estranged husband, Joel Morgan.
Joel, a billionaire who left San Francisco for a fresh start in Portland, has tried to escape the memories of his failed marriage with Lucy. Despite his calm and controlled exterior, the unresolved feelings he has for her are still very much alive. When she re-enters his life, asking for his help with a fake engagement, Joel sees it as his chance to finally confront the painful past and, maybe, to convince Lucy that they still have a future together.
Their fake engagement sets the stage for real emotions to surface, and as they navigate old wounds and hidden feelings, they’re forced to reckon with the love that never truly faded. The chemistry between Lucy and Joel is undeniable, and the added layer of their complicated past makes for an intense, heartfelt romance. Will they be able to move past their differences and find forever?
Valentina Burns delivers a touching, romantic tale that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. The emotional tension between Lucy and Joel is palpable, and their journey toward healing and rediscovering their bond is both heart-wrenching and satisfying.
---
🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Second-Chance Romance**: The unresolved tension between Lucy and Joel adds depth to their relationship, making their emotional journey all the more compelling.
- **Strong Family Ties**: Lucy’s struggle to balance her desire for independence with her family’s traditional values adds an extra layer of complexity.
- **Fake Engagement**: The classic trope is given a fresh spin with real feelings bubbling beneath the surface, leading to plenty of romantic tension.
---
💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Finding forever with his estranged wife just became his ultimate goal."* - Joel’s determination to mend their broken relationship is at the heart of this touching romance.
---
🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
---
This book is perfect for fans of second-chance romance with strong family dynamics, emotional tension, and a satisfying love story. *Finding Forever* will tug at your heartstrings and leave you rooting for Lucy and Joel’s happily ever after.
See more reviews at:
Casla Reads
---
November 25, 2024
This is the third book in the Rose City series but I haven't read the first two books and while the characters from those books feature in this one, it's perfectly fine to read as a standalone.
The story follows Joel Morgan and Luciana (Lucy) Barone. They had a secret wedding 4yrs ago and lived in wedded bliss for 16 weeks until tragedy struck and their relationship fell apart, with no contact between the two in that time. Until they meet again at Lucy's cousin's wedding when Joel sees her dancing with another man and possession rolls over him, he tells the man to leave his wife alone. This sets tongues wagging and to save face, they have to come up with something to tell the women in the family, so they announce they're engaged.
Joel is happy to pretend they're engaged because he wants nothing more than to have Lucy as his wife again, he loves her and would do anything for her but he recognises he wasn't there for her 4yrs ago when she needed him the most. But he's determined to do things right this time, even if it means agreeing to a fake engagement.
Lucy agrees to go along with it in an effort to have her father finally see that she is the right person to take over their family cabinetry business. She thinks by having someone like Joel beside her, a man her father respects, will make him see that Lucy is capable of being CEO. She's hinted to her father for a long time that she wants it but he always brushes her off and they never have a real conversation about it so Lucy doesn't know why her dad doesn't want to pass it on to her.
Apart from the lack of communication between Lucy and her dad, there really isn't any miscommunication between Lucy and Joel. They're quite mature and open about what they want and need from each other in order to make their marriage work forever this time. And thankfully, there is no third act break up!
The spice is hot! Joel is domineering but he could have a filthier mouth lol.
Thanks to NetGalley and Valentina Burns for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The story follows Joel Morgan and Luciana (Lucy) Barone. They had a secret wedding 4yrs ago and lived in wedded bliss for 16 weeks until tragedy struck and their relationship fell apart, with no contact between the two in that time. Until they meet again at Lucy's cousin's wedding when Joel sees her dancing with another man and possession rolls over him, he tells the man to leave his wife alone. This sets tongues wagging and to save face, they have to come up with something to tell the women in the family, so they announce they're engaged.
Joel is happy to pretend they're engaged because he wants nothing more than to have Lucy as his wife again, he loves her and would do anything for her but he recognises he wasn't there for her 4yrs ago when she needed him the most. But he's determined to do things right this time, even if it means agreeing to a fake engagement.
Lucy agrees to go along with it in an effort to have her father finally see that she is the right person to take over their family cabinetry business. She thinks by having someone like Joel beside her, a man her father respects, will make him see that Lucy is capable of being CEO. She's hinted to her father for a long time that she wants it but he always brushes her off and they never have a real conversation about it so Lucy doesn't know why her dad doesn't want to pass it on to her.
Apart from the lack of communication between Lucy and her dad, there really isn't any miscommunication between Lucy and Joel. They're quite mature and open about what they want and need from each other in order to make their marriage work forever this time. And thankfully, there is no third act break up!
The spice is hot! Joel is domineering but he could have a filthier mouth lol.
Thanks to NetGalley and Valentina Burns for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
December 31, 2024
This is such a beautiful book. It has the best tropes, such as second chance, millionaire and cross culture romance too. It has Introvert x Introvert trope too which makes me happy as being an introvert it makes it easier to understand what goes in the storyline.
It will make you fall in love with the male main lead from the first chapter only. The way he wants a second chance badly to get his woman back is just so beautiful and eye catching. It makes you need a man like that in your life this instant.
This is the story of Lucy who is an Italian and has come to her cousin’s wedding in Portland. She just wants to leave the party as soon as possible (because she’s an introvert). She wants to inherit her family business but being a daughter it is hard because of her father’s marrow mindedness for a son and heir she is struggling. She thinks that if she could prove her potential to her father he will accept her as his heir for which she has been trying hard since her teenage years.
Joel is a billionaire who inherited his father’s company and took it to great lengths. He is attending the same wedding and sees lucy being close to another man and he storms to her and declares her as his wife, which is true but not a known thing. She leaves both men but is followed by her aunt and her cousins who demands answers and Joel makes it worse by declaring they’re engaged.
Lucy decides to continue the fake engagement to win her father’s trust and his company. But there are many problems in their past which challenge them at every step they take towards each other and away from each other.
