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A Beginner's Guide to Forever
Opposites attract in this hopeful, globe-trotting romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan.
Alessia Moore, a thirty-seven-year-old powerhouse at the helm of a nonprofit in Nairobi, is tirelessly working to build a school for girls. Professionally, she’s thriving, attracting investors to support her mission. But her love life is nonexistent, and she’s starting to wonder if the one even exists for her.
When she meets Hart Winthrop, the twenty-five-year-old son of a billionaire investor poised to support her foundation, she’s unprepared for the pull she feels. Hart is confident, intelligent, and charming. But there are issues—he’s too young for her, and getting involved with him could jeopardize everything she’s worked for.
As fate takes them across the globe—from glamorous cities to hidden corners of the world—what begins as a forbidden fling grows into something neither of them expected, leaving Alessia to wonder…Should she break her own rules for a chance at something real?
Alessia Moore, a thirty-seven-year-old powerhouse at the helm of a nonprofit in Nairobi, is tirelessly working to build a school for girls. Professionally, she’s thriving, attracting investors to support her mission. But her love life is nonexistent, and she’s starting to wonder if the one even exists for her.
When she meets Hart Winthrop, the twenty-five-year-old son of a billionaire investor poised to support her foundation, she’s unprepared for the pull she feels. Hart is confident, intelligent, and charming. But there are issues—he’s too young for her, and getting involved with him could jeopardize everything she’s worked for.
As fate takes them across the globe—from glamorous cities to hidden corners of the world—what begins as a forbidden fling grows into something neither of them expected, leaving Alessia to wonder…Should she break her own rules for a chance at something real?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
410 people are currently reading
9812 people want to read
About the author
Kendall Ryan
122 books18.3k followersKendall Ryan is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of flirty, feel-good romance filled with heart, heat, and plenty of banter. An American author who has lived all over the world, her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into multiple languages. She writes swoony heroes, bold heroines, and stories that make you laugh, blush, and fall in love. When she’s not dreaming up new plotlines, she is a proud mom to two amazing sons and the wife of her real-life hero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 17, 2025
☀︎ Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ☀︎
⋆⁺₊⋆2, generational wealth-so sorry my ancestors were poor, stars⋆⁺₊⋆
This just wasn’t for me. Both characters came across as robotic and had very little chemistry. There were also so many mentions about the MC’s age gap; I completely lost sight of any other plot points. The 3rd act “breakup” was seen back in chapter 1. Neither character seemed to have much in common with the other. Alessia wanted everything out of life. A marriage, career, kids-all while trying to save the world through philanthropy. Hart, a ‘poor unfortunate product of generational wealth’ just felt underdeveloped. I felt the most connected to the dog, and…yeah. I do like animals over most people, so take that however you want.
⋆⁺₊⋆2, generational wealth-so sorry my ancestors were poor, stars⋆⁺₊⋆
This just wasn’t for me. Both characters came across as robotic and had very little chemistry. There were also so many mentions about the MC’s age gap; I completely lost sight of any other plot points. The 3rd act “breakup” was seen back in chapter 1. Neither character seemed to have much in common with the other. Alessia wanted everything out of life. A marriage, career, kids-all while trying to save the world through philanthropy. Hart, a ‘poor unfortunate product of generational wealth’ just felt underdeveloped. I felt the most connected to the dog, and…yeah. I do like animals over most people, so take that however you want.
August 1, 2025
⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Kendall Ryan, and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced reader copy of A Beginner’s Guide to Forever in exchange for the following honest review.
I want to start by saying I really appreciated the author’s note at the end. The intention to write a story where women could see themselves reflected — even in small ways — is powerful, and that thread did resonate with me. I’ve traveled solo through some of the same places the main character visits, including Nairobi and Guatemala, and when she spent time in Kibera, I actually felt seen. The inclusion of real statistics and grounded detail in that section added authenticity and purpose, and I was genuinely grateful for it. That moment earns the one star.
Unfortunately, the rest of the story just didn’t land for me.
I struggled with the tone early on and never quite found my footing. The characters felt more like caricatures than people — their names alone set a vibe that felt overly stylized — and the romantic dynamic leaned hard into tropes that made me uncomfortable. There were multiple instances of one character being praised by tearing others down, which undercut the empowering tone the story seemed to be going for. I was also thrown off by what felt like a confusing blend of themes: at times the book veered into what seemed like inspirational or spiritual territory, but then undercut that with elements that didn’t feel cohesive. I wasn’t sure if I was reading a heartfelt journey, a spicy romance, or something else entirely.
The writing itself included some moments that felt unintentionally cringey or out of touch, which pulled me out of the story more than once. And while I was hoping the emotional arc would ultimately tie things together in a meaningful way, it never quite got there for me.
I really wanted to like this — the concept had so much potential, especially with its global travel backdrop and aspirational tone — but ultimately, it wasn’t an enjoyable or impactful read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kendall Ryan, and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced reader copy of A Beginner’s Guide to Forever in exchange for the following honest review.
I want to start by saying I really appreciated the author’s note at the end. The intention to write a story where women could see themselves reflected — even in small ways — is powerful, and that thread did resonate with me. I’ve traveled solo through some of the same places the main character visits, including Nairobi and Guatemala, and when she spent time in Kibera, I actually felt seen. The inclusion of real statistics and grounded detail in that section added authenticity and purpose, and I was genuinely grateful for it. That moment earns the one star.
Unfortunately, the rest of the story just didn’t land for me.
I struggled with the tone early on and never quite found my footing. The characters felt more like caricatures than people — their names alone set a vibe that felt overly stylized — and the romantic dynamic leaned hard into tropes that made me uncomfortable. There were multiple instances of one character being praised by tearing others down, which undercut the empowering tone the story seemed to be going for. I was also thrown off by what felt like a confusing blend of themes: at times the book veered into what seemed like inspirational or spiritual territory, but then undercut that with elements that didn’t feel cohesive. I wasn’t sure if I was reading a heartfelt journey, a spicy romance, or something else entirely.
The writing itself included some moments that felt unintentionally cringey or out of touch, which pulled me out of the story more than once. And while I was hoping the emotional arc would ultimately tie things together in a meaningful way, it never quite got there for me.
I really wanted to like this — the concept had so much potential, especially with its global travel backdrop and aspirational tone — but ultimately, it wasn’t an enjoyable or impactful read.
April 23, 2025
Generally, I was a bit bored of this book, so please take this review with a grain of salt as I know for a fact there are things I missed when reading this because I just wasn't into it. I was bored from the beginning and started to zone out whilst reading.
TLDR: I appreciate the real-world issues and insecurities Alessia has, I like Hart (besides his name😂) as a character and think he is a sweetie, but I think there is too much focus on the age-gap and isn't balanced well with the rest of the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC
TLDR: I appreciate the real-world issues and insecurities Alessia has, I like Hart (besides his name😂) as a character and think he is a sweetie, but I think there is too much focus on the age-gap and isn't balanced well with the rest of the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC
May 12, 2025
When your life's mission is to help others in Africa your personal life gets thrown to the wayside. But when a younger man catches your attention and then keeps turning up. What's a bit older gal to do?
