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Waiting For Ever: Book 1, For Ever Series

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She expected a fresh start. She didn't expect him.

Shattered by a scandal she doesn't even remember, eighteen-year-old Everly Davis vanished without looking back. Branded the villain after a party took a dark turn, she cut ties with everything—her school, her so-called friends, and the version of herself they made up. She ran to quiet, peaceful Blue Lake, where no one knows her.

Julian McKay isn't looking to be found. At twenty-one, he's still carrying the weight of a girl he couldn't save and a version of himself he barely recognizes. He keeps his circle small, his emotions smaller, and his past buried deep. Love? Not even on the radar. Especially not with a girl who crashes into his life like she's meant to break it open.

But Everly and Julian are two broken people who don't know how to stay broken around each other. And just when they start to believe in second chances, the past Everly thought she left behind shows up.

Moving on sometimes means facing what you ran from. Can they face it together? Or will it tear them apart?

A slow-burn, emotional romance about grief, redemption, and the power of unexpected love. Perfect for fans of small town settings, broken-but-healing characters, forbidden attraction, and second chances that shouldn’t work—but just might.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

9 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

C.M. Wyllie

3 books8 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Jenn.
276 reviews
December 30, 2025
Waiting for Ever is a heartfelt, emotional romance that quietly sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go. C.M. Wylie delivers a beautifully written story about timing, healing, and the kind of love that lingers even when life pulls people in different directions.

The characters feel deeply human…flawed, tender, and shaped by their pasts. And the emotional tension is handled with so much care. I loved how the story balances longing and hope, giving space for growth while still delivering those swoony, meaningful moments that us romance readers eat up. The pacing allows you to really sit in the emotions, making the payoff feel earned and satisfying.

If you enjoy romances that lean emotional, character-driven, and heartfelt, the kind that make you pause and feel, this one is absolutely worth picking up. Plus, the author rocks. For real.

Tropes & vibes:
💞 second-chance romance
💞 slow-burn (this one’s spicy- be aware)
💞 trauma
💞 all the emotions
💞 you will FEEL while reading!!

A beautiful reminder that sometimes love doesn’t fade. It waits.

Speaking of waiting, I CANNOT wait for book 2!!!
Profile Image for Carina Nicole.
29 reviews
October 18, 2025
Loved this book so much!! The character development in Ever is one of my favorites. She starts out so unsure of herself and ends with far more confidence. I love the constant nod to sunsets in this book. I live for a good sunset, especially on the coast or in my cute little town! Speaking of, this author paints the perfect picture of a small town, the way gossip spreads like wildfire & someone can be outcasted for a simple misunderstanding. I absolutely love this author's writing and can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Bailey.
99 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2025
Thank you to C.M. and Happily Booked for this wonderful read.
I loved the intense connection between Julian and Everly.
They both deserve happiness.
I also relate to Everly in some fashion, which made me like her more.
I would want to live in Blue Lake. It seems so comforting and beautiful.
I hope to find out more about Julian in the next book! (And karma.)

-small town
-trauma bonding
-found family
-fresh start
-yummy spice
Profile Image for Ava.
2 reviews
September 26, 2025
I read the full book cover to cover in 4 days… I was hooked!! Wow is the main word I have to say.. the book was phenomenal. The entire thing was so well written and tapped my brain in the exact ways I would want it to be tapped and how I would wish for a story to go. Just enough drama and tension to keep me on the edge of my seat and want to read more- but ultimately the happy ending we all want🥲 still on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 though!

C.M. Wyllie is amazing!! She has crafted the perfect romance story including a mysteriously green flag, who is working on his own healing journey, and a smart beautiful young woman finding her way after leaving her past behind. As an ARC reader, I cannot wait to see how much other people love this book, and to read book 2 of course💖

PS… the book was also very spicy😉🌶️
Profile Image for Mercedes Narain.
225 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2025
Waiting for Ever completely swept me away. It’s such a beautifully written, emotional small-town romance filled with heart, hope, and healing. From the very first chapter, I could tell this story was going to stick with me. It has all the elements that i enjoyed: forced proximity, slow-burn chemistry, and that tender connection that grows naturally between two people who desperately deserve happiness.

Everly and Julian’s story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. They’ve each been through so much, and watching them slowly open up to each other felt so genuine. Their chemistry is soft yet powerful, the kind that sneaks up on you until you’re completely invested in them. What I loved most is that this story doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama or a predictable breakup; instead, it focuses on vulnerability, emotional growth, and two broken people finding peace and love in one another.