How will Joel convince Lucy agree to not call the engagement off after her plan is successful? Will they be able to stay away after the result is accomplished?
Read to find out if they’re going to save their relation to get away from each other due to more misunderstandings about future and past. This will make you fall in love with the male main lead for sure.
Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity to read and review this book.
It will make you fall in love with the male main lead from the first chapter only. The way he wants a second chance badly to get his woman back is just so beautiful and eye catching. It makes you need a man like that in your life this instant.
This is the story of Lucy who is an Italian and has come to her cousin’s wedding in Portland. She just wants to leave the party as soon as possible (because she’s an introvert). She wants to inherit her family business but being a daughter it is hard because of her father’s marrow mindedness for a son and heir she is struggling. She thinks that if she could prove her potential to her father he will accept her as his heir for which she has been trying hard since her teenage years.
Joel is a billionaire who inherited his father’s company and took it to great lengths. He is attending the same wedding and sees lucy being close to another man and he storms to her and declares her as his wife, which is true but not a known thing. She leaves both men but is followed by her aunt and her cousins who demands answers and Joel makes it worse by declaring they’re engaged.
Lucy decides to continue the fake engagement to win her father’s trust and his company. But there are many problems in their past which challenge them at every step they take towards each other and away from each other.
How will Joel convince Lucy agree to not call the engagement off after her plan is successful? Will they be able to stay away after the result is accomplished?
Read to find out if they’re going to save their relation to get away from each other due to more misunderstandings about future and past. This will make you fall in love with the male main lead for sure.
Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity to read and review this book.
September 15, 2024
After reading the first two books in the Rose City series I was SO ready for Joel’s story. Let’s be real - I was ready for his story from the first time we met him in book 1. There’s just something about his calm, cool, and collected vibe that is so HOT?! I’ll take an attractive billionaire fixing my problems - thank you. Anyway, the wait was well worth it. I definitely was invested in this couple from page one and did not want to put this book down. I love how much Joel is just an absolute goner for Lucy. I’m not usually a second chance romance kind of girlie but I think once you hear their story it makes perfect sense why they would have spent some time apart and honestly just makes it that much sweeter that they got back together. I love that Joel and Lucy are each their most real versions of each other when they are with each other.
I can’t post this review without talking about ALL THE MEDDLING. Oh my gosh. The meddling families and friends were hilarious because it was SO ACCURATE. I think I loved all the meddling because it really just shows how much the family and friends care for the main characters and don’t just randomly pop in here and there for the story to give a break from the interactions of the main characters. Valentina always does an amazing job crafting relatable and realistic characters, whether that is the main characters or the side characters. Definitely one of the highlights of this book.
Listen, the spice was spicing. The banter was bantering. And the emotional scenes had me SOBBING in public on a park bench reading this. True story. I already want to read this one again and now it sounds like there might be a fourth book to the series…oooooooer!
I can’t post this review without talking about ALL THE MEDDLING. Oh my gosh. The meddling families and friends were hilarious because it was SO ACCURATE. I think I loved all the meddling because it really just shows how much the family and friends care for the main characters and don’t just randomly pop in here and there for the story to give a break from the interactions of the main characters. Valentina always does an amazing job crafting relatable and realistic characters, whether that is the main characters or the side characters. Definitely one of the highlights of this book.
Listen, the spice was spicing. The banter was bantering. And the emotional scenes had me SOBBING in public on a park bench reading this. True story. I already want to read this one again and now it sounds like there might be a fourth book to the series…oooooooer!
December 23, 2024
Another absolutely beautiful 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from the incredible Valentina Burns!
Just when I think I can’t love one of her books more, she goes and writes another one. She knocks it out of the park EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. and Finding Forever is no different!
*very mild spoilers ahead*
I have been waiting on Joel’s story for a long time and it did not disappoint! As always, Valentina is so masterful at so perfectly balancing heartbreak, humor, spice, and just the sweetest moments ever. While I’m not in a book for the spice, and I felt like this book was heavier on the spice than her previous two books, I can’t help but marvel at the mirror scene. 🥵 It was sooo good. Incredibly written.
Joel Morgan is absolutely everything I wanted. Stern, stoney, but willing to go to the ends of the earth for those he loves. I also loved that this book cut right to the chase. No unnecessary miscommunications leading to a lengthy 3rd act break up. Drama, of course. But drama that I felt unfolded in the right pacing and without any over the top reactions. Valentina always writes her characters so HUMAN. And I love that. It’s really one of my absolute favorite things about her books.
So much beautiful heartbreak, laugh out loud moments, times where I found myself misty eyed, and times where I was filled with delight at the sweetest moments between Lucy and Joel. There is nothing about this book I couldn’t love.
I will say, my ONLY disappointment for this book was that Luciano didn’t walk Lucy down the aisle. That is his baby girl that clearly means the world to him. I really would have loved to see what surely would have been a beautiful and wonderful moment between them. Even if it was her parents at the Vegas redo and not a big gathering.
Just when I think I can’t love one of her books more, she goes and writes another one. She knocks it out of the park EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. and Finding Forever is no different!
*very mild spoilers ahead*
I have been waiting on Joel’s story for a long time and it did not disappoint! As always, Valentina is so masterful at so perfectly balancing heartbreak, humor, spice, and just the sweetest moments ever. While I’m not in a book for the spice, and I felt like this book was heavier on the spice than her previous two books, I can’t help but marvel at the mirror scene. 🥵 It was sooo good. Incredibly written.
Joel Morgan is absolutely everything I wanted. Stern, stoney, but willing to go to the ends of the earth for those he loves. I also loved that this book cut right to the chase. No unnecessary miscommunications leading to a lengthy 3rd act break up. Drama, of course. But drama that I felt unfolded in the right pacing and without any over the top reactions. Valentina always writes her characters so HUMAN. And I love that. It’s really one of my absolute favorite things about her books.