Want to read
April 23, 2025i’ve been craving some old reverse age gap and this one looks cute 👀😌 can’t wait for august!! please come faster.
July 31, 2025
2.5 stars
This book started strong. It was fun and witty, and the banter was great, but then the "age gap issues" started, and I got bored.
I don't like it when in books the age gap is treated differently when the man is the older one (oh its soooo sexy!) than when the woman is the older one (weird and her inner clock is ticking!) apparently when you hit 35, you stop being attractive? interesting? you need to settle? 🫠 don't like it. it kinda ruined the romance for me because I didn't know if Alexia was with Hart because she loved him or because the clock was ticking and she needed to settle and have babies.
Also, the side characters were not fun to read.
This had a lot of potential, but it felt flat, and for me, the romance didn't work.
thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started strong. It was fun and witty, and the banter was great, but then the "age gap issues" started, and I got bored.
I don't like it when in books the age gap is treated differently when the man is the older one (oh its soooo sexy!) than when the woman is the older one (weird and her inner clock is ticking!) apparently when you hit 35, you stop being attractive? interesting? you need to settle? 🫠 don't like it. it kinda ruined the romance for me because I didn't know if Alexia was with Hart because she loved him or because the clock was ticking and she needed to settle and have babies.
Also, the side characters were not fun to read.
This had a lot of potential, but it felt flat, and for me, the romance didn't work.
thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 11, 2025I read this in one day because a book described as a "globe-trotting romance" would naturally entice me. And a lighthearted read was also just what I needed after my slog of somewhat formulaic thrillers and somewhat sad historical fiction reads.
For this globetrotter, the author did a fabulous job of bringing the many exotic locales around the world to life. I had no idea the Maldives would be featured (although I should have guessed with one of the genres on Goodreads listing it as a "billionaire romance") so that was an added surprise bonus since it's at the very top of my bucket list.
For this globetrotter, the author did a fabulous job of bringing the many exotic locales around the world to life. I had no idea the Maldives would be featured (although I should have guessed with one of the genres on Goodreads listing it as a "billionaire romance") so that was an added surprise bonus since it's at the very top of my bucket list.
May 12, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC! I really enjoyed Kendall Ryan’s writing here and I loved Hart’s character. This book started off really strong, but as the chapters went on it seemed like the same issues kept repeating themselves without development. Personally, I felt that their age gap was mentioned one too many times and turned into a larger issue than it needed to be. Alessia had the potential for a strong character arc and I wish we got to see her learn to trust herself and Hart more. While I liked that her ties to Doctors Without Borders influenced her career and that she was passionate about providing resources for underserved populations, her efforts came across as a bit of white saviorism to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK! This is a billionaire romance with a reverse age gap. This is majorly swoon worthy but also sweet. Think billionaire with a golden heart and a woman who is trying to make a difference in the world. I have never read a Kendall Ryan book before, but it will definitely not be my last!
In this book, Alessia is a 37 year old philanthropist who is trying to make a difference in the world through her charity Renewed Promise. Hartford "Hart" is a 25 year old billionaire who meets Alessia in a chance encounter in Italy- only to meet her again during her pitch to his family for a donation for her organization. Alessia is not convinced that being with Hart is a long term reality but decides to have fun with him while it lasts. Their relationship turns into so much more and it's beautiful to watch it unfold.
I loved the way that Kendall wrote characters with such genuine flaws and how love sometimes is worth the sacrifice. Not many romance novels today have their female leads praying and this was something I really appreciated. You can be a strong driven female leader and have faith. It was very refreshing!
I highly recommend if you love a romance with a MMC who is to die for and an FMC that you can look up to! This also has jet setting and luxury mixed in with good old fashioned hard work and trying to make the world a better place.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this book, Alessia is a 37 year old philanthropist who is trying to make a difference in the world through her charity Renewed Promise. Hartford "Hart" is a 25 year old billionaire who meets Alessia in a chance encounter in Italy- only to meet her again during her pitch to his family for a donation for her organization. Alessia is not convinced that being with Hart is a long term reality but decides to have fun with him while it lasts. Their relationship turns into so much more and it's beautiful to watch it unfold.
I loved the way that Kendall wrote characters with such genuine flaws and how love sometimes is worth the sacrifice. Not many romance novels today have their female leads praying and this was something I really appreciated. You can be a strong driven female leader and have faith. It was very refreshing!
I highly recommend if you love a romance with a MMC who is to die for and an FMC that you can look up to! This also has jet setting and luxury mixed in with good old fashioned hard work and trying to make the world a better place.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2025
I loved this book! It was a beautiful story and I was so sad when it was over. I have never read anything by this author and plan to search her books and read more. I loved the two main characters and felt myself trying to find more time to read so I could continue the book everyday.
April 20, 2025
A Sophisticated Romance That Defies Expectations
In "A Beginner's Guide to Forever," Kendall Ryan ventures into more complex territory, delivering a mature romance that challenges societal norms while whisking readers across the globe. This isn't your typical billionaire romance - it's something far more nuanced.
The story centers on Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old nonprofit executive building schools for girls in Nairobi, and Hart Winthrop, a 25-year-old whose family fortune could make or break her foundation. Ryan handles their age gap with refreshing maturity, never falling into tired cougars-and-cubs tropes. Instead, she creates a compelling dynamic between two equals who happen to be at different life stages.
The international settings shine as more than just exotic backdrops. From Nairobi's vibrant energy to hidden corners of the world, Ryan paints vivid pictures that serve the story rather than distract from it. The author clearly did her homework, weaving in authentic details that make each location feel lived-in rather than tourist-brochure perfect.
What really elevates this book is how Ryan balances the romance with real-world stakes. Alessia's internal struggle between her heart and her mission creates genuine tension - one wrong move could cost hundreds of girls their chance at education. The professional dynamics add layers of complexity that keep you guessing until the end.
Where the book falls slightly short is in the pacing of the third act. Some conflicts resolve a bit too neatly, and a few promising subplots about nonprofit politics get sidelined in favor of the romance. Also, while Hart is well-developed, a few of the secondary characters feel more like sketches than fully realized people.
Despite these minor flaws, "A Beginner's Guide to Forever" proves Ryan can handle weightier themes while still delivering the emotional satisfaction romance readers crave. It's a story about finding love when you least expect it, yes, but also about staying true to your mission while opening your heart to new possibilities.
This is perfect for readers who enjoy their romance with a side of substance and don't mind questioning their own preconceptions about age, love, and what really matters in a relationship.
In "A Beginner's Guide to Forever," Kendall Ryan ventures into more complex territory, delivering a mature romance that challenges societal norms while whisking readers across the globe. This isn't your typical billionaire romance - it's something far more nuanced.
The story centers on Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old nonprofit executive building schools for girls in Nairobi, and Hart Winthrop, a 25-year-old whose family fortune could make or break her foundation. Ryan handles their age gap with refreshing maturity, never falling into tired cougars-and-cubs tropes. Instead, she creates a compelling dynamic between two equals who happen to be at different life stages.
The international settings shine as more than just exotic backdrops. From Nairobi's vibrant energy to hidden corners of the world, Ryan paints vivid pictures that serve the story rather than distract from it. The author clearly did her homework, weaving in authentic details that make each location feel lived-in rather than tourist-brochure perfect.
What really elevates this book is how Ryan balances the romance with real-world stakes. Alessia's internal struggle between her heart and her mission creates genuine tension - one wrong move could cost hundreds of girls their chance at education. The professional dynamics add layers of complexity that keep you guessing until the end.
Where the book falls slightly short is in the pacing of the third act. Some conflicts resolve a bit too neatly, and a few promising subplots about nonprofit politics get sidelined in favor of the romance. Also, while Hart is well-developed, a few of the secondary characters feel more like sketches than fully realized people.
Despite these minor flaws, "A Beginner's Guide to Forever" proves Ryan can handle weightier themes while still delivering the emotional satisfaction romance readers crave. It's a story about finding love when you least expect it, yes, but also about staying true to your mission while opening your heart to new possibilities.
This is perfect for readers who enjoy their romance with a side of substance and don't mind questioning their own preconceptions about age, love, and what really matters in a relationship.
April 25, 2025
Inside me, there are two wolves. One is jaded and cynical, the kind that scoffs at romance novels and rolls her eyes so dramatically, she risks permanent damage. The other? She’s a total softie—eats up romance like it’s her last meal, especially when it’s done well. I feel her stir every time a beautiful Lana Del Rey song plays or a nostalgic 2000s rom-com comes on screen.
Every time I start a romance novel, it’s a battle. Will I find it sweet or painfully cringey? I approach each one with cautious optimism, hoping the story will win me over and melt the walls I’ve built. Kendall Ryan did just that.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I cannot stand when age-gap romances make the age gap the sole reason two people can’t be together. Give me real stakes. Give me actual complications—ones that require maturity, communication, and teamwork. Thankfully, this book delivered.
Bringing a child into the world (or adopting one) is a huge decision. I don’t personally want kids, but I felt so much for Alessia. Her emotional journey was layered and compelling. I’ve seen real-life versions of younger men marrying older partners, only to find themselves closer in age to their children than their spouses—and resenting it. That kind of emotional realism made this story hit even harder.
This is a sweet, thoughtful romance I can’t wait for everyone to read in August. Honestly? I’d happily read three more books about Alessia and Hart.
Huge thank you to Montlake publishing and NetGalley for the early copy of this book!!
Every time I start a romance novel, it’s a battle. Will I find it sweet or painfully cringey? I approach each one with cautious optimism, hoping the story will win me over and melt the walls I’ve built. Kendall Ryan did just that.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I cannot stand when age-gap romances make the age gap the sole reason two people can’t be together. Give me real stakes. Give me actual complications—ones that require maturity, communication, and teamwork. Thankfully, this book delivered.
Bringing a child into the world (or adopting one) is a huge decision. I don’t personally want kids, but I felt so much for Alessia. Her emotional journey was layered and compelling. I’ve seen real-life versions of younger men marrying older partners, only to find themselves closer in age to their children than their spouses—and resenting it. That kind of emotional realism made this story hit even harder.
This is a sweet, thoughtful romance I can’t wait for everyone to read in August. Honestly? I’d happily read three more books about Alessia and Hart.
Huge thank you to Montlake publishing and NetGalley for the early copy of this book!!
April 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!
5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I’m a huge Kendall Ryan fan I’ve read basically read all her books and she’s an auto read author for me. So I was so excited when she announced she had a new book coming and even more excited to read it early! To say I loved this book is an understatement…I’m obsessed. This one was different than her “normal” books and I am so here for it. It was simply beautiful and had me hooked from the first page. Alessia is a 38 year old woman who’s a serious girl boss but then 27 year old Hart comes along and turns her world upside down. I highly recommend this and will tell everyone!
5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I’m a huge Kendall Ryan fan I’ve read basically read all her books and she’s an auto read author for me. So I was so excited when she announced she had a new book coming and even more excited to read it early! To say I loved this book is an understatement…I’m obsessed. This one was different than her “normal” books and I am so here for it. It was simply beautiful and had me hooked from the first page. Alessia is a 38 year old woman who’s a serious girl boss but then 27 year old Hart comes along and turns her world upside down. I highly recommend this and will tell everyone!
August 6, 2025
This was a really interesting and fun, jet setting book. The narrator was perfect.
It's about a woman that is traveling all over the world raising money for a girls school in another country. She meets a man in his 20's and they connect like they never have with anyone else. She feels she is too old for him but despite friends and his cousin voicing their opinions he just doesn't see it. I would have loved to not have to hear that she is too old for him over and over but I guess that was part of the story and how she felt. I smiled huge when her school opens and there is a surprise guest and loved the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook arc.
It's about a woman that is traveling all over the world raising money for a girls school in another country. She meets a man in his 20's and they connect like they never have with anyone else. She feels she is too old for him but despite friends and his cousin voicing their opinions he just doesn't see it. I would have loved to not have to hear that she is too old for him over and over but I guess that was part of the story and how she felt. I smiled huge when her school opens and there is a surprise guest and loved the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook arc.
April 30, 2025
(3.7 Stars)
Alessia Moore is a successful nonprofit businesswoman but she only wishes her romantic life could be as successful. When the son of one of her investors, Hart Winthrop, takes an interest in not only her but her work can she finally let loose? She might be worried he is too young for her as she wants more than just love but sometimes it’s worth taking a chance. This is a reverse age gap with beautiful backdrops around the world and a humanitarian mission. A slow burn romance and if you enjoy an older woman finding love this is for you. Told in first person
Alessia Moore is a successful nonprofit businesswoman but she only wishes her romantic life could be as successful. When the son of one of her investors, Hart Winthrop, takes an interest in not only her but her work can she finally let loose? She might be worried he is too young for her as she wants more than just love but sometimes it’s worth taking a chance. This is a reverse age gap with beautiful backdrops around the world and a humanitarian mission. A slow burn romance and if you enjoy an older woman finding love this is for you. Told in first person
July 25, 2025
A guide to forever❤️🩹
A beginner’s guide to forever is a new book by Kendall Ryan and I absolutely am so glad she’s writing again🙌
I enjoyed this story and the premise of it…young man falls for older woman, both at different stages of their lives but essentially fate keeps throwing them together☺️ My only complaint was that Alessia was so stuck in the stigma of their age gaps, that I feel she caused more harm than not at times. Luckily though, Hart was determined and confident enough to break through Alessia’s walls and brave enough to keep fighting for what he wanted….her❣️
I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
A beginner’s guide to forever is a new book by Kendall Ryan and I absolutely am so glad she’s writing again🙌
I enjoyed this story and the premise of it…young man falls for older woman, both at different stages of their lives but essentially fate keeps throwing them together☺️ My only complaint was that Alessia was so stuck in the stigma of their age gaps, that I feel she caused more harm than not at times. Luckily though, Hart was determined and confident enough to break through Alessia’s walls and brave enough to keep fighting for what he wanted….her❣️
I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
July 15, 2025
I love reading books by Kendall Ryan and this one was no exception.
I enjoyed the pace of the story and I really engaged with the characters. I thought the chemistry between them was delicious. I love an opposites attract, forbidden romance and this book was right up my alley.
I recommend reading this book.
I enjoyed the pace of the story and I really engaged with the characters. I thought the chemistry between them was delicious. I love an opposites attract, forbidden romance and this book was right up my alley.
