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Life on the Ledge Duet #2
Now to Forever
Full description coming soon!
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
279 people are currently reading
3185 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Manley
5 books493 followersGive me all the unexpected characters, snark, and gasms. Please and thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
May 2, 2025
Scotty!! She has every reason to hate the world (and lets everyone around her feel that resentment), but even the prickliest Beth Dutton type of woman softens overtime. It was a journey to love Scotty (she sure loves to use the F word!), but I truly saw her clearly be the end. Ashley Manley writes another winner!
July 5, 2025
Love Scotty even though she should be the most unlikeable character ever. She’s Beth Dutton come to life and man do I have a soft spot for her.
June 9, 2025
NOW TO FOREVER by Ashley Manley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was perfection to me. To say that I fell in love with the characters is an understatement. Scotty is prickly, snarky, unfiltered, swears in every sentence… but somehow is so insanely lovable? And Ford is an absolute dream and exactly what Scotty needs. Something I have found in Ashley Manley books, is that I don’t just fall in love with the main characters, but sooo many. Wanda and Dondi… are you kidding me?! I would pay good money to hang out with Dondi. That last 10% of the book though 🥹🥹🥹 I don’t want to give too much away, but just know, I read late into the night, and it was worth the hangover the next day.
Scotty has dealt with more than her fair share of tragedy and grief in her life which has made her a bit (a lot) rough around the edges. After learning to only rely on herself, when her first love shows up in town, everything she has practiced is questioned.
Pub. Date: July 8, 2025.
Perfect if you like:
•Second chance romance.
•Whole cast of lovable characters.
•Will make you laugh and cry.
•Single Dad.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍫
🚪: chapters 25, 33, 40
⚠️: so, so much explicit language… but it’s Scotty. TW: addiction, death.
Scotty has dealt with more than her fair share of tragedy and grief in her life which has made her a bit (a lot) rough around the edges. After learning to only rely on herself, when her first love shows up in town, everything she has practiced is questioned.
Pub. Date: July 8, 2025.
Perfect if you like:
•Second chance romance.
•Whole cast of lovable characters.
•Will make you laugh and cry.
•Single Dad.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍫
🚪: chapters 25, 33, 40
⚠️: so, so much explicit language… but it’s Scotty. TW: addiction, death.
July 15, 2025
“We all make choices in life we have to live with,” she continues, face filled with distant resignation. “Fight battles we shouldn’t have fought. Skipped battles we shouldn’t have skipped.” She laughs softly; it’s empty. “Regrets are the hardest thing in the world to reconcile when you get to be my age.”
Scotty, Scotty, Scotty .... you foul-mouthed, heart-of-gold spitfire; you made me smile, cry and cheer you on. You are one of my favorite characters created by Ashley Manley, and believe me there are many to love and this book has a wonderful group - Ford, Wren, Wanda, Mel and of course June.
"I’ve forgotten how my best friend always feels like home. How without her friendship, I might not have survived all my hardest days."
The story is heavy and touches on addiction, self harm, death and abuse, but with the tears will come so many laughs. When you are looking for a book to get you out of a slump or restore your love of books, pick up an Ashley Manley book. There are so many to love.
Scotty, Scotty, Scotty .... you foul-mouthed, heart-of-gold spitfire; you made me smile, cry and cheer you on. You are one of my favorite characters created by Ashley Manley, and believe me there are many to love and this book has a wonderful group - Ford, Wren, Wanda, Mel and of course June.
"I’ve forgotten how my best friend always feels like home. How without her friendship, I might not have survived all my hardest days."
The story is heavy and touches on addiction, self harm, death and abuse, but with the tears will come so many laughs. When you are looking for a book to get you out of a slump or restore your love of books, pick up an Ashley Manley book. There are so many to love.
June 30, 2025
5 wonderful stars! Loved it! Ashley Manley has done it again, taking me on an emotional roller-coaster of laughs and tears. Making me love her characters and this heartfelt story.
Book 2, Scotty's turn (she's June's BFF from book 1, Forever and Back). Oh, how I love Scotty, and she's cranked up full throttle here. She's tough, takes no one's crap and (shockingly at times) says exactly what she thinks. She's prickly, snarky, sassy, and deeply haunted by past emotional trauma and regrets. To add to her growing pain, Ford, her only love returns to town. Scotty has a load to work through.
While my heart ached for Scotty as she made her way through the pain, I cheered as she learned to grow and make peace with the past and allowed herself to love and be loved.