So much beautiful heartbreak, laugh out loud moments, times where I found myself misty eyed, and times where I was filled with delight at the sweetest moments between Lucy and Joel. There is nothing about this book I couldn’t love.
I will say, my ONLY disappointment for this book was that Luciano didn’t walk Lucy down the aisle. That is his baby girl that clearly means the world to him. I really would have loved to see what surely would have been a beautiful and wonderful moment between them. Even if it was her parents at the Vegas redo and not a big gathering.
September 20, 2024
Definitely a 4.5 Star Read!!
If you are ready for a rollercoaster of a ride then this is your book for sure. I liked it alot and the suspense of how things were going to turn out had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the characters and the amount of personality they had. I felt like they were so fun to learn about and also added a lot to the story.
What I loved the most was Joel and his constant internal battles. I felt like he was so relatable with the way he handled his grief. Normally his reaction would be seen as a problem, but from the moment I kept reading his perspective, a lot things just clicked. I think the author did a good job of showing how grief impacts people differently and how they handle it.
The meddling family aspect of the story was really good in my opinion. While I am not Italian, I know how families can be when something big is going on, so it felt comforting to see the reality of family depicted in this book. I think that Luciana was also just a relatable person. She felt very real, like someone you know. I think the author did a wonderful job creating characters that were strong and real.
The story starts off a bit slower in the beginning due to setting up the world, but It picks up immediately and keeps your attention. I loved the slow start because it helps you to understand the characters a bit more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read! It has a lot of emotional moments and I honestly really enjoyed them. Seeing how Joel and Luciana grow together really was beautiful. Definitely going to read the other stories! Thanks Valentina for this read!
If you are ready for a rollercoaster of a ride then this is your book for sure. I liked it alot and the suspense of how things were going to turn out had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the characters and the amount of personality they had. I felt like they were so fun to learn about and also added a lot to the story.
What I loved the most was Joel and his constant internal battles. I felt like he was so relatable with the way he handled his grief. Normally his reaction would be seen as a problem, but from the moment I kept reading his perspective, a lot things just clicked. I think the author did a good job of showing how grief impacts people differently and how they handle it.
The meddling family aspect of the story was really good in my opinion. While I am not Italian, I know how families can be when something big is going on, so it felt comforting to see the reality of family depicted in this book. I think that Luciana was also just a relatable person. She felt very real, like someone you know. I think the author did a wonderful job creating characters that were strong and real.
The story starts off a bit slower in the beginning due to setting up the world, but It picks up immediately and keeps your attention. I loved the slow start because it helps you to understand the characters a bit more.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read! It has a lot of emotional moments and I honestly really enjoyed them. Seeing how Joel and Luciana grow together really was beautiful. Definitely going to read the other stories! Thanks Valentina for this read!
August 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Luciana and Joel were married 4 years ago in your typical Vegas intoxicated wedding and have been keeping it a secret. They had been friends and known each other for years due to their fathers doing business together on many projects. Due to a loss of pregnancy and a misunderstanding, they separate, but neither signed and sent divorce papers to end the marriage. Luciana was avoiding Joel after she packed her things and left. It's 4 years later and Joel finally confronts her at a family wedding. Joel put all that time without her into the family business and is now a top CEO featured in Forbes magazine. Luciana also put her time in at her father's company in hopes to run it 1 day. Luciana believes that a fake engagement/marriage will finally get her father's attention to have the company.
After both agree to this fake arrangement while being secretly married, Joel finally knows this is their shot to make it stick completely. I adored reading the second chance to this relationship they had started on a drunken whim. Both are really strong characters in business and professional life, but due to their drunken rendezvous that resulted in the pregnancy when it collapses, so does their relationship. I was rooting for their eventual happily ever after which they got.
I would definitely recommend this book for a sweet second chance romance and healing.
⚠️Please check your trigger warnings before reading.
Thank you, author, for this ARC!
Release Date: September 18, 2024
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Luciana and Joel were married 4 years ago in your typical Vegas intoxicated wedding and have been keeping it a secret. They had been friends and known each other for years due to their fathers doing business together on many projects. Due to a loss of pregnancy and a misunderstanding, they separate, but neither signed and sent divorce papers to end the marriage. Luciana was avoiding Joel after she packed her things and left. It's 4 years later and Joel finally confronts her at a family wedding. Joel put all that time without her into the family business and is now a top CEO featured in Forbes magazine. Luciana also put her time in at her father's company in hopes to run it 1 day. Luciana believes that a fake engagement/marriage will finally get her father's attention to have the company.
After both agree to this fake arrangement while being secretly married, Joel finally knows this is their shot to make it stick completely. I adored reading the second chance to this relationship they had started on a drunken whim. Both are really strong characters in business and professional life, but due to their drunken rendezvous that resulted in the pregnancy when it collapses, so does their relationship. I was rooting for their eventual happily ever after which they got.
I would definitely recommend this book for a sweet second chance romance and healing.
⚠️Please check your trigger warnings before reading.
Thank you, author, for this ARC!
Release Date: September 18, 2024
September 6, 2024
Firstly, I want to thank Valentina for providing me with an ARC of Finding Forever! Finding Forever is part of an interconnected series and can be read as a stand-alone. This is book 3 in The Rose City Series and it is my favorite of the series so far and had me feeling all of the feels.
This second chance romance introduces us to Lucy and Joel. Lucy and Joel, both coming from affluent families, have grown up together. Their fathers have both built a successful business from the ground up. Joel has already taken over as CEO of his father’s company, and Lucy is determined to prove to her own father that she is more than ready to take over when he retires. Lucy and Joel haven’t seen or spoken to each other in 4 years (you���ll learn of the “why” within the first few chapters!), and a chance encounter at a family wedding sets them both on a long path of healing and forgiveness. Both Lucy and Joel are harboring deep emotions and holding onto a lot of unspoken trauma, and their journey is a deeply emotional one.