I recommend reading this book.
July 30, 2025
I really liked this. It was the perfect length. I’m not a fan of a double third act breakup but LOVE an age gap where the woman is older! Hart is so charming. And Alessia stands in her own way constantly but it was a feel good, relatable read 4.5 stars but giving it 5 cuz it was closer to that than a 4🥰
August 4, 2025
Alessia has a dream of building a school for girls in Nairobi. When the Winthrop family makes a sizable donation towards her project, she meets Hart, the son of her benefactor's donation. When sparks fly between the two and Hart makes his intentions of getting to know her clear, Alessia is thrown. Hart is twelve years younger than her but she feels happy with him. This was a quick and satisfying read. I adored the storyline and the epilogue and felt this was the exact kind of book I needed in between all the thrillers I have been reading of late. I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook while I read my ebook and loved the immersive reading experience.
November 1, 2025
It’s been a long time since I plowed through a book so voraciously as this one. I loved this story, the characters, and how hard they had to work to get their happy ever after. These kinds of stories - where good people have to overcome very realistic challenges to be together - are my absolute favorite.
This was my first Kendall Ryan book but it definitely won’t be my last.
This was my first Kendall Ryan book but it definitely won’t be my last.
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars but there is almost zero smut in this book. This would be appropriate for YA, but it was a sweet plot and I always love a good age gap story ;)
April 21, 2025
A fluffy and light romance with an age-gap trope.
The first encounter pulled me in right away, I couldn’t stop reading after that. Hart gave me butterflies. The way he cares for Alessia and carries himself with such confidence around her was just adorable.
I could really feel Alessia’s hesitation too. It’s so relatable. As women, we all have our own insecurities. Even when we say we don’t care about what people think, those rude comments can still sting.
I love how strong and capable she is in her career, but when it comes to love, she’s so unsure. It felt real and honest. The plot flows nicely, and their story is actually pretty inspiring.
This is perfect for fans of “the idea of you”.
Thank you montlake and author via netgalley for this early copy, all opinions are my own.
The first encounter pulled me in right away, I couldn’t stop reading after that. Hart gave me butterflies. The way he cares for Alessia and carries himself with such confidence around her was just adorable.
I could really feel Alessia’s hesitation too. It’s so relatable. As women, we all have our own insecurities. Even when we say we don’t care about what people think, those rude comments can still sting.
I love how strong and capable she is in her career, but when it comes to love, she’s so unsure. It felt real and honest. The plot flows nicely, and their story is actually pretty inspiring.
This is perfect for fans of “the idea of you”.
Thank you montlake and author via netgalley for this early copy, all opinions are my own.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC, and of course, Kendall Ryan. All views and opinions are entirely my own.
OK so this one was a real letdown for me, especially since I've been a fan of Kendall Ryan's books in the past. I was super excited about the setup, nonprofit powerhouse meets younger billionaire guy while jetting around the world doing meaningful work? Let's Fucking Go! It just didn't deliver.
The biggest problem... these two had ZERO chemistry. Like, none. Their first meeting felt so forced that I immediately couldn't buy into their connection. I kept waiting for that moment where I'd be like "OK I get it now, I see why they're into each other" but it never happened. Their attraction just wasn't believable at all, which made it impossible to root for them.
And these characters? Both Alessia and Hart were just... bland. Despite all the impressive stuff they were supposed to have going on, neither of them felt like real people with actual personalities. I couldn't connect with either of them because they felt like cardboard cutouts instead of three-dimensional characters with real emotions and motivations.
I did manage to finish the book (hence the 2 stars instead of 1), but I was basically dragging myself through it rather than being hooked by the story. Such a bummer because the concept had so much potential!
OK so this one was a real letdown for me, especially since I've been a fan of Kendall Ryan's books in the past. I was super excited about the setup, nonprofit powerhouse meets younger billionaire guy while jetting around the world doing meaningful work? Let's Fucking Go! It just didn't deliver.
The biggest problem... these two had ZERO chemistry. Like, none. Their first meeting felt so forced that I immediately couldn't buy into their connection. I kept waiting for that moment where I'd be like "OK I get it now, I see why they're into each other" but it never happened. Their attraction just wasn't believable at all, which made it impossible to root for them.
And these characters? Both Alessia and Hart were just... bland. Despite all the impressive stuff they were supposed to have going on, neither of them felt like real people with actual personalities. I couldn't connect with either of them because they felt like cardboard cutouts instead of three-dimensional characters with real emotions and motivations.
I did manage to finish the book (hence the 2 stars instead of 1), but I was basically dragging myself through it rather than being hooked by the story. Such a bummer because the concept had so much potential!
August 2, 2025
I love with authors take risks, and it’s clear to me here that Kendall Ryan is both pushing herself creatively, writing outside of her usual romance framework, and given some of the personal notes in the book, writing something that feels personal and meaningful to her. That, I super respect. And there’s a lot to like in A Beginner’s Guide to Forever, which is a more grounded, emotionally mature story from here that explores aging, love, and finding your purpose, all while exploring the world. Set against the backdrop of international nonprofit work, this book certainly has ambitious aims. Some of which it achieves, and others didn’t quite land with me.
Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old nonprofit leader building schools for girls in Nairobi, meets 25-year-old Hart Winthrop, heir to a fortune that could potentially save her mission’s work. Their age gap is pretty (and at times unnecessarily) central to the story, but there’s also the dynamic of two people from very different lifestyles and stages navigating a connection that’s as complicated as it is genuine.
So what works? The global settings in this are really enjoyable, and I really appreciated the research and information Kendall brings to the story. The settings are vivid and purposeful, grounding the story with authenticity and an important part of the characters’ emotional exploration as they explore (and seek to impact) the world around them. And that also amplifies the stakes when it comes to Alessia’s work. Her dynamic with Hart isn’t just about romance, but there are also implications for the important work she leads. So the plot examines real-world challenges while also staying true to it’s romantic core.
Where the book falters for me are some themes explored with Allessia and some of the pacing. Ultimately, so much of Alessia’s arc amplifies a tired cliche that I loathe when it comes to reverse age gap stories- that where an older woman (who here is actually younger than me LOL) who feels like her life is a ticking bomb and everything is passing her by. The age gap is overemphasized, to the point of distraction, and it makes Alessia feel more a cliche of women aging than the empowering exploration I think Kendall is going for here. The pacing also lags a big in the second half, conflicts are resolved too conveniently, and some promising subplots fade into the background. Hart is a sweet and emotionally available love interest. While he shows maturity beyond his years in how charming and considerate he is with Alessia, occasional moments remind you of the generational divide. He feels truly sincere and I enjoyed their chemistry, though the romance sometimes feels rushed and lacks the slow-burn payoff I was hoping for…and again I think might have been the reduction of the tension sole to their different ages. I also found the spiritual element a bit unexpected too.
Ultimately, A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is a thoughtful, ambitious romance that aims high thematically, a reach as broad as it’s global travel. Despite some uneven pacing and some characterization of Alessia, I did enjoy the romance and some of the broader themes, and I always appreciate an author’s intention to empower, even if for this it wasn’t quite that for me.
Alessia Moore, a 37-year-old nonprofit leader building schools for girls in Nairobi, meets 25-year-old Hart Winthrop, heir to a fortune that could potentially save her mission’s work. Their age gap is pretty (and at times unnecessarily) central to the story, but there’s also the dynamic of two people from very different lifestyles and stages navigating a connection that’s as complicated as it is genuine.
So what works? The global settings in this are really enjoyable, and I really appreciated the research and information Kendall brings to the story. The settings are vivid and purposeful, grounding the story with authenticity and an important part of the characters’ emotional exploration as they explore (and seek to impact) the world around them. And that also amplifies the stakes when it comes to Alessia’s work. Her dynamic with Hart isn’t just about romance, but there are also implications for the important work she leads. So the plot examines real-world challenges while also staying true to it’s romantic core.
Where the book falters for me are some themes explored with Allessia and some of the pacing. Ultimately, so much of Alessia’s arc amplifies a tired cliche that I loathe when it comes to reverse age gap stories- that where an older woman (who here is actually younger than me LOL) who feels like her life is a ticking bomb and everything is passing her by. The age gap is overemphasized, to the point of distraction, and it makes Alessia feel more a cliche of women aging than the empowering exploration I think Kendall is going for here. The pacing also lags a big in the second half, conflicts are resolved too conveniently, and some promising subplots fade into the background. Hart is a sweet and emotionally available love interest. While he shows maturity beyond his years in how charming and considerate he is with Alessia, occasional moments remind you of the generational divide. He feels truly sincere and I enjoyed their chemistry, though the romance sometimes feels rushed and lacks the slow-burn payoff I was hoping for…and again I think might have been the reduction of the tension sole to their different ages. I also found the spiritual element a bit unexpected too.
Ultimately, A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is a thoughtful, ambitious romance that aims high thematically, a reach as broad as it’s global travel. Despite some uneven pacing and some characterization of Alessia, I did enjoy the romance and some of the broader themes, and I always appreciate an author’s intention to empower, even if for this it wasn’t quite that for me.
July 25, 2025
I was so excited to read A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FOREVER based on the description of the book. I loved the idea of a ‘mature’, career-driven FMC who begins a romance with a younger man.
Tropes
• Age Gap Romance
• Billionaire Romance
• World Traveling Romance (Italy, Africa, Maldives, London, New York, LA, Aspen, Etc.)
Listen, age gape romances usually aren’t my cup of tea, because traditionally it’s older MMC to younger FMC. I was excited to read the reverse, where the FMC was the older of the two. Where I think this story struggled was that fact, seemed to be the only area of conflict for this pair (and the book as a whole). In my opinion, far too much time and words were dedicated to Alessia commenting every two sentences about how much younger Hart was and how it never would work.
Instead of telling me how it wouldn’t work, the book should have taken the time to show me why it WOULD work. I wanted to buy into their relationship, but to be honest, it never really came together. The parts were there, the execution lacking.
I’m not sure if it was because I’d received an advance reader copy through NetGalley and the publisher, but I felt as though important parts of the storyline were cut in editing. Towards the end of the book, Alessia references that she and Hart had an important conversation about babies, but when I flipped back a few pages the last they said was ‘they’d talk later’. That later was never revealed to the reader other than a reference that they had fought about the baby discussion.
In my opinion, A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FOREVER could have really benefited from being a dual POV story. I found myself in multiple places feeling the need to know Hart’s feelings on their relationship, and the story as told through only Alessia’s POV left something missing. This could have also helped with the miscommunication that seemed to happen left, right, and center through the story, because all I ever really heard from Hart was his unwillingness to talk about harder subjects and instead would dismiss Alessia’s concerns with things like- and I’m paraphrasing here… “Aren’t you enjoying our time together? Why do we have to label it? Or make big decisions about what we are now or in the future? Just trust me… Let’s keep on, keeping on.”
I’m sorry, but those responses and lack of communication, do make the MMC seem as immature as his age says he is and does make the reader doubt his capabilities to be a true partner to the FMC.
Overall, I did like the book, especially the few here and there times where faith seemed to come into the storyline. I also felt like I connected with Alessia and where she was in her life. Her struggles with getting older and trying to decide if she was going to wait for something that may never happen, or make it happen on her own. It was a very real struggle that I thought on its own was well handled. This book’s prose was unique, and I think held a lot of promise and I adored how it traveled all around the world.
Tropes
• Age Gap Romance
• Billionaire Romance
• World Traveling Romance (Italy, Africa, Maldives, London, New York, LA, Aspen, Etc.)
Listen, age gape romances usually aren’t my cup of tea, because traditionally it’s older MMC to younger FMC. I was excited to read the reverse, where the FMC was the older of the two. Where I think this story struggled was that fact, seemed to be the only area of conflict for this pair (and the book as a whole). In my opinion, far too much time and words were dedicated to Alessia commenting every two sentences about how much younger Hart was and how it never would work.
Instead of telling me how it wouldn’t work, the book should have taken the time to show me why it WOULD work. I wanted to buy into their relationship, but to be honest, it never really came together. The parts were there, the execution lacking.
I’m not sure if it was because I’d received an advance reader copy through NetGalley and the publisher, but I felt as though important parts of the storyline were cut in editing. Towards the end of the book, Alessia references that she and Hart had an important conversation about babies, but when I flipped back a few pages the last they said was ‘they’d talk later’. That later was never revealed to the reader other than a reference that they had fought about the baby discussion.
In my opinion, A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FOREVER could have really benefited from being a dual POV story. I found myself in multiple places feeling the need to know Hart’s feelings on their relationship, and the story as told through only Alessia’s POV left something missing. This could have also helped with the miscommunication that seemed to happen left, right, and center through the story, because all I ever really heard from Hart was his unwillingness to talk about harder subjects and instead would dismiss Alessia’s concerns with things like- and I’m paraphrasing here… “Aren’t you enjoying our time together? Why do we have to label it? Or make big decisions about what we are now or in the future? Just trust me… Let’s keep on, keeping on.”
I’m sorry, but those responses and lack of communication, do make the MMC seem as immature as his age says he is and does make the reader doubt his capabilities to be a true partner to the FMC.
Overall, I did like the book, especially the few here and there times where faith seemed to come into the storyline. I also felt like I connected with Alessia and where she was in her life. Her struggles with getting older and trying to decide if she was going to wait for something that may never happen, or make it happen on her own. It was a very real struggle that I thought on its own was well handled. This book’s prose was unique, and I think held a lot of promise and I adored how it traveled all around the world.
September 12, 2025
🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
📚A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan
🎤Vanessa Edwin
SOLO NARRATION
Alessia's dream of building a school for girls in Nairboi is a huge undertaking. When the Winthrop family agrees to make a large donation towards her project, she meets Hart, the son of the benefactor's donation but this isn't the first time she's met him. They met earlier in Florence, Italy & a spark was started then.
When Hart realizes who she is, he makes his intentions very clear & direct. He'd like to pursue something. Alessia is so hesitant & doesn't really have faith in a future with him. One of her biggest fears...their age gap. She's 37 & he's 26. Even though Hart sweeps her off her feet, is everything she's ever hoped for in a partner, she has a hard time looking past what she considers road blocks. She's only ever wanted to have a family & kids & she doesn't even consider the possibility that Hart may want these things too. She refuses to date another, "Someday, maybe" person like her last relationship.
This is quite a different book for Ryan & I found it refreshing & interesting. I LOVED the reverse age-gap. We don't see it enough in romance. Ryan handles it very maturely & it was believable to think that this would be Alessia's thinking. This is a story about two people who are in different stages in their life but finally realize that they have common goals in what they want out of life.
There's a real balance between Alessia's struggle with her heart & her desire to accomplish something great with her school in Nairobi. Although, I had a few issues with the pacing of the book in certain parts, I honestly LOVED the idea behind this story, a slightly older FMC having dreams of being successful not only in her work but wanting a family as well.
This book is really about finding love WHEN & WHERE you least expect it. The "perfect person" in our mind doesn't always match who "our person" truly is. Let yourself love outside of the box if needed. Our preconceived notions about love & age just honestly don't matter. Love is love and that's what really matters in a relationship.
🎧Let's talk narration: Honestly one of the reasons this audio was so easy to listen to was the incredible talent from Vanessa Edwin. She never ceases to amaze me with her captivating voices, emotional performances & her sweet, light & airy tones are seriously so easy to listen to. She did such a great job at voicing Alessia along with several other female & male characters alike. Showing off a beautiful French accent as well. We get to hear Alessia's vulnerability, fears & true joy she finds when she realizes she's found the one. She's just such a favorite of mine & it's NEVER hard to have her in my ears.
This book is definitely one for someone who is looking for more mature MC's & some substance to the story & relationship.
Thank you so much Kendall Ryan, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for a copy of the #gifted ALC. All thoughts are my own.
Audio available now.
📚A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan
🎤Vanessa Edwin
SOLO NARRATION
Alessia's dream of building a school for girls in Nairboi is a huge undertaking. When the Winthrop family agrees to make a large donation towards her project, she meets Hart, the son of the benefactor's donation but this isn't the first time she's met him. They met earlier in Florence, Italy & a spark was started then.
When Hart realizes who she is, he makes his intentions very clear & direct. He'd like to pursue something. Alessia is so hesitant & doesn't really have faith in a future with him. One of her biggest fears...their age gap. She's 37 & he's 26. Even though Hart sweeps her off her feet, is everything she's ever hoped for in a partner, she has a hard time looking past what she considers road blocks. She's only ever wanted to have a family & kids & she doesn't even consider the possibility that Hart may want these things too. She refuses to date another, "Someday, maybe" person like her last relationship.
This is quite a different book for Ryan & I found it refreshing & interesting. I LOVED the reverse age-gap. We don't see it enough in romance. Ryan handles it very maturely & it was believable to think that this would be Alessia's thinking. This is a story about two people who are in different stages in their life but finally realize that they have common goals in what they want out of life.
There's a real balance between Alessia's struggle with her heart & her desire to accomplish something great with her school in Nairobi. Although, I had a few issues with the pacing of the book in certain parts, I honestly LOVED the idea behind this story, a slightly older FMC having dreams of being successful not only in her work but wanting a family as well.
This book is really about finding love WHEN & WHERE you least expect it. The "perfect person" in our mind doesn't always match who "our person" truly is. Let yourself love outside of the box if needed. Our preconceived notions about love & age just honestly don't matter. Love is love and that's what really matters in a relationship.
🎧Let's talk narration: Honestly one of the reasons this audio was so easy to listen to was the incredible talent from Vanessa Edwin. She never ceases to amaze me with her captivating voices, emotional performances & her sweet, light & airy tones are seriously so easy to listen to. She did such a great job at voicing Alessia along with several other female & male characters alike. Showing off a beautiful French accent as well. We get to hear Alessia's vulnerability, fears & true joy she finds when she realizes she's found the one. She's just such a favorite of mine & it's NEVER hard to have her in my ears.
This book is definitely one for someone who is looking for more mature MC's & some substance to the story & relationship.
Thank you so much Kendall Ryan, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for a copy of the #gifted ALC. All thoughts are my own.
Audio available now.
July 31, 2025
I was over the moon to hear that Kendall Ryan was returning to writing and could not wait to dive into A Beginner’s Guide to Forever.
Alessia Moore is a successful, thirty-seven-year-old woman who runs her own non-profit. And while she loves what she does, she can’t help notice that her personal life is at a standstill. When she first meets twenty-five-year-old Hart Winthrop, their meet-cute is kismet. While they share great chemistry, Alessia struggles with their age difference and puts the brakes on before they can explore what’s building between them. But, fate isn’t quite done with Alessia and Hart. Fate keeps throwing Hart and Alessia together, leaving Alessia wondering if Hart is the one she’ll break all of her rules for.
A Beginner’s Guide to Forever started off really well. I loved the idea of Alessia questioning her life and whether she was happy with the status quo. And when fate dropped Hart into her lap, I couldn’t have been more excited. Despite their age difference, I thought they had a lot of great potential and couldn’t wait for their story to unfold. And I love, love, loved the way fate kept throwing the two of them together.
That being said, I did have some issues with this story that were hard to look past. Let me start off by saying that I’m still pretty new to the “reverse-age-gap” genre. Usually, as long as the age difference isn’t massive, I can overlook it. However, this one just didn’t work for me. I didn’t love that Alessia kept referring to herself as middle-aged. I mean, she’s not even in her 40s yet, and at times, I felt like she was really immature. She was so wishy-washy. Instead of owning up to her accomplishments and acknowledging that a younger guy was truly interested in her, she continued playing games. Don’t get me wrong, I understood her reservations, but I honestly feel like her behavior would have sent Hart running for the hills.
My other issue with the story was the pacing and overall writing style. For me, the pacing was slower than I expected, and at times, I felt like it took forever for the story to progress. Which brings me to the writing style. While I did like the overall writing, it wasn’t what I anticipated. I felt like this story read a bit more like Women’s Fiction than a Contemporary Romance–and there’s absolutley nothing wrong with that, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Overall, I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this book. A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is a slow-burn, reverse-age-gap romance that is told in the first-person point of view. And while I didn’t love this book, it had good potential and ended up being an okay read for me. I definitely feel that this will be a read that is a hit for some and a miss for others. That being said, I have been a fan of this author for a long time and will be looking forward to seeing what she’ll write next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Alessia Moore is a successful, thirty-seven-year-old woman who runs her own non-profit. And while she loves what she does, she can’t help notice that her personal life is at a standstill. When she first meets twenty-five-year-old Hart Winthrop, their meet-cute is kismet. While they share great chemistry, Alessia struggles with their age difference and puts the brakes on before they can explore what’s building between them. But, fate isn’t quite done with Alessia and Hart. Fate keeps throwing Hart and Alessia together, leaving Alessia wondering if Hart is the one she’ll break all of her rules for.
A Beginner’s Guide to Forever started off really well. I loved the idea of Alessia questioning her life and whether she was happy with the status quo. And when fate dropped Hart into her lap, I couldn’t have been more excited. Despite their age difference, I thought they had a lot of great potential and couldn’t wait for their story to unfold. And I love, love, loved the way fate kept throwing the two of them together.
That being said, I did have some issues with this story that were hard to look past. Let me start off by saying that I’m still pretty new to the “reverse-age-gap” genre. Usually, as long as the age difference isn’t massive, I can overlook it. However, this one just didn’t work for me. I didn’t love that Alessia kept referring to herself as middle-aged. I mean, she’s not even in her 40s yet, and at times, I felt like she was really immature. She was so wishy-washy. Instead of owning up to her accomplishments and acknowledging that a younger guy was truly interested in her, she continued playing games. Don’t get me wrong, I understood her reservations, but I honestly feel like her behavior would have sent Hart running for the hills.
My other issue with the story was the pacing and overall writing style. For me, the pacing was slower than I expected, and at times, I felt like it took forever for the story to progress. Which brings me to the writing style. While I did like the overall writing, it wasn’t what I anticipated. I felt like this story read a bit more like Women’s Fiction than a Contemporary Romance–and there’s absolutley nothing wrong with that, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Overall, I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this book. A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is a slow-burn, reverse-age-gap romance that is told in the first-person point of view. And while I didn’t love this book, it had good potential and ended up being an okay read for me. I definitely feel that this will be a read that is a hit for some and a miss for others. That being said, I have been a fan of this author for a long time and will be looking forward to seeing what she’ll write next.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
August 3, 2025
Read if you like:
✨ age-gap romance (older woman / younger man)
✨ closed-door sexy times
✨ idealistic, driven heroines
✨ a slow and quiet pace
✨ stories with global settings—but not necessarily global immersion
📚 A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is one of those books that sounds fantastic on paper: a mature woman building schools for girls across the world, a younger man who challenges her emotionally, and a journey through glamorous and meaningful international locations. The setup had so much promise—but sadly, the execution left me feeling disconnected and underwhelmed.
👨👧 Alessia’s career, purpose, and internal growth stem from a place of authenticity, and I truly appreciated the author’s note at the end. The intention to write a story where women—at any age—can see themselves doing meaningful work is powerful and valuable.
💞 Unfortunately, the romance didn’t land with the same depth. Hart, the 25-year-old billionaire’s son, never evolved beyond a flat archetype. He was charming, yes, but one-dimensional, and his dynamic with Alessia lacked emotional tension or growth, making it difficult to buy into the HEA.
✈️ Another major letdown was the “globe-trotting” promise. While the story technically visits international cities, it never feels like it does. For example, the book opens in Florence, but instead of evoking the city’s stunning landmarks and atmosphere, we’re given vague mentions of “a piazza” and “a gothic church.” A rooftop hotel scene could’ve taken place anywhere. Oddly, hotel interiors were described in more detail than the cities themselves. If you’re hoping for a lush, immersive travel experience, this one may disappoint.
👧 Narratively, the tone felt uneven. At times it leaned into spiritual self-help territory, other times romantic drama, and then occasionally veered into closed-door romance—but it never fully committed to any one tone. And while Alessia is the one portrayed as needing emotional growth, it’s really Hart who needed far more development and maturity for the romance to feel believable.
🎧 Vanessa Edwin’s narration was mostly strong and engaging—though her attempt at an English/Italian accent was distracting and took me out of the story.
🌟 Final thoughts? I wanted to love this. The message is meaningful, and Alessia deserved a beautiful, nuanced story. But instead of feeling like an empowering, immersive journey, it felt surface-level and tonally mismatched. A lovely concept, with flashes of depth—but the execution just didn’t deliver.
📲 QOTD: Do you need vivid setting descriptions in a “travel romance,” or are name-drops enough to feel transported?
#BookReview #ABeginnersGuideToForever #KendallRyan #AgeGapRomance #TravelRomance #ClosedDoorRomance #ThreeStarReview #RomanticFiction #GlobeTrotterLetDown #StrongHeroine #MissedPotential #BookstagramRomance
✨ age-gap romance (older woman / younger man)
✨ closed-door sexy times
✨ idealistic, driven heroines
✨ a slow and quiet pace
✨ stories with global settings—but not necessarily global immersion
📚 A Beginner’s Guide to Forever is one of those books that sounds fantastic on paper: a mature woman building schools for girls across the world, a younger man who challenges her emotionally, and a journey through glamorous and meaningful international locations. The setup had so much promise—but sadly, the execution left me feeling disconnected and underwhelmed.
👨👧 Alessia’s career, purpose, and internal growth stem from a place of authenticity, and I truly appreciated the author’s note at the end. The intention to write a story where women—at any age—can see themselves doing meaningful work is powerful and valuable.
💞 Unfortunately, the romance didn’t land with the same depth. Hart, the 25-year-old billionaire’s son, never evolved beyond a flat archetype. He was charming, yes, but one-dimensional, and his dynamic with Alessia lacked emotional tension or growth, making it difficult to buy into the HEA.
✈️ Another major letdown was the “globe-trotting” promise. While the story technically visits international cities, it never feels like it does. For example, the book opens in Florence, but instead of evoking the city’s stunning landmarks and atmosphere, we’re given vague mentions of “a piazza” and “a gothic church.” A rooftop hotel scene could’ve taken place anywhere. Oddly, hotel interiors were described in more detail than the cities themselves. If you’re hoping for a lush, immersive travel experience, this one may disappoint.
👧 Narratively, the tone felt uneven. At times it leaned into spiritual self-help territory, other times romantic drama, and then occasionally veered into closed-door romance—but it never fully committed to any one tone. And while Alessia is the one portrayed as needing emotional growth, it’s really Hart who needed far more development and maturity for the romance to feel believable.
🎧 Vanessa Edwin’s narration was mostly strong and engaging—though her attempt at an English/Italian accent was distracting and took me out of the story.
🌟 Final thoughts? I wanted to love this. The message is meaningful, and Alessia deserved a beautiful, nuanced story. But instead of feeling like an empowering, immersive journey, it felt surface-level and tonally mismatched. A lovely concept, with flashes of depth—but the execution just didn’t deliver.
📲 QOTD: Do you need vivid setting descriptions in a “travel romance,” or are name-drops enough to feel transported?
#BookReview #ABeginnersGuideToForever #KendallRyan #AgeGapRomance #TravelRomance #ClosedDoorRomance #ThreeStarReview #RomanticFiction #GlobeTrotterLetDown #StrongHeroine #MissedPotential #BookstagramRomance
August 4, 2025
A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan
I fell instantly for this story by the blurb alone. I knew it was one I wanted to read. The story itself is realistic, and I loved the plot line surrounding the girls' school being built in Nairobi. It is so easy for those of us in the Western world to turn a blind eye to the struggles and the living conditions of others. I also loved Alessia's character for her philanthropic heart and her love of making the world a better place.
The romance between Alessia and Hart kind of just happened. They felt some kind of chemistry from their very first meeting and then, apparently, God kept putting Hart in her path. Hart usually seemed far more mature than his 25 - 27 years, which would likely be the draw Alessia felt toward him. Their age gap was significant for this time in their lives, and I can't imagine Alessia would have entertained the idea at all had he not shown his intelligence, maturity, and caring heart.
The author gave this couple time to grow on their own in between spending time apart in their own lives. Most of the connection they built was over an electronic connection that is now possible in this world we live in.
