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We Could Do This Duet #1

We Could Do This Forever

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Preston James did things to me. Things that had me wanting more of him and his dirty mouth, even though I knew I better. Things that made my heart race. Things that made me come to realize there was more to my boss’s best friend than met the eye.

Nick Reed


As one of the bartenders at Alejandro’s Bar, I’ve seen it all. I’ve even watched my friends, Christian and Cooper, both find the loves of their life. Six years after breaking up with my college boyfriend, I’m convinced that’s not the life I’m supposed to have until forty-five-year-old Preston James makes me the target of his relentless sexy stares and his straight-forward, dirty propositions.

Maybe being the object of his desire wouldn’t be so bad.

Preston James

The first time I laid eyes on Nicholas Reed, I knew I had to have him. There was something about my best friend’s bartender that captivated me. The more he ignored me, the more I wanted him. For the first time in my life, this twenty-eight-year-old grad student had me jumping through all kinds of hoops to get his attention. There’s nothing I won’t do to prove to him I’m exactly what he needs. I’m relentless like that and I won’t stop until he’s mine.

We Could Do This Forever is the first book in the We Could Do This Duet and is an MM Bisexual Romance. Additional tropes: Age Gap; Mutual Pining; Boss’s Best Friend; Secretly Wealthy

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2023

130 people are currently reading
174 people want to read

About the author

Emerson Beckett

22 books119 followers
Emerson Beckett is no longer new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond.

Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, The Portland Protectors Series, and the San Diego Storm Series. She has 16 published books.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 35 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd and five cats.

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5 stars
142 (37%)
4 stars
148 (39%)
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62 (16%)
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15 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
October 6, 2023
I love an age gap romance, and the boss’s best friend/best friend’s employee matchup also caught my eye for this one. From the beginning I liked the main characters, as well as the primary supporting characters. The author did a good job fleshing them out and covering their backstories.

From the start, Nick was straightforward with Preston about making his degree and career start a priority, and that that was where his attention needed to be focused. While Preston understood this, you know it would just be a matter of time before one or the both of them caved. Even so, they were able to work things out for the most part so Nick could concentrate on what was most important to him.

If you’re a fan of the physical side of things in your romance stories, you’ll find that need fulfilled here once Nick and Preston do give in. And when I say fulfilled, I mean really fulfilled. I’m all for that, though I think the story would have be fine if the emphasis on this part wasn’t as heavy. Rest assured though that these two are VERY compatible.

The inevitable drama does creep in towards the end as you would expect, and the cause of it is somewhat of a pet peeve for me regarding communication and expectations. I do think there were some overly emotional moments on both sides, and Preston being a bit of a needy guy when it comes to Nick definitely contributes to the conflict.

Overall though, We Could Do This Forever was a 4-star read for me, and I think many contemporary M/M romance fans will enjoy this story. This one is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and the plentiful sexual content.
Profile Image for Lady Macbeth.
1,091 reviews30 followers
August 27, 2023
4.5 stars
I was dying to read this book since the author announced it. The story develops into the same world of The Package Deal and characters from that series show up here too. It was very nice to read about the Pirates and their husbands again.

This book is about the love story between Nick, bartender at Alejandro and grad student, and Preston, chef and owner of Bernardo's and Alejandro's best friend.
Nick is younger and beautiful, close to his family, a reliable hard worker at the bar and a very dedicated student; he wants to be an architect and is very determined about building his future.
Preston is holder, handsome, he's a successful chef with a well established business, he's a loyal friend and a demanding but fair boss.
Both of men have in common their passion for their jobs and also heartbreaking pasts: Nick broke up with his college boyfriend when he had to move away and they couldn't make their relationship work because of the distance, while Preston's former partner cheated on him then lied to him about a very important thing that would have changed their life.

Between the two of them, Preston is the one more determined to pursue the other: Preston fell hard for Nick and for the first time after years, he feels like he found his person.
Nick is more guarded: he decided long time ago to focus on his career instead to open up to potential heartbreaking relationships. Because of that, their story is a slow burn, things progress cautiously ad I really really appreciated that they did not jump into bed together after a few pages.

After a few miscommunications, they got together and their relationship develops into something beautiful. They share hot sex, sweet moments, wonderful dates and their families love them both.

What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
The big obstacle to their relationship is no one's fault: the author handled very well the turmoil, the uncertainty and all the fear for their relationship's future. But I feel like Preston was the one who unfairly took all the blame and begged for forgiveness, when, in reality, a lot of heartbreak would have been spared if Nick had found the courage to speak honestly to him.

One thing I adored about this book was the tight friendship and the constant banter between Preston and Alejandro: I enjoyed thei interactions and jokes and I hope we'll have more of that in the future.
This series contains only two books, the next one will be about Alejandro and a certain employee, so, I beg the author to find space for Evan (Nick's ex boyfriend) and Greyson (Preston's brother) in her and Rheland Richmond's new series about the Seals and EHM Talent Management. There's a lot more to tell about these people and I'm not ready to let these characters go.

Very recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for myqueerbookshelves.
216 reviews12 followers
August 28, 2023
ARC REVIEW

We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett

This is book 1 of a duet series that is a spin-off from The Package Deal Series.

“The ice-blue eyes that had been my kryptonite from the moment I met him stared at me like I’d done something remarkable. I hadn’t. I’d just chosen love over all else.”


« bisexual mm romance »
« mutual pining »
« slow burn »
« age gap »
« boss’ best friend »
« jealous MC »
« lots of banter & sarcasm »
« HEA »

I was borderline heartbroken at the end of the package deal series. I was relieved that this would not be the last we see of the Portland Pirates and their husbands.

Like every book I have read by Emerson, I devoured this book in one sitting. If you are looking for next level mutual pining, a slow burn, with lots of banter and sarcasm, this book is for you! Because OMG the pining, the slow burn, so good! I honestly loved Nick and Preston – the banter and sarcasm was chef’s kiss! Nick and Preston are drawn to each other from the moment Preston walks into Alejandro’s bar. This book is top tier in the mutual pining department. For over a year, Nick and Preston have feelings for each other, but don’t act on it. They both build up this narrative that the other doesn’t want each other and make assumptions. When Nick makes another assumption based on what he thinks he saw and starts to avoid Preston, Preston has had enough and finally makes his move.

Nick is not the hook-up type. I appreciated how this was executed – not in a way that sex shames for those who do. This is done is a way that is more of a boundary and where he is in his life and what he wants. He is upfront, communicates, and sticks to his boundaries with Preston. From the beginning Nick tells Preston that school and his career needs to come first and that he needs to be okay with that. If Preston wants Nick, he must be committed and prove himself to Nick that he really does have feelings for him and not just wanting to get him into bed. Preston is not used to being turned down or having to work this hard, which only makes him like Nick more.

Ironically, Preston, who is 45 years old, seems to be the more immature one of the two. He feels deeply and can be reactive which stems from his past relationship which greatly impacted him. He can be a jealous hothead who is a real idiot at times. A loveable idiot, but nonetheless still an idiot (lol). Although Preston is flawed, I think this is what I liked the most about him. He seemed real and authentic. In a lot of books jealously can be romanticized, and I am guilty of eating that shit up myself. But in reality, jealousy isn’t always cute and can be unhealthy. As the story progresses, Preston becomes more jealous of those who he perceives wants Nick. After a while, Nick starts to get annoyed and tries to reassure Preston that he is the only one he sees. Preston is ruled by his emotions and feels his feelings deeply. This isn’t always bad, like his deep love for Nick. But, like I said above, he is kind of an idiot, what he thinks is romantic at times, really isn’t. Instead of communicating, he tries to make a romantic gesture, which just caused Nick unnecessary hurt. Emerson wrote this character in a way that you still can’t help but love the big idiot. He fell hard and fast for Nick and makes no apologies for that or what people may think. He doesn’t care about timelines or if it is too soon, he just wants Nick.

A theme I have noticed in Emerson’s books is found family, which I absolutely love. We see this in the close relationship between Preston and Alejandro. They give each other shit, banter, and tease each other, but they are always there for each other. They are family.

Through the book we get a few glimpses of Ben and Alejandro which starts the readers curiosity of what really is going on there. At the end of the book, we get a sneak peek of Book 2: We Could Do This Tonight which is Ben’s and Alejandro’s story. My curiosity is not set aflame! I have a feeling that Alejandro may have something in common with his best friend, Preston, by being an idiot himself and possibly has some jealous tendencies too. I am itching to get my hands on book 2!

I hope we see Evan (Nick’s ex) in the future, or that he gets his own book. He is so sweet and deserves his HEA.

This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the package deal series first to get the full experience.


