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Kip Island #2
This Kind of Forever
Hallie Foster is coming home. After years in the city, far away from the town that raised her, moving back to Kip Island is the last thing she wants to do. She needs a job—she needs a plan. What she doesn't need is running into her best friend's brother, ten years after she broke his heart.
All his life, Gabe Bowman has been living in his brother's shadow. He tries to be a good firefighter, a good son, a good father. But when the only woman he's ever loved moves back to town, he has to confront the past and decide if the path he's on is truly right for him.
When Hallie needs a place to stay, she finds herself living in Gabe's guesthouse. Despite her resolution to stay out of his way, Hallie can't help the pull she feels toward him and his daughter. Soon, it’s like she never left at all.
Just when Hallie and Gabe think they can skate by as friends, a rumour about them spreads through town, and the two agree to a temporary arrangement. Hallie needs a fake fiancé to impress her estranged father, and Gabe would do anything to make Hallie happy. The only trouble with pretending is deciding whether they're lying to others or lying to themselves.
All his life, Gabe Bowman has been living in his brother's shadow. He tries to be a good firefighter, a good son, a good father. But when the only woman he's ever loved moves back to town, he has to confront the past and decide if the path he's on is truly right for him.
When Hallie needs a place to stay, she finds herself living in Gabe's guesthouse. Despite her resolution to stay out of his way, Hallie can't help the pull she feels toward him and his daughter. Soon, it’s like she never left at all.
Just when Hallie and Gabe think they can skate by as friends, a rumour about them spreads through town, and the two agree to a temporary arrangement. Hallie needs a fake fiancé to impress her estranged father, and Gabe would do anything to make Hallie happy. The only trouble with pretending is deciding whether they're lying to others or lying to themselves.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
17 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Bobbi Maclaren
5 books49 followersBobbi Maclaren is an indie author from a small town in Ontario, Canada. When she isn't writing, she can be found reading, wrangling her mischievous black cat, or booking her next trip to a new country. She also loves fall, dresses with pockets, and her emotional support water bottle. To stay up to date, follow her on social media @bmaclarenwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 26, 2025
I sat down to read this today and finished it in one sitting. It is packed with some of my favorite tropes: best friends brother, small town romance, forced proximity, and even a fake engagement. Also lets not forget to include the fact there is a tattooed single dad that also happens to be a firefighter and the girl he has been pinning for the past ten years finally comes home.
This story follows Hallie and Gabe, who reconnect after Hallie left down to go to school. Yet, Gabe never was quite able to let her go, and once they are face-to-face again, the chemistry between the two are undeniable, even so much so, everyone lies so she had to choose Gabe to stay with while she tries to gain her footing. I am sucker for a man who yearns and pines, and this book delivered, he was so attentive with Hallie and doing everything he can to not lose her again. He was patient, kind, and knowing. It should be noted there is a touch of spice, and does touch on a topic of parental neglect, but overall this book is a perfect easy read and filled with many beloved romance tropes.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review the arc!
This story follows Hallie and Gabe, who reconnect after Hallie left down to go to school. Yet, Gabe never was quite able to let her go, and once they are face-to-face again, the chemistry between the two are undeniable, even so much so, everyone lies so she had to choose Gabe to stay with while she tries to gain her footing. I am sucker for a man who yearns and pines, and this book delivered, he was so attentive with Hallie and doing everything he can to not lose her again. He was patient, kind, and knowing. It should be noted there is a touch of spice, and does touch on a topic of parental neglect, but overall this book is a perfect easy read and filled with many beloved romance tropes.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review the arc!
July 17, 2025
Kip Island is a fun twist on a small town romance.
Emphasis on it really being a small town 🤣: island life
Hallie & Gabe 💕
Childhood friends
Second chance
His twin is her best friend
10 years apart (pining away)
Single daddy all tatted up
Artist x Firefighter (career struggles with both)
Hallie had a rough childhood with her parental situation. Which the book delves through.
I don’t know want to give spoilers away tho.
Our boy Gabe is a straight green flag tho….
This was a fun, sweet read.
Arc review ✨
Emphasis on it really being a small town 🤣: island life
Hallie & Gabe 💕
Childhood friends
Second chance
His twin is her best friend
10 years apart (pining away)
Single daddy all tatted up
Artist x Firefighter (career struggles with both)
Hallie had a rough childhood with her parental situation. Which the book delves through.
I don’t know want to give spoilers away tho.
Our boy Gabe is a straight green flag tho….
This was a fun, sweet read.
Arc review ✨
August 1, 2025
❤️ Blurb -
Hallie Foster is coming home. After years in the city, far away from the town that raised her, moving back to Kip Island is the last thing she wants to do. She needs a job—she needs a plan. What she doesn't need is running into her best friend's brother, ten years after she broke his heart.
All his life, Gabe Bowman has been living in his brother's shadow. He tries to be a good firefighter, a good son, a good father. But when the only woman he's ever loved moves back to town, he has to confront the past and decide if the path he's on is truly right for him.
When Hallie needs a place to stay, she finds herself living in Gabe's guesthouse. Despite her resolution to stay out of his way, Hallie can't help the pull she feels toward him and his daughter. Soon, it’s like she never left at all.
Just when Hallie and Gabe think they can skate by as friends, a rumour about them spreads through town, and the two agree to a temporary arrangement. Hallie needs a fake fiancé to impress her estranged father, and Gabe would do anything to make Hallie happy. The only trouble with pretending is deciding whether they're lying to others or lying to themselves.
🩷 Review -
This was such a cute read. Even though this is the second book in a series, I still enjoyed it. I loved the small town place setting in the book, it sounded cute. The author's writing is beautiful and also the spice level was just right. I found the pacing just right and I loved the great mix of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, Bobbi McLaren for my arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Hallie Foster is coming home. After years in the city, far away from the town that raised her, moving back to Kip Island is the last thing she wants to do. She needs a job—she needs a plan. What she doesn't need is running into her best friend's brother, ten years after she broke his heart.
All his life, Gabe Bowman has been living in his brother's shadow. He tries to be a good firefighter, a good son, a good father. But when the only woman he's ever loved moves back to town, he has to confront the past and decide if the path he's on is truly right for him.
When Hallie needs a place to stay, she finds herself living in Gabe's guesthouse. Despite her resolution to stay out of his way, Hallie can't help the pull she feels toward him and his daughter. Soon, it’s like she never left at all.
Just when Hallie and Gabe think they can skate by as friends, a rumour about them spreads through town, and the two agree to a temporary arrangement. Hallie needs a fake fiancé to impress her estranged father, and Gabe would do anything to make Hallie happy. The only trouble with pretending is deciding whether they're lying to others or lying to themselves.
🩷 Review -
This was such a cute read. Even though this is the second book in a series, I still enjoyed it. I loved the small town place setting in the book, it sounded cute. The author's writing is beautiful and also the spice level was just right. I found the pacing just right and I loved the great mix of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, Bobbi McLaren for my arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2025
4.5 Stars!
Kip Island is easily one of those places that you can find yourself fully losing yourself in. 🏞️The world building that Bobbi has done for both books in her Kip Island series has really added so much to the stories.
Gabe and Hallie’s backstory and history really made this story 1000x more meaningful. I loved their friendship as kids and how much they meant to each other outside of a friendship. Navigating young love is so hard and while these two didn’t have the beginning they could have, they fully embraced each other as adults with all of their past issues and flaws. I loved that Hallie was so natural with Gabe’s daughter and that Gabe truly understood Hallie’s past with her own family. What I loved the most was that even thought both Hallie and Gabe were “grown ups” Bobbi still allowed them t make huge life transitions and really showed that even though it’s nerve wracking, it could be a great thing to happen. Very very realistic. I don’t want to reveal too much but the blast from the fatherly past for Hallie had me feel an entire 2 mile roller coaster of emotions.
I just really can’t wait to see what else happens in Kip’s Island.
Kip Island is easily one of those places that you can find yourself fully losing yourself in. 🏞️The world building that Bobbi has done for both books in her Kip Island series has really added so much to the stories.
Gabe and Hallie’s backstory and history really made this story 1000x more meaningful. I loved their friendship as kids and how much they meant to each other outside of a friendship. Navigating young love is so hard and while these two didn’t have the beginning they could have, they fully embraced each other as adults with all of their past issues and flaws. I loved that Hallie was so natural with Gabe’s daughter and that Gabe truly understood Hallie’s past with her own family. What I loved the most was that even thought both Hallie and Gabe were “grown ups” Bobbi still allowed them t make huge life transitions and really showed that even though it’s nerve wracking, it could be a great thing to happen. Very very realistic. I don’t want to reveal too much but the blast from the fatherly past for Hallie had me feel an entire 2 mile roller coaster of emotions.
I just really can’t wait to see what else happens in Kip’s Island.
July 31, 2025
All the feels & then some!! ~ 4✨
“I love you, and I want this kind of forever.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ PLOT ✧
After years of living in the city, Hallie Foster returns to Kip Island feeling defeated. She has no job, no significant other & no idea what to do with her life. What’s worse? She now has to see Gabe Bowman every. single. day. The same Gabe Bowman who years ago, confessed his love for her only for her to break his heart into pieces. The same Gabe Bowman whose family basically took her in as one of their own & now, the same Gabe Bowman whose house she’s living in.
Not only does Gabe Bowman have his own home, he has a job as a firefighter & a new love of his life, his daughter Abbie. However it’s obvious to him & everyone around him that although Hallie Foster broke his heart, his feelings never changed. Now thanks to the meddling of his family she’s somehow ended up living in his house, with him, every day.
When the Kip Island rumour mill starts turning & Hallie’s estranged father is pulled into the mix she feels she has no other choice but to lean into the rumours that her & Gabe are engaged. But after years of denying what they both know is true, their fake feelings begin to morph into something very real.
Could they actually have the happy ending they once dreamed of or will history repeat itself? After all, if Hallie broke his heart once, she could do it again.
✅ I’d recommend this book to people who enjoy -
• books/genre - romance, spicy romance, small town romance, cozy romance, fall romance
• themes/tropes - fake dating, forced proximity, small town setting, second chance at love, friends to lovers, best friends brother, single Dad & found family
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ SUMMARY/OPINIONS ✧
This Kind of Forever is a heartwarming small town romance delivering all the cozy fall feels. It’s easy to follow with likeable characters & a wonderful sprinkling of spice 👀. Despite the quick witted banter the book is also emotional, heartfelt & comforting. If like me you love strong found family vibes & a happy ending, this is the book for you!
❣️This Kind of Forever’ comes after ‘The Edge of Summer’ making it the 2nd book in the Kip Island series. Whilst interconnected, both books can be read individually as standalones❣️
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ CHARACTERS ✧
• It’s hard not to fall for Gabe Bowman (MMC). He’s a selfless family man who has dedicated his life to his daughter Abbie. He’s the type of person that if needed would drop everything to come running & he puts everyone else’s feelings before his own. I feel that trait can sometimes turn into a pity party for one but Bobbi has executed it perfectly. I warmed to him instantly, felt his hurt & conflicting emotions. Rooting for a character from the get go isn’t very common but in this case, it’s impossible not to.
• From that ^^ you can see why Hallie Foster (FMC) melts anytime he looks at her. If we’re being honest, I nearly dropped my device a few times too!
Although strong willed she has a lot of self doubt that stems from the way her Mother made her feel about herself. Insignificant, not enough, undeserving of love. Seriously, I was ready to go to war because that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hallie is a beautiful soul, thoughtful, selfless & always willing to help. Her relationship with Gabe’s daughter Abbie is absolutely beautiful, it’s one of my favourite parts of the book.
Just be prepared to fall for these characters because Hallie & Gabe are honestly everything.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ FINAL THOUGHTS ✧
I absolutely adored this book. Despite reading it in July, I curled up on the couch in my cozy clothes with a chunky knit blanket & a cup of tea. It’s just that kind of book - warm & wholesome. I also loved Bobbi’s style of writing. It totally immerses you in the lives of the characters & the small town setting. I felt so connected, involved & engaged in this book so it’s no surprise that I finished it in one sitting!
I seriously can’t wait for the next book in the series, I’ve a feeling it’s going to be a gooden!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
📣 Thank you so much to Bobbi Maclaren for allowing me to read & review this ARC. This honest review consists solely of my own thoughts/opinions & I am leaving it voluntarily.
“I love you, and I want this kind of forever.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ PLOT ✧
After years of living in the city, Hallie Foster returns to Kip Island feeling defeated. She has no job, no significant other & no idea what to do with her life. What’s worse? She now has to see Gabe Bowman every. single. day. The same Gabe Bowman who years ago, confessed his love for her only for her to break his heart into pieces. The same Gabe Bowman whose family basically took her in as one of their own & now, the same Gabe Bowman whose house she’s living in.
Not only does Gabe Bowman have his own home, he has a job as a firefighter & a new love of his life, his daughter Abbie. However it’s obvious to him & everyone around him that although Hallie Foster broke his heart, his feelings never changed. Now thanks to the meddling of his family she’s somehow ended up living in his house, with him, every day.
When the Kip Island rumour mill starts turning & Hallie’s estranged father is pulled into the mix she feels she has no other choice but to lean into the rumours that her & Gabe are engaged. But after years of denying what they both know is true, their fake feelings begin to morph into something very real.
Could they actually have the happy ending they once dreamed of or will history repeat itself? After all, if Hallie broke his heart once, she could do it again.
✅ I’d recommend this book to people who enjoy -
• books/genre - romance, spicy romance, small town romance, cozy romance, fall romance
• themes/tropes - fake dating, forced proximity, small town setting, second chance at love, friends to lovers, best friends brother, single Dad & found family
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ SUMMARY/OPINIONS ✧
This Kind of Forever is a heartwarming small town romance delivering all the cozy fall feels. It’s easy to follow with likeable characters & a wonderful sprinkling of spice 👀. Despite the quick witted banter the book is also emotional, heartfelt & comforting. If like me you love strong found family vibes & a happy ending, this is the book for you!
❣️This Kind of Forever’ comes after ‘The Edge of Summer’ making it the 2nd book in the Kip Island series. Whilst interconnected, both books can be read individually as standalones❣️
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ CHARACTERS ✧
• It’s hard not to fall for Gabe Bowman (MMC). He’s a selfless family man who has dedicated his life to his daughter Abbie. He’s the type of person that if needed would drop everything to come running & he puts everyone else’s feelings before his own. I feel that trait can sometimes turn into a pity party for one but Bobbi has executed it perfectly. I warmed to him instantly, felt his hurt & conflicting emotions. Rooting for a character from the get go isn’t very common but in this case, it’s impossible not to.
• From that ^^ you can see why Hallie Foster (FMC) melts anytime he looks at her. If we’re being honest, I nearly dropped my device a few times too!
Although strong willed she has a lot of self doubt that stems from the way her Mother made her feel about herself. Insignificant, not enough, undeserving of love. Seriously, I was ready to go to war because that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hallie is a beautiful soul, thoughtful, selfless & always willing to help. Her relationship with Gabe’s daughter Abbie is absolutely beautiful, it’s one of my favourite parts of the book.
Just be prepared to fall for these characters because Hallie & Gabe are honestly everything.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
✧ FINAL THOUGHTS ✧
I absolutely adored this book. Despite reading it in July, I curled up on the couch in my cozy clothes with a chunky knit blanket & a cup of tea. It’s just that kind of book - warm & wholesome. I also loved Bobbi’s style of writing. It totally immerses you in the lives of the characters & the small town setting. I felt so connected, involved & engaged in this book so it’s no surprise that I finished it in one sitting!
I seriously can’t wait for the next book in the series, I’ve a feeling it’s going to be a gooden!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
📣 Thank you so much to Bobbi Maclaren for allowing me to read & review this ARC. This honest review consists solely of my own thoughts/opinions & I am leaving it voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
Endlessly grateful to Bobbi Maclaren and her team for the Advanced Reader Copy of This Kind of Forever (set to release on July 30th)!! This was such a cute read and I can’t wait to yap about it, so let’s go!
This Kind of Forever by Bobbi Maclaren is the second book in the Kip Island series (but you don’t have to read the first to understand this one, which is always something I appreciate as each. Book gets its own standalone feel but in a connected way). Written in dual perspective with then and now scenes, This Kind of Forever brings readers on an emotional journey (yes with a little spice) of young adults trying to find their own pathways through life and dealing with the baggage that this brings. Hallie, the leading lady of the book, is grappling with feeling a sense of underachievement when comparing her life to her friends’, which only gets worse when she returns to her small hometown. Meanwhile Gabe, the main male character of this novel, is balancing familial expectations that don’t align with his own, and being a single dad to a fiercely independent little one. The two main characters have unhealed scars on their hearts from 10 years ago, and with Hallie returning home and ending up living in the guest house of Gabe’s property, it’s only a matter of time before the two have to confront the feelings from the past that never truly went away.
Anyone who knows me as a reader knows I LOVE a man who yearns and isn’t afraid to show it, and Gabe does just that in the most perfect ways. His patience and care shines through the dialogue, and the emotional complexities the characters face is relatable on every level. I absolutely loved feeling my heart ache, smile, and beat with the storyline and characters and I absolutely recommend this to anyone seeking their next cutesy small town romance (bonus points for a fellow Canadian girlie indie author)!
A quote that made my heart hurt:
“There is a part of me that wants to hang on to my anger. My hurt. But the bigger part of me is curious. Is this what it is to finally be wanted?”
A quote that made my heart ache in the best ways:
“Tell me you want me, Hallie, because I want you so fucking bad, I can hardly think. Tell me you want this, too”
A quote that hit home (maybe a little too hard):
“Self-inflicted pressure is almost worse than that of others. Because at the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself, and that’s a hell of a lot easier when you like who you are”
A quote that won’t leave my brain, like ever:
“As much as I couldn’t help loving you, I think you needed to be loved by me. To show you it’s as effortless as breathing. And I don’t regret that for a goddamn second”
TROPES:
- Best friend’s brother
- Single dad
- Fake engagement (just a touch)
- Forced proximity
- It’s ALWAYS been you
- Firefighter MMC
- Golden retriever MMC who YEARNS for her his whole life
- Flavours of second chance romance
4.75/5⭐️
This Kind of Forever by Bobbi Maclaren is the second book in the Kip Island series (but you don’t have to read the first to understand this one, which is always something I appreciate as each. Book gets its own standalone feel but in a connected way). Written in dual perspective with then and now scenes, This Kind of Forever brings readers on an emotional journey (yes with a little spice) of young adults trying to find their own pathways through life and dealing with the baggage that this brings. Hallie, the leading lady of the book, is grappling with feeling a sense of underachievement when comparing her life to her friends’, which only gets worse when she returns to her small hometown. Meanwhile Gabe, the main male character of this novel, is balancing familial expectations that don’t align with his own, and being a single dad to a fiercely independent little one. The two main characters have unhealed scars on their hearts from 10 years ago, and with Hallie returning home and ending up living in the guest house of Gabe’s property, it’s only a matter of time before the two have to confront the feelings from the past that never truly went away.
Anyone who knows me as a reader knows I LOVE a man who yearns and isn’t afraid to show it, and Gabe does just that in the most perfect ways. His patience and care shines through the dialogue, and the emotional complexities the characters face is relatable on every level. I absolutely loved feeling my heart ache, smile, and beat with the storyline and characters and I absolutely recommend this to anyone seeking their next cutesy small town romance (bonus points for a fellow Canadian girlie indie author)!
A quote that made my heart hurt:
“There is a part of me that wants to hang on to my anger. My hurt. But the bigger part of me is curious. Is this what it is to finally be wanted?”
A quote that made my heart ache in the best ways:
“Tell me you want me, Hallie, because I want you so fucking bad, I can hardly think. Tell me you want this, too”
A quote that hit home (maybe a little too hard):
“Self-inflicted pressure is almost worse than that of others. Because at the end of the day, you have to be able to live with yourself, and that’s a hell of a lot easier when you like who you are”
A quote that won’t leave my brain, like ever:
“As much as I couldn’t help loving you, I think you needed to be loved by me. To show you it’s as effortless as breathing. And I don’t regret that for a goddamn second”
TROPES:
- Best friend’s brother
- Single dad
- Fake engagement (just a touch)
- Forced proximity
- It’s ALWAYS been you
- Firefighter MMC
- Golden retriever MMC who YEARNS for her his whole life
- Flavours of second chance romance
4.75/5⭐️
July 22, 2025
- 5 ✨ rating
thank you Bobbi and her team for selecting me for an ARC!
WOW! this book has truly been an unremarkable, beautiful, and amazing ride! i smiled, kicked my feet, and cried while i read Hallie and Gabe's story. here are my honest thoughts on why i genuinely adored this small-town romance after having a few 2-4 ⭐ romance reads this year.
❥ characters
Hallie and Gabe are a couple i could not get enough of. idk if i missed something from the previous book (i didn't know this was a book 2), but i felt like i was living life through their eyes. i actively experienced what they did—felt their fears and their wants (emphasis on the wants).
Hallie, through all her faults, is a wonderful FMC. her internal issues lie with her mother and father, and she suffers from a lot of trauma where she believes no good thing will come to her and last. it's the reason why she left prematurely and couldn't go back to her hometown for so long. but none of this makes her pov to be a hard read; in fact, it makes her human. Gabe is there to be her rock no matter what, and he's been yearning for Hallie for so long to the point that everyone in his family is waiting for him to get it over with and DO something about it lol. but, reading his pov is just as good as reading Hallie's, and i think any reader can feel immersed in the world of either character.
all of the Bowman family, Pops and even Kevin's family (for the most part) all contributed to the charm of this book as well. and Abbie deserves her own paragraph; she was such a CUTIE PIE and i loved getting to know her and how she built a bond with Hallie. she's an integral part of Hallie and Gabe's relationship, and you need her to understand Gabe as a character.
❥ writing
the dual povs were PHENOMENAL. i really appreciate it when an author takes the time to write out the FMC and MMC povs to become truly invested in both of their developments. there's also flashbacks that i think were absolutely necessary to flesh out the full story of Hallie and Gabe. i love me a good childhood friends to lovers trope, and this book beautifully explored this in that way. i could FEEL the yearning through the pages.
❥ TLDR
you'll love this if you love: childhood friends to fake engaged to lovers, a close-knit, island community, an absolute green-flag of a male protagonist, a feast of amazing multidimensional characters, and a female protagonist who is kind hearted and develops beautifully. 🌴
thank you Bobbi and her team for selecting me for an ARC!
WOW! this book has truly been an unremarkable, beautiful, and amazing ride! i smiled, kicked my feet, and cried while i read Hallie and Gabe's story. here are my honest thoughts on why i genuinely adored this small-town romance after having a few 2-4 ⭐ romance reads this year.
❥ characters
Hallie and Gabe are a couple i could not get enough of. idk if i missed something from the previous book (i didn't know this was a book 2), but i felt like i was living life through their eyes. i actively experienced what they did—felt their fears and their wants (emphasis on the wants).
Hallie, through all her faults, is a wonderful FMC. her internal issues lie with her mother and father, and she suffers from a lot of trauma where she believes no good thing will come to her and last. it's the reason why she left prematurely and couldn't go back to her hometown for so long. but none of this makes her pov to be a hard read; in fact, it makes her human. Gabe is there to be her rock no matter what, and he's been yearning for Hallie for so long to the point that everyone in his family is waiting for him to get it over with and DO something about it lol. but, reading his pov is just as good as reading Hallie's, and i think any reader can feel immersed in the world of either character.
all of the Bowman family, Pops and even Kevin's family (for the most part) all contributed to the charm of this book as well. and Abbie deserves her own paragraph; she was such a CUTIE PIE and i loved getting to know her and how she built a bond with Hallie. she's an integral part of Hallie and Gabe's relationship, and you need her to understand Gabe as a character.
❥ writing
the dual povs were PHENOMENAL. i really appreciate it when an author takes the time to write out the FMC and MMC povs to become truly invested in both of their developments. there's also flashbacks that i think were absolutely necessary to flesh out the full story of Hallie and Gabe. i love me a good childhood friends to lovers trope, and this book beautifully explored this in that way. i could FEEL the yearning through the pages.
❥ TLDR
you'll love this if you love: childhood friends to fake engaged to lovers, a close-knit, island community, an absolute green-flag of a male protagonist, a feast of amazing multidimensional characters, and a female protagonist who is kind hearted and develops beautifully. 🌴
July 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Format: e-ARC
Genre: Contemporary Romance (🌶️🌶️)
Series: Kip Island, Book #2
——
This Kind of Forever by Bobbi Maclaren follows Hallie Foster as she returns to her small hometown after years away and reconnects with her best friend’s brother, Gabe Bowman, who is now a single dad. As they spend more time together, unexpected sparks fly between them. Despite their different life paths, their bond grows stronger, forcing them both to confront their pasts and question what they truly want for the future. In a town full of memories, Hallie and Gabe might just find the kind of forever they’ve both been searching for.
——
Thank you to the author, Bobbi Maclaren, for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first time reading Bobbi Maclaren’s work, and I’m happy to say it met my expectations! This Kind of Forever is the second book in the Kip Island series — while I haven’t read the first one yet, this book reads well as a standalone.
The story blends a handful of favorite tropes: best friend’s brother, friends to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, and small-town charm. The setting — a cozy, close-knit island community — felt so comforting and familiar, a perfect backdrop for the emotional arc of the story.
Gabe absolutely stole the show for me — total book boyfriend material. I found him to be patient, grounded, and genuinely kind. Hallie, our FMC, was more difficult for me to connect with. While I understood her emotional baggage and the reasons behind her guarded behavior, at times her reactions felt a little overdramatized, which slightly pulled me out of the story.
One of my favorite elements was the found family dynamic. Gabe’s family embracing Hallie with open arms gave the book a lot of warmth and heart, especially in contrast to her strained relationship with her own family.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional read with strong character development, a great setting, and just the right balance of angst and tenderness. I’ll definitely be reading both the first book and anything else Bobbi writes next.
Format: e-ARC
Genre: Contemporary Romance (🌶️🌶️)
Series: Kip Island, Book #2
——
This Kind of Forever by Bobbi Maclaren follows Hallie Foster as she returns to her small hometown after years away and reconnects with her best friend’s brother, Gabe Bowman, who is now a single dad. As they spend more time together, unexpected sparks fly between them. Despite their different life paths, their bond grows stronger, forcing them both to confront their pasts and question what they truly want for the future. In a town full of memories, Hallie and Gabe might just find the kind of forever they’ve both been searching for.
——
Thank you to the author, Bobbi Maclaren, for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first time reading Bobbi Maclaren’s work, and I’m happy to say it met my expectations! This Kind of Forever is the second book in the Kip Island series — while I haven’t read the first one yet, this book reads well as a standalone.
The story blends a handful of favorite tropes: best friend’s brother, friends to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, and small-town charm. The setting — a cozy, close-knit island community — felt so comforting and familiar, a perfect backdrop for the emotional arc of the story.
Gabe absolutely stole the show for me — total book boyfriend material. I found him to be patient, grounded, and genuinely kind. Hallie, our FMC, was more difficult for me to connect with. While I understood her emotional baggage and the reasons behind her guarded behavior, at times her reactions felt a little overdramatized, which slightly pulled me out of the story.
One of my favorite elements was the found family dynamic. Gabe’s family embracing Hallie with open arms gave the book a lot of warmth and heart, especially in contrast to her strained relationship with her own family.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, emotional read with strong character development, a great setting, and just the right balance of angst and tenderness. I’ll definitely be reading both the first book and anything else Bobbi writes next.
July 24, 2025
My First ARC Read!!!
Thank you @bmaclarenwrites for the opportunity to read this amazing smalltown romance!
🖌️🍂This Kind Of Forever By Bobbi Maclaren🍂
I finished this book in 3 days! I could not put it down. Some things I loved about this read were
🍂The small town romance vibes were OFF THE CHARTS
🍂The fact that this book ties all the "loose ends" in the same book and doesnt leave you on a cliffhanger makes finishing it way more satisfying!
🍂Gabe knowing and being honest that he has only ever wanted Hallie forever is so aghhhh We love yearning MEN!!!
🍂Gabe is such a good father to Abi and watching her relationship bloom into something so positive with Hallie
🍂Hallie coming over her past fears and Gabe helping her heal was part of the plot I really enjoyed because it shows no matter how inadequate you feel or how unlovable you feel there will always be someone there to help you grow and heal if you find the right one.(AKA Gabriel🤭)
I for sure think this book is worth the read its so cute and upbeat! The ending had me sobbing tears of happiness for Hallie and ya! I RECCOMEND!!! Bobbi Maclarens knows how to write a good book that keeps you hooked from start to finish<3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5
Release date July 30th 2025
Thank you @bmaclarenwrites for the opportunity to read this amazing smalltown romance!
🖌️🍂This Kind Of Forever By Bobbi Maclaren🍂
I finished this book in 3 days! I could not put it down. Some things I loved about this read were
🍂The small town romance vibes were OFF THE CHARTS
🍂The fact that this book ties all the "loose ends" in the same book and doesnt leave you on a cliffhanger makes finishing it way more satisfying!
🍂Gabe knowing and being honest that he has only ever wanted Hallie forever is so aghhhh We love yearning MEN!!!
🍂Gabe is such a good father to Abi and watching her relationship bloom into something so positive with Hallie
🍂Hallie coming over her past fears and Gabe helping her heal was part of the plot I really enjoyed because it shows no matter how inadequate you feel or how unlovable you feel there will always be someone there to help you grow and heal if you find the right one.(AKA Gabriel🤭)
I for sure think this book is worth the read its so cute and upbeat! The ending had me sobbing tears of happiness for Hallie and ya! I RECCOMEND!!! Bobbi Maclarens knows how to write a good book that keeps you hooked from start to finish<3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5
Release date July 30th 2025
Read
July 30, 2025This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. Hallie is returning to her small hometown with no job prospects and nowhere permanent to live. She reconnects with her best friend from high school and also with her friend’s twin brother who is also the guy she had a massive crush on. Gabe is now a single father and works as a firefighter. He is thrilled when Hallie returns and is determined to finally convince her they belong together after she ran from him ten years ago when he broached the subject. Both characters were interesting and you definitely root for them. Gabe is a great book boyfriend and his extended family is warm and inviting and his young daughter is very charming. The writing is well paced and engaging. It was interesting to see Hallie and Gabe’s relationship evolve as they move forward with their lives. This was definitely a charming romance story that is perfect for summertime reading.
July 19, 2025
Thank you to Bobbi Maclaren and her team for the ARC of this book.
This was a sweet second chance (ish) romance between Hallie and her best friends brother Gabe. Hallie has returned to the island she grew up on after 10 years away and ends up in fake relationship with Gabe.
Things I liked about this book: the dialogue/banter. My goodness Bobbi knocked it out of the park with the banter between Gabe and Hallie, but other characters as well. Several of them cracked me up so much and others were 🌶️. The story was also sweet and lighthearted and sometimes that is exactly what you need in a romance!
Things I didn’t like: at times the writing felt a little choppy to me.
This was a 3.5⭐️ read for me rounded up to 4. I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a light, easy read with some excellent banter and best friends brother vibes.
This was a sweet second chance (ish) romance between Hallie and her best friends brother Gabe. Hallie has returned to the island she grew up on after 10 years away and ends up in fake relationship with Gabe.
Things I liked about this book: the dialogue/banter. My goodness Bobbi knocked it out of the park with the banter between Gabe and Hallie, but other characters as well. Several of them cracked me up so much and others were 🌶️. The story was also sweet and lighthearted and sometimes that is exactly what you need in a romance!
Things I didn’t like: at times the writing felt a little choppy to me.
This was a 3.5⭐️ read for me rounded up to 4. I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a light, easy read with some excellent banter and best friends brother vibes.
August 10, 2025
Overall 3.5 ⭐️
Single dad/ forced proximity/ it’s always been you. Flashback chapters to teenage years.
There were plenty of things that worked well with the story. It was quick and I enjoyed it as a comfort read. Shared parenting was portrayed really well. Family and friend groups were solid. Some Estranged family dynamic felt realistic.
Gabe came accross as very real and I liked his character a lot.
Hallie was a bit of a people pleaser and struggled self esteem. While she was nice and shy, I had a hard time connecting. I wanted to just jump in the book and tell her to grow a pair 🤣
What I struggled with- the many inner monologues and thoughts. It felt like reading constant thought bubbles. It was just too much. I skimmed the sexy scenes as they just felt- idk, weird 🤷🏻♀️ something just didn’t work that I can’t quite pinpoint.
Single dad/ forced proximity/ it’s always been you. Flashback chapters to teenage years.
There were plenty of things that worked well with the story. It was quick and I enjoyed it as a comfort read. Shared parenting was portrayed really well. Family and friend groups were solid. Some Estranged family dynamic felt realistic.
Gabe came accross as very real and I liked his character a lot.
Hallie was a bit of a people pleaser and struggled self esteem. While she was nice and shy, I had a hard time connecting. I wanted to just jump in the book and tell her to grow a pair 🤣
What I struggled with- the many inner monologues and thoughts. It felt like reading constant thought bubbles. It was just too much. I skimmed the sexy scenes as they just felt- idk, weird 🤷🏻♀️ something just didn’t work that I can’t quite pinpoint.
July 23, 2025
ARC Review:
This Kind of Forever is a sweet, small-town romance perfect for ushering in fall reading season. Childhood friends Hallie and Gabe reconnect after ten years apart, and their story unfolds with warmth, charm, and slow-burn chemistry.
It’s a love letter to classic tropes with a satisfying twist—second chances, friends-to-lovers, and just the right dash of micro-tropes like forced proximity, single dad tenderness, and a found family that feels like home. This is the kind of story that pairs beautifully with crisp air, cozy blankets, and maybe a cinnamon-sprinkled something on the side.
This Kind of Forever is a sweet, small-town romance perfect for ushering in fall reading season. Childhood friends Hallie and Gabe reconnect after ten years apart, and their story unfolds with warmth, charm, and slow-burn chemistry.
It’s a love letter to classic tropes with a satisfying twist—second chances, friends-to-lovers, and just the right dash of micro-tropes like forced proximity, single dad tenderness, and a found family that feels like home. This is the kind of story that pairs beautifully with crisp air, cozy blankets, and maybe a cinnamon-sprinkled something on the side.
August 8, 2025
When faced with tropes such as forced proximity, small town romance, and best friend’s brother, I’m hooked. This was a well written, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed with just the right amount of spice.
Read
October 23, 20252.8
Hallie tenía miedo de ser como su madre… y terminó haciendo exactamente lo mismo. Se la pasa alejando o abandonando a las personas que la quieren.
Qué aguante el de Gabe; la calificación es por él.
Hallie tenía miedo de ser como su madre… y terminó haciendo exactamente lo mismo. Se la pasa alejando o abandonando a las personas que la quieren.
Qué aguante el de Gabe; la calificación es por él.
July 23, 2025
I love small town romances.!Bobbi Maclaren has written a sweet , emotional and page turning story.!
July 25, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and was hooked right away.
This story is cute as heck and the perfect spicy small town romance.
I loved Hallie and Gabe and their story. Hallie's insecurities and flaws are refreshing to see and I almost would have liked to see even more!
This story is cute as heck and the perfect spicy small town romance.
I loved Hallie and Gabe and their story. Hallie's insecurities and flaws are refreshing to see and I almost would have liked to see even more!
July 29, 2025
✨arc review✨ such a cute heartfelt story! it’s a best friends brother romance with a bit of found family, forced proximity, and fake engagement!
August 6, 2025
I had so much fun reading this book. I was cheering for Hailie and Gabe to get back together from the very first page. I love a good second-chance romance, and the fact that he was pining for her made it even better.
I really appreciated that the main female character was complex and filled with emotions-she has trauma and struggles with feeling like she’s not enough, which made her feel very real. But what was missing is her going to therapy to actually work on that trauma. She clearly has attachment issues she needs to deal with, and her fear and anxiety sometimes lead her to act in ways that affect not only her, but also the people close to her. I really wish we had seen her take that step toward healing.
I’d rate this book 4.5 stars, but since half stars aren’t possible I’ll give it 4. This was my first book by Bobbi, but definitely not the last!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!
I’m excitedly waiting for the next book in the series 🥰
I really appreciated that the main female character was complex and filled with emotions-she has trauma and struggles with feeling like she’s not enough, which made her feel very real. But what was missing is her going to therapy to actually work on that trauma. She clearly has attachment issues she needs to deal with, and her fear and anxiety sometimes lead her to act in ways that affect not only her, but also the people close to her. I really wish we had seen her take that step toward healing.
I’d rate this book 4.5 stars, but since half stars aren’t possible I’ll give it 4. This was my first book by Bobbi, but definitely not the last!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!
I’m excitedly waiting for the next book in the series 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
ARC provided—thank you to the author!
This was such a sweet and heartfelt read. Gabe and Hallie’s chemistry was undeniable from the start, and it was beautiful to watch their connection unfold. Gabe’s quiet strength and the way he loves Hallie—with such intensity and care—was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I really enjoyed the return to Kip Island and seeing a few familiar faces from The Edge of Summer. The small-town setting added warmth and charm to a story already full of emotion, and the layers of their history gave their romance real depth. Between a fake engagement, a second chance at love, a touch of forced proximity, and a single dad doing his best, there’s so much to love in these pages.
The dual POV was used effectively, giving insight into both characters’ emotions and struggles. There were one or two things I was curious about that weren’t fully explored—not major plot points, just little threads I would’ve liked to see pulled a bit more—but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment overall.
Also, a quick note for readers who like to know: there is some spice (chapters 27, 30, and 33).
This Kind of Forever is tender, romantic, and full of heart—definitely one to add to your small-town romance shelf.
This was such a sweet and heartfelt read. Gabe and Hallie’s chemistry was undeniable from the start, and it was beautiful to watch their connection unfold. Gabe’s quiet strength and the way he loves Hallie—with such intensity and care—was one of my favorite parts of the book.
I really enjoyed the return to Kip Island and seeing a few familiar faces from The Edge of Summer. The small-town setting added warmth and charm to a story already full of emotion, and the layers of their history gave their romance real depth. Between a fake engagement, a second chance at love, a touch of forced proximity, and a single dad doing his best, there’s so much to love in these pages.
The dual POV was used effectively, giving insight into both characters’ emotions and struggles. There were one or two things I was curious about that weren’t fully explored—not major plot points, just little threads I would’ve liked to see pulled a bit more—but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment overall.
Also, a quick note for readers who like to know: there is some spice (chapters 27, 30, and 33).
This Kind of Forever is tender, romantic, and full of heart—definitely one to add to your small-town romance shelf.
July 22, 2025
Hallie returns home to Kip Island after years in the city. She needs a new plan in life that preferably doesn’t involve her best friend’s brother Gabe whose heart she broke 10 years ago. However, when she finds she needs a place to stay she ends up in Gabe’s guesthouse and suddenly rumours of their engagement spread through town. As Hallie meets her estranged father, she asks Gabe to play her fake fiancé - a role he is very happy to take on!
This Kind of Forever is exactly what I want from a small town romance. I enjoyed coming back to Kip Island after falling in love with it in book 1, The Edge of Summer. I was able to envision exactly what the small Canadian island was like with its cast of realistic characters and cosy fall vibes.
Getting to know Hallie in this book, we find a very human character with flaws and insecurities. She is dealing with childhood trauma and a damaged relationship with her mother. It’s almost as if she never feels like she is enough and tries to hide away from others. I thought Hallie’s chapters were so well written and my heart ached for her every time she doubted herself or her abilities.
It’s clear in book 1 that Gabe is a doting father but seeing his relationship with Abbie in this book solidified his position as the ultimate good guy, single Dad. From the start you can tell he never stopped loving Hallie and would do anything for her. I like that he doesn’t push her and knows that she needs time to work through her feelings. I always appreciate dual povs in romance books as you get to know both characters and the connection between Hallie and Gabe was undeniable. There is some spice but it didn’t feel overdone or out of place.
Finally, the Bowman family - I love them! The extended family were my favourite part of book 1 so I was glad they make such an impact in book 2. I honestly can’t wait for Clara’s book as I love her character and look forward to seeing who can meet her level of sass.
I’d highly recommend this series. I like the fast paced, small town nature of the stories with well developed, relatable characters who all have some ‘issue’ they are working through.
Thank you to the author Bobbi McLaren for an eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This Kind of Forever is exactly what I want from a small town romance. I enjoyed coming back to Kip Island after falling in love with it in book 1, The Edge of Summer. I was able to envision exactly what the small Canadian island was like with its cast of realistic characters and cosy fall vibes.
Getting to know Hallie in this book, we find a very human character with flaws and insecurities. She is dealing with childhood trauma and a damaged relationship with her mother. It’s almost as if she never feels like she is enough and tries to hide away from others. I thought Hallie’s chapters were so well written and my heart ached for her every time she doubted herself or her abilities.
It’s clear in book 1 that Gabe is a doting father but seeing his relationship with Abbie in this book solidified his position as the ultimate good guy, single Dad. From the start you can tell he never stopped loving Hallie and would do anything for her. I like that he doesn’t push her and knows that she needs time to work through her feelings. I always appreciate dual povs in romance books as you get to know both characters and the connection between Hallie and Gabe was undeniable. There is some spice but it didn’t feel overdone or out of place.
Finally, the Bowman family - I love them! The extended family were my favourite part of book 1 so I was glad they make such an impact in book 2. I honestly can’t wait for Clara’s book as I love her character and look forward to seeing who can meet her level of sass.
I’d highly recommend this series. I like the fast paced, small town nature of the stories with well developed, relatable characters who all have some ‘issue’ they are working through.
Thank you to the author Bobbi McLaren for an eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2025
A cutesy, cosy, second change romance book set in a small island town with allllllll the yearning and unsaid words🏖️🛥️ thanks so much for e-ARC!!
🌟🌟🌟.5
”Is it possible to fall in love with the same person more than once?”
Hallie returns after ten years to Kip Island where she is forced to face her past and start her life from scratch with zero confidence in herself. Not knowing who she is or who she wants to be, and then gets the shock of her life as she hears from someone who says he’s her father, she accidentally confirms a misunderstanding-turned-rumour that she’s engaged to her high school crush, Gabe who she has never felt good enough for.
Gabe is a firefighter with his brother but wants to get out his shadow and is stuck with what he wants to do with his life, other than being an adoring and caring father to his daughter and awesome co-parent. When he comes face to face with the girl who got away - the girl he has pined for for 10 years - he realises that she is still it for him but is terrified of being left, again. So when his family trick Hallie into staying with Gabe whilst she finds a job, and then told he’s fake-fiancé, he plays along with the hope he can keep her.
Going back and forth between past and present, we learn how their feelings blossomed and witness all the yearning and secret looks and moments stolen. It’s bittersweet and has you ‘aw-ing’ all the time, almost as much as wanting to smack their heads together and get a grip.
”The plea in his voice- the pure yearning - breaks me and then stitches me back together.”
Gabe stole a piece of my heart with his caring for his daughter, his emotional intelligence, and bless his sweet heart and abandonment issues. I wanted only good things for him. Despite Hallie irritating me with her low self-esteem and pick me moments, I truly loved watching her blossom and find her love of art again amongst all the noise and really come in to herself. She learned to open up and Gabe helped grow her confidence. What else could you want?!
What’s included:
🍂 Best friends brother
🍂 Second-chance
🍂 Childhood friends
🍂 All the yearning
🍂 It’s always been you
🍂 Fake engagement
🍂 Single parent
🍂 MMC in uniform
🌟🌟🌟.5
”Is it possible to fall in love with the same person more than once?”
Hallie returns after ten years to Kip Island where she is forced to face her past and start her life from scratch with zero confidence in herself. Not knowing who she is or who she wants to be, and then gets the shock of her life as she hears from someone who says he’s her father, she accidentally confirms a misunderstanding-turned-rumour that she’s engaged to her high school crush, Gabe who she has never felt good enough for.
Gabe is a firefighter with his brother but wants to get out his shadow and is stuck with what he wants to do with his life, other than being an adoring and caring father to his daughter and awesome co-parent. When he comes face to face with the girl who got away - the girl he has pined for for 10 years - he realises that she is still it for him but is terrified of being left, again. So when his family trick Hallie into staying with Gabe whilst she finds a job, and then told he’s fake-fiancé, he plays along with the hope he can keep her.
Going back and forth between past and present, we learn how their feelings blossomed and witness all the yearning and secret looks and moments stolen. It’s bittersweet and has you ‘aw-ing’ all the time, almost as much as wanting to smack their heads together and get a grip.
”The plea in his voice- the pure yearning - breaks me and then stitches me back together.”
Gabe stole a piece of my heart with his caring for his daughter, his emotional intelligence, and bless his sweet heart and abandonment issues. I wanted only good things for him. Despite Hallie irritating me with her low self-esteem and pick me moments, I truly loved watching her blossom and find her love of art again amongst all the noise and really come in to herself. She learned to open up and Gabe helped grow her confidence. What else could you want?!
What’s included:
🍂 Best friends brother
🍂 Second-chance
🍂 Childhood friends
🍂 All the yearning
🍂 It’s always been you
🍂 Fake engagement
🍂 Single parent
🍂 MMC in uniform
July 25, 2025
This kind of Forever
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you so much to Bobbi for this arc copy of This kind of forever! I loved it from the start.
Hallie & Gabe had my heart from the start. Childhood friends, second chance romance, best friend’s brother, and single dad sign me up!
Hallie grew up with a rough childhood not having a mom that would stick around and only used her for money. Her dad was not around either. Hallie decided to move back home after her nanny job ended. When she gets home she receives a message from her dad stating who he was and would love to meet her. When Hallie meets him she tells him she is engaged to Gabe and the look on her dad’s face is one she’ll never forget. Yes Gabe agrees for this fake engagement because he’s loved Hallie since he was a teenager.
Hallie moved in with Gabe and immediately she starts having those same feelings she had while in high school. Gabe never stopped loving Hallie ever so having her around is the best gift he could ever receive. I loved their relationship how there was so much chemistry and romance between Gabe and Hallie. The way they picked up after spending so much time away really was so cute. I loved how much reassurance and support Gabe gave Hallie when she was having doubts regarding a relationship because of how badly her mother treated her and how Gabe supported her and let her stick up for herself in situations. I loved how well Gabe’s daughter Abbie gravitated towards Hallie and was included in their relationship.
This book just gave me all the feels I felt so sad reading about Hallie’s childhood and how badly it affected her into leaving for all these years. I was so glad she returned home and decided to stay this time and let herself fall in love with the guy who’s always had her heart. Bobbi did amazing with this book and I look forward to continuing with the series!
PS I just loved how much family Bobbi put into this book by having Gabe’s family so involved, Gabe’s daughter, and Hallie’s grandfather it just made the story that much more wholesome🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you so much to Bobbi for this arc copy of This kind of forever! I loved it from the start.
Hallie & Gabe had my heart from the start. Childhood friends, second chance romance, best friend’s brother, and single dad sign me up!
Hallie grew up with a rough childhood not having a mom that would stick around and only used her for money. Her dad was not around either. Hallie decided to move back home after her nanny job ended. When she gets home she receives a message from her dad stating who he was and would love to meet her. When Hallie meets him she tells him she is engaged to Gabe and the look on her dad’s face is one she’ll never forget. Yes Gabe agrees for this fake engagement because he’s loved Hallie since he was a teenager.
Hallie moved in with Gabe and immediately she starts having those same feelings she had while in high school. Gabe never stopped loving Hallie ever so having her around is the best gift he could ever receive. I loved their relationship how there was so much chemistry and romance between Gabe and Hallie. The way they picked up after spending so much time away really was so cute. I loved how much reassurance and support Gabe gave Hallie when she was having doubts regarding a relationship because of how badly her mother treated her and how Gabe supported her and let her stick up for herself in situations. I loved how well Gabe’s daughter Abbie gravitated towards Hallie and was included in their relationship.
This book just gave me all the feels I felt so sad reading about Hallie’s childhood and how badly it affected her into leaving for all these years. I was so glad she returned home and decided to stay this time and let herself fall in love with the guy who’s always had her heart. Bobbi did amazing with this book and I look forward to continuing with the series!
PS I just loved how much family Bobbi put into this book by having Gabe’s family so involved, Gabe’s daughter, and Hallie’s grandfather it just made the story that much more wholesome🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
This Kind of Forever by Bobbi Maclaren
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (3.75/5 stars)
Thank you to Bobbi Maclaren for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Over ten years ago, Hallie left Kip Island for college and never looked back. But after losing her job and giving up her apartment, she’s back and crashing with her BFF Clara. The hardest part? Facing Clara’s twin brother, Gabe—the boy whose heart she broke when she left. 💔
Gabe has only ever loved one woman: Hallie. Her return feels like a second chance to find out why she left... and maybe finally win her heart. When fate throws them together — first as roommates, then as fake fiancés — old feelings resurface, and playing pretend starts to feel dangerously real. 💍
This book was a sweet, soft romance. Gabe might actually be the perfect man — a tattooed firefighter, devoted single dad (with a refreshingly drama-free relationship with his baby mama), and a total king in the bedroom, who knows just what to do to make a woman feel loved and safe.🔥👨🚒
Hallie is a sweetheart with deep abandonment wounds. Between a father whom she never met and a mother who disappeared at the drop of a hat, she’s grown up believing she’s easy to leave behind. I wanted to wrap her in a hug and make her repeat daily affirmations of self-love. 💕
Fair warning: this is a slow burn. I found myself checking the page count a few times in the first half, waiting for Hallie and Gabe to become a couple.
Perfect for fans of:
❤️ Small-town romances
🔥 Slow burns
💍 Fake engagements
🫶 Found family
#ARCReview #RomanceBooks #SecondChanceRomance #FakeDatingTrope #SlowBurnRomance #SmallTownRomance #BobbiMaclaren #RomanceBookstagram #BookLover #Bookstagram #SummerReads #BookishLove #BookRecommendation #FictionReview
This Kind of Forever by Bobbi Maclaren
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (3.75/5 stars)
Thank you to Bobbi Maclaren for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Over ten years ago, Hallie left Kip Island for college and never looked back. But after losing her job and giving up her apartment, she’s back and crashing with her BFF Clara. The hardest part? Facing Clara’s twin brother, Gabe—the boy whose heart she broke when she left. 💔
Gabe has only ever loved one woman: Hallie. Her return feels like a second chance to find out why she left... and maybe finally win her heart. When fate throws them together — first as roommates, then as fake fiancés — old feelings resurface, and playing pretend starts to feel dangerously real. 💍
This book was a sweet, soft romance. Gabe might actually be the perfect man — a tattooed firefighter, devoted single dad (with a refreshingly drama-free relationship with his baby mama), and a total king in the bedroom, who knows just what to do to make a woman feel loved and safe.🔥👨🚒
Hallie is a sweetheart with deep abandonment wounds. Between a father whom she never met and a mother who disappeared at the drop of a hat, she’s grown up believing she’s easy to leave behind. I wanted to wrap her in a hug and make her repeat daily affirmations of self-love. 💕
Fair warning: this is a slow burn. I found myself checking the page count a few times in the first half, waiting for Hallie and Gabe to become a couple.
Perfect for fans of:
❤️ Small-town romances
🔥 Slow burns
💍 Fake engagements
🫶 Found family
#ARCReview #RomanceBooks #SecondChanceRomance #FakeDatingTrope #SlowBurnRomance #SmallTownRomance #BobbiMaclaren #RomanceBookstagram #BookLover #Bookstagram #SummerReads #BookishLove #BookRecommendation #FictionReview
July 21, 2025
4 ⭐
Thank you, Bobbi, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was beyond excited to head back to Kip Island and reunite with the Bowman family, and I was just as eager to dive into Gabe’s story, especially after learning that Hallie had returned to the small town she left when she was younger, at the end of The Edge of Summer.
I absolutely adored Gabe. He’s definitely up there with the other DILFs I can’t help but swoon over. There’s something so magnetic about him, not just his charm, but the quiet strength and tenderness he carries beneath the surface.
What really drew me in was how tender and real Gabe and Hallie's story was. Even though Gabe was heartbroken when Hallie left ten years ago, you could tell he never stopped caring for her. It wasn’t just about love, it was this deep, enduring connection. When Hallie came back, Gabe didn’t hesitate for a second to open his home to her when she needed a place to stay. And when Hallie found herself in need of a fake fiancé, Gabe was right there, supportive and willing. Their dynamic felt so genuine, like two people who, despite the years and distance, still fit together in their own imperfect way.
Also, I LOVED the little cameo of Hadley and Brooks; I totally wasn't expecting for a cameo but was really glad that it was them.
I also really loved the cozy small-town, found-family vibes Bobbi has created. It felt so authentic and comforting, especially given how isolated Hallie had been because of her complicated relationship with her mother. The way the community surrounds and uplifts each other was heartwarming.
It was great seeing Delilah, Luke, and Clara too. I'm so curious about the only Bowman sister, and who her mystery man is!
Small town
Second chance
Mutual pining (it’s always been you)
Single dad
Forced proximity
Thank you, Bobbi, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was beyond excited to head back to Kip Island and reunite with the Bowman family, and I was just as eager to dive into Gabe’s story, especially after learning that Hallie had returned to the small town she left when she was younger, at the end of The Edge of Summer.
I absolutely adored Gabe. He’s definitely up there with the other DILFs I can’t help but swoon over. There’s something so magnetic about him, not just his charm, but the quiet strength and tenderness he carries beneath the surface.
What really drew me in was how tender and real Gabe and Hallie's story was. Even though Gabe was heartbroken when Hallie left ten years ago, you could tell he never stopped caring for her. It wasn’t just about love, it was this deep, enduring connection. When Hallie came back, Gabe didn’t hesitate for a second to open his home to her when she needed a place to stay. And when Hallie found herself in need of a fake fiancé, Gabe was right there, supportive and willing. Their dynamic felt so genuine, like two people who, despite the years and distance, still fit together in their own imperfect way.
Also, I LOVED the little cameo of Hadley and Brooks; I totally wasn't expecting for a cameo but was really glad that it was them.
I also really loved the cozy small-town, found-family vibes Bobbi has created. It felt so authentic and comforting, especially given how isolated Hallie had been because of her complicated relationship with her mother. The way the community surrounds and uplifts each other was heartwarming.
It was great seeing Delilah, Luke, and Clara too. I'm so curious about the only Bowman sister, and who her mystery man is!
Small town
Second chance
Mutual pining (it’s always been you)
Single dad
Forced proximity
August 10, 2025
Thank you Bobbi Maclaren for providing this ARC of This Kind of Forever in exchange for an honest review.
Spoiler warning: Mild plot spoilers ahead in this review.
This Kind of Forever settles you right into that warm, slightly messy charm of small-town romance, where the slow burn and the healing of old wounds are just as important as the sparks flying. Gabe and Hallie’s story is all about patience, vulnerability, and the messy magic that happens when two guarded souls finally let down their walls.
Gabe is the kind of man you want in your corner, owning up to his mistakes without excuses, even if he can’t quite say the right words at the right time (hello, not calling Abbie “that”). His quiet persistence and respect for Hallie’s pace had my heart in a proper vice grip. Watching him give her space to unravel her trauma, with a therapist’s help... and slowly let love in felt real and deeply satisfying.
Hallie, stubborn as hell (and who can blame her given her past), felt painfully authentic. Parental trauma casts a long shadow, but her journey towards trusting herself and breaking free from inherited pain was beautifully done. It’s the kind of nuanced growth that’s rare in romance, and I appreciated it so much.
And Abbie, what a treasure of a child. She’s a glowing testament to Gabe and Larissa’s character, grounded, kind, and loving without any of the spoilt clichés. Honestly, she reminded me how empathy often shines brightest from the youngest among us.
This book was the perfect cosy read for a day when rain’s hammering down outside, exactly the kind of escape I needed.
Spoiler warning: Mild plot spoilers ahead in this review.
This Kind of Forever settles you right into that warm, slightly messy charm of small-town romance, where the slow burn and the healing of old wounds are just as important as the sparks flying. Gabe and Hallie’s story is all about patience, vulnerability, and the messy magic that happens when two guarded souls finally let down their walls.
Gabe is the kind of man you want in your corner, owning up to his mistakes without excuses, even if he can’t quite say the right words at the right time (hello, not calling Abbie “that”). His quiet persistence and respect for Hallie’s pace had my heart in a proper vice grip. Watching him give her space to unravel her trauma, with a therapist’s help... and slowly let love in felt real and deeply satisfying.
Hallie, stubborn as hell (and who can blame her given her past), felt painfully authentic. Parental trauma casts a long shadow, but her journey towards trusting herself and breaking free from inherited pain was beautifully done. It’s the kind of nuanced growth that’s rare in romance, and I appreciated it so much.
And Abbie, what a treasure of a child. She’s a glowing testament to Gabe and Larissa’s character, grounded, kind, and loving without any of the spoilt clichés. Honestly, she reminded me how empathy often shines brightest from the youngest among us.
This book was the perfect cosy read for a day when rain’s hammering down outside, exactly the kind of escape I needed.
July 20, 2025
I want to thank Bobbi MacLaren for letting me read an arc of her second book in her Kip Island Series! 🤗
This was such a sweet, swoony small-town second chance with fake dating and real feelings and a good dose of on-page spice! 🔥
The story follows MFC Hallie Foster, who reluctantly returns to Kip Island - only to find herself face-to-face with Gabe Bowman—the one she left behind 10 years ago! Gabe, now a devoted single dad and firefighter, has never truly gotten over Hallie. When she moves into his guesthouse and a fake engagement scheme draws them closer, old feelings resurface fast. But as lines blur between pretend and real, they’ll have to decide if their second chance is worth the risk.
MacLaren’s writing made me feel like I was there with Hallie and Gabe and the rest of the gang seeing them figure out if they were ready to start where they paused things before. I especially loved how close Gabe’s family was to Hallie—his twin sister Clare is her best friend—and how naturally they welcomed her back. This story beautifully touches on found family, one of my favorite tropes! And Gabe’s daughter Abbie? Her relationship with Hallie was so sweet and genuine.
Also, Hallie’s favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You - one of mines too so that was an automatically love her!
If your looking for a cozy, small town romance with a single dad and strong family bonds this is the book for you!
Make sure to check it out on July 30th in your local bookstore or on KU! 🎉
This was such a sweet, swoony small-town second chance with fake dating and real feelings and a good dose of on-page spice! 🔥
The story follows MFC Hallie Foster, who reluctantly returns to Kip Island - only to find herself face-to-face with Gabe Bowman—the one she left behind 10 years ago! Gabe, now a devoted single dad and firefighter, has never truly gotten over Hallie. When she moves into his guesthouse and a fake engagement scheme draws them closer, old feelings resurface fast. But as lines blur between pretend and real, they’ll have to decide if their second chance is worth the risk.
MacLaren’s writing made me feel like I was there with Hallie and Gabe and the rest of the gang seeing them figure out if they were ready to start where they paused things before. I especially loved how close Gabe’s family was to Hallie—his twin sister Clare is her best friend—and how naturally they welcomed her back. This story beautifully touches on found family, one of my favorite tropes! And Gabe’s daughter Abbie? Her relationship with Hallie was so sweet and genuine.
Also, Hallie’s favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You - one of mines too so that was an automatically love her!
If your looking for a cozy, small town romance with a single dad and strong family bonds this is the book for you!
Make sure to check it out on July 30th in your local bookstore or on KU! 🎉
July 20, 2025
I want this kind of forever, forever! Where to start with this book. It’s a book that kind of reminds me of my life. When you pack up and move away for a new beginning and you’re faced with something unexpected. Who would’ve thought it would turn out to be the best decision you’ve ever made.
The FMC Hallie, AKA Foster, has a trouble past that always makes her second-guess her choices in life. Being abandoned by the one person you think would stay with her the most, and trying to make your own way, makes for a difficult life. She tries to find comfort in the people who have always had her back and the one person she left behind. Little did she know that it would change her life for the better.
The MMC Gabe is one who has always been chasing the love of his life. He was disappointed at one point in life, but it all came full circle after 10 years. When he’s given a second opportunity, he makes the best of it and tries to show what a great man he is. This character seems amazing— the kind of man that any lady would be grateful to have. I loved how open and vulnerable he was and how he was always patient with the one he let get away.
This is a book that I would love to read again. It makes me wish that maybe one day there can be a man like Gabe out there for every woman. All women deserve to be cherished. They also deserve to be treated like they should be treated. Gabe gives us hope and keeps us in the look out. Good Job Bobbi Maclaren! I read for “The Promise of Always”!
The FMC Hallie, AKA Foster, has a trouble past that always makes her second-guess her choices in life. Being abandoned by the one person you think would stay with her the most, and trying to make your own way, makes for a difficult life. She tries to find comfort in the people who have always had her back and the one person she left behind. Little did she know that it would change her life for the better.
The MMC Gabe is one who has always been chasing the love of his life. He was disappointed at one point in life, but it all came full circle after 10 years. When he’s given a second opportunity, he makes the best of it and tries to show what a great man he is. This character seems amazing— the kind of man that any lady would be grateful to have. I loved how open and vulnerable he was and how he was always patient with the one he let get away.
This is a book that I would love to read again. It makes me wish that maybe one day there can be a man like Gabe out there for every woman. All women deserve to be cherished. They also deserve to be treated like they should be treated. Gabe gives us hope and keeps us in the look out. Good Job Bobbi Maclaren! I read for “The Promise of Always”!
July 24, 2025
This Kind of forever is Book 2 in the Kip Island series. I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader. I hadn't read Book 1 The Edge Of Summer so I had to read that first 😆... from there I knew I would love This Kind Of Forever 🧡
This is the perfect feel good, small town romance, interwoven with some challenging and somewhat triggering issues which Bobbi navigates through so well within her writing.
Hallie is the product of an affair, her father doesn't stick around and her Mother hasn't taken responsibility for her, which leaves her feeling very undervalued and vulnerable causing her to run from her feelings.
Gabe is the handsome single dad who has been pining over his twin sister's best friend for 10 years, feeling like he's living in his older brother's shadow and feeling a little lost.
Hallie and Gabriel's connection is pure electric ✨️ I love their dynamic ❤️ Witnessing Hallie's character development had me feeling all the feelings, I saw so much of her in myself. And Gabe! What a true gentleman 👏 so patient and protective whilst sometimes being a little bossy 👀🙈🌶
I love this story! I want to live on Kip Island and have girls night with Hallie, Delilah and Clara. I want to go tto he fair with Gabe and eat funnel cake. And I want to go for Sunday brunch at Haven House!
This is the perfect feel good, small town romance, interwoven with some challenging and somewhat triggering issues which Bobbi navigates through so well within her writing.
Hallie is the product of an affair, her father doesn't stick around and her Mother hasn't taken responsibility for her, which leaves her feeling very undervalued and vulnerable causing her to run from her feelings.
Gabe is the handsome single dad who has been pining over his twin sister's best friend for 10 years, feeling like he's living in his older brother's shadow and feeling a little lost.
Hallie and Gabriel's connection is pure electric ✨️ I love their dynamic ❤️ Witnessing Hallie's character development had me feeling all the feelings, I saw so much of her in myself. And Gabe! What a true gentleman 👏 so patient and protective whilst sometimes being a little bossy 👀🙈🌶
I love this story! I want to live on Kip Island and have girls night with Hallie, Delilah and Clara. I want to go tto he fair with Gabe and eat funnel cake. And I want to go for Sunday brunch at Haven House!
July 25, 2025
First of all, thank you for choosing me as one of your ARC readers!!! That was so amazing! 💕
I was reading another book when I started this one and I got sucked in so quickly! The FMC Hallie was so relatable to me. Except the unforgiving, wretched mother that she has. The relationship with her Father pulled at my heart strings because my situation was similar. Aside for my dislike of her mother and the issues with her father, Gabe-the MMC- was absolutely fire!🔥
The way that he loved her unconditionally, was what most people ever DREAM of! From the time they were young she was his orbit. Of course there’s a complication when things get emotional and Hallie runs away.
When she comes back home, she again is the center of Gabe’s orbit and now she shares that orbit with his daughter. When Hallie finds herself in a temporary living situation with Gabe, everything starts to turn and they can’t keep their hands off of each other.
Thoughts from Hallie’s past seem to be the only thing she can think of. When she risks losing Gabe again, can she dig herself out of the mountain of her feelings or will she finally leave for good?
I gave it four stars on here because there isn’t a half star. This was a 4 and 1/2 star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read for me. Absolutely LOVED this. Now I need to read the first one and the third one! 😂
Thank you for this amazing ARC! 💕
I was reading another book when I started this one and I got sucked in so quickly! The FMC Hallie was so relatable to me. Except the unforgiving, wretched mother that she has. The relationship with her Father pulled at my heart strings because my situation was similar. Aside for my dislike of her mother and the issues with her father, Gabe-the MMC- was absolutely fire!🔥
The way that he loved her unconditionally, was what most people ever DREAM of! From the time they were young she was his orbit. Of course there’s a complication when things get emotional and Hallie runs away.
When she comes back home, she again is the center of Gabe’s orbit and now she shares that orbit with his daughter. When Hallie finds herself in a temporary living situation with Gabe, everything starts to turn and they can’t keep their hands off of each other.
Thoughts from Hallie’s past seem to be the only thing she can think of. When she risks losing Gabe again, can she dig herself out of the mountain of her feelings or will she finally leave for good?
I gave it four stars on here because there isn’t a half star. This was a 4 and 1/2 star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read for me. Absolutely LOVED this. Now I need to read the first one and the third one! 😂
Thank you for this amazing ARC! 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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