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Pine Harbour #1

Forever After Never

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Autumn

I never wanted a boyfriend.

That was until an unorthodox meet-cute with a grumpy, arrogant douchebag changed everything I thought I wanted. I told myself I hated everything about him.

I had no intention of ever seeing him again, but I kept running into him everywhere, the park, the store and even my house.

Will we be able to resist each other, or will we keep getting pushed together time and time again?

Sawyer

It has been ten years since I locked my feelings up and threw away the key. I have protected myself ever since.
Then a chance meeting with a fiery brunette changed everything.

From the first moment we met, and she was on her hands and knees in front of me, I felt an intense need to protect her. She had a massive attitude, and an ass to match. I was hooked.

I followed her everywhere. I told myself it was to make sure she was safe, but after seeing her through the bedroom window that first night, I knew I was lying to myself. Her body was my kryptonite and I had to make her mine.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

84 people are currently reading
239 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Florence

2 books18 followers
L.J. is a romance author, that lives on the South Coast of England with her husband and animal family.

When L.J. isn't writing, she is usually found walking one of her many dogs, cooking, or watching the ice hockey.

Follow L.J. on social media for the latest information, and the chaos that comes with being a new author.

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5 stars
28 (19%)
4 stars
44 (30%)
3 stars
45 (31%)
2 stars
18 (12%)
1 star
8 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Natasha.
44 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2024
For a debut novel, this blew all expectations out of the water. I cannot express the love I have for the characters, LJ had me so engrossed in them instantly and has written the story in a way where you feel how they feel every step of the way.
The sass, the sarcasm, the love, the frustration and the tension is so well done you don’t want to put the book down. I found the chapter pacing fantastic and it made the book flow extremely well.

I was lucky enough to be sent a signed copy and had been battling health issues at the time so it took me a while to be able to pick it up, but I’m glad I waited so I could fully be engrossed in the story the way it deserves.

Sawyer and Autumn have my heart completely and I cannot wait for book 2 to see Alice have her time to shine.

LJ you have brought these to life in a way a best seller would, I am forever proud of you 🖤
Profile Image for Vanessa Hilario  Mata.
808 reviews20 followers
December 13, 2024
A Grumpy and sunshine that sworn off dating until they met each! Autumn a plus size FMC that get treated like a Queen from Sawyer protective MMC. A must read!
Profile Image for Highnyzbibliofiles.
110 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2025
“It turns out I didn’t want every woman in the world. All I wanted was the right one. Autumn was the right one. I am an addict, and she is the drug.”

See Author’s Blurb for Trigger Warnings

To all the girls who no longer fit into small and medium-sized clothing—this is for you.
Sawyer is a man shaped by a painful past, making him a morally grey character. His act of stalking Autumn might be perceived as an obsession, but in reality, he is afraid of entering a relationship. Haunted by betrayal and clinging to the pain of his past, he fears history will repeat itself.

Autumn, on the other hand, sees relationships as meaningless. She has never been in a serious one, believing love to be fleeting—something that comes and goes. This mindset stems from emotional neglect in her early life. Without experiencing genuine care and affection from her family, she struggles to define what it means to be loved.

This story unfolds as a slow burn, but that only strengthens the foundation of their dynamic. It explores their desires, their fears, and their needs, making their intimate moments all the more powerful. As their relationship deepens, they begin to heal from their past wounds, finding solace in each other’s love.

What I truly loved about this story was how it focused on the growth of each character, making me forget that Autumn is plus-sized and more than a decade younger than Sawyer. And that’s what true love is—free from age gaps, societal norms, or expectations. Forever After Never challenges the perception that plus-sized women are any less deserving of love. It reminds us that the power to be loved lies in the courage to defy the world’s standards. You are worthy of love—just as you are.
Profile Image for Bethie_books.
327 reviews22 followers
December 20, 2024
4/5

‼️ While this book can be read as a standalone, this is book 1 of the new Pine Harbour series

ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
I've met many people throughout my time reviewing books on IG. Lisa and I quickly connected over our love for S.J. Tilly books and our love for plus size women in romance books. When this special friend dropped the information that she was writing a book, I was flabbergasted and so very excited. When L.J. asked me to beta read for her (sorry about all the little notes, I still feel bad) from work, I dropped everything for my girl! When it came time for ARCs, I absolutely took it upon myself to fall in love with the changes L.J. made to make it it the finished product it now is!

This book follows our "English Rose," Autumn, and her stalker MMC Sawyer. After migrating to the US following tragedy in her life, Autumn quite literally is almost hit on by Sawyer. Immediately obsessed, Sawyer feels he has no choice but to pursue action to make Autumn his...

If you're looking for an interesting meet-cute, an obsessed stalker of an MMC, a feisty FMC, and an incredibly sweet doggo named Jed, then look no further! Oh, we also can't forget nosy BFFs who we fall for, even if it's not quite their time to shine.