Valentina writes on some triggering topics, but handles them so well and writes on them out of a place of love and care. Joel and Lucy’s relationship was written so beautifully and handled with care. This book focuses on two broken people trying to work through their grief and really hits home on so many levels.
The spicy scenes were HOT and just wait til you get to the mirror scene 🥵
4.6/5 ⭐️
Tropes:
🤍 billionaire romance
🤍 second chance
🤍 fake engagement
🤍 friends to lovers
🤍 close proximity
🤍 meddling family
This second chance romance introduces us to Lucy and Joel. Lucy and Joel, both coming from affluent families, have grown up together. Their fathers have both built a successful business from the ground up. Joel has already taken over as CEO of his father’s company, and Lucy is determined to prove to her own father that she is more than ready to take over when he retires. Lucy and Joel haven’t seen or spoken to each other in 4 years (you���ll learn of the “why” within the first few chapters!), and a chance encounter at a family wedding sets them both on a long path of healing and forgiveness. Both Lucy and Joel are harboring deep emotions and holding onto a lot of unspoken trauma, and their journey is a deeply emotional one.
Valentina writes on some triggering topics, but handles them so well and writes on them out of a place of love and care. Joel and Lucy’s relationship was written so beautifully and handled with care. This book focuses on two broken people trying to work through their grief and really hits home on so many levels.
The spicy scenes were HOT and just wait til you get to the mirror scene 🥵
4.6/5 ⭐️
Tropes:
🤍 billionaire romance
🤍 second chance
🤍 fake engagement
🤍 friends to lovers
🤍 close proximity
🤍 meddling family
September 19, 2024
What an emotional roller coaster this book was! Finding Forever is a beautifully written book filled with love and second chances. The author writes about the complexity of relationships and personal growth with such care and consideration.
The emotional connection between Lucy and Joel is truly heartwarming. Follow their story, the healing and forgiveness they work through together. How they overcome past traumas and rebuild themselves is truly beautiful.
This book will have you both crying and laughing. Especially with the meddling families. Aunts who are more like second mothers and cousins who feel more like siblings. Valentina Burns has a way with writing characters who feel so realistic and relatable!
This book will also have you blushing mad! The spice was SPICY!
Lucy and Joel have known each other for years and come from families who do business together. Though they haven't spoken in over 4 years. Lucy wishes to take over the family business when her father retires. Joel has already taken over his family business. They meet again at a family wedding. Them meeting again sets them both into action, fake engagement, and finding love again.
Please make sure to read the authors note at the beginning of this book. There are topics included in this, which some may find difficult to read. Your mental health matters.
Tropes:
♡ Childhood friends
♡ Billionaire romance
♡ Second chance
♡ Secret marriage
♡ Fake engagement
♡ Past traumas
Thank you so much to Valentina Burns for allowing me to read this amazing book as an ARC.
The emotional connection between Lucy and Joel is truly heartwarming. Follow their story, the healing and forgiveness they work through together. How they overcome past traumas and rebuild themselves is truly beautiful.
This book will have you both crying and laughing. Especially with the meddling families. Aunts who are more like second mothers and cousins who feel more like siblings. Valentina Burns has a way with writing characters who feel so realistic and relatable!
This book will also have you blushing mad! The spice was SPICY!
Lucy and Joel have known each other for years and come from families who do business together. Though they haven't spoken in over 4 years. Lucy wishes to take over the family business when her father retires. Joel has already taken over his family business. They meet again at a family wedding. Them meeting again sets them both into action, fake engagement, and finding love again.
Please make sure to read the authors note at the beginning of this book. There are topics included in this, which some may find difficult to read. Your mental health matters.
Tropes:
♡ Childhood friends
♡ Billionaire romance
♡ Second chance
♡ Secret marriage
♡ Fake engagement
♡ Past traumas
Thank you so much to Valentina Burns for allowing me to read this amazing book as an ARC.
October 23, 2024
Please read TWs before you read this book.
This book was straight to the point. The story wasn't dragged, and these was no unnecessary third act. The MMC was very respectful and caring in every sense and the FMC was a strong woman. I felt that the story was a bit predictable as I have read similar books before and there were only two possible ways I could see it going during the third act out of which one of them occurred (the okay one).
As much as everything was covered in a concise manner including the one-line recap of the past leading up to the fallout, I would have loved to understand how they were found themselves in that situation in the first place. We knew all along that they grew up around each other's families, but I couldn't really grasp the essence of the connection between them. How were they around each other, did they have feelings/date before the Vegas fiasco, how did the whole Vegas thing happen in the first place, and they were comfortable playing house. I also understood the part of grief that kept them apart, that made the MMC feel worse but given the lengths he went for her at present, I really didn't understand how he didn't even use any mechanism or way to keep in touch or make sure she is fine around those four years (or even if he did, it wasn't spoken about much). It just felt like four years later, he was looking out for her. At least I would have loved to know how he coped with grief and decided he wasn't as broken as before and was ready to win her back.
This book was straight to the point. The story wasn't dragged, and these was no unnecessary third act. The MMC was very respectful and caring in every sense and the FMC was a strong woman. I felt that the story was a bit predictable as I have read similar books before and there were only two possible ways I could see it going during the third act out of which one of them occurred (the okay one).
As much as everything was covered in a concise manner including the one-line recap of the past leading up to the fallout, I would have loved to understand how they were found themselves in that situation in the first place. We knew all along that they grew up around each other's families, but I couldn't really grasp the essence of the connection between them. How were they around each other, did they have feelings/date before the Vegas fiasco, how did the whole Vegas thing happen in the first place, and they were comfortable playing house. I also understood the part of grief that kept them apart, that made the MMC feel worse but given the lengths he went for her at present, I really didn't understand how he didn't even use any mechanism or way to keep in touch or make sure she is fine around those four years (or even if he did, it wasn't spoken about much). It just felt like four years later, he was looking out for her. At least I would have loved to know how he coped with grief and decided he wasn't as broken as before and was ready to win her back.