There are so many great characters here. My favorites first and foremost, Ford and Wren. Along with Wanda and Dondi (Scotty's cremation employees), Mel, and, of course, June.
Wonderfully written, this story sticks with you long after it's over. I'm very grateful to have received an ARC. This is my fourth Ashley book, and I'm anxiously looking forward to whatever she writes next.
Book 2, Scotty's turn (she's June's BFF from book 1, Forever and Back). Oh, how I love Scotty, and she's cranked up full throttle here. She's tough, takes no one's crap and (shockingly at times) says exactly what she thinks. She's prickly, snarky, sassy, and deeply haunted by past emotional trauma and regrets. To add to her growing pain, Ford, her only love returns to town. Scotty has a load to work through.
While my heart ached for Scotty as she made her way through the pain, I cheered as she learned to grow and make peace with the past and allowed herself to love and be loved.
There are so many great characters here. My favorites first and foremost, Ford and Wren. Along with Wanda and Dondi (Scotty's cremation employees), Mel, and, of course, June.
Wonderfully written, this story sticks with you long after it's over. I'm very grateful to have received an ARC. This is my fourth Ashley book, and I'm anxiously looking forward to whatever she writes next.
July 24, 2025
July 24, 2025
My favourite novel to ever exist. Hits just the same as it does every time I read it.
July 1, 2025
SCOTTY
Probably will never love a character as much as I love her 🤩. Unfiltered.
Speaks what’s on her mind.
Works hard.
Takes no shit from anyone.
She’s my kind.
I met her last year, and I’m beyond excited for everyone else to see what kind of girl we’ve got here. A journey of a broken girl, realizing along the way, that she is worthy of all the love.
Manley does it again. 🙌🏼.
My favourite novel to ever exist. Hits just the same as it does every time I read it.
July 1, 2025
SCOTTY
Probably will never love a character as much as I love her 🤩. Unfiltered.
Speaks what’s on her mind.
Works hard.
Takes no shit from anyone.
She’s my kind.
I met her last year, and I’m beyond excited for everyone else to see what kind of girl we’ve got here. A journey of a broken girl, realizing along the way, that she is worthy of all the love.
Manley does it again. 🙌🏼.
July 3, 2025
LOVE Ashley Manleys writing! Her characters are older like me, so what they go through is very relatable. I enjoyed this book even more than Forever and Back, which is paired with this book.
July 31, 2025
4.5🌟 Loved Scotty’s story. I will forever be an Ashley Manley fan!
July 18, 2025
I’ll never stop being amazed at how this woman makes me sob the last 10% of every book she writes
November 16, 2025
Book two trumped book one. I truly enjoyed this book. Book one Forever & Back I enjoyed as well, but this one was better. Scotty got to tell her story. It was probably a little long and a little repetitive, but there were some pretty deep subject matters that these characters have had to work through.
Really loved Scotty & Ford! 4.5⭐️
Really loved Scotty & Ford! 4.5⭐️
June 4, 2025
Let me start this review by saying, I’ve never read a bad book from Ashley Manley.☝🏻 Her debut novel made me love her (Every Beautiful Mile) and her second release (When Wildflowers Bloom) solidified her as my favorite author. With that being said, Now to Forever is another (unsurprisingly) 5 star read to add to the collection. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t know what to expect from Scotty after being introduced to her in Forever and Back. I quickly realized that Scotty gives all the main character energy- witty, strong, independent, caring, a little arrogant, but also self conscious. It’s hard not to love her, honestly, even though she seems a tab bit scary at first. You get to see her navigate several, difficult life circumstances that will have you rooting for her til the very end.
As always, the male main character, Ford, is just so good at making you blush. I mean the banter is so delightful, sometimes I have to read it twice. The kind that makes you stupid smile in public and then you have to hope no one was watching you.
Ashley’s specialty is her ability to make all her side characters unique, lovable, and purposeful. This crew of misfits will have you laughing out loud one chapter and then tugging at your heartstrings with tears the next.
The thing I love most about all of Manley’s stories, is her intent with every detail throughout the book. Such careful consideration for all points of the storyline, no stone left unturned. She is truly a master at her craft and this was another masterpiece complete. 👏🏻 I was honored to have received a ARC copy of this release and can’t wait to read what she comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and just pick up every one of her books.