L.J., my sweet friend, you did it! You published your first book baby. I'm so incredibly proud of you and how you brought to life Autumn and Sawyer. Our Alice needs her HEA now, so get writing!
Profile Image for Alyssa Estep.
89 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2024
Autumn moved to America from England after the tragic death of her parents. She wanted to start life over and the best way to do that was to give herself a fresh start. Her best friend since birth Alice, also moved to America so they could be closer. Autumn has never felt loved by anyone romantically and chooses not to get attached. She has no interest in dating, she wants to work at the diner and relax at home with Jed her dog.

Swayer is a middle-aged man who has been divorced for 10 years. He has vowed to himself that he will never be in another relationship or give his heart to anyone. His ex-wife cheated on him and he still carries the weight of that hurt refusing to deal with it.

This book was just okay for me. I rated it a 3.5. I felt the story was unoriginal in several scenes between Sawyer and Autumn. In one scene, she says "OMG" and he says, "Not god Sawyer." I have read a couple of other romance stories with a similar line. He is a typical cold-hearted bad boy with tattoos who swore off love and stalks a girl he just met. She is a bigger girl who has little confidence and inexperience when it comes to romance. It got to the point where they were either having sex or fighting. There was little plot once they met, and it became predictable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Liz.
51 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2024
I thought the premise was good, I enjoyed the female friendship within the story and the spice was well written! It’s an easy read if you are looking for something quick and not that serious. I did struggle with how surface level a lot of the book was and therefore it was hard to connect with the characters. A lot of information was told to us but we weren’t shown anything. For example, we are told the FMC was unloved as a child but given no examples of what that meant. Did they not support her extra curriculars and dreams? Or was it more severe and they were never home to feed her dinner? The same thing also happened in the relationship. Things seemed to be going well and then all of a sudden the FMC is really upset that the MMC says he cares about her but doesn’t show her with his actions, but I have no idea what those actions, or lack there of, were because the argument came out of no where. I also really struggled with the FMC blaming the MMC when a random stranger gropes her at a bar, that just really rubbed me the wrong way.

I think the author shows a lot of promise and has a great deal of potential as she continues to perfect her craft!
Profile Image for Scott.
70 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2025
an amazing debut novel

Forever After Never completely blew me away. I honestly can’t express how much I adore these characters. L.J. had me hooked from the very first chapter. The writing pulls you straight into the story, letting you feel every ounce of sass, sarcasm, love, frustration, and tension right alongside the characters. The pacing is perfect, making it impossible to put down. Sawyer and Autumn have my entire heart, every glance, every banter-filled exchange had me smiling like an idiot. I absolutely loved the body positivity throughout and how confidently Autumn grows as the story unfolds. She’s everything you could want in a heroine, strong, sassy, and completely real. Sawyer? A grumpy, possessive consent king who loves fiercely and isn’t afraid to show it. Their chemistry is chef’s kiss perfection. The supporting cast adds so much warmth and humor Sawyer’s family is a standout. Sawyer’s “stalking” moments and the way Autumn handled it was great. If you love a Grumpy x Sunshine romance packed with witty banter and emotional depth and a great Meet cringe, Forever After Never is absolutely the book for you
Profile Image for OneShelfIsNeverEnough .
110 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2024
Our FMC is Brit Autumn, who's moved to the US following the death of her parents to start a new.

Our broody, stacked, rugged (wondering how many descriptors are allowed here because 🤤😋🫠) MMC is Sawyer. He's been hurt in the worst possible way and thinks he's damaged beyond repair following a previous divorce.

Following a narrow miss between the two Sawyer finds himself under Autumn's spell and doing things shall we say are slightly on the morally grey scale in order to maintain contact with Autumn.

Neither think they have what it takes to offer anything more than a bit of fun but realistically who were they kidding! Personally I love the lengths Sawyer went to work his way into Autumns life (maybe that's just me 🤷😂), I also love the strength Autumn has despite what life throws at her. She's feisty, loves her plus body and when she's meets the ex you can't help but want to bow at this girls feet!

This was a quick read but a really great story that pulls on your heart and makes you laugh so much. I can't wait for the next release!
Profile Image for Laurenpb98.
30 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
I was very fortunate to receive this as an ARC thank you so much L.J!
This to me is a 4.5 star read.
This is definitely not a meet-cute situation our poor FMC gets literally ran over by the MMC and I think it was love at first sight for him. Autumn has a tragic story of how her parents died and I think that holds her back from thinking she can be loved, Sawyer had a crappy divorce that leads him to be very closed off and unwilling to be in a relationship ever again. The universe has other ideas and brings them together, I was a bit iffy with the stalker-y vibe from Sawyer from following her, doing an adult spicy act alone in his car on the street. Obviously Autumn is drawn to him and likes the fact that he can't seem to keep away from her. He enjoys the fact that Autumn is a fuller and taller girl and tells her never to be self conscious because he loves the way she looks. These two are absolutely perfect for each other and I'm obsessed with them!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for iqra 🫧❤️‍🔥.
242 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2024
Firstly, a massive thank you to LJ Florence for this ARC!

3.5 ⭐️

When I picked this up earlier, I did not think I would finish it the same day… the pacing was good (tho the middle had a bit of a time jump - not bad… but i would’ve loved more Autumn and Sawyer)

The characters were a dream! The family dynamic was perfect and the humour between Autumn and Alice was divine! They made me genuinely laugh and be envious of their bond! I mean c.30 years of friendship?! Crazy !

I enjoyed the chemistry with Autumn and Sawyer and as always the 🌶️ too. Selfishly, I wanted the pace to be slower so I could enjoy being in Pine Harbour for longer. But at times the writing did feel too quick and the time jumps slightly too much (but that’s a personal opinion).

But I loved the idea of meeting someone when you least expected it and it just clicking!

Loved how the second book is already set up now! Looking forward to reading it!
Profile Image for Nikki.
129 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2024
3.8 ⭐️s!
I enjoyed reading this, Sawyer and Autumn were very passionate about each other when they weren't pissed at each other. I would have liked a little more development into their relationship. I got a little frustrated with how they would act with each other to the point I almost didn't want to finish but I had to know what happened. I understand Sawyer was guarded for being hurt and like he was being truthful to Autumn when he told her that he couldn't offer more at the time but I think her reaction was a little harsh. Neither were looking for love but that's the best time to find it. I also don't think the visit from Sawyers ex was necessary to their story as a couple or the healing he needed. The chemistry with them was amazing 🥵. I am glad they got their HEA and am ready for book 2!
72 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2025
I have been meaning to read this for a while, but glad i did.

Autumn moved from England to America after the death of her parents, and had sworn of men until she bumped into sawyer. Well he almost hit her with his car. Sawyer had been through a bad divorce and had never thought about another relationship until he met Autumn.

This was a sweet story, with the growth of each character, realising that shunning relationships was only hurting themselves further, and they just needed that one person that works for you.

I did enjoy this book but not my usual read so did struggle at times. At some points i was wondering if i really wanted to continue but then i was dragged back in, and held me there. I think the relationship and banter between Autumn and her BFF Alice helped. All together a good spicy read.
Profile Image for Casey P.
57 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2024
3.25 ⭐️

This is the first book I’ve read by L.J. Florence and wow can you see her humor shine through this book! Autumn is such a lovable character, and you can’t help but want to be her friend throughout. I felt the pacing of this book was great, and the author did really well setting up the beginning of the book to help you connect with the characters and not feel rushed through the beginning of their story which I really appreciated! I also loved the side characters so much. There is a small time jump in the middle-ish of the book, and I wish we could’ve read more about that time (trying not to give spoilers here 🤪). I wanted a bit more of the relationship between Autumn and Sawyer. I’m really looking forward to book two (which the author set up perfectly). 😍
Profile Image for Linzi’sbooknook.
24 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2024
I literally don't have the words to describe how this book made me feel!

I never would have guessed this was a debut novel and part of me wishes it wasn't so that I could go and jump straight into another book by this author.

I'm loving the body positivity of this book and the confidence the FMC gains throughout.

Jed is my fave!!!

I love the family!!

I love that this book made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions

I love how Autumn handles Nicole like a pro

I love Sawyer, just everything about him is 🥵🥵🥵

The ONLY thing I didn't like about this book is the nickname but that is entirely for personally reasons and doesn't take away from the absolute masterpiece this was

Book 2 please!!!
Profile Image for Emma King.
44 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2024
Oh my god 😱
For a first book by L.J. Florence this is nothing short of amazing!
If you're like me and love a Grumpy x Sunshine full of 'good girl' and 'mine' then look no further, this is absolutely the book for you 😍
I absolutely fell in love with Autumn, she is everything you want and more from a confident, sassy woman!
Page after page I fell in love with Sawyer, we love a consent king and we love a man possessed 🥵 the way he claims her as his 🥵 I want to be Autumn!
Cheeky shout out to Alice & Sawyer's family! What amazing characters 😍
But the star of the show is obviously Jed, Autumn's sweet pupper 🐶
As always PLEASE check the TW's
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Lisa Looms.
Author 1 book4 followers
December 14, 2024
I wanna live in Pine Harbour!
Anyway, I loved this book. I finished it in just under three days. In my head, Sawyer is a mix between a bear and a lumberjack. Lately, I’ve found myself reading a lot of “bear men” stories, and yes, they do get bare - literally!!
This spicy, curvy book had me in laughter, tears, and all the angsty feels. Autumn and Alice are both a sweet bag of confidence, and I’d love to go out drinking with them. While I love writing reviews, I hate them at the same time because I want to spill all the beans... but seriously, just read the book!
Profile Image for Paige.
181 reviews
November 26, 2024
It was very will they won’t they in the beginning. The light stalking was kinda funny, he was down bad and didn’t want to admit it. Who doesn’t love a dog in romance books, this one was a little sidekick.

💜 American hero X English heroine
💙 Meet cute
💜 Age gap
💙 Grumpy X Sunshine
💜 Plus size tall fmc
💙 Frenemies to lovers
💜 Found family
💙 Light st🧢lking
💜 Small town
💙 Canine sidekicks

Thank you L J Florence for the ARC 💋
Profile Image for Momma T's Books.
571 reviews33 followers
December 1, 2024
Sawyer and Autumn are so cute. Autumn is the perfect plus size FMC. And the way Sawyer treats her like a queen is perfect.

Then, in walks the ex-wife, showing up at Sawyer's parents. His ex cheated on him.

Her "It was a Mistake."
Sawyer - "A mistake where you accidently fell on someone else's dick?"

Her ... blah, blah, blah.
Autumn - "When he's in between my legs, he does not think of you."

It's great. The whole thing was a great quick read. The perfect romcom to finish the month.
Profile Image for Katie Booth.
342 reviews37 followers
December 4, 2024
I was so lucky to receive this e-ARC and I am so grateful I got to read this before release! 🥰 this follows Autumn and Sawyer as they meet in an unconventional way and it is very much a "he falls first" trope as well as he falls hard! This is such a cute cosy read and I read this really quickly as it is a short book! I would absolutely recommend this! It has very much stalker vibes which had me unsure at first but I actually found it quite cute in the end 🫣 READ THIS NOW! 😍
Profile Image for Amber.
1,020 reviews44 followers
November 30, 2024
Forever After Never is a grumpy/sunshine romance between Autumn and Sawyer. They both don't believe in relationships, having had major issues in the past. They have different kind of meet cute. It's insta love for him as she denies her feelings. Her best friend Alice and his family were great side characters. So much fun and banter.
Profile Image for Bookwyrm_in_KC.
226 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2024
While I loved the plus size rep, I'm not a fan of emotionally constipated alpha-hole MMCs, so I wasn't a huge fan of Sawyer as a love interest (which I know is a me problem 😅). There was a lot of fun banter between Autumn and Sawyer and she does eventually knock some sense into him, but a lot of heartache would have been avoided if Sawyer had just gone to therapy years ago.
Profile Image for 3v4nny.
196 reviews
Read
June 29, 2025
while reading this book i completely forgot it was this authors debut, fuck it was so good! i’m ngl i wanted to punch sawyer for more than half of the book and if i think back on his actions i still want to hit him, could he have redeemed himself better? oh 100% BUT it was good enough and his words were just everything from the way he spoke about her and the way he loved her
Profile Image for Alonna Irizarry.
682 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2025
Stalking/ small town/ enemies to lovers/ OW drama/ age gap/ HEA

Trigger warning: death of a loved one/ neglectful parenting/ verbal abuse/ SA/ violence/ cheating (not MCs)

Really the only redeeming thing about this story is the spice. The main characters were annoying and their relationship was an emotional roller coaster. It was mentally exhausting.
Profile Image for Kris McKenzie.
Author 2 books9 followers
September 10, 2025
I wanted to DNF on page 13 because the writing style was kind of terrible, but I unfortunately continued. Autumn and Sawyer were given interesting backstories but no real personalities. The dialogue between characters was choppy, unrealistic, and over-detailed. The relationship between the two made no sense, and they had nothing in common. I don't think I'll pick up another by this author.
Profile Image for Christina.
386 reviews
December 7, 2024
This was such a sweet book. I absolutely loved it. I loved their relationship, even how it started out, especially how it started out. I loved everything about this book. I'd definitely recommend this book if you love a good romance book.
19 reviews
August 16, 2025
Good premise, but awful writing

None of these characters have personalities - they're all cardboard cutouts. The premise was good, but the writing fell slat. Way too many unnecessary descriptions and nothing actually happened plot-wise.
Profile Image for Güera.
112 reviews
October 17, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ Amber and Sawyer - Grumpy meets sunshine. I love that the FMC is curvy ! I loved this book, its book one but can be read as a standalone. I am reading the next book because I really enjoyed the book.
173 reviews
July 28, 2025
Enjoyable read

This was an enjoyable read. I liked being along for the ride for Autumn and Sawyer’s meet not so cute! Looking forward to reading more from this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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