What do you think?
Rate this book
Fortune Falls #1
The Now in Forever
Can one perfect day turn into a lifetime love?
Ten years ago, Hattie Stevens spent a little over twenty-four hours with the attractive, creative, always moving, slightly chaotic writer, Ed DeArmas. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable.
Three years ago, Hattie tried to reconnect with Ed at a signing for his book. Nothing went right. She was late for the event and when she finally handed Ed the book to sign, he didn’t recognize her.
Now, on the cusp of turning thirty, she’s about as far from her dream life list as she’s ever been. Divorced, unexpectedly out of a job, still unpublished and doesn’t own the small town bookstore that has been an aspiration since she was a child. Ready for a break from life, she agrees to spend the summer in Fortune Falls on the Oregon Coast with her two best friends and their partners. She’s stunned to find that one of them has brought a guest—Ed.
Thrown together for the summer, both working on drafts of new novels, both single, both attracted to each other, but Ed still doesn’t remember her from their day together. Or does he?
As they get closer, Hattie also grows attached to Fortune Falls, while Ed makes it very clear he would never want to live in a place so small. To complicate matters, a bookstore in an old Victorian house off Main Street is for sale. Hattie must choose between the dream of owning her own bookstore or risk her heart a third time with Ed.
Ten years ago, Hattie Stevens spent a little over twenty-four hours with the attractive, creative, always moving, slightly chaotic writer, Ed DeArmas. The timing was wrong, but their connection was undeniable.
Three years ago, Hattie tried to reconnect with Ed at a signing for his book. Nothing went right. She was late for the event and when she finally handed Ed the book to sign, he didn’t recognize her.
Now, on the cusp of turning thirty, she’s about as far from her dream life list as she’s ever been. Divorced, unexpectedly out of a job, still unpublished and doesn’t own the small town bookstore that has been an aspiration since she was a child. Ready for a break from life, she agrees to spend the summer in Fortune Falls on the Oregon Coast with her two best friends and their partners. She’s stunned to find that one of them has brought a guest—Ed.
Thrown together for the summer, both working on drafts of new novels, both single, both attracted to each other, but Ed still doesn’t remember her from their day together. Or does he?
As they get closer, Hattie also grows attached to Fortune Falls, while Ed makes it very clear he would never want to live in a place so small. To complicate matters, a bookstore in an old Victorian house off Main Street is for sale. Hattie must choose between the dream of owning her own bookstore or risk her heart a third time with Ed.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2025
1 person is currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
N.C. Barton
4 books21 followersNicole Barton received a BFA in mixed media studio art. With a degree in the arts and no solid plan, Nicole has had the opportunity to hold many different jobs; video store manager, barista, photographer’s assistant, toy store clerk, and yoga instructor at a retreat in Puerto Rico are just a few. Hands on research for her books.
Currently, when Nicole’s not writing, you can find her working at a title one elementary school library, crafting with her little girl, or hosting the podcast, So I Wrote a Book…Now What, where she interviews fellow authors about their revision process.
Currently, when Nicole’s not writing, you can find her working at a title one elementary school library, crafting with her little girl, or hosting the podcast, So I Wrote a Book…Now What, where she interviews fellow authors about their revision process.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 20, 2025
Can one perfect day turn into a lifetime of love?
Ten years ago, Hattie spent the best day of her life with Ed. Their timing was off and they agreed to meet up later at a designated time and place. As you can image this didn’t go as planned…
Three years ago, Hattie attends a book signing for Ed (now a published author!). She leaves disappointed that he doesn’t recognize her- was their day not as special as she remembered?
As her life seems to be crumbling around her, Hattie agrees to spend the summer with friends. Upon arriving she learns one of them invited a friend, Ed. As they spend time together, bother working on novels, Hattie wonders if or when Ed will remember her.
This was a cute story of personal perspective and knowing the other side of the story. Ed and Hattie are both imperfect souls who found the perfection in each other… how many times would they let it slip away?
Small town, second chances, and book club!!! I loved that this friend group revolved around a book club! It is rare to find friendships that span decades now and those that share their love of a hobby.
Thank you to the author, NC Barton, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Ten years ago, Hattie spent the best day of her life with Ed. Their timing was off and they agreed to meet up later at a designated time and place. As you can image this didn’t go as planned…
Three years ago, Hattie attends a book signing for Ed (now a published author!). She leaves disappointed that he doesn’t recognize her- was their day not as special as she remembered?
As her life seems to be crumbling around her, Hattie agrees to spend the summer with friends. Upon arriving she learns one of them invited a friend, Ed. As they spend time together, bother working on novels, Hattie wonders if or when Ed will remember her.
This was a cute story of personal perspective and knowing the other side of the story. Ed and Hattie are both imperfect souls who found the perfection in each other… how many times would they let it slip away?
Small town, second chances, and book club!!! I loved that this friend group revolved around a book club! It is rare to find friendships that span decades now and those that share their love of a hobby.
Thank you to the author, NC Barton, and Happily Booked PR for the opportunity to read this book. I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 26, 2025
ARC read
I really wanted to love this with being such a sucker for small town and second chance.
But this just wasn't the book for me.
The FMC was really whiny for me and a lot of it felt repetitive.
I really wanted to love this with being such a sucker for small town and second chance.
But this just wasn't the book for me.
The FMC was really whiny for me and a lot of it felt repetitive.
August 18, 2025
This was a lovely story of second chances and missed opportunities.
Hattie and Ed meet as teens working together for just one day in a bookstore and spend the best day and night together before Ed has to leave. They arrange to meet six months later at the same spot but Ed doesn’t show and Hattie is devastated. Ed becomes a well known published author and, years later and recovering from a divorce, Hattie attends a book signing with him, hoping to reconnect but Ed doesn’t seem to recognise her. She heads out to meet her friends for the summer, only to find that Ed has also been invited and now they are staying at the same house for the summer.
I loved the sweet story between Ed and Hattie, they have a connection from the start, both writers and both looking for someone to connect with. Ed was incredibly chaotic and constantly moving but Hattie was always the one running away from him, expecting him to follow.
There was a great deal of miscommunication on both their parts at various times which could have been avoided if they stayed put long enough to talk things through. A lot of time was wasted by them making assumptions or going through radio silence unnecessarily.
I did like the romance though, it was an interesting story and well paced. The characters were relatable and entertaining and the friend dynamics between Hattie, Robin and Anh were also good to watch, a great group of friends.
Hattie and Ed meet as teens working together for just one day in a bookstore and spend the best day and night together before Ed has to leave. They arrange to meet six months later at the same spot but Ed doesn’t show and Hattie is devastated. Ed becomes a well known published author and, years later and recovering from a divorce, Hattie attends a book signing with him, hoping to reconnect but Ed doesn’t seem to recognise her. She heads out to meet her friends for the summer, only to find that Ed has also been invited and now they are staying at the same house for the summer.
I loved the sweet story between Ed and Hattie, they have a connection from the start, both writers and both looking for someone to connect with. Ed was incredibly chaotic and constantly moving but Hattie was always the one running away from him, expecting him to follow.
There was a great deal of miscommunication on both their parts at various times which could have been avoided if they stayed put long enough to talk things through. A lot of time was wasted by them making assumptions or going through radio silence unnecessarily.
I did like the romance though, it was an interesting story and well paced. The characters were relatable and entertaining and the friend dynamics between Hattie, Robin and Anh were also good to watch, a great group of friends.
August 18, 2025
Happy Release Day to this absolute gem of a book! I was lucky to get an ARC of this and started casually reading it on my lunch break at work. I then kept sneaking pages the rest of the day because I was hooked! My first review was literally 10/10 no notes.
The Now In Forever follows Hattie and Ed, two young aspiring authors, who had a perfect day together 10 years ago. But it was a case of (potential) right person wrong time. And Hattie's attempts to reconnect in the intervening years have gone badly. So of course Ed reappears when she's at a low point: divorced, unemployed, and still unpublished. And he's published, successful, and doesn't seem to remember her at all. I'll leave it there because YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
It's hard to believe that this is N.C. Barton's debut; it's wonderfully written and confident in the story and the characters. Both Ed and Hattie are lovably imperfect in realistic and understandable ways. Did they make me want to tear my hair out at some points? Of course but the way they were communicating was so understandable given the characterization and development they had. This book had it all, made me laugh and cry, and had a few spicier scenes. This has perfect end of summer/early fall vibes. Again seriously, I cannot recommend it enough. I have the feeling N.C. Barton is going to be someone and get in on the ground floor baby!
The Now In Forever follows Hattie and Ed, two young aspiring authors, who had a perfect day together 10 years ago. But it was a case of (potential) right person wrong time. And Hattie's attempts to reconnect in the intervening years have gone badly. So of course Ed reappears when she's at a low point: divorced, unemployed, and still unpublished. And he's published, successful, and doesn't seem to remember her at all. I'll leave it there because YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
It's hard to believe that this is N.C. Barton's debut; it's wonderfully written and confident in the story and the characters. Both Ed and Hattie are lovably imperfect in realistic and understandable ways. Did they make me want to tear my hair out at some points? Of course but the way they were communicating was so understandable given the characterization and development they had. This book had it all, made me laugh and cry, and had a few spicier scenes. This has perfect end of summer/early fall vibes. Again seriously, I cannot recommend it enough. I have the feeling N.C. Barton is going to be someone and get in on the ground floor baby!
August 23, 2025
*Received from Happily Booked PR for review*
I loved everything about this. It was such a fun and emotional read for me! The fmc Hattie and mmc Ed have such an emotional ride and are constantly waffling back and forth, which made me crazy (in a good way 😂) because I just wanted them to be together!!! Their banter was fantastic and funny. But in the end I was very much rooting for Hattie to live out her dreams, she really deserved to get everything she wanted and to move past that fear that was holding her back! ✨
I loved everything about this. It was such a fun and emotional read for me! The fmc Hattie and mmc Ed have such an emotional ride and are constantly waffling back and forth, which made me crazy (in a good way 😂) because I just wanted them to be together!!! Their banter was fantastic and funny. But in the end I was very much rooting for Hattie to live out her dreams, she really deserved to get everything she wanted and to move past that fear that was holding her back! ✨
November 13, 2025
I won a copy of the second book so I wanted to read the first one before I started the second. I really liked the main female character. The main male character was okay. At first I was happy for them but then he was annoying and I kept waiting for something big to happen, some big juicy twist or secret. While it had a happy ending I just saw it going so many other ways. Overall a good read though. 3.5 stars rounded up.
August 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect summer read. It’s beautifully written, emotionally rich, and exactly what I needed. The slow burn romance and dual timeline were so well done and I found myself completely invested in the characters. You’ll fall in love with them just like I did. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
August 10, 2025
Hattie and Eddie story was perfect! It was a small town second chance romance! The book had me pulled in from chapter 1, I love a good second chance romance! It was a beautifully written book and I can’t wait to read more of Fortune Falls series!
August 11, 2025
Cute small town second chance romance … gives all the feels … good pallet cleanser .. just a feel good book … I get get frustrated with the two main characters going back and forth tho… and the friendship in this book reminds me of home
August 18, 2025
On the whole this was a super cute book! I really enjoyed the second chance story, and the friendships we saw throughout! Hattie was a really fun FMC and I enjoyed getting to watch her accept and push for her dreams as the story went on! Her determination to achieve her dreams was so admirable, despite the things pulling her away! AndI liked how Ed was so supportive of Hattie from the very beginning! Without getting his POV, it was good to watch him put in the work toward his own dreams though the course of the story! And the Story Club friend group was such a perfect girl gang! I loved watching them and their support and antics! Overall I really enjoyed this book! 3.75 stars; 2.5 chili peppers
Tropes:
- Second Chance
- Dual Timeline
- Single POV
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- Grumpy x Sunshine
Tropes:
- Second Chance
- Dual Timeline
- Single POV
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- Grumpy x Sunshine
August 19, 2025
THE NOW IN FOREVER
by NC Barton
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ugh, I just couldn’t get into this one. I really hate that too because there were great reviews on this. It just wasn’t for me.
The storyline was all over the place. The main characters were annoying with their actions or lack of. Miscommunication and lack of communication in general. Then seriously, how can you act like you don’t know each other and had an intimate time ten years prior?? This was an emotionally draining read between Hattie and Ed.
I hate doing reviews like this, but honestly I wasn’t feeling it. This is not to say that it isn’t someone else’s cup of tea, it just wasn’t mine.
#ARCreview #romance #smalltown #honestreview
by NC Barton
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ugh, I just couldn’t get into this one. I really hate that too because there were great reviews on this. It just wasn’t for me.
The storyline was all over the place. The main characters were annoying with their actions or lack of. Miscommunication and lack of communication in general. Then seriously, how can you act like you don’t know each other and had an intimate time ten years prior?? This was an emotionally draining read between Hattie and Ed.
I hate doing reviews like this, but honestly I wasn’t feeling it. This is not to say that it isn’t someone else’s cup of tea, it just wasn’t mine.
#ARCreview #romance #smalltown #honestreview
August 8, 2025
Ten years ago, Hattie Stevens meets writer Ed DeArmas at her new job. Classic wrong time, potentially, right person. Their connection and attraction were undeniable. After agreeing to meet up 6 months later and being stood up, Hattie chooses to move on with her life and do her best to forget about that one magical night with Ed.
Seven years later, Hattie tries to reconnect with Ed at a signing for his book, but nothing goes right. She arrived late for the event, and when she finally hands Ed the book to sign, he doesn't even recognize her. Yikes! I can't even imagine how mortifying it would feel to experience this.
Now, on the cusp of turning thirty, Hattie is about as far from her dream life list as she’s ever been. Divorced, unemployed, still unpublished, and she doesn’t own the small town bookstore that she has dreamed of since she was a child.
Ready for a break from life, she agrees to spend the summer in Fortune Falls on the Oregon Coast with her two best friends and their partners.
She’s stunned to find that one of them has brought a guest—Ed. They're thrown together for the summer, but Ed still doesn’t remember her from their day together. Or does he?
As they get closer, Hattie also grows attached to Fortune Falls. A bookstore in an old Victorian house is for sale, and Hattie must choose between the dream of owning her own bookstore or risking her heart a third time with Ed. There is also a very handsome bar owner, Kyle, who is not shy about how he feels for Hattie.
I personally would have picked Kyle 🫢 I would never risk my heart twice, let alone three times for someone. While I get why she chose Ed, I just didn't feel like he wasn't as invested on an emotional level. Maybe a POV from him would have helped. It's still a very enjoyable read, and I hope we'll get more about Robin & Anh.
Seven years later, Hattie tries to reconnect with Ed at a signing for his book, but nothing goes right. She arrived late for the event, and when she finally hands Ed the book to sign, he doesn't even recognize her. Yikes! I can't even imagine how mortifying it would feel to experience this.
Now, on the cusp of turning thirty, Hattie is about as far from her dream life list as she’s ever been. Divorced, unemployed, still unpublished, and she doesn’t own the small town bookstore that she has dreamed of since she was a child.
Ready for a break from life, she agrees to spend the summer in Fortune Falls on the Oregon Coast with her two best friends and their partners.
She’s stunned to find that one of them has brought a guest—Ed. They're thrown together for the summer, but Ed still doesn’t remember her from their day together. Or does he?
As they get closer, Hattie also grows attached to Fortune Falls. A bookstore in an old Victorian house is for sale, and Hattie must choose between the dream of owning her own bookstore or risking her heart a third time with Ed. There is also a very handsome bar owner, Kyle, who is not shy about how he feels for Hattie.
I personally would have picked Kyle 🫢 I would never risk my heart twice, let alone three times for someone. While I get why she chose Ed, I just didn't feel like he wasn't as invested on an emotional level. Maybe a POV from him would have helped. It's still a very enjoyable read, and I hope we'll get more about Robin & Anh.
August 10, 2025
The Now in Forever by NC Barton ARC Review
Release date: 18 August 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for something sweet and emotional with seaside-autumnal small town vibes this could be for you!
This was a sweet read which followed the FMC Hattie and MMC Ed in dual timelines in a sliding doors/missed connection style romance.
Both characters showed huge development and progression throughout and the need to settle into yourself and what you want before you can truly commit to another person is shown throughout. - “All I can control is me”
It’s always so much fun when the main characters are massive readers or writers, which we get buckets and spades of in this book (see what I did there?) as:
-the FMC’s very solid friendship group was founded on a shared love of the same book,
-there’s an ongoing book club and references throughout,
-the MMC is a famous author and
-the FMC is an aspiring author/ English teacher AND has a dream of owning a bookshop.
This truly is a book written for prolific readers- I think we can all relate to the desire to escape into an alternative reality from time to time (daily).
The depiction of close female friendships is heart warming and so relatable. And of course I’m hoping that Anh gets her own book?
- “I’m overwhelmed with love for these two women, showing up for me no matter what.”
Fave quotes with minimal context:
“We shared a moment in time together, and it was beautiful”
“Too tired to reach for the stars”
“‘His name was Chad’. Ed makes a disgusted bleh noise.”
💕 I think the world is hoping that Kyle (a beloved side character with Henry Cavil vibes) will also get his own story- please? 💕
Thank you for the ARC!
@ncbartonwrites
#booksbooksbooks #bookinsta #ncbarton #beachread #bookinstagrammer #bookinspiration #bookrecs
Release date: 18 August 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for something sweet and emotional with seaside-autumnal small town vibes this could be for you!
This was a sweet read which followed the FMC Hattie and MMC Ed in dual timelines in a sliding doors/missed connection style romance.
Both characters showed huge development and progression throughout and the need to settle into yourself and what you want before you can truly commit to another person is shown throughout. - “All I can control is me”
It’s always so much fun when the main characters are massive readers or writers, which we get buckets and spades of in this book (see what I did there?) as:
-the FMC’s very solid friendship group was founded on a shared love of the same book,
-there’s an ongoing book club and references throughout,
-the MMC is a famous author and
-the FMC is an aspiring author/ English teacher AND has a dream of owning a bookshop.
This truly is a book written for prolific readers- I think we can all relate to the desire to escape into an alternative reality from time to time (daily).
The depiction of close female friendships is heart warming and so relatable. And of course I’m hoping that Anh gets her own book?
- “I’m overwhelmed with love for these two women, showing up for me no matter what.”
Fave quotes with minimal context:
“We shared a moment in time together, and it was beautiful”
“Too tired to reach for the stars”
“‘His name was Chad’. Ed makes a disgusted bleh noise.”
💕 I think the world is hoping that Kyle (a beloved side character with Henry Cavil vibes) will also get his own story- please? 💕
Thank you for the ARC!
@ncbartonwrites
#booksbooksbooks #bookinsta #ncbarton #beachread #bookinstagrammer #bookinspiration #bookrecs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
Holy raccoon on a bicycle, this book wrecked me in the best way. It altered the cells in my body and I will never be the same. Hattie and Ed broke my heart, put it back together, broke it again, put it back together again…you get it. I felt raw and exposed and beautiful and strong when I finished this book. Like the cracks and repairs in my soul were part of my beauty and part of my strength.
I love stories about writers. I love stories near the ocean. I love stories around bookstores, in bookstores, about bookstores. Ed and Hattie meet in a bookstore, and their love story weaves them in and out of bookstores (and bars and coffee shops). The heart break they have endured separately and the heartbreak they inflict upon each other is so gorgeously painful, that the moments of clarity and connection they find are sweeter than summer ripened berries.
I worry that if I say too much, then I will have said too much. So I will sigh, and clutch my coffee to my chest, and tell you that this book felt like everything. I cannot explain specifically what about NC Barton’s world sank into my skin and became a part of me, but it did. Hattie and Ed live in me now, Fortune Falls is a physical place that I am anxious to return to, and I eagerly await their friends’ stories. If I could read this book for the first time again, I would. I want to trace the tattoos on Ed’s skin. I want to place a calming hand on Hattie’s arm before we watch the ocean quietly. I want. And perhaps that is what The Now in Forever is really about. Wanting. And that wanting is beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
I love stories about writers. I love stories near the ocean. I love stories around bookstores, in bookstores, about bookstores. Ed and Hattie meet in a bookstore, and their love story weaves them in and out of bookstores (and bars and coffee shops). The heart break they have endured separately and the heartbreak they inflict upon each other is so gorgeously painful, that the moments of clarity and connection they find are sweeter than summer ripened berries.
I worry that if I say too much, then I will have said too much. So I will sigh, and clutch my coffee to my chest, and tell you that this book felt like everything. I cannot explain specifically what about NC Barton’s world sank into my skin and became a part of me, but it did. Hattie and Ed live in me now, Fortune Falls is a physical place that I am anxious to return to, and I eagerly await their friends’ stories. If I could read this book for the first time again, I would. I want to trace the tattoos on Ed’s skin. I want to place a calming hand on Hattie’s arm before we watch the ocean quietly. I want. And perhaps that is what The Now in Forever is really about. Wanting. And that wanting is beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2025
“Some love stories don’t end—they just get paused.”
The Now in Forever is a tender, small-town second-chance romance that knows how to tug on your heartstrings and leave you sighing into your coffee.
Hattie Stevens is the kind of character you root for instantly. After a heartbreak that left her feeling invisible and forgettable, she’s working hard to find herself again. But life (and fate) throws her a curveball when she runs into Ed—the man who unknowingly shattered her, and apparently… doesn’t even recognize her.
Cue the heartbreak. Cue the awkward. Cue the slow-burning tension.
The story unfolds in the charming town of Fortune Falls, North Carolina, a place so cozy and vivid it feels like a warm hug. The town adds the perfect backdrop for Hattie’s emotional journey—one filled with old wounds, tentative hope, and the possibility that maybe… love deserves a second chance.
Barton’s writing gracefully explores the complexities of grief, identity, and forgiveness. The emotional weight Hattie carries is raw and real, especially in the moments where she battles her own invisibility. And Ed? Oh, he’s got some work to do—but the growth? Worth every page.
Final Thoughts:
This book is soft but powerful. It’s about rediscovery, not just of love, but of self-worth. If you’re a fan of second chances, emotional depth, and small-town romance with a soul, The Now in Forever is exactly the kind of read you’ll want to curl up with.
Sometimes the one who broke you… is also the one who helps you heal.
The Now in Forever is a tender, small-town second-chance romance that knows how to tug on your heartstrings and leave you sighing into your coffee.
Hattie Stevens is the kind of character you root for instantly. After a heartbreak that left her feeling invisible and forgettable, she’s working hard to find herself again. But life (and fate) throws her a curveball when she runs into Ed—the man who unknowingly shattered her, and apparently… doesn’t even recognize her.
Cue the heartbreak. Cue the awkward. Cue the slow-burning tension.
The story unfolds in the charming town of Fortune Falls, North Carolina, a place so cozy and vivid it feels like a warm hug. The town adds the perfect backdrop for Hattie’s emotional journey—one filled with old wounds, tentative hope, and the possibility that maybe… love deserves a second chance.
Barton’s writing gracefully explores the complexities of grief, identity, and forgiveness. The emotional weight Hattie carries is raw and real, especially in the moments where she battles her own invisibility. And Ed? Oh, he’s got some work to do—but the growth? Worth every page.
Final Thoughts:
This book is soft but powerful. It’s about rediscovery, not just of love, but of self-worth. If you’re a fan of second chances, emotional depth, and small-town romance with a soul, The Now in Forever is exactly the kind of read you’ll want to curl up with.
Sometimes the one who broke you… is also the one who helps you heal.
August 26, 2025
Ok, first off, how swoony is this cover? Love. This is supposed to have some 1990s nostalgia too it, but I have to admit, I didn't really feel it? Though, I never really felt it. This is a second chance romance with some forced proximity. I may be giving a way a tiny bit of a spoiler here so skip down to the bottom line for my thoughts without any of the details. It was the typical issue of miscommunication. But really, all that time Hattie blamed Ed for not contacting her....when in reality...she never gave him her number and wasn't on social media to find. She spends a lot of the book making poor decisions when it comes to their relationship because she has trust issues or issues with not wanting to go all the way in, fear of getting hurt. When in reality all she is doing is hurting herself. The way a few of the issues played out was cringy on Hattie's part. Like the way she used Kyle!! She knew what she was doing and how it would look if she went and met him that night. Throughout the book, I never really felt that pull or chemistry with Hattie and Ed. Sure, they had this wonderful night together one time many years ago. But the connection just wasn't there for me. It was missing something.
Bottom Line: It passed the time ok, it wasn't my favorite read of the month and I didn't find the MC all that likeable. I think maybe it could be for someone else...but wasn't it for me.
**I received an ARC copy of The Now and Forever from Happily Booked an am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**
Bottom Line: It passed the time ok, it wasn't my favorite read of the month and I didn't find the MC all that likeable. I think maybe it could be for someone else...but wasn't it for me.
**I received an ARC copy of The Now and Forever from Happily Booked an am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.**
August 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Tropes:
* Second Chance Romance
* Dual Timeline
* Single POV
* Forced Proximity
* Found Family
* Grumpy x Sunshine
There’s something magical about stumbling across a new author and instantly clicking with their style, and that’s exactly what happened when I picked up The Now in Forever by N.C. Barton. A sweet, emotional, and quietly compelling second-chance romance, this book was a perfect summer read.
Told entirely from Hattie’s point of view, the story weaves through a dual timeline, past and present. Unraveling the mystery of what really happened between her and Ed. Barton does an excellent job of pacing the reveals, dropping just enough hints to keep you hooked without giving too much away too soon. It keeps you asking: What went wrong? What’s Ed hiding? And more importantly: Can they find their way back to each other?
The emotional stakes feel real. There’s tension, warmth, heartbreak, and a few laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled in. If you’re a fan of the grumpy x sunshine dynamic, Hattie and Ed will hit all the right notes. Add in the charm of a close-knit found family and the heightened emotions of forced proximity, and you’ve got a recipe for a story that lingers long after the last page.
If you're in the mood for a heartfelt romance with depth, warmth, and just the right amount of angst, The Now in Forever is absolutely worth a spot on your TBR.
Tropes:
* Second Chance Romance
* Dual Timeline
* Single POV
* Forced Proximity
* Found Family
* Grumpy x Sunshine
There’s something magical about stumbling across a new author and instantly clicking with their style, and that’s exactly what happened when I picked up The Now in Forever by N.C. Barton. A sweet, emotional, and quietly compelling second-chance romance, this book was a perfect summer read.
Told entirely from Hattie’s point of view, the story weaves through a dual timeline, past and present. Unraveling the mystery of what really happened between her and Ed. Barton does an excellent job of pacing the reveals, dropping just enough hints to keep you hooked without giving too much away too soon. It keeps you asking: What went wrong? What’s Ed hiding? And more importantly: Can they find their way back to each other?
The emotional stakes feel real. There’s tension, warmth, heartbreak, and a few laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled in. If you’re a fan of the grumpy x sunshine dynamic, Hattie and Ed will hit all the right notes. Add in the charm of a close-knit found family and the heightened emotions of forced proximity, and you’ve got a recipe for a story that lingers long after the last page.
If you're in the mood for a heartfelt romance with depth, warmth, and just the right amount of angst, The Now in Forever is absolutely worth a spot on your TBR.
August 23, 2025
"...if you don’t fight for your love, what kind of love do you have?”
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
🤍Writer MCs
🤍90s Rom-com Inspired
🤍Second Chance
🤍Slow Burn
🤍Forced Proximity
🤍Single POV
🤍Divorced FMC
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
Ed and Hattie always seemed to meet at the wrong times but couldn't help but be drawn to each other. I did thoroughly enjoy the aspect of them each writing a novel during the story. I wish we could have been given more of what his was actually about at the end. I would definitely be interested in an actual novel with the concept behind what Hattie wrote and finally got published.
But, I still have a major question...what is Ed's middle name??
This is was my first story by NC Barton, and I'm not sure how I feel exactly. most of the plot was good but I felt we had too much of past sequences and not enough of the current. It wasn't bad, by any means, and I could see myself trying more by the author, but I don't know. I think it was their clear insecurities that did me in...or maybe just not knowing what was going on in his head as it was clearly a lot.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR for this ARC!
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
🤍Writer MCs
🤍90s Rom-com Inspired
🤍Second Chance
🤍Slow Burn
🤍Forced Proximity
🤍Single POV
🤍Divorced FMC
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
Ed and Hattie always seemed to meet at the wrong times but couldn't help but be drawn to each other. I did thoroughly enjoy the aspect of them each writing a novel during the story. I wish we could have been given more of what his was actually about at the end. I would definitely be interested in an actual novel with the concept behind what Hattie wrote and finally got published.
But, I still have a major question...what is Ed's middle name??
This is was my first story by NC Barton, and I'm not sure how I feel exactly. most of the plot was good but I felt we had too much of past sequences and not enough of the current. It wasn't bad, by any means, and I could see myself trying more by the author, but I don't know. I think it was their clear insecurities that did me in...or maybe just not knowing what was going on in his head as it was clearly a lot.
Thank you to Happily Booked PR for this ARC!
August 7, 2025
The quintessential summer romance read!
What an absolute delight of a debut from NC Barton! This is a second chance, dual timeline, single POV contemp romance set in a coastal small town in Oregon. The summer beach house vibes are *immaculate*. Diving into these pages was like the warmest, sea-salt scented, swoony hug. I read more than half the book in a single sitting because I was so sucked in!
This is a soft but sensual romance novel, and it’s largely character driven. This is Hattie’s story in every way—coming into her own in both her professional and personal life. The dual timeline storytelling was perfectly executed, flipping back and forth between “then” and “now,” watching Hattie and Ed fall in both the past and present storylines with ratcheting tension and synchronicity. The yearning and the build-up of tension across the two timelines was seamless and made for a propulsive (and compulsive) page-turning read.
This book truly is a perfect summertime beach read. Highly recommend and can’t wait to see what NC Barton writes next!
What an absolute delight of a debut from NC Barton! This is a second chance, dual timeline, single POV contemp romance set in a coastal small town in Oregon. The summer beach house vibes are *immaculate*. Diving into these pages was like the warmest, sea-salt scented, swoony hug. I read more than half the book in a single sitting because I was so sucked in!
This is a soft but sensual romance novel, and it’s largely character driven. This is Hattie’s story in every way—coming into her own in both her professional and personal life. The dual timeline storytelling was perfectly executed, flipping back and forth between “then” and “now,” watching Hattie and Ed fall in both the past and present storylines with ratcheting tension and synchronicity. The yearning and the build-up of tension across the two timelines was seamless and made for a propulsive (and compulsive) page-turning read.
This book truly is a perfect summertime beach read. Highly recommend and can’t wait to see what NC Barton writes next!
August 9, 2025
This warmhearted second-chance romance, set in a small coastal town in Oregon, is the perfect summer read.
NC Barton writes vividly and with depth. Hattie and Ed are believable and relatable characters whom I found myself rooting for from the very beginning. Hattie’s emotional journey pulls at the heartstrings, too, as she seeks to change her own life and find her self-worth. I found the personal journeys of both characters very satisfying.
The dual timeline structure effectively tells the story of how Hattie and Ed fell in love years ago, lost touch, and are now thrown together for the summer in a forced proximity situation. Each chapter peels back more and more layers, making this book very hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Hattie and Ed and highly recommend their story!
Thank you, NC Barton, for the ARC.
NC Barton writes vividly and with depth. Hattie and Ed are believable and relatable characters whom I found myself rooting for from the very beginning. Hattie’s emotional journey pulls at the heartstrings, too, as she seeks to change her own life and find her self-worth. I found the personal journeys of both characters very satisfying.
The dual timeline structure effectively tells the story of how Hattie and Ed fell in love years ago, lost touch, and are now thrown together for the summer in a forced proximity situation. Each chapter peels back more and more layers, making this book very hard to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Hattie and Ed and highly recommend their story!
Thank you, NC Barton, for the ARC.
August 18, 2025
This was a perfect second chance romance. I love how it didn’t start as a small town but turned into one. The invisible string theory is so present in this book for Hattie and Ed. I love that both of them met when they needed it, when they both had major things going on in their lives and needed that comfort face.
Hattie has the support of her friend group throughout the book and it makes me wish I had a group, although small, as fierce as Anh and Robin.
Ed seems to always have a lot on his plate and is going a million miles a minute but never has the right words to write his second book or even share his feelings with Hattie. Both of the main characters felt like such real life people going through life and I loved all the characters. I cannot wait to read more from this series and by NC Barton.
Hattie has the support of her friend group throughout the book and it makes me wish I had a group, although small, as fierce as Anh and Robin.
Ed seems to always have a lot on his plate and is going a million miles a minute but never has the right words to write his second book or even share his feelings with Hattie. Both of the main characters felt like such real life people going through life and I loved all the characters. I cannot wait to read more from this series and by NC Barton.
August 24, 2025
This was such an amazing book to read! Especially for a second chance at romance for both Hattie and Ed 🙂↕️ this was such a great book to read in the summer, by the pool :) I truly loved reading their interactions in the past and how it intertwines with the storytelling and how Hattie and Ed first met all those years ago!
NC Barton does a fantastic job writing both the past and the present point of views from Hattie. The author does a phenomenal job describing how Hattie feels, and makes sure to encompass the worries and back and forth Hattie has with herself. This book was a cute read and at times, a bit frustrating bc Hattie can’t see what’s in front of her. However, she has been through so much already that it makes sense why she is always second guessing herself.
Rating: 4/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
NC Barton does a fantastic job writing both the past and the present point of views from Hattie. The author does a phenomenal job describing how Hattie feels, and makes sure to encompass the worries and back and forth Hattie has with herself. This book was a cute read and at times, a bit frustrating bc Hattie can’t see what’s in front of her. However, she has been through so much already that it makes sense why she is always second guessing herself.
Rating: 4/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
August 26, 2025
Hattie spent an amazing day with Ed ten years ago. The timing wasn’t right for either of them and they went their separate ways.
When her life seems to be doing anything but going in the right direction Hattie decides to spend the summer with her friends in Fortune Falls on the Oregon Coast. It was supposed to be just Hattie’s two best friends and their significant others. One of them brings an additional person and that person ends up being Ed.
He shows no sign of knowing anything about Hattie. She keeps that tidbit of information to herself, but slowly feelings start to develop between the two of them.
The Now in Forever is a great story of how two people might not be right for each other at one moment, but down the line they could be the perfect match they have been waiting for.
When her life seems to be doing anything but going in the right direction Hattie decides to spend the summer with her friends in Fortune Falls on the Oregon Coast. It was supposed to be just Hattie’s two best friends and their significant others. One of them brings an additional person and that person ends up being Ed.
He shows no sign of knowing anything about Hattie. She keeps that tidbit of information to herself, but slowly feelings start to develop between the two of them.
The Now in Forever is a great story of how two people might not be right for each other at one moment, but down the line they could be the perfect match they have been waiting for.
August 6, 2025
ARC Review. Thank you so much to NC Barton for this💕
Hattie met Ed during a summer job ten years ago, and though they only shared one unforgettable day, it stuck with her ever since. They never exchanged numbers and lost touch—until three years ago, when she shows up at his book signing, only to realize he doesn’t even remember her. Now, in the present day, Hattie heads off for her annual summer trip with friends… and this year, there’s a surprise guest—Ed.
This wasn’t a bad story at all—I really enjoyed the concept and thought the ending was lovely and satisfying. I just had a harder time getting into it, and it didn’t fully hook me the way I’d hoped. Still, a sweet, second-chance story with a thoughtful emotional core!
Hattie met Ed during a summer job ten years ago, and though they only shared one unforgettable day, it stuck with her ever since. They never exchanged numbers and lost touch—until three years ago, when she shows up at his book signing, only to realize he doesn’t even remember her. Now, in the present day, Hattie heads off for her annual summer trip with friends… and this year, there’s a surprise guest—Ed.
This wasn’t a bad story at all—I really enjoyed the concept and thought the ending was lovely and satisfying. I just had a harder time getting into it, and it didn’t fully hook me the way I’d hoped. Still, a sweet, second-chance story with a thoughtful emotional core!
August 15, 2025
3.75⭐️ rounded up for 4 for GR
1.5🌶️
Thank you to NC Barton & Happily Booked PR for sending me an ARC!
This was such a cute read omg. Hattie is such an amazing FMC and I can’t lie, Ed did really frustrate me throughout this book, there were times I loved him and then other times I really wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him.
I’m so glad he came to his senses because you could really tell Hattie loved him with all her heart, the one thing about Ed was how he did always support her, even if he didn’t always show it!
Quick, easy and cute read, not as spicy as my usual books but it was such a lovely break from the full spice I’m used to!
Tropes to expect
🌄Second chance romance
🎞️Forced proximity
🌄90s romcom inspired (specifically Before Sunrise)
🎞️Two writers
August 23, 2025
WOW. Thank you, Happily Booked for the ARC! The Now in Forever made for a poignant, sunlit escape!
That slow-burn “recognition” moment! Watching them rediscover each other felt both sweet and gut-wrenching. It rings true to the ghost of feelings that linger years after a perfect day.
Hattie’s unfulfilled dreams and single life after hardship, alongside Ed’s subtle regrets, add depth. Not a fluff romance, but a story about pacing, hope, and renewed connection.
The Now in Forever is a wistful, emotionally rich exploration of love lost and found again. If you're in the mood for words that feel like quiet sea breezes and characters layered in their regrets and dreams, this is a delicate, thoughtful choice.
That slow-burn “recognition” moment! Watching them rediscover each other felt both sweet and gut-wrenching. It rings true to the ghost of feelings that linger years after a perfect day.
Hattie’s unfulfilled dreams and single life after hardship, alongside Ed’s subtle regrets, add depth. Not a fluff romance, but a story about pacing, hope, and renewed connection.
The Now in Forever is a wistful, emotionally rich exploration of love lost and found again. If you're in the mood for words that feel like quiet sea breezes and characters layered in their regrets and dreams, this is a delicate, thoughtful choice.
August 25, 2025
This had all the makings of a 90s rom-com—right girl, right guy, wrong time. This was a nice second-chance, small-town romance.
Hattie and Ed met ten years ago and shared one special night. They didn’t exchange contact information, so they naturally lost touch… until she shows up at his book signing—and he doesn’t remember her.
While the story was nice, I found it okay. I’m not a fan of the “miscommunication” trope. All they had to do was sit down and talk. I enjoyed the writing, but it took me longer than I had hoped to get into it. I found myself torn about how I felt about Ed. One moment, I liked him, the next… I was over him.
However, I’m glad I read this. It was enjoyable, but I had hoped to love it more.
Hattie and Ed met ten years ago and shared one special night. They didn’t exchange contact information, so they naturally lost touch… until she shows up at his book signing—and he doesn’t remember her.
While the story was nice, I found it okay. I’m not a fan of the “miscommunication” trope. All they had to do was sit down and talk. I enjoyed the writing, but it took me longer than I had hoped to get into it. I found myself torn about how I felt about Ed. One moment, I liked him, the next… I was over him.
However, I’m glad I read this. It was enjoyable, but I had hoped to love it more.
August 23, 2025
Hattie and Ed are both adult writers of differing genres. But what they had together years ago, each considered the best night of their lives. When they find each other again through happenstance after multiple missed chances, will they be able to make a true attempt at lasting love together or will their past and sometimes problematic behavior get in the way?
This was a lovely romance read. It has a lot of interesting situations that happen to bring Ed and Hattie back together as well as SO much romantic tension leading up to them finally making moves on each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend!
This was a lovely romance read. It has a lot of interesting situations that happen to bring Ed and Hattie back together as well as SO much romantic tension leading up to them finally making moves on each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend!
August 23, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” The Now in Forever follows two characters, Hattie and Ed, who shared a perfect day together ten years ago. Since then, Hattie has tried and failed to reconnect with him. Just when she’s at her lowest point divorced, unemployed, and still unpublished Ed suddenly reappears. But while she’s struggling, he’s thriving: successful, well-known, and with no memory of her at all.
This story has everything heart, tension, and an emotional rollercoaster that will pull you in every direction. You’ll want to see what happens when their paths cross again! 💛
This story has everything heart, tension, and an emotional rollercoaster that will pull you in every direction. You’ll want to see what happens when their paths cross again! 💛
August 26, 2025
This one was one of those that starts off where you can't figure out what direction the story is going. We have Hattie and Ed who over the years have bumped into each other. They clicked their first time meeting but were going down opposite paths and decided to try in the future. Well hiccups to the plan had happened and it was a decade later when they finally had the chance. It was bumpy but it is a beautiful struggle of finding each other, finding themselves and falling in love over time. Written so well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews