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Not Your Forever
** This is a Re Release
Forever was Serenity Gore’s destination until the man she was pledging her love to, left her at the altar. Devastated and in desperate need of clarity, she decided to disappear for a while to repair her heart. Bunking down in a nondescript town might be the remedy she’s seeking. However, a fateful encounter may teach her love wasn’t her sickness after all.
Jep Hope owns the town’s bed and breakfast. After losing his wife to illness, he’s sworn off having a love life. Dedicated to country life, he detests the fast city life and all the things that come with it. Yet, meeting a stranded city dweller on the side of the road awakens the part of his heart he thought he buried. Until the day she chooses to leave him behind.
Will Jep and Serenity surrender to the longing in their hearts? Or will they realize forever is never as long as it seems?
Forever was Serenity Gore’s destination until the man she was pledging her love to, left her at the altar. Devastated and in desperate need of clarity, she decided to disappear for a while to repair her heart. Bunking down in a nondescript town might be the remedy she’s seeking. However, a fateful encounter may teach her love wasn’t her sickness after all.
Jep Hope owns the town’s bed and breakfast. After losing his wife to illness, he’s sworn off having a love life. Dedicated to country life, he detests the fast city life and all the things that come with it. Yet, meeting a stranded city dweller on the side of the road awakens the part of his heart he thought he buried. Until the day she chooses to leave him behind.
Will Jep and Serenity surrender to the longing in their hearts? Or will they realize forever is never as long as it seems?
Audible Audio
Published April 17, 2025
186 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
C. Monet
70 books255 followersI'm Author C. Monet of Clarksville TN. I write transparent creative romance with a splash of urban. My stories feature, smart, witty boss women and swoon-worthy, loving, flawed men all looking for one thing..... LOVE. Yes, you guessed it I write about love. My novels usually center around instalove, opposites attract, and redemptive love. However, I've been known to come up with love that cant be placed in a box. All in all, love is the motive no matter how it's reached. My books will leave you full; full of love, gems, and pieces of me.
Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.
Join me in my journey by subscribing to my mailing list at www.authorcmonet.com
Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.
Join me in my journey by subscribing to my mailing list at www.authorcmonet.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 12, 2020
Yep, it was good-Country vs. City!
Instalove is a thing, and it can be real if the author makes you believe it can happen. In this story, Serenity Gore was ready to be someone's wife, little did she know, the man meant for her was not who she expected. Jep Hope met Serenity at her lowest point, and he would be the change she never realized she needed. Country vs. City, was a perfect match in this tale. The author's characterizations were fun. Serenity's best friend Krista was a hoot and a holler. Jep's brother Jason was also fun. And the little sleepy town even sounded like a treat. Because of the way the story flowed, the ex's actions didn't phase me. I knew Serenity would find her footing. Yep! This was a lovely story.
Instalove is a thing, and it can be real if the author makes you believe it can happen. In this story, Serenity Gore was ready to be someone's wife, little did she know, the man meant for her was not who she expected. Jep Hope met Serenity at her lowest point, and he would be the change she never realized she needed. Country vs. City, was a perfect match in this tale. The author's characterizations were fun. Serenity's best friend Krista was a hoot and a holler. Jep's brother Jason was also fun. And the little sleepy town even sounded like a treat. Because of the way the story flowed, the ex's actions didn't phase me. I knew Serenity would find her footing. Yep! This was a lovely story.
September 21, 2020
I love all kinds of romances, and while some people can't get into insta-love stories, I love them; especially when they're done right. This was a such a sweet and romantic story. Jep and Serenity were so freakin' adorable together. Jep was a gentleman through and through, and he showed Serenity kindness and understanding. He treated her like she truly mattered. And being a country girl myself, I can appreciate the country life that Jep loved so much.