I liked how Hart gave Alessia the time and space she needed to accept that their age gap should be one of the least of her worries, even though she totally broke his heart. He still kept fighting for her slowly while he found himself and what he wanted out of life.
The steam level in this book is low but the sensuality of their times together makes up for it. The slow burn in this story is intense and probably not for everyone. There were times when I felt like no 26-year-old boy, or is he a man, would have the patience to wait for Alessia to be ready. But he did, and this cemented the character for me. He was ready for more and ready to be the perfect choice for Alessia. She just needed to get out of her own way. She needed to stop worrying about what everyone else would think and to see what a perfect man God put in front of her.
I definitely was attached to this book and read it straight through over a lazy summer weekend. There was never a time when I felt like I didn't want to finish or know how Hart and Alessia's story panned out, but I will say that after waiting so long, basically the whole book, for them to finally embrace their relationship, I may have liked to see a few chapters of them together. The end and epilogue came too quickly for me. Even though the author basically tied up all the loose ends, we didn't get to live them with the characters. We got the 2-years-later update, which tells us how things are but we didn't get to enjoy any of them being together.
I fell instantly for this story by the blurb alone. I knew it was one I wanted to read. The story itself is realistic, and I loved the plot line surrounding the girls' school being built in Nairobi. It is so easy for those of us in the Western world to turn a blind eye to the struggles and the living conditions of others. I also loved Alessia's character for her philanthropic heart and her love of making the world a better place.
The romance between Alessia and Hart kind of just happened. They felt some kind of chemistry from their very first meeting and then, apparently, God kept putting Hart in her path. Hart usually seemed far more mature than his 25 - 27 years, which would likely be the draw Alessia felt toward him. Their age gap was significant for this time in their lives, and I can't imagine Alessia would have entertained the idea at all had he not shown his intelligence, maturity, and caring heart.
The author gave this couple time to grow on their own in between spending time apart in their own lives. Most of the connection they built was over an electronic connection that is now possible in this world we live in.
I liked how Hart gave Alessia the time and space she needed to accept that their age gap should be one of the least of her worries, even though she totally broke his heart. He still kept fighting for her slowly while he found himself and what he wanted out of life.
The steam level in this book is low but the sensuality of their times together makes up for it. The slow burn in this story is intense and probably not for everyone. There were times when I felt like no 26-year-old boy, or is he a man, would have the patience to wait for Alessia to be ready. But he did, and this cemented the character for me. He was ready for more and ready to be the perfect choice for Alessia. She just needed to get out of her own way. She needed to stop worrying about what everyone else would think and to see what a perfect man God put in front of her.
I definitely was attached to this book and read it straight through over a lazy summer weekend. There was never a time when I felt like I didn't want to finish or know how Hart and Alessia's story panned out, but I will say that after waiting so long, basically the whole book, for them to finally embrace their relationship, I may have liked to see a few chapters of them together. The end and epilogue came too quickly for me. Even though the author basically tied up all the loose ends, we didn't get to live them with the characters. We got the 2-years-later update, which tells us how things are but we didn't get to enjoy any of them being together.
April 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️
Tropes:
🪦 Age Gap (Older Woman)
🌍 Multi-city Romance
💸 Millionaire MMC
✈️ Independent FMC
This was such a refreshing and unexpected read, and very different from the Kendall Ryan books I’ve read before.
Alessia is 37, running a nonprofit in Nairobi, and she’s laser-focused on building something meaningful. Her love life? Complicated. She desperately wants a baby and is open to having one on her own if needed, but struggles to balance her life’s mission with a traditional relationship. Then she meets Hart, 25, a confident and charming son of a billionaire investor, who might potentially back her foundation.
From the beginning, there’s this spark, but also so many reasons why it shouldn’t work – the age gap, the professional complications, the question of whether someone that young could ever truly be ready for the kind of life Alessia envisions.
I really loved the reversal of the usual age gap dynamic. Hart didn’t feel immature – he was driven, grounded, and emotionally intelligent. Alessia was understandably wary of his playboy past, especially with models and superficial scenes. Still, as a reader, it was easy to see that he had just been waiting, almost unknowingly, for something real. He didn’t try to pull her into his world; he was determined to be part of hers. That shift felt both romantic and respectful.
One of my favourite parts was how her passion for her work inspired him. His hobby, something he’d just done for fun, became something much more, offering workshops in underdeveloped communities to help others get a better start. She never asked him to do that. Just being with her shifted his perspective, and I loved that.
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
That said, I do wish we’d gotten a little more of the emotional development between them. It sometimes felt like the love was just there, without enough of the “why.” I would’ve loved more of their conversations, their bonding, and the deeper reasons they connected, especially considering the weight of the choices Alessia was grappling with. The chemistry didn’t feel as genuine as I would have hoped it would.
Still, I haven’t read anything quite like this, and in the romance space, that’s pretty special. It felt unique, emotionally grounded. The focus on Kibera and the tuition-free girls’ school added something powerful to the story – it even led me to look up SHOFCO and make a donation. That impact alone makes it stand out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC, and of course, Kendall Ryan for A Beginner’s Guide to Forever and all its glory. All views and opinions are entirely my own.
🌶️
Tropes:
🪦 Age Gap (Older Woman)
🌍 Multi-city Romance
💸 Millionaire MMC
✈️ Independent FMC
This was such a refreshing and unexpected read, and very different from the Kendall Ryan books I’ve read before.
Alessia is 37, running a nonprofit in Nairobi, and she’s laser-focused on building something meaningful. Her love life? Complicated. She desperately wants a baby and is open to having one on her own if needed, but struggles to balance her life’s mission with a traditional relationship. Then she meets Hart, 25, a confident and charming son of a billionaire investor, who might potentially back her foundation.
From the beginning, there’s this spark, but also so many reasons why it shouldn’t work – the age gap, the professional complications, the question of whether someone that young could ever truly be ready for the kind of life Alessia envisions.
I really loved the reversal of the usual age gap dynamic. Hart didn’t feel immature – he was driven, grounded, and emotionally intelligent. Alessia was understandably wary of his playboy past, especially with models and superficial scenes. Still, as a reader, it was easy to see that he had just been waiting, almost unknowingly, for something real. He didn’t try to pull her into his world; he was determined to be part of hers. That shift felt both romantic and respectful.
One of my favourite parts was how her passion for her work inspired him. His hobby, something he’d just done for fun, became something much more, offering workshops in underdeveloped communities to help others get a better start. She never asked him to do that. Just being with her shifted his perspective, and I loved that.
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
That said, I do wish we’d gotten a little more of the emotional development between them. It sometimes felt like the love was just there, without enough of the “why.” I would’ve loved more of their conversations, their bonding, and the deeper reasons they connected, especially considering the weight of the choices Alessia was grappling with. The chemistry didn’t feel as genuine as I would have hoped it would.
Still, I haven’t read anything quite like this, and in the romance space, that’s pretty special. It felt unique, emotionally grounded. The focus on Kibera and the tuition-free girls’ school added something powerful to the story – it even led me to look up SHOFCO and make a donation. That impact alone makes it stand out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC, and of course, Kendall Ryan for A Beginner’s Guide to Forever and all its glory. All views and opinions are entirely my own.
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