Be My Forever

by Josie N. Winters

Life is easier when it is predictable, but aren’t the surprises what makes it unforgettable?

Evelyn Somers mastered the art of planning her life down to the smallest detail. When she goes off to college, the plan is get good grades, graduate and become a renowned dietician. Nothing else matters. Until the day she meets Danté, her adorable adventure-loving neighbor.

Danté Ortega seems like the perfect kind, funny and in love with adventures. Danté gets under her skin, just like he makes her feel alive for the first time since ever. The only downside? His passion for one-night stands and lack of commitment.
Here is the Evy never planned to fall in love with him. He’s bad news for someone like her, Evy knows it. If only her heart could be on the same page as her brain.

Be My Forever is new adult/college romance with friends to lovers grumpy x sunshine.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Josie Winters has been imagining stories since kindergarten. Her favourite books to write are the ones about characters with emotional baggage and quirky personalities.
When Josie’s not writing, you can find her nestled on the couch with her cats, reading swoony love stories.

Reviews

[Rosey Reads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a lighthearted read for me specially since I've been reading a lot of dark romance lately so THIS was a breath of fresh air. College romance where you have a crush on your hot neighbor but he has commitment issues? Yes. Loved it, though sometimes I pushed myself through the book idk maybe it was just me but It got a bit boring. I liked the characters, the side characters were good too so simply a four star. It could have been five stars if I ate it up in one sitting rather than pushing myself through it.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evy and Dante’s Story . . .

Evelyn Somers (“Evy”) is chatting with her best friend Jasmine as they tease Jasmine’s boyfriend Theo about his sneakers full of holes, and Evy adds that his not replacing his sneakers on a regular basis is why his feet smell bad. Of course they are “attacking” him about that because he commented on the huge box filled with boots that he had just dragged into the cluttered living room for her. They still had a month before classes started, but it was nice to move in early and get settled. A loud knock interrupted their teasing and all three of them went to the door where Dante introduced himself as the new neighbor across the hall. His “qualities” checked every box on her checklist of desirable men. He had lived here 3 years and will be starting his master’s year of physiotherapy. So Evy admitted that she wanted to be a dietician. Most people gave her a hard time about that, so she was ready to argue with him -- except he didn’t and encouraged her. Then he said he wanted to welcome and and if they needed any help, just ask. Her friends try to encourage her, but she’s not letting them know what she thinks about Dante, just warns them off pushing her at him.

Danté Ortega is open, friendly, and loves adventure. She’s not at all like that, tending to be more of a control-freak where he takes life as it comes and enjoys it. But she begins to feel more alive around him as they spend time together. Will she give him a chance? Or is his mind absolutely made up about not wanting a serious relationship? Her heart knows what it wants. If he won’t change his mind, is she going to have to walk away for her own sanity? Or can they communicate with each other and work something out before her heart gets broken?

[Alicia]

DNF’ing at 21%.

I think the author may speak English as a second language, which is amazing—the flow of the writing just felt off in points. The dialogue felt too formal for two 18 year olds talking to each other and the writing felt both clunky and repetitive at times (example, using the same word multiple times within a single sentence or within a couple of sentences).

I don’t think there’s necessarily anything wrong with the plot or book in general, it just needed a little more workshopping and editing.

[Lily-Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tellement cute mais trop de second hand embarrassment. La trope était bonne mais la structure était bad.

[Adeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Be my forever is a slow burn, friends to lovers(who are also neighbours), college swoon-worthy romance. The book is full of banter, flirting, teasing and witty comebacks which make you either laugh or blush and giggle. I love the nicknames they gave each other and how affectionate they were with each other(even though they were trying so hard to hide).
Not only did I love Dante and Evy's friendship throughout the book, but I also loved the friendship between Evy and Jasmine and Theo.

The book is great, it takes you through highs and lows, but sometimes that made me so frustrated. Especially because Evelyn wouldn't communicate with her parents and just tell them about her honest feelings. At that point, I wanted to slap her a few times, then hug her tight. Her character is complex, a control-freak and has good reasons for the way she acts. The lack of communication was maddening and it could've been better, but I also understand that's what drives the plot.

Overall, it was an amazing book, super fun and easy read, so I suggest everyone to give it a try!

[Taylor Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I want to say thank you to Josie Winters for offering me an arc for this book!

I enjoyed the flirty banter between the two characters literally the mmc had me giggling a little bit🤭 I could also relate to the fmc in some ways which made the book better for me on how she feels like she has to control everything in her life and she has to work through that mentality.

I have mixed feelings about this book though. I was entertained, it was a good time, but still a little bland during some parts. I loved the plot a slow burn friends to lovers and she is the grumpy and he is the sunshine (golden retriever). It is just the way the slow burn was done I liked it but also at the same time I was getting annoyed with all the miscommunication. I also found myself tuning out towards the end of the book. I also didn’t like enjoy how the pov was written for Dante’s one chapter it was a little confusing to me.

[Andraya Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Be My Forever by Josie N. Winters

Josie N. Winters delivers a swoon-worthy romance in Be My Forever, packed with fun, flirty banter that had me smiling from the first page. The chemistry between the main characters was undeniable, and their playful interactions were a highlight of the story. Winters has a knack for creating relatable, witty dialogue that pulls you into the romance and keeps you invested in the characters’ journey.

However, the miscommunication trope played a significant role in the plot, and at times, it tested my patience. While it added some tension and drama, it also left me wanting the characters to sit down and have an honest conversation! That said, the emotional payoff in the end was satisfying, and it made me glad I stuck with the story.

If you love lighthearted romances with plenty of charm and some heart-tugging moments, Be My Forever is worth the read. Just prepare yourself for a bit of frustration along the way!

*I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kamyl Palma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was torture in a good way. A (very)slow-burn and friends-to-lovers story.

I can’t put my hands down because I want to skip till the book title reveals itself. It was worth it though. This novel was cute and funny with serious matters that balanced the whole plot. I was rooting for Evelyn and Dante right from the prologue, so I felt pure torture not having a dual POV because I knew where the story is headed. If that was an honest build-up for the ending, then dear author, you got me. 🥹 I felt like I was a bystander for a real-life love story waiting to be known.

I just hope the short POV from Dante came as the same kind of POV like Evelyn’s. Having all chapters in first POV would mean bliss for us. And so we can ride with the story all throughout.

Nevertheless, I had a fun reading experience. Especially with the bonus chapter which I appreciate so much. It felt like it was a post-credit scene from a movie and the content was swoon-worthy. ☺️💕

Thank you, to the author, Josie N. Winters, and BookSirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5⭐️

[bookiishreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be My Forever e-ARC by Josie Winters — ★ ★ ★

Tropes 🌷
- neighbors
- forced proximity
- grumpy x sunshine

“𝐼 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓁𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒹, 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓆𝓊𝑒𝓇.” — 𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓁𝓎𝓃

I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book. The writing was smooth and engaging, making it an easy and enjoyable read. Evy and Danté were so likable in the beginning, and their chemistry and playful banter had me laughing more than once. I also loved the found family dynamic and the heartwarming friendships throughout the story.

That said, the back-and-forth between Evy and Danté, along with the miscommunication, started to feel a bit drawn out, which made parts of the story frustrating.

Still, I appreciated the emotional depth, especially in how Evy’s relationship with her parents was portrayed. Her tendency to cope by isolating herself was something I could personally relate to.

Overall, this is a fun, binge-worthy read for anyone who loves friends-to-lovers and grumpy x sunshine tropes. It releases on February 4, 2025. Thank you so much, Josie for the e-ARC! 💖

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance 4*

Dante and Evelyn, the protagonists of this novel are neighbours and friends with hidden feelings for each other but neither is willing to admit their feelings. They rather witness the other taking one-night hookups into their respective apartments. Even after they finally break the ice and become lovers, the honesty is missing and they have serious problems openly communicating their plans. Evelyn experienced rejection during her upbringing that left lasting marks on her psychology and reactions to stressful situations, with fleeing being predominantly her action of choice. They get their HEA but only because others intervened so her obstinacy couldn't ruin their chance at happiness. At times I found the story frustrating, however, I recommend the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Be My Forever" by Josie N. Winters offered a charming friends-to-lovers story with a delightful grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Evelyn and Danté, making for a light and breezy read with relatable characters and enjoyable banter. However, the book suffered from pacing issues, feeling choppy and rushed in places, and the constant miscommunication between the main characters became frustrating. The extremely slow burn and fade-to-black romance, which wasn't clearly indicated in the description, might disappoint readers looking for more spice. Additionally, the writing felt choppy at times, with repetitive phrases and overly formal dialogue, and the limited and somewhat off-feeling POV chapters from Danté left me wanting more. Finally, the frequent Taylor Swift references felt excessive.

"Be My Forever" is a cute, feel-good romance with a lot of potential. While it has some pacing and writing issues, the characters and the overall storyline are enjoyable. If you're a fan of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers stories and don't mind a bit of miscommunication, you'll probably enjoy this one. Just be aware that it's a fade-to-black romance.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my god, I am so mad at Evy for being such a sucker for this idiotic, ridiculous, terrible man! Girl, you deserved better than this commitment-phobic playboy - and yes, Dante was a BOY, not a MAN. Ridiculous.

Evy kept on crying over the guy like she was a teen, though she was supposed to be 20 at least, but it's ridiculous if you're crying over an idiotic man who can't even keep it in his pants if he's supposedly in love with you or likes you. He's just taking random women home so much; why would you waste your time after a blond like him?? Also the way he was with Manal, his FRIEND, was a huge red flag. You do not just go around hugging your opposite sex friends like that if you're supposedly interested in a girl and you haven't told her yet. What's a girl to think - even a fictional one? And then you get mad at her for getting moody around you? And what on earth was that love confession? How old are you, Dante? You've got a master's degree, and THAT'S how you confess your feelings? What even was that?? No, man, just no. If he was real, I would have been so furious at this man if he'd done something like this to anyone I knew. And what was that last scene? This man isn't romantic in the LEAST, and he says, "Be my forever?" Really, man? Really? After the way you were about to leave her behind? Nope.

Honestly, Evy deserved so much better. She had so much more chemistry with Alex than with Dante himself. I'm so disappointed in her.

The writer's skills weren't bad; Dante's character just majorly sucked. I liked Jasmine and Alex and even Chloe. Just the main pairing had me seething and my left eye twitching dangerously the entire time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Mor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Be my forever is a college, next-door-neighbor romance with lots of banter and fun flirting, but also with an emotional depth that creates a really nice balance.

The characters are really well built. There’s a reason for everything they do and behind their choices, especially the FMC. The person you meet when you read the book, the way she acts and her responses when faced with various situations feel very real and are easily relatable.

This also makes the portrayal of the different relationships in the story feel realistic. You know where the characters are coming from and can understand their actions and reactions, even if you may not always agree. It is definitely one of the strongest points of this book.

However, while I love a good slow burn, at points I felt like the story dragged on more than necessary, especially with the miscomunication between the main characters (which I am not a big fan of).

At the same time, there are moments when I would have loved a bit more explanation on how certain situations come to pass. There are a lot of time jumps that, while they help the story advance faster, make you miss how things go from one point to the next.

In a final note, I am a big Swiftie and loved the Taylor references at the beginning, but I thought there were coming up too often at times.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend.

I recieved and advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I liked the book overall, the pacing just seemed a little bit off/choppy. I think that some parts would have benefitted from a little bit more writing (one part that comes to mind is Robert, we see them meet, and then find out a few chapters later about what happened, but there’s no progression from point a to b). The frequent swiftie references weren’t really to my taste either, and I think that the book should be described a little differently. This book is a fade to black and extremely slow burn romance (it was around 60 or 70% in that they start to clue on to eachother’s feelings) which is totally fine but I had no idea walking in that it was as such. I just think a few more pages here and there would make the book flow a little bit better/seem less rushed. I did like how Evelyn had a reason behind her wanting to become a dietician, her relationship with her best friend/family, and that there was some conflict between her family and her. Overall, it was cute.

[Amy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really sweet romance book. I loved the next door neighbor vibe and how they stayed friends through the years. I love a happily ever after in books, movies and real life, but sometimes books and movies just aren't realistic. This one seems to be the closest to real as you can get that I've run across so far. I would like to point out a few things that drove me crazy. There really is no decipherable timeline. Some books will say: Chapter 3 - 6 months later. This one doesn't. And while I cried at times when she was talking about her relationship with her parents, I feel like there is no closure on that. I wanted more of that towards the end of the book, but a few years go by in the book and nothing. Overall it was a great book and I would highly recommend it.

[KanisBookCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: This was such a cute read. Evelyn and Dante, sheesh what a pair lol they literally stressed me out. They were so cute together, but man their non communication could have saved us all heartbreak after heartbreak ❤️‍🩹 I loved that the author gave them both difficult pasts which made for the rocky relationship. But also, helped them get closer and stronger together. Their banter was awesome. Only reason I have it a 4 and not a 5 (it was so close), was that after such a slow process to get to their happy ending, it just felt short for me. Wish the epilogue would have been about their travel adventure or years in the future. I stayed wanting to know more, but still a great book totally recommend.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of words, without saying too much. The majority of the book felt like repetitions of the same concept with only slight differences. Little happens before the 60/70 percent mark. That said, the book could have been significantly shortened.

The main character's are young, but for me most of their behaviour bordered on childish and immature. I did enjoy most of the banter between Danté and Evy. I also liked the part where the author tackles the heavier topic of the relationship between Evy and her parents.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet and adorable grumpy x sunshine story that had all the necessary points for its' trope in the book. It was long enough for the character development as well as for the story to grow. However, the writing felt a little clunky. At some points, reading it felt like I was in a car with someone that kept braking and speeding up without rhyme or reason. That may have been just a personal experience, but overall, a cute read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely enjoyed the book and I finished it in a day because I so badly needed to know how it ended. The angst & build up of tension has been very well written and I loved how FMC had such emotional depth to her character. This is a slow-burn & closed book romance [with a thing or 2 mentioned here & there] which is right up my ally👍.

[Court Reyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Be Mine Forever" is a cozy little page-turner that takes us on a journey with our main girl, Evy, through the ups and downs of college life and all the romantic entanglements that come with it. The guy next door, though? He's got 'just friends' written all over him. Josie N. Winters gives us a plot that keeps us hooked, although there are moments where you can't help but feel a little lost in the details. A bit more meat on the bones, and this tale could have been a real knockout.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The characters were realistic and likeable characters, I found myself easily relating to Evy. I loved it so much I could have happily read and explore the Evy and dantè’s relationship for many more hours then what was given. Their dynamic and banter were great!

There were a number of moments I literally laughed out loud or squealed, and kept thinking to myself if this book was made into a movie I’d LOVE to watch it…. Possibly one day

[MyBookNest7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly the slowest burn that I have ever read!!! But I’m glad I stuck with Evy and Danté to the end. The will-they won’t-they truly tested my patience through the book and it was some kind of torture whenever it wasn’t their time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the characters Evy with besties Jasmine and Theo and Dante lead male. Evy and friends met Dante who lived across the hall while attending college. storyline seemed loose with a lot of writing and nothing going on. There was suspense at the end, which helped keep the reader interested.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LizJ. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be My Forever by new to me author Josie N. Winters is a good story friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine genre. The blurb was really interesting which is why I chose to read an ARC but It's not consistent and a kind of choppy hence the 3 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the storyline some of the parts seemed repetitive and there was so much waiting for Evy to make a move or Dante to do something! I also wish that there was more dual POV from Dante since it is so hard to know what he is thinking. Also…it is slow burn and closed door so make sure to understand that if you need spice this isn’t the right choice!

[Alyssa Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playlists are one of my favorite things in a book. This was such a cute story. There is banter and friendship and love. Also family stuff that goes into a lot of detail which I admire. You never missed out on what was going on in the story. The story telling was good

[Emily-Rose Brlevich · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a super adorable meet cute.
I felt like there was a lot of back and forth and so much banter. However, some parts I felt like it was quite a lot.
A lot of family troubles were depicted in lengthy details and fit into the story well.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and funny story with friends to lovers.

It's about finding your self, friendship and very adorable Grandma.

There's tension and pinning, heartwarming moments, and it's defently a slow burn with a bit of spice.

Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC - a solid debut :)

[Becky Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters are relatable, quirky and fun. I felt like the author was describing me and my previous dating life before my husband to a t. I laughed, cried, felt sad and angry at times. I love a great book that gives me all the emotions and feelings.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evelyn Somers and Danté Ortega become college next door neighbors. A entertaining well written story that I enjoyed reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.