Julian completely captured my heart, gentle, thoughtful, and endlessly patient. Everly’s resilience and personal growth made her an incredibly relatable heroine. Together, they bring out the best in one another, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

The small-town setting adds the perfect cozy backdrop, giving the story a warm, comforting vibe that balances the emotional depth beautifully. The writing flows effortlessly, with just the right mix of heartfelt moments, tension, and romance.

This was such a touching and captivating read. C.M. Wyllie’s debut is full of heart, healing, and hope, and I absolutely can’t wait for book two!

Thank you so much to @happilybookedpr and @cmwyllieauthor for the #gifted e-ARC!

⚠️ Please check the trigger warning

4.5 Star rating
Profile Image for V. C.  Magee.
6 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2025
Waiting for Ever, the debut novel by C.M. Wyllie, is a sweet, cozy and wonderfully written small-town romance, full of forced proximity, first love and slow-burn chemistry – and a couple you can’t help but root for.

Eighteen-year-old Everly (Ever) Davis leaves her hometown carrying the weight of a scandal. With her reputation in tatters and trust in short supply, she moves to Blue Lake for a fresh start. There, she’s taken in by her mother’s friend who gives her a job at her gym and space to continue school. What Ever isn’t prepared for is Julian. At 21, he seems like a real-life version of every beguiling man in the love stories she’s read: handsome, muscular and magnetic. But Julian has scars of his own (both literal and figurative) and has retreated to a life of routine and silence. He works as a fitness instructor at the same gym and likes to keep things casual with women, convinced that love isn’t something he deserves.

Julian and Ever slowly let each other in, their desire so swoon-worthy and undeniable that it throws them off balance.

What struck me most about this debut is how refreshing it feels. There’s no dreaded third-act breakup (hallelujah!). Instead, the story stays focused on Ever and Julian’s connection – their spark, trust and the tender, spicy way that, as two broken people, they find something whole together.

According to the author, Waiting for Ever is book one in a series, and what an amazing start it is. I’m thrilled that we’ll be getting more Everly and Julian.

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC. It’s one of my favourite indie reads this year.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,199 reviews60 followers
September 26, 2025
3.5⭐



Everly Davis lo perdió todo en una sola noche: su reputación, a sus amigos y la confianza de su hermana. En su pequeño pueblo los rumores pesan más que la verdad y tras un escándalo que la marcó decide huir a Blue Lake, el único lugar donde alguna vez se sintió en paz. Allí intenta reconstruirse, terminar la preparatoria a distancia y trabajar en el gimnasio y café de Allie, la mejor amiga de su madre.

Comenzar de nuevo no resulta sencillo. La soledad, el miedo a que su pasado la alcance y la atracción inesperada que siente por Julian, un entrenador reservado y enigmático que también carga con cicatrices, ponen a prueba sus fuerzas. Everly descubrirá que sanar no significa olvidar sino atreverse a confiar otra vez y abrirse a la posibilidad de un futuro distinto.



___


Es un libro ligero y rápido de leer. Definitivamente no soy el público meta, pero lo recomiendo para jóvenes.

El tema de Kendall y Chase realmente no quedó concluido, ya que nunca se aclaró lo que pasó esa noche, por lo que no tiene sentido darle tanta importancia si al final se deja al aire.


Gracias Happily Booked PR por el ARC.
Profile Image for shadowarc13.
217 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Waiting for Ever is a charming and heartfelt small town romance filled with forced proximity, first love, and slow burn chemistry. It’s sweet, cozy, and features a couple you genuinely root for.
Eighteen year old Everly “Ever” Davis leaves home after a scandal destroys her reputation and trust. Seeking a fresh start in Blue Lake, she’s taken in by her mother’s friend, who offers her a job and support. What she doesn’t expect is Julian a 21 year old fitness instructor who seems straight out of a romance novel: handsome, magnetic, and quietly damaged. Carrying scars of his own, Julian has built his life on routine and emotional distance, convinced he doesn’t deserve love.
As Ever and Julian slowly open up to each other, their chemistry is undeniable and deeply romantic. What sets this debut apart is how refreshing it feels: there’s no unnecessary third act breakup. Instead, the story stays focused on connection, healing, and the tender, spicy bond between two broken people finding something whole together.
A beautifully written debut with emotional depth and swoon worthy romance. 💛
Profile Image for SleeplessBookExplorer.
66 reviews
December 14, 2025
Small-town romance, healing hearts, and first love.

Book one introduces Everly and Julian, two young characters carrying heavy emotional baggage who find unexpected comfort in each other in the quiet town of Blue Lake. Everly is searching for peace and a fresh start after a scandal she doesn’t even remember, while Julian is still grieving the loss of his high school girlfriend and the version of himself he left behind.

The emotional connection between these two is sweet and tender, and the small-town setting adds a cozy, sheltered feel that works well for a story about healing. Watching Everly experience her firsts — first love, first real sense of safety, first time being truly seen — is touching, and Julian’s protective nature makes their bond feel intense and consuming in a way that fits young love.

That said, the relationship moves very quickly. Over the course of the book, Everly experiences nearly every major romantic milestone for the first time — including saying “I love you” and moving in together — with very little external conflict or plot tension. Because Everly is still a high school senior, the pacing and lack of meaningful obstacles made the story feel more like a soft landing than a fully developed arc.

Overall, this is a gentle, emotional romance that leans heavily into connection and comfort rather than conflict. Readers who enjoy fast-moving relationships, small-town settings, and broken-but-healing characters will likely enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Alex Sedrowski.
494 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2025
Everly and Julian are both nursing some major trauma for being only 18 & 21 respectively. Everly has left home to stay with family friend/honorary aunt Allie in a small town and work at her businesses after being bullied severely when a rumor is started about her after she gets too drunk at a party. Finding peace and finishing the last three months of high school remotely are all she wants. Then she meets Julian. He is a trainer and soon to be partner at Allie’s gym and helps manage the camping site & coffee spot she owns Brew. Still grappling with the suicide of his high school girlfriend he never wanted a relationship, until Everly. These two fight their attraction for a minute and then give in only for Julian to realize Everly is a virgin, he feels undeserving after his past. He ends up being all her firsts and through their insecurities and traumas they fall for each other and find their HEA. Some super sweet and tender moments between them and her first love and his second. Just a lovely young love story!
Profile Image for Hanny Choudhary.
25 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2025
ARC Review

Julian and Everly, two broken souls somehow ended up in Blue Valley to overcome their past. It feels like destiny had written it.
Everly, my sweet girl (or her boyfriend’s sweet girl) is indeed sweet yet strong and brave (sometimes even bold in front of her boyfriend) 🤭.

Julian, the perfect man or as Everly calls him her ideal book boyfriend.
I love the bond between them. There was so much tension between the characters.
Although I really enjoyed reading this, I would have loved to see more of their past. It was described vaguely, not in detail.
But that didn’t make the story any less good, I truly, truly loved it.

@cmwyllieauthor You’ve written such an absolutely amazing book. It’s hard to believe this is your first one. I loved every bit of it, from the writing style to the emotions it carried. Truly a remarkable start and I can’t wait to read more from you in the future.
Profile Image for Anna Christodoulou-Vega.
331 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2025
💫 Book Review: Waiting Forever by C.M. Wyllie

Wow. This book wrecked me in the best possible way. 🥺
Waiting Forever is a slow-burn, emotional romance that dives deep into grief, guilt, and the unexpected beauty of healing when two broken souls find each other.

Everly’s story broke my heart running from a past that wasn’t her fault, just trying to breathe again in quiet Blue Lake. Then comes Julian guarded, scarred, and carrying the kind of pain that doesn’t fade easily. Together, they don’t just find love… they find peace.

Every page felt raw and honest. The slow build between them is filled with quiet moments, unspoken pain, and that soft, aching hope that maybe just maybe they deserve something good. 💔✨

C.M. Wyllie writes with so much heart — I could feel every ounce of pain and redemption through her words. This book isn’t just about love; it’s about forgiveness and learning to live again.

Profile Image for Kenzley Ricklefs.
163 reviews
December 11, 2025
Everly is kind of a loner fishing up high school online, to live with Allie her moms friend, she used to part of the in crowd but something changed, no she just wants to go back to being a nobody and be unseen. Then she meets Julian a mountain of a man, who is a little mysterious and he wants to save everly but she may not need saving. Julian may just measure up to a real life book boyfriend according to everly. While navigating working several jobs and holding down the fort while Allie is gone everly and Julian also navigate their feelings for each other, plagued with nightmares and wanting to run and hide from their feelings due to their past. And man is their past some big deep trauma that’s lead them to blue lake. The writing is great the slow burn is wonderful if you are into slow burn romances. I am so excited to get to the second one I definitely need more everly and Julian in my life.
Profile Image for Brittany Hayley Fraser.
147 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2025
Just finished book 2 of the for ever series Waiting For Ever by C.M Wyllie. This is the 1st book I’ve read from her and it was so good. It’s small town, slow burn romance. It follows Everly a 18 year old who leaves her small town, and family behind to get away from the bullying that has plagued her by those she called friends to finish off her senior year of high school in a small town where her moms best friend lives. She says with Allie who owns the hot spots for campers so while Everly is there she’s working at the coffee shop and the fitness center where she meets Julian. A man with a chip on his shoulder from past issues. I don’t want to say too much but the book is good. It is slow burn not to much drama other than the beginning. One thing I wished is that we read more about Julian’s past. And his pov near the end of the book. But would recommend.
Profile Image for Caroline M.
185 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2025
After a hurtful rumour ruins her life, Everly moves to a new town to start over. She gets a job at a local gym and meets Julian, who’s been through his own struggles. They grow close, and soon their friendship turns into something more—but trusting again might be the hardest thing they have ever done.

Everly and Julian stole my heart in this one! ❤️ She faced so much unfairness. He was grumpy on the outside, but so soft on the inside (seriously, he's a big, cuddly puppy!). Watching them find each other through their shared past was everything. My only small hang-up? We needed more answers on what actually happened to her.
A beautiful story about finding love when you need it most.

Grumpy Hero with a Soft Heart 🐺➡️🐶

Shared Trauma / Emotional Bond 🔗💔

Wounded Heroine 🤕

Quest for Unconditional Love ❤️✨

Small Town Romance 🏡

Forced Proximity 🏠🔒
Profile Image for CatReads_.
15 reviews
October 25, 2025
3.5 🌟
1.5 🌶️
Pros: Cute debut. The story was sweet, with some spice. Nothing crazy. It was a straight forward kind of romance story that felt cozy, like a blanket being wrapped around you. Small town Cali vibes made me want to go to the lake. Nice debut by the author.

Cons: it took me a while to feel connected to the main characters. Everly (“Ever”) is kind of forgettable in the beginning and just kind of meh. And Julian is just kind of a dick, but they grow on you. They do both have some difficult things in their past, which explains why they are the way they are, though Ever’s trauma is, again, kind of meh.
I also didn’t love how much emphasis the author seemed to put on Ever’s age? She said more than once that she felt “like the oldest eighteen year old.” It was odd and felt kind of out of place.

Still, if you’re looking for a nice quick romance read, definitely pick this one up.
Profile Image for Siera.
22 reviews
October 1, 2025
I just finished Waiting For Ever by C.M. Wyllie, and wow—what an incredible debut! This story had everything I love in a small-town romance: forced proximity, found family, first love, and a slow-burn connection that tugged at every emotion.

The dual POV gave so much depth to both characters, and the trauma bonding and healing journey were handled with such care and authenticity. The lake town setting felt cozy yet emotional, perfectly reflecting the ups and downs of the story.

This book was heartfelt, beautifully written, and impossible to put down—I devoured it in just three days! If you love emotional romance with strong mental health rep and characters you’ll carry with you long after finishing, Waiting For Ever is one you won’t want to miss.
240 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2025
When you’re eighteen and a senior in high school the pier pressure is on. When Everly gets so drunk her friend puts her to bed to sleep it off. But the friends boyfriend decides to take advantage of the situation. Now Everly is living in hell. Everyone is blaming her when nothing happened because she was passed out cold. Her life becomes so bad that she leaves her home and family to live with a family friend. Who knew that her life was just beginning. In the new town she finds the work she loves, people that are special and become important to her. She also meets a guy.
This is one of the sweetest love stories I’ve read in a long time. The author keeps thing interesting and moving. I’m looking forward to her next book.
Profile Image for Sarah Wittmer.
54 reviews
October 15, 2025
I am a complete sucker for two broken souls who find each other and that’s exactly what this book is!

Ever(ly) and Julian are some of the sweetest and undeserving characters I’ve read. They both have painful pasts and when they unexpectedly meet each other, the story focuses on their building relationship. They help each other heal and get their very own, much deserved, hea 🤍

I loved the tension between the MC’s which was effectively delivered with the dual pov nature of the writing. It was also refreshing that there wasn’t excess drama; they’ve already been through enough so it’s nice to read about their successes. The pacing was steady and I think it’s necessary to check any triggers/warnings because this book does get into sensitive topics. I can’t wait for book two!
448 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2025
This was such a sweet and emotional read. Everly and Julian are both dealing with their own pasts, and watching them slowly open up to each other felt really genuine. I liked how their relationship built over time.

The small-town setting added a cozy vibe, natural way to connect. There’s tension, healing, and a lot of heart in this story. The drama didn’t feel forced, and the characters stayed true to themselves.

Julian was a standout for me. Quiet, kind, and supportive. Everly’s growth was also great to see, especially as she started to trust again.