September 20, 2024
4.25/5 ☆
Now y’all know how I avoid second-chance like the plague bc I’ll be staring at the ceiling after but I’d read it any day for Valentina.
Finding Forever follows Joel Morgan and Lucy Barone, childhood friends with a complicated past and their journey back to each other.
I don’t even know where to start. Joel and Lucy are so complicated in every single sense of the word. They’re in love it’s SO obvious, but they’ve also experienced a tragedy (TW: miscarriage) that’s drifted them apart. Each scene with them there’s this tension, especially since they have to be fake engaged when there’s very REAL feelings. I love Joel. Was he stupid for leaving bc he thought it was for the best? Yes, but he is just a man. Was he redeemable??? ABSOLUTELY. He never switched up and his love for her is as strong as it’s always been. and Lucy is such a strong character, both in her personal life and career. Reading the scene where they let everything out had me staring at the ceiling, as I expected.
The way Valentina wrote their story so well, especially dealing with such a sensitive but important topic. She showed all the different forms of love and grief. Aside from the romance, the familial love was so fun to read as well…and did someone say mirror scene?
So proud of Valentina for releasing her THIRD book and can’t wait to read anything else she has in store.
Thank you to Valentina Burns for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Now y’all know how I avoid second-chance like the plague bc I’ll be staring at the ceiling after but I’d read it any day for Valentina.
Finding Forever follows Joel Morgan and Lucy Barone, childhood friends with a complicated past and their journey back to each other.
I don’t even know where to start. Joel and Lucy are so complicated in every single sense of the word. They’re in love it’s SO obvious, but they’ve also experienced a tragedy (TW: miscarriage) that’s drifted them apart. Each scene with them there’s this tension, especially since they have to be fake engaged when there’s very REAL feelings. I love Joel. Was he stupid for leaving bc he thought it was for the best? Yes, but he is just a man. Was he redeemable??? ABSOLUTELY. He never switched up and his love for her is as strong as it’s always been. and Lucy is such a strong character, both in her personal life and career. Reading the scene where they let everything out had me staring at the ceiling, as I expected.
The way Valentina wrote their story so well, especially dealing with such a sensitive but important topic. She showed all the different forms of love and grief. Aside from the romance, the familial love was so fun to read as well…and did someone say mirror scene?
So proud of Valentina for releasing her THIRD book and can’t wait to read anything else she has in store.
Thank you to Valentina Burns for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 9, 2024
I devoured this book! I was completely hooked from line one and I just couldn’t stop reading! I honestly loved absolutely everything about Luciana and Joel's story.
Luciana (the FMC): everybody sees her as a good, obedient and understated girl who knows her place. But not Joel! No, Sir! He clearly sees Luciana's determined, fierce, feisty, and passionate soul.
Joel (the MMC): the unreadable, composed, and austere business man who’s always ready to help the ones he loves. With Luciana he can't help but loose control, be open, trust her with his rawest emotions, and let her see his truest self.
These two have a connection like no other! Seriously, Luciana and Joel's chemistry breaks through the page until it is irremediably thrown in your face! I absolutely loved their childhood friends - to husband and wife - to estranged lovers - to fake dating - to lovers dynamic sooo much! These two have my heart! I swear I've never rooted so bad for a book couple before!
And what about the spice? The tension between Luciana and Joel is so palpable! Joel Morgan exudes desire and sex. And when Luciana is involved, he becomes feral! That means that, when the spice finally hits, boooooy it hits sooooo good!
So, I officially declare Finding Forever my favorite book of the Rose City series and one of my favorite reads of the year.
Luciana (the FMC): everybody sees her as a good, obedient and understated girl who knows her place. But not Joel! No, Sir! He clearly sees Luciana's determined, fierce, feisty, and passionate soul.
Joel (the MMC): the unreadable, composed, and austere business man who’s always ready to help the ones he loves. With Luciana he can't help but loose control, be open, trust her with his rawest emotions, and let her see his truest self.
These two have a connection like no other! Seriously, Luciana and Joel's chemistry breaks through the page until it is irremediably thrown in your face! I absolutely loved their childhood friends - to husband and wife - to estranged lovers - to fake dating - to lovers dynamic sooo much! These two have my heart! I swear I've never rooted so bad for a book couple before!
And what about the spice? The tension between Luciana and Joel is so palpable! Joel Morgan exudes desire and sex. And when Luciana is involved, he becomes feral! That means that, when the spice finally hits, boooooy it hits sooooo good!
So, I officially declare Finding Forever my favorite book of the Rose City series and one of my favorite reads of the year.
September 11, 2024
ARC Review: Release 10/18
Spice Rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story is incredible! The way this book was written was so full of angst, but it was heartwarming at the same time. The friends to lovers to strangers to lovers and the way they transitioned from each of those things was so smooth and well written.
Joel has loved Lucy for four years, it was always her, but after their heartbreak, they walked away from each other. Four years later they run into each other and have to fake an engagement and quick wedding to appease Lucy’s nosy family. It’s Joel’s chance to win Lucy back and he is determined to do it by whatever means necessary! Joel is swoon worthy and such a great man!
Lucy is determined to make it through this fake engagement unscathed. It will be difficult because she truly knows she’s always loved Joel! Her heart isn’t ready to welcome Joel back, but that doesn’t stop her from falling all over again!
Such a good book! The care that Valentina took in telling Joel and Lucy’s story was amazing! As a note to those looking to read, Joel and Lucy had a second trimester miscarriage four years prior to the beginning of the book. Valentina tells their story and that experience in an amazing way. The care she took in opening up the characters hearts was incredible!