I loved Serenity's brother, Sandi and her best friend, Krista was a hoot. It's a blessing to have people like that in your corner. They were ready to send Alonzo's arse to the moon!😂
As for Alonzo, he did not have to wait until they got to the altar to call things off. He wasted five years of Serenity's time when he knew he didn't want to marry her. Some men seem to only realize that a woman is not for them AFTER that woman has put in all the work with supporting them, guiding them, lifting them up to be better versions of themselves. And I HATE how Alonzo kept making it sound like he did Serenity a favor. "It's not like I cheated on you." Ugh! Give me a break!🙄 I mean, in retrospect he did do Serenity a favor, and because of the way he did it, Serenity fled from hurt and embarrassment and ended up meeting Jep. However, Alonzo had the audacity to keep saying it and had the nerve to be offended because she didn't want to talk to him, or that Jep was in her life. I wanted to smack him.🙄
Anyway, I do appreciate how Serenity was honest with herself concerning Alonzo. She realized that over the course of their engagement, she overlooked some of the signs that warned her about him. But she learned what it truly felt like to be loved, appreciated, and valued because of Jep. From a beautiful friendship came love, and I can get on board with that. Loved it.💖💖
P.S. Absolutely love the Spotify list!🎶🎶
I loved Serenity's brother, Sandi and her best friend, Krista was a hoot. It's a blessing to have people like that in your corner. They were ready to send Alonzo's arse to the moon!😂
As for Alonzo, he did not have to wait until they got to the altar to call things off. He wasted five years of Serenity's time when he knew he didn't want to marry her. Some men seem to only realize that a woman is not for them AFTER that woman has put in all the work with supporting them, guiding them, lifting them up to be better versions of themselves. And I HATE how Alonzo kept making it sound like he did Serenity a favor. "It's not like I cheated on you." Ugh! Give me a break!🙄 I mean, in retrospect he did do Serenity a favor, and because of the way he did it, Serenity fled from hurt and embarrassment and ended up meeting Jep. However, Alonzo had the audacity to keep saying it and had the nerve to be offended because she didn't want to talk to him, or that Jep was in her life. I wanted to smack him.🙄
Anyway, I do appreciate how Serenity was honest with herself concerning Alonzo. She realized that over the course of their engagement, she overlooked some of the signs that warned her about him. But she learned what it truly felt like to be loved, appreciated, and valued because of Jep. From a beautiful friendship came love, and I can get on board with that. Loved it.💖💖
P.S. Absolutely love the Spotify list!🎶🎶
August 15, 2020
Time! Not Your Forever by Author C. Monet
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m giving this book 5 stars and more ! When I tell you with this character I fell in love because I felt like the character was me ! Because of the fact I know how it feels when you have been in a relationship for a long time and when marriage comes around you have a choice to make is the person you wanting to marry is he/she really your forever ? Honestly I don’t think it takes a person to realize that they want to spend the rest of their lives with you ! I felt that hurt when Serenity felt like she wasted 5 years with a man 👨 that felt like I’m not the man for you but why you wanna say it on your wedding day! But then Serenity met Jep omg 😱 he gave her the compassion, security, the love she really needed treated her like a queen 👑 and showed her not all men are the same ! But I don’t wanna spoil it for y’all but I really fell in love with this story! @recklesslove_nochaser never disappoints!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m giving this book 5 stars and more ! When I tell you with this character I fell in love because I felt like the character was me ! Because of the fact I know how it feels when you have been in a relationship for a long time and when marriage comes around you have a choice to make is the person you wanting to marry is he/she really your forever ? Honestly I don’t think it takes a person to realize that they want to spend the rest of their lives with you ! I felt that hurt when Serenity felt like she wasted 5 years with a man 👨 that felt like I’m not the man for you but why you wanna say it on your wedding day! But then Serenity met Jep omg 😱 he gave her the compassion, security, the love she really needed treated her like a queen 👑 and showed her not all men are the same ! But I don’t wanna spoil it for y’all but I really fell in love with this story! @recklesslove_nochaser never disappoints!
August 19, 2020
What a sweet, and beautiful story! I felt so bad for Serenity, being embarrassed and left hanging like that! Alonzo was a f**k boy, with a capital F! Where they do that at? But, he was right in every way to let her be available for the man of her dreams to love her. You done made me want a good ole country man! 😂 Jep was a dream, you hear me! Gentleman, hard working, handsome, got some coins and a huge heart. Their connection was so easy, even from the beginning. The way they were able to ease right into each others lives, and hearts was amazing! The lessons they taught each other, helped them heal and be ready to open to love. That encounter on the street in the city, when Alonzo approached them took me out! Hell yeah Jep! ❤ Such a feel good story, loved it! 👍👍👍
August 18, 2020
Fated Love
Alonzo was a coward for stringing Serenity along and waiting until she walked down the isle to marry him to tell her that he wasn't the man for her but in the end, that was the best thing that he could've done for her. Jep was drawn to help Serenity from the start and he basically became her knight in flannel armor who loved her back whole again. I was threw for a loop about JJ at the end. I really loved Serenity and Jep's love journey to each other and how Sandi and Krista always had Serenity's back. I'm glad that Jason came around and didn't try to get Jep to sell their family's heritage again.
Alonzo was a coward for stringing Serenity along and waiting until she walked down the isle to marry him to tell her that he wasn't the man for her but in the end, that was the best thing that he could've done for her. Jep was drawn to help Serenity from the start and he basically became her knight in flannel armor who loved her back whole again. I was threw for a loop about JJ at the end. I really loved Serenity and Jep's love journey to each other and how Sandi and Krista always had Serenity's back. I'm glad that Jason came around and didn't try to get Jep to sell their family's heritage again.
August 26, 2020
Jep and Serenity's story are the epitome of romance movies that I swoon over
I loved every moment of this story. It was refreshing to see two people not deny themselves of a love that they deserved. Serenity admitting that a part of her knew that she and Alonzo weren't meant to be was huge. I still can't imagine being with someone for 5 years, proposing and waiting til the wedding day to say I don't want you. That's crazy, cowardly, and dangerous too because you're playing with someone's emotions. That sex scene was spicy too!! I was like I didn't know Jep had it in him lol!!
I loved every moment of this story. It was refreshing to see two people not deny themselves of a love that they deserved. Serenity admitting that a part of her knew that she and Alonzo weren't meant to be was huge. I still can't imagine being with someone for 5 years, proposing and waiting til the wedding day to say I don't want you. That's crazy, cowardly, and dangerous too because you're playing with someone's emotions. That sex scene was spicy too!! I was like I didn't know Jep had it in him lol!!
August 26, 2020
LOVED IT
A really good love story. Alonzo was a fool to string Serenity along but it all happened in good timing because without this loss of a relationship Serenity wouldn't have met the country cowboy named Jep. Jep was definitely what she needed in a man. He was strong, confident and single. They were perfect for each other because they experienced loss in different ways but going forward knew what they wanted for their next relationship. They say opposites attract and they sure did. Who would've thought a city girl and a country guy would end up together. Their journey to happiness is one you can't pass up on reading.
A really good love story. Alonzo was a fool to string Serenity along but it all happened in good timing because without this loss of a relationship Serenity wouldn't have met the country cowboy named Jep. Jep was definitely what she needed in a man. He was strong, confident and single. They were perfect for each other because they experienced loss in different ways but going forward knew what they wanted for their next relationship. They say opposites attract and they sure did. Who would've thought a city girl and a country guy would end up together. Their journey to happiness is one you can't pass up on reading.
August 13, 2020
A Real Chance at Love
This book should be a black hallmark movie. Southern country boy, rescues female that was somewhat left at the alter(she ran after being let down at her wedding).
Jep found Serenity when she was at her lowest in love. He nursed her back to health and found a way to open his heart to her. They gave themselves a chance at love with minor problems in between. I’m so glad Jep and Serenity followed their heart back to other in time. Great job by a wonderful author.
SN: Serenity’s brother Sanderson needs a spin-off book.
This book should be a black hallmark movie. Southern country boy, rescues female that was somewhat left at the alter(she ran after being let down at her wedding).