[I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review]
Profile Image for Roxanna Mascarenas.
239 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2025
Audible Review

Finally getting Nicks story!!! After all this time of Nick being apart of everyone’s love story in the Package Deal, he finally gets his HEA, and dang if it doesn’t check all the boxes
Preston is not only Nicks bosses best friend but also older. Never one for commitment he loves his restaurant, his friends and his life, but the moment he saw Nick he wants to get to know him.
Nick is working full time, master’s degree too busy for a relationship. But is definitely intrigued by Preston, but too many misunderstandings are in their way.
When they get a chance to work together, they finally get a chance to work and get their own HEA
Profile Image for Liza.
1,509 reviews19 followers
April 24, 2024
I love this expansion to the Package Deal series. This one takes us to Alejandro's bar, frequent hangout of the Portland Pirates and its sexy bartender, Nick. He's got the hots for his boss's besties, restaurateur, Preston James. Their flirting is sexy and sweet. It's a little instalove, while still being a slow burn. But damn, they have chemistry!!!! And they set the page on fire when they're together!
16.6k reviews153 followers
September 16, 2023
He does things to them that they never expected to feel again. They had a bad break up and did not think a relationship was for them. They are beginning to think maybe, just maybe it is time to step back into the dating game. Will he take that step? Will life get better for them both? See just how it will all go
Profile Image for Amanda Quarles.
2,171 reviews39 followers
February 21, 2024
We Could Do This Forever

Nick and Preston

This was my first time reading a book by this author. I liked it. My favorite moment was when Preston made his declaration to Nick. That had me dying, lol. It was so funny. Now I'm ready to read about Ben and Alejandro.
Profile Image for Canadian Girl Reads.
1,086 reviews34 followers
March 15, 2025
"𝘿𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙚? 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣–𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙩–𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜."

WE COULD DO THIS FOREVER by Emerson Beckett is book one in the We Could Do This Duet which is Preston and Nick's story.

Preston and Nick have flirted with each other since the day they met but neither has made a move. Preston finally gets up the courage to lay it on the line to Nick only for him to shoot him down until Preston gives him the chance of a lifetime.

Preston and Nick could not have denied their connection and chemistry any longer than they did or one of them would have combust, lol. Their banter and teasing of each other was fun. Preston was a little much but Nick and he were perfectly suited for each other. I loved all of the cameos from the Portland Pirates.

Emerson Beckett's first solo book is a hit and I can not wait for the second book in the duet.

Get ready for... mm, age gap, mutual pining, secretly wealthy, bisexual representation, best friend's employee, possessive mc, and told from the dual first-person point of view.

Content... cheating (non-mc)

4 Maple Leafs / 3 Flames

*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*

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Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
January 10, 2024


Check out our full post for WE COULD DO THIS FOREVER on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
WE COULD DO THIS FOREVER is part one in the We Could Do This Duet. It is set in The Package Deal World.

Nick Reed loves his job at Alejandro’s Bar as a bartender. He has been working full-time while he finishes his master’s in architecture. He enjoys flirting with his boss's best friend, Preston, who owns a local restaurant. Knowing his work has to come before anything else, he pulls back from flirting with the confusing man who seems to run hot and cold with him. Then one kiss makes him realize he may not be able to fight the attraction between him and Preston.

Something about Nick makes Preston want things he thought were no longer in the cards for him. Preston is used to getting what he wants, and he wants Nick, but Nick has cooled off talking and flirting with him. Preston is willing to do whatever he needs to show Nick how much he wants him. When he finds the perfect solution for them to spend time together. Nick needs a final work project for school and Preston needs more space for his restaurant. It's the perfect solution for Preston to spend time with Nick and show him that they can be so much more.

I was so invested in these characters from the beginning. I absolutely loved seeing some of my favorite Pirates showing up at the bar or restaurant. That's always a plus in my eyes. But back to Preston and Nick, their chemistry is palpable. Nick knew his job needed to come first; he was just starting in his career and Preston’s career was already so developed, thus showing the age gap and how they overcame it together. Preston was so sweet and head over heels for Nick and at times overbearing, but Nick was able to hold his own.

I can't wait to get Ben and Alejandro's story. They are so gone for each other but so many obstacles stand in their way. I NEED to know what happens!!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This duet is set in the same world as the Pirates football team series (The Package Deal), and although there is no need to have read them, fans will see links with characters, which is always fun.

Nick is working in a bar whilst he completes his architectural studies. His boss's best friend, Chef Preston, has been coming in and flirting with him for a while, and it is becoming more difficult to ignore him – but Nick is determined to put his studies first and has no intention of staying locally after he graduates. As we find out, love is blind to such blockers, even if there are roadblocks along the way.

Preston had a successful restaurant business in New York and sold up and moved across the country to start again. It is going well, and he now has found someone who piques his interest working in his friend's bar. He is entranced by him and decides to take the risk and charm Nick into seeing how they could be together – and I feel that he decides not to worry right now about Nick's honesty about his time in Portland being limited. So we know that there is going to be a reckoning, but we also can see them both bend towards each other, which is delicious.

I really enjoyed how this book dealt with the age gap, the disparities in wealth and stage in life. These are good guys who deserve a happily ever after, and the journey may not be smooth, but it is honest.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Bette.
3,285 reviews24 followers
March 7, 2025
Terrific Story & Narration🎧 Angsty & Emotional!

We Could Do This Forever
We Could Do This Duet, Book 1
By: Emerson Beckett
Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo, Kevin Earlywine

This is my first Emerson Beckett book, and I enjoyed her writing style and the story she created, an age gap romance that captivates your attention and tugs at your heartstrings the entire time. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to root for too. Nick Reed is finishing his last year in grad school and is looking for internships to work in his field, architecture and design. He has been working as a bartender to get himself through school. Preston James is the chef and owner of Bernardo’s and is friends with Alejandro who owns the bar where Nick Reed work. The seventeen-year age gap between Preston (45) and Nick (28) didn’t affect their attraction to one another, but there were some bumps along the way before their romantic relationship took off and once it did, it was great to watch them get to know each other. I loved how everything fell in place, with Nick needing an architectural design project to complete for his graduate degree and Preston needing to expand because his booming business was outgrowing his restaurant. I enjoyed how everything played out in this wonderfully plotted story, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Both these characters had past relationships that left scars on their hearts, scars that could cost them the best thing that happened to them, their love. Emerson Beckett, thank you for the wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 Kevin Earlywine and Michael Ferraiuolo did an amazing job voicing the characters and delivering a spot-on portrayal of each. I loved how they took their roles and owned them, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters would sound. These two made a great narration team, with voices and talent that complemented each other and a performance that takes the story to the next level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,542 reviews105 followers
September 9, 2023
"You're like a buffet for me."

"You hate buffets."

"Not when they're serving cock and balls with whipped cream."



I thought that quote would set you up with the tone of this book. Delightfully sarcastic with some lovely steamy moments. I loved Nick. He was so playful at times, yet super serious at others. He was a contradiction. He tried so hard to resist Preston's charms, but like many others, he failed epically. I have to give him points for trying as Preston is more charming than most. Preston had a lot of layers. I enjoyed watching each of them emerge as the story progressed.

The banter in this one was top notch. I loved the relationship between Preston and Alejandro, Nick's boss. They've been besties for over 20 years and enjoy giving each other shit above all else. It was one of the reasons Nick knew Preston was a good guy. He highly respected Alejandro's opinion and for him to be best friends with Preston for so long said something words never could. And then there's Ben who just loves to rile Nick and Alejandro up. I laughed so hard at his antics and cannot wait for his story. In fact, this book had quite the cast of interesting characters and I'm looking forward to what's in store for many of them.

But back to Nick and Preston. They were just so GOOD together. Everyone could see how happy they made each other. It was obvious from the many "mooney-eyed" stares that they were falling head over heels for one another. And the forehead kisses! SWOON! There were a few bumps. And one BIG one that led to some groveling. Emerson you are a big meanie for that one!! But in the end nothing was going to keep these two apart. They were too perfect for one another for anything to stand in their way. A great solo debut for author Emerson Beckett!
Profile Image for Romantic Reads and Such.
1,160 reviews19 followers
October 11, 2023
3.5*s

The dance these two go thru getting together provided quite a few entertaining moments. Drunk Preston laying out everything he thinks and feels for everyone is downright hilarious and I can't blame Nick for finding him irresistible. Once they finally give in, Preston is an attentive and giving boyfriend, taking care of Nick and showing him as much as telling him how much he cares.

But while I liked Nick and Preston's story overall, there were a few issues. Mainly that these two REALLY need to work on their communication skills. A good portion of the beginning of the book is spent with them giving each other googly eyes, but not going anywhere because they won't have an actual conversation. Throw in that once they do get together there's a lot of suggestion about things but no talking and when something that Nick knows needs to be talked about comes up he ... avoids it. Does he think it's just going to go away? And then there's the whole third act breakup and Preston, because of his additional years of maturity, works thru it like a grownup, right? Uh, no. He handles it about as well as he did the actual conflict, which was not well. At all. I liked the two of them together, but sheesh there were moments.

I've enjoyed pretty much everything that I've read from Beckett and I'm definitely looking forward to Alejandro's story to complete this duet. I'm also really hoping that introducing Nick's friend Evan means that we're going to get some new football players in San Diego. Please!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
January 3, 2024
WE COULD DO THIS FOREVER is part one in the We Could Do This Duet. It is set in the Package Deal world.

Nick Reed loves his job Alejandro’s Bar as a bartender. He has been working full time while his finishes his master's in architecture. He enjoys flirting with his boss's best friend, Preston, who owes a local restaurant. Knowing his work has to come before anything else he pulls back from flirting with the confusing man who seems to run hot and cold with him. When one kiss makes him realize he may not be able to fight the attraction between him and Preston.

Something about Nick makes Preston want things he thought were no longer in the cards for him. Preston is used to getting what he wants and he wants Nick but Nick has cooled off talking and flirting with him. Preston is willing to do whatever he needs to show Nick how much he wants him. When he finds the perfect solution for them to spend time together. Nick needs a final project work for on and Preston needs more space for his restaurant. It's the perfect solution for Preston to spend time with Nick and show him that they can be so much more.

I was so invested in these characters from the beginning. I absolutely loved seeing come of my favorite Pirates showing up at the bar or restaurant. That's always a plus in my eyes. But back to Preston and Nick their chemistry is palpable. Nick knew his job needed to come first he was just starting in his career and Preston career was already so developed, thus showing the age gap but how they overcame it together. Preston was so sweet and head over heels for Nick and at times over baring, but Nick was able to hold his own.

I can't wait to get Ben and Alejandro's story. They are so gone for each other but so many obstacles stand in their way. I NEED to know what happens!!

I was given a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
January 9, 2024
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This duet is set in the same world as the Pirates Football team series, and although there is no need to have read them, fans will see links with characters, which is always fun.

Nick is working in a bar whilst he completes his architectural studies. His boss's best friend, chef Preston has been coming in and flirting with him for a while, and it is becoming more difficult to ignore him - but Nick is determined to put his studies first and has no intention of staying locally after he graduates. As we find out, love is blind to such blockers, even if there are road blocks along the way.

Preston had a successful restaurant business in NY and sold up and moved across the country to start again. It is going well, and he now has found someone who peaks his interest working in his friend's bar. He is entranced by him and decides to take the risk and charm Nick into seeing how they could be together - and I feel that he decides not to worry right now about Nick's honesty about his time in Portland being limited... so we know that there is going to be a reckoning, but we also can see them both bend towards each other which is delicious.

I really enjoyed how this book dealt with the age gap, the disparity in wealth and stage in life. These are good guys who deserve an HEA, and the journey may not be smooth, but it is honest.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Leigh Gaskill.
839 reviews30 followers
September 7, 2023


I was really excited to read Nick’s story and see the Portland Pirate’s and their spouses again after we said goodbye to them after Roughing the Kicker.

Nick’s prologue tells us he is extremely driven to finish his architecture degree, but is also insanely attracted to Preston. Preston’s prologue sheds light on when the Pirates ate at Preston’s restaurant and he ‘held Jesse’s hand too long’ and Dom got possessive over him.

Going forward from here, I thought this story was good but lacked depth. I would have liked to see more build up of the characters prior to the turning point for Preston deciding to make his move, as opposed to the author telling us the chemistry was there when it didn’t feel to me like it was. Nick also seemed extremely back and forth on what he wanted.

I also felt it was extremely childish how Cooper ‘revealed’ that Preston met Jesse at his restaurant months prior and the ‘faux pas’ that resulted from this. It felt very high school to me, but did have a purpose later in the story. Maybe it could have been handled in a different way.

The communication between the two is extremely lacking. And leading up to and including the big blow up this is pretty evident.

There’s more I want to say but I don’t want to spoil anything for readers.

Preston is very romantic and he’s not afraid to show that to Nick. They do eventually settle everything between themselves and earn their HEA.

I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,768 reviews41 followers
October 13, 2023
This was a good story. While it’s shown as book one of a duet it really is a complete story. The second book will be about two characters who featured quite a bit in this one so it might be helpful to read this before reading the next one. There are also a lot of cameo appearances by characters from The Package Deal series but I don’t think you need to have read those books to enjoy this one.

I don’t know what it is with me lately but I found myself skipping a lot of the sexy time. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, sexy time that doesn’t advance the story doesn’t always work for me; sometimes less is better. The plot and story in We Could Do This Forever is really good and didn’t need all of the super-hot scenes that seemed a bit over the top to me; YMMV.

Having said all of that the love story between Preston and Nick was very good. There was the right amount of pining, wooing, conflict and resolution. There is a significant age-gap between the two MCs and I liked that this fact wasn’t beat to death – it was just accepted. There were times that I felt Nick’s behavior was much more adult than Preston’s who was the older of the two. Nick is focused on finishing his Master’s degree and he’s very upfront about this with Preston. Preston acts a bit like a teenager when Nick isn’t free to spend a lot of time with Preston.

There was a lot of by-play and innuendo between the secondary characters of Alejandro (bar owner and Nick’s boss) and bartender, Ben. The next book in this duet is about them and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Profile Image for read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar.
350 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2023
4.5 stars

𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

We had met Nick, the bartender from Alejandro's in The Package Deal series and Preston, Alejandro's best friend in passing in some books. Nick and Preston had feelings for each other from the moment they first met and then Preston finally asked Nick out on a date, Nick is in his last year of a master's degree so he wanted to focus on his career so they decided to go slow and get to know each other.

Nick and Preston were just amazing together, from their banter to so many swoony moments I loved their story so much. Their dates in New York were so beautifully written, I loved it so much. They had their ups and downs and as Nick said ' Preston has more money than sense ' was so correct at some points because I felt he didn't know how to communicate his real feelings properly but damn I liked to see him all rattled. Their sexual chemistry was just the cherry on the top and I loved how they talked about difficult things or their feelings when they were naked in bed so that the other one wouldn't run away (again Preston's idea but loved it).

I loved Alejandro & Ben and I am so looking forward to their story. Also, all the other characters were amazing and the cameos of the couples from The Package Deal series were just what I wanted because I miss them. Evan and Greyson were also amazing characters and I would love it if we get their story too. Overall, I loved this book and I am looking forward to more books from the author.
664 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2023
This book is set in the same universe as the Package Deal series and in my opinion you get more out of it if you read the other books before but if not, you are still able to enjoy this story.

While I enjoyed the story in general, I also struggled with it.

Nick is a great character, driven to complete his studies to go on and start his dream as an architect while working at Alejandro's bar which features in the Package Deal series.
Preston is a chef who re-discovered his love of running his restaurant and while not looking for another relationship, he falls for Nick at his friend's bar.

The book is quite long and the first half drags itself a bit as it is very much a "mutal attraction but we don't act on it" scenario. There is plenty of background information to make them well developed.

When they come together, the book gets steamy and Preston is definitely the romantic boyfriend.

Unfortunately for me, Preston then develops a bit too much into a needy and whinging boyfriend. There is an age gap, Preston being over 10 years older, but he often behaves like a spoiled younger one who is annoyed that Nick is not there all the time.

I also find the lack of communication quite off-putting. When their relationship hits a rock, Preston again is the one I could have hit over the head. While Nick wasn't totally innocent about it, I found Preston's behaviour just too much.

Despite this, I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Reed.
1,203 reviews21 followers
September 5, 2023
This is a new author to me and quite an intro.
Two guys for different reasons are reluctant to enter into any relationships yet have an instant attraction.
Preston James is a successful restaurant owner who while visiting his friends bar sees Nick.
Nick is a college student who works at Alejandro’s bar as a bartender. He enjoys his job but his sites are set on his architectural career.
Preston can’t let well enough alone but has to keep at Nick until they start flirting which then leads to something more. The relationship they enter supposedly has an understanding between them. Nick’s career comes first. His internship after college likely will take him away from town so he doesn’t want to enter into something that can’t work out and thinks he has made that clear to Preston. Preston only sees that they are meant to be together and doesn’t look beyond that to see that after college for Nick doesn’t mean the same. This is an enjoyable age gap, instant attraction story. Both of these guys are lovable. There are so many events, for example how when upset Preston can’t hold his liquor and his behavior made me laugh. The secondary characters are enjoyable and add a lot to the story. So many heartwarming and heartbreaking times also. I look forward to the next book in the duet.
513 reviews15 followers
October 18, 2023
Nick and Preston have been dancing around a mutual attraction for months but Nick is refusing to give in as he’s not a one night stand guy and he is determined to give all of his time and attention to completing his degree and then building his career rather than a relationship. Preston then hires him to work with him while showing him they could be really great together. Things are looking great between them but Nick is holding onto a secret that everyone BUT Preston seems to know and of course it’s revealed at a very inopportune time.

Preston is a man in his 40s and really likable, but some of his reactions really made me question if he wasn’t a 13 year old with their first crush and seemed kind of unbelievable. When we get to the drama that unfolds later on in the book I understand his frustration and hurt with Nick over the secret he was keeping and wish he had had the courage to speak up sooner, but I really felt his reaction was way OTT and made me lose a little respect for him.

Emerson Beckett is fast becoming a must read author for me and I am excited for Ben and Alejandro’s story next. I feel a real doozy coming if the vibes I was getting from Anna play out. I am also hoping Evan gets a story at some point in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
3,537 reviews38 followers
September 6, 2023
Preston, the owner of an upscale restaurant in Portland, is totally ensnared from the first moment he sees the bartender at his friend, Alejandro's, bar.

Nick is a bartender, and a busy grad student, working on his degree in architecture. He doesn't have time for a relationship when he barely gets enough time to sleep.

Preston, however is single minded in his desire to know Nick better...in every sense of the word. To this end he convinces Nick to design a new restaurant as part of Nick's internship. Preston takes him to NYC on a fact finding mission so he can envision what he wants in the new restaurant.

The trip is enlightening to say the least. And romantic. And visually stimulating. And a culinary experience.

Friends and family and the holiday season all conspire to weave a web of romance and possibilities that Nick is helpless to fight.

Of course we have some angst that makes this a realistic story.

You'll find yourself loving both of these men, even though one is used to easily getting his way and the other is learning how to navigate his way through a demanding career and a consuming love for another person.

Plus you'll never look at NYC quite the same way again.
Profile Image for Dinoh (Akari).
453 reviews6 followers
September 8, 2023
A really sweet story between Nick, who works as a bartender at Alejandro's bar and is a grad student dedicated to his career, and Preston, who is Alejandro's best friend, and who is also focused on his career as a chef and owner of Bernardo's.

Both have suffered from broken hearts, although due to different circumstances, which makes them both cautious when starting a new relationship. Also, Nick is really, really focused on his career, and feels that this is not the time to change his priorities. The big problem in this story is the lack of good communication between the two MCs, due to fear, or jealousy, or perhaps due to previous disastrous relationships. And although Preston is the older of the two, he is also the more impulsive and perhaps more immature.

The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that I think Preston isn't the only one who should have made the grand gesture to reconcile. Nick was wrong too, and I think he should be responsible for that.

In general, sweet, romantic, entertaining, slow burn but some great steamy scenes, with lovable characters and some cameos from The Package Deal series.

I was giving an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,836 reviews37 followers
September 12, 2023
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Two men finding a chance at real love. It’s a slow burn, with a lot of flirting! And if you only read it for Preston’s drunken ramblings, you won’t regret it.

Preston is trying to find his passion in life and work again, and Nick is focused on making his dreams come true. Though they have been flirting for a while, it’s not until they find a way to combine their ambitions that they find themselves face-to-face with their attraction.

I enjoyed the dynamic between them. Not just their age difference, but also their differences in personality. Though Preston is older, he’s often the most impulsive and wild. And that makes this a lot of fun.

My only niggle was that I wish Nick had played more of a role in solving their conflict. It fell to Preston when he wasn’t the only one in the wrong.

But all in all, a really enjoyable read, and it definitely had some fun side characters that I look forward to getting to know more. Oh, there were also some great cameos, so don’t miss out on those.
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,726 reviews17 followers
September 15, 2023
A SLOW BURN AGE GAP FLIRTATION ROMANCE!

I loved these two characters and how they engaged in the flirting game for over a year while pining for each other…

I liked the premise of the story and how sweet it was portrayed how two broken souls found their way to each other no matter what obstacles laid in their way… until trust was broken and two hearts were shattered…

This is Preston James and Nick Reeds journey to finding their person but be prepared for an emotional and deep struggle that lies ahead when Nick puts his career first and relationship last…

I laughed at the drunken antics of Preston and how Nick helped him and looked after him…

I loved the trip to New York and how Preston always put Nick first…

Their dynamic was so unique and versatile like they were made for each other… but

Will Preston accept Nicks wishes?
Will Nick reveal the truth regarding his internship locations?

The side supporting characters Alexandro and Ben were a hoot and will have their own story to tell…

The football characters from Packaged deal intrigued me so to read their books…

I look forward to reading more from this new to me author!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for my honest non biased review.
1,895 reviews8 followers
September 10, 2023
Drunk Preston was hilarious

I wasn't aware that this was the start of a spin-off series and was confused because names were mentioned as if I should know who they were. This did actually stand alone without having read the the Package Deal series but I felt as though I was missing out on all the fun, especially since the author said at the end that readers had been asking for Nick's story since he appeared in the series.
I liked the ongoing stand off between Nick and Preston, each attracted to the other though doing nothing about it but stare. Once they got together, it started well but they needed to communicate much better. Although Preston was older by seventeen years, you'd think it was the other way round with some of the decisions he made and the way he acted at times.
Overall, I liked Nick and Preston, and Preston drunk made me collapse in fit of giggles, but I was possibly more interested in Nick's boss and fellow bartender (who are up next). Also, half of me wanted Nick to go back to his old boyfriend but the other half of me wants a book for that boyfriend because he certainly deserves to find someone to love his beautiful self.
Profile Image for Mandee.
560 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2023
ARC Review

A mix of romance and humor, with a bit of spice. Preston pursues bartender Nick, who he is an older than. Despite being the older of the two, he’s often the more immature one. He’s extremely jealous and possessive.

He cannot handle playing second fiddle to Nick’s work schedule or career ambitions, despite Nick putting that out there from the start. When anyone else pays Nick the slightest bit of attention, he intervenes. When Nick becomes busy with work or school, he manipulates his schedule, or tries to get Nick to move in with him. When Nick’s internship might take him out of state, Preston storms off in a huge tantrum, hurting both men and their relationship.

Despite Preston being his own worst enemy, you could see how they both cared for one another, and ultimately made one another happy. They were both sarcastic, and I loved some of the funny and sometimes immature things they said throughout the book!
325 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2023
I am the biggest fan of the Package Deal universe and couldn’t wait for this duet. Nick and Preston have amazing chemistry both in and out of bed. It took them a bit to actually get together, but when they did it was so good. I loved the time they spent in New York. It really showed how their interests converge and how sweet and romantic Preston is. It ended up with more angst than I anticipated. I understood both sides, but I tended to empathize more with Preston and felt like he did all the apologizing and concession making, while Nick was equally if not more at fault. They do work things out (thanks to Preston’s big heart) it just didn’t go in the direction my non-adventurous self wanted or expected. ** please don’t think I didn’t love this book, I just would have liked for them to stay in Portland** The ending is definitely happy and I’m looking forward to Ben and Alejandro’s story. I hope we get more of Preston and Nick even though they left everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2023
We Could Do This Forever is a fun, sweet story with an intriguing storyline and interesting characters. I really liked Nick but I had a much more difficult time liking Preston. He definitely was a lot less mature with his actions and reactions then Nick was and his lack of maturity was a little off-putting for me. Their inability to communicate effectively with each other was very frustrating as well. There was so much angst that could have easily been avoided with a simple conversation. The build-up to them getting together is great even if it did take them both quite a while to talk to each other as well as having to deal with several silly misunderstandings. My favorite part of this story was drunk Preston - he was hilarious and I love that he finally told Nick how he felt about him. Overall I enjoyed a lot of this story , the ending was good and I look forward to reading the next book.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tina.
260 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2023
This is a spawn off series from another great series by the same author. Preston and Nick were hot, in this age gap romance. Preston, a restaurant owner, has been intrigued with Nick, graduate student and bartender at Preston's best friends bar, for a while. Ready to stop flirting and pursue something more, Preston jumps head first. Nick, wary of Preston's intentions, and Nick's already strong feelings for him, makes him hesitant to start something. This is the story of secrets, trying, picking up pieces and taking chances. No developing relationship can be easy, and Preston and Nick's is not the exception.

This was a great story until towards the end. I am happy the author added the epilogue or else I may not have been satisfied with the ending. If you read the book, you will understand why. Overall, it was good enough for me to want to read the next book.

I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review.
3,012 reviews19 followers
September 17, 2023
Nick is working as a bartender while he is pursuing his training in college in architecture. He is driven and his career is important to him. He is also a bit obsessed with Preston, the restaurant owner and chef that is good friends with his boss at the bar. Their attraction is mutual although initially they dance around one another before they act on it. There is a bit of an age gap between them and they are in different places around work and relationships. This is a slow burn romance during which this pair needs to work through miscommunications and get on the same page so that they can embrace their HEA. It was so much fun having characters from the packaged deal series showing up here and there. Nick and Preston were a cute couple and the drama was more with Preston who was older and Nick was the more level headed. He also had some steamy dreams - an indication that he has the imagination to design things!
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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