#smut #bookstagram #spicynovels #romancenovels #spicyromancenovels #booktok #bookboyfriend #forcedproximity #fakeengagement #secretmarriage #mutualpining #childhoodfriendstoloverstostrangerstolovers
Spice Rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story is incredible! The way this book was written was so full of angst, but it was heartwarming at the same time. The friends to lovers to strangers to lovers and the way they transitioned from each of those things was so smooth and well written.
Joel has loved Lucy for four years, it was always her, but after their heartbreak, they walked away from each other. Four years later they run into each other and have to fake an engagement and quick wedding to appease Lucy’s nosy family. It’s Joel’s chance to win Lucy back and he is determined to do it by whatever means necessary! Joel is swoon worthy and such a great man!
Lucy is determined to make it through this fake engagement unscathed. It will be difficult because she truly knows she’s always loved Joel! Her heart isn’t ready to welcome Joel back, but that doesn’t stop her from falling all over again!
Such a good book! The care that Valentina took in telling Joel and Lucy’s story was amazing! As a note to those looking to read, Joel and Lucy had a second trimester miscarriage four years prior to the beginning of the book. Valentina tells their story and that experience in an amazing way. The care she took in opening up the characters hearts was incredible!
#smut #bookstagram #spicynovels #romancenovels #spicyromancenovels #booktok #bookboyfriend #forcedproximity #fakeengagement #secretmarriage #mutualpining #childhoodfriendstoloverstostrangerstolovers
September 17, 2024
🤍𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
PERFECTION 😍. This book had me laughing, swooning, and fanning myself during all of the spicy scenes 🥵. It contained all of the emotions and feelings but in the end, it was worth it and my heart was mending back together just like Lucy and Joel’s. This is the third book in this series but it can be read as a standalone which is how I read it I will be going back to reading the other two because I do not want to leave this world 🤍. Joel was the perfect book boyfriend even if past actions had broken his heart and Lucy’s in the end he made up for it by being there for him and agreeing to the fake engagement.
Joel and Lucy are childhood friends from families that have been in business together their entire lives but 4 years ago in Vegas, everything changed. Finding Forever takes you through all of the emotions of grief, loss, heartbreak, banter, and love. I loved every second of this book the banter between Joel and Lucy was perfection and Joel showing Lucy that he knows and remembers everything had me swooning. Joel would do anything for Lucy even if it would hurt and break his heart.
If you love billionaire romance, second chance, fake engagement, childhood friends to lovers, and spice then this book is for you 🤍.
This book has a trigger warning so please check before reading!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
PERFECTION 😍. This book had me laughing, swooning, and fanning myself during all of the spicy scenes 🥵. It contained all of the emotions and feelings but in the end, it was worth it and my heart was mending back together just like Lucy and Joel’s. This is the third book in this series but it can be read as a standalone which is how I read it I will be going back to reading the other two because I do not want to leave this world 🤍. Joel was the perfect book boyfriend even if past actions had broken his heart and Lucy’s in the end he made up for it by being there for him and agreeing to the fake engagement.
Joel and Lucy are childhood friends from families that have been in business together their entire lives but 4 years ago in Vegas, everything changed. Finding Forever takes you through all of the emotions of grief, loss, heartbreak, banter, and love. I loved every second of this book the banter between Joel and Lucy was perfection and Joel showing Lucy that he knows and remembers everything had me swooning. Joel would do anything for Lucy even if it would hurt and break his heart.
If you love billionaire romance, second chance, fake engagement, childhood friends to lovers, and spice then this book is for you 🤍.
This book has a trigger warning so please check before reading!
October 4, 2024
Thank you Valentina Burns and NetGalley for giving me this ARC to review.
Find your forever in this second-chance instalment of the Rose City Series.
On the surface, Luciana Barone is the obedient daughter in her traditional Italian family, working hard to secure her dream of her father passing over the family business. Yet, lurking in the shadows lies a ghost of her past, Joel Morgan, her childhood friend turned secret husband of four years. And when a threat becomes apparent to her goal of becoming 'and Sons' to Barone and Sons, Joel may reluctantly be the answer for Luciana obtaining her future dream. What happened in the past within Luciana and Joel's marriage to tear them apart? And can they work through this past to find their forever?
I absolutely devoured Luciana and Joel's story in this third instalment of the Rose City Series, so much so that I cannot wait to read the first two! And guess what?! It's on kindle unlimited too! Finding Forever gives the rom-com feels similar to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, yet faces intense and heart-wrenching topics so that you're traveling on a roller-coaster of emotions. For lovers of interconnected series, where you grow to love all the family and learn their stories, like Chestnut Springs, I just know you'll love Rose City too.
Find your forever in this second-chance instalment of the Rose City Series.
On the surface, Luciana Barone is the obedient daughter in her traditional Italian family, working hard to secure her dream of her father passing over the family business. Yet, lurking in the shadows lies a ghost of her past, Joel Morgan, her childhood friend turned secret husband of four years. And when a threat becomes apparent to her goal of becoming 'and Sons' to Barone and Sons, Joel may reluctantly be the answer for Luciana obtaining her future dream. What happened in the past within Luciana and Joel's marriage to tear them apart? And can they work through this past to find their forever?
I absolutely devoured Luciana and Joel's story in this third instalment of the Rose City Series, so much so that I cannot wait to read the first two! And guess what?! It's on kindle unlimited too! Finding Forever gives the rom-com feels similar to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, yet faces intense and heart-wrenching topics so that you're traveling on a roller-coaster of emotions. For lovers of interconnected series, where you grow to love all the family and learn their stories, like Chestnut Springs, I just know you'll love Rose City too.
October 19, 2024
This was a wonderful book, I really wanted to find out more about Joel, he was a good side character in the previous 2 books, caring and loving.
I was so sad to read that he had lost a baby at 16 weeks with his wife (shock! They were already married!) and I liked how everything slotted into place as to why he left her when he did all those years ago (ties in with Ivy and Hope’s story).
I was frustrated that they hadn’t really spoken in 4 years, but I also understood why it would have been difficult, I respect Valentina for writing it so. I loved how they talked, being connected but having that wall between them. Sometimes it’s hard to say what’s on your mind when the person you want to bare your soul to is looking at your vulnerabilities.
I loved how Joel would do anything for Lucy, and how he always backed her with her family’s business. Then how she finally stood up on her own to get what she wanted.
I got to 80% and thought, how is this ending soon?! I could have read the whole of their journey and not got bored, but I again appreciate the ‘5 months later’ it would have been a lot of the same things. Discussion with the therapist about their past they had already said in their POVs.
This story was beautifully written, I really hope there’s a Jordan and Vanessa story, I feel like that could be a fiery and fun read!! 🔥
I was so sad to read that he had lost a baby at 16 weeks with his wife (shock! They were already married!) and I liked how everything slotted into place as to why he left her when he did all those years ago (ties in with Ivy and Hope’s story).
I was frustrated that they hadn’t really spoken in 4 years, but I also understood why it would have been difficult, I respect Valentina for writing it so. I loved how they talked, being connected but having that wall between them. Sometimes it’s hard to say what’s on your mind when the person you want to bare your soul to is looking at your vulnerabilities.
I loved how Joel would do anything for Lucy, and how he always backed her with her family’s business. Then how she finally stood up on her own to get what she wanted.
I got to 80% and thought, how is this ending soon?! I could have read the whole of their journey and not got bored, but I again appreciate the ‘5 months later’ it would have been a lot of the same things. Discussion with the therapist about their past they had already said in their POVs.
This story was beautifully written, I really hope there’s a Jordan and Vanessa story, I feel like that could be a fiery and fun read!! 🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
🎉Happy Release Day @valentinaburnswrites 🎉
This is book three in the Rose City Series and I couldn’t think the series could get any better and it blooming does!!! This book focuses on Joel (Brother of Ivy) and his wife, Luciana. On a drunken whim, they get married but a traumatic event tears them apart. Four years later, they reunite and pretend they are engaged (even though they are already married but it’s a ‘business’ like deal).
Let me tell you that I have been waiting for Joel’s book since he was mentioned in Book 1 and Valentina absolutely smashed it out of the park!!! This book was honestly just beautiful, and I love her writing-it always makes me cry and swoon.
The topics in this book may be difficult, so check the TW’s, but I felt she handled it all very sensitively. I loved Lucy- she comes from a manic and meddling Italian family and I loved how she handled them. I also gobbled up her sexual desires and the way she took control of it was just HOT as.
Joel is everything I want in a book boyfriend: sexy, caring, domineering, knows his way around a vagina- he has it all.
Go, go, and go and add this to your TBR because you will fall in love with everything about it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This is book three in the Rose City Series and I couldn’t think the series could get any better and it blooming does!!! This book focuses on Joel (Brother of Ivy) and his wife, Luciana. On a drunken whim, they get married but a traumatic event tears them apart. Four years later, they reunite and pretend they are engaged (even though they are already married but it’s a ‘business’ like deal).
Let me tell you that I have been waiting for Joel’s book since he was mentioned in Book 1 and Valentina absolutely smashed it out of the park!!! This book was honestly just beautiful, and I love her writing-it always makes me cry and swoon.
The topics in this book may be difficult, so check the TW’s, but I felt she handled it all very sensitively. I loved Lucy- she comes from a manic and meddling Italian family and I loved how she handled them. I also gobbled up her sexual desires and the way she took control of it was just HOT as.
Joel is everything I want in a book boyfriend: sexy, caring, domineering, knows his way around a vagina- he has it all.
Go, go, and go and add this to your TBR because you will fall in love with everything about it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
September 18, 2024
Luciana and Joel are just such a sweet, second chance couple. Finding Forever is a childhood friends to lovers, billionaire romance, and secret marriage yet fake engagement story that will pull at the heartstrings.
For as long as she can remember, Lucy has always wanted to take over her father’s business and be part of the family legacy. The problem? Her father doesn’t necessarily see her as the right choice to take over unless she’s got a man by her side (or that’s how it seems). Enter in Joel, her secret husband showing up at a wedding and despite not seeing each other for four years, he tries to come to her rescue. This spirals to a fake engagement as nobody knows about their drunken Vegas wedding. Joel agrees to help Lucy show her dad that she doesn’t need a man to take on the role she was born for while also pursuing his ulterior motives of winning her back. As they spend time together, they start to heal from the trauma that tore them apart and all the things they kept from each other come to light. They finally give in to the chemistry that is oh so obviously still there and man…🌶️🔥🌶️🔥 it did not disappoint! This was such a sweet story and I hope to see more of them at some point!
For as long as she can remember, Lucy has always wanted to take over her father’s business and be part of the family legacy. The problem? Her father doesn’t necessarily see her as the right choice to take over unless she’s got a man by her side (or that’s how it seems). Enter in Joel, her secret husband showing up at a wedding and despite not seeing each other for four years, he tries to come to her rescue. This spirals to a fake engagement as nobody knows about their drunken Vegas wedding. Joel agrees to help Lucy show her dad that she doesn’t need a man to take on the role she was born for while also pursuing his ulterior motives of winning her back. As they spend time together, they start to heal from the trauma that tore them apart and all the things they kept from each other come to light. They finally give in to the chemistry that is oh so obviously still there and man…🌶️🔥🌶️🔥 it did not disappoint! This was such a sweet story and I hope to see more of them at some point!
August 24, 2024
I read this as an Arc reader. This book is number three in a series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't personally read any of the other books in the series, but after reading Finding Forever, I definitely will be now!
I finished this book in one sitting. It gripped me from the first chapter and took me through a range of emotions. The book does come with some trigger warnings (make sure to read the authors note), including a discussion of child loss. I have personally experienced a miscarriage, so it was a little hard to read. However, it has been explored in the story in a delicate way, with exploration of a mothers and a fathers journey through the loss of a child and of grief. Although it brought tears to my eyes. It is also a story of healing, hope, and breakthrough. I love, love, this book. The romance and love between the two main characters is heartwarming. Oh, and there's some spice also 😉 Highly recommend giving Finding Forever and the series a read. Be warned you will feel all the emotions, but it leaves you feeling warm inside and full of hope. Can't wait to read more
I finished this book in one sitting. It gripped me from the first chapter and took me through a range of emotions. The book does come with some trigger warnings (make sure to read the authors note), including a discussion of child loss. I have personally experienced a miscarriage, so it was a little hard to read. However, it has been explored in the story in a delicate way, with exploration of a mothers and a fathers journey through the loss of a child and of grief. Although it brought tears to my eyes. It is also a story of healing, hope, and breakthrough. I love, love, this book. The romance and love between the two main characters is heartwarming. Oh, and there's some spice also 😉 Highly recommend giving Finding Forever and the series a read. Be warned you will feel all the emotions, but it leaves you feeling warm inside and full of hope. Can't wait to read more
September 1, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Read - Finding Forever by Valentina Burns
Contemporary romance
This was such a great book! Not far into my contemporary romance era but this might be the best one I've read to date! I thought it was raw and real, and I personally enjoyed how it wasn't as easy as a simple happy ever after. These characters had real issues to work through and put in the effort to work it out.
Trigger warnings (listed at the beginning of the book by the author):
🚨Graphic sexual content (18+)
🚨Accidental pregnancy, ending in loss (past, off page)
🚨Discussion of second trimester pregnancy loss (past, off page)
🚨Grief after pregnancy loss
🚨Depiction of a side-character’s pregnancy/gender reveal party
🚨Brief mention of the SA of a side character from a previous book in the series
🌶️🌶️🌶️ This book does contain Explicit sexual content 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Closed door mods:
Ch 23
Ch 28 (minimal)
Ch 32
Ch 33
Ch 35
For you if you like:
❤️Billionaire
❤️Fake relationship
❤️Marriage of convenience
❤️Second chance
❤️Childhood friends
You may also like:
📚Elsie Silver - Wild Love
📚 Athena Barnim - Forgiving Me, Finding You
📚Ashley Winstead - Fool Me Once
Contemporary romance
This was such a great book! Not far into my contemporary romance era but this might be the best one I've read to date! I thought it was raw and real, and I personally enjoyed how it wasn't as easy as a simple happy ever after. These characters had real issues to work through and put in the effort to work it out.
Trigger warnings (listed at the beginning of the book by the author):
🚨Graphic sexual content (18+)
🚨Accidental pregnancy, ending in loss (past, off page)
🚨Discussion of second trimester pregnancy loss (past, off page)
🚨Grief after pregnancy loss
🚨Depiction of a side-character’s pregnancy/gender reveal party
🚨Brief mention of the SA of a side character from a previous book in the series
🌶️🌶️🌶️ This book does contain Explicit sexual content 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Closed door mods:
Ch 23
Ch 28 (minimal)
Ch 32
Ch 33
Ch 35
For you if you like:
❤️Billionaire
❤️Fake relationship
❤️Marriage of convenience
❤️Second chance
❤️Childhood friends
You may also like:
📚Elsie Silver - Wild Love
📚 Athena Barnim - Forgiving Me, Finding You
📚Ashley Winstead - Fool Me Once
September 13, 2024
“Get your hands off my wife!” That my friends was how I became hooked from the first chapter.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and it honestly blew me away. Once again I’m shocked at the caliber of talent just sitting in the hands of indie authors. But I digress, let’s get to the meat.
This was a great story about second chance romance, healing from a traumatic loss together, and fighting for the love you want. I haven’t read another novel like this yet. I thoroughly loved the journey that Lucy and Joel took to their “Happily Ever After”. The moment that they held hands around the door frame and tearfully talked through their broken past was a punch to the heart in all the best ways. Then the moment you find out about Joel’s nonprofit he created just sent me over the edge.
I also really enjoyed all the side characters and Lucy’s Italian family. They kept parts of the story light enough to offset the gravity in other places. Their presence also made me curious about the other books in this series (which are connected but do not have to be read before this one).
I will be recommending this book to anyone looking for a good, meaty, romance novel. The story had amazing depth to it that you don’t always find in a romance novel which I loved. It felt relatable and fresh because of that. This is on the spicier side, there were five explicit scenes, which would get five peppers from me, but the spice did not rival the plot. I’m really looking forward to reading more of Burns’ work.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and it honestly blew me away. Once again I’m shocked at the caliber of talent just sitting in the hands of indie authors. But I digress, let’s get to the meat.
This was a great story about second chance romance, healing from a traumatic loss together, and fighting for the love you want. I haven’t read another novel like this yet. I thoroughly loved the journey that Lucy and Joel took to their “Happily Ever After”. The moment that they held hands around the door frame and tearfully talked through their broken past was a punch to the heart in all the best ways. Then the moment you find out about Joel’s nonprofit he created just sent me over the edge.
I also really enjoyed all the side characters and Lucy’s Italian family. They kept parts of the story light enough to offset the gravity in other places. Their presence also made me curious about the other books in this series (which are connected but do not have to be read before this one).
I will be recommending this book to anyone looking for a good, meaty, romance novel. The story had amazing depth to it that you don’t always find in a romance novel which I loved. It felt relatable and fresh because of that. This is on the spicier side, there were five explicit scenes, which would get five peppers from me, but the spice did not rival the plot. I’m really looking forward to reading more of Burns’ work.
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