Jep found Serenity when she was at her lowest in love. He nursed her back to health and found a way to open his heart to her. They gave themselves a chance at love with minor problems in between. I’m so glad Jep and Serenity followed their heart back to other in time. Great job by a wonderful author.
SN: Serenity’s brother Sanderson needs a spin-off book.
September 13, 2020
This was really good
Now the ending...C.Money you know you wrong for sliding that tid bit of info in there. I loved how she stepped aside when Alonzo resurfaced. Jeb is a great guy. Loved how fierce her friend was for her. The whole story was awesome. C.Money. Thanks for placing a timeline in the story too so readers can follow a story that made sense. anyone trying to figure out if they should read this book...but it and read it, you won't be disappointed. Great job to the author.
Now the ending...C.Money you know you wrong for sliding that tid bit of info in there. I loved how she stepped aside when Alonzo resurfaced. Jeb is a great guy. Loved how fierce her friend was for her. The whole story was awesome. C.Money. Thanks for placing a timeline in the story too so readers can follow a story that made sense. anyone trying to figure out if they should read this book...but it and read it, you won't be disappointed. Great job to the author.
January 26, 2024
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
This is my second time reading Not Your Forever, and I’m still swooning. Jep was just what the doctor ordered for Serenity. I can’t imagine enduring what she did on her wedding day no less. Alonzo definitely should have said something before it got to that, but at the same time I’m happy that Serenity acknowledged her role in their demise. They had me afraid for a minute, but I was happy to see that they found their way back to one another.
This is my second time reading Not Your Forever, and I’m still swooning. Jep was just what the doctor ordered for Serenity. I can’t imagine enduring what she did on her wedding day no less. Alonzo definitely should have said something before it got to that, but at the same time I’m happy that Serenity acknowledged her role in their demise. They had me afraid for a minute, but I was happy to see that they found their way back to one another.
August 12, 2020
Not Your Forever
Alonzo just didn't realize how he blessed Serenity with finding real love. Jep found her and showed her what love does. They graced each other presence and found what options they had. Hard decisions were made but as always, love conquers all!
A very heart touching story about still believing in love. A second wind of finding true love despite all obstacles endured was motivation enough.
The playlist was 🔥🔥🔥!
Alonzo just didn't realize how he blessed Serenity with finding real love. Jep found her and showed her what love does. They graced each other presence and found what options they had. Hard decisions were made but as always, love conquers all!
A very heart touching story about still believing in love. A second wind of finding true love despite all obstacles endured was motivation enough.
The playlist was 🔥🔥🔥!
August 12, 2020
Sweet, Gentle Love
Okay, that first scene had me teary and ready to fight! I was like the bestie Krista, tag me in sis!😈 Serenity 's big day got ruined, but it had her running right where the one she needed was. Jep was a beautiful, kind tender hearted man who was just the balm Serenity's battered emotions needed. I loved the slow hand Jep had with Serenity, it was a slow burn that became an inferno when it was time. This was a sweet romance and I loved it! 5 🌟Stars!
Okay, that first scene had me teary and ready to fight! I was like the bestie Krista, tag me in sis!😈 Serenity 's big day got ruined, but it had her running right where the one she needed was. Jep was a beautiful, kind tender hearted man who was just the balm Serenity's battered emotions needed. I loved the slow hand Jep had with Serenity, it was a slow burn that became an inferno when it was time. This was a sweet romance and I loved it! 5 🌟Stars!
August 16, 2020
Second chances
Alonzo called off the wedding. Being left at the alter can make a person bitter. After fleeing the city to take some time to think Serenity realized that it may have been in God's plan. After loosing Aleta from cancer Jep had put everything into his family business until Serenity stumbled into his little town. Fallen hard and fast he didn't plan on loosing a second love. Jep was determined to make her his future.
Alonzo called off the wedding. Being left at the alter can make a person bitter. After fleeing the city to take some time to think Serenity realized that it may have been in God's plan. After loosing Aleta from cancer Jep had put everything into his family business until Serenity stumbled into his little town. Fallen hard and fast he didn't plan on loosing a second love. Jep was determined to make her his future.
September 15, 2020
The Right Love
As usual, your innovative thoughts and feelings about the right kind of love were soulfully and skillfully portrayed with Serenity and Jep. True wisdom was shown within each character throughout the book, even Alfonso. Also, I have always enjoyed many of the beautiful names of your characters, especially Sanderson. You are blessed with the phenomenal gift of writing.
As usual, your innovative thoughts and feelings about the right kind of love were soulfully and skillfully portrayed with Serenity and Jep. True wisdom was shown within each character throughout the book, even Alfonso. Also, I have always enjoyed many of the beautiful names of your characters, especially Sanderson. You are blessed with the phenomenal gift of writing.
August 12, 2020
All the feels
Serenity and Jep left me feeling like I need to go visit the country. Sometimes things fall apart so better can come together. Phew chile, Jep sounded like what the doctor ordered. And although Alonzo was wrong for wasting her time I’m glad he stopped the wedding and inadvertently lead her to her happily ever after.
Serenity and Jep left me feeling like I need to go visit the country. Sometimes things fall apart so better can come together. Phew chile, Jep sounded like what the doctor ordered. And although Alonzo was wrong for wasting her time I’m glad he stopped the wedding and inadvertently lead her to her happily ever after.
September 3, 2020
Love on the Countryside
There is nothing wrong with a countryside love. Its the little things like respect compassion and unselfishly loving each other that matter the most. A hurtful event led Serenity out of town after suffering a terrible embarrassment on her special day. But what she found when a compassionate stranger opened her eyes to the care she was missing.
There is nothing wrong with a countryside love. Its the little things like respect compassion and unselfishly loving each other that matter the most. A hurtful event led Serenity out of town after suffering a terrible embarrassment on her special day. But what she found when a compassionate stranger opened her eyes to the care she was missing.
September 6, 2020
Amazing Read
Alonzo leaving Serenity at the altar just helped her find her soulmate. Meeting Jep the day she left the city was the best thing to happen to heal the both of their hearts. Jep loved Serenity effortlessly and she accepted it with open arms and realized Alonzo leaving her was never a mistake. Amazing story!
Alonzo leaving Serenity at the altar just helped her find her soulmate. Meeting Jep the day she left the city was the best thing to happen to heal the both of their hearts. Jep loved Serenity effortlessly and she accepted it with open arms and realized Alonzo leaving her was never a mistake. Amazing story!
September 8, 2020
Along with the hugs it made me smile 😃!
I needed this book today. It was an easy read, light hearted and cozy. In today's world life is so complicated and you need moments when you can sit back and believe in a love so good to you it feels like nourishment. This book have me those warm feelings
I needed this book today. It was an easy read, light hearted and cozy. In today's world life is so complicated and you need moments when you can sit back and believe in a love so good to you it feels like nourishment. This book have me those warm feelings
October 20, 2020
Great Story!
I started to read this story wondering if I was going to finish it. It turned out to be a great read. Damn near brought tears to my eyes 👀 and I’m no crybaby. When an author make you care about their characters that’s a great story. Great Story and great author. I highly recommend this novel.
I started to read this story wondering if I was going to finish it. It turned out to be a great read. Damn near brought tears to my eyes 👀 and I’m no crybaby. When an author make you care about their characters that’s a great story. Great Story and great author. I highly recommend this novel.
November 24, 2020
Beautiful
This was the sweetest love story. Definitely romantic and makes you want to find your own Jep. Serenity was a strong woman to deal with that Alonzo character... He wasn't worth her time.I Love the way Jep looked after Serenity and cared for her. So thankful Serenity didn't let her broken heart hinder her from finding true love. Bravo!!
This was the sweetest love story. Definitely romantic and makes you want to find your own Jep. Serenity was a strong woman to deal with that Alonzo character... He wasn't worth her time.I Love the way Jep looked after Serenity and cared for her. So thankful Serenity didn't let her broken heart hinder her from finding true love. Bravo!!
September 1, 2024
Jeb and Serenity!!!
Left at the altar, Serenity finds what she's looking for in a relationship with Jep. I'm glad Serenity realized that trifling Alonzo did her a favor and didn't cut herself off from love. Jep was all man, and I loved him for Serenity. I loved this short and sweet story that gave me all of the feels.
Left at the altar, Serenity finds what she's looking for in a relationship with Jep. I'm glad Serenity realized that trifling Alonzo did her a favor and didn't cut herself off from love. Jep was all man, and I loved him for Serenity. I loved this short and sweet story that gave me all of the feels.
August 17, 2025
Not Your Forever
This was such a sweet story! I loved the mix of city and country. Jep was exactly what Serenity needed. Going away to clear one's head is not a bad idea. It changes your perspective on things, on life. Great story! Glad that they found forever when they found each other.
This was such a sweet story! I loved the mix of city and country. Jep was exactly what Serenity needed. Going away to clear one's head is not a bad idea. It changes your perspective on things, on life. Great story! Glad that they found forever when they found each other.
December 12, 2025
Cute little transition story.
This is a quick little 2nd chance romance. You feel good after reading it and you believe in love conquering all. If you're like me who reads several books at a time or needs a book in-between an intense read then this is a great transition story until your next.
This is a quick little 2nd chance romance. You feel good after reading it and you believe in love conquering all. If you're like me who reads several books at a time or needs a book in-between an intense read then this is a great transition story until your next.
August 12, 2020
Jep is my guy!
This story was soooo sweet. It was a beautiful journey and I could hear the accents, feel the softness, be moved to cry the tears. My heart ended this read with happy beats.
This story was soooo sweet. It was a beautiful journey and I could hear the accents, feel the softness, be moved to cry the tears. My heart ended this read with happy beats.
August 14, 2020
Not your Forever !!
Don't let this be your last country story. I loved it. Alonzo was wrong he should have said something. I felt bad for Serenity but I'm glad she met Jeb he turned out to be all she needed and more .
Don't let this be your last country story. I loved it. Alonzo was wrong he should have said something. I felt bad for Serenity but I'm glad she met Jeb he turned out to be all she needed and more .
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August 14, 2020Loved it
This was my first time reading book by this author and i was not disappointed. I loved Jep and Serenity and the way they loved each other. I will definitely be reading her again. GREAT BOOK!!!
This was my first time reading book by this author and i was not disappointed. I loved Jep and Serenity and the way they loved each other. I will definitely be reading her again. GREAT BOOK!!!
August 14, 2020
All In
True romance story. Everything you thought you wanted was getting ready to come true, until reality snacks you in the face. Reality is the only way you can get through to What you really need. Meeting your soulmate is definitely TRUE.
True romance story. Everything you thought you wanted was getting ready to come true, until reality snacks you in the face. Reality is the only way you can get through to What you really need. Meeting your soulmate is definitely TRUE.
August 15, 2020
Searching for the nearest B&B
I really enjoyed this story. Jed and Serenity were just what each other needed. Even though his timing was off, I liked that Alonzo knew he wasn’t the right one for her and ended the relationship before it got even further. Good job!
I really enjoyed this story. Jed and Serenity were just what each other needed. Even though his timing was off, I liked that Alonzo knew he wasn’t the right one for her and ended the relationship before it got even further. Good job!
August 17, 2020
Classic
This book can easily be revered as a classic love story. The pace of the story was perfect and the story itself was very good. I enjoyed watching (reading) this authentic love story form.
This book can easily be revered as a classic love story. The pace of the story was perfect and the story itself was very good. I enjoyed watching (reading) this authentic love story form.
August 19, 2020
Hope & Serenity!!!
Now in the beginning I was pissed @ the man but it takes alot to acknowledge the truth. He's still a f-boy for waisting 5yrs BUT all was forgiven when the MAN showed up and showed out! This was a great read! 🤗
Now in the beginning I was pissed @ the man but it takes alot to acknowledge the truth. He's still a f-boy for waisting 5yrs BUT all was forgiven when the MAN showed up and showed out! This was a great read! 🤗
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews