Forever with You

Bayou Dreams #5

by Farrah Rochon

New life. New love?

The tranquil bayou town of Gauthier is the perfect place for widowed single mother Leslie Kirkland to raise her two daughters. Until she's elected president of the elementary school's Parent-Teacher Organization. Caught in a clash between the community and progressive science-teacher-turned-assistant-principal Gabriel Franklin, Leslie vows not to take sides. But it's hard to be objective when a sexy younger man is awakening such an irresistible desire.

Years ago, a teacher saved Gabriel from a one-way path to destruction, and now he is dedicated to his students and the Louisiana town he calls home. But the chemistry sizzling between him and Leslie could ignite a scandal. And when the gathering firestorm threatens both their dreams, Gabe is ready to take a stand. Can he convince Leslie that it's time to move on and make a bright future…with him?

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 20, 2015

About the author

A native of south Louisiana, Farrah Rochon officially began her writing career while waiting in between classes in the student lounge at Xavier University of Louisiana. After earning her Bachelors of Science degree and a Masters of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, Farrah decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist. She was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007. Her debut novel, Deliver Me, the first in her Holmes Brothers series, garnered rave reviews, earning Farrah several SORMAG Readers' Choice Awards.

In September 2010, Farrah joined the Kimani Romance family with the launch of her new series that follows the life of the fictional New York Sabers football team.

When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading her favorite romance novels, hanging around on Twitter, and trying to attend as many Broadway shows as her budget will allow. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.

Reviews

[Alyssa Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was far from my usual dark romance genre, and for that - I loved it.

Such a cute palette cleanser with a few tragic elements mixed in. I loved the characters and I love how real the author made this story. The setting was fun in that the small town 'everyone knows everyone's gossip' kind of way, and that had me sucked in. I love when people in books get in other people's business 😂

The story of her ex-husband was super sad, but I'm glad Gabe was there and was understanding. I love that it wasn't a misunderstanding trope, and I love how things wrapped up at the end with the school.

This was such a good book and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends and family.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Farrah Rochon novel is always a YES for me. I’ve been really enjoying the return of these stories I first loved as Kimani releases, especially now in audio.

Farrah gives us a grown woman with a full life and real responsibilities, grappling with single parenting and a devastating loss. Leslie is rooted in her community, trying to do right by everybody without losing herself in the process.

Gabriel… mmmhmmm. He’s committed to his work, clear about what he wants, and willing to push forward despite the whispers and side-eyes.

The conflict here isn’t overblown just for the sake of drama. The community, the school politics, the expectations, the reputations all matter in a town where everybody knows your name. There’s attraction but also hesitation, which I admit I loved. I like a little push and pull, and a whole lot of “I’m grown and don’t need anyone in my business.”

Leslie isn’t jumping into something just because a man showed up. She’s thinking about her life, her kids, and what it means to open that door again. That scene where she feels guilty revisiting things she used to share with her husband was gut-wrenching.

Thankfully, she’s got a sister-in-law who isn’t going to let her spiral and lose something meaningful.

This is a great novel that exemplifies what I love about romance--a robust story about two people deciding whether they’re willing to take a risk on each other when they both have something to lose. I enjoyed watching them get there.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever with You by Farrah Rochon (2015)
Bayou Dreams #5
5h 19m narrated by Marissa Hampton 224 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance, African-American Romance

Rating as a movie: XX for strong sexual content

Featuring: Fictional Small-Town 20 miles north of Slidell, Louisiana and 90 minutes from Biloxi, Mississippi; Church, Matchmaking, Close Proximity, Army Widow, Single Mother, Teacher, Princpal, School Parent Volunteer - President of PTO - Parent-Teacher Organization; Updated on Couples From Previous Books, Scholastic Setting, Dog - Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier; Elementary Children, Houstonians, Grief, Insecurities, Family Dynamics, Introduction of Character For Next Book, Secrets, Sex - Detailed, Self-Elevation

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¾⚜️🪻🔬🏫

My thoughts: This story was almost perfect, totally up my alley, but I couldn't give it five solid stars because narrator mispronounced Biloxi, the travel math was driving me crazy, and I needed 2 more chapters. I skipped 2 books in the series to read this one, but I'm glad I did. I may now know who the couples are, but you get that in the blurb anyway so I didn't really get any spoilers for their stories. This is the best book of the series so far. I have high hopes for Book 3 and Book 4, maybe they have the something extra that Book 1 & Book 2 were missing.

Recommend to others: Yes! This was a fantastic read.

Bayou Dreams
1. A Forever Kind of Love (2012)
2. Always and Forever (2012)
3. Yours Forever (2014)
4. Forever's Promise (2014)
5. Forever with You (2015)
6. Stay with Me Forever (2015)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Safe In His Arms" by Rev. Milton Brunson's Thompson Community Singers, "Bring It On Home To Me" by Sam Cooke, "Got To Get You Off My Mind" by Solomon Burke, "Saturday Night At The Movies" by The Drifters, "Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha" by Sam Cooke

Books and Authors mentioned: Casper the Friendly Ghost by Joe Oriolo and Seymour Reit; The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton [based on] Kimba the White Lion by Osamu Tezuka; James Lee Burke, Star Trek by Gene Roddenberry, The Uplift Series by David Brin, The Patternist series by Octavia E. Butler

[Zenya Weatherall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest installment in the Bayou Dreams series was everything I was hoping for and more. I went in excited to return to this world, and it absolutely did not disappoint. It’s the perfect blend of short, sweet, and romantic—an easy read you can breeze through in one sitting, yet still feel completely satisfied by the end.
What really stood out to me was how the story balanced its light, cozy romance with deeper, more emotional themes. It thoughtfully explores grief, guilt, and the complicated journey of moving forward after losing a partner to suicide. Watching the main character navigate dating again felt authentic and handled with care, adding a layer of emotional depth that made the romance even more meaningful.
And then there’s Gabriel—truly top-tier book boyfriend material. He’s sweet, patient, and intentional, the kind of character who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. His steady presence and genuine care made every romantic moment feel that much more special.
If you’re looking for a quick read (or listen) that still packs an emotional punch, this is definitely one to pick up. It’s heartfelt, tender, and leaves you with that warm, swoony feeling long after you finish.
#arc #netgalley #foreverwithyou

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

In FOREVER WITH YOU Farrah Rochon delivers a tender touching romance that tickles the readers heartstrings from beginning to end. Widow Leslie Kirkland leads a busy life as a mother of two young daughters, a full-time demanding job, and President of the elementary school Parent-Teacher Organization. While not quite ready to begin dating again, she does fantasize about the deliciously sexy, Gabriel Franklin. Leslie considers him “the safest crush in all of history” as Gabriel is younger than her and is her daughter’s teacher and that combination makes him off limits for dating. Gabriel, a newcomer Gauthier, has caught the eye of many women in the town, but the only he is interested in the one woman who will not give him the time of day, Leslie! Now that Gabriel is also the interim assistant principal at the elementary school, and some of his ideas have riled up the town folks, he and Leslie are in close contact with each other. While there is no denying the sizzling attraction between the couple, the past, the present, and the town are realities clouding their future. Will the couple be able to meld their hearts and heads for a happily-ever-after together?

The great characterization and relatable situations keeps readers emotionally involved and rooting for both the hero and heroine individually and as a couple. As a single mother, Leslie has to balance her needs and wants against what is best for her children. As a widow of a war veteran, Leslie has to come to grips with her guilt feelings in moving forward. I enjoyed Leslie’s journey to find the answers within herself and learning to accept her emotions as a normal part of life. Gabriel has his hands full convincing Leslie that age is just a number and the town folks that his educational plans in the best interest of the students and town. But it will be his heart, his actions, and a man of his word that wins them over. I enjoyed how the author builds the sexual tension before the couple even kisses and how the storyline showed the development of the relationship. The love scenes were hot and tender. There was one post-lovemaking scene which was so heartwarmingly beautiful it will stay with the reader for a long time.

FOREVER WITH YOU is the fifth book in the Bayou Dreams series. Spark, sizzle and great storytelling makes for a delightfully entertaining read. I cannot wait for the next installment to see who will be finding their bayou dream.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Romance Novels in Color · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forever with You is book 5 in Farrah Rochon’s Bayou Dreams series. in this installment, widowed single mother, Leslie Kirkland is the president of the Parent-Teacher Organization in small town Gauthier and the Science-teacher/assistant principal IS Gabriel Franklin.

Leslie finds herself in the middle of a battle between the parents and Gabriel but works to remain unbiased while the two sides work through their differences. It doesn’t help that Gabriel is a sexy younger man that has ignited a passion Leslie thought died with her husband. Gabriel wants a relationship with Leslie and also wants what is best for the town and school. Can he work to have both? Readers will need to pick a copy of Forever with You to find out.

I liked the theme of younger man/older woman, and Ms. Rochon did a good job displaying Gabriel’s passion for his students, as well as his attraction toward Leslie.

Leslie was a tough woman to crack; she had several excuses why a relationship between she and Gabriel would never work, but he overrode her objections. Leslie was battling herself and past fears while still dealing with the grief of losing her husband. Leslie also did not want to diminish the community’s perception of her and finally agreed to see Gabriel in secret. These two had an uphill battle and once Leslie allowed Gabriel in, her feelings of guilt intensified to such a magnitude, that she allowed it to affect her relationship. Gabriel sensed Leslie’s fear and worked to alleviate it, but it was an uphill battle. He also enlisted Leslie’s assistance to calm the community and find a solution to ensure the town of Gauthier did not lose their school.

The story flowed well and engaged the reader to find out the outcome of the school as well as Gabriel and Leslie’s relationship Overall this was a good read.

-Reviewed by Deborah

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review — Forever With You by Farrah Rochon
Format: Advanced Listener Copy via NetGalley — thank you for the early listen!

I vividly remember reading this book *Forever ago, so when I saw it finally getting an audiobook release, I grabbed my headphones immediately. Some stories fade over time, but this one? Still hits. And now that it has a voice, it feels even richer.

We follow Leslie, a widowed mom doing the absolute most because she has no other choice. She’s working, parenting, volunteering, holding her household together, and trying to keep her grief tucked neatly in the corners because she never had the space to fall apart. The book doesn’t treat her like a tropeit treats her like a real woman who’s been carrying too much for too long.

Then she meets Gabriel, the younger teacher at her daughter’s school, and the slow burn begins. It’s soft, steady, and full of those moments where you can feel something shifting even when neither of them is ready to admit it. Their connection feels earned, not rushed, and it respects the complicated place Leslie is in.

What really stands out is how the story handles grief. It’s honest about how heavy it is, how it lingers in the everyday tasks, and how guilt shows up the moment you even think about wanting something for yourself. Leslie’s journey isn’t neat or linear, and that’s exactly why it feels so real. She’s strong, but she’s tired. She’s hopeful, but she’s scared. And she deserves every bit of joy that tries to find its way back to her.

There’s also a little community meddling, a little sister‑in‑law matchmaking, and that classic “mom meets teacher” spark that gives the romance its charm without taking away from the emotional depth.

The audiobook narration brings all of that tenderness and complexity to life. It adds warmth to the slow burn and gives Leslie’s internal world the space it deserves.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC Review
📚 Book Title: Forever with You
✍🏽Author: Farrah Rochon
🎙️Narrator: Marissa Hampton
📕 Format: 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


🕑Quick Take:
Leslie Kirkland is a widow and single mother to Kristi and Cassidy. She is a busy cheerleader and softball mom, serving as President of the Gauthier Elementary and Middle School (GEMS) PTO. Respected within the Gauthier community and active in her church, Leslie prefers to avoid the town’s meddlesome women, who frequently try to match her with every man they encounter.

Gabriel Franklin, originally from Houston, TX, is new in town. He is young but brings a lot of experience and advanced training in school administration. He works as a science teacher and Interim Assistant Principal at Gauthier Elementary and Middle School (GEMS). He was Cassidy’s teacher and has shown interest in Leslie Kirkland for some time.

Leslie and Gabriel must work together to address concerns related to GEMS, but how will they manage their budding interest in one another?

✨ Tropes:
- Secret Relationship
- Love After Loss
- Single Mom
- Age Gap
- Small Town Romance

🎭 Narration:
Marissa Hampton has done an excellent job throughout this series. I admire her ability to narrate from multiple characters’ perspectives. She did an excellent job handling the shifting POVs for Leslie and Gabriel. She consistently brought each character to life. Overall, Marissa Hampton provided excellent narration for this novel.

⚠️ Heads Up:
- Mental Health Rep: PTSD & Suicide off Page
- Grief & Loss

💭Final Thoughts:
This is a re-release of a book originally published in 2015 under Kimani Romance. I’ve enjoyed the entire series. Each book builds on the last, and each one becomes my favorite. I love the cozy small-town vibes of Gauthier! The stories are so cute and heartwarming. Perfect dual pining and swoon-worthy moments.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

[Casey R Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing, Hope, and a Love Worth Risking Your Heart Again

📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf

Book: 78
Dates read: 04.22.2026 – 04.23.2026
Title: Forever With You
Author: Farrah Rochon
Format: digital

#caseysbookshelf

I really thought Forever’s Promise was the last book in this series, so imagine my surprise when Kinnedi (yes, my Kindle has a name 😌) recommended this on my home page. Come to find out the series is being re-released through Honey Blossom Press and there’s another one coming? Oh I’m sat. Cuz honey I love Farrah Rochon BAD.

This came at the perfect time too. I needed a palate cleanser after a wild psych thriller and this sweet romance gave me exactly what I needed.

This might actually be my favorite in the series. And that surprised me because it’s a slight age-gap romance where she’s older, which isn’t usually my go-to. But the way Gabriel falls for Leslie? Whew. Patient, intentional, and all in. You want them to win.

Leslie’s journey through grief is what really grounds this story. Watching her try to balance motherhood, healing, and the possibility of love again felt real. And her daughters? Adorable. The church ladies? Busy in the way only church ladies can be, trying to match her with anybody with a pulse 😂 I also loved seeing Shayla back in this one. The way she shows up for Leslie and her nieces, while still holding space for her own grief, added another layer of love and support that made this story feel full.

This book really runs the gamut emotionally. You’ll feel the heaviness of loss, but you’ll also get moments of joy, laughter, and hope as Leslie slowly opens herself back up to living again.

⚠️ Check trigger warnings before reading. There are references to suicide (off-page, but discussed).

Short, heartfelt, and exactly the kind of love story that reminds you healing and happiness can exist in the same space.

Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mid-30s PTO president is hesitant to do more than crush on her daughter's late-20s teacher but he's up for the challenge. Not to mention all the crises of school politics this semester.

Farrah Rochon is reliable as ever in this installment of her Bayou Dreams series. (Full disclosure, I've only read the first book in this series previously but I know from experience that Rochon is an easy author to read out of order.) The characters are a bit necessarily cliche because of the shortness of the story but this book is a classic romance of a widow and a slightly younger man who isn't the most appropriate choice. It's an addictive read that kept making me go "one more chapter" until suddenly I hit the climax and the book was over.


I received this ARC/ALC from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley because the audiobook version is new, but the book was originally published in 2015. As such, I feel compelled to comment on the audiobook more than usual, but that requires a quick caveat. The quality I seek in audiobooks could be described as inoffensiveness. I read via audiobook almost exclusively and view them primarily as accessibility tools. And this audiobook is exactly what I look for. The voice actor never distracts from the content and speaks at a lovely tempo to be doubled as I am wont to do. This is my ideal form of audiobook.

[RaeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibes
⭐️Love after Loss
⭐️Slow Burn Romance
⭐️Age Gap
⭐️Single mom

Leslie is a single mom (who loves her kids and never stops okay anyway) with two daughters and happens to be the president of the PTO. She has been having a hard time since the death of her kid’s father two years prior to the start of the story. Then, enters the Sexy younger Assistant Principal who is everything she needs and wants.
This was such a soft, feel good read that had me smiling more than I expected. The chemistry between the characters felt natural and grown, not rushed, which I really appreciated. I loved how the story balanced romance with real-life responsibilities and emotional depth without making it feel heavy. There were a few moments where the pacing dipped just a little, but nothing that took away from the overall vibe. Overall, this one gave cozy, mature love energy and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re in your soft life romance era.

One critique: As a Louisiana girly, the narrators pronouncing the name Gauthier as go-tee-ayy bothered me the entire time! It’s Go-Shay! Geaux-Shay! Like yall didn’t ask the author before ? But i get it our dialect is hard to pronounce.

Thank you NetGalley and DreamScape Media For this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Keshia R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not disappoint. After really enjoying The Boyfriend Project series, I was excited to dive into this series and see what Rochon had in store next.

First, I have to mention the updated cover design. It’s so much more eye-catching and modern than the original. Honestly, it’s the kind of cover that would have made me stop and pick it up right away, whereas before I might have passed it by. The revamp definitely matches the warmth and charm of the story inside.

What stood out most to me was the female lead. I love a strong, capable woman who has built her life independently, but still chooses to open her heart and allow someone else in. That balance of strength and vulnerability is something Rochon writes beautifully, and it made the romance feel genuine rather than forced.

I also listened to the audiobook, and the narration truly elevated the experience. The readers brought the characters to life in a way that made it easy to stay engaged and emotionally connected to the story.

Overall, this book left me excited to continue through the rest of the Bayou Dreams series. If you enjoyed Rochon’s previous work or love romances with strong female leads and heartfelt relationships, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Kristen Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listening copy of Forever with you in exchange for my honest opinion. Forever With You was released on audio on April 21, 2026 to retailers.

Forever With You is the fifth installment of the Bayou Dreams series. I really enjoyed this audiobook. It was an easy and quick listen, and I loved the narrator.

Leslie is a widow with two children. Her husband has been dead for two years, and at first we think he died on active duty. As the book progresses, we find that he actually died of suicide and it shapes how Leslie is as a person and as a mother. The small town that Leslie lives in with her daughters means well, but they now want Leslie to find a new partner. Leslie just never thought it would be a younger man, and her daughter’s teacher at that.

Gabriel is a golden retriever type of MMC. I just loved every part of his character. He knew he wanted to be in education as an administrator so that he could help teachers and students. He knew that he wanted Leslie after meeting her at school during a parent/teacher conference. There was attraction, and he definitely fell first, but after they acted on it it was sweet. It does get slightly steamy, but Gabriel knew he had to go slow because of all she went through with her husband’s death. The side characters are funny, and the side plots are SO southern small town drama!

[Kassie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever With You is a heartfelt, tender, relatable contemporary romance that really packs a punch.

Leslie, a single mom of two girls who loses her husband to suicide, falls for Gabriel, her daughter’s teacher. She is doing her absolute best to be strong and provide for her kids, navigating the grief and fallout of losing her husband how she did as best as she can. Gabriel is a passionate teacher, working toward bettering the school system no matter how much pushback he gets.

They are both standout characters as individuals but the mature, careful relationship that forms between them is a breath of fresh air. Where other authors might have taken this chance to create unnecessary miscommunication or lean into the angst of the situation, Farrah Rochon lets them be authentic, gentle, and caring with these hard situations. Even the really sad parts feel positive.

Marissa Hampton does a phenomenal job bringing these characters to life and carrying such a lovely story. This is my first audiobook with her and I’d love to hear more from her!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Farrah Rochon for allowing me to listen to an early version of this audiobook!

[Jen Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the e-ARC of Forever With You in exchange for an honest review.

4 Star read for me! I was very intrigued with Leslie's story of love after loss. It definitely was extremely heartfelt as it dove into grief of a loved one and the journey and emotions that accompany it to move on and find happiness.

Leslie is the President of her girl's school PTO. Gabriel is her daughter's Science teacher and acting assistant Principal. The two have undeniable chemistry, but Leslie is very hesitant to move forward with a younger man and the optics of how that would be perceived in a small community. Gabriel knows he is going to have to take is slow to win over Leslie, but he is willing to go whatever speed to win her over.

For a short story, we do get all of the emotion and connection, but it would have been nice to get a bit more of how their relationship developed.

[Sónia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to pick this one up because I rarely see older woman x younger man romances so the premise caught my eye.

I loved Gabe's passion for teaching and his students but it seemed odd to me that someone so dedicated would actively pursue one of their student's parents romantically and see no issue with it. I think it would have made more sense for Gabriel to struggle with his attraction to Leslie at the beginning as their relationship clearly brings up issues of impartiality towards the students.

Leslie's own hang ups were believable as a widowed mother in a small town as public perception does play a part in women's decision to date younger. Her struggle with being intimate with someone new in her house felt realistic which I appreciated.

The school drama was not as engaging as I would have liked and I found myself a little bored at times.

Overall it was a quick, entertaining read.

[Carmen Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 3.75/5

Forever With You is a warm, small-town romance. It follows Leslie Kirkland, who is a widowed mother as she navigates parenting, community expectations, and an unexpected connection with Gabriel Franklin, an assistant principal at her daughter's school.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, character-driven romance about second chances, taking risks, and allowing yourself to want more—even when it complicates everything.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ALC. I will say I did have a hard time staying connected to the story and its pace. It just seems a bit slow at times, and I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator for this one. However, I did enjoy the story.

I did find that this was book #5 in the Bayou Dreams series, so it could also be that I was missing some context from the other 4 books I haven't read yet.

I would recommend this to a reader who loves a slow burn with well developed characters and doesn't mind sitting on your hands for the story to build.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leslie isn't ready to date again after her husband's death a year earlier, until she meets new science teacher/assistant principal Gabe. I liked Leslie and her girls a lot, and her conflicts felt very believable--especially her reaction to moving on, near the end of the book. Gabe was generally a stand up guy, though I wish the end hadn't dropped his entire motivation around his family. My one big thing, though, was believing a teacher would actively try to flirt with/seduce the mother of one of his students. That is SUCH a big no-no and conflict of interest, and I was stunned that a stand up guy like him wouldn't even think twice. If only he had been Cassidy's science team coach or something, instead of her science teacher, I wouldn't have had a problem. But it kept me out of the story and their relationship pretty significantly.

[Baca Buku · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always interested in older woman-younger man romances and that's why I chose this among Farrah Rochon's many books to read.
It has a nice storyline although the school business didn't get me excited because I couldn't relate to it. Even then, I was worried that subplot would end in a cliffhanger when the big crisis came just before the epilogue. Thankfully, there were no loose ends.
I was a little bored with the conversations between Leslie and Gabe, and some of the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic ("...there is nothing else I’d rather do in life than embark on this brand-new future with you.”) But the emotional bits were not bad.
Some of the sexy-time descriptions were not sexy though, haha ("...thrusting his tongue in and out of her mouth." And making out in a car parked close to garbage containers?)

[Cara Kupferman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever With You is a sweet small town romance between a widowed single mother and her daughter’s elementary school science teacher! It’s got such good tropes—small town, forbidden romance, reverse age gap, single mom, second chance at love. The attraction between Leslie and Gabe is powerful and their connection grows quickly as they get to know each other as more than PTO players. There’s lots of small town drama in the background—school board and PTO clashes, church ladies trying to set Leslie up, and everyone in everyone else’s business. Through it all, there’s a warmth and genuine care among all the residents of the small Louisiana town. I really enjoyed listening to this book on audio and would recommend to anyone looking for a quick, sweet romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eALC in exchange for an honest review!

[B. Malary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4✨ This was such a cute, feel-good palate cleanser that still had some emotional weight to it 😩📖✨ The characters felt so real, and that small-town, everybody-in-your-business energy had me locked in 😂☕ I love a little community mess! At the same time, the story didn’t shy away from grief 💔 it showed how heavy it can be and how it lingers, especially when you’re trying to open yourself up to happiness again 😔 Leslie felt so relatable, strong but tired, hopeful but scared, and just truly deserving of love 🥹✨ And Gabe? Yeah, he understood the assignment ❤️ patient, supportive, no unnecessary drama, just what she needed 👏🏾 The little matchmaking moments and that sweet mom-teacher connection added the perfect touch, and the ending wrapped everything up so nicely.💕

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great being back in Gauthier where widowed single mum Leslie is trying to get on with life after the loss of her husband. It doesn't help that the church ladies are quick to suggest she gets onto the bandwagon again and look at handsome Gabriel who works at the local school. Gabe is interested in Leslie from the get go but Leslie holds back initially. Gabe is younger, she's a mum. Eventually we all know what's bound to happen. And happen it does. 

I enjoyed this installment a lot more than some of the others I've read. The story was sweet and I understood Leslie's predicament and her reactions, especially once we're treated to knowing more about her past with her husband. The audiobook narration was perfect with the story leaving me feeling content by the end.

[RainbowReadingAlmanac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book about a single Mom of two young girls who is finding her way of moving on with life after the death of her Husband. In walks a teacher newer to the small town life who the church ladies are trying to throw at Leslie as someone to date. The focus on education, being there for your children and the importance of preserving small town life are great topics in this book. It also addresses serious issues such as suicide, grief and depression. Also can we just applaud the green flag men in this book, thank you Farrah Rochon! The narrators bring this book to life and I highly recommend listening to this one!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widow Leslie is juggling motherhood and community expectations when she meets science teacher Gabriel. Seeking a fresh start, Gabriel is drawn to Leslie, but her heart is carefully guarded. As their connection grows, he must prove he's worth the risk and convince her that love means finding the person who helps you live again.

What a lovely, heartwarming romance! The characters are well-developed and relatable, while the plot is engaging and drew me in. Leslie and Gabriel are a swoony, likable couple, and the gossipy small-town setting added fun. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Brittany Kitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️'s

Getting Leslie Kirkland’s story was something I didn’t know I needed, but I’m so glad I got it.

Forever With You is a heartwarming story that explores grief, healing, and the lasting impact loss can have on those left behind. Leslie was an intriguing character in Shayla’s story, and seeing things from her perspective made her feel even more layered and relatable.

Gabriel Franklin is absolutely the kind of book boyfriend who deserves praise—wise beyond his years, patient, and deeply understanding. He felt like the perfect match for Leslie and her girls.

Another wonderful Bayou Dreams book under my belt, and I can’t wait to see whose story is next.

[Sarah Battiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the series and while it could stand alone I do recommend reading it after book 4. It centers around the widow of Shayla (book 4)’s brother. Leslie is navigating being a single mom and dating post her husband’s suicide and all the emotions. The male main character is her daughter’s teacher. He falls in love fast to me but the rest feels raw and real. It’s a great story of starting over and navigating such a big loss with kids.

Love this series. Thank you for the advanced copy it comes out next week on April 21!! Make sure to snag it.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two years had passed since Leslie lost her husband and she is ready to start a new life with her two daughters. She is thinking about going back to Houston and leave all the painful memories in Gautier, Louisiana. But when young and charismatic teacher, Gabriel, take notice of Leslie, little does she know that fighting their attraction is foolish and a future is opening for both of them. Marissa Hampton makes a wonderful job as narrator. Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for the ALC copy. This is my honest review.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farrah Rochon never disappoints. I loved the characters in their book especially with the forbidden age gap between Gabe and Leslie. This book delves into the difficult topics without bringing the mood down and highlights just how important love, friendship, and community are in life. Basically this book is a lighthearted but deep book with spice peppered in to the book. This is a great quick read.
The narrator was great. It felt like there were multiple narrators instead of just one so she killed it.

[TheLITZone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always going to say I wish these were longer but the amount of emotion the author packs in is nothing short of amazing. I absolutely loved the way the FMC navigated through her grief but was able to find herself in the process, while it wasn’t quick it was beautiful to watch. The only thing I didn’t like was what she was planning to do but I can understand why but I don’t think she was thinking about the whole picture but only what would make her feel better. I love that everything worked out especially with the things that were at stake and the changes that were being considered.

[Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books in the series despite my misgivings about the way the single mother behaved very unmotherly through a lot of the book. In my experience, a mom would not think about moving her kids across the country, away from her support systems, and into a city where she likely could not afford a house with a yard, just because it would make her "feel better". Otherwise, it was a great story of second love.

Thank you to Netgalley and RBMedia for the audio ARC