I’m glad this is part of a series because I’m already looking forward to book two.
141 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2025
Waiting for Ever is written by C. M. Wyllie. It is a slow burn story about staring over. Everly and Julian find themselves in a new small town. An event at home drives Everly to leave during her senior year of high school and live with Allie. She finishes high school on-line and works for Allie. Julien has been working with Allie for a few years. Everly and Julien are drawn to each other when they first meet but neither is ready for a relationship. Instead they slowly build a friendship which could lead to more. When Everly’s past comes back to disrupt her new life, how will she react? How will Julian react? This was a nice book and an interesting start to a series.
235 reviews
December 5, 2025
This book was so well written! The author did an amazing job bringing the story to life with vivid details and raw emotion. Everly, a smart high school student who never quite fit in, suddenly becomes the talk of the town and ends up moving in with a family friend. That’s where she meets Julian — a guy with his own past trauma he’s still trying to overcome.

I loved how real and heartfelt this story felt. The emotions practically leapt off the page, making it easy to connect with both characters and their struggles. Overall, I truly enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves emotional, character-driven romances. 💕📖
879 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2025
From the opening pages, you know that you are in for one heck of a journey.

Ever is involved in a scandal in her hometown, and it’s apparent that it involves her ‘friend’, her so-called friend’s boyfriend, and what is definitely a setup… but by who…

She’s snarky and standoffish when she meets Julian, and they don’t get along so well… Both are hiding from their pasts, and it’s a difficult journey to get past the guilt and memories.

This was a good read - a little bit of spice, and a bit of mystery, but we still need to know the details! I guess that’s going to come in book 2.
Profile Image for Diamanti.
199 reviews7 followers
October 18, 2025
3,5 ⭐
Hello, people!
This is the first book in the For Ever Series series.
Also, I have to say that it's C.M.Wyllie's first published book. For her first editorial attempt, it's wonderful. Her writing is sweet, quite cozy and romantic, a healing spirit and an explosion of emotions.
The protagonists are Ever and Julian.
The readers will feel a lot of emotions such as angry, sad, calm, trust and love.
I can't wait to see the evolution of her writing in her next book.

Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
1,312 reviews59 followers
October 19, 2025
This book was just amazing. Omgosh, I was caught up on my emotions reading this. Both Everly and Julian made my heart hurt with their pasts. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it was for both of them. But finding each other and watching them come together. To grow and mend along the way. My heart I’d say full from reading this. The love and connection they had once. Omgosh, I’m just so lost for words at how beautiful this story was. I’m definitely looking forward to more from C. M. Wyllie. Just an absolutely beautifully written story ❤️
Profile Image for Miracle Luckett.
45 reviews
November 26, 2025
⭐ARC REVIEW⭐

4/5 stars

This book was really good I liked the ending but be careful and check the trigger warnings.

I loved how one of the main characters, Everly, POV has a book boyfriend. I think that very cute and similar to me because I have so many lol.

I think that since they are both in school they should be kind to yourself and others. This book taught me so much about love!

thank you to the author @cmwylieauthor for writing and sharing this masterpiece to the world. Also thank you to @happilybookedpr.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer C.
42 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2025
This was such a sweet, heartfelt read. I loved the cozy small-town vibes, the soft slow-burn moments, and the way the characters quietly grow into themselves. It’s the kind of story that feels comforting but still keeps you turning pages. I connected so much with Ever’s journey, and the emotional beats were done so beautifully without giving too much away.

I’m honestly so excited to see where this series goes next.
Huge thank you to C.M. Wyllie and Happily Booked PR for the chance to read this—such a lovely escape. 💗
208 reviews
October 15, 2025
What a story! Everley reminded me a lot of me being the shy quiet girl in school. The more I read about what happened to her to make her leave, the more I wanted to see her stand up for herself. Julian is a good guy and so supportive of Ever aka Everley. With them working together at Allis gym and cafe, they build a bond. When they both figure out how to get through their traumas together it’s amazing. What a well written piece by this author!
Profile Image for Molly Bethoney .
163 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2025
I was chosen to read this ARC thanks to the author and Happily Booked PR in exchange for my honest review!

I feel I am alone in this category based on other reviews but…I thought this was a little cheesy?

I loved the trope of 2 traumatized people falling for each other and growing as a couple and as individuals. I also enjoyed the level of spice but things felt weirdly perfect and not as realistic for me as the reader.
Profile Image for Sammi.
67 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2025
My heart broke at the beginning with hearing what had allegedly happened, and the fact that she was in the running for Valedictorian but felt she had to move schools really crushed me. When she moved and found Julian, it healed something in her. He was so patient with her while she worked through things such as her nightmares. I just love watching their story begin and blossom from there! I really enjoyed all of the emotions I could feel while reading this book.
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