I didn’t know what to expect from Scotty after being introduced to her in Forever and Back. I quickly realized that Scotty gives all the main character energy- witty, strong, independent, caring, a little arrogant, but also self conscious. It’s hard not to love her, honestly, even though she seems a tab bit scary at first. You get to see her navigate several, difficult life circumstances that will have you rooting for her til the very end.
As always, the male main character, Ford, is just so good at making you blush. I mean the banter is so delightful, sometimes I have to read it twice. The kind that makes you stupid smile in public and then you have to hope no one was watching you.
Ashley’s specialty is her ability to make all her side characters unique, lovable, and purposeful. This crew of misfits will have you laughing out loud one chapter and then tugging at your heartstrings with tears the next.
The thing I love most about all of Manley’s stories, is her intent with every detail throughout the book. Such careful consideration for all points of the storyline, no stone left unturned. She is truly a master at her craft and this was another masterpiece complete. 👏🏻 I was honored to have received a ARC copy of this release and can’t wait to read what she comes up with next. Do yourself a favor and just pick up every one of her books.
July 7, 2025
4.5 stars! Ashley Manley does it again. The Life on the Ledge Duet is amazing. You can’t help but love June and Scotty.
In Now to Forever, Scotty is finally dealing with 20 year old trauma. This is a second chance romance and Ford is a great male character. I also loved the relationship Scotty formed with Wren and how it helped her heal. While I related to June’s book more, this one was also written so well. I found myself highlighting a lot of impactful lines. Heavy themes of addiction, abuse, and loss of a loved one.
If you haven’t read anything by this author, start with these two books.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In Now to Forever, Scotty is finally dealing with 20 year old trauma. This is a second chance romance and Ford is a great male character. I also loved the relationship Scotty formed with Wren and how it helped her heal. While I related to June’s book more, this one was also written so well. I found myself highlighting a lot of impactful lines. Heavy themes of addiction, abuse, and loss of a loved one.
If you haven’t read anything by this author, start with these two books.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
Scotty Armstrong is a prickly, potty-mouth and I loved her. This is not your typical romance and Scotty is not your typical heroine, but I was rooting for her on every page despite her rough edges. I’m new to reading Ashley Manley and loved her characters as well as her writing style. I found myself laughing and then crying. I love a book that could pull out every emotion in me. This book isn’t so much about romance (for me) as it was about Scotty’s journey recovering from childhood trauma and grieving the death of her brother—which changed the trajectory of the next twenty years of her life. Loved the last ten percent of the book!
July 16, 2025
I laughed, I cried, it was sexy, it was heart wrenching! All the feels and I absolutely LOVED it! Ashley Manley strikes again! This book definitely landed in my top 5 all time favs!!! Do yourself a favor and read it, and book 1!
May 31, 2025
Ashley has done it again. Thank you so much for sharing Scotty’s story with us. Be ready for an emotional ride with Scotty as she navigates life. Even though her story is different than mine, I still related so much to her thoughts.
*TW: heavy subjects and language. As someone who doesn’t like either, I was not bothered with it and appreciated the way in which it was handled and presented to us, the reader. It was real. Human. I felt compassion and learned about it.
Thank you again, Ashley, for an ARC copy of Now to Forever. You’ve made a lifetime follower of me!!! I’ve now read all of your books and will continue to do so.
*TW: heavy subjects and language. As someone who doesn’t like either, I was not bothered with it and appreciated the way in which it was handled and presented to us, the reader. It was real. Human. I felt compassion and learned about it.
Thank you again, Ashley, for an ARC copy of Now to Forever. You’ve made a lifetime follower of me!!! I’ve now read all of your books and will continue to do so.
May 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This was my first official ARC so I feel very honored to get to read this prior to the official publication release date. Every book from this author has impressed me, most especially as an independent author who is not being heavily edited by a publishing house. This allows for her authentic voice and story telling to really shine through. Comparatively, to many main stream authors that are pumping out books yearly, they seem to be losing their authentic voice. Anyhow, her voice is refreshing.
Now to the story. SCOTTY!! You are a wild woman, who has been hurt and damaged by so much trauma throughout her life. She built up walls that were seemingly so impenetrable so she could hide her crumbling self inside. Much like the house she inherited that needed to be stripped down to the studs and rebuilt to become inhabitable so was she. It was a beautiful and painful story to unfold. She deserved every bit of her happy ending because she had to fight so hard (mostly against herself) to get it.
If this author keeps writing, I will keep reading!
This was my first official ARC so I feel very honored to get to read this prior to the official publication release date. Every book from this author has impressed me, most especially as an independent author who is not being heavily edited by a publishing house. This allows for her authentic voice and story telling to really shine through. Comparatively, to many main stream authors that are pumping out books yearly, they seem to be losing their authentic voice. Anyhow, her voice is refreshing.
Now to the story. SCOTTY!! You are a wild woman, who has been hurt and damaged by so much trauma throughout her life. She built up walls that were seemingly so impenetrable so she could hide her crumbling self inside. Much like the house she inherited that needed to be stripped down to the studs and rebuilt to become inhabitable so was she. It was a beautiful and painful story to unfold. She deserved every bit of her happy ending because she had to fight so hard (mostly against herself) to get it.
If this author keeps writing, I will keep reading!
May 24, 2025
So honored to have been given another ARC by Ashley!! In Junes book (Forever and Back) I wanted a BFF like Scotty .. now In Scotty book (Now to Forever) I want to be HER!!! What an amazing story. I can relate to Scotty on the family member with addiction issues, many times I've felt just like she did. This story is so good + raw and just overall beautiful! It had me laughing hysterically at times and crying the next! Don't tell my husband, but I used the line "Now to Forever" recently in an anniversary card 😊 Never stop writing Ashley, you have a GIFT! 💝 Read this book ASAP when it comes out!
January 29, 2026
As I was reading Scotty’s story, I was reminded many times of this quote I love from Shrimpy in Downton Abbey right before Rose goes to live with the Crawley family: “Love is like riding a horse or speaking french : if you don't learn it young, it's hard to get the trick of it later.” Scotty struggles with love - or she thinks she does. She’s actually really great at loving others in a deep way, but she has no idea how to let others love her. Or even to use those words because “love isn’t for her” or “something she’s allowed to have” because of all of the crappy things that happened to her growing up.
Her parents had no idea how to truly love her. Then addiction took away the two men she ever loved (in two different ways) - her brother and her true love. Now, twenty years later, she’s being forced to confront the truth. She just doesn’t quite know what that is because she can’t see herself very clearly at all.
It’s hard to even talk about the plot of this story without revealing so many of the masterful plot twists. Houses, teenagers, best friends, true loves, the past, the present, dead bodies, bar fights, therapists, trauma, and more are all part of her story. The author masterfully weaves each of these together giving us enough information to know who this person is or what this situation has taught Scotty without revealing it fully right away. It’s not that these plot twists are surprises, but the way that Scotty’s story unfolds, it’s better if you don’t quite know what’s coming when and you let Scotty reveal it to you as she’s ready.
I spent the last ten percent of the book wiping tears from my eyes because I was there with her. I wanted to show up for her and tell her that’s she’s enough just as she is - heck, I want to have the same thing happen to me. People coming together to share how our lives have impacted each other, finding the thread that connected us all together to help us grow and be loved and love and just “be” with one another.
This is a story about what love really is even when you can’t say the word and refuse to call it that because you’re not sure you even know what it is. But love is easier to learn as an adult than French - especially when you have people who refuse to be pushed away because they love you and can’t imagine their lives without you in them.
You don’t have to read June’s story first, but Scotty is better if you’ve seen how she loves June through her own moments of discovery - the backstory matters here, so I wouldn’t read this one without first falling in love with June and Camp. Scotty’s love for June shines bright in their finding their way to forever and back.
// I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review //
Her parents had no idea how to truly love her. Then addiction took away the two men she ever loved (in two different ways) - her brother and her true love. Now, twenty years later, she’s being forced to confront the truth. She just doesn’t quite know what that is because she can’t see herself very clearly at all.
It’s hard to even talk about the plot of this story without revealing so many of the masterful plot twists. Houses, teenagers, best friends, true loves, the past, the present, dead bodies, bar fights, therapists, trauma, and more are all part of her story. The author masterfully weaves each of these together giving us enough information to know who this person is or what this situation has taught Scotty without revealing it fully right away. It’s not that these plot twists are surprises, but the way that Scotty’s story unfolds, it’s better if you don’t quite know what’s coming when and you let Scotty reveal it to you as she’s ready.
I spent the last ten percent of the book wiping tears from my eyes because I was there with her. I wanted to show up for her and tell her that’s she’s enough just as she is - heck, I want to have the same thing happen to me. People coming together to share how our lives have impacted each other, finding the thread that connected us all together to help us grow and be loved and love and just “be” with one another.
This is a story about what love really is even when you can’t say the word and refuse to call it that because you’re not sure you even know what it is. But love is easier to learn as an adult than French - especially when you have people who refuse to be pushed away because they love you and can’t imagine their lives without you in them.
You don’t have to read June’s story first, but Scotty is better if you’ve seen how she loves June through her own moments of discovery - the backstory matters here, so I wouldn’t read this one without first falling in love with June and Camp. Scotty’s love for June shines bright in their finding their way to forever and back.
// I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review //
June 5, 2025
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars, I would! I was chosen to be an ARC reader for the first time ever, but I have read all of Ashley's book prior to this one. This is definitely the most emotional book to me and really gives insight into issues in the world that I feel many have no idea about. Including me, especially with the amount of detail we received. I also think Scotty's personality is by far my favorite!
January 25, 2026
Scotty is one of my favorite fictional female main characters 🙌🏻 The Viper Queen 🐙
She is unfiltered, rough around the edges, no brakes, and says exactly what is in her head. I laughed so many times throughout this book. Both times I read it. 👏🏻
Scotty has the emotional range of a wildfire and the loyalty of a pit bull in heels. Hot, loud, borderline feral and somehow the best friend you’ll ever have if you survive the chaos. She loves hard and fierce.
I loved this book so much. It made me laugh, cry, swoon, drool and want to be Scotty Armstrong. 🛀
Ford 🔥 Book boyfriend worthy.
As are all of Ashley Manley’s MMC’s 🙌🏻
You can’t help but fall in love with the side characters too. 💕 The writing is just so good.
I will now to forever be an Ashley Manley reader!!
She is unfiltered, rough around the edges, no brakes, and says exactly what is in her head. I laughed so many times throughout this book. Both times I read it. 👏🏻
Scotty has the emotional range of a wildfire and the loyalty of a pit bull in heels. Hot, loud, borderline feral and somehow the best friend you’ll ever have if you survive the chaos. She loves hard and fierce.
I loved this book so much. It made me laugh, cry, swoon, drool and want to be Scotty Armstrong. 🛀
Ford 🔥 Book boyfriend worthy.
As are all of Ashley Manley’s MMC’s 🙌🏻
You can’t help but fall in love with the side characters too. 💕 The writing is just so good.
I will now to forever be an Ashley Manley reader!!
May 25, 2025
The Life on the Ledge Duet is such an emotional journey! Ashley Manley is an amazing author that will take you on the most crazy roller coaster rides. I can resonate with all of her characters, no matter which book I might be reading. Now to Forever was no different.
For instance,
“Fine is the word used to make everyone else more comfortable. It means falling apart but hiding it.”
Because we are all Scotty. She’s fine (what woman hasn’t said that and meant the complete opposite?). She’s hurt. She’s real. She’s mad. She’s good. She’s stubborn. She’s a badass. She’s forgiving. She holds grudges. She loves hard af.
She’s the girl that grew up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks (or in her case the trailer park) and feels like she’ll never be able to live it down. The girl that came from nothing, lost everything, but still came out on top even if she can’t wrap her mind around it until it’s literally presented with photographic proof. Scotty’s character is obviously the shining star here, but the side characters are also jewels in their own way. You’d be doing yourself a disservice not to get to know them.
Scotty’s story is so well written. It addresses things in life that are hard to talk about - mainly addiction, in any and all forms it may take. It’s full of love, loss, redemption, and everything in between. There are twists and turns all along the way.
Lasting impressions: Scotty shows up for those that don’t have anyone else. She makes sure no one is ever left alone even if she feels overwhelmingly lonely herself. She tries to make amends for her past, shouldering burden after burden that isn’t hers to carry. She gives love to those that don’t deserve it, but has a hard time accepting it herself.
Spoiler alert ✨ Despite it all, Scotty wins; she gets the HEA she so badly deserves (as well as the side characters that I’ve come to love almost just as much).
I laughed and cried all throughout these pages. Tears from laughter, tears from loss, tears for Scotty, for Wren, and for Mel. I’ll own it; I was an emotional hag throughout this whole journey. 🙄
I’m fine now though. 😉
For instance,
“Fine is the word used to make everyone else more comfortable. It means falling apart but hiding it.”
Because we are all Scotty. She’s fine (what woman hasn’t said that and meant the complete opposite?). She’s hurt. She’s real. She’s mad. She’s good. She’s stubborn. She’s a badass. She’s forgiving. She holds grudges. She loves hard af.
She’s the girl that grew up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks (or in her case the trailer park) and feels like she’ll never be able to live it down. The girl that came from nothing, lost everything, but still came out on top even if she can’t wrap her mind around it until it’s literally presented with photographic proof. Scotty’s character is obviously the shining star here, but the side characters are also jewels in their own way. You’d be doing yourself a disservice not to get to know them.
Scotty’s story is so well written. It addresses things in life that are hard to talk about - mainly addiction, in any and all forms it may take. It’s full of love, loss, redemption, and everything in between. There are twists and turns all along the way.
Lasting impressions: Scotty shows up for those that don’t have anyone else. She makes sure no one is ever left alone even if she feels overwhelmingly lonely herself. She tries to make amends for her past, shouldering burden after burden that isn’t hers to carry. She gives love to those that don’t deserve it, but has a hard time accepting it herself.
Spoiler alert ✨ Despite it all, Scotty wins; she gets the HEA she so badly deserves (as well as the side characters that I’ve come to love almost just as much).
I laughed and cried all throughout these pages. Tears from laughter, tears from loss, tears for Scotty, for Wren, and for Mel. I’ll own it; I was an emotional hag throughout this whole journey. 🙄
I’m fine now though. 😉
May 21, 2025
Now to Forever by Ashley Manley is the kind of book that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. From the very first page, I was completely hooked—and by the last, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I’ll genuinely miss Ford, Scotty, and Wren. These characters felt so real, so beautifully flawed, that they’ll stay with me long after the final chapter.
Ashley Manley has an incredible gift for storytelling. This book made me laugh out loud, cry more than once, and even get angry—especially when rooting for Scotty as she faced her past. Her journey, marked by trauma and emotional roadblocks, was raw and authentic. Scotty is full of fire and a lifetime worth of hurt. Watching her find the courage to heal and open herself up happiness was such a fun journey.
There’s so much heart in these pages. The chemistry, the emotional depth, the banter—it all worked together to create a story I didn’t want to end.
If you want a book that will make you feel everything, Now to Forever is it. Powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
Ashley Manley has an incredible gift for storytelling. This book made me laugh out loud, cry more than once, and even get angry—especially when rooting for Scotty as she faced her past. Her journey, marked by trauma and emotional roadblocks, was raw and authentic. Scotty is full of fire and a lifetime worth of hurt. Watching her find the courage to heal and open herself up happiness was such a fun journey.
There’s so much heart in these pages. The chemistry, the emotional depth, the banter—it all worked together to create a story I didn’t want to end.
If you want a book that will make you feel everything, Now to Forever is it. Powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.
May 25, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Now to Forever by Ashley Manley and boy was I excited! I loved this book so much!! I love Scotty and her fiery personality. She's absolutely the best friend we all need! Ashley always gives us the best characters in her books and did not fail with this book either. The "misfits" in the group sessions were fantastic and even the bodies that met their happy endings were a variety of characters. I loved Wren and her ability to go back and forth with Scotty..like two peas in a pod..just less mouthy! I wanted to strangle Scotty and at the same time I wanted to hug her even though she'd probably have some choice words for that! The Thanksgiving scene absolutely melted my heart big time and I loved it. As usual, there were several quotes that made me laugh out loud and think man I would just love to hang out with Scotty! Can't rave about this enough and highly recommend it.
May 31, 2025
Writing this at 1 am, as a mom of young kids, up way past my bedtime because I could NOT PUT THIS DOWN!
In full transparency, I have loved everything Ashley Manley has written. Truly all of her books have been genuine 5 stars for me. But I love that each of them have completely different but completely relatable characters.
Scotty is completely different than me or the people in my life. But I loved her. Dealing with life and loss is something most of us are familiar with and reading through her journey of navigating the truly terrible parts of life by slowly finding the good was amazing.
Ford was perfect. Wren lovable. Supporting characters quirky and adorable. Scotty fierce but solid. Emotional stories of loss. Hopeful stories of redemption and recovery.
Loved it so much.
In full transparency, I have loved everything Ashley Manley has written. Truly all of her books have been genuine 5 stars for me. But I love that each of them have completely different but completely relatable characters.
Scotty is completely different than me or the people in my life. But I loved her. Dealing with life and loss is something most of us are familiar with and reading through her journey of navigating the truly terrible parts of life by slowly finding the good was amazing.
Ford was perfect. Wren lovable. Supporting characters quirky and adorable. Scotty fierce but solid. Emotional stories of loss. Hopeful stories of redemption and recovery.
Loved it so much.
November 10, 2025
I MEAN, YOU GUYS?!? SCOTTY?! The cussing, rough around the edges, tender hearted, quirky crematorium lady with a heart of gold?? WHO RECEIVES THE LOVE OF ONE OF THE BEST MMCS I’VE READ THIS YEAR??? There is so much to love about this book.
I loved Forever & Back but Scotty’s story takes it for me. She’s so FUNNY! And insane! What’s not to love?? Her dialogue had me laughing out loud. Ford’s understanding and patience and devotion but also his ability to hold her accountable was 😭 I would have his child and give Wren and Blue another step sibling tomorrow. Scotty and June’s relationship is beautiful and precious and so, so real (like why do we push the people who want to love us the most away, so weird of us lol)
I thought she navigated the topics of addiction, poor parenting & trauma with grace and honesty.
Y’all I loved this book. And also the bathtub scene?? 👀🥵wasn’t even the spiciest part of the book but DAMN was it the hottest
I loved Forever & Back but Scotty’s story takes it for me. She’s so FUNNY! And insane! What’s not to love?? Her dialogue had me laughing out loud. Ford’s understanding and patience and devotion but also his ability to hold her accountable was 😭 I would have his child and give Wren and Blue another step sibling tomorrow. Scotty and June’s relationship is beautiful and precious and so, so real (like why do we push the people who want to love us the most away, so weird of us lol)
I thought she navigated the topics of addiction, poor parenting & trauma with grace and honesty.
Y’all I loved this book. And also the bathtub scene?? 👀🥵wasn’t even the spiciest part of the book but DAMN was it the hottest
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
Now To Forever is the second book in the Life On The Ledge Duet. Scotty is a tough as nails single woman in her early forties who works at a crematorium. It doesn’t take long to learn that her foul language is really a defense mechanism to manage the grief she has endured and a strategy to keep people from getting close to her. While there is a second chances love story in this book, the real love story is between Scotty and the important women in her life…old and new. If you appreciate witty banter, relatable stage of life issues, grief, female friendship, joy and heartbreak of parenting adolescents, and embracing life…then check this one out. I love that the June and Scotty friendship ties the two books together. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy an Advance Reader Copy of Now To Forever.
May 22, 2025
I’d rate it 6 stars if it let me. I loved Forever and Back. It was one of those books that made me cry and think about the book after I was done. Now to forever was no different in all the feels. I’d even say more so! The depth of all the characters. Scotty’s a powerful main character. I think so many people can relate on some level to her. Ford’s unwavering love, wren’s hurt and growth, June’s enduring friendship with Scotty all added to making the book a favorite. One of those books I couldn’t put down, am sad I’m done reading and wish I could read again for the first time. So glad I was part of the ARC.
June 30, 2025
Scotty is such a character! She is funny, loyal, stubborn, and can’t get out of her own way to let herself be loved. And yet, you can’t help but cheer her on and love her just the same. Ashley Manley has once again written a book that will make you laugh out loud, gasp in the audacity and cry at the feeling of being understood. She is a master of bringing characters into your life that you want to be lifelong friends with. I will read anything she writes. You will love this book, love Scotty and want more books in this series guaranteed!!!
June 9, 2025
I don’t know how Manley does it, but Scotty’s book is yet another 5 star read! Scotty’s attitude and general demeanor made for some really funny (and cringy) moments, and while I knew we would likely see a softer side of her at some point, I didn’t expect to be sobbing by the end of the book. I love that Scotty and June’s books could be read as stand alone books but they also converge nicely as well. Thank you, Ashley, for allowing me to be an ARC reader yet again. You da best, ya hag!
July 4, 2025
5 ⭐️ Incredible. Speechless. Ashley Manley is one of my new favorite contemporary romance authors and an auto buy from here on out!
An MMC who is down BAD, insane character growth, and complicated family dynamics = everything I want in a book! And Ashley Manley’s writing I connect with on a soul level. So many quotes I LOVED. Will rave out this for a while!
An MMC who is down BAD, insane character growth, and complicated family dynamics = everything I want in a book! And Ashley Manley’s writing I connect with on a soul level. So many quotes I LOVED. Will rave out this for